Resources abound locally for those in need

It is naive to think that weakness is a sign of failure and that we must always hide our problems or our pride is lost.

In fact, admitting when we need assistance is actually braver than being afraid to ask. Unfortunately, many worry about how they will appear to others and turn to sources that may not always have their best interest at heart.

For those truly in need of help, do not forget that you can turn to your community.

After all, what makes a community successful is that all of its inhabitants work together and not only bring their resources, but also their time, knowledge, and effort to create a thriving place to live and learn.

There are many groups and individuals who provide real and true assistance and will give you hope, rather than fill you with doubt, and will present good literature to help you with the process.

For one example, there is a mentoring program called BARBIES, which stands for Beautiful Anointed Respected Beloved Intelligent Empowered Sisters. This ongoing program by the Calumet Memorial Park District and The Figgs Foundation is for teenage girls ages 13 to 15 and takes place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. each Monday at the Sandridge Fitness Center, 600 Oglesby Ave. in Calumet City. It is  free to attend. Call (708) 862-6443.

Another place to turn is New Leaf Resources in Lansing. Besides offering events open to the community, such as relationship workshops, their website, www.newleafresources.org, offers links to books and magazines centered on healing and successful coping mechanisms for everything from dealing with grief and depression to parenting advice. You can call (708) 895-7310 for more information.

For those interested in making a difference and doing the giving, rather than the receiving, Tutor/Mentor Connection will host a leadership and networking conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson, 20801 Matteson Ave.

The program connects leaders and mentors with each other providing a network of supporters. There will be a variety of speakers in attendance and many different workshops available, but you must register by email or by phone. The phone number is (312) 492-9614 and contact email is walkerkarina@gmail.com.

You can also look into your local hospitals for programs and education regarding physical or health counseling. They continuously offer events and classes centered on improving your pre-existing condition, emotional support in dealing with it and preventing  various diseases.

For those who are connected to the individual in need of help and can use an outlet themselves for the stress that results, there are support groups for everyone from caregivers to friends and family members of addicts.

Do not be embarrassed to admit that you need help and make sure that when you are ready to ask for it, you turn to a trusted individual or resource. Weakness and vulnerability do not define us negatively, it is what makes us human and what links us all together.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. Nissa Yekich can be reached at nini85@sbcglobal.net.