“I am”
By: Racheal Lu

I am alive and living, but a breath of a whisper cried off by the winds.
I am the space between us two where confusion whirls and whips our cheeks. I am word defined by those whom I’ve embraced; left cold or warm by tempers kindled by the day.
I am the remnant of a life lived long ago
Still lacing up these same old boots
Too small for growing feet

I am the hobo traveler with the beast burdens on my back, thumbs up on towards the highway a free ride to anywhere but here.
I am the cheers to new beginnings and the dead stops that brought me here. I am the fire of I told you so’s echoing from my mother’s door string in her loving eyes and the feet that brought me home.

--For more poetry visit www.jtfstraighttalk.com.

Genesis II resident Nicole Denius recently enjoyed a visit from her four children. Family reunification is a goal of case management for Healthy You clients.

From September 21-October 29, Healthy You will be participating in  Revlon's LOVE IS ON Million Dollar Challenge. All donations will go toward creating a Women's Health Fund for Healthy You clients. The agency that raises the most money will receive an additional one million dollars from Revlon. Donations are tax deductible. Please help us spread the word and support this great cause by making a donation through the link https://www.crowdrise.com/healthyyou-revlon, beginning on September 21.

Each month, Healthy You has an average caseload of 60 women. The average cost per woman to receive the services she needs is $600. Formerly incarcerated women have specialized needs. Most are smokers, which can lead to numerous problems. Many develop diabetes while incarcerated due to unhealthy diets. With prevention and treatment, these women are more likely to make a successful reentry into society. At the heart of Healthy You lies the message that all people have value regardless of their situation. By strengthening women in need, Healthy You strengthens the fibers of the community.

On August 22, agencies from across the state came together at the Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile to present the Alabama Families of Prisoners Conference. Valuable information on available services was presented throughout the day to those who have incarcerated family members. Special thanks to everyone who made this day possible. 

Healthy You facilitators will return to high schools this month! The Active Relationships for Young Adults class is being taught in both city and county high schools. Topic covered include healthy communciation, dealing with emotions, money management and relationship skills.

Healthy relationship education is at the heart of every Healthy You program. By instilling a sense of self worth in participants, students can create positive change in their school culture.

The UpTeen word of the month for August was WISDOM and UpTeens worked hard to help other students appreciate the wisdom of adults. UpTeens recently visited Wesley Manor to play board games and visit with residents. They asked residents for words of wisdom, which they then painted onto banners that are now hanging in their schools. The world for September will be INITIATIVE.

UpTeen is a teen leadership movement dedicated to infusing the teen culture with strong values. For more info or to nominate a teen, visit http://www.jtfstraighttalk.com/guided-help/teens/upteen/