Ethel and James Flinn Foundation

The holidays are a time for joy, but they can also be overwhelming. Detroit expert Jewel Nicole Wilson-Taylor, LLMSW reminds us that setting boundaries isn't just about saying "no" — it’s about protecting your mental health, modeling healthy habits for your kids and making space for the moments that matter. Here’s how you can make this holiday season more mindful: ✨ Watch for stress signs like missing meaningful moments or feeling constantly overwhelmed. ✨ Practice saying "no" to create balance and focus on what truly matters. ✨ Get your kids’ input—what’s most meaningful to them this season? Remember, “there is more love in a no than a yes.” 💙 Read more from our reporting partner Metro Parent on prioritizing your well-being and creating lasting memories this holiday season.

Meet the four inaugural recipients of the Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award! 👏 These nonprofit leaders have demonstrated phenomenal commitment to mental health care. “This award is extraordinary because it focuses on true restoration and sustainability for these leaders,” says Nanci Hambrick, Project Manager at the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at the Wayne State University School of Social Work. “The recipients are not only being given four weeks of paid time away to recharge, but the Foundation also provided funds for their organizations to cover extra responsibilities during their absence. This ensures that these leaders can step away without worrying about the strain on their teams — a rare and deeply thoughtful approach.” ➡️ Learn more about the honorees and their amazing work. https://lnkd.in/grrKkMBK

🎓 College is an exciting chapter but also a time of immense stress, with nearly 60% of students facing significant depression at some point. Supporting their mental health is crucial for their success both academically and personally. Expert Tips for Parents: ♦️ Look for warning signs like withdrawal, declining grades, or changes in appetite. ♦️ Start open, empathetic conversations and normalize talking about mental health. ♦️ Don’t hesitate to consult with mental health professionals for advice. Advice for Students: ♦️ Utilize free campus counseling services or remote options. ♦️ Share your feelings with trusted friends and family. ♦️ Maintain self-care habits like daily exercise and staying organized to manage stress. Read more from our reporting partner Metro Parent.

🌟 Recognizing Local Leaders in Mental Health 🌟 The Flinn Foundation is thrilled to honor the inaugural recipients of the Leonard W. Smith “Mental Health Hero” Award. This year, four outstanding leaders of Detroit-area nonprofits were selected for their tireless work in youth mental health: 🔹 Meredith Reese, Chief Operating Officer at Vista Maria 🔹 Kenyatta Stephens, Chief Executive Officer at Black Family Development, Inc. 🔹 Celia Thomas, DHA, ACHE, Chief Operating Officer at Alternatives For Girls 🔹 Nicole L. Wilson RN, MBA, Executive Director at The Yunion Founded in honor of the late Leonard W. Smith, who used his career to better the lives of children in Metro Detroit, this award provides these leaders with much-needed time to recharge. Each honoree receives paid time away, with their organizations receiving additional funds to support their teams in their absence. This unique approach ensures sustainability and care for both individuals and their organizations. Please help us in recognizing these incredible leaders and their impact on our community! 💙

Wayne County’s Behavioral Health Diversion Program, supported by the Flinn Foundation, is earning national attention as a model for integrating public safety and mental health. ⭐️ A delegation from Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently visited Detroit to learn how this initiative fosters collaboration among key players like the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Detroit Police Department, and Wayne State University’s School of Social Work. CEO Andrea Cole moderated a dynamic panel featuring Chief Judge Freddie Burton, Jr., who emphasized, “We really believe in the work we’re doing, in teamwork, and in the results we’ve seen.” This initiative shows the power of partnerships in driving equitable mental health support and inspiring other communities to take action. 💙 Learn more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g4NfPaXV

Practicing thoughtful gratitude is one of the best things you can do for your own well-being. 🫶

Do you notice a change in your child’s behavior as the seasons shift from the warmth of summer to the colder, darker months of fall and winter? While some mood fluctuations are normal, particularly as kids adjust to new school routines, a more serious issue could be at play: seasonal affective disorder. ☁️ This article from partner Metro Parent's A Parent’s Guide to Family Mental Health shares what you need to know, from an expert at Wayne Pediatrics, Inc.

🔹 Reimagining Youth Justice in Wayne County 🔹 Last month, Wayne County stakeholders came together for two powerful sessions to address youth justice intervention strategies through Critical Intervention Mapping (CIM). This approach maps the youth justice process to identify key moments for diversion and early intervention, reducing deeper system involvement. The event, hosted by the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at Wayne State University and supported by the Flinn Foundation, gathered court representatives, educators, health networks and individuals with lived experience. Moderated by Tyler Logan, MA, discussions centered on gaps, resources, and community-driven solutions. 🔑 Highlights: 🔹 Focus on early intervention to divert youth from deeper system involvement. 🔹 Collaborative, bottom-up approaches that empower stakeholders and families. 🔹 Evidence-based practices balanced with community-driven strategies for impactful change. With youth mental health crises at an all-time high, this initiative underscores the importance of thoughtful, data-driven approaches in reshaping youth justice. ⚖️ 📲 Learn more about how we can build a system that prioritizes prevention, compassion and support for our youth. https://lnkd.in/gfkJM5up

📣 FACT: Practicing gratitude can boost happiness and well-being — even your overall health — while reducing anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depressive disorders are associated with underlying negative thinking patterns, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Gratitude can break that negative thinking habit because it’s difficult to get stuck in negativity when we are truly grateful. Here are some tips to get started: 🤍 When you start to spiral, challenge your mind to find something in the present moment to be grateful for. This brings you into the present moment and breaks the cycle of rumination. 🤍 Recognize that gratitude doesn’t negate pain. You can be both hurting and grateful. 🤍 Try using this pattern: “In this moment, I am anxious about my workload AND I am grateful for the support of my coworkers.” Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eWTtx6QC

Supporting someone through depression can be challenging, but we can make a significant impact by recognizing signs, encouraging treatment and offering our presence. 🤍 Even simply listening without judgment can be powerful. Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic that can help if your family member or friend is dealing with depression. 📲 https://lnkd.in/gZW83i9V