SOUTHEAST OAKLAND COALITION

SUMMER WENT BY IN A FLASH. Now we

are faced with new challenges: Getting back into a routine that hasn't been there for many months will be a challenge. Most students I have talked to are excited to return to in-school learning and some are still opting for remote learning. No matter which choice makes sense to you, our students have been experiencing mental stress and possibly making poor choices in substance use.

by Carol Jackson, Executive Director

The SouthEast Oakland Coalition (SEOC) has been in Ferndale public schools for many years. We are a 501c3 charity with a mission “To bring together all segments of the community to reduce substance abuse, especially among youth and promote a mentally, emotionally and physically safe and healthy environment in which to live and work." SEOC is responsible for Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Twp and a sliver of Oak Park.

Underage and binge drinking, marijuana, use of E cigarettes and vaping has increased nationally among youth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaping is a great alternative to tobacco. It’s extremely addictive and it is illegal under the age of 21. This is a vulnerable time for our children. Our job is to ensure that their educational, personal and mental development continues to increase and prepares them to become tomorrow's leaders. Read on to see how you can help. The most important thing you can do to make an impact is simply to pay attention to new behaviors in your youth. Problems with substance use starts in middle school. Yes, you heard that right: middle school. Signs include too many bathroom trips, a dry cough, keeping secrets, objects that looks like a charger for a computer (which are actually a charger for a vape pen), shortness of breath, headaches, increased thirst, emotional problems and that's just to name a few. Young people can actually purchase clothing made to facilitate vaping surreptitiously, like a hoodie with ties that are actually a delivery system for the vapor. SEOC tries to teach parents and teachers to pay attention and provide alternatives to keep our young people active. Some of the prevention strategies SEOC offers are a Join Our Youth group (run by students) in the school, to help troubled students get support from their peers. Other programs include Financial Literacy, Health, Wellness & Nutrition and Life Skills, to help young people learn prevention strategies. We don’t preach, we educate and have fun while doing it. We have sponsored the following activities for many years prior to Covid: Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Domestic Violence Awareness, Safe Night, PRIDE Month, Coats for Kids, SEOC Youth Group, and holiday events.

If you have a student in your life, give us a call at the coalition for more information. These young people are our future leaders, we need to give them all the opportunities we have in our tool box. n

Submitted by Carol Jackson, Executive Director 586-747-1394 carol.jackson@ferndaleschools.org Hiram Harris, Youth Programs Director 248-979-2212 hiram_harris@yahoo.com

S O U T H E A s T O A K L A N D C O A L I T I O N Welcomes Parents & Teachers Back

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected communities world-wide in many

negative ways. In addition to widespread death and despair, Covid-19 has also exacerbated another epidemic that has long been growing in our communities: teenage substance abuse.

Teenagers are curious by nature, and their interest in drug experimentation is no exception. They feel indestructible, and are ignorant of the consequences drug abuse will have on their lives. The two most common substances abused by teens are alcohol and marijuana. Others include; tobacco, opiates, prescription drugs, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants and “designer” drugs. Unfortunately, some teenagers will go on to develop an addiction to drugs. Why do some young people develop a substance abuse problem? , Peer pressure. , Low self esteem.

, Family history of substance abuse. , Mental health issues (especially anxiety and depression). , Past trauma/abuse.

Where can our Oakland County youth find help for a substance abuse problem? Look no further than these three local Community Coalition Groups: , Southeast Oakland Coalition: Serving Ferndale, Royal Oak Town-ship, Pleasant Ridge and portions of Oak Park. The Director is Carol Jackson (carol.jackson@ferndaleschools.org). , Tri-Community Coalition: Serving Berkley, Huntington Woods and portions of Oak Park. The Executive Director is Judy Rubin (judyrubin@tricommunitycoalition.org). , Royal Oak Coalition: Serving Royal Oak. The Director is Melissa Morris (rocommunitycoalition@gmail.com). I interviewed the Directors from these three Community Coalition groups and learned a great deal about the excellent work they do, including; , Providing numerous educational programs, presentations and support to our local middle schools and high schools. , Substance abuse prevention, mental health wellness and recovery support.

