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Welcome to Our "New" Newsletter
Hopkinton Youth and Family received some feedback that our old newsletter format was not accessible for everyone, so we are trying a new platform to ensure we are accessible to everyone interested. Please let us know what you think, email hmo...@hopkintonma.gov.
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More than just the Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly appearing in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. People with SAD may feel persistently sad or irritable, low on energy, less interested in activities they usually enjoy, and may sleep more or crave carbohydrates; these symptoms go beyond “winter blues” and can interfere with daily life.
Research links SAD to reduced sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and affect brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin, which help regulate mood and sleep. SAD is a recognized clinical condition, not a personal failing, and effective treatments—such as light therapy, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication—are well-supported by evidence and can significantly improve quality of life (National Institute of Mental Health; American Psychiatric Association; Mayo Clinic).
- Harvard Medical has a great article about SAD and the effectiveness of light therapy to help folks that suffer from it.
- The National Institute of Mental Health has a comprehensive look at SAD as well as many recommendations of how to help navigate it year-round.
- The town of Hopkinton pays for a service called Interface. Hopkinton residents can access free & confidential help with finding an outpatient mental health provider, to match their needs in terms of location, specialty of provider, insurance/fee requirement & availability. (888) 244-6843
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January is Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month
This January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is leading a nationwide push to help Americans learn about the importance of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment—with the observance of SUD Treatment Month. This campaign seeks to help people throughout the United States understand the limitless paths to recovery, the support services that complement treatment, and the importance of having a support system when pursuing recovery.
According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.4 million people 12 or older (or 16.8%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year; 27.9 million had an alcohol use disorder (AUD); and 28.2 million had a drug use disorder (DUD); and 7.7 million people had both an AUD and a DUD. The data also show that, among people 12 or older in 2024 who were classified as needing substance use treatment in the past year, only about 1 in 5 (19.3% or 10.2 million people) received substance use treatment in the past year.
SUD Treatment Month serves to support:
- People contemplating or seeking help for their substance use
- Practitioners treating or considering treating substance use disorder
- Friends, family, and loved ones of those with substance use
- By raising awareness of treatment, including medications to treat substance use disorders, SAMHSA seeks to:
- Break down barriers that keep people from seeking help
- Encourage those on their treatment and recovery journey
- Promote best practices such as screening, intervention, and treatment of substance use disorders by health care providers
- Help spread SAMHSA's message by sharing their social media posts about treatment and recovery resources, helpful strategies for strengthening sobriety, and encouragement to support people as they pursue recovery.
Every little bit helps to save a life. Visit the SUD Treatment Month digital toolkit.
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February is Random Act of Kindness Month
Kindness does more than make someone’s day, it’s good for our minds, our bodies, and the connections that bind us together. Studies show that acts of kindness can boost happiness and calm, increase feelings of gratitude, and even inspire generosity in others after just a few moments of exposure to kind actions.
Research also suggests that helping others and engaging in prosocial behaviors can improve psychological well-being, including greater resilience, optimism, and lower anxiety and loneliness.
On a physical level, kindness is linked with reduced stress and lower blood pressure, thanks in part to the release of hormones like oxytocin and serotonin that enhance mood and social bonding.
Best of all, kindness spreads: when we experience or witness kind gestures, we’re more likely to “pay it forward,” creating a ripple effect that strengthens community connection and well-being for all.
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Healthy Relationships: What do they look like?
Healthy relationships, whether romantic, family, or friendships, help people feel safe, respected, and supported. Research from psychology and public health organizations consistently points to a few key characteristics:
Respect and Trust
Both people value each other’s boundaries, opinions, and individuality. Trust grows when actions are consistent, and people feel emotionally safe being themselves.
Open, Honest Communication
Healthy relationships allow for expressing feelings and needs without fear of ridicule or punishment. Listening matters just as much as speaking.
Healthy Conflict Resolution
Disagreements happen in all relationships. What matters is addressing conflict without insults, threats, or stonewalling, and working together toward solutions.
Support for Growth and Independence
Healthy relationships encourage personal goals, friendships, and interests outside the relationship. No one should feel pressured to give up who they are.
Emotional Safety
People feel comfortable sharing concerns, setting boundaries, and asking for help without fear.
Red Flags to Watch For Some behaviors can signal an unhealthy or harmful dynamic, especially when they are ongoing patterns rather than one-time events. Disrespect or Constant Criticism
Name-calling, belittling, mocking, or dismissing feelings can erode self-esteem over time.
Ignoring or Violating Boundaries
Pressuring someone, refusing to take “no” seriously, or invading privacy (including digital privacy) are warning signs.
Controlling or Isolating Behavior
Monitoring movements, discouraging time with friends or family, or trying to control decisions can escalate into abuse.
Extreme Jealousy or Possessiveness
Persistent accusations or demands for reassurance often reflect control, not care.
Fear of Speaking Up
If someone feels afraid to express opinions or disagree, emotional safety is missing.
Emotional or Physical Harm
Threats, intimidation, manipulation (such as gaslighting), or physical violence are serious red flags and are never part of a healthy relationship.
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, communication, and safety. Red flags often appear gradually, so paying attention to patterns and trusting your instincts matters. Everyone deserves relationships that support well-being, dignity, and growth.
Resources for more information
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Dry January Mocktail Event – Gallery Night Out HOP would like to thank everyone that came out to the Mocktail event on Friday, January 9 at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. We also want to thank our partners, including the HCA, the South Asian Community of Hopkinton (SACH), and the rest of the HOP Coalition.
