Transitions DE Newsletter

Dear Transitions Delaware Family,

January arrives like a blank page—crisp, clean, and full of possibility. As we step into 2026, we carry with us something invaluable: the strength we discovered throughout the challenges of 2025.

Last year tested us in ways we didn't anticipate. It asked us to dig deeper, stand firmer, and find resilience we didn't know we had. And here we are—not unchanged, but stronger. That strength doesn't disappear when the calendar turns. It becomes the foundation for every fresh start we choose to make.

A fresh start doesn't erase what came before. It honors the struggles, celebrates the survival, and channels those hard-won lessons into forward movement. The courage you found in 2025's toughest moments? That's yours to keep. The boundaries you learned to set, the voice you found, the ways you learned to care for yourself—all of it comes with you into this new chapter.

This January, we invite you to build your fresh start on that foundation of strength. Maybe it's finally pursuing something you put off. Maybe it's resting after pushing so hard. Maybe it's trusting yourself more because you've proven you can handle difficult things.

Our community understands that fresh starts aren't about leaving the past behind—they're about carrying forward the wisdom and resilience we've earned. We're here to support you as you decide what comes next.

Here's to fresh starts built on the strength of everything we've overcome.

Welcome to January. Welcome to your empowered beginning.

With love and appreciation,

Rev. Karla

TRANSITIONS DELAWARE

PRACTICE NEWS

So thrilled to announce 3 New Team Members!!

Our Small but MIGHTY team is Growing

Click here for Profiles

✨ Join Us for an Open House:

Meet the Artist! ✨

We are having an "OPEN HOUSE" to view the Mural and you're invited! Come experience this incredible piece of art in person and meet the talented artist who brought the vision to life.

But wait—there's MORE!

🎨 Ray will also be leading an "Altered Book" demonstration—get ready to learn a fun new art technique!

🛋️ Craft Chill Room—Bring your own craft project and hang out with us! Knitting, drawing, journaling, whatever brings you joy. Let's create together in community.

🎟️✨ RAFFLE TIME! ✨🌈

Our Friends from the Queer Socialists Working Group at Delaware DSA are organizing the raffle to win amazing prizes while supporting an incredible cause! ALL proceeds benefit Point of Pride 💙 (providing gender-affirming care & resources to trans folks in need!)

🎁 Prizes include: 🎁 ✨ Local Art work ✨✨Gift baskets

💰Tickets:$5 each for small items or $10 for large items 💰

📅 Drawing Date: January 18th at Open House 📅

🎯 How to Enter: 🎯 💜 Grab a ticket when you come to the Open House 💜

☕ Light refreshments provided—because good art deserves good snacks! Thank you to Meadowood Mental Health Hospital and PFLAG for your contributions!!

This is going to be a beautiful afternoon of art, creativity, connection, and community. Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or just looking for a welcoming space to spend time with good people—we'd love to see you there!

📝 Please register so we can prepare! 💜

"Swag With A Purpose"

We are always adding new items to our Swag With A Purpose website where 100% of profits go directly back to TransitionsDE clients in the form of bus passes and art supplies. These aren't just nice extras—they're essential resources that remove barriers to care and foster healing through creativity.

Bus passes mean clients can get to therapy appointments, support groups, and community resources without transportation being a barrier. Art supplies provide therapeutic outlets for expression, skill-building, and the kind of creative healing that words sometimes can't reach.

Keep checking in for new items!!

Visit SWAG WITH A PURPOSE and shop swag that makes a real difference.

Because sometimes, the best way to support mental health is as simple as wearing it proudly.

Website Link for more details

NEW D&D Group!!

(Group is now full - please let your therapist know if you are interested for the next one!)

📦 Pantry Cabinet! 📦

How it works:

🍎 Open to all clients and loved ones who need support
🛒 Free groceries and essentials available
📍 Cabinet inside front door

Want to help stock our shelves? We're always accepting donations of non-perishable items! (Thank you for donations so far!)

"Be_The_1 Updates"

"BE_The_1" Partners are putting their heads together to nominate the very first "ALLY OF THE YEAR" Award!!

This award honors someone who stands up, speaks out, and shows up for marginalized communities consistently. They use their voice and privilege to advocate for change, challenge injustice, and create more inclusive spaces for all.

Stay tuned for the finalists!

BE_The_1 is "CALLING ALL ACTORS"

**New Event - Mark your Calendars**

Join us at Transitions Delaware:

Feb 28th - 11am to 1pm

Shoutout to our BE_The_1 partner Sean's House! 🏀✨

They're hosting their yearly basketball event featuring local teams, and we'd love to see you there.

Unlocke the Light/Sean's House are incredible LGBTQ+ community supporters—let's show up and cheer them on right back!

Click the HERE for more details

"JOY Snapshot"

Let's give a hand to St. Petersburgh Florida!! When Florida removed Pride murals, St. Petersburg fought back with creativity. The city installed 11 rainbow bike racks where the art once stood—a bold statement that says: you can silence our streets, but you can't silence our spirit. Mayor Ken Welch and the community refuse to give up on visibility and inclusion. Pride persists. 🏳️‍🌈💪

The community has rallied around this creative response, proving that when one form of visibility is taken away, they'll find another way to shine.

The message is powerful: They can remove the murals, but they can't remove the Pride. St. Petersburg won't give up and neither will we. 🌈✊

January Days to remember - Mark your Calendars

LGBTQ+ - January 🏳️‍🌈

January 20-24: No Name-Calling Week 🚫

A week focused on ending name-calling and bullying, particularly impacting LGBTQ+ youth

January 20, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 🕊️✊🏿

Honoring Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice.

January 22: Trans Prisoner Day of Action and Solidarity 🏳️‍⚧️⛓️

Raises awareness about the experiences and rights of transgender people in prison systems

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day 🕯️💜

Honors all victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people persecuted by the Nazi regime

Mental Health - January 🧠💚

All Month: Mental Wellness Month 🧘‍♀️✨

Focuses on raising awareness about mental health and promoting strategies for maintaining mental well-being

All Month: National Stalking Awareness Month ⚠️

Raises awareness about the dangers of stalking and aims to educate the public on recognition and prevention

January 20: Blue Monday 💙😔

Known as the third Monday of January, often cited as the "most depressing day of the year" based on factors like post-holiday blues, weather, and financial strain

January 21: National Hugging Day 🤗💕

Promotes love, friendship, and togetherness

January 24: National Compliment Day 💕🌟

Promotes positivity and kindness

January 31: National Fun At Work Day 🎉💼

Encourages workplace wellness and moral.

Community ASK

We're seeking new or gently used chest binders for our affirming closet to support community members who need them.

Binders can be life-changing for trans and nonbinary folks, and we want to make sure everyone has access to safe, quality gender-affirming gear—at no cost.

What we need:

New or gently used chest binders
All sizes welcome (especially larger sizes!)
Clean and in good condition

How to donate: Drop off at office

Our BE_The_1 Partner "Friendship House" is always in need of:

trash bags
paper towels
toilet paper

(You can drop to us at the office and we will make sure they are delivered! Thank you!)

How to Request to join the private BE_The_1 community on GroupMe App

Download the GroupMe app
CLICK this link

CLICK HERE FOR

LGBT COMMUNITYRESOURCES

If you know a GSA that is interested in guest speakers - Email us at info@transitionsde.com and we can arrange a visit.

**We have Free Notary Services for clients and loved ones**

Self-Care Spotlight:

January is Mental Wellness Month 🧘‍♀️❄️

This is the ideal time to assess and strengthen your self-care practices. The post-holiday season can bring stress, financial pressure, and seasonal blues, so give yourself permission to slow down and recharge. Focus on basics: quality sleep, nourishing food, movement that feels good, and meaningful connections. Set boundaries around your time and energy—saying no to what drains you creates space for what sustains you. Self-care looks different for everyone, so honor what YOU need rather than what you think you should do. This month, commit to treating yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a close friend.