Summer Re-Set: Nourishing Ourselves, Supporting Each Other

Dear Spark Community,

Summer invites us to slow down, find moments of rest, and reconnect with the people who matter most. At the same time, we recognize that this season can bring feelings of guilt for not doing "enough," especially amid the ongoing challenges in our world. It can also be a time when people feel disconnected from the community and support they rely on during the school year. 

We’ve gathered some community resources below that we hope will offer support—whether for you or someone you care about. Please remember: you are never alone.

With care and gratitude ~ The Spark Kindness Team

Choosing Care in the Midst of Chaos

created by Marisa Renee Lee and Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

• Acknowledgment: Begin by acknowledging your body is in some form of fight or flight. This means you need to slow down and show yourself some grace.
• Permission: Give yourself permission to feel all the feelings and name them. Naming them creates space for transformation and healing.
• Community: Check in on your people. Social connection makes chaos and grief easier to bare.
• Joy: Do not feel guilty for accessing joy. Joy buffers stress and increases emotional resilience. Joy is part of humanity.
• Be of Service: Move with intention and figure out how you can best use your unique talents to support others. Whether it is writing or donating or showing up to a protest. Once you care for yourself, find a way to show up for others.

Featured Video: Real Self-Care with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

Featured Articles & Podcasts

• Podcast: "Best Of: Use This Summer To Practice DIY Exposure Therapy" from Flusterclux with Lynn Lyons, LICSW
• Article: Five Ways for Educators to Reset and Renew This Summer from Greater Good Science Center
• Article: 15 Activities for Your Summer Self-Care Checklist from Mental Health First Aid

Supportive Resources in MetroWest, MA For You and Your Loved Ones

• Community Resource Hubs:
  • MetroWest NonProfit Network: Resources for Navigating Post Inauguration Developments
  • Natick Is United: Immigration Resources
  • Office of the Attorney General: Resources for Immigrants in MA
  • CASA: Resources including Know Your Rights
  • JFS Metrowest: Anti-Racism/Fighting Antisemitism Resources
• Mental Health Support:
  • Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. Call 24/7 at 988 or text C2T to 741741
  • MEDA offers clinical care, education, and resources focused on preventing and treating eating disorders. Find more from a past Spark event HERE
  • View additional local and nationwide resources on our Mental Health Resource Page HERE
• Domestic Violence Support:
  • REACH offers many resources including a 24/7 free and confidential hotline at 800-899-4000
  • Voices Against Violence: 24 Hour HOTLINES: 1-800-593-1125 or 508-626-8686 (TTY-friendly)
  • Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund includes resources on promoting healthy teen relationships - view here
• Food and Housing Insecurity Support
  • Natick Service Council - Food Pantry and Financial Assistance info
  • Common Good Food Pantry
  • A Place to Turn: Food Pantry and Personal Care/Household Items
  • Family Promise Metrowest: Shelter Program Info Here

View additional Practicing Self-Compassion Resources here

View additional Building Resilience Resources here