Child Guidance Resource Centers

We often get asked, "How can I take my kid's anxiety away?" Our answer? You can't and you shouldn't! It's often human nature to try to get rid of the thing that is seemingly hurting our loved one. But when it comes to anxiety, staying away from the thing that causes it only makes it worse over time. Helping your child face the scary thing, with supportive tools and resources, and showing them that they CAN do the hard things will make their anxiety lessen overtime. This is not easy to do - especially alone! If you have a little one struggling with anxiety, reach out. Our therapists can help.

Anxiety and depression can tell us that it's never, ever, ever going to feel better. That voice can be really loud and really convincing, especially when you're in the thick of it. But we promise: there is ALWAYS light after darkness. It always gets better, even if it takes time. You don't have to sit through the hard stuff alone. Getting support, taking care of your mental health, and giving yourself compassionate understanding when things are tough is all a critical part of healing.

For many of us, next week is the first day of school - and if it's not Monday, it's coming up quicker than a flash. This can understandably cause nerves and anxiety for children! It's a big transition to go from summer to a new teacher, new classroom, new friends, sometimes a new school or building...so how can you help? Practice!! Take some time to get up early, pack and carry the bag, do the bedtime routine before the day before, and carve out time to ask and answer any questions your little one might have. Creating space for anxiety can help it have a little less power :)

There's still time to give a gift to our Back to School Essentials campaign! Every dollar will purchase basic needs for children in our communities. Your gift will provide socks, shoes, pants, underwear, school uniforms, and other essentials that students need to start this school year off on the right foot. Every child should be able to focus on learning because their basic needs are met. Can you help us make that a reality for 100 students in our backyards? You can give here: https://cgrc.networkforgood.com/projects/230679-2024-back-to-school-essentials-campaign

CGRC's Adult Services Program is seeking a part-time Residential Mental Health Worker. As part of this role, you'll have the opportunity to help our residents transition into a supportive community that empowers them to reach their goals specific to the resident's needs and skills. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, apply today by visiting https://cgrc.jobs.net/jobs.

Every child deserves to have clothes that fit, and shoes that don't hurt, when they're headed back to school. For many of our clients, without help from people like you, they'd start school without so many of the things many of us take for granted - socks that fit, underwear in the right size, shirts and pants without stains and tears. That's why we are holding our Back to School Essentials campaign for children in our case management program. Every donation will be used to purchase essential items for 100 of our neediest clients. Our case managers will personally deliver items to each family before school starts to lift the family's spirits and get children excited for a new school year. There's still time to give! Click the link below and give students the gift of a strong start to the school year. If you ask us, that's a gift that really matters: https://cgrc.networkforgood.com/projects/230679-2024-back-to-school-essentials-campaign

Throughout our history, people have fought for the right to let their voices be heard. It has never been a simple task, so why throw it away? If you care about concerns for yourself, your family, and your community, let your voice be heard. “Your Voice, Your Choice” is a virtual panel discussion not about politics, but about how to be prepared and informed for the upcoming 2024 general election on November 5th.

On Wednesday, September 11th, from 9:30 – 11:00 AM, Child Guidance Resource
Centers’ Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council and the Government Relations Committee, invite you to join us as we bring together experts, providing non-partisan information on the voting process including registration deadlines, mail-in voting, information for first-time registered voters and those turning 18, and ensuring all people feel safe and competent to exercise their Constitutional right to vote. Our panelists include Christine Reuther CGRC Board Member, and Delaware County Councilperson, Scott Alberts, member of the Delaware County Board of Elections, Peggy Bradin Wilson of the League of Women Voters, Michael Laws, Chair of the PA Dems Black Caucus, and Kristin Traniello, Editorial Consultant for Every Voice Every Vote.

Our host and moderator will be Dr. Jennifer Toof, PhD, LPC, NCC, Chair of the Government Relations Committee, and Chair of CGRC’s DEI Outreach Committee. All are welcome to join in and hear from our panelists with no advanced registration required. The Zoom ID is https://cgrc-org.zoom.us/j/4273720254. If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].

