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March 2017
The Accident of Birth
They say everyone is Irish in on St. Patrick's Day! Perhaps you can tell by my name that I actually am a bit Irish and a bit Scottish. And I have had a good deal of luck in my life. A good friend of mine calls it the "accident of birth." I was born into a family that could afford clothes and food and never entertained the idea that I would not go to college. We traveled far and wide so I was exposed to people of many nations, religions, and social-economic backgrounds. I did not earn this life. I did nothing to deserve it. I was just born into it. It has been my lifelong job to be grateful for it and to be responsible with it.

This "accident of birth" is not so kind to all. Many of the moms with whom we work struggle financially. They did not choose to be born into poverty. They certainly didn't earn it nor deserve it. They were just born into it. Their lifelong job is to figure out how to transcend the barriers that a life of poverty sets before them. They have to figure out how to escape a cycle of poverty that sets their children up for even more challenges. That is very difficult. Most people cannot do it alone. That is why we are here. Members of our team stand with moms who want to change those patterns for their children. They want to find ways to give their children the very best. Members of our team stand with teens, helping them to make the best choices about relationships and their bodies so that they have a chance to grow up and go to college and succeed...and then have families when the time is right.

One may not be born with the luck of the Irish but our families at TLC feel pretty lucky that they have our staff to help them find a bit 'o that luck.

Maggie Monroe-Cassel
Executive Director
A New Rocking Chair for Mom and Baby
Here's what it looked like when Katelyn and Baby Noctis received their new rocking chair from The Rocking Chair Project last month. Katelyn quickly took to reading the directions as medical student Emily and parent educator Erin follow along to build the chair. What fun for all. Of course, Noctis worked very hard from his bouncer. Because of The Rocking Chair Project, mom and baby will have a comfy new place to rock and bond and fall in love. Emily will become a better doctor because she has done home visiting with TLC. Erin will continue to be proud of the young moms with whom she works as they grow in their understanding of child development. 
Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope
Mark your calendars for April 20 at noon at Claremont Savings Bank, 145 Broad St, Claremont, for a public viewing of this new documentary. Lunch will be provided by Claremont Savings Bank. Reservations are required to get the free lunch. Click here to reserve your spot. 

THE CHILD MAY NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE BODY REMEMBERS. As this new documentary reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. But there is hope.
President's Award for Non-Profits
TLC Family Resource Center was chosen by the Greater Claremont Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2017 Non-Profit of the Year. Several of our staff and board members were present to receive the award on February 17th. A good time was had by all! We are honored to have received this award in our 25th year and to be recognized for our work with families and teens in our region. 
Community Service Job
Are you a student who needs to get community service hours for high school or college? We are looking for someone to distribute some fliers about our Healthy Families America program throughout Sullivan County. They need to be delivered to any business or organization that will allow us to post them. Please email  Maggie if you are interested in helping out in this way. Thanks!
 

We provide comprehensive sexual health