They Got This!

Written By Chrissie Kremzier, SRSLY Dexter

Sometimes it’s hard to not look to the future with dread. Political tensions, natural disasters, mental health crises, and violence take center stage in our news reels. It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the negative, and if you feel that way, you aren’t alone.

Luckily, working with youth in Dexter has given me a new sense of optimism for our future. As the coalition director for SRSLY Dexter, I get the pleasure of working with 5th-12th grade students weekly. This year we’ve seen a huge upsurge in youth engagement, showing that youth are interested in being leaders and helpers in their communities. No matter the age group I work with, I always walk away from these interactions inspired and hopeful.

One event in particular exemplified this feeling of hope. At the end of January, high school students in SRSLY were invited to an event in Lansing to talk with state senators and representatives about youth tobacco use and vaping. This event was on a Tuesday night, an hour away from Dexter, and required a business casual dress code. Instead of being intimidated by this significant opportunity and the enormity of the issue of youth vaping, several Dexter High School seniors were ecstatic about attending. Two high school seniors were able to make this school night event work, despite their busy after school schedules. They were so excited to share their concerns around youth vaping with people who could make a difference.

I didn’t know what to expect, or how much guidance these students would need in their conversations with elected officials. But, I left the event blown away by both the maturity and passion these students have for making their community a better, safer place for youth.

Our students discussed how SRSLY works to “foster prosocial involvement” in youth, how their “school’s mitigation tactics” around vaping have been perhaps too “punitive” and instead should be “opportunities for support” for students who are struggling and turning to substances. Those words in quotes came from the mouths of our youth leaders. Their ability to reflect on youth issues with compassion astounded me. Their vocabularies astounded me. Their dedication to making a positive difference astounded me. I walked away from the event with a surging feeling of hope. There are so many young people today dedicated to standing up for what is right, dedicated to helping others.

Yes, the world is scary and tough, and these kids, I really think they got this.

Stockbridge Wellness Center Celebrates 10 Years

In 2012, a coalition of Stockbridge residents (Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition, SAWC) connected to search for new ways for people to pursue health and happiness. They were excited and optimistic, realizing they had a window of opportunity. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation had recently come to the table with high quality, used fitness equipment and funds, asking the question: how can you use these resources to make your community healthier?

The coalition of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds settled on a fitness center, so a subcommittee assessed empty buildings all over town. They finally settled on two adjacent office spaces in CG Lantis Plaza and rolled up their sleeves. The SAWC members did the demolition of the space, themselves. Tearing down walls and ceiling tiles; and pulling old wires, insulation, and carpeting. They assessed IT, plumbing, heating and cooling. No part of the space was left untouched by these motivated community members.

David Lindemer, who grew up in Stockbridge, left for many years and returned as a retiree, commented: “That whole effort was a highlight of my life. I became re-engaged in the community I’d grown up in, and I met many new friends.”

Many, like David, connected with neighbors in new ways. They enjoyed the sense of control they had over the project and an intense pride in their accomplishments, including planning, the physical labor of demolition, monitoring construction, equipping, decorating, and the grand opening of their beautiful, finished facility.

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the Stockbridge Wellness Center’s opening in 2013. The Center is still a thriving community resource with safe equipment, high quality instruction, and affordable programs for teens and adults. There are programs like Silver Sneakers for seniors and scholarships for those who qualify.