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SEPTEMBER

WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Lake Walk & Gathering

September 8th, 2023

East Lake Winona - 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN

1:00PM - 3:00PM

Join us for fun, educational, and interactive gatherings this fall. We will meet at Lake Lodge (113 Lake Park Dr, Winona). Each event will provide connection with nature, basic education, conversation and tips about mental health, activities, and an opportunity to stroll around the lake with others. These gatherings are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offerings are appropriate for individuals and families; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC), offered by Dharma River, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these walks and gatherings are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library and the Driftless Regional Read.

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WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Lake Walk & Gathering

September 9th, 2023

East Lake Winona - 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Join us for fun, educational, and interactive gatherings this fall. We will meet at Lake Lodge (113 Lake Park Dr, Winona). Each event will provide connection with nature, basic education, conversation and tips about mental health, activities, and an opportunity to stroll around the lake with others. These gatherings are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offerings are appropriate for individuals and families; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC), offered by Dharma River, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these walks and gatherings are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library and the Driftless Regional Read.

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WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Lake Walk & Gathering

September 11th, 2023

Flyway Trail at Latsch Island Beach, Winona, MN

10:00AM - 11:15AM
Register here!

Join us for interactive nature strolls in our beautiful Winona community. The Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC) Strolls focus on connecting people to nature and each other, with an emphasis on wellbeing. They are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. The WINC Project, led by Winona’s Dharma River organization, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these strolls are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library the Driftless Regional Read.

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Understanding Grief

September 12th, 2023

Holmen Public Library - 121 Legion St W

10:00AM

Receive insight into grief and the grieving process associated with death and loss. Learn how grief-processing impacts our wellbeing and how to care for oneself during this process.

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Back to School Mindfulness Workshop

September 14th, 2023

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St

4:30PM
Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. If we get stuck on automatic pilot, we are more likely to have our buttons pressed. This interactive presentation is intended to be a kick start for increasing awareness so you and your teen can respond to situations with choice rather than reactions. Open to parents and teens.

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Using Humor to Write Through the Hard Stuff

September 16th, 2023

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

10:00 AM

Join writer, motivational speaker, and innovator, Lisa David Olson, to discover how humor can help your writing, even through the hard stuff. Humor raises endorphins, lowers blood pressure, and connects people. Let’s laugh and learn together. Bring a notebook or journal and prepare to think wild thoughts, for the health of it.

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WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Lake Walk & Gathering

September 18th, 2023

East Lake Winona - 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Join us for fun, educational, and interactive gatherings this fall. We will meet at Lake Lodge (113 Lake Park Dr, Winona). Each event will provide connection with nature, basic education, conversation and tips about mental health, activities, and an opportunity to stroll around the lake with others. These gatherings are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offerings are appropriate for individuals and families; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC), offered by Dharma River, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these walks and gatherings are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library and the Driftless Regional Read.

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Resilient and Trauma-Informed Community Foundation Training

September 19th, 2023

La Crosse Public Library - Main Hall

4:30PM - 7:30PM

The Resilient and Trauma-Informed Community (RTIC) is a framework adopted by community partners to collaboratively respond to what we have learned from the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to build resilient organizations, effective partnerships, and efficient systems.  We will be screening Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope and offering additional content on using empathy to build resilience and hope in oneself and others.

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Stress, Trauma, Resilience and Healing

September 20th, 2023

Onalaska Public Library

6:00PM
Register here!

In this talk, you will learn how small changes can make a big difference in dealing with the demands of life (and coping with trauma). Find your regulating rhythms. Find your balance. Find your peace. Ted Stein is a local Licensed Professional Counselor and a Mentee of Dr. Bruce Perry.

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Trauma Sensitive Yoga Practice

September 21st, 2023

La Crosse Public Library

5:30PM
Join Rachel Slough-Johnson for a seated Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) practice. TCTSY is the first yoga-based, empirically validated clinical intervention for complex trauma. You will learn why yoga may be helpful in the treatment of trauma and principles of TCTSY that apply to other areas of life, and engage in a yoga practice (to your comfort). Rachel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified TCTSY facilitator, and TCTSY certification mentor. Please note that this workshop is educational and will not provide treatment. No prior yoga experience required and registration is optional. 

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Forest Bathing

September 24th, 2023

Great River Bluffs State Park

10:00AM
Register here!
Enjoy Great River Bluffs State Park during a forest bathing program with Minnesota Naturalist Sara Holger on Sunday, September 24th at 10am. Forest bathing is a practice in Japan known as shinrin yoku. During the process, practitioners are calm and quiet amongst trees while observing nature and practicing breathing exercises. Registration is required as space is limited. Attendees do not need to have a state park pass; one will be provided to you upon your arrival at the park.

