In the Calm Room, we leaned into quiet creativity with a self-guided coloring session. The setup was simple but intentional: stacks of coloring books, vibrant colored pencils and markers, and a special set of coloring pages that read “I choose kindness.” Students were invited to settle in and go at their own pace with this coloring session. These self-guided sessions remind us that healing doesn’t always require direct guidance. Sometimes, students just need space to follow their own rhythm.
We are excited to share that The Firehouse Dream has received a new addition to our Mental Health Kits. A custom-designed journal created with intention and care. Our journals are designed to serve as a tool to support and process your thoughts and feelings. Inside the journal, each page is crafted to support emotional wellness. You will find: Journal Prompts - these prompts guide reflection, helping explore your thoughts, experiences, and hopes. Affirmations to remind us all of our worth. A page to read more about The Origin Story on our Mental Health Kits: how they came to be and why they exist. A Doodle Space for free expression, a Feelings Check-In, and a Breath work exercise. The journal consists of so many different things!
Healing takes many forms. This journal is just one tool, but it’s yours to shape. To doodle, to reflect, to breathe. Your story matters - and we are honored to be a part of it. These journals are included in our Mental Health Kits, which we distribute to students across the youth of Chicago and Las Vegas.
This week in the Calm Room, we gathered in a circle with our Program Coordinator, Liz, for a check-in that invited presence, reflection, and possibility. Liz began by going around and asking each student who participated how they were feeling. From there, we shifted to what kind of workshops the students would like to see when they come to the Calm Room. Students wrote their ideas down, which filled the center of our circle. Wrapping things up, we also asked the students to reflect on how they felt before entering the Calm Room and how they felt now.
We are grateful to the students who were a part of the Check-in Circle and to Liz, who held the space with ideas and intention. We look forward to seeing you at the next Check-in Circle!
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, inspirational bracelets were made with students of Proviso Math and Science Academy. With beads, charms, and string, each unique bracelet was made as a reminder of strength, care, and community. Some bracelets were made for themselves, and others were made for friends and family: the people who keep them going. Each bracelet carries a message that you are heard and you are seen.
Last night, during our Volunteer Night, we successfully packed 200 Mental Health Kits! We appreciate our volunteers who participated and were a part of it. We gathered all the items that were put inside the kits, as well as an additional new item. The Mental Health Kits now include a new design on our journals where you can do your check-ins, answer journal prompts, and more! These Mental Health Kits will be given away this month to the students of Proviso East High School on September 18th during lunch hours, in honor of Suicide Prevention Month.
