by Katie Harlow, LCSW Now that summer is officially over, many parents find themselves settling into the structure and dependability of the school year while also being unsure of how to help kids continue to transition smoothly back to the school year routine. Kids also experience a mix of emotions and can be caught in …
By Mikal Mihelish, SWLC As the back-to-school routines begin, we can often get lost in the chaos of it all. Getting back in the swing of things and adapting to the new school year routine can be hard on everyone in the family. Parents and caregivers often find that it is hard to find balance …
By Amber Irvin, CPS As parents, we want the best for our children—whether it’s academic success, strong friendships, or the ability to navigate everyday life confidently and independently. But for many children, developmental, emotional, or physical challenges can make everyday activities more difficult. This is where occupational therapy (OT) can make a profound difference. Occupational …
By Emily Cherkin, M.Ed. I get it. One day your kids are little, they go to bed at a reasonable time, and you feel like you can manage and monitor their screen use. Then, suddenly, they are fifth graders, being invited to join group chats that are not only unwieldy but 99% asking “whose number …
By Staff There is a product available at many gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, and online. It is called Feel Free. It is touted as an alternative to alcohol, but it has kava and/or kratom in it which has been found to be addictive. Kratom is a plant that carries opioid-like effects and is …
Teen spaces are always alive. Sneakers hit linoleum, hallways echo with laughter, music leaks from cracked phone speakers, and the ever-present pressure to fit in never loses its ever-presentness. Within this landscape, some patterns point to substance use triggers in teen environments. To see them with clarity, and address them with empathy, we need to …
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Lynda Vande Sandt, Liberty County The 4th Annual Biggest Little Basketball Camp took place July 7–9, 2025, at CJI Schools, drawing approximately 100 students in grades 1–12. Sponsored by Alliance for Youth and several local businesses, the camp focused on developing basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Founded by CJI graduate Jayla Ramberg, the Hi-Line camp …
Lucy Corbett, Ida Sisk, Sylvia Miller, Jody Hanisch, and Coleen Smith attended CADCA mid-year in Nashville. Here are their takeaway from their favorite sessions. About the above graphic: For the activity they provided a bag with construction paper, string, tape and a little car. We were to build a bridge out of the materials that would …
Gina Lamb, Phillips County Phillips County Prevention collaborated with the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Phillips County Museum to celebrate 20 years on the Montana Dinosaur Trail this summer. The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, “2 Million Years in the Making, 20 Years on the Trail”, along with the Phillips County Museum hosted Roar & Explore …
