Crosswinds Youth Services

08/13/2026

🎒 BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHECK-IN 🎒

Okay parents… we made it through the first few days! 😅💛

So, how are we doing?

Are the morning routines getting a little easier?
Are the backpacks still making it out the door with the kids? 😂
Have we already lost a water bottle, lunchbox, or important school paper?
And most importantly — how are the kids doing?

The first week back can bring excitement, nerves, exhaustion, new friendships, new teachers, and a whole lot of adjustment. This is a good time to check in with our children beyond simply asking, “How was school?”

Try asking:
❤️ What was the best part of your day?
💛 Was there anything that made you uncomfortable or worried?
💙 Who did you sit with at lunch?
💚 Did you feel like you had someone to talk to?
💜 What is one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow?

And parents — check in with yourself, too. We spend so much time making sure everybody else is ready that we sometimes forget we are adjusting too.

Give yourself some grace. The routine will come.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and joy-filled school year for all of our babies. 📚✏️🍎

Parents, how did the first few days go at your house? 👇🏽

07/31/2026

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Robert E. Lehton

There are people who come into our lives for a season, and there are those whose influence and shape generations. Dr. Robert E. Lehton was one of those extraordinary generational leaders.

To those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, working beside him, serving with him, and learning from him, he was much more than one of the founders of Crosswinds Youth Services. Dr. Lehton was the heart behind a vision that forever changed the lives of countless vulnerable children in Brevard County.

More than fifty years ago, when our community recognized that children in crisis had no safe place to turn, Dr. Lehton helped transform heartbreak into hope. As a psychologist, he understood the profound impact that compassion, stability, and unconditional care could have on a young person’s life. But more importantly, he acted on that belief. Alongside other dedicated community leaders, he helped establish Crosswinds Youth Services so that no child would have to face fear and uncertainty alone.

What began as a vision has become a legacy.

For decades, Dr. Lehton remained devoted to Crosswinds not only as a founder, but as a trusted board member, leader, mentor, advocate, and friend. He celebrated our successes, helped us through our challenges, and never lost sight of the reason Crosswinds exists: the children.

Today, all of us at Crosswinds grieve the loss of a founder, a leader, a mentor, and a dear friend. We are also profoundly grateful. Grateful that he chose to invest his life in this mission. We will honor his memory not only through our words, but through our commitment to the children and families we serve.

“Every day, children will continue to walk through the doors of the Robert E. Lehton Children’s Shelter. Most will never know the man whose name is on the sign at the entrance. But because of him, they will know safety. They will know compassion. They will know hope. And perhaps, that is the greatest legacy anyone could leave.”

Join me in supporting Crosswinds Youth Services, Inc.

07/30/2026

🎒 Back-to-School Parent Quiz! 📚

As the new school year approaches, let’s see if you’re ready!

1. How many hours of sleep should most school-age children get each night?
A. 5–6 hours
B. 7–8 hours
C. 9–12 hours

2. When should you start adjusting your child’s bedtime before school starts?
A. The night before school
B. About a week before school begins
C. It doesn’t matter

3. Which habit helps reduce morning stress?
A. Packing backpacks and laying out clothes the night before
B. Sleeping as late as possible
C. Skipping breakfast to save time

4. True or False:
Checking in with your child about how they feel about returning to school is just as important as buying school supplies.

Answers:
1️⃣ C | 2️⃣ B | 3️⃣ A | 4️⃣ True

💙 Back-to-school isn’t just about supplies—it’s about helping children feel confident, supported, and ready to learn.

Share your score in the comments! Did you get 4 out of 4? 🎉

07/13/2026

📚 Back-to-School Success Starts at Home

The first few weeks of school can be exciting—and stressful—for children and parents alike.

Here are 5 simple ways to help your child start the school year strong:

✅ Re-establish bedtime and morning routines now.

✅ Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you looking forward to this year?” instead of “How was your day?”

✅ Set aside 10–15 minutes each day for uninterrupted conversation.

✅ Watch for signs of anxiety, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or mood.

✅ Remind your child that it’s okay to ask for help—at school, at home, or from a trusted adult.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

If your family is facing challenges, Crosswinds Youth Services is here to help through counseling, family support, and youth services.

💙 Hope starts with one conversation.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from Crosswinds Youth Services, Inc.! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and honor those who have sacrificed to protect them.

As we gather with family and friends, we’re reminded that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive, and hopeful environment. At Crosswinds, we are grateful for our dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, donors, and supporters who help make that possible every day.

May your Fourth of July be filled with joy, gratitude, and time spent with those you love.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! ❤️🤍💙

Building Stronger Youth. Building Stronger Communities.

07/04/2026

🎒✏️ BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE ✏️🎒

Every child deserves to walk into school feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

The youth at The Robert E. Lehton Children’s Shelter are counting on our community to help make that happen. We are collecting new school supplies for boys and girls ages 10–17.

📚 Most Needed Items:
🎒 Backpacks
📓 Notebooks
📁 Folders
📝 Loose-leaf paper
✏️ Pens & pencils
🖍️ Colored pencils & highlighters
📐 Calculators
📂 Binders
✂️ Pencil pouches
🧴 Hygiene items

📍 Drop-Off Location:
The Robert E. Lehton Children’s Shelter
1407 Dixon Blvd.
Cocoa, FL 32922

📞 Questions?
Call 321-452-0800, Ext. 153

Your generosity does more than provide school supplies it reminds our youth that their community believes in them and wants them to succeed.

❤️ Please LIKE, SHARE, and help us spread the word. Together, we can give every child the tools they need for a brighter future!

06/25/2026

Parent Empowerment workshop…

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from Crosswinds Youth Services 💙

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, mentors, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of children every day.

A caring adult can change a child’s future. Whether through guidance, encouragement, patience, or simply showing up, fathers and father figures help young people build confidence, resilience, and hope.

To all the dads who lead with love, support their families, and help children feel safe and valued—thank you.

From all of us at Crosswinds Youth Services, we wish you a Happy Father’s Day! 💙

06/20/2026

Come join Crosswinds at Juneteenth …

06/14/2026

🦆 Congratulations to our Duck Race winners! All winners have been contacted. Thank you for supporting Crosswinds Youth Services and making this year’s race a success! 💛