Want to get your family on the same page before the school year starts? This month we encourage you to try a family meeting. Holding a family meeting can be an effective way to check in with each other, make plans for the week and have fun!! Here is a sample agenda to try with your own family!

When your child is struggling, it is absolutely human nature to want to stop the suffering for them, to make it all better and erase all the pain. And actually, taking away all the pain or removing the distress from your child's life decreases their resilience and ability to be a strong, emotionally balanced person in the long run! Those hard moments are how we practice our skills and know that we can get through even hard moments in our lives. By allowing them to face and work through obstacles, you're equipping them with valuable tools for future success.

Instead of removing all sources of distress, focus on supporting your child through tough times. Offer guidance, empathy, and encouragement while allowing them to develop problem-solving skills. This balanced approach fosters emotional intelligence and adaptability, preparing them for life's inevitable ups and downs.

Remember, your role as a parent is not to eliminate all hardship, but to provide a safe environment where your child can learn, grow, and become resilient. By doing so, you're helping them develop into strong, emotionally balanced individuals capable of thriving in an ever-changing world.

Consider joining our Truancy team in Delaware County! Embrace a career where compassion meets expertise, and every day brings an opportunity to support and empower families on their journey to well-being. As a mental health professional for our Truancy team, you would be providing intensive home, school, and community-based therapy to children and adolescents displaying social, emotional, and/or behavioral disorders and to their families. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community - apply today!
https://cgrc.jobs.net/jobs

A recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 31% of people ages 12-17 needed mental health treatment - and this is only of those reporting. It's amazing that people are more easily able to access and ask for mental healthcare, but we also know that an increase in access means an increase in need. Creating a world with communities that are physically and emotionally safe is an essential thing to support our children and one another.

Join us at the Darby Borough's National Night Out! This annual day was created to promote police-community partnerships and connect neighborhoods with their local first responders. Having personal connections with our local law enforcement helps make our neighborhood a safer, and more caring place to live. Please stop by our table for information on our programs for the coming year on August 6th, 6 pm to 8 pm at 800 New Walnut St, Darby, 19023.

Summer is a blast, of course, but it can also be exhausting! So much to do, longer days, prep for school, trying to soak up the last summer fun moments...it can be a recipe for burnout. If you're feeling yourself getting to capacity, remember: the only thing that helps is slowing yourself down and actively trying to manage your burnout! Here are a few tips for parent burnout. Take care of yourself. It's important.

On August 15th, we're kicking off our Strengthening Families Program, and it's completely free for Delaware County residents! If you have kids aged 10-14, this is a fantastic opportunity to boost their academic success and improve parent-child communication. Don't miss out! To sign up, just contact Lisa Schneller at [email protected].

August is almost here, and it might just be the perfect time to embrace new beginnings and seize exciting new opportunities. Our Blended Case Management team is seeking new members in Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia County. Join a career that combines compassion and expertise, where you can help and empower families daily. The case manager's job is to help individuals and families live independently and successfully in the community by providing education, support, and guidance to make informed choices and access resources. Apply today!

cgrc.jobs.net/jobs

As summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year begins! Many families eagerly anticipate taking their children shopping trips for fresh notebooks, colorful pencils, and trendy backpacks. However, for some, this season brings stress and unmanageable financial burden. For them, they are unable to provide even the most basic school supplies for their children. But together, we can make a difference.

Together, we can provide the essential supplies for Child Guidance students. Your donation, no matter the size, can bring relief to a struggling family and year-long support for a child. Help us ensure that every student starts the year confident and prepared! Give a gift today and help turn back-to-school stress into back-to-school success for families in our community:

Donate now to help provide essential items for children to return to school CGRC will use donations to purchase much needed essential items including sneakers, socks, underwear, clothing and school uniforms to prepare children to return to school. CGRC's case managers work with over 250 families in Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties to help them access resources to...

Just a reminder: mental health IS health! Mental health requires preventative and responsive care, just like your physical body. It is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. If you're struggling with mental health, there's NO shame in that. Asking for help is essential - and can help so much.

