The holiday season is a time for giving thanks and giving back. It is a period where families can come together (safely and potentially remotely during a pandemic) to show their appreciation and enjoy each other’s company.  Despite the general holiday cheer, not everyone’s Christmas and New Year’s is going … Continue reading →

Throughout the year, we set aside time to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and promote safe, thriving communities filled with acceptance and representation. The city of St. Petersburg has one of the best Pride parades in the nation (even if this year’s events were canceled because of COVID-19) … Continue reading →

As part of National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) in November, we looked at why youth run away. There are different reasons why kids and teens flee from their homes, with strained family relationships often at the core. Almost half (47%) of teens experienced conflict at home that caused them to … Continue reading →

As you walk across a high school campus or watch teens in the mall, you are likely to notice the tell-tale signs of smartphone use. There are slouched shoulders, curved backs, and an intense focus on mobile devices in their hands.  On average, teens spend nine hours each day online, … Continue reading →

Self-harm is the practice of hurting or damaging one’s body in a way that results in pain and injury. It can come in the form of cutting, burning, scratching, or tearing hair out. There are many motives for why people commit self-harm. Some people do it because they feel “numb” … Continue reading →