Rochester Area Youth Assistance

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Girls Stand Strong – Spring 2022

Join us Sunday, April 10 for breakfast at the Fire Station! Proceeds directly benefit RAYA.

Warm up Sunday morning, February 13, to breakfast at the Fire Station. Proceeds directly benefit RAYA.

Local business owners: Would you like your company’s information displayed at our events? Your donation of $40 gains you a full year of advertising at our community events. Supporting each other has never been easier!

Now accepting nominations for the 2022 Youth Recognition Award. All youth, grades K-12 who reside in the Rochester Community School District, are eligible to be nominated. A nominator may be any adult or organization that wishes to submit the name of a deserving
youth based on one or all of the following criteria:

• Volunteered their time to an individual, an organization, or in their community
• Created a new opportunity through leadership to do great things for people who need
  help
• Recognized a need and fulfilled the need in new ways
• Overcame major obstacles to reach their goals
• Demonstrated personal perseverance beyond the ordinary

Yes – we’re looking for those self-starting, amazing, gracious and compassionate youth who
are doing something great out of the kindness of their own heart. Honorees will be notified by mail and invited to a special Dessert Reception on March 22, 2022.

Deadline for submitting a nomination for consideration is February 18, 2022.

2022 Nomination Form

2022 Nomination Form Instructions

During Halloween Fest (October 16, 5:00-7:00 PM), swing by the Rochester Fire Department parking lot to carve a pumpkin and enjoy a cup of hot cider!

Wednesday, October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6:30-7:45 PM.

This 4-week life skills group for middle school girls will include interaction and discussion about:
– Developing a Healthy Body Image
– Feeling Empowered
– Healthy Relationships/Friendships
– Positive Communication/Assertiveness

Sessions will be facilitated by Samantha Walters, MSW and offered at no cost to you by RAYA. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Call or email RAYA to register: 248-656-3558 or raya@rochester.k12.mi.us

Presented in partnership with the Rochester Hills Public Library, join us via zoom on Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 PM for a virtual presentation with Dr. Christopher Willard, renown psychologist, educational consultant, author, speaker and mindfulness expert.
As we begin to emerge from the pandemic and into a new normal, how can we ensure that we and our families emerge from this time more healthy and resilient? Join Dr. Chris Willard as we explore the mindful foundations of resilience and post traumatic growth, looking to psychology, neuroscience and play as we practice and explore tools that have boosted human resilience for generations. This presentation is not just ideas, but experiential as well, along with tips to practically integrate mindfulness into your family life long after this time has passed.

Register here.

During these times of uncertainty, school-age children may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Positive parenting practices can make a big difference. Become empowered to help build resilience in your children as you learn practical strategies to help your child recognize and manage anxious thoughts, behaviors and physical symptoms caused from anxiety.

Join school psychologists, Caroline Rowe and Dan Pryde, and school social worker, Andrew McNeilly, from Rochester Community Schools to further explore this social-emotional learning opportunity. Join us via Zoom on Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 PM for this important discussion.

Register here. (FREE)

The 2021 Youth Recognition Picnic in the Park is on Tuesday evening, May 18, at Bloomer Park. All youth, grades K-12 who reside in the Rochester Community School District, are eligible to be nominated. Honorees will be notified by mail and invited to the picnic with their parent(s) or guardian and nominator. Deadline for submitting a nomination for consideration is April 15, 2021.