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September marks Suicide Prevention Month. We 'Ced Youth Reporters weighed in on its importance.
Merced, Calif.- Pride month is upon us, a month of celebration for one’s self-expression for the LGBTQ+ community. Among these communities, queer becomes misrepresented in smaller populated towns that lack education of LGBTQ+ and the resources for those who belong to this community. Read More
#health4all healthcare LGBTQ lgbtq youth merced merced county PRIDE PRIDE MONTH pride. lgbtq+ spotlightAs National Poetry Month comes to a close, read below submissions from We ‘Ced youth. If you could write a poem to COVID, what would you want to tell it? Dear COVID-19, You don’t know me But right now everyone knows you You’re infamously the talk of the globe As we isolate at home We’re told that we are not alone But the division you caused says otherwise I don’t even want to go outside You can see fear in everybody’s eyes since that’s the only feature you see This is the “new normal” for us This is how my brother and sister are growing up I want my life back I can’t go to my boyfriend’s house their ostracization is painful and raw Given to me by a fear you caused We can’t go to the mall like we used to This has been the longest I’ve been without my auntie I never was a hugger but I’d give anything for us to be together I’m Class of 2020 but there’s no cap and gown for me If we’re lucky maybe a belated ceremony My whole life is online now School, work, friends, everything You are detrimental for my socialization I have siblings I can’t see Family who misses me A life I can’t lead Drive I’m losing And you still won’t leave You make it hard to function And way too easy to think Kids my age can’t take it Suicide to escape this combat rink We’re too embarrassed to admit it but we’re scared I’m scared of what you’re doing to me and my family What do you do when your a child seeing your dad terrified When you see pain mother in your mother’s eyes You aren’t killing my body But you’re eroding away what’s inside With much hate, A Teen of 2020 – Stephanie Gurtel, 17 ___________________________________________________________ Hard It’s Hard.. Read More
california central valley community family health mental health school students youthThe city of Merced’s Annual Walk for Violence, run by Gloria Aguirre, mother of Benito Aguirre Jr., a victim of gang violence in the county. Read More
The Queer & Trans Youth Leadership Summit (QT Summit) is a 3-day youth leadership development opportunity for LGBTQIA+ youth ages fifteen to nineteen. The three days in early March are very busy with many activities to help youth meet new people, learn more about the Social Justice Movement Stories of LGBTQIA+ people, and have young voices lead gender and LGBTQIA+ issues in local and statewide campaigns. Read More
Friendships have the potential to impact our wellness positively or negatively. How do you cope when a companion is no longer a part of your life? Read how Karina learned to move on and found strength in herself. Friends come and go Just by the blink of an eye Not only do they leave But, some memories do too You lose the ones you love Now you have to fight alone People will never notice When you fake a smile to hide pain Only someone knows you’re hurt You wouldn’t change a thing didn’t invest time for memories Neither did they try to Struggles meet you straight in the face You still want to satisfy others who wouldn’t change anything for you Nobody would change to see you happy Those type of people are just selfish As I closed my eyes I thought it’ll all be gone As I opened my eyes, it was all gone I stood up stronger now Realizing I don’t need a selfish friend All I need is my self-worth and Knowing who I am Read More
central valley community mental health merced youth