Encouraging, Supporting, and Connecting with Our Community
When I think of community, awareness is one of the first things that comes to mind. We can’t support one another without being aware of what the needs of the community and its members are! This “Awareness” hub is our way to help give direction and support to connecting with people who may need help, uplifting, or even a little extra love today. These causes inspire us and help us take action to do what we can to connect with those around us.
Courtney Clark, HeyNN Manager
Creating Awareness
Creating Awareness
March Awareness Month
This March Hey Neighbor Neighbor invites you to slow down and look a little closer at the people around us.
March is the time to highlight stories and experiences that are often misunderstood, overlooked, or left out of everyday conversations. Whether we are learning about mental health, accessibility, or recognizing the contributions of women throughout history, this month reminds us of something simple but powerful: awareness begins with listening.
When we take the time to understand one another’s experiences, we create communities that are more compassionate, more inclusive, and more supportive for everyone
Self-Injury Awareness
How to Approach Helping Someone
When someone is struggling, empathy can make an enormous difference.
If you are concerned about someone, approach them calmly and privately. Speak with care and honesty. Let them know you have noticed they are struggling and that you care about their well-being. Listen without interrupting. Avoid judgment or ultimatums. Encourage them to seek professional support in a gentle and supportive way. Most importantly, remind them they are not alone.
You do not have to have perfect words. Your presence matters more than a perfect response. Awareness is about creating spaces where people feel safe enough to speak.
Understanding What Often Goes Unseen
Self-injury is often misunderstood. Many people assume it is simply about the physical act itself, but the reality is much deeper. For many individuals, self-injury can be connected to overwhelming emotions that feel difficult to express or manage.
Understanding self-injury means looking beyond the behavior and considering the emotional struggle behind it. Instead of asking why someone would hurt themselves, a more helpful question might be what they are feeling or carrying internally.
Self-Injury Awareness Month began gaining wider recognition in the early 2000s as mental health advocates worked to bring understanding to a topic that had long been surrounded by silence and stigma. The goal was not only to raise awareness but also to encourage open conversations and compassionate responses.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call/text)
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
National Maternal Mental Health Line
Hotline for pregnant women and new moms
Available in English and Spanish
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Crisis Text Line
Text START to 741741
Free, 24/7, confidential
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
Free information on cancer topics in English and Spanish
Get live help at 1-800-4-CANCER
Disabilities Awareness
Ensuring Every Voice Is Protected
March is also recognized as Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
In the United States, the Protection and Advocacy system was created in 1975 after investigations revealed serious abuse and neglect in institutions housing people with developmental disabilities. Congress responded by establishing federally funded advocacy systems in every state to ensure individuals could receive legal protection and support.
Organizations like the National Disability Rights Network help coordinate these efforts and advocate for policies that promote fairness, accessibility, and independence.
Another major milestone came with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law expanded protections against discrimination and helped improve access to workplaces, schools, transportation, and public spaces.
Disability advocacy reminds us that accessibility is not simply an accommodation. It is a matter of equity and dignity. When communities prioritize inclusion, everyone benefits.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call/text)
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
National Maternal Mental Health Line
Hotline for pregnant women and new moms
Available in English and Spanish
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Crisis Text Line
Text START to 741741
Free, 24/7, confidential
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
Free information on cancer topics in English and Spanish
Get live help at 1-800-4-CANCER
Honoring Stories That Shape Our World
In sports, women are redefining what is possible. At the Winter Olympics, figure skaters like Alysa Liu have captured global attention with performances that combine technical skill, creativity, and resilience. Liu made history when she won Olympic gold in women’s figure skating, becoming the first American woman in nearly a quarter century to win the event.
Across the sport, athletes such as Kaori Sakamoto and Madison Chock continue to push boundaries through artistry, athleticism, and leadership on the ice.
These athletes represent more than medals and championships. They represent dedication, perseverance, and the courage to challenge expectations. Their achievements inspire younger generations of girls to step onto the ice, into leadership roles, and into spaces where women continue to make their mark.
Women’s History Month reminds us that history is not only something we study from the past. It is something that continues to unfold every day.
Women’s History
March is also a time to celebrate Women’s History Month, recognizing the countless ways women have shaped societies, movements, and communities.
The celebration began as Women’s History Week in 1980 when the National Women's History Alliance helped lead a national effort to recognize women’s contributions to American history. By 1987, the observance expanded to the entire month of March.
For generations, the achievements of women were often overlooked in historical records and classrooms. Women’s History Month helps bring those stories forward and highlights the influence women have had in fields such as science, education, art, leadership, and social justice.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call/text)
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
National Maternal Mental Health Line
Hotline for pregnant women and new moms
Available in English and Spanish
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Crisis Text Line
Text START to 741741
Free, 24/7, confidential
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
Free information on cancer topics in English and Spanish
Get live help at 1-800-4-CANCER
Turning Awareness Into Action
Although these observances focus on different experiences, they share a common message: every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
Awareness becomes meaningful when it inspires small, intentional actions. This month might be an opportunity to check in on someone who may be struggling, to learn more about disability rights and accessibility, or to explore the stories of women who have shaped the world around us.
Each step toward understanding helps build communities where people feel supported rather than overlooked.
Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with something simple: choosing to listen.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call/text)
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
National Maternal Mental Health Line
Hotline for pregnant women and new moms
Available in English and Spanish
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Crisis Text Line
Text START to 741741
Free, 24/7, confidential
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
Free information on cancer topics in English and Spanish
Get live help at 1-800-4-CANCER