Welcome to our first of two editions in May! This edition features mental health resources from local therapists as well as Memorial Day events and other Beaver County opportunities.
We asked local mental health professionals to send us some of their favorite resources for Beaver County residents. Here's what they said.
Dr. Kenya Johns, LPC, NCC, CCTP, ACS is a mental health professional as well as the mayor of Beaver Falls. Here's what she sent us:
"What Happened to You?" by Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Dr. Johns also recommends doing somatic work like heated yoga. Meko Yoga and Wellness Center in Beaver Falls offers both heated and somatic-specific classes. Check out their classes here and on their app.
Local therapist Glenn Wargo, LPC, recommends:
"What Makes Love Last" by Dr. John Gottman.
"While its focus is on recovering from betrayals, it goes far beyond infidelity, and includes principles based on his research that apply to any romantic relationship," Wargo said.
The National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: call or text 988.
"What many people don't understand about it, is that it connects you with your local crisis center, so the people taking your call actually will be familiar with local resources," Wargo said. "In addition to being a great resource if you individually are suicidal or otherwise in crisis, 988 can also be used by concerned third parties. So if you are concerned about the mental health of someone, you can contact 988 to receive guidance on what you can do to help that person get the help they need."
Local therapist Alyssa Roig, LPC, recommends:
B.E.S.T.I.E.E. Project through the Hugh Lane Foundation
For LGBTQIA+ youth across western Pennsylvania.
Awareness and Wellness Center and Transitional Characters
For virtual and in-person outpatient therapy — including group therapy options — for all people, and especially the LGBTQIA+ and minority communities.
A few other local mental health professionals gave these resources:
Highmark Caring Place
For grieving children, adolescents and families.
Postpartum Support International
For postpartum parents.
Sibling Support Project
For siblings of children with special needs.
The Dad Letter Project
For those who need support from a father-figure.
Coping Skills for Kids
For children with anxiety.
Hope Grows
A Moon Township-based respite organization for long-term caregivers.
Gottman Card Decks app
For couples.
Beaver County System of Care
Visit Beaver County System of Care's website here for variety of resources.
Beaver County events during the month of May and early June...
More important dates this month
Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day.
New Brighton Memorial Triathlon
8 a.m. on Saturday, May 23: the annual triathlon includes a 300M swim at Sunrise Pool, an 18K cycle through Pulaski and Daugherty townships and a 5K run through New Brighton borough. Visit www.nbarc.net to register.
24th Annual Beaver Volunteer Fire Department 5K/10K Race
8 a.m. on Saturday, May 30: the races include a 10K at 8 a.m., a Toddler Trot for children ages 3–5 at 9 a.m. and a 5K at 9:30 a.m. at the Beaver VFD, 165 Market Street. Register by noon on Friday, May 29 here.
Aliquippa Veterans Memorial Day Tribute
10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23: a tribute at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street.
Beaver Parade and Ceremony
10 a.m. on Monday, May 25: a parade along Third Street followed by a ceremony held at the Beaver Cemetery on Buffalo Street.
Hookstown Grange Annual Memorial Day Car Cruise
10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25: parade followed by the car cruise from noon to 3 p.m. at the Hookstown Fairgrounds, 1198 State Route 168.
Tuesday, May 19 is Election Day in Pennsylvania.
Check out this article from nonprofit newsroom Spotlight PA to feel better prepared to vote in the primaries on Tuesday:
Elizabeth Estrada
The Bridge is a project of RiverWise and is designed to be a hub for all things community: a platform for creative expression, a bulletin board for resources and opportunities and a space where the people of Beaver County are seen, dignified and motivated to work together. Want to submit to The Bridge? Fill out our form here.
Dani Brown
Dani Brown is the editor-in-chief of The Bridge and also works as RiverWise's Director of Strategic Communication. She's an award-winning journalist and former reporter for the Beaver County Times and USA Today Network.
Beaver Falls, Pa