Anxiety impacts so many people - little friends and grown ups alike. Today we're sharing a few common misconceptions about anxiety in children. Swipe through to read, and as always, reach out if you're worried about a little person you love!

July 24th is International Self Care Day. It's the perfect reminder to take some time for yourself, whether that's through a relaxing activity, a healthy meal, or just a moment of peace. Let's celebrate by doing something that replenishes us and promotes our well-being!

A recent study found that reducing screen time for children to just three hours a week can show significant improvements in mental health. That may sound like just a little, but really that's still 25 minutes a day!! Screen time can be a wonderful thing - family movie nights and learning apps can be terrific. But screen time without boundaries can lead to stressed out children, argumentative moments, and a decrease in overall mental wellness. Thinking about how you use screens in your life is always a good thing!

Exciting news! In August, we're kicking off the Strengthening Families Program 10-14, and it's at no cost to Delaware County residents! If you have youth ages 10-14, this is a fantastic opportunity to improve parent-child communication. Don't miss out! To sign up, just contact Lisa Schneller at [email protected].

Self care isn't selfish, in fact, it's essential in order for you to be your best self, happiest partner, kindest friend, most empathetic parent...whatever roles you play, self care allows you to do them well because your bucket will be full. When you're burnt out, it's hard to do ANYTHING, let alone give back to others. We know it's easier said than done, but remember: self care is a foundational building block of not only your mental health, but the people around you. Finding small ways to carve caring for yourself out in your day to day life is one of the best things you can do.

Thank you to Senator Tim Kearney and Chief of Staff Sara McCullough for meeting with the CGRC Government Relations Committee on Tuesday about ways to address the mental and behavioral health care crisis in our community.

Positive affirmations are simple, encouraging statements that can have a powerful impact on a child's mental health and development! They can sometimes seem silly. or almost TOO simple, but when children regularly practice positive affirmations, it can:

-> Build self-esteem by helping children develop positive self-image and believe in themselves
-> Enhance resilience by emphasizing positive thoughts and helpig children bounce back from setbacks more easily.
-> Reduce negative self-talk by counteracting the inner critic voice that many children - and adults - develop.
-> Improve emotional regulation by offering a calming effect and helping children manage strong emotions.
-> Promote positive behavior because when children believe positive things about themselves, they're more likely to be their best selves!
-> and so much more.

The key is to make affirmations a regular practice and to choose statements that resonate with your kid's specific needs and experiences. When introduced in a supportive, consistent manner, positive affirmations can be a valuable tool for promoting children's mental health and emotional well-being!

A big shoutout to the amazing Child Guidance Resource Centers team for absolutely crushing it during this heat wave! Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate everything you do. Stay cool and hydrated!

CGRC's Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program is hiring! If you or someone you know is passionate about making a positive impact and eager to grow in a dynamic and supportive environment, we want to hear from you!

Why Join Us?

- Part-time & Full-time Opportunities
- Free trainings & Professional Development
- Student Loan Forgiveness
- A Collaborative & Inclusive Culture

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and become a part of our ABA team!

https://cgrc.jobs.net/jobs

Mental health struggles are not rare and they're nothing to be ashamed of. You're not alone if your child is struggling with their mental health. 1 in 5 children do, every single year. Allowing children a safe space to come to when they are struggling, helping them have language to understand their feelings, and getting help early will help your children gain tools, feel better, and heal. If you're struggling, reach out. We're here to help.

Gratitude is a powerful mental health tool! Even when things are hard, finding small moments of good and identifying things that bring a little happiness can help you get through the tough times. Here are a few ways to start!

Join our team of dedicated therapists in the Greater Philadelphia Area and become part of a dynamic and compassionate team that provides exceptional care and support to our clients and families. We are looking for Outpatient Therapists who are skilled in using a variety of clinically based interventions, such as talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other strategies to help our clients achieve their treatment plan goals. This could be the perfect job for you to not only apply your skills but also to grow professionally. Apply now via https://cgrc.jobs.net/jobs and take the next step in your career!