The Junior League of Peoria is bringing back the Healthy Minds, Healthy Neighborhoods program with mental health training for parents.
The program was first developed by United Way following the Washington tornado in 2013. The goal was to address mental health concerns stemming from the disaster. The program was stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the program is returning with three training sessions for parents. The sessions will focus on self-regulation, decision making, self-awareness, building relationships and social awareness.
Junior League president Sandy Garza said the goal is to give parents a toolbox to help their kids.
“It's group activities as well, so we can run through practice scenarios, different examples the parents have had to deal with, or other parents have had to deal with, what worked, what didn't work,” she said. “How we can try new strategies in the toolbox, depending on the child and their own temperament and their own experience.”
She said they will start with a presentation with examples of how to help kids.
“You can help your child deal with stress by talking to a friend, drawing a picture, and writing in a journal,” Garza said. “You can help your children stay in control when they have strong feelings by using positive self talk, deep breaths, and removing yourself from a situation. You can help children maintain and follow a consistent routine, which truly does help with behavior and self regulation.”
The classes will be held at the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum. Junior League members will watch children and provide dinner while parents attend the sessions that are free and are available for everyone with children in kindergarten to 6th grade.
People can sign up at the league’s website.
The league also has provided a $5,000 grant to be split up among five elementary schools. That money will fund social-emotional programs such as therapy dogs, mindfulness activities, self-care supplies and yoga classes.