Wilkes RYDC: Spring Wellness Week

Story support by Wilkes RYDC Volunteer Resource Coordinator Felicia Jackson

Recently, the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center (Wilkes RYDC) hosted Spring Wellness Week at its facility in Washington, Georgia. Fun filled and educational, each day of the Spring Wellness Week included a specialty theme such as Spiritual Wellness-Green Day, Jersey Day, Pink Day, and Positivity Day.

On Spiritual Wellness-Green Day, the Wilkes RYDC welcomed several speakers to assist youth in learning how to advocate for individual rights and how to seek out spiritual guidance.  Special guests included Jana Stokes of Ryan's Gift of Advocacy, Minister Avis Williams, and Pastor Devon Harris of Full Circle Refuge.

Physical wellness was the theme and goal of Jersey Day during Spring Wellness Week. Washington Wilkes Head Football Coach and Athletics Director T.C. Jay paid a special visit encouraging all of the Wilkes RYDC youth to stay grounded and focus on their future goals despite any current setbacks. Using mnemonic devices such as AIE - Attitude is Everything, DWG - Develop, Win, Graduate, and the phrase No Vision, No Goal, Coach Jay stressed the importance of getting an education to succeed in life. Youth and facility members alike also appreciated Coach Jay's willingness to share and execute football plays during his time at the facility.

Pink Day featured teachings on how to make better food choices in life, what healthy food options consist of daily, and the importance of smaller portion sizes during meals featuring Ida Jackson and Linda Beasley of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.  Another special guest was Southern Scratch Consulting owner and dietitian Kathryn Filipiak who helped the Wilkes RYDC students set up a food table followed by enjoying a delicious snack. 

Ms. Filipiak also gave a full presentation on the joys of healthy meals shared with friends. A key to food enjoyment, according to Ms. Filipiak, involves the fact that eating with others provides a sense of belonging and that meals provide all of us with a feeling of satisfaction and that a set meal time offers accountability to the provider of the meal and the consumer of the meal alike. Through meal interaction, humans learn about social necessities and graces that can enhance other aspects of life.

Friday's Positivity Day contained elements of the rest of the week's activities and an overview for future behavior. In the morning, students could make their own smoothie drinks with fresh fruit and to learn about the health benefits of Acai bowls.   After the early breakfast, Wilkes RYDC nurse Dorothea Bailey-Butts spoke to the youth on the topic of Weathering the Storm which included her thoughts on moving forward positively through life by maintaining focus, eliminating negativity, and focusing on the current and the now.   Positivity Day ended with healthy wellness snacks being served including baked and popped chips, granola bars, fruit and veggie trays, sub sandwiches, sugar-free cookies, and bottled water.

The Wilkes RYDC staff would like to thank everyone in the local community who helped donate and support Spring Wellness Week. Special thanks to the Wal-Mart in Thomson, Washington BI-LO, Ann Bates, Dr. Valerie Hurt, and Food Services Worker Barbara Kemp.  With everyone's help, Spring Wellness Week 2019 was a huge success.