Alternatives, Inc.

09/15/2026

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to promote environments where every child can develop healthy habits and thrive.

At Alternatives, Inc., that commitment includes serving nutritious snacks during our programs and supporting early childhood centers through the Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT). HCAT helps preschools and childcare centers strengthen and standardize best practices in:

🍎 Nutrition
🏃 Physical activity
🧘 Mindfulness
🦷 Oral health

Through technical assistance, practical resources, and ongoing support, HCAT equips centers to create healthier environments for the children and families they serve.

HCAT is provided in Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Williamsburg/James City County and York County.

Healthy children need healthy environments, consistent practices, and communities committed to their well-being.

09/08/2026

A heartfelt thank you from Alternatives and our intern, Annabelle, for these generous donations!

During the 2025–2026 year, Alternatives served more than 3,000 young people and community members. Donations like these help us continue creating meaningful experiences that cultivate capable, caring, and responsible young people.

We appreciate your support and investment in our community!

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month.

Sometimes the people who are hurting the most have become experts at appearing okay. That is why awareness must become action.

Check on your loved ones. Listen without judgment. Take changes in behavior seriously. Remind people that asking for help is not weakness, and struggling does not make them a burden.

One honest conversation can create hope. One compassionate response can help someone stay.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

You matter. Your life has value. Your story is not over. 💙

***dePreventionMonth

09/02/2026

🎒 Save the NEW date!

Sister to Sister and Brother to Brother are bringing the community together for a Back-to-School Kickoff Festival!

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ 1:00–4:00 p.m.
📍 Resource Center
2009A Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

Bring the family and enjoy free food, games, prizes, giveaways, music by DJ Caress, community resources, and more!

Each school-aged child will receive one bag of school supplies while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Come for the supplies. Stay for the fun. Start the school year surrounded by community! 🎉

For more information, call 757-940-9957, 757-715-3050, or 804-324-0405.

08/26/2026

🎧🎵🎧

🎧🔥 TOMORROW, WE’RE TURNING BUCKROE BEACH ALL THE WAY UP!

Join us for the final Teen Thursday of the season, a SILENT DISCO, at the Buckroe Beach Stage! Grab your friends, choose your channel, and dance to your own beat as we close out an unforgettable summer! 💃🏾🕺🏾

08/21/2026

Grief is not something children and teens should have to navigate alone. KIDZ’NGRIEF and Mikey’s Camp provide safe, supportive spaces where young people can process loss, express themselves, build meaningful connections, and honor their grief.

Families are invited to attend the KIDZ’NGRIEF Discover & Learn Event on Saturday, August 29, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Pearl Bailey Library in Newport News. Snacks, drinks, and an activity will be provided.

Camper spots and Big Buddy volunteer opportunities are also available for Mikey’s Camp, taking place November 6–8 in Jamestown. The weekend-long grief camp serves youth ages 7–17, with lodging, meals, and activities provided at no cost.

Please review the attached flyers for complete details and use the QR codes to register or apply.

Because grief may be carried, but it should never have to be carried alone. 💙

08/21/2026

Alternatives, Inc. wishes all students, educators, and administrators a prosperous new school year! May this year be filled with meaningful connections, new opportunities, academic growth, and continued success. Here’s to a year of learning, leading, and realizing your inherent potential! 📚✨

08/17/2026

Spot Maria Perkins in orange among a sea of young leaders! Maria proudly represented Alternatives, Inc. at Senator Mamie Locke and Congressman Bobby Scott’s “Step Into Your Power” Youth Leadership Empowerment Education Day, held at the Newport News Boys & Girls Club and sponsored by Sister to Sister, Inc.

08/04/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Joy Hernandez, Director of the Hampton University Child Development Center, on receiving the Powerful Partner Award!

Alternatives nominated Dr. Hernandez in recognition of her exceptional dedication to early childhood development. For more than 20 years, she and the Center have partnered with Alternatives to implement the Al’s Pals social-emotional learning curriculum. The Center was also one of the program’s original pilot sites.

Through her leadership, teachers receive the training and support they need to help young children express their emotions, manage challenging behaviors, solve problems, make healthy choices, and build positive relationships.

Dr. Hernandez’s influence also extends beyond the Center. She shares the importance of social-emotional learning with educators from diverse cultures and backgrounds while promoting staff wellness and family engagement.

As Dr. Hernandez explains, “Social and emotional development with these positive interactions is the foundation that children need to build their long-term academic and life success.”

Powerful partnerships do more than support programs. They equip teachers, strengthen families, and give children a stronger foundation for life.

Congratulations, Dr. Hernandez, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