Submitted by Allison Behnke, HKYFS
(April 30, 2025) — Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives. Each year Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services partners across our community to recognize Mental Health Awareness. We offer a variety of activities to raise awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being, and we provide resources and information to support individuals and families who may need mental health support. May also recognizes National Prevention Week, a time to celebrate the power of prevention and highlight the important work being done to support healthy, safe communities.
HKYFS provides counseling services to children and families in Haddam and Killingworth, serves as the Juvenile Review Board and Community Service Team for both towns, offers QPR Suicide Prevention and Narcan training, and is always available for case management and referral support to any community member in need. We support you in learning how to recognize when you or a loved one might need extra mental health care and concern. For more resources, please visit our website, www.hkyfs.org, or call our office for direct services and support. Please keep an eye out for on-going programs.
Mental health awareness and support goes beyond providing direct care and services. The month of May provides an opportunity to dive into personal and family goals for exploring new strategies and skills for positive mental health and wellness. Whether you like being outside in nature, working out at the gym, painting a picture, reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk with your dog, May is the perfect time to acknowledge and make time for your mental health.
HKYFS will host a variety of family activities and events in the weeks ahead, such as those listed below. We hope everyone will explore a variety of ways to connect with themselves, their families and their community.
Hike with a Mini Horse/Friday, May 2, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m./Parmelee Farm, Killingworth This program is great for our early childhood and home-school families to spend a Friday morning exploring the trails at Parmelee Farm with the cutest tiny horse! A horse-related craft and meet-and-greet follow the hike.
Read to a Therapy Dog/Thursday, May 8, 2025 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m./Brainerd Memorial Library, Haddam Kids can sign up for a fun opportunity to grab their favorite story and read to the most lovable therapy dogs!
Family Paint Night/Friday, May 9, 2025 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Haddam Volunteer Firehouse This fun night out includes a pizza dinner and Paint Class taught by a professional. Grab your family and join us.
Family Outdoor Movie Night/Friday, May 16, 2025 after 8:00 p.m. Parmelee Farm, Killingworth Join HKYFS for the first movie night of Summer 2025. This free, family-friendly movie on the big screen overlooking gorgeous Parmelee Farm includes free popcorn.
Yoga on the Farm/Wednesday, May 21, 2025 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parmelee Farm, Killingworth Miss Becky from Social Services will teach a Yoga Class at the Farm. Take a deep breath, stretch your body, and enjoy the beauty of the Farm.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Giving back to others and investing in community is a powerful way to enhance your own mental health. Neighbors Helping Neighbors connects senior citizens who are in desperate need of help in their yards with individuals and families who have a couple hours to share. We need volunteers. Please be in touch with HKYFS to learn how you can make a real difference in someone’s life. Please visit https://hkyfs.org/community-volunteer-opportunities/ for a list of the many opportunities available across Haddam and Killingworth. We promise that giving back makes you feel great and introduces you to many new friends!
Registration for all events: www.hkyfs.org/event/
