Identity Frustrations and Expectations at PMSA's Mental Health Club

This week, we were back at PMSA’s mental health club with Sarah of Yo Soy Ella. You may recognize Sarah from our group therapy sessions as well as her Progress over Perfection workshop. In this session, Sarah focused on identity and how individualism matters. During these times, it may be hard to find your authentic self with the stress of family, peers, teachers, you name it! Sarah made sure to name that stress and attach the complications. The students were able to share freely what their identity frustrations look like. Overall, the students continue to make a safe space with one another.

Thanks, Sarah, for leading a necessary conversation!

Limitless Dreaming at PMSA's Mental Health Club

We are continuing our workshops back at PMSA’s mental health club after spring break! The team went to PMSA last Wednesday to talk about limitless dreaming! Jasmine, ED of The Firehouse Dream, led the students through, what she calls, creative provision. This is a tactic used to use imagination to dream up possibilities that may feel impossible. Then creating an action plan, we ponder what it could look like to have this in our lives. Jasmine shared her experiences with the creative provision and how no dream is limited.

Thank you to the students who continuously participate with us, we appreciate you being so open to learning! In two weeks, we will be back at PMSA with Sarah from Yo Soy Ella, leading a talk on identity frustrations and expectations. See us in Ms. Garts classroom, room 213.

Team Building at PMSA's Mental Health Club

This week, we were back at PMSA again! We have been loving the relationships we built with PMSA’s mental health club. The students are supportive and receptive to the workshops we bring. For this week, Clarybelle of A Beautiful Project led the students through team-building exercises. First, the students started with a check-in and to meet Clarybelle. Then they started playing puzzling games that required teamwork to accomplish. They walked around the classrooms timing their steps to work with others and played hand games with one another. One of the final activities was to write negative or intrusive thoughts the students had about themselves. They would build up a tower with these cups and knock it down after. They finished with some positive thoughts about themselves and one another.

Thank you Clarybelle for leading such an engaging workshop! We will be back at PMSA for a storytelling workshop led by Jasmine, on February 21st. See you soon!

Boundaries at PMSA Mental Health Club

This week, Remona of Inellas Restoration Center led the PMSA Mental Health Club through a boundaries workshop. The students did an exercise were they stood up every time they agreed or disagreed with a prompt. The purpose was to show the students how boundaries are based on personal perspective and we should respect others. It is important to build that mutual respect so their is room for understanding when someone’s boundaries may differ from another.

Additionally, WGN News was following Inellas Restoration Center for the day, so the students and TFD will be featured along with Inellas! We are so excited for Remona and this oppurtunity!

Community Yoga

We held our first yoga session for our 2024 programming! This time, we decided to hold a nighttime flow with Dasia of Maywood! Dasia has held local yoga with Maywood’s Park District and also special K-Pop yoga sessions. We are so glad to invite Dasia in!

During this session, Dasia led the group through a series of gentle poses before she got into the flow for tonight. The flow was simple yet effective, using cat and cow poses. In the end, Dasia told us the importance of Shavasana, the entire purpose is to lay still. Although it may be uncomfortable, we must listen to our bodies and provide time for rest, Dasia said.

Thank you to our participants who came out last night!