Did you hear the good news??!! Not only is your ticket tax deductible, but you’re supporting the Youth of Santa Clarita,  and your $40 purchased ticket automatically enters you for a chance win an iPad 3*

Raffle, silent auction, incredible food, beautiful scenery, celebrity judges, music and delicious cake – all in one night! Hurry up and get your tickets for the 4th Annual Sweet Charity Cake Auction and Competition on April 21, 2012 at Tournament Player Club (TPC) at Valencia.

Additional entries may be purchased at the event for $25.00 (one ticket) or $100 (five tickets).

*Winner must be present to win

Toni Minor, is a Graduate from the California Culinary Academy.  She began her culinary career 20 years ago as a caterer for the film industry which expanded her experience in delivery gourmet meals.  For the last 10 years she has owned and operated Getting Fresh Craft Service, specializing in healthy appetizer and meal replacement options for the cast and crew in the film and entertainment industry.  She has been consulted for shows like American Idol, Ellen, MTV Music Awards, The ESPYs, and many many more.  Her specialties include catering, private in home cooking classes (group or individual), event planning, weight loss and specialty diets, kitchen consultations; and of course being a private chef

Taylor Spreitler, a singer and model turned actress, Taylor got her big break in 2009 as Mia on “Days of our Lives” and is now starring on ABC Family’s “Melissa and Joey”.  When she is not on TV, she is filming movies and volunteering her time at various charities such as Much Love Animal Rescue, NOH8 campaign , Dear Mr. President Project for homeless children, Walk for Autism, Revlon walk for Breast Cancer, Run 4 her Life run/walk for breast cancer.

Vicki Lewis, best known for her role as Beth the secretary on the hit NBC series “Newsradio”.  Vicki has had recurring and guest starring roles on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”  “The Middle” “Bones”, “Dirt” “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Surviving Suburbia” ”Sonny With A Chance” “Melissa and Joey” “Caroline In The City” “Norm” “Phenom” “Murphy Brown” “Grace Under Fire” “Seinfeld” and “Home Improvement”.  And when she is not on TV, she is on stage in “Hello Dolly” and “Chicago” or in the studio recording an album

Cindy Schwanke, is the full time culinary instructor at College of the Canyons.  She has helped grow the culinary program into a well respected, competitive culinary establishment. She has done various cooking workshops, community service projects and fundraisers to promote the college and the culinary program.  Cindy has worked at Hyatt Hotels, Four Seasons Hotel, Smash box Studios, Spago restaurant and retail outlets. Cindy has her degree in Culinary Food Management. Her specialty is pastry and has won numerous medals in pastry competitions.

Make sure to visit us on Facebook for a chance to win a ticket to attend the event!

At least ten local organizations participated in this annual outreach event, reaching almost 400 freshmen at Canyon HS just before Spring Break.  Students were each given “crisis scenarios” (taken from real life examples) and using the resources available to them, solved the situation at hand.

Some examples include:

• You are at your boyfriend’s house. You got in a fight. You made him mad and he hit you. You left and just started walking. It’s midnight. You are alone and it’s too far to walk home. Your eye is swelling. You don’t want to call your parents.  What do you do?

• You are being bullied on campus by a senior.  She taunts you, sends nasty text messages and has started a Facebook page about “hating you”.  You are afraid to walk home alone.  Where can you go for help?

• Your dad just lost his job and your mom only works part time. You want to help out the family by getting a job, but you are only 14. Where can you go for help to gain employment?

• Last night you went to a party and had too much to drink. You were partying with a really cute guy. You kind of liked him, so you followed him into an empty bedroom and started making out with him. When you wanted to stop, he wouldn’t and forced you to have sex with him. You are feeling ashamed, embarrassed, scared, mad and alone.  Where do you go?

The purpose of the activity is to familiarize teens with the organizations in their community that are in place to help, to teach them how to handle a crisis on their own, to make it less scary to reach out and ask for help and as an opportunity for outreach for our partners in the community.

Thank You to Canyon High School, The City of Santa Clarita, The California Highway Patrol, SCV Safe Rides, Department of Child and Family Services, Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, ACTION Parent/Teen Support, The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita.

