December at the NOCC

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Local News, Nonprofit
Hello and happy December! 

It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is already here—but before we say goodbye to 2025, we have important information and resources to share! In the newsletter below, we will cover:

  • Youth Action Board’s Mindful Mornings
  • Facts About Fentanyl: Important Info Parents Need to Know
  • Social Support Through the Holidays and Winter

NOCC wishes you all a safe, fun holiday season!
As we enter December, it’s important to recognize the mixed emotions that our students may be feeling this time of year: for some, this season is full of excitement and fun; for others, they may experience depression, grief, or loneliness during their winter break—or even a combination of all of the above.

The Youth Action Board members recognize what may be coming up emotionally for their fellow students as we prepare for winter break. Together, YAB tries to help their peers during this time by hosting Mindful Mornings/Mindful Mondays at school! Lake Orion’s Mindful Mornings are held on a Wednesday morning late start, before school begins. This December, Oxford’s first Mindful Monday will occur during the lunch periods on Monday the week before the holiday break. YAB brings fun games and activities that include information and resources about mindfulness, self-care, and their importance to overall well-being.

Make sure your student knows when Mindful Morning/Mondays will be happening at their school!

Oxford High School Mindful Monday: Monday, December 15th during all lunch periods in the Oxford cafeteria

Lake Orion High School Mindful Morning: Wednesday, December 17th from 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM near the common area
Parents, here’s what you need to know about fentanyl—and why these conversations matter. 
Talking with your child about fentanyl doesn’t always require a “big serious conversation.” It can be a simple check-in, grounded in care, curiosity, and honesty about the facts. What matters most is keeping communication open: asking them what they’ve seen or heard, sharing what you’ve learned, and letting them know they can always come to you if they’re unsure about something. These small moments build trust and help our kids navigate situations safely.

As a community, we can make a real difference by staying informed and connected. You’ll find conversation guidance, local resources, and additional facts about prescription misuse and steps to take to safeguard your home on the North Oakland Community Coalition website. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our youth safe, supported, and empowered with the knowledge they need to thrive!
December has arrived, and so has the start of colder months and shorter days. This is when staying connected with others becomes especially important for our emotional well-being! This month, Lake Orion YAB members are putting on an activity during their Mindful Morning event focused on identifying those in their support—or their “snow”pport—system. Students will decorate small snow globe ornaments and write the names of those in their lives that help them feel safe, supported, and grounded. These ornaments are a reminder that they’re never alone, even during the longest stretch of winter.

Support doesn’t always look like a large social circle or picture-perfect family, and it doesn’t have to. Sometimes our support system is a mix of friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives that we trust. Support isn’t always a big event, either. It can look like a quick text, sharing a laugh, or simply knowing that someone would answer the phone if you needed them. What matters is the feeling you have from those in your support system: who helps you breathe a little easier and fills your cup? Who helps you feel like yourself?

We encourage you to take a moment to think about who’s in your own “snow”pport system: those who remind you that you don’t have to do life alone. If you’re able, offer a small expression of gratitude or connection back their way.

If this time of year feels heavy for you or a loved one, remember that reaching out is always okay and you’re never alone. Local mental health resources can be found on the NOCC website, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, even on holidays, for professional mental health support.

Together, we can enter this holiday and winter season where connection keeps us warm…even when the weather doesn’t!