Above: The late fall newsletter includes four special “Mental Health” & “Prevention” topics that SYFS is spotlighting in November and December. (images cropped from newsletter)
Southborough Youth & Family Services asked me to share news about the second issue of the bi-monthly newsletter relaunched earlier this fall.
This issue “features tips for practicing gratitude, information on Seasonal Affective Disorder and winter wellness, highlights from our SYFS graduate interns, and updates on community programs such as Winter Wishes and Shelf Help.”
A message from SYFS explains that the newsletters are written to inform the community about:
- Prevention initiatives and community highlights
- Information on financial and need-based supports available to residents
To register to get future issues directly, visit: tiny.cc/SYFS-US
The fall newsletter opens with another welcome intro from Director Sarah Cassell. In it she reminds the community about a Danish concept they promoted a few years ago:
Hygge describes a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being – think sweaters, your favorite pajamas, candles, blankets, books, hot cocoa, and quality time with loved ones. It’s about being present, unwinding, and slowing down. Fall is the perfect season to embrace hygge and lean into the comfort it offers.
She follows that with an acknowledgement of the challenging time that fall can be for many. Services and programs highlighted in the letter are intended to help “navigate” the challenges.
Pages that follow are broken into these sections and “Spotlights”:
- Mental Health Programs & Resources
- November Spotlight: The Gift of Gratitude
- December Spotlight: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month
- Pointing readers to the range of SYFS’ Mental Health support services (in the appendix)
- Prevention Programs & Resources
- Explanation that efforts focus on “promoting well-being and addressing challenges early” by” helping people build coping skills, strengthen connections, and access support when needed.”
- November Spotlight: Veterans Community Support
- December Spotlight: Maintaining Mindfulness
- Southborough Spotlight
- Introducing SYFS Graduate Interns
- Community Calendar (SYFS programs, holidays, and awareness dates)
- Financial and Need-Based Services
- Appendix
- Details on SYFS’ Mental Health Services
- SYFS Info Sessions (topics they cover and “delivery options” for getting their information/training)
- Flyers for upcoming programs and events
- More resources and details
- A promotion of its Winter Wishes program collecting donations to support families experiencing hardship this holiday season. [You can also read more about that in my dedicated post here.]
You can read the full Nov & Dec 2025 newsletter here.