This fun night out featured mocktails, art exhibits, live music from the Dan Drohan Jazz Trio, and the option to upgrade to a Paint & Sip art class. It was a great night out and a way to connect with community members, and support positive youth substance use prevention in a relaxed, social setting.
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HYFS/HOP Team!
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A little learning while sipping.
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Thanks to all the town leadership who attended!
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Coffee & Conversation: Youth Substance-Use Prevention
Hopkinton seniors joined Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) and Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, in partnership with the Hopkinton Senior Center, for a morning of coffee and conversation focused on youth substance-use prevention. Participants learned about current substance use data and trends, local prevention efforts, and the important role grandparents and caregivers play in supporting healthy choices. The event was held on Wednesday, January 14, at the Hopkinton Senior Center.
Interested in attending a Coffee and Conversation OR interested in hosting one for your group? Reach out to Erin Bartolini at ebart...@hopkintonma.gov.
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MassCall 3B Grant Helping to "Build Brighter Brains"
MassCALL3B stands for Massachusetts Collaborative for Action, Leadership, and Learning. MassCALL3–B is a regionally- focused grant to prevent substance misuse among youth in the Commonwealth.
- The Coalition includes the towns of Medway, Medfield, Holliston & Wayland with Hopkinton as the “lead” community.
- The Coalition is working launch the Building Bright Brains initiative. The campaign uses education, community outreach, and resources to challenge the normalization of underage drinking, highlight the risks of early alcohol use, and empower families with practical “boosts” that support healthy brain development.
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For more opportunities, including support group information, behavioral health screens, how to support local nonprofits, check out our coming events: Bookmark this page or visit our website.
HYFS & local partners’ upcoming events are updated & change frequently. Please check back often!
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Dawn Alcott-Miller, LICSW, Director
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Dawn oversees all operations of the HYFS department, including staff and intern supervision, contract management, grant administration, budget management, and strategic planning. She provides support through information and referrals, short-term counseling, parent consultation and coaching, case management, grant management, and educational and supportive programming. 508 497-9700 x1449
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Colleen Souza, LICSW, Social Worker/ Case Manager
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Colleen provides information and referrals, as well as case management services for residents who struggle to navigate resources, and offers short-term counseling. She also co-leads the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention Youth Coalition. 508 497-9700 x1450
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Holly Morand, MSW, DBH Resource Counselor/ Case Manager
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Holly provides outreach and case management services to enhance equity for residents, particularly those for whom traditional services have not been a good fit. She also provides outreach to special populations and those furthest from opportunity. 508 497-9700 x1451
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Erin Bartolini, MSCHPM Program Coordinator, Drug-Free Communities Grant
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Erin is the Drug-Free Communities grant coordinator, supporting the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) coalition in its efforts to reduce youth substance use in the community. Erin oversees the HOP Youth Interns and HOP Youth Coalition. 508 497-9700 x1456
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Lauren Mayer, MACP Regional Prevention Coordinator - MassCALL3B Grant
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Lauren leads a regional network of towns that utilizes a strategic model to identify risk and protective factors, aiming to reduce youth substance use. Through member engagement, she provides coordination support to the HOP coalition. 508 497-9700 x1456
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Emily Evans (HHS Senior), HOP Intern
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Emily supports the Drug-Free Communities grant program's efforts to reduce youth substance use and promote mental health in the Hopkinton community.
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Families for Depression Awareness Did you know that you have access to a host of webinars that help those with depression manage their illness and caregivers supporting those they love (adults of all ages and teens)? Check out their offerings!
Hopkinton Park & Recreation Hopkinton Parks and Recreation offers a range of recreational opportunities for you and your family.
Hopkinton Public Health The Hopkinton Health Department and Nursing Services ensure that healthy outcomes and lifestyles are accessible and achievable for all who live, work, and visit the town. Our mission is to promote public health through education, advocacy, & provision of high-quality healthcare services.
Hopkinton Public Library The library hosts educational, therapeutic, and skill-building programs exploring current issues for all ages.
Hopkinton Senior Center The Hopkinton Council on Aging aims to enhance and enrich the quality of life for adults aged 60 and older in the Town of Hopkinton by offering activities and services that promote independence, healthy living, and ongoing community engagement.
Project ABC A grant-funded program, managed by YMCA-Metrowest, offers local playgroups and caregiver consultations for preschool-age children and their caregivers.
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Interface
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All Hopkinton residents can access free, confidential help finding an outpatient mental health provider in as little as 2 weeks that best matches their needs in terms of location, provider specialty, insurance or fee requirements, and availability. 1-888-244-6843
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HYFS Resource Page
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HYFS has a user-friendly landing page for many resource needs! Check it out for yourself or someone else.
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HOP Coalition
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The mission of Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) is to prevent youth substance use by providing resources, education, and support to promote well-being and resilience for all Hopkinton residents. Adults and youth can always get involved.
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Mission - To provide access to comprehensive social services for youth and families and to enhance behavioral health for the entire Hopkinton community.
Vision - Hopkinton will be a town in which all people are valued, where behavioral health is a high priority, and residents have a place to turn when they need help.
For any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Dawn Alcott-Miller, Director, at dal...@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9781
Visit us on our Website, HOP’s Website & Facebook & Instagram!
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Hopkinton Youth and Family Services
HYFS is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters |
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