At Malorie’s Place, we know that mental health struggles don’t wait until adulthood—they can begin in childhood. That’s why we created Junior Warriors, a biweekly program designed to support K–5th grade children who are facing emotional, social, and developmental challenges. Junior Warriors isn’t just about activities—it’s about healing hearts early and giving our youngest community members the tools they need to grow strong, confident, and drug-free. What Healing Looks Like for Children Children often carry unspoken burdens: the stress of family conflict, the grief of loss, the trauma of neglect or abuse, or simply the overwhelming pressure of “not fitting in.” Left unaddressed, these early wounds can shape their future. Junior Warriors provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves, learn healthy coping skills, and build relationships with trusted adults. Support, Structure, and Strength Each session of Junior Warriors is thoughtfully structured to promote healing through: Mentorship – Positive role models guide children through life lessons in resilience, kindness, and self-worth. Therapeutic Play & Activities – We use art, storytelling, and games as gentle, age-appropriate methods for emotional expression. Community Building – Children form connections with peers who understand what it feels like to be different, hurt, or afraid. Life Skills & Prevention – We teach the value of making healthy choices, resisting peer pressure, and standing up against bullying and drugs. Healing the Whole Family Junior Warriors is more than a children’s program—it’s a family movement. We engage parents, educators, and caregivers in the healing process through open communication, community events, and access to additional resources. Because when a child begins to heal, their whole environment shifts. Why It Matters The earlier we help children face and process their emotions, the more likely they are to grow into mentally healthy adults. At Malorie’s Place, we believe that every child deserves a chance to feel safe, heard, and valued—and that healing, no matter how small, can start with just one brave step. If you know a child who might benefit from Junior Warriors, we invite you to connect with us. Together, let’s raise a generation of resilient, compassionate, and hopeful young warrior's.

Life is a journey filled with highs and lows—and sometimes, those lows can be incredibly heavy. At Malorie’s Place, we walk alongside individuals facing trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. While counseling, support groups, and recovery resources are core to what we do, we also embrace natural tools that support holistic healing—like the powerful world of essential oils. Let’s explore how essential oils can help restore balance to the mind, body, and soul during life’s most difficult seasons. 1. For the Mind: Calming Racing Thoughts & Supporting Focus Lavender – Known as the “mother” of all essential oils, lavender has powerful calming properties. It soothes the nervous system, eases anxious thoughts, and promotes restful sleep—key elements for anyone working through trauma or depression. Peppermint – Uplifting and invigorating, peppermint can help combat mental fatigue, increase focus, and reduce tension headaches brought on by stress or emotional overwhelm. Frankincense – Often used in spiritual rituals, frankincense calms the mind and promotes clarity. It supports deep breathing and emotional release, helping you process grief with a quiet, grounded strength. 2. For the Body: Easing Physical Manifestations of Emotional Pain Eucalyptus – A powerhouse for the respiratory system, eucalyptus opens up breathing pathways, symbolically and physically helping you “breathe again” when grief or anxiety feels suffocating. Chamomile – Gentle and nurturing, chamomile helps soothe muscle tension and stomach discomfort linked to emotional distress. It’s especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety or PTSD. Clary Sage – This oil is known to balance hormones and promote relaxation. It’s especially helpful for women processing trauma or emotional imbalance, providing a natural way to release stored tension in the body. 3. For the Soul: Nurturing Emotional Healing & Spiritual Peace Ylang Ylang – This sweet floral oil supports emotional balance and opens the heart. It helps ease panic attacks and encourages feelings of joy, peace, and emotional connection. Bergamot – Often called “sunshine in a bottle,” bergamot can lift the spirit during times of grief and sadness. It promotes self-acceptance and emotional release while supporting confidence and courage. Sandalwood – A deeply grounding oil, sandalwood is ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection. It can help connect you to your inner self, making it easier to process pain and seek deeper healing. How to Use Essential Oils for Emotional Healing Diffusion: Add 5–10 drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser and let the aroma gently fill your space. Topical Application: Dilute oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) and apply to pulse points (wrists, temples, back of the neck). Bath Rituals: Add a few drops to a warm bath with Epsom salts for a deeply calming experience. Inhalation: Place a drop in your hands, rub together, and inhale slowly during a moment of anxiety or reflection. A Gentle Reminder Essential oils are not a cure—but they are a beautiful, natural companion on the healing journey. At Malorie’s Place, we honor the sacredness of each person’s path and believe in empowering the whole person: mind, body, and soul. If you're navigating trauma, grief, depression, or anxiety, you are not alone. Whether you're attending a group session, walking through our Serenity Release Peer Support Groups, or simply looking for peace at home—know that you’re supported. Want to learn more? Join one of our upcoming wellness workshops or stop by Malorie’s Place for personalized guidance on essential oils, mindfulness, and healing through community. The Gathering/OK Maiden Workshop on Essential oils May 30th 10:00-11:30 446 S Main Ave Maiden Because healing doesn’t have to happen alone. And sometimes, it smells like lavender. Love Leslie Malorie’s Place Executive Director

At Malorie’s Place, we believe in addressing the root causes of the struggles our clients face. Trauma is often a silent yet powerful force that shapes lives, driving many toward substance use and mental health challenges as coping mechanisms. By understanding the link between trauma and these issues, we can better support individuals and families on their healing journey. The Connection Between Trauma and Substance Use Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Whether it’s abuse, neglect, grief, or violence, trauma leaves lasting imprints on the mind and body. Many who experience trauma seek relief from the pain and chaos it creates. Unfortunately, for some, this search for relief leads to substance use. Substances like alcohol or drugs can offer temporary escape by numbing emotional pain or creating a false sense of control. Over time, however, what began as a coping strategy often evolves into addiction, trapping individuals in a destructive cycle. Trauma and Mental Health Unresolved trauma can also manifest as mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The effects can be far-reaching, impacting relationships, work, and day-to-day functioning. People often feel isolated in their pain, believing no one else can truly understand their experience. Trauma survivors may develop distorted beliefs about themselves, such as feeling unworthy of love or incapable of success. These beliefs further fuel mental health struggles, creating barriers to seeking help. A Path Toward Healing At Malorie’s Place, we aim to break the cycle by offering trauma-informed care. This approach recognizes the profound impact of trauma and provides a safe space where individuals can process their experiences without judgment. Our services include: Counseling and Support: We work with compassionate professional Referral Counselor Debbie Rhodus Mindfulness and Stress Coaching: These tools empower individuals to regain control over their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Workshops and Trainings: personal Development, to goal-setting workshops, & Art Therapy classes. we equip families and communities with practical skills to support healing and resilience. Safe Spaces: The Serenity Release Peer Support Groups, Reflection Alcove offers a refuge for those seeking to let go of stress, anger, and fear in a constructive way. How Families Can Help Families play a crucial role in supporting loved ones impacted by trauma. Here are some ways to help: Educate Yourself: Learn about trauma, addiction, and mental health to better understand what your loved one is experiencing. Be Patient: Healing from trauma takes time. Offer consistent support without pressuring them to “move on.” Encourage Professional Help: Gently guide them toward counseling, coaching, or support groups. Moving Forward Healing from trauma is not easy, but it is possible. At Malorie’s Place, we believe that every individual deserves a chance to find hope and healing. By addressing trauma head-on, we can help individuals and families break free from the grip of substance use and mental health struggles, moving toward brighter, healthier futures. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, substance use, or mental health challenges, reach out to us. Together, we can create a path toward healing. Contact Malorie’s Place 📞 828-216-5046 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 🌐 Maloriesplace.org You are not alone. Healing begins here.