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OCTOBER

 

 

WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Retreat

October 1st, 2023

Holzinger Lodge - 925 West Lake Boulevard, Winona, MN

1:00PM - 4:00PM
Register here!

Join the Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC) for a nature & well-being retreat at the beautiful Holzinger Lodge in Winona. This retreat is open to all ages 16 years and older and will provide connection with nature, conversation, education and helpful tips about mental wellbeing. Trained mental health care providers and nature enthusiasts will lead interactive mindfulness practices, movement, hiking, art, play and ideas about how to stay engaged with nature all year long. Hot tea and light snacks will be provided. The WINC Project, led by Winona’s Dharma River organization, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these strolls are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library the Driftless Regional Read.

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Mental Health First Aid Training: Postponed
To be notified of new training dates, send an email to: diana@bettertogetherlacrosse.org

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WINC (Winona in Nature & Community) Nature Stroll

October 6th, 2023 

Prairie Island Nature Trail, Winona, MN

10:00AM - 11:15AM
Register here!

Join us for interactive nature strolls in our beautiful Winona community. The Winona in Nature Community Project (WINC) Strolls focus on connecting people to nature and each other, with an emphasis on wellbeing. They are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. The WINC Project, led by Winona’s Dharma River organization, is made possible by generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation and these strolls are done in partnership with the Winona Public Library the Driftless Regional Read.

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Mental Health Resource Fair

October 7th, 2023

Winona Public Library - Central Exchange & Bell Art Rooms

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Learn about all of the mental health resources available in the Winona Area Community during this one-stop-shop visit at the Winona Public Library. At 10:30AM, there will be a Behavior Modification Activity offered by Winona Health’s Kattie Tibbs, LPCC. The activity demonstrates the challenge of making changes and the importance of vulnerability and mental health.

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Mental Health Resource Fair

October 8th, 2023

2:00PM - 4:00PM

La Crosse Public Library - Main Hall
Join us to discover local resources, opportunities, and community groups that are available to support your mental health! Organizations and mental health professionals will be on exhibit to share resources, present their services, and answer questions between 12pm-2pm in the Main Hall of the La Crosse Public Library.

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Understanding Caregiver Stress

October 10th, 2023

Holmen Public Library 

10:00AM

What changes and challenges should you expect that come with being a caregiver? Come and learn about caregiver stress, and healthy tools to help you cope.

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Little Heart Project

October 12th, 2023

La Crosse Public Library

5:30PM
Register here!

The Little Heart Project was started with the intent of spreading hope & love while also trying to bring awareness to suicide & suicide prevention – one handmade heart at a time!  Join project founder Kathleen Jensen as she shares about the evolution of the project while we create* hearts together in the Creation Space!

*Please note, basic knit/crochet knowledge is requested.

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Parental Advocacy for Children's Mental Health in Schools

October 14th, 2023

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

12:00PM

Mental health issues among youth have risen in recent months. This session will highlight students’ education rights as they pertain to mental health, how mental health impacts learning, as well as how parents can gain access through their children’s schools for mental health support.

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Brain Stuff: How to Makes Friends with Your Nervous System

October 17th, 2023

Winona Public Library - Bell Art Room - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987

4:30PM

Our nervous system is designed to keep us alive–which sometimes is at odds with our ability to take in new information. Dr Dan Siegel developed the concept of the Window of Tolerance to help us be more aware of and effective in responding to our internal states. In this interactive session, we will learn a bit about our nervous system and how to respond when we're out of our Window. There will, also, be time for art and mini-murals. This program is designed for teens 13-18.

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Brain Architect Game & Film Showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope

October 19th, 2023

Winona Public Library- Bell Art Room - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Play a game and watch a film at the Winona Public Library. The Brain Architect Game helps us understand what happens when the brain is built and how we can understand what makes a strong base, and what things can build it up. The game is played using cards describing various life experiences and are drawn to determine which materials are used to construct model brains. Players gain a pipe cleaner and a straw for each positive experience, while just a pipe cleaner is earned for every negative experience.

Following the game, the film, Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope, will be shown. The film shows how stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death.

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Storytime for Adults: Laughter Is Medicine 

October 24th, 2023

Pump House - 119 King St, La Crosse, WI

6:30PM - 8:00PM

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Heart Strings Harp Circle

October 25th, 2023

Onalaska Public Library 

6:00PM - 7:00PM

Register here!

