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
Black History Month
Happy Black History Month from Hey Neighbor Neighbor!
This month is a time to pause and recognize the strength and resilience of Black individuals, both throughout history and right here in our own neighborhood. It’s about honoring perseverance, creativity, leadership, and the everyday contributions that often go unseen yet matter deeply.
In Walla Walla, the history of Blacks has been commemorated through various events, student organizations, churches, and community gatherings. These moments, big or small, ensure that the history of Black people is heard, valued, and remembered as part of our community history.
A man of immense integrity and wealth, Grose co-founded the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and served as a stabilizing force for newly arriving families, ensuring that Black Washingtonians weren’t just residents of the city, but foundational owners and leaders of its future.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
William Grose
William Grose was more than just an early pioneer; he was a visionary architect of Seattle’s Black community. Arriving in 1861 as the city’s second Black resident, Grose parlayed his success as the owner of the renowned "Our House" restaurant into a historic 12-acre land purchase in 1882. By developing this land along East Madison Street into a thriving ranch and homestead, he bypassed the era’s pervasive housing discrimination and laid the physical and social foundations for what would become the Central District.
February also encourages us to listen more closely. To learn from experiences different from our own, to reflect on where we’ve been, and to think about how we can help build a more connected and caring community moving forward.
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
Boost Self-Esteem Month
This February, we’re invited to slow down, check in with ourselves, and remember: you don’t have to have it all together to be worthy of care and belonging.
February is also the month of love, but instead of focusing on another, give yourself some self-love this month. Everyone can relate to feeling bad about oneself sometimes; that's normal and part of the human experience. One's self-esteem can rise and fall with the stress in one's life, but also in the world.
Being different doesn't mean something is wrong, it can be an opportunity to be there for someone else and learn. “As human beings, we all have “flaws”; things we wish we could change or improve upon within ourselves. Yet, to stop these “flaws” from overpowering our self-esteem, it is important to separate the “flaws” that can be worked on, from those which are unchangeable.” HPALiveWell
Healthy self-esteem isn't about constant confidence; it is about learning to recognize your value on hard days and giving yourself patience as you grow. As research continues to indicate, the nurturing of self-worth through connection, rest, and self-compassion can have a very significant role in protecting mental health and avoiding deeper struggles such as depression.
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (call/text)
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
Teen Link: Youth Crisis Connection
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line
Text START to 741741 (Free, 24/7, confidential)
Mental Help Hotline for Law Enforcement
800-267-5463
National Cancer Institute
NCI offers free information on cancer topics in English and Spanish
Get live help at 1-800-4-CANCER
For more information on boosting your self-esteem, check out this website here.
Teen Dating Violence
Awareness Month
Most of us learn what relationships are “supposed” to look like as we go through friends, family, social media, and trial and error. Sometimes that makes it hard to distinguish normal conflict from behavior that crosses a line. Relationships are meant to be spaces of trust, respect, and mutual care. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a campaign meant to promote dialogue that alerts teenagers about what real, healthy relationships are and how they contribute to promoting a safe community.
This awareness movement began to raise awareness of experiences that were being dismissed or ignored. It also highlights the importance of prevention and education. When teenagers have the vocabulary to discuss issues of boundaries, communication, and self-worth, they are more empowered to build genuine relationships based on dignity rather than control.
Extension 1: Veteran Crisis Line
Extension 3: Trevor Project
6pm-10pm, 866-833-6546
24/7 Hour Crisis Line
800-273-8255
This month isn’t about pointing fingers or revisiting painful stories. It’s about giving language to things that can be confusing, and making sure no one feels isolated when something doesn’t feel right. When we talk openly about boundaries and care, we help create a culture where healthier relationships are possible—for everyone.
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