The COVID-19 pandemic has touched us all. The fear, isolation and  disruption have left so many of us exhausted and depressed. So much has been lost; so many lives, so many jobs, so much time we should have been together, so many special moments that should have been. Each loss takes a toll. COVID-19 isn’t just a disease of the body. It has infected our souls.

We are here to help. VBS has always been a place for you to turn when you need support and help. Today, that is more true than ever. Please – if you, a member of your family, a friend, or someone close is suffering unrelenting sadness, depression or anxiety, please come for help. Don’t ignore this.  PLEASE reach out. We care and we are here to help. You are not alone. Below you will find a list of resources available to help you and to help support your loved ones. 

• The VBS Counseling Center: A place to come and receive help. There is always someone on call. Call (818) 784-1414. 

For help with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement or Relationship Counseling.

• Article from the L.A. Times:

For some of us, returning to pre-COVID life is turning out to be harder than we expected by Deborah Netburn

• Coping With Stress: Click here for resources to manage stress and anxiety amidst COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Acute Crisis and Substance Abuse:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line offers advice and referrals for anyone who feels that they’re experiencing a crisis. This can include drug and alcohol dependency, suicidal impulses, family problems, and other personal difficulties. To access the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741 any time, day or night.
  • The National Drug Helpline is open to any individual dealing with addiction issues, including family members and other loved ones. Resources are available for those struggling with any addictive substance, including alcohol, and professionals are available to help 24/7/365 at 1-844-289-0879.

• For Individuals and Families with Developmental Disabilities:

  • Disability Voices United offers webinars and town halls on important issues regarding social, emotional and pandemic-related challenges.

• Guides from HELP.ORG

A community organization dedicated to empowering people suffering from substance abuse addiction with tools and resources to start their personal journey toward recovery.

• DRUG & ALCOHOL ADDICTION REHAB, TREATMENT & RECOVERY RESOURCES IN CALIFORNIA
• DRUG ABUSE HOTLINE

For Families with Young Children:

• Children experience a range of emotions, including stress. Through supportive interactions, parents and caregivers can help their children prepare for stressful moments. The "Let’s Talk About Feelings” resource shares brain building tips for managing stress and other emotions children experience.  
• Resources to Help Kids and Families: Expert-vetted resources for getting through this tough time together  from the Meg Foundation including Talking to Kids (Tough Conversations About COVID-19), Survival Parenting (Tips and Parental self-care strategies), and Helping Your Child with Stress & Anxiety
• "What Shall We Do About the Children After the Pandemic" an essay by superintendent Teresa Thayer Snyder
• "The Pandemic Will Affect Students’ Mental Health for Years to Come. How Schools Can Help." by Arianna Prothero, EdWeek.org

For Teens and Young Adults:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAME) Resources
• Teen Talk App: Support for Teens by Teens
• VBS Counseling Center Support Group for young adults 19-26. For meeting information, please call 818-784-1414.

For Adult Caregivers to Elderly Parents: 

• Family Caregiver Alliance: California Resource List
• VBS Counseling Center Caregivers Support Group: A place to share the trials and rewards of taking care of a loved one. Led by Eileen Sudeck, LCSW, and Marcie Howard. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 12:30-2:00pm. For more information and to set up an interview, call 818-784-1414.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifelife

• Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Contact VBS Clergy

Watch Now:

• September 30, 2019 "So Healthy Together" Launch Event Panel Discussion
• Rabbi Farkas' 2019 Yom Kippur Sermon on Mental Illness
• Rabbi Farkas' 2019 Thanksgiving Message

Take Action:

• Month of Mindfulness: 4-Week Presence-Awareness Challenge