Staff Spotlight: Denise Hall, Greenwalt Adult Day Health Care Center Activities Coordinator

For 25 years, Denise Hall has cared for participants at Greenwalt Adult Day Health Care Center and become an extended family member to countless New Orleans area families. She loves her work and was even blessed to serve the same woman who took care of her when she was a child.

"Ms. Elma ran a nursery in Kenner and took care of my brother, sister, and me when we were toddlers. When she and her sister started coming to the Adult Day Health Center, I was honored to take care of her in return for all of the kindness she showed me when I was too young to take care of myself. She had the brightest smile when she saw me again after all those years."

Read the full article here.    

Inmates Giving Back

Last month, the Notre Dame Seminary hosted an art show to raise funds for Red Cloud Indian School on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. While we typically think of donors as those in our community with extra income, some of the participants may surprise you. Inmates from the Louisiana Department of Corrections donated original art pieces to support the children who attend the Jesuit run school in the highest poverty county in the nation.

Read the full article here.  

Counseling Solutions' Tips for Mental Health Awareness Month

Dr. Mark Taliancich, Clinical Director of Counseling Solutions,  has a few strategies to better cope with the stressors we all face in life, so drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and take a deep breathe while reading through the following suggestions:

1) Get up, Get outside - Daily exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, and spending time outside can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Take 15 minutes today to walk around your block and get a boost of endorphins.

2) Practice Mindfulness - To increase happiness and cope with stress, pick a time in your day (during your morning coffee, while you brush your teeth) to list five things you appreciate from the very significant (the support of a loved one) to the common (the comfort of air conditioning).

3) Go to bed earlier - Sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Set an alarm to remind yourself to step away from the work emails, turn off the tv, and begin a nighttime routine. We sleep best in cool, dark, and quiet environments, so use room-darkening curtains and a fan.

4) Cut down on screen time - Increased screen time can lead to depression, a reduction of communication skills, and interrupted sleep. Adjust the settings on your smart phone to limit use to certain times of the day and set a timed limit on social media apps. Turn off devices an hour before bed, and try a no phones meal to focus on quality connection.

5) Journal - Taking 10 minutes to write down your thoughts can help you view things from a new perspective or see the silver lining in your negative experiences. If a blank page keeps you from starting, try a simple list of things that made you smile today.

While these tips are helpful, they should not be used to replace therapy for those of us facing difficult issues. If you need help, contact Counseling Solutions at 985-785-2113 to schedule an appointment and read the full article here.   

Thanks to each and every person who supported Catholic Charities on GiveNOLA Day! With your generosity, we raised $25,170 in just 24 hours! Visit our website to learn more about the programs your donations support.

High school students can register for our summer SERVE program (Students Engaging in Reflective Volunteer Experiences) for 12-32 hours of service at locations around the New Orleans area. The program allows students to fulfill their service hour requirement while having fun and making our community a better place.  

May 28 - Peace Prayer Walk, 6pm at Ascension of Our Lord in Laplace  

June 3 - Registration for Orleans Parish Summer ESL Classes, 1-7pm at Tulane's Newcomb Hall  

June 4 -Registration for Jefferson Parish Summer ESL Classes, 1-7pm at 2505 Maine Ave Metairie