Coping 4 Life reaches schools, launches dine out

A student’s illustration of “Mapping My Heart.”    'Dine Out for Charity' from May 9-15 to support Coping 4 Life
    As Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May, Coping 4 Life is expanding its efforts to support local residents through education, outreach and fundraising events.
    Based in Breese, Coping 4 Life was formed with the mission to eliminate the barriers that limit the people of Clinton County from getting the mental health support services and resources they need to cope with life’s challenges.
    The organization was founded by Dr. Kris Fulkerson and Beth Ricciardi and has served the community for the past 10 years.
    This week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Coping 4 Life is visiting schools throughout Clinton County to share its message, “More Good Days Together,” with students. The program focuses on helping young people understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience and strengthen relationships.
    “We believe coping is not about avoiding hard things — it’s about learning how to face them with the right tools,” Ricciardi said. “We equip people with coping skills they can carry with them for life.”
    So far, Coping 4 Life has visited Wesclin Middle School and Bartelso Elementary, and plans to visit schools at Germantown, Breese, Albers, Damiansville, St. Rose, Aviston and All Saints Academy.
    As part of the initiative, the organization is using art therapy to engage students. Coping 4 Life has partnered with Horizon Line Art Studio to introduce creative activities designed to help students process emotions and identify personal strengths.
    One activity, called “Mapping My Heart,” encourages students to reflect on what is most important in their lives — including people, places, talents and personal traits — and to identify coping strategies that help them manage difficult moments. Students then represent these ideas visually using color and design.
    Ricciardi said the project helps students build a “coping toolbox” they can rely on during challenging times.
    “We can’t protect our kids from the challenges of life, but we can equip them with the tools they need to handle what comes their way,” she said.
    In addition to its school outreach, Coping 4 Life is hosting a “Dine Out for Charity” fundraiser from May 9 through May 15. Participating local businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to support mental health services in the community.
    Participating locations include:
    •Joe's Pizza in Breese — will donate 5% of sales to Coping 4 Life, beginning this Saturday, May 9 through Friday, May 15. Joe's Pizza is closed on Mondays.
    •Dairy King in Trenton and Breese — will donate 10% of sales (with presenting coupon) to Coping 4 Life, beginning next Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15.
    •Olde City Cafe in Breese — will donate 10% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Wednesday, May 13 (at both coffee and bar sides at the cafe).
    •GridIron Grill in Breese — will donate 15% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14.
    •Slots & Scoops in Germantown — will donate 20% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Thursday, May 14.
    Funds raised will help expand access to counseling and support services across the area.