Andrew’s Anthem kids help fellow teens
Isolation can be hard on anyone, and kids and teens are no exception.
It’s especially true for those who may feel isolated to begin with.
On Saturday, at the Caloosahatchee Creek Preserve East, several kids from the Andrew’s Anthem program created care packages for teens serviced by the Fort Myers Community Action Team.
In these difficult times, and in promotion of mental health awareness month, teens need a helping hand, said Dr. Laura Baltodano, founder of Andrew’s Anthem, named for her son who committed suicide two years ago next week.
“We help build a strong foundation of mental wellness, providing resilience and strategies for people 10 to 24 years old and their families,” Baltodano said. “It gives a sense of community. A lot of these kids are disconnected even though they are online, they struggle with being face to face.”
Many of the clients suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Social media can exacerbate it, making it harder to connect with people, even if they have a supportive home, Baltodano said, adding that her group tries to bring that connection.
The kids showed up wearing T-shirts from the Animal Refuge Center’s Pawsitive Pause program, which uses animals to relieve stress and make the kids happier and more supported, and began to construct the care packages.
They made worry beads, which are used to take their minds off their stress by counting them, along with an origami book, pens, bubbles, soap, bath balm, a squishy toy, lavender and more.
Among the other ways the group brings people together and reduces stress is through yoga and meditation through Zoom programs, mindfulness, self-compassion and compassion for others and more.
The parents of the kids have seen a difference.
Tracey said her daughter has learned life lessons and tools that help her cope with the stresses of the world.
“She’s gotten a lot of self-esteem, socialization and support from it. This has been her main source of socialization since school has been out since March,” McCauley said. “She is mindful of the things that help her cope with what’s going on.”
Katharine said her granddaughter has gotten great help from Pawsitive Pause and Andrew’s Anthem in general.
“She’s at the age where she thinks more about others than herself. This program has helped her to do that,” Wilson-Burris said. “She is not good at handling stress, and the hands-on with the cats is a tremendous stress release.”
Sage, 11, was among the kids working to help others.
“We’re making packs for people who get lost in their minds a lot. There are some of us like me who are like that,” Sage said. “Andrew’s Anthem is helping us a lot. We’ve learned to control our stress, calm it down and focus on what really matters in life.”
Andrew’s Anthem is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that teaches young people, ages 10-24, how to manage stress, practice self-compassion and connect with others in a healthy way.
For more information on Andrew’s Anthem and to volunteer or donate, visit www.andrewsanthem.org.