RISE Co-op

10/10/2026

🌎 🌈 World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day, we stand united to raise awareness and promote real change. Did you know 1 in 5 adults in the US experience a mental health challenge each year, with young adults and LGBTQ+ youth facing even higher rates of distress, depression, and isolation?

Community support, stigma reduction, and early access to care are proven to make a difference in both prevention and healing. Let’s create spaces, online and offline, where seeking help is valued and every story matters.

For resources and support, reach out to your local mental health organizations or trusted helplines:

🌎 Central Texas 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 512-472-HELP (4357) or toll-free 844-398-8252
🌎 National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
🌎 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support
🌎 The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
🌎 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
🌎 LGBT National Youth Talkline (ages 23 and under): 1-800-246-7743
🌎 Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: 972-525-8181 (M–F, 10–6)

No one has to go through hard times alone. Reach out, check on a friend, or share these numbers—together, we can support mental health for all.



[image credit: Google]

10/09/2026

🇵🇭🚀 Filipino American History Month: Meet Angelita Castro-Kelly

When we picture space exploration, we often think of astronauts. But it also takes people on Earth to plan missions and keep them running.

Angelita Castro-Kelly was a Filipina physicist who became NASA’s first woman Mission Operations Manager. Her work helped guide the development of missions that observe Earth’s land, water, and atmosphere from space.

Her story is a reminder that STEAM has room for many kinds of thinkers—not only the people who build spacecraft, but also the people who figure out how a mission will work. 🌎



[Image Credit: Seek]

10/07/2026

🌈🎨 STEAM Wednesday: Art, expression, and Marsha P. Johnson

How can art help people feel seen—and help a community speak up?

For LGBTQ+ History Month, we’re learning about Marsha P. Johnson, an activist and performer whose creativity was part of how she showed up in the world. Marsha took part in the movement that grew from the 1969 Stonewall uprising. She and her friend Sylvia Rivera also co-founded STAR, a group that supported LGBTQ+ young people who needed a safe place to stay.

Marsha’s story reminds us that art can express who we are, while caring for others takes action, too. 💛 Find out more here https://www.queerportraits.com/bio/johnson

10/06/2026

Did you know that The Art Space of Central Texas has a Splatter Room you can rent out! See below for more information!!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DEYdqTAkv/

Get messy and make some art in our glow in the dark Splatter Room. Come in for an individual session or bring your people and make it a party.

https://www.theartspaceofcentraltx.com/experiences-the-art-cafe

10/05/2026

🌟Mindful Monday: Listening to Cultural Stories

Many children were once sent away to boarding schools that separated them from family, language, and culture—especially Indigenous and LGBTQ+ youth.

This week, find a story from a survivor or activist and reflect together: What does cultural survival mean? How can we help affirm each other’s traditions, identities, and languages in our learning space?



[Image Credit: Medium.com]

10/04/2026

❌📖Today marks the start of Banned Books Week! From October 4–10, we recognize the importance of the FREEDOM TO READ!!!

This annual observance draws attention to book challenges and censorship in libraries, schools, and bookstores. It is a time to stand against censorship, celebrate diverse voices and stories, and affirm every reader’s right to explore ideas and perspectives.

At R.I.S.E. Co-op, we encourage families to read widely—today, during Banned Books Week, and every day. Pick up a challenged or banned book, start a thoughtful conversation, and celebrate the power of stories.



[Image Credit: OCregister]

10/02/2026

💗 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Parents, This is for You! 💗

As parents, we often put our families first, but this month, let’s prioritize our health. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, and early detection can be life-saving.

Why it matters:
✅Your health impacts your entire family
✅Early detection significantly increases survival rates
✅Setting a proactive example for your children is vital

What to do:
🗒Schedule your mammogram or encourage loved ones to do so
🗒Learn how to perform monthly self-exams
🗒Discuss your family history with your healthcare provider

Find help here:
✅National Breast Cancer Foundation: www.nationalbreastcancer.org
✅American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org (Helpline: 1-800-227-2345)
✅ Susan G. Komen: www.komen.org (Helpline: 1-877-465-6636)

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Your family needs you healthy and strong!



[Image Credit: Virginia Department of Health]

10/01/2026

👻 Free to Read Thursday: Rise of the Jumbies

Looking for a spooky-season read with mystery, magic, and an adventure beneath the waves? Try Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste, book two in The Jumbies series!

When children on Corinne’s island begin to disappear, people suspect her. To find them, she and her friends must seek help from Mama D’Leau, a powerful jumbie who rules the sea. Inspired by Caribbean folklore, this story brings plenty of Halloween-season chills—and a lot to talk about afterward.

You can pick up a copy at Nalu Books https://nalubooks.com/product/rise-of-the-jumbies/ or check whether your local library has a copy to borrow for free. If you’re new to the series, start with The Jumbies first!



[Image Credit: Google]

09/30/2026

Communities across the U.S. pause to observe National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools on September 30 every year.

This is a day dedicated to honoring survivors, truth-telling, and acknowledging the children who never made it home. Native communities had their children stolen from their homes and placed in church-run and government-run boarding schools.

They faced cultural suppression, family separation, and widespread abuse under the guise of assimilation. For those who survived, the trauma has shaped generations in profound ways.

This day calls for more than pausing to observe what happened to Native communities. It's a call for ALL of us to reflect on our responsibilities now that we are aware of what happened. Our responsibility looks like:
🍊LEARN honest history
🍊LISTEN to survivors, elders, and the communities most affected with humility
🍊SUPPORT cultural revitalization efforts
🍊ADVOCATE for transparency and accountability
🍊STAND ten toes down with Indigenous communities in healing and justice

We encourage you to visit https://boardingschoolhealing.org/ for more information.



[Image Credit: Boarding School Healing]

09/29/2026

Pottery Nights at The Art Space of Central Texas 🎨

Join them on Friday and Saturday evenings for a hands-on pottery class!! This is for ages 13+. See below for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jv24ir4rp/

Pottery Nights are here!!!
Come get your hands dirty and make something you’ll actually want to keep!

Join us Friday or Saturday evenings for hands-on wheel throwing, two custom pieces, glaze, and kiln firing included.
Perfect for beginners, date night, or a fun night out with friends — $56.50 per person, ages 13+.