Hot topics and things to know.
All content in our blog is posted for use by anyone who is seeking help — OP participants or not. We encourage you to share these posts with people you think will benefit. For your convenience, we’ve sorted content into hot topics, and you search below.
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Recognizing and Addressing Ableism in Youth Culture
Recognizing ableism in youth culture is vital for fostering inclusivity and respect for individual youth with disabilities. Ableism, based on assumptions about abilities, can lead to exclusion and discrimination. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures, youth can help create a culture that values everyone's abilities and contributions, regardless of their ability. How does it show up?
Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe & Respected: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
During April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s a great time to review how we can help youth navigate healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries.
Black History Month - Celebrating Black Women and Girls Now and Always
Black History Month celebrates and honors the achievements of Black people, and is a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It’s also a time to honor and celebrate Black girls who make invaluable contributions to their communities. Empowered girls change their world, and the whole world too.
Comfort & Joy: Embracing Those Small Moments of Togetherness
During the winter season and the diverse holidays many of us celebrate, it can be easy to focus on all the stresses and expectations. It’s okay to acknowledge our feelings. But they can also be an invitation to see and experience joy and comfort - whether reliving family tradition, or defining new ways to feel comfort, togetherness, and joy.
Drawing the Line: Boundaries, Technology and Your Family
Navigating device usage can feel like a never-ending argument. It can be hard to set boundaries and disconnect from devices now that both you and your kids are using technology more frequently.
9 Healthy Habits For Talking About Puberty
Ah puberty – a time of change, self-discovery, and exploration. Also a time of feeling vulnerable, confused, and embarrassed for both youth and the adults in their lives. Parents, here are 9 habits you can lean into as you begin and continue having puberty talks with your teens.
Pronouns: “It’s Just A Phase”
More often than expected, we hear adults and parents of young people who are exploring their identity say, “It’s just a phase.”
The phase is learning, the phase is identity exploration, the phase is finding out what fits. It serves a purpose while youth grow up.
Filling the Cup: What Is Self-Care?
We hear about it all the time, but let’s take a second to get back to basics about self-care.
Relational Aggression AKA Girl Drama AKA Bullying
Being a young person in school can get extremely challenging when dealing with bullying and other aggressive behaviors from peers. As an adult ally, learn more about how you can recognize aggressive behaviors and how to support youth who are targets.
OP Announces Laura Sanchez as Incoming Executive Director
After 15 years of leadership and girl empowerment, Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews is passing the leadership baton to OP’s vice president of programs and licensed professional counselor, Laura Sanchez. Sanchez will take over as executive director on Nov. 1.
Ophelia’s Place expands to Albany & Linn County
Tracy Berry of McKenzie River Broadcasting shares the great news that Ophelia's Place has opened a downtown location in Albany Oregon, expanding OP's empowerment services. Let’s listen.
How to Talk to Teens About Roe v. Wade – Step One: Listen.
Listening, learning with, and talking about access to health services with your young person is more important than ever. How can you tackle this important conversation? Here's some guidance to get started.
Two Easy Tools for Doing a Mental Health Check-in with Your Teen
Youth are experiencing a swath of feelings after transitioning to in-person activities after two pandemic years, like anxiety around reconnecting with friends, school performance and motivation, and depression. Here are two tools that could help.
Ophelia’s Place to Open Space for Girl Empowerment in Downtown Albany Soon
Albany-area girls ages 10-18 will soon have the opportunity to meet new friends, explore new interests, and connect with trauma-informed adults to help navigate the joys and challenges of their teen years.
New Year, Same Amazing You
“New Year, New You” is so done. What your body looks like doesn’t define your value or your ability to be loved. Use the new year to celebrate the incredible person you already are.