Hopkinton Youth and Family Services
May 2026 Newsletter
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day, is all about celebrating a galaxy far, far away. But honestly (in the least nerdy way possible), Star Wars has some very real things to say about mental health.
“Your focus determines your reality,” Qui-Gon Jinn
That’s not just a cool line, it’s psychology. What you focus on shapes how you feel, and how you feel shapes your life. And right now, mental health is a big deal. 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. struggles each year. Anxiety, stress, depression, it’s everywhere. And many people still don’t get help. When you ignore it, it doesn’t go away. It grows.
Like the Dark Side.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” , Yoda
Yoda wasn’t being dramatic, he was being accurate. When you avoid your emotions, they build up. Fear turns into anxiety. Stress turns into burnout. Left unchecked, things spiral. Anakin is the perfect example: fear, isolation, no support, and it wrecks him.
“Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So you might say that we are encouraged to love.”, Anakin
Mental strength isn’t about shutting feelings off. It’s about handling them better, and having compassion for yourself.
1. Pay attention: Notice your thoughts instead of instantly reacting. That’s mindfulness, and it works. That’s why Yoda spent so much time in Dagobah trying to get Luke to focus; mindfulness can feel like the power of the force when practiced.
2. Don’t go (Han) solo: People need people. Support systems matter. The Rebels didn’t win alone, eventually Han learned that, too.
3. Change the story: What you tell yourself matters. Shift the narrative, and you shift how you feel. When Rey embraced who she is, she became unstoppable.
4. Ask for help: Even Jedi had mentors. Getting help isn’t weak, it’s smart. Jedi train for life and accept the wisdom of their peers, why would we any deserve less?
People change. People heal. Your past doesn’t lock in your future.
The Real Takeaway: Mental health isn’t about being perfect. It’s about handling what comes your way.
You will feel stress, fear, and uncertainty. That’s completely normal. What matters is how you respond. Star Wars isn’t just about good versus evil; it’s about the choices you make.
Every day, you make choices:
Whether you face challenges directly or avoid them
Whether you reach out to others or keep to yourself
Whether you get stuck in tough times or use helpful tools to get back on track.
“The Force will be with you. Always.”
In real life, this means there are always people who care, many tools that can help, and it’s important to take your mental health seriously.
Some Resources to Guide the Way:
- Crisis Resources: 988 is the National Suicide Hotline available 24/7, for both a crisis or if you feel like you need to talk. There are trained professionals ready for help. If you would rather text, the Crisis Textline is also available 24/7. Just text "HOME' to 741741 and someone will respond to help you navigate what you are going through.
- Hopkinton Youth and Family: For a comprehensive listing of resources that benefit mental health visit the HYFS website and Resource Center. No problem is too big or too small. We are here to help.
- INTERFACE: (888) 244-6843 - Interface operates Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM, where Hopkinton residents can work with a Resource and Referral Counselor to help them navigate the challenges of finding mental health services. Each caller will be assigned a lead counselor who will provide service matches and information and resources about mental health and wellness.
- NAMI Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Mental Illness: This is a great list of strategies to try if you're looking to ground yourself and feel calmer during times of difficulty.
Building Bright Brains has officially launched REGIONALLY!
Building Bright Brains is a regional effort supporting families across Hopkinton, Holliston, Medway, Medfield, and Wayland, sharing one clear message: the brain continues to develop until around the age of 25, and early choices matter.
Each community coalition nominated influential and respected voices in their towns. HOP Youth and Superintendent Evan Bishop continue to help amplify our shared mission: strengthening local environments and building brighter brains for healthier, more successful futures.
- Watch the preview here: @buildingbrightbrains508 (Instagram) @buildingbrightbrains (facebook)
- See the full video here: youtube.com/@BuildingBrightBrains508
Stay tuned for more - including an interactive experience for parents coming soon!
Together, we can strengthen our local environments and continue building brighter brains for healthier, more successful futures.
For more opportunities, including family events, support group information, educational events, and how to support local nonprofits, check out our coming events: Bookmark this page or visit our website.
HYFS & local partners’ upcoming events are updated & change frequently. Please check back often!
Dawn Alcott-Miller, LICSW, Director
Dawn oversees all operations of the HYFS department, including staff and intern supervision, contract management, grant administration, budget management, and strategic planning. She provides support through information and referrals, short-term counseling, parent consultation and coaching, case management, grant management, and educational and supportive programming.
508 497-9700 x1449
Colleen Souza, LICSW, Social Worker/ Case Manager
Colleen provides information and referrals, as well as case management services for residents who struggle to navigate resources, and offers short-term counseling. She also co-leads the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention Youth Coalition.
508 497-9700 x1450
Holly Morand, MSW, DBH Resource Counselor/ Case Manager
Holly provides outreach and case management services to enhance equity for residents, particularly those for whom traditional services have not been a good fit. She also provides outreach to special populations and those furthest from opportunity.
508 497-9700 x1451
Erin Bartolini, MSCHPM Program Coordinator, Drug-Free Communities Grant
Erin is the Drug-Free Communities grant coordinator, supporting the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) coalition in its efforts to reduce youth substance use in the community. Erin oversees the HOP Youth Interns and HOP Youth Coalition.
508 497-9700 x1456
Lauren Mayer, MACP Regional Prevention Coordinator - MassCALL3B Grant
Lauren leads a regional network of towns that utilizes a strategic model to identify risk and protective factors, aiming to reduce youth substance use. Through member engagement, she provides coordination support to the HOP coalition.
508 497-9700 x1456
Emily Evans (HHS Senior), HOP Intern
Emily supports the Drug-Free Communities grant program's efforts to reduce youth substance use and promote mental health in the Hopkinton community.
Families for Depression Awareness
Did you know that you have access to a host of webinars that help those with depression manage their illness and caregivers supporting those they love (adults of all ages and teens)? Check out their offerings!
Hopkinton Parks and Recreation offers a range of recreational opportunities for you and your family.
The Hopkinton Health Department and Nursing Services ensure that healthy outcomes and lifestyles are accessible and achievable for all who live, work, and visit the town. Our mission is to promote public health through education, advocacy, & provision of high-quality healthcare services.
The library hosts educational, therapeutic, and skill-building programs exploring current issues for all ages.
The Hopkinton Council on Aging aims to enhance and enrich the quality of life for adults aged 60 and older in the Town of Hopkinton by offering activities and services that promote independence, healthy living, and ongoing community engagement.
A grant-funded program, managed by YMCA-Metrowest, offers local playgroups and caregiver consultations for preschool-age children and their caregivers.
Interface
All Hopkinton residents can access free, confidential help finding an outpatient mental health provider in as little as 2 weeks that best matches their needs in terms of location, provider specialty, insurance or fee requirements, and availability. 1-888-244-6843
HYFS Resource Page
HYFS has a user-friendly landing page for many resource needs! Check it out for yourself or someone else.
HOP Coalition
The mission of Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) is to prevent youth substance use by providing resources, education, and support to promote well-being and resilience for all Hopkinton residents. Adults and youth can always get involved.