Blog

To kids, a shaded grove, a sandbox, or just a patch of grass can feel like the world’s biggest classroom. For young children, time outside is more than a break from screens — it is a proven way to build healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger social skills.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that emerges during certain seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. For many, the reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Although often associated with adults, youth are not immune to the challenges posed by this condition.

"No man,” wrote author and scholar John Donne, “is an island." As social creatures, we inherently seek connection, belonging, and purpose, all of which a community provides. Communities foster social connection, which is integral to our mental health, and encourages socialization that has a range of health benefits. Let's delve deeper into the beneficial aspects of community involvement for both our mind and body.

In 2018, J staff member Sarah Segestrom died by suicide at the age of 16. The loss of Sarah had a profound impact on our community, with teens, parents, grandparents, and educators seeking support in helping themselves and those they care about through mental health struggles.

5 years ago, Sarah’s journey and memory inspired the creation of the Wellness Summit, a program with goals of opening up honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness. Over the last five years, the Wellness Summit has been a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental health, and finding ways to cope as a community.