City of Grenada VOCA Program

05/29/2026

The month of May is coming to an end. It is the month of Mental Health Awareness!

Dealing with Anxiety:
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But if your worries and fears seem overwhelming, there are things you can do to feel better.

Recognize the symptoms of anxiety.

Emotional symptoms include:

feeling tense, restless or irritable
obsessive thinking
trouble concentrating
feeling like your mind goes blank
excessive worry, fear, panic, or dread
avoiding things you associate with anxiety

Physical symptoms include:

sleep problems
short, shallow breathing
tightening of chest
rapid heartbeat
nausea or dizziness
sweating or trembling
headache

When you feel anxious take a break. Give yourself moments to slow down and focus only on your breathing. Practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself "I feel anxious, but this feeling will pass. I don't have to let my anxiety take over. Actively distract yourself. Take a walk, read or work on a hobby.

Send a message to learn more

05/20/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

A mental illness can affect a person in many ways. It can disturb a person's thoughts, feelings, moods and actions. Mental illnesses have many causes. These include:

genetics (heredity)
chemical imbalances in the brain
biological, environmental, social and cultural factors

Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, ethnic group or income level.

A person with a mental illness deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else.

Send a message to learn more

05/20/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Digital Stress (What It Is and How to Deal with It)

Smartphones and computers can help you stay connected, informed and entertained. They can also make you feel anxious, overwhelmed or even depressed- that's called digital stress.

Here are the top reasons behind digital stress:
1. Constant Distraction
2. Lack of Good Sleep
3. Social Comparison
4. Negative Interactions
5. Life Balance
6. Fear of Missing Out

Ways to Deal with Digital Stress:
1. Schedule a digital time-out
2. Make sleep a priority
3. Tune out the noise
4. Choose your contacts
5. Adjust your social media feed
6. Make time for face-to-face
7. Schedule specific times to check
8. Try not to get caught up into comparisons

Our digital lifestyles are here to stay. Learning to pay attention to the effects technology use has on your well-being is important. When it comes to dialing down your stress levels, these tips can be a good place to start.

Send a message to learn more

04/21/2026

Tammy Graves will:
Listen. Act. Advocate.

It’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week! OJP Communications sent this bulletin at 04/21/2026 02:25 PM EDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a webpage. Help Raise Awareness During NCVRW 2026 It’s National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW)! Join the Office of Justice Programs’ Of...

10/07/2025

Help Stop Domestic Violence...This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. When the words Domestic Violence are spoken or read people mostly think of women being the abused party however, men are abused more often than we expect. Men are more reluctant to report abuse because they feel embarrassed, fear they won't be believed, or are scared that their partner will take revenge. Here are 7 Things Every Man Can Do:

1. Learn about domestic violence
2. Talk with your friends and family
3. Realize that domestic violence is everyone's problem
4. Be a role model for other men and boys
5. Know warning signs
6. If you see it, say something
7. Be a man who reaches out

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

10/02/2025

VOCA is at the Grenada Medical Center this morning bringing awareness to the city to bridge the culture competence gap!

09/09/2025

Talking About Traumatic Events

Helping Children Cope:
Whether it is a violent crime or a natural disaster, talking with children about traumatic events can be difficult. Children are likely to know when something bad has happened. Children see images on TV or hear people talking. Traumatic events can make children feel sad or scared. Talking with them about their feelings can help. Here are some tips:

1. Create a safe and reassuring atmosphere
2. Tell them the truth
3. Let them know how you feel
4. Don't overwhelm them with details unless they ask for specific information
5. Help them cope with their feelings
6. If it is hard for them to share their feelings have them draw a picture or tell a story
7. Focus on the positive
8. Stick to their routine schedule during stressful times

09/09/2025

What is Family Violence? It is the mistreatment of one family member by another. Family Violence includes:
1. Physical Abuse (i.e. slapping, hitting, burning)
2. Sexual Abuse (i.e. r**e, in**st)
3. Emotional Abuse (i.e. threats, insults, harassment)
4. Neglect (i.e. poor physical or emotional care)

Family Violence is a crime. It is widespread in our society and often goes unreported.

07/25/2025

We offer a plethora of services! If you are a victim of crime contact our office. We will respond to your emotional and physical needs.