You are invited to relax and enjoy an evening of gentle, drifting, glittering harp music at Onalaska Library. Heart Strings Harp Circle is made up of local harpists from all across the Driftless Area. Come and see them, “join together to share their joy.”

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NAMI In Our Own Voice

October 26th, 2023

La Crosse Public Library 

5:30PM
Register here!

NAMI La Crosse is a beacon of light and hope to those affected by mental health conditions in La Crosse County. They advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness and offer support, education, and advocacy as they do so. In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions, and ideas about people with mental health conditions. This presentation provides a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.

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NOVEMBER

 

Strengthening Your Squad

November 4th, 2023

Onalaska Public Library

10:00AM - 12:00PM
Register here!

For tweens/teens (adults welcome, too!). Our squad is there to have our back—on good days and especially on bad days. In this interactive session, we will learn a bit about how to be a strong squad member for others, how to build a strong squad for yourself, and how to engage some basic strategies for dealing with tough stuff. We'll get a little art in, too (by a "little art," we mean mini murals)!

 

Registration recommended and begins October 2. Complete online, in person at any of our five locations, or by calling 608.399.3376.

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Writing Their Way Home: Veteran Stories and Survival

November 7th, 2023

Onalaska Public Library

1:00PM
Register here!

Vietnam Veteran Doug Bradley will demonstrate how writing has helped himself and many other veterans to recover from their war-time experiences. Writing has helped them return to themselves, their families, and their communities. Doug Bradley is the author of three books grounded in the Vietnam experience and is one of the founding members of The Deadly Writers Patrol magazine. Doug is also a BadgerTalk Speaker.

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Mindfulness Basics

November 9th, 2023

La Crosse Public Library

5:30PM
Register here!

Mindfulness meditation is an ancient practice that helps people calm their minds, gain insight, and improve well-being. Modern-day researchers have uncovered a host of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. This class will introduce the basic principles of mindfulness and provide important background information. Participants will experience several guided meditations that will lay the foundation for a consistent practice. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a device or pen and paper if you would like to take notes.

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What Is a Healthy Mind and How Can We Cultivate It?

November 16th, 2023

Online: ZOOM

6:00PM

Register here!

Our happiness is dictated more by our state of mind than our circumstances, and there is no better place to start cultivating happiness than creating healthy habits of the mind. This talk will identify the qualities characterizing a healthy mind, such as optimism, resilience, and mindfulness. Based on the latest research, Pelin Kesebir from the Center for Healthy Minds will give practical tips to learn to better manage our thoughts and emotions, so that we can all live happier, more fulfilled lives.

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Rebuilding Community and Culture Through Activism

November 18th, 2023

La Crescent-Hokah Middle School Auditorium

1:00PM

In the 1950s, when Sandy White Hawk was a toddler, she was taken from her Lakota family on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She was unwanted and shamed for being “Indian.” White Hawk self-medicated with drugs and alcohol. At age twenty-eight, she gained sobriety and reconnected with her birth relatives. As she learned what it means to be Lakota, she also learned that thousands of Native adoptees shared her experience. Fighting through her feelings of inadequacy, she accepted that she could use her voice to advocate. Ultimately, White Hawk founded the First Nations Repatriation Institute, an organization that addresses the post-adoption issues of Native American individuals, families, and communities.

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DECEMBER

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Music for Community Connection

December 5th, 2023

Onalaska Public Library

6:00PM
Register here!

A community music therapy session designed for people of all ages to grow in their awareness of homelessness, hunger, and the unique mental health and wellness needs that are often associated with both. This opportunity for authentic connection is facilitated by board-certified music therapists from your community at Life in Harmony Music Therapy, LLC.

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Resilience: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Well-being
December 7th, 2023

The Nature Place: 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI

6:30PM
6:00pm: Doors Open - Enjoy Live Music + Refreshments Prior to Talk
Register here!

From facing the big changes of life to encountering the everyday stressors of traffic and overpacked schedules, stress can exact a toll on our bodies and minds.  Join us for a panel conversation (packed with strategies you can use!) on how the brain generates unwanted stress and how small changes in your routine can help reduce stress, enhance well-being and build resilience. 
 

Speakers: Debbie Fuehrer M.A., L.P.C.C., & Scott Koon, M.A. from Resilient Option in Rochester, MN

Moderator: Jennifer Livingston from Mayo Clinic Health System

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