COVID-19--Are we all in this together? We are the world, but in the Permian Basin--the struggle is unique. Oil Prices have affected our community's livelihood, in addition to the world economic and health crisis. This special edition of Centers Solutions will go over the problems we are facing in the Permian Basin and ways to cope. Kristi Edwards, LPC, is here to coach us through it!

The Centers Solutions Team welcomes Courtney Heard with Chevron as she describes her experience with Centers' "Kids First" from a volunteer's perspective. Kids First supervised visitation and exchange program gives children and parents the opportunity to bond in a secure and controlled environment. It is all about keeping kids SAFE! Listen to one of our favorite community warriors as she takes us through the process.

How important is volunteerism? Just ask any of your local non-profit organizations! Our Centers Solutions Team has a conversation with Molly Murphy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin as she describes their efforts to provide effective mentoring for the youth in our community. As always, we highlight the mental health connection!

It is 2020 and we are ringing in the new year with our 20th episode! Instead of resolutions, we are talking about creating "intentions" for our lives--present and future. Kristi Edwards walks us through an ALMOST therapy session and EMBRACING THE PROCESS OF YOUR PROGRESS!

Kids Grieve too--and grief has many triggers in today's world! Rays of Hope Children's Grief Centre joins the Centers Solutions podcast team to discuss their programs for helping children through the grieving process and the mental health connection.

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the concept of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. Jennifer Whitehead, Stress Management Specialist at Midland Memorial Hospital, joins the podcast team to share information on the practice and how it can help our community.

Libby Campbell, Executive Director of The West Texas Food Bank joins our team to talk about the many ways in which the lack of food affects not only the physical, but the mental state of well being . For more information on The West Texas Food Bank, visit: www.wtxfoodbank.org

Student Athletes often struggle through academic stress, exhaustion, and the pressure to perform. Forrest Allen with Midland College joins Centers Solutions to discuss the issues faced by our students and the mental health connection.

HOLIDAY STRESS ALERT! Let's face it: Sometimes the holidays are not so jolly. In fact, this time of year can create feelings of doubt, overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Kristi Edwards leads the podcast team in an ALMOST THERAPY session with coping techniques for the "most wonderful time of the year..."

Winter Blues is no joke! In fact, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder--or SAD--during the darker, colder months. Our podcast team tried LIGHT THERAPY and we are discussing our own experiences, while Kristi Edwards shares the theories behind this SAD therapy option.