Nexus-Indian Oaks Family Healing

11/10/2025

Program 2 youth had an amazing time exploring the Shedd Aquarium! The youth got to see all kinds of sea life—from colorful fish and stingrays to playful penguins and dolphins. One of the highlights was interacting with a few types of fish, including starfish and sturgeon. The group enjoyed learning new facts about ocean life and spending time together. It was a day full of laughter, curiosity, and discovery!

11/06/2025

Today is National Stress Awareness Day—an important time to remember that children feel stress just like we do, even if they don't tell us. Our blog post, Stress Relieving Methods for Kids, shares ways to recognize stress in children of all ages, plus practical techniques you can use right away to help them calm down and feel safe.

Let's give our kids the tools to cope—because every child deserves to feel seen and supported. Read more of our blog here https://buff.ly/oFlnYfr

11/05/2025

Our youth had a spooktacular time celebrating Halloween on campus last week! From creative costumes to awesome decorations, the day was filled with connection, fun, and lots of candy. We love creating these safe, joyful spaces where our youth can be themselves and have fun together—a reminder that joy plays an important role in healing.

10/23/2025

This month, the spotlight is shining bright on Youth Care Professional Lori Hansen!

Ms. Lori is truly the backbone of Program 2. She shows up every single day for our most challenging youth with unwavering compassion, integrity, and dedication. Known as the All Stars’ very own “Hope Keeper,” she brings light, laughter, and encouragement to everyone around her.

Dependable, steady, and always ready to lend a helping hand, Ms. Lori goes above and beyond to make sure the program feels clean, safe, and welcoming — a place the youth can genuinely call home. Her humor keeps spirits high, and her laughter is often the boost we didn’t know we needed.

She’s also a natural teacher and mentor, always sharing her knowledge and guiding others to grow. We think every program should have a Ms. Lori.

Thank you, Lori, for all you do to make Nexus-Indian Oaks a place of healing and hope!

10/20/2025

As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, many of us may notice a shift in our mood. If you're feeling more sluggish, tired, or unmotivated, you're not alone. These could be indicators of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, often during the fall and winter months.

There are ways, however, to manage and improve your well-being during this time with practical tips and tricks. Things like light therapy and sun exposure can stimulate serotonin production and increase feel-good emotions.

If you're struggling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. You're not alone and support is available. For more in-depth tips and strategies, check out our full blog post here: https://buff.ly/l5t0jmv

10/05/2025

Today begins a week full of recognizing and uplifting those who struggle with mental illness or are supporting someone who does. In honor of this time, we would like to share a resource designed to support your mental well-being—a daily reflection guide used to check in on yourself and reflect on the things that support your mental health.

Taking a few minutes each day to reflect can help build self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection with yourself. This simple tool includes:

- Two-Word Check-In: Describe your day in just two words
- Gratitude: Identify one thing you're grateful for
- Daily Prompts: Answering reflection questions

Download the full reflection guide here:

Use this sheet to check in on yourself and reflect on the things that support your mental health and well-being each day.

09/30/2025

Even though Suicide Prevention Month is wrapping up, our work continues every day here at Nexus-Indian Oaks Family Healing. We’re here to walk alongside youth and families with tools, support, and hope—no matter the season.

Check out Nexus Family Healing's great resources for more ways to create coping skills: https://www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/creating-coping-skills

09/22/2025

Happy First Day of Fall! Today we pause to celebrate children and families in every season of life— those who have overcome challenges, are facing difficult times, and those who are simply doing their best day by day.

Just like the changing leaves, every stage of your journey is meaningful. At Nexus Family Healing, we believe in honoring resilience, supporting healing, and celebrating the beauty in simply being.

Here's to fresh starts and growth that the changing seasons bring. Locate resources to help you through this time here:

Summer is slowly coming to an end. Many families are experiencing a mixture of feelings, both positive and negative. Some of the positives are a desire for normalcy while some of the negatives include the pressures to finish summer projects. No matter how you are feeling as summer draws to an end, r...

09/16/2025

Sometimes the right song is exactly what you need. It can lift you up, calm you down, or just remind you that you’re not alone.

This Suicide Prevention Month, Nexus Family Healing put together a Feel Good Playlist with some of their favorite songs that bring hope and comfort.

Listen on Spotify: https://buff.ly/ET6HHRr

09/12/2025

As summer fades and fall begins, it's the perfect time to slow down and focus on your well-being. Our blog, Cozy Fall Activities for Your Mental Health, shares simple ways to embrace the season— like mindful walks, cozy rituals, and creative outlets that bring comfort and calm.

This fall, give yourself permission to recharge and find joy in the little things. You can read the full blog here: https://buff.ly/PRZoKEM