Happy Memorial Day! Posted by:Jenn--Friday, May 23, 2014

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Emerging Drug Trends Posted by:Jenn--Wednesday, May 21, 2014

What do gravel, puppy chow, lemon drop, spice, molly, purple drank, and bromo dragonfly all have in common?

Their innocuous names are in direct contrast to their possible side effects.  Yes, they can make their users feel happy, excitable, perhaps even euphoric.  Yet they can also lead to hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, convulsions, aggressive behavior, emergency room visits, even death.   

These drugs are all part of the emerging drug scene.  According to the Regional Organized Crime Information Center:

New drugs are emerging at an unprecedented rate as manufacturers of “legal high” products use new chemicals to replace those that are banned. These new chemicals take the place of heroin, morphine, and amphetamines. These drugs are highly accessible, touted as legal, and perceived as safe.  However, despite the popularity in designer drugs and legal high products, the abuse of heroin and prescription painkiller medication is still trending throughout the country. 

If you want to increase your awareness about these drugs, click here for more information about emerging drug trends and the dangers they pose to our children and our communities.

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Shatterproof Challenge Posted by:Jenn--Monday, May 12, 2014

Our own Adventurous Abby is going to rappel from the side of the Westin at Liberty Center in Pittsburgh on June 25^th.  Abby is looking forward to this as a thrilling opportunity (most of us would consider it to be terrifying!) to participate in the nationwide Shatterproof Challenge.  The Challenge will raise awareness and funds for Shatterproof, a 501(c) organization devoted to ending the stigma of addiction; providing families with critical information and support; bringing evidence-based approaches to bear on prevention, treatment and recovery; and changing public policy.  Shatterproof has an impressive list of board advisors & partner organizations (including the Clinton Foundation, Marriott International, and the National Hockey League).  

If you are interested in helping Abby to raise funds for this organization, go to her personal Shatterproof webpage at https://secure.shatterproof.org/page/outreach/view/pittsburgh-2014-shatterproof-challenge/Allegheny. 

  

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Happy Mother's Day Posted by:Jenn--Saturday, May 10, 2014

In whatever way you can, no matter how difficult your family's situation may be right now, try to find a way to celebrate your love of life and of your family!!  (You owe it to yourself.)

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Why Mothers Cry Posted by:Jenn--Monday, May 05, 2014

"Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom.
"Because I am a mother," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said.
His Mom hugged him and said, "You never will."

Later, the little boy asked his father
why mother cried for no reason.
"All mothers cry for no reason"
was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man
still wondering why mothers cry.

So he finally asked God,

"God, why do mothers cry so easily?"

 God said, "You see son, 

when I made mothers, they had to be special.

I made their shoulders strong enough
to carry the weight of the world,
yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave them an inner strength to
endure childbirth and the rejection
that many times comes from their children.

I gave them a hardiness that allows
them to keep going on when everyone else gives up,
and to take care of their families through sickness
and fatigue without complaining.

I gave them the sensitivity to love their
children under all circumstances,
even when their child has hurt them very badly.

This same sensitivity helps them to
make a child's boo-boo feel better,
and helps them share a teenager's anxieties and fears.

I gave them a tear to shed,
It's theirs exclusively to use whenever it is needed.

It is their only weakness.

It is a tear for mankind."

Author Unknown 

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