, Providing our youth with substance abuse education, which enables them to make better "life choices." , Employing student speakers to share their first-hand substance abuse experiences, lending credibility to their drug-free message. , Working with parents, teachers, businesses, governments, faith communities, law enforcement, healthcare providers, homeowners and public/private agencies. Some of their current programs include: , Student Vaping: This growing problem involves inhaling substances and chemicals by which may lead to permanent lung damage.

Kerry Lark , Resolve: This comprehensive “life skills” program restores the hope and health of people in recovery from substance abuse. , Buzzed Driving: This program covers the dangers of "driving under the influence." , Renewed: This four-step, on-line program provides tools and coping strategies to help people deal with stress and anxiety. The mother ship for these three local Community Coalitions is a 501c3 non-profit called the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. The Alliance is funded by the Oakland Community Health Network and private donations. There are a total of 21 local Community Coalitions providing coverage to all of Oakland County. Covid-19 has caused great suffering and loss, but it also can be a catalyst for positive change. We know our young people should not face the dangers of drug abuse alone. So what can you do? It’s simple! Tell your family, friends and neighbors about the important work being done by these Community Coalition groups and then contribute some of your time, expertise or money to their worthy cause. Helen Keller summed it up best, when she said:

www.ACHCMI.org | info@achcmi.org | 248-221-7107

L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y C O A L I T I O N G R O U P S Fighting Teenage Substance Abuse

by Jenn Goeddeke

L iv i ng Modes Offering Elegance & Style Since 1953!

Along with his highenergy manager of 34 years, Rick Lakomy, Sherman prides himself on dedication to his loyal customers. Sherman and Lakomy enjoy getting to know everyone. Even though the Covid19 pandemic has hit Ferndale hard, Sherman continues to work diligently to keep up with the demand for his products and services. We sat on a gorgeous, white leather reclining couch, next to a large and brightly-colored coffee table. I was already sold! Sherman put me at ease, with his laid-back conversational style. After chatting, Sherman took me on a tour of the entire two-level store, quite an eye-opening experience for art lovers such as myself. Sherman's background in horticulture and interior design clear-ly served him well in forming these stunning showrooms and the whole ensemble is spot-on. All items are displayed in a highly color-coordinated and integral way; it’s a lively, arrangement of furniture, art, lighting, mirrors, florals and accessories where all items are vying for attention! Sherman takes great pride in his selection of merchandise, and buys items from all over the world.

FOR NEARLY SEVEN DECADES, METRO DETROIT'S PRIMARY DESTINATION for great contemporary and mid-century SHERMAN STARTED OUT SMALLER, WITH JUST 3000 SQUARE FEET. The store has evolved greatly over the decades. In 1953, his father, Bernard “Barney” Sherman opened the first incarnation of Living Modes, on the old James Couzens highway. Gradually over the years, Richard Sherman started to handle the nuts and bolts of the business. Then in 1995, the modern home decor has been store moved to its current location at 23535 Woodward Ave in Living Modes. Located at 23535 Woodward Ferndale in Ferndale, and owned by Richard Sherman, Living Modes has gathered an extensive clientele over the years.

Due to the Covid19 pandemic, Sherman had to close the store for a couple of months, like most others in Michigan. However, he considers himself fortunate, as sales have remained strong. Teaming up with his son, Ian, Sherman retains a prominent online presence, through both FaceBook and their web site. Naturally, Sherman has been saddened by the effect of the pandemic on many of his neighbors’ lives and businesses, and he is “waiting for the ‘new normal’ – I want to see Ferndale return to its former bustling vibrancy.” n 248.544.1711 www.livingmodesonline.com www.facebook.com/livingmodes. Mon. 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Tues 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Weds-Thurs Closed Fri 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Sat 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Sun Closed