Gordon Prevention Initiative’s Post

As we gather to celebrate and give thanks, let's also remember to make choices that support our well-being and those around us. Choosing to stay substance-free allows us to truly connect, stay present, and make lasting memories with family and friends. This holiday, let's enjoy all the good moments, share some laughs, and take care of ourselves and each other. If you ever need extra support or just someone to talk to, remember that *988 is always available. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 #substanceuse #substancemisuse #CommunitiesTalk #SAMHSA #drugmisuse #drugpreventionresources #substanceuseprevention #underagedrinkinganddrugprevention #MentalHealthMatters #breakthestigma #MentalHealthAwareness #takeamentalhealthmoment

PSA: As you gather for Thanksgiving, remember that what’s safe for you might not be for your dog. It’s kind of like buying a home—some features are a perfect fit, while others might not be the right match. Let us help you find the just-right home where everyone (fur babies included) can thrive. 🏡🐶 What’s your pet’s favorite Thanksgiving treat? Share below! #ThanksgivingTips #PetFriendlyHomes #RealEstateAgent

It’s all about the kitty cats this week!😻💗 Find out from Dr Katrin the 5 things you can do to meet YOUR cat’s behavioural needs!🌟💗🐱 #CatBehavior, #CatBehaviour, #CatLovers, #PetCareTips, #FelineFriends, #KittyLove, #CatBehaviorist, #CatWellness, #CatEnrichment, #CatBehaviorTips, #CatBehaviourTips, #FelineSafePlaces, #FelineResources,

✨November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month! There’s nothing quite like the love of a senior dog—wise, gentle, and full of heart. Older pets are often the first to be overlooked in shelters, but they have so much love left to give. Here’s why adopting a senior dog might be one of the best decisions you’ll make: 🔷 Low Maintenance: Senior dogs are often calmer, house-trained, and require less intensive exercise. 🔷 Unconditional Love: These dogs are so grateful for a second chance and bond deeply with their new families. 🔷 Health Benefits: Senior dogs can be therapeutic, helping reduce stress and providing companionship—especially for older adopters. When you open your heart to a senior dog, you’re truly giving them a second chance. Make November the month you find your perfect senior companion!

Thanksgiving is a special time to connect with friends and family, enjoy tasty meals, and express gratitude. But, don't forget about safety during the hustle and bustle! Follow these tips from Dr. Cullen Clark of Nationwide Children's Hospital to ensure a joyful and secure Thanksgiving celebration filled with love and reflection. #Thanksgiving #TurkeyDay #ThanksgivingDinner #ThanksgivingSafety

🙌 My 10-year-old Learned About Empathy, and here’s How… After a long walk, I noticed something in one of our big planters on the front porch. As I looked closer, I saw a bunch of baby rabbits. It turns out THAT a mama rabbit had decided to have her babies in our planter. Although, it wasn’t the first time. 2 to 3 weeks went by, and we had six baby bunnies running all over our porch. Some were bold enough to jump off, while others hesitated at the edge, finding a safe corner to wait for their mother to come back and feed them. One day, I was in the garage and noticed one of the babies had gotten in but didn’t know how to get out. I chased it towards the door but wasn’t certain it had gotten out. The next day we left for the weekend for a swim meet for my sons. On Monday, I was in the garage again and noticed the rabbit was still there. It was extremely anxious and shaky. Although it was scared, it accepted some coriander and water THAT we poured on the floor. My youngest son wanted to put it outside, but it seemed like it needed to be cared for and nurtured back to health. We decided to put it in a large box so THAT it could eat and drink without being afraid. It nestled itself in the corner, and we covered it with a small blanket. We checked on it occasionally and made sure it was still alive. Then we tried to feed it again and noticed it didn’t budge at all. The poor thing had died. We are nature lovers and don’t mind birds nesting on our house or bunnies nesting in our flowerpot. I asked my son how he felt afterward, and he was sad. So was I. But we learned a good lesson about what to do if an animal gets STUCK inside again. Moral of the story: Empathy isn’t just about understanding others— it’s about taking action to support and nurture them, even when things don’t go as planned. #Empathy #NatureLovers #ParentingLessons #WildlifeConservation #LifeLessons #FamilyValues #SustainableLiving

We are officially entering the "dog days" of summer! Check out these tips on how to protect you, your children and your fur babies this summer!

🎅 Why Sitting on Santa’s Lap is a problem... there, I said it 🎅⁠ ⁠ As someone focused on abuse prevention, I often talk about boundaries, safety, and the power of understanding true consent. During the holidays, a common tradition often sparks debate: children sitting on Santa's lap. ⁠ ⁠ While it might seem harmless or nostalgic, here’s why it’s worth reconsidering:⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ Respecting Body Autonomy: Forcing a child to sit on someone’s lap—Santa or otherwise—sends the message that their comfort level with their body being placed on another is not as important as the photo op. That can be a very damaging message when it comes to bodily autonomy. ⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ Understanding Consent: Even in fun, lighthearted settings, we have to model consent. Asking a child if they want to meet Santa or pose for a photo helps them recognize that their choices matter.⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ Safe Alternatives: SANTA IS PROBABLY A STRANGER! There are creative, safe ways to keep the magic alive! Children can stand or sit nearby, high-five Santa, or wave from a distance—whatever makes them feel comfortable.⁠ ⁠ The holidays are a wonderful time to build joyful memories while reinforcing critical values like safety, respect, and autonomy. Let’s embrace traditions that celebrate the season and protect our kids.⁠ ⁠ #HolidaySafety #ChristmasSafety #KidsSafety ⁠

Sons & Daughters Day celebrates the importance of children in our lives and the joy they bring. It is an opportunity to spend quality time with your children and show them how much you care. You can participate by planning a fun activity together, cooking a special meal, or simply spending time talking and sharing stories. #meneseslawfirm #MAestateplanningattorney #MApersonalfamilylawyer #estateplan #willsandtrusts #healthcaredirectives #powerofattorney #assetprotection #kidsprotectionplan #familylegacy

What does it say about us that we teach kids to care for animals… only to betray them later? 🐔💔 This little girl’s tears after discovering her pet hen was served as dinner reveal an unfiltered truth. Her initial reaction? Pure heartbreak. We’ve all been conditioned to believe that eating meat is “normal,” even when it goes against our natural empathy. As children, we know it feels wrong. But society tells us otherwise, and over time, we forget that first instinct. This is why so many people struggle with guilt and confusion when confronted with the idea of going vegan—it digs up that buried trauma. It’s time to stop ignoring that inner voice. If this story resonates with you, or if you’ve felt that tug of conflict, maybe it’s time to explore a plant-based lifestyle. 👉 Drop a “NEW VEGAN” below, and let’s talk about how you can transition to a kinder, more compassionate way of living. 💚