The Blessings of Saying "Yes"

Grace and peace to you! Every week, people call us in search of support for all manner of emotional and mental health needs. Few have insurance and so many cannot afford private care. They’re hurting, anxious, grieving, or simply overwhelmed. Maybe they’re dealing with depression and anxiety, or the loss of a loved one, or the pressures of life that feel unbearable. When they reach out, they’re not just looking for a service, they’re looking for hope.

And because of you, we get to tell them,

“Yes, we can meet with you. Yes, we’re here for you.”

That single word "yes" carries immense power. It opens doors for those in distress and bridges the gap between pain and healing, despair and hope. Just the other day, one of our clinicians said, “I have the privilege of saying yes.” I believe it truly is a privilege. A privilege that is made possible because so many faithful volunteers, donors, and clinicians unite to make free counseling and affordable therapy available to those who are hurting.

As I reflect on what Anew Day does as an organization, when we say our collective “yes” to so many who suffer, I am reminded of what Paul wrote: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Every time we say yes to someone in need, we are joining in a far greater Yes, the assurance that no one is forgotten, that every life has worth, and that light can reach even the darkest places.

Because of the generosity shown to Anew Day by so many, we can open our doors to each person who knocks and say yes over and over again. People in crisis don’t have to walk alone, they have companions on their journey, and a community that cares deeply for them.

Thank you for making it possible for Anew Day to say yes.

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Gregory Ingram

Executive Director

Navigating Seasons of Change

Fall is a time of transition. As the weather grows colder, we get back into cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, hot cocoa, and watch the leaves turn red and gold. However, these aren’t the only transitions that occur during this time. As the warmth of summer turns into the coziness of fall, another major transition occurs: the return to school.

School is such a normal part of life that it can be easy to forget the stress that can come along with it. For many families, this season is a mix of the excitement of new beginnings and the pressure of expectations. A study conducted by the CDC found that visits to the emergency room for mental health related issues, such as depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders increased in children aged 10-17 as the school year begins. The finding suggests that there is an increase in adolescents that coincides with the start of school. In addition, the World Health Organization reports that 1 in 7 teens struggle with a mental health disorder, making back-to-school time even more challenging for many students.

And the return to school doesn’t only affect children. Parents often juggle packed schedules, transportation logistics, and help with homework, all while trying to maintain a sense of balance at home. Meanwhile, children are handling academic pressure, learning to manage new teachers and getting back into extracurriculars. Add in the challenges of maintaining friendships and coping with social dynamics, and it’s no wonder that many students feel overwhelmed. The constant push to meet expectations can lead to emotional exhaustion, for both children and parents.

For families living in rural areas, like much of Nevada County, these challenges can be even more difficult to manage. Rural communities face additional boundaries to accessing mental health care that include a shortage of providers, limited transportation options and fewer specialized services. These barriers mean that many children, teens and parents who are struggling may go without the support they need. Without intervention, emotional distress can deepen over time, making access to care more important than ever.

At Anew Day, we understand that the transition back to school can be a difficult time. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless children, teens, and parents who face the challenges of this season. Whether it’s academic stress, social anxiety, or difficulties managing emotional health, we’re here to help. Our goal is to offer compassionate support to families who are navigating the complexities of school-related stress. We provide free counseling and affordable therapy to anyone in need of hope and healing.

You don’t need to navigate the pressures of back-to-school alone. At Anew Day, we are dedicated to helping families not just survive this season but truly thrive.

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A Lay Counselor's Journey

With curiosity, eighteen years ago I joined the first training group for Lay Counselors in this wonderful organization. My skills had leaned towards listening rather than speaking and I felt guided to learn to listen well. Then the question was, where could God use this ability? My focus and improvement over the years coincided with the timing of Anew Day opening. After training I began to serve here. Through that experience I saw how much I didn’t know.

I took a break for more education in psychology courses. The subject fascinated me, yet obtaining a license was not the road for me. A bit later another Lay Counselor who had been facilitating support groups at Anew Day asked me to assist her. We had a great time! It nudged me back into the organization. Since then, Anew Day has given me an avenue to reach out with Christ’s UNCONDITIONAL love. It has been super rewarding!

I don’t take many clients because each one gets my full attention when they come to me. Having that kind of care makes a difference to them and they express it with phrases like, "I feel a weight lifted from my shoulders" or "Now I have tools". What a privilege to be part of someone’s relief! With our help they are introduced to new approaches to their challenges, and they often see other choices they can make. Especially meaningful to me has been giving them the sense that they are not alone.

The work as an Anew Day Lay Counselor is amazing. We are a team that shares a wealth of resources to pass onto our clients. Among the remarkable contributions our organization makes to care for our clients, these two stand out to me: we decrease the loneliness in our county, and we participate in the incredible joy of sharing God’s bountiful love. Clients are blessed and helped not only with wisdom and new concepts to explore, but more importantly because they are loved!

Bonnie Prudhomme

Lay Counselor

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