The Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration’s (HCTAYC) Youth Advisory Board will hold its third annual “Wellness Week.” Starting Monday, Sept. 14, local young people are invited to participate in a week of outer space-themed wellness events.
During the week, participants will “Blast Off to Wellness” with events kicking off at 4 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, #1 Marina Way in Eureka. Youth 16 to 26-years old are invited to enjoy food and learn about the upcoming activities and workshops.
Wellness Week explores the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) eight domains of wellness: emotional, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, physical, intellectual and environmental. Transition-Age Youth (TAY) includes young people between 16 and 26-years of age, with lived experience in foster care, behavioral health, homelessness, alcohol and drug treatment and/or the juvenile justice systems as they transition into adulthood and independence.
This year there are multiple workshops with specialists in a variety of fields. Shelley Nilsen, owner of Express Employment Professionals, will talk about what to expect in a job interview and what employers are looking for during “Lightspeed Employment,” starting at 3:30 on Tuesday afternoon.
Charlie Heinberg, education outreach coordinator from the Financial Resource Center in Arcata, will teach participants about how to budget and save during “Saving Some Financial Space,” Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Other events and workshops include swimming, poetry, meditation, hiking and making smoothies and juices.
"HCTAYC is so proud of the work our Youth Advisory Board members do each year for Wellness Week. They are helping build a community that supports the holistic needs of transition-age youth and a strong network of peers,” said Calla Peltier-Olson, TAY Division peer coach for HCTAYC. “Wellness activities and goals promote mental health and resiliency, and young people will carry these skills and relationships with them the rest of their lives."
The Wellness Week closing ceremony will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at the TAY Division Office in Eureka with “The Big Crunch: Celebrate the End.” This event will include a barbecue, games and a raffle.
Workshops and events will be held at different locations throughout the county, including the Wharfinger Building, TAY Division offices at 550 I St., Eureka and the Jefferson Project at 1000 B St. in Eureka. HCTAYC would like to thank the Jefferson Project for its continued support of Wellness Week and for creating spaces for community wellness.
A full schedule of events for HCTAYC Wellness Week 2015 is available at the TAY Division offices. Attendees can stay up-to-date with an RSVP at the Wellness Week Facebook event page and by liking HCTAYC at facebook.com/hctayc. HCTAYC can also be reached at 707-476-4922 or by emailing humboldtyouth@gmail.com.
More information about SAMHSA’s National Wellness Week Initiative is available at promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov.
-###-
Follow us on Twitter: @HumCoDHHS.