HeadStart’s Post

Looking for a little inspiration? Check out this article from Lakia S. Elam, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP; it may give you the nudge to take a positive action.

Had the pleasure of connecting with the co-author of "Darious Wants a Dog"! In our recent discussion, we talked about some key insights into parenting and kids. If you're looking for some expert advice on raising your little ones, follow the link to watch the video: https://lnkd.in/eHRYbSwz #parentingtips #kidsgrowth #expertadvice

Hi All, Thanks for your support, public and private, for my inaugural posting for the Caring for Bobbie bolg. Below is a link to the second in the series. And -- I know it's a big attraction -- Bobbie has a memoir entry in this one, as well. Best, Bruce Makous https://lnkd.in/eREVhCJ2

A listener shared her frustration, weariness, and burnout after years of caring for her husband following a traumatic brain injury. At sixty-eight, she expressed growing concern regarding her abilities—and his diminishing ones. “He’s got a colostomy, ileostomy, and a host of other physical issues requiring full-time care—and I’m just exhausted. His mind is sharp, but his body is severely impaired, and I’m conflicted about a long-term care facility.” Listening to her “get it all out,” I shared: “It seems you’re nearing a decision point where his needs eclipse your efforts; you may be closer than you realize. Regardless, how about writing down what an appropriate long-term facility looks like for you and your husband? With that in mind, and given the waiting lists for so many facilities, you can seek the proper place together while you can still care for him. If the crisis moment arrives, you’ve already paved the road so that the transition is a bit smoother.” As caregivers, we often must make decisions that benefit the whole unit—not just one person. The unit depends upon a capable caregiver, but fear, guilt, and obligation can hamper making the best possible decision in an impossible situation. So many couples struggle with this dynamic, and there’s no easy path. Wedding vows discuss long-term care but not long-term care facilities. Yet leaning on a facility doesn’t equate to abandoning the vows; instead, it can help both parties better keep them.    When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead!  —George S. Patton https://lnkd.in/gKWASrDb #caregivers #caregivingsupport #Caregiving #caregivingjourney

DAY 2 NEWSLETTER 📣 Empathy Wins: Standing With Survivors 📣 In a recent heart-to-heart conversation, Sarah bravely shared her assault experience, seeking solace and understanding from a coworker. However, her vulnerability was met with disbelief and victim-blaming. When Sarah disclosed her trauma, she faced the disbelieving question of what she was wearing at the time. This insensitive reaction left Sarah feeling invalidated and deeply hurt. But hey, Should this be the first question to be asked and do you think the dress caused it?? But amidst this adversity, Sarah found solace in a friend who offered genuine empathy and support. Through their words of kindness and affirmation, Sarah felt seen and heard, reclaiming a sense of dignity and self-worth. This heartfelt exchange underscores the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity, where survivors are met with compassion rather than judgment. Every survivor deserves to be believed, supported, and uplifted. Let's rally together to break the silence surrounding assault and dismantle the stigma that too often silences survivors. By standing with Sarah and all survivors, we affirm their resilience and reclaim their narratives. Remember, your voice matters, your story matters, and you are never alone. Let's continue to extend a hand of empathy and support to those in need, fostering a community built on compassion and understanding. #EmpathyWins #SupportSurvivors #BelieveSurvivors #20dayslinkedinchallengewithhaoma #thoughtleader #creativewriting

As we wind down for the weekend and take a little time to step away from work, I want to encourage you to check out some important content I’ve recently shared on My Life Unveiled. It’s truly inspiring to be in a space where I can help spark conversations, bring about change, and shed light on critical issues like health equity. In my latest episodes, I dive deep into maternal health, exploring the resources available to teen moms and the challenges they face in today’s society, often surrounded by countless external pressures. It’s a conversation that we need to have more often—and I’m grateful to be able to keep a pulse on what’s happening within our communities. If you have some free time, I’d love for you to watch these episodes and share them with your networks to help spread awareness. https://lnkd.in/eiQXG9ZK https://lnkd.in/eAUEHic8 Let’s continue the conversation and make an impact together! #HealthEquity #MaternalHealth #CommunityImpact #TeenMoms #ChangeMakers #Wellness #EquityInAction #HealthcareForAll #SupportMothers #BreakingBarriers #Advocacy #BlackMaternalHealth #WomensHealth #CommunitySupport #PublicHealthMatters #InspireChange #TeenMotherhood #Empowerment

Good Morning, Is that time again for the relaunch of our 2024 Man Village Support Group. Under the title “It Takes A Village,” we seek to actualize our roles as men, fathers, husbands, sons, leaders, protectors, providers, and nurturers of the community. Due to much interest, we cannot accommodate all who seek to join. Therefore, it is mandatory that you RSVP to reserve a seat and ensure availability to participate in this new season of support. Last season, and with much success, 61 men’s lives were changed for the better over a five month period. Some came out of curiosity and the urging of their mates, while others sought a deeper understanding of self through others’ experiences. After establishing trust as the foundation to our bond, we learned how to support, encourage, respect, and empathize with our fellow brothers. Our ages ranged from 19 to 70+ and professions included contractors, doctors, entrepreneurs, pastors, personal trainers, artists, retirees, law enforcement officers, to college students. We covered a plethora of topics ranging from emotional intelligence, forgiveness, self-awareness, social awareness, rescuing the child within, Love, empathy, to conflict resolution in the environment, yet more importantly, within self. This season will be different. We will have two separate groups throughout the year. Beginning April 27, 2024, our first group will consist of 8 - 10 sessions that convenes every other week. The second group’s date has not been established. However, it will mirror this up and coming group’s structure. They last for two hours and are full of introspection, discovery, trust, laughter, tears, conflicts, confrontation, love, and support. We plan to recap what we discussed in the previous season, while tackling new topics that include a joint session with women. By inviting women to one of our sessions, we seek to learn from a perspective we may not have been open to receiving, while sharing narratives that might broaden their perspectives and understanding of who we are and why we have shown up the way we have. So, our hands are full and we are excited. Don’t forget to RSVP to reserve your seat. Until then, stay blessed.

Following the Finley Boden case review, we want to know your thoughts on whether these reviews make a difference to #socialwork practice? Take our poll

She believed she could change the world by staying home. Staying home to raise your kids is the most noble thing to do. I chose to do this because I wanted to be here for my kids. But it doesn't have to mean putting off your own dreams and goals. Staying home with my kids gave me the opportunity to do something online to build a strong future for us. If we think outside the box, there are amazing opportunities out there that can align with being a present parent. #presentparent #onlinebusiness #familyfirst

I have an 84-yr-old father and a 9-yr-old son. I explore that dichotomy and what it's like to be part of the Sandwich Generation in my latest essay for Business Insider https://lnkd.in/eiigrRVT