FirstLink 211

“Just One More Thing”.  As our students and families go off to enjoy the summer and we balance our time with more work, classes, and families, the reality is that our students will still need those relationships, supports, and resources that we often give.  I want to share a very important resource with you and ask that you share/teach it with students and families.

Did you know we have a 24/7 local helpline accessible by calling or texting? FirstLink is there where students and adults can access the help they need when navigating life’s circumstances.  The 2-1-1 helpline is answered 24/7 by well trained staff that can lend a listening ear and support to those experiencing fear, anxiety, or worry, etc. They help hungry mothers find food, suicidal teens find hope, grandmas and grandpas keep their home heated, and so much more.

Talking about and sharing this helps normalize the help seeking skills for students. Students can then ask questions of the 2-1-1 staff and listen to all the resources in they have.  What a powerful approach!  I particularly think about those young adults with suicidal thoughts, high anxiety, stress, worry, fear, etc.  Do they know that this is an option for them to call or text 24/7 all year long?

Let's talk about it and share this information.

It is my honor and pleasure to work with our students and their families at Lakota Public School.

Faye Nelson

Lakota School Counselor