The community of Santa Clarita was recently stirred from a quiet suburban slumber, with news that a young girl was found unconscious near one of the local high schools. Rumors started to spread quickly and “love and prayers” were delivered immediately via social media to the family. Nobody was really talking about the “what” that caused this girl to be found unconscious, just an overwhelming sense of compassion extended to a fellow neighbor. That is lovely to witness.

But it needs to be said:  this was an attempted suicide by a 15 year old girl, who sadly knew no other way to ease her pain but to numb it forever.  She hanged herself off the S in the locally recognized SAUGUS sign behind Saugus High School. And when a concerned teacher valiantly appeared from the hillside to save her life – she fought him off; she didn’t want to be saved. She resisted his help when he offered her life. Let that simmer for a bit.

This post is not to judge, debate or accuse the school, the family or the young girl of any wrong doing… instead it’s to rip the band-aid off the taboo topic of suicide. The purpose of this article is to get the conversation going, to talk openly and honestly about an issue that persists amongst so many young people today, even in Awesometown. And before the naysayers get up in arms at the mere whisper of the “S” word … we know that having honest and candid dialogue about suicide, does not give permission to or incite suicide hysteria with those listening or participating in the conversation. On the contrary, being able to speak freely only promotes healthy discussion and resolutions, ultimately creating a safe place to share pain and anguish; it could just save a teenagers life.

The Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project works with so many teenagers who experience feelings of depression and/or suicidal ideation (a common medical term for thoughts about suicide, which may be as detailed as a formulated plan, without the suicidal act itself. Although most people who undergo suicidal ideation do not commit suicide, some go on to make suicide attempts).  Many of our students express feelings of deep despair, isolation, anger, sorrow, helplessness, being overwhelmed, an inability to cope, and yes, suicide.  Our kids want help – they want support – they need to know they are not alone and that their life has value.  But it’s not enough to just tell them that – we need to lead by example by talking, sharing, validating, listening.   Excusing their feelings away by blaming puberty or age, isn’t responsible.  Diminishing the importance of their feelings by saying “oh, your fine, it’s no big deal, you’ll get over it”, is not responsible.  And, you are right, it IS attention seeking – it IS a cry for help when someone talks about wanting to die and it is our job, your job, to take every threat (or casual comment) seriously; treat it with compassion and urgency.

So let’s start with what depression is and how it looks different between adults and adolescents. (Please note: The Youth Project is NOT the authority in the area of depression and suicide; we are merely a non-judgmental place for teens to discuss their feelings and provide them with healthy coping mechanisms. However, the staff are mandated reporters, so if a client expresses a desire to harm themselves or others, or shares thoughts about suicide – we are obligated to report to the necessary authorities.  We immediately assess the situation and take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the teen, which does include suicide contracts, collaborating with school administrators and parents, making referrals with other agencies dealing with mental health issues and possible hospitalization, should that be necessary.  Sadly, we have more experience in this area than we would like …

WARNING: IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL THE 24 HOUR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Each of the following excerpts are taken from highly reputable sources and links to continue reading are located at the end of each paragraph.

What is depression? (excerpt from World Health Organization)

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850,000 lives every year.

Click here for more information

The difference between teenage and adult depression (excerpt from The Help Guide)

Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:

• Irritable or angry mood – As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.
• Unexplained aches and pains – Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.
• Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”
• Withdrawing from some, but not all people – While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.

Click here to read more

Recognizing Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.

If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:

• Poor performance in school
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
• Anger and rage
• Overreaction to criticism
• Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
• Poor self-esteem or guilt
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Substance abuse
• Problems with authority
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Click here for more information

About Teen Suicide

The reasons behind a teen’s suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases tremendously during adolescence and has nearly tripled since the 1960′s.

Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth, after accidents and homicide deaths (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s also thought that at least 25 attempts are made for every completed teen suicide.

Click here for more information

REPEAT: Teens who are seriously depressed often think, speak, or make “attention-getting” attempts at suicide. An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide, so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.

Suicide warning signs in depressed teens

• Talking or joking about committing suicide.
• Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
• Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”).
• Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.
• Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
• Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.

The warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors may resemble other medical conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

WARNING: IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL THE 24 HOUR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

KidsHealth

Mental Health America

The Help Guide

National Institute of Mental Health

The Yellow Ribbon

On behalf of the staff at the Youth Project, we’d like to extend open arms to the young girl and her family from Saugus High School.  You are not alone; there are people in your corner to help you in your recovery.  We are here when you are ready.

And for anyone else that is feeling lonely, depressed or want someone to talk with, call the Youth Project (661.257.YOUTH (9688) – we can help or direct you to the appropriate agency.

“I’ve Said YES to YOUTH!”

$1,000 and higher
Anonymous
Anonymous
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$500 – $1,000
Gregg Goodman, Farmers Insurance
Tom Hough, CPA
ESP Guitars
Alison & Dan Petrocelli
Barbara Walters

$250 – $500
Anonymous
Ed Masterson
Michele Azenzer
Dustin & Debbie Cleaver and Taylor Tabet
Stacy and Christian Herb
Shannon Tandberg
Jackie and Jeff MacDougall
Renee’ and Mike Kaehny
Danica and George Lynch
Dennis King
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$0 – $250
Jerry and JoJo Citarella
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SCV Family
Kathleen Lindsey
Nancy and Allen Starczyk
Kim Goldman
David Loyd
Terry Bucknall
Joe Citarella
JoAnne Leighton
Steve LePore
William Gillespie

How many of us strive to be friends with our kids? Are you always trying to find the one place to bond with them, to earn their respect and trust?  How many times have we heard the phrase, “your kid needs a parent, not another friend”?  Probably more often than we want to admit.  In a recent article on Psych Central, David Sack, M.D. shares the pitfalls of being the “cool parent” and suggests it may be harming our teens and how it impacts drug and alcohol use.

Why Being the ‘Cool Parent’ Isn’t So Cool:
“There’s always that one parent that makes the rest of us look bad. You know, the one that buys all the cool tech gadgets, doesn’t believe in curfews, and gets friended by their kids (and their kids’ friends) on Facebook. Although we envy any parent that gets more than one-word answers out of their teenager, is being “cool” worth the cost? …”But if your teen starts experimenting with drugs or alcohol or taking risks that put them in danger, it’s time to take a hard look at what coolness has really gotten you.”

“If being your child’s friend isn’t the mark of success, what is? I admire parents who will do anything for their child, but not at the expense of what’s in the child’s best interest. Even if you have unknowingly contributed to the problem, there is still time to be part of the solution”

Click here to continue reading

JUST SAY YES!

The Youth Project is in its 12th year of serving the Santa Clarita Valley; we are a small non-profit organization providing FREE peer counseling, support groups, outreach/education and crisis intervention to thousands of teens in Santa Clarita Valley in the Hart School District.  On average we serve close to 8,000 students, giving more than 8,000 hours of service each year.

The SCVYP relies 100% on grants, special events and the kindness of the community.  We receive no state dollars, we are NOT funded by the schools and again, all of our programs are free to any teenager 12-18 years old.  And while we have been incredibly successful in the past years to raise enough money to cover our expenses, we have hit a wall.  Our fundraising efforts have been directly impacted by the depressed economy; our funding stream has stalled to a very slow drip.  We need your help now more than ever.

In an effort to raise awareness and much needed dollars, we are proud to launch the Say YES to Youth Campaign.  The Say YES to Youth campaign will have many facets with the primary focus being: engaging and connecting our neighborhoods, together providing a strong and healthy environment for our kids to grow up in.

Say YES to Youth invites you to support The Youth Project on a daily basis.  By investing your dollars, you are investing in the health and well being of our youth.

For just $24.00/month, a Teenager in Need

1. … will have the chance to anonymously share their feelings as often as they need
2. … will feel part of a community, surrounded by others with similar experiences
3. … will have a safe space to share their feelings and ask questions
4. … will learn alternative ways to process anger, rather than self destructive behaviors
5. … will receive tools to help cope with the loss of a loved one
6. … will stop cutting or harming themselves
7. … will create a better body image
8. … will choose life over suicide
9. … will decide not to abuse drugs and alcohol
10. … will make better choices
11. … will become more empowered
12. … will feel less depressed
13. … will stay in school, even as a teenage parent
14. … will improve their grades
15. … will feel safe
16. … will learn how to better understand their parents
17. … will cope with their abuse or assault
18. … will make a new friend
19. … will wait a little longer to have sex for the first time
20. … will be more confident and stand taller in a crowd
21. … will not drive while impaired
22. … will learn better communication
23. … will feel less alone
24. … will become a happy, confident, contributing member to the community

We’ve just given you 24 reasons to support the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project, we could rattle off a thousand more.  Our kids are in need and we all can do something to make a difference.

By giving teens the tools they need to live healthy and successful lives, we are providing them with a strong foundation for coping as they navigate through these pivotal years in their young lives.

You can help us make a difference by donating as little as $24.00 a month so we can continue impacting the lives of more than 28,000 families.  In recognition for your contribution, The Youth Project will feature donors on our website, promote your name/business through various social media and local news outlets, mentioned in appropriate marketing materials and of course you will become part of the Say YES to Youth Community.  We will make sure to let the world know, that YOU SAID YES TO YOUTH!

Say YES to Youth: Support Group One Year, $2,880 (one time donation)

Say YES to Youth: Support Group One Year, $2,880 (12 donations of $240/mo)

Say YES to Youth: One Year, $288.00 (one time donation)

Say YES to Youth: One Year, $288.00 (12 donations of $24/mo)

Say YES to Youth: One Month, $24.00 (one time donation)

Say YES to Youth: I would like to donate a different amount (one time donation)

My name is Jackie Morgan MacDougall. You may know me as the co-founder of SCVMomsBlog.com (later changed to SCV-Family.com). Since launching the site in 2009, I have spent the last few years learning the ins and outs of our community, searching for my place to make a difference.

I found that place — serving on the board of directors for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project. You, like others in our community, might be saying “Who is the SCV Youth Project?” Well, keep reading and I’ll give you a quick overview as well as my ideas for working together, supporting teens in our valley who so desperately need our help, and even provide you the opportunity to promote your business.

The Youth Project provides free, on-campus counseling (one-on-one and support groups), crisis intervention, outreach and education to junior and high school students (ages 12-18) in the Santa Clarita Valley who are dealing with a range of life-challenging issues ranging from grief/loss, difficult relationships, drugs/alcohol, depression, and peer pressure.  SCVYP provides the tools needed to build better communication, increase coping abilities and make healthy decisions, to help teens create a more successful and fulfilling life.

Stats: From October-December, over 200 students benefited from more than 800 hours of service (from direct service: one-on-one counseling or support groups) and more than 1200 students were impacted through outreach and education. Some of the issues we see:  depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, STD’s, bullying, grief/loss, family issues, body image, self esteem, cutting, lack of motivation, goal setting, violence in the home or with a boyfriend, neglect/abuse in the home, sexual assault, etc.

The Youth Project is looking to grow our services to reach more kids, on more campuses and eventually expand to the elementary levels.  Much like all other non-profits, we need community support and awareness to accomplish this goal.  Currently, the Youth Project relies on grants, a few small contracts with the City, and special events.  We receive NO government money and lost our contract with the Hart District due to budgetary issues.  The lack of contract is NOT an indication of a lack of support from the school district, strictly a financial crisis.  We are welcome and supported on all campuses.

How you can help:
-  • One time donation …
- •  Monthly donation …
-  • Multiple Year Commitment
- •  Employee Giving Campaigns – let us come and speak to your staff about teen issues, family  support, etc – create a matching gift campaign
-   •Sponsor an event (our popular 4th annual Cake Event is next up on April 21st)
-   • Introduce us to other potential supporters
-   • Become a board member
-   •  Direct us to a foundation your company may be affiliated with
-   • Do a fundraising event and assign the Youth Project as a benefactor
-   • Put up a jar at your retail business – for your patrons to donate
-   • Ask your clients/patrons to add $$ to their tab/bill

We’re happy to work directly with each business to find a way to make this happen. In return, we will also add your business to our Website, Facebook page and have individuals (like me) using this opportunity to sing your praises as a business that has the drive and passion to put our community first. You can comment below with your contact information or call me at 661 600-1667 to discuss further.

If you’re still reading this, thank you! From the bottom of my heart, I am asking you to find a way to help local teens TODAY. We can’t let these services be taken from the hundreds of kids who have the strength to step forward and ask for help, and the determination to create a better life. Please feel free to forward this email on to other local business owners who may be so inclined to make a huge difference in our community.

Best,
Jackie

Here are some guidelines to help you (and your child) decide if the time is right and to help them feel safe and protected (and help you stay calm!) while they are holding down the fort.

What to Consider Before Leaving Your Child Home Alone
When deciding whether to leave a child home alone, you will want to consider your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as laws and policies in your State regarding this issue.

Legal Guidelines
Some parents look to the law for help in deciding when it is appropriate to leave a child home alone. Depending on the laws and child protective policies in your area, leaving a young child unsupervised may be considered neglect, especially if doing so places the child in danger.   States that do not have laws may still offer guidelines for parents.  If you are unsure, consult your local law enforcement agencies.

Age and Maturity
There is no agreed-upon age when all children are able to stay home alone safely. Because children mature at different rates, you should not base your decision on age alone. You may want to evaluate your child’s maturity and how he or she has demonstrated responsible behavior in the past. The following questions may help:

• Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him- or herself?

• Does your child obey rules and make good decisions?

• Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?

 Circumstances
When and how a child is left home alone can make a difference to his or her safety and success. You may want to consider the following questions:

• How long will your child be left home alone at one time? Will it be during the day, evening, or night? Will the child need to fix a meal?

• How often will the child be expected to care for him- or herself?

• How many children are being left home alone? Children who seem ready to stay home alone may not necessarily be ready to care for younger siblings.

• Is your home safe and free of hazards?

• How safe is your neighborhood?

Safety Skills
In addition to age and maturity, your child will need to master some specific skills before being able to stay home alone safely. In particular, your child needs to know what to do and whom to contact in an emergency situation. Knowledge of basic first aid is also useful. You may want to consider enrolling your child in a safety course such as one offered by the Red Cross.   The following questions may also help:

• Does your family have a safety plan for emergencies? Can your child follow this plan?

• Does your child know his or her full name, address, and phone number?

• Does your child know where you are and how to contact you at all times?

• Does your child know the full names and contact information of other trusted adults, in case of emergency?

Tips for Parents
Once you have determined that your child is ready to stay home alone, the following suggestions may help you to prepare your child and to feel more comfortable about leaving him or her home alone:

• Have a trial period. Leave the child home alone for a short time while staying close to home. This is a good way to see how he or she will manage.

• Role play. Act out possible situations to help your child learn what to do.

• Establish rules. Make sure your child knows what is (and is not) allowed when you are not home. Some experts suggest making a list of chores or other tasks to keep children busy while you are gone. Limit the kind of cooking that can be done absent adult supervision.

• Create a safe environment. Make sure there are working smoke detectors on every floor of the house and teach your child what to do in case of fire. Practice fire evacuation routes with your children. Keep a flashlight and batteries in an easily accessible place in case of power outage. Show your child where to find it. Make sure they know where the first aid kit is located and that 911 is just a phone call away.

• Check in. Call your child while you are away to see how it’s going, or have a trusted neighbor or friend check in. Make sure that your child has a way to contact you as well; check your messages often and promptly return your child’s calls.

• Talk about it. Encourage your child to share his or her feelings with you about staying home alone.

• Don’t overdo it. Even a mature, responsible child shouldn’t be home alone too much. Consider other options, such as programs offered by schools, community centers, or youth organizations to help keep your child busy and involved.

 Safety tips for children: Always call 911 in an emergency.

• Use caller id or an answering machine to screen calls. When answering the phone, never tell callers you are home alone. Tell them your mom/dad is busy and will call them back. Don’t post that you are home alone on any social network sites (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc)

• Never let anyone into the house. Do not open the door to strangers.

• Keep all doors and windows locked.

• If coming home to an empty house – never enter the house if there are open or broken windows or doors, or other signs of forced entry. Leave and get help from a trusted neighbor.

• Stay in the house until parents return home.

• Tell parents of any fears or concerns.

Authors Note:  The information in this article was compiled from multiple sources, including these listed below:

KidsHealth

Child Safety Guide For Parents

Child Help

National Network of Child Care

If you are concerned about a child who appears to be neglected or inadequately supervised, contact your local child protective services (CPS) agency. If you need help contacting your local CPS agency, call the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline at 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453). Find more information on their website: www.childhelp.org