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Letter To The Editor: Executive Director Calls for Support, Not Violence, for Alton Youth

2 years 2 months ago
To Whom It May Concern: I write to you today with a heavy heart, echoing the sentiments of our entire community, as we mourn the tragic loss of a 13-year-old girl, Ra’Niya Steward, to a senseless act of gun violence. The recent drive-by shooting that claimed her innocent life has sent shockwaves throughout the City of Alton, leaving us grappling with grief, anger, and an urgent call to action. At the YWCA, our mission is deeply rooted in eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all persons. The devastating loss of this young girl underscores the pressing need for us to confront the pervasive issue of gun violence and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. What makes this tragedy even more alarming is the fact that the perpetrators of this heinous act were themselves mere teenagers—16 and 19 years old. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and provide our youth

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Ex-NFL Player Advocates for Youth Overcoming Adversity in Free Webinar

2 years 2 months ago
Centerstone will co-host, along with Illinois First Judicial Circuit, Heritage Behavioral Health and Kane County System of Care, the no-cost “The Belonging Need and Deficit for Youth Navigating Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” webinar on March 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. CT featuring advocate, speaker and former NFL player Gaelin Elmore. CEUs will be available. “The Belonging Need and Deficit for Youth Navigating Trauma and ACEs” is geared toward professional and person caregivers of youth, however everyone is welcome to attend. To register or for more information, visit bit.ly/032624belonging . The purpose of this webinar is to help caregivers of youth erase the belonging deficit by: Understanding the vital nature of belonging for human flourishing Discussing the correlation between belonging, development, and flourishing Utilizing the CARE model to meet the belonging needs of youth Belonging is a vital component of human flourishing. However,

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From Driveway Sales to Gallery Display: Milton Artist of the Month Talks Inspiration

2 years 2 months ago
ALTON - As a little kid, Madison Wells sold drawings at the end of her grandmother’s driveway. Today, her paintings are on display at Milton Schoolhouse. After a decade-long break in her art, Wells is the Artist of the Month at Milton for February and March. She said it’s been a long journey, but a great experience to rediscover her passion for art, reading, yoga and more after a divorce. She loves her son, she loves her job, and she is learning to love her art. “I guess that’s what my paintings are, just like a piece of me on paper,” she said. “When I was in that marriage, I kind of lost myself, lost my passions and things like that…It’s been very cathartic and just kind of surreal in a way because everything in my life has kind of led up to being able to rediscover it.” Her 8-year-old son Emmett has helped her to do this. Emmett also loves to draw and paint, and the two of them will often go up to Wells’s art studio

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Lewis and Clark Dental Hygiene Programs To Send Students Into Community To Share Oral Health Info

2 years 2 months ago
ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP) will host a presentation on Dental Hygiene, at 11 a.m. on March 15, 2024, conducted by students from the Dental Hygiene Program at Lewis & Clark Community College. Led by dedicated dental hygiene students under the guidance of experienced faculty members, the presentation will cover a wide range of topics essential for older adults on how to maintain their oral health as they age. This collaborative effort aims to promote the importance of dental hygiene among older adults and highlights the connection between oral health and overall well-being. The students will also take this opportunity to raise awareness about the Lewis and Clark Community College Paul B. Hanks Dental Clinic, which offers low-cost dental services to the community. This presentation will take place at SSP, located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue in Alton, IL. The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to Leslie Eberlin

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