Rockbridge Area Community Services

Just a quick reminder that the free Veterans' Breakfast is tomorrow morning at 0830 at the VFW building in Lexington. See you all soon!

Dear Backpack,
I know we haven't talked in a while.
I'm working on being emotionally prepared to see you again.
Sincerely,
Everyone
😂
People say that getting organized before school starts can actually lower stress. But, did you know that the most important back-to-school preparation isn't buying school supplies? It's taking care of your brain.
🧠 Rest.
💧 Water.
🥗 Food.
😴 Sleep.
💙 Kindness.
Your brain is your best school supply. Give yourself grace while you adjust to your new routine.

The Five Stages of Hearing "Back to School:"

1️⃣ Denial - "That's months away."
2️⃣ Anger - "Who put school supplies in stores in July?!"
3️⃣ Bargaining - "If I ignore it... maybe it'll go away."
4️⃣ Acceptance - "Fine... I'll buy the notebooks."
5️⃣ Confidence - "I've done this before. I've got this."

Big transitions can bring big feelings...and that's completely normal. If you are experiencing big feelings or if your mind feels overloaded, grab a piece of paper. Write down everything you're thinking about. Homework. Sports. Friends. Tests. Dinner. That random song stuck in your head.
Getting it out of your brain can sometimes make it easier to sort through.

Sometimes life throws curveballs that make you feel imbalanced, and that’s okay.

Take time to get your routine, healthy habits, and mindfulness on track. Re-balancing is a process, but taking that one step towards your wellness goals will be worth it.

For more information, visit virginiapreventionworks.org/activate

Looking for your next career opportunity? We're growing and have multiple positions available across our organization! Whether you're ready for a new challenge or know someone who is, we'd love to hear from you.
Want to learn more?
✔️ View available positions
✔️ See pay information
✔️ Read job details
✔️ Apply online
Visit the Careers tab on our website (www.racsb.org) to explore our current openings and find the role that's right for you.
Your next opportunity could be just a click away!

Tall Cop Says Stop will be at the Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge this week and there are still spots available! If you haven't heard him speak before, he is very engaging and shares important information on the current drug trends to help educate and equip parents and community members. This event is sponsored by the Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition. See their flyer for more information on location, time and how to register to save your spot!

Calling all local veterans to the upcoming free Veterans' Breakfast! Mark your calendars for August 11th at 0830 and we hope to see you all there!

They say you can't choose your family, but sometimes the people you work alongside every day become an extension of it. Through shared challenges, teamwork, and countless moments together, our co-workers often become like family. That's why it's just as important to step away from the daily workload and spend time together enjoying laughter, fun, and each other's company.
Our Staff & Family Picnic was the perfect opportunity to do just that! It was an afternoon filled with yummy food, great conversations, plenty of smiles, and lots of laughter. Beyond the fun, we also took time to recognize several team members who reached milestone work anniversaries. Celebrating these years of dedication and service was a meaningful reminder of the incredible people who make our organization what it is.
These milestones speak volumes about the culture that our staff have built together. It’s a culture rooted in support, respect, collaboration, and genuine care for one another. When people choose to stay and grow together year after year, it reflects more than just a workplace; it reflects a community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so memorable. We are grateful for the families who support our team, for the friendships that have grown along the way, and for the outstanding staff who make this such a special place to work. Here's to celebrating the milestones, the memories, and the people who truly make us feel like family.

😱 Excuse Me... Back-to-School?! Already?!
Who gave the calendar permission to move this fast?!
One minute it was "schools out for summer"...
Now we're buying folders and trying to remember what day it is.
If the words "back to school" make your stomach do a little flip, you're not alone.
Try this:
✨ Focus on ONE thing you're looking forward to.
Maybe it's seeing friends, a new outfit, or finally using those fancy gel pens.
Sometimes one positive thought can make a big transition feel a little easier.

CIT is a true collaborative effort and we are honored to be a part of the team! Congratulations to the newest instructors, we are looking forward to working with you!

Today marks another important step forward for the Rockbridge and Bath Regional Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program as our newest instructors graduated and joined the team.

Deputy Loran Dreelin and Deputy Emily Fary served as members of the Train-the-Trainer Instructor Cadre throughout the course. Their dedication, professionalism, and leadership helped develop the next generation of CIT instructors, ensuring this vital program continues to grow and provide high-quality crisis intervention training for years to come.

Crisis Intervention Team training equips law enforcement officers, first responders, and community partners with the skills needed to effectively communicate, de-escalate situations, and connect individuals in crisis with the resources they need. Programs like this strengthen relationships between public safety agencies, mental health providers, and the communities we serve.

“The ability to communicate effectively and de-escalate difficult situations is one of the most important tools we can provide our personnel,” said Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “I am proud of Deputy Dreelin, Deputy Fary, and all of today’s graduates for their commitment to making our communities safer through understanding, professionalism, and partnership.”

A special thank you to Rockbridge Area Community Services, our training host and the driving force behind the regional CIT program. Their leadership, dedication, and countless hours of coordination keep this program moving forward and ensure that law enforcement, first responders, mental health professionals, and community partners have access to the training and resources needed to better serve those experiencing behavioral health crises.

Congratulations to all of today’s graduates on this outstanding achievement. Your commitment to enhancing communication, de-escalation, and community partnerships will have a lasting impact across the Rockbridge and Bath region.

Pictured left to right: Deputies Loran Dreelin and Emily Fary with RBSO, Brittani Champagne with Rockbridge Area Health Center, K9 Rain with RACS, Officers Matt Slagle and Jacob Moore with BVPD, Officer Kevin Chittum with VMIPD, Ellen Wheeler and Erica Miear with RACS.

K9 Rain was the lead instructor! Thank you Rain!