Aldea Children & Family Services

There is a saying "you can't pour from an empty cup", let's be sure to prioritize self-care and support each other on our mental health journeys. Remember – when we begin to heal ourselves, we heal our communities.

Visit the link in our bio to check in on your own mental health.

Stigma feeds on silence. Normalize conversations about mental health in BPIOC communities. Educate yourself, reflect inward and strive to be more aware every day.

Together we can break the barriers and support each other.

At Aldea, we believe in the transformative power of kindness, compassion and empathy.

As we support each other and ourselves on the journey of mental health, let’s remember to grant grace to those around us and to ourselves.

Together, we can create a community where understanding and healing thrive.

Minority communities often face barriers to mental health care, including cultural stigma, lack of access, and language differences.

At Aldea, we strive to bridge these gaps and provide culturally sensitive care. Together, we can create a more inclusive mental health system.

Join us in recognizing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

In case no one's told you today:

✨ You are valued.
✨ You are worthy.
✨ You are powerful.
✨ You are appreciated.
✨ You are special.
✨ You are enough.

At Aldea, we believe in the inherent worth and strength of every individual. Take a moment today to embrace your unique qualities and know that you make the world a better place just by being you.

Self-care isn't just for individuals—it's for families too! Aldea offers family therapy and support services to help build resilient and healthy relationships.

Other ways to practice family self-care (including your chosen family):

Family Meals: Eating together can create a sense of belonging and provide an opportunity for open communication.

Shared Activities: Engaging in activities that everyone enjoys can create lasting memories and strengthen connections. Whether it's hiking, playing board games, or crafting, find activities that bring joy to the whole group.

Volunteer Together: Giving back to the community can be a rewarding experience that promotes empathy and teamwork. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your support unit's values and interests.

Statistically, LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of mental health disparities and homelessness. At Aldea, we are dedicated to bridging the gap and eliminating obstacles for all youth.

Our comprehensive support services aim to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every young person can thrive. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one is left behind.

+Youth

Aldea is committed to creating and providing an authentic, safe, and welcoming environment where all youth feel comfortable being themselves. The agency values and mission are rooted in respecting the dignity and individuality of each person.

Here are just a few ways you can actively engage and contribute to the accessibility and safety of mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ identities, terminology, and issues. This will help you better understand the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ youth.

Listen Actively: Take the time to listen actively to LGBTQ+ youth and validate their experiences. Show empathy, respect, and understanding, and let them know that you are there to support them.

Create a Safe Space: Establish a safe and welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ youth feel comfortable being themselves. This includes using inclusive language, displaying supportive signage, and implementing anti-discrimination policies.

Be an Ally: Be an active ally to LGBTQ+ youth by speaking out against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and advocating for LGBTQ+ mental health.

By growing and challenging ourselves in these areas, we can create a supportive and safe environment.

In honor of Juneteenth, our offices will be closed today as we celebrate freedom and reflect on the importance of equality and justice for all. As we reflect, we remember the words of Opal Lee, "If people can be taught to hate they can be taught to love." Let’s continue to teach love, understanding, and unity.
❤️💛💚

At Aldea, we understand that while reunification is not always possible, it is always our hope and goal.

We are committed to providing comprehensive support for children and their families through Aldea's emergency placement and adoption and guardianship programs. Aldea social workers compassionately care and provide home visits, support and mentoring, respite, and 24-hour on-call support.

Through these programs and with the support of resource parents (that could be you!), Aldea can foster healing, stability, and the possibility of family reunification whenever possible. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for every child to thrive.

Visit the link in our bio to start your resource parent application today!

Aldea is dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ youth, Aldea prioritizes supporting and uplifting all young individuals.

Here are 5 tips for engaging, building supports, and enhancing opportunities for all youths:

1️⃣ Foster a welcoming space: Create an environment where youth can freely express their needs and interests without fear of judgment.

2️⃣ Empower engagement: Involve youth in decisions regarding their future, empowering them to play an active role in shaping their journeys.

3️⃣ Cultivate connections: Encourage youth to build meaningful relationships that nurture their well-being, embrace their culture, and celebrate their identity.

4️⃣ Embrace collaboration: Partner with professionals and community resources to unlock a diverse array of opportunities that benefit youth.

5️⃣ Nurture independence: Connect youth with services that enhance their education, employment, and life skills, supporting their progress towards independence and self-sufficiency.

Let's collaborate to foster a supportive and empowering environment where youth can flourish and achieve success.

+Youth

Actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to mental health. It's important to not just talk about it but also take concrete steps to support ourselves and others. Reach out to a friend, check in on a loved one, invite someone to try something new together. Small actions can make a big difference in someone's day and remind them they're not alone. Let's turn our intentions into actions and create a ripple of positive change.

Happy Pride Month!

Throughout the year, Aldea demonstrates its commitment to reducing disparities in mental and behavioral health care for LGBTQIA+ youth. We continuously strive to enhance Aldea's programs in a way that respects the individuality and dignity of every person.

For immediate mental health support, you or someone you know can reach out to the following helplines, available 24/7:

LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
LGBT National Hotline (All ages): 1-888-843-4564
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
You can also text:
TrevorText: Text START to 678-678
Crisis Text Line*: Text HOME to 741741

Let's continue to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind to yourself.

Self-care tip: Keep a jar filled with kind words and affirmations about yourself. Whenever you need a boost, pull out a note and remind yourself of your worth and strength.

Imagine reaching into your personalized jar of positivity and being reminded of all the wonderful things that make you unique. Embrace self-compassion and nurture your self-esteem with this simple yet powerful practice.

Join us in making a life-changing difference! Did you know there are approximately 365,000 foster care youth in the US?

Every child deserves a stable, caring home environment that sets the foundation for a brighter future. Resource parents play a crucial role in shaping the lives of children in foster care, offering stability, support, and love when they need it most.

Consider opening your heart and home to a child in need. Become a resource parent and be a beacon of hope and resilience in a child's journey. Together, we can provide the healing and stability every child deserves.

Visit the link in our bio to begin your resource parent application.

Boundaries are not walls; they are self-care. Establishing healthy limits can help you protect your peace, energy, and emotional health. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your needs. Here are six tips to help you get started with setting boundaries effectively.

1. Name your limits: Define what you need to feel supported and safe.
2. Be consistent: Clearly communicate when boundaries are crossed.
3. Use 'I Statements': Express your needs calmly and clearly.
4. Be direct and simple: State your boundaries without justification or guilt.
5. Start small: Practice setting boundaries gradually.
6. Get support: Seek help if you need additional guidance.

May is also National Foster Care Month! Authentic relationships are the foundation that sustains children in foster care, not just during their placements but throughout their lives. Showing up as a caregiver means providing unwavering support, love, and stability. Let's commit to being a constant presence in their lives, guiding them through challenges, celebrating their successes, and ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way.

Are you an authentic caregiver with enough love in your home to share? Visit the link in our bio to begin your resource parent application.

Memorial Day honors and mourns the U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

Aldea extends its deepest condolences to all who have lost a loved one, and we stand together in honoring their memory.

Please note: Aldea's offices will close at 2 PM on Friday, May 24th and will reopen on Tuesday, May 28th, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Thank you for your understanding.

Let's talk about the power of positive affirmations for mental health!

🌱Your mind is a garden and thoughts are the seeds. So be sure to nurture it with positivity and kindness toward yourself. Positive self-talk can shape your perspective, build resilience, and foster self-love.

Remember, you are worthy, capable, and deserving of all good things. Embrace the power of affirming your worth every day.💚

Just a reminder that it's okay to feel lonely at times, your feelings are valid. But always remember, feeling lonely doesn't mean you're truly alone. Reach out to someone, connect with others, and remember that you are not alone.

Sending love and support to anyone who needs it today.

If you are struggling and need support call or text the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by dialing 988

#988

Actions speak louder than words, so what are some ways we can all help end the stigma around mental health? By prioritizing our mental wellness, we show others that it's okay to do the same.

These are just a few ways to practice self care, but be sure to visit the link in our bio for a full list of self-care activities when you aren't sure where to start.

No one is ever alone, there is always somewhere to turn. If you are feeling afraid or distressed confidential support is available 24/7 for mental health-related distress. You are not alone. Call or text 988 for help.

***deAndCrisisLifeline #988

Part of ending the stigma is talking about mental health with your friends or family, but part of talking about things is 50% listening. The best way to listen is to be an active listener. Active listening is different than just hearing what a person has to say.

A good active listener:

Puts everything aside and gives their complete attention to the person who is talking.

Asks open-ended questions to get more details about the topic that is being discussed (“And how did that make you feel?”).

Takes moments throughout the conversation to summarize what they’ve been told and make sure they are understanding clearly.

Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and understood.

At Aldea, we're committed to shifting this narrative. Through our programs and services, we aim to offer accessible, affordable, and equitable mental health care to all individuals.

Join us in our mission to enhance access to mental health care for everyone.

Feeling overwhelmed? Remember, you are not alone. It's okay to seek help and support.

If you're wondering if you could benefit from mental health support, visit the link in our bio for a free assessment.

Your mental health matters.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Napa Valley Vintners for their unwavering support of youth mental health needs in the Napa Valley. Their longstanding devotion to our community has made a significant impact on the lives of many and mental health awareness.

Through their support, organizations like Aldea have been able to expand the reach and accessibility to mental health services. We are truly grateful for their generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

As we approach the Collective Napa Valley Auction Weekend, we want to recognize the Napa Valley Vintners for their continued partnership and support. Every bid and donation will help ensure that youth receive the care they need at school, in the community, and at home.

Visit the link in our bio to make a donation or purchase tickets to the 2024 Auction Weekend.

Aldea offers a range of mental health resources tailored to address the mental healthcare gap, especially within historically excluded communities, including:

Culturally Competent Therapy: Therapists who understand and respect the cultural backgrounds and experiences of all clients.

Support Groups: Safe spaces for individuals to share their culturally unique experiences and receive support.

Bilingual Services: Counseling and support available in English and Spanish.

Community Outreach: Workshops, seminars, and events aimed at raising awareness and providing mental health education.

Collaboration with Community Leaders: Partnerships with community leaders to address mental health stigma and increase access to care.

Youth Programs: Specialized programs that address issues such as identity, discrimination, and mental health.

By offering these resources, Aldea aims to reduce mental health disparities and ensure that everyone has access to culturally sensitive and effective care.

Ever wondered what a resource parent is?

They're everyday heroes who open their hearts and homes to children in need of temporary care.

At Aldea, we support resource parents every step of the way, providing training, resources, and ongoing support. Learn more about how you can make a difference in a child's life by becoming a resource parent with Aldea.

Apply to join the Aldea team as a Resource Parent, link in bio!