FSSA announces new statewide campaign to support Hoosier youth that may be at-risk for justice involvement or substance misuse
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction is launching a new program to support Hoosier youth in building a stronger sense of self through the Believe in You campaign. The campaign includes resources focusing on specific topics and behaviors that have been identified as risk areas for alcohol and substance misuse, such as developing mental strength, positive thinking, coping techniques and self-control.
Community groups or organizations that engage with youth are invited to consider adopting the program and encouraging youth to opt-in.
Youth who engage with the Believe in You campaign will receive a series of weekly text messages that provide a mix of verbal and written support, education, polls, questions and links to a video portal. The videos focus on specific topics identified by Hoosier youth as critical points of importance to them and their mental wellness, including mental wellbeing support, inspirational stories and helpful information from mentors, health professionals, peers and influential members of the community.
“Mental health challenges in adolescence can often lead to serious negative long-term impacts, especially when substance misuse is factored into the equation,” said Jay Chaudhary, director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. “DMHA is committed to improving access to quality behavioral health services for children and adolescents across Indiana, but we know that there are significant unmet needs today. We are launching this new program to help fill that gap by giving youth who may be at-risk direct access to mental wellbeing tools.”
As an added layer of encouragement, youth who take the campaign’s challenge to have a sponsor to guide them through program may be eligible to receive an additional incentive. At the end of each four-week challenge period, participants meet with their sponsor to discuss the program’s messaging and takeaways. In exchange, each participant may be eligible to receive a $10 gift card for their participation. While having a sponsor is encouraged for the campaign, it is not required for youth to opt-in.
To opt in to the Believe in You direct message program, text BEYOU to 877.861.6807. Video content can be viewed by visiting the Believe in You video portal by clicking here.
For additional information on how to leverage this program in your community, contact Amber Becker, DMHA Director of Child, Youth, and Family Systems, at amber.becker@fssa.in.gov or 317.232.8908 to sign up for a 30-minute virtual training session.
Youth who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call 988 for immediate support.
November Events and Programs in the City of Bloomington
Bloomington Trivia Championship Series hosted by Skip Daley
Day & Time: Friday, November 4, doors open at 6pm and trivia begins at 7pm
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion – Cost: $30 per team of up to six people
Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. Food, soda, beer, and wine are available for purchase from The Cabin Restaurant and Lounge. Pre-registration is required; register online at https://bton.in/YvFwH by November 4.
Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble Fall Concert
Day & Time: Thursday, November 10, 7 p.m.
Location: Bloomington High School North Auditorium – Cost: Free and open to all
The Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble (SIWE) presents their fall concert, Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, conducted by Stephen Pratt with special guest narrator Daniel Narducci. Veterans in attendance will be recognized! This event is sponsored by the City of Bloomington Arts Commission. For more information visit siwemusic.com
Veterans 5K
Day & Time: Saturday, November 12, 9-11am|
Location: Showalter Fountain on the Indiana University campus – Cost: $30 per person, $25 for military and first responders
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and the Indiana University Wheelchair Basketball Club present a 5K through the Indiana University campus to honor our nation’s veterans. Pre-registration ends November 10; day-of registration with card only. For more information visit bloomington.in.gov/node/3656 or email emily.carrico@bloomington.in.gov
Well Check
Day & Time: Thursday, November 17, 8-10am
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th St. – Cost: Free and open to all
Free, convenient well checks in the areas of blood pressure, lipid panels, and hemoglobin (blood sugar-A1C) by IU Health Bloomington Community Health. No appointment is needed, but you do need to fast for 12 hours to get an accurate cholesterol level. For more information call 812-353-3244.
Canopy of Lights
Day & Time: Friday, November 25, 2022, from 5-8pm
Location: Various locations around The Square and on Kirkwood Avenue – Cost: Free and open to all
Experience one of Bloomington’s winter traditions. The City of Bloomington provides free metered parking throughout downtown all weekend in celebration of the event. The area around the Monroe County Courthouse will be illuminated by thousands of lights at 6:45 pm. This family-friendly event will include a lighting countdown, hot chocolate and snacks, live music, and various activities at downtown locations. Learn more about the event at https://bton.in/LHczT.
Holiday Market
Day & Time: Saturday, November 26, 10 a.m.-3pm
Location: Showers Common next to City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street – Cost: Free and open to all
Shop for locally grown farm products for your holiday table, and for unique art and fine crafts handmade by local artisans. Buy local this year! More information online at bloomington.in.gov/holidaymarket.
Physical Fridays for Preschoolers
Day & Time: Fridays, November 4, 11, and 18, 9-11:30am
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th Street – Cost: Free and open to all preschoolers and their caregivers
Bring the little ones to Banneker for free, drop-in gym time. Banneker staff does not supervise this area, and children cannot be dropped off without supervision.
Small Garden Planning and Design
Day & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S. Washington Street – Cost: $10/Bloomington residents, $12/out-of-city residents
Plan a three-season garden for small spaces with Parks and Recreation’s resident gardening expert Sarah Mullin. Register online at https://bton.in/qAnm- by Nov. 15.
Gather ‘round the Table for an Accessible Journey
Day & Time: Monday, November 7, from 5:30 to 8:30pm
Location: Monroe Convention Center – Cost: Free, but registration required: https://bton.in/byi2l
The event will feature a panel of CCA members with a range of disabilities who have traveled far and wide, from overseas, to big cities, to state parks, and more. All attendees will have the opportunity to talk about their travels, what some of the challenges of traveling with a disability are, and what to expect in terms of accessibility upon arrival at a destination. In addition to the speakers, there will be roundtable discussions and an accessibility-focused trip-planning exercise. Some delightful fare from around the world will be served to enhance the experience.
This Week in Hoosier History
1932 – On his first campaign for the presidency, Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke to over 80,000 people on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. He was joined by his wife, Eleanor, on the balcony of the English Hotel. In his remarks, he said, “It will be the purpose of the new administration to bring order out of chaos.”
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