Las Vegas Nonprofit “Adam’s Place” Steps up to Help Community Build Healthy Coping Skills During COVID 19 Pandemic
As communities across the country and around the world are dealing with the spread of Covid 19, a Las Vegas nonprofit is stepping up efforts to help families, especially children, cope with this unprecedented health crisis.
For the last decade, “Adam’s Place” has provided grief support groups for children, teens, and families coping with loss. Today, they are making even more use of technology, especially social media, to share tools in teaching and fostering healthy coping skills. On their website www.adamsplacelv.org and Facebook page, the community now has access to a new “on demand” video series by Adam’s Place, showcasing simple yoga moves and breathing exercises anyone can do from anywhere. The nonprofit is also boosting communications with families by sending weekly emails and newsletters, as well as conducting orientations via zoom calls.
“Our organization is nimble and we are adjusting to this pandemic,” said Kelly Thomas-Boyers, Founder of Adam’s Place. “We have gone back to using the phone and making regular contacts with families needing our help. We are providing ideas for simple activities through our emails and newsletters for people to do safely at home. We want kids to focus on learning tasks and skills that will help them cope with these uncertain times.”
Adam’s Place relies on community support to fund ongoing programs and new projects like “MUSIC U”, a collaboration with local musical mentors to give children a chance to expand their coping skills in a healthy way. Other services include Junior Camp Cope, Adult Parenting Skills Programs, In-School Camp Cope Programs, Quarterly Healthy Coping Workshops, Quarterly Family Connections Events, Spring Well Corporate Employee training and On-Site Support Group Facilitation, along with Motivational Guest Speaker Engagements.
To help sustain and expand these services for the fall, Adam’s Place has launched a new “superhero” program, encouraging the community to be a stakeholder in this nonprofit. By pledging $10 a month for one year, the nonprofit can gain momentum, especially during these challenging times. “Superhero” members will get discounts to programs and events along with personal letters from children who are part of Adam’s Place.
One of these children is 3 year old Bryce Magee. His parents, Shyla and RJ, lost their younger son, Colt, last fall and they said Adam’s Place and their programs have helped Bryce and the rest of the family through this grieving process.
“I have seen it helped Bryce. I have seen him come out of his shell,” said Shyla Magee. “Bryce is talking about his emotions and feelings more and also about Colt. I have seen how Adam’s Place has helped out and we hope through our story, other families can find guidance and support form this amazing organization.”
Adam’s Place is currently helping up to 300 families a year and it is actively looking for new volunteer group facilitators. The nonprofit will provide the training, tools, and curriculum. A training seminar is happening via zoom in early May. Once the social mandating guidelines are lifted, the volunteers will be working with kids and teens both at Adam’s Place and at local schools across Southern Nevada.
“Volunteers are the heart of Adam’s Place. The direct service volunteers provide is invaluable to us and our community,” said Boyers. “Volunteers benefit too, from helping others, meeting new people, and contributing to a greater purpose beyond themselves. We are young, energetic group the will support you throughout your volunteer experience.”
Adam’s Place also holds its fundraising gala, “Vintage & Vines” every year. The event, initially slated for April 22nd, has been postponed until October 21st due to the pandemic. The community is asked to mark their calendar for this roaring 20’s theme bash, complete with live music, delicious cuisine, fine wine and craft beers. The evening will include a 1920’s attire costume contest and a chance to bid on fabulous items and experiences during silent and live auctions.
For more information on Adam’s Place and how to support the nonprofit, go to www.adamsplacelv.org