Ways to More Easily Ask Your Questions

Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We have made it through the first full week of school here in Knoxville, and we are supposed to have a back-to-school dance next week. Can you believe it? I hope you aren’t overloaded with homework already, but if you are, you can

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Ready to Socialize!

It was as if they realized that they were all connected, worked as a team, and found a sense of belonging. Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Happy first weekend of 2024! I started this new year by returning to a familiar job: special education teaching assistant. Though I

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When to Save Yourself: Cutting Toxicity Out of Your Life

The first person I cut out of my life was very important to me, and I still think about them to this day. But no matter how I frame it, I know that cutting that person out of my life was the best thing I could have done for myself.

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How to Plan for Home or Vehicle Emergencies

In the trunk, use a large bag or plastic crate to store a blanket (reflective, if you have one) as well as jumper cables, a flashlight, and a pair of heavy-duty gloves. I also recommend that you pack a separate bag of snacks and water in case you break down.

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Teen Workshop: Your Financial Future

In this recent workshop for RiseUP Cooperative, Garry Thurman and Tyde McIntosh discuss how to avoid making financial decisions that will one day bring you grief. Garry and Tyde both work at Guardian Investment Advisors in Chattanooga and are hosts of the podcast “Plan Today Own Tomorrow.”

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How to Protect Yourself from Physical Danger

(The presenter for this teen workshop was Lieutenant Daniel Francis, who has been working for 15 years in the Chattanooga Police Department. He is also an instructor for basic self-defense.) The very best way to protect your personal safety is to develop the following four strategies: (1) risk awareness, (2) risk reduction, (3) risk recognition, and (4)

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How to Deal With Emotions That Can Lead to Self-Harm and Suicide

(This is a recap of an interactive teen workshop by Arianne Brigner, LPC-MHSP, who provides comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teens and adults in the Chattanooga area. A therapist for 17 years, she loves to help clients learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions that can lead to self-harm, drinking, drugs, suicide, and other impulsive behaviors.) Learning to deal

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ADULT WORKSHOP: Preparing Your Child for a Successful School Year

This adult workshop shares practical ways to help your child(ren) have a successful school year. Most foster kids are behind in school due to the trauma they have experienced, and COVID-19 has compounded these issues. Try these 25 simple strategies to help your teens become the best they can be.

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Brain Architecture: Building Strong Foundations and Responding to Trauma

Early experiences literally shape how the brain gets built, establishing either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for the development and behavior that follows. A strong foundation in the early years increases the probability of positive outcomes. Learn about how this may affect you and how you can help make your brain stronger.

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Help and Hope for People With Addiction

The following recap highlights a teen workshop presented by Kimberly W. Cohen of New Season addiction and recovery center. She has worked with families since 2001, addressing issues such as teen addiction, trauma, suicide, loss of family, and foster care placement. She is also the mother of five children and five grandchildren.

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Straight Talk about Sex Trafficking: Hot’s NOT Cool

(In this teen workshop, Love’s Arm advocacy team members Mimi Nikkel and Brandon Culpepper addressed the important topic of sex trafficking. In the process of explaining how to be safe online and protect yourself against predators, they discussed five different subjects: who you are, what you like, “no” is a good word, sex does not define you, and stupid smartphones.)

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