Niki Kelley, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Bay County joins us to talk about how they promote resiliency in girls in our community.  From leadership & communication skill building to Camp Noah, Girls Inc. provides a safe environment for girls to become to strong, smart and bold leaders.   We learn how through trauma informed approach programming they're able to help girls learn coping skills, process challenges and build their toolbox .   We also get to hear about future plans for Girls Inc. and how their still rebuilding after Hurricane Michael.

how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County
Girls Inc. | Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart, & Bold (girlsincofbaycounty.org)

On this episode, we talk with David Taylor from CARE, a local not-for-profit agency dedicated to providing prevention, intervention, treatment (including co-occurring evidence-based treatment) and recovery services to reduce stigma of addiction and assist individuals to change unhealthy behaviors and improve their lives.  We talk about the about the differences between chemical addiction & substance abuse and breakdown the acronyms & terms. We learn that addiction can affect anyone, but is a treatable disease.  David explains the full range of affordable services at CARE and how you can find help for yourself or your loved ones. 

CARE Home | Chemical Addiction Recovery Effort, Inc. (care4000.com)
how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County

Kelley and James from the LGBTQ+ Center of Bay County join us for a fun and informative conversation about the Center.  We learn about how The Center supports the LGBTQ+ teens and their families in Bay County through their amazing (and free!) programs, support groups, activities and other services.  We define terms, break down the acronyms, learn about mental health struggles and dispel myths.  Kelley and James also share the simple ways anyone can help promote an inclusive and supportive environment for not just LGBTQ+ teens, but the entire LGBTQ+ community.

The LGBTQ Center of Bay County, FL
how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County

Two resources shared in the episode:
PFLAG |
TrevorSpace - Community for LGBTQ young people

Rebecca from Gypsy Life Wellness joins us and shares how you can use breathwork as a tool for wellness in your life.  Have you ever wondered what the difference between breathing in your chest vs. breathing in your stomach?  What's better?  We learn how the consciousness of your breath can help you find balance in your body and mind.  Rebecca leads us in a breathing exercise that helps you rest and restore as well as increase the amount of oxygen to your body.   

how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County
Gypsylife Wellness | Facebook

Matt Standish from the Bay County Vet Center joins us to talk about the "best kept secret in the VA".  Matt informs us of all the  free, confidential services available at the Vet Center for veterans and their families.  The Vet Center in Bay County, FL is just one of 300 Vet Centers in the U.S.   After talking about the Vet Center, we couldn't help asking about Matt's active duty experiences in the US Air Force, deployments and his book.  He shares personal tools that he used as First Sergeant to keep up morale and build resiliency.

"Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma." - Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) Home (va.gov)

Bay County Vet Center
3109 Minnesota Ave, Suite 101
Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: 850-522-6102
Bay County Vet Center - Locations (va.gov)
how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County

Join us as we talk with Logan Kelly from Live the Life, Panama City, FL office.  We chat about challenges couples face, addressing the drift in your marriage, and gray divorce, (it's a real thing!).  Logan shares great every day tips, tools and resources that all couples can use to strengthen and honor their relationships.  Our favorite tool might be what Logan refers to as the 'Swiss Army Tool of Skills' and how it can help you connect and grow as a couple.  And as always, we learn about resources right here in Bay County, FL.  Live the Life offers *FREE* relationship education classes. Their Adventures in Marriage, AIM class, is appropriate for couples of any age or stage.
AIM Classes :: Adventures in Marriage - Full Class Offerings
how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County

Trauma Therapy Treatment Team superstars, Tasha Jackson & Lindsey Townsend from the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center join us to talk about children and trauma.  They share information about different types of trauma and signs that parents & caregivers might notice.  Our discussion is filled with resources and tools that all families can use at home when children are feeling stressed or anxious.  Learn about rainbow breathing, the window of tolerance, how to reframe questions to be open ended and how to grow children's emotional literacy.  We also talk about the services available at Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center, to include a therapy rabbit.  That's right, a therapy rabbit!

how ya doing? | Alignment Bay County
Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) :: Panama City, Florida (gulfcoastcac.org)

Introducing How Ya Doing Bay County, a mental health matters podcast with a local twist for the residents of Bay County, Florida. 

Dawn Capes and Ken Chisholm of Bay District Schools' Student Wellness Programs join us to talk about mental health challenges students face, the impact of those challenges in the classroom and the unique programs & resources offered by Bay District Schools.

www.bay.k12.fl.us/student-wellness
www.howyadoing.org