Piedmont Community Services

10/29/2026

Check out our Adult Recovery Court Program update given by Quincy Gravely, our Justice Support Supervisor! Fast forward to 1:49:10 and enjoy!

10/27/2026

Saving money can help you prepare for unexpected expenses, reach your goals, and feel more confident about your financial future. But did you know there are different types of savings accounts, each with its own benefits?

4 Types of Savings Accounts to Consider:

Traditional Savings Account
This is a basic savings account offered by many banks and credit unions. It's a simple place to keep money for emergencies or upcoming expenses while earning a small amount of interest. This type of savings account can be helpful when you need to access your money quickly.

High-Yield Savings Account
This is similar to a traditional savings account, but it typically offers a higher interest rate. This can be a great option for building an emergency fund or saving for a future goal while keeping your money accessible (typically takes a few days to transfer).

Money Market Account
This type of account combines features of savings and checking accounts. Depending on the bank, it may offer competitive interest, check-writing privileges, or a debit card. Some accounts have minimum balance requirements or transaction limits. Before opening an account like this, you may want to speak with a financial advisor to see if this is the best option for you.

Certificate of Deposit (CD)
This is a savings option where you deposit money for a set period, such as 6 months, 1 year, or longer. You typically earn a fixed interest rate, but withdrawing money early may result in a penalty. This can work well for money you don't need right away.

Your financial wellness challenge for this week is to take 10 minutes to review your current savings account(s). Compare its interest rate, fees, and features with other options. Even small steps toward saving can make a difference over time!

Remember, you don't have to save a large amount to get started. Start where you are, set a realistic goal, and build from there.

10/21/2026

We can't wait to see you there!

Looking to strengthen your knowledge and skills in mental health awareness and su***de prevention? Check out these upcoming Mental Health Trainings offered by Piedmont Community Services in partnership with West Piedmont Higher Education Center, Patrick & Henry Community College, and The Franklin Center!

📅 Upcoming Trainings:

🔹 safeTALK: Su***de Prevention/Alertness Training
📍 West Piedmont Higher Ed Center | Baldwin Building, Martinsville, VA
🗓️ November 6th | 9 AM – 12 PM

🔹 Mental Health First Aid – Adult
📍 Patrick & Henry Community College | Stuart Campus
🗓️ November 17th | 9 AM – 5 PM

🔹 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
📍 Patrick & Henry Community College, Stuart Campus
🗓️ December 11th | 10 AM – 1 PM

These trainings offer opportunities to build awareness, strengthen understanding, and develop skills that can make a meaningful difference in our communities.

📩 Ready to register or have questions? Contact Kristi Norton at [email protected].

***dePrevention

10/20/2026

When the Seasons Change, It is Time Check In With Yourself!

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, you may notice changes in your mood, energy, and motivation. For some people, these changes may be more than just the winter blues.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression associated with seasonal changes, most commonly beginning in the fall or winter and improving in the spring.

4 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder to Look For:

Persistent sadness or low mood — If you are constantly feeling down, hopeless, or losing interest in activities you usually enjoy, then it may be time to talk to someone about your mental wellbeing.

Changes in sleep and energy — Another sign is feeling unusually tired, sleeping more than usual, or struggling to get out of bed. This isn't normal and is something that we want to keep a check on and seek help as needed.

Changes in appetite — You may notice changes in hunger, cravings, or eating habits. This can be a sign of SAD so if you experiencing this sign, it may be time to make an appointment with your mental health counselor to talk through why you may be experiencing these changes and what you can do about it.

Difficulty concentrating or feeling motivated — Are you having trouble focusing, completing everyday tasks, or keeping up with your usual routine. This is another sign of SAD.

It's Okay to Ask for Help!

You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out. Talking with someone you trust, connecting with a mental health professional, or discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider can be important steps toward feeling better.

Asking for help isn't a weakness. It's a sign of strength. You deserve support, and you don't have to navigate difficult seasons alone.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or needs immediate mental health support, call or text 988.

10/06/2026

Do you have expired, unused, or unwanted medications sitting in your medicine cabinet?

October is a great time to clean out your medications and make sure they are being stored and disposed of safely!

Here are 3 Simple Medication Safety Tips

1. Check your medicine cabinet.
Look for medications that are expired, that you no longer need, or were prescribed for a condition you no longer have. Gather these medications in a specific area to get ready to dispose of safely.

2. Store medications safely.
Keep medications in their original containers and out of reach of children and pets. Medications that could be misused may be safest when stored in a locked location. If you like to organize your medications, do so weekly in a medicine pill box so that you don't get confused about which medication is which.

3. Dispose of medications properly.
Don't let unwanted medications sit around where they could be accidentally taken or misused. Use an authorized medication collection site or participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day --> Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 AM–2 PM

Residents of Martinsville, Patrick County, and Franklin County can use the DEA's collection-site locator to find a participating location near them. Collection sites may vary, so check the locator before brining your unwanted medications to the sites.

09/29/2026

Let's All "Fall" Into Wellness!

The cooler temperatures are here, and fall is a great time to step outside and enjoy nature. Spending time outdoors can support both physical wellness through movement and environmental wellness by helping us connect with and appreciate the world around us.

Here are 3 simple ways to get outside this fall in our community:

Explore a New Trail
Take a hike or nature walk and enjoy the changing leaves. Invite a friend or family member to make it a social activity! There are so many places you can walk around the community like the trails at Philpott Lake, walking path at the Rocky Mount YMCA, or Dehart Park in Patrick County!

Visit the Farmers Market
Explore seasonal produce, support local farmers, and find new foods to bring home and enjoy. The local Farmers Markets are open until the end of October and they have lots of goodies to choose from like produce, breads, coffee grinds, crafts, and so much more!

Create an Outdoor Chore Chart
Rake leaves, plant fall flowers, clean up your yard, or prepare your garden for winter. You can get moving while caring for your outdoor space! Creating a chore chart can be a great way to tackle your to-do list without feeling overwhelmed!

What is your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in the fall?

09/21/2026

Your emotional and physical wellness are more connected than you may realize. Stress can affect your sleep habits, energy levels, muscle tension, digestion, and overall well-being.

It is important to take care of your body because it can help you feel better emotionally, too.

One simple way to support both? Meditation. You don't need a quiet week long retreat or 30 minutes of free time. Just a few minutes to slow down, breathe, and check in with yourself is all you need!

Try This 5-Minute meditation next time you need to pause and connect with your body.

1. Find a comfortable spot.
Sit in a chair, on the floor, or wherever you can relax. Let your muscles relax and place your feet comfortably on the ground or in a seated position.

2. Take a slow breath.
Breathe in through your nose for about 4 seconds, then slowly breathe out for about 6 seconds. Repeat several times.

3. Notice your body.
Pay attention to how your body feels without judging it. Notice your shoulders, jaw, hands, stomach, and legs. Relax any areas that feel tense.

4. Focus on your breathing.
Notice the feeling of each inhale and exhale. If your mind wanders, that's okay! Gently bring your attention back to your breath.

5. Check in with yourself.
Ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now?
What do I need today?
What is one small thing I can do to care for myself today?

6. Finish with intention.
Take one more slow breath and remind yourself: I can handle things one moment at a time.

You don't have to completely clear your mind for meditation to "work." The goal isn't to stop thinking—it's to practice noticing your thoughts and gently returning to the present moment.

09/15/2026

We also got to share with WDBJ7 about our Recovery Event! We can’t wait to see you there!

Recovery Month celebration set for Rocky Mount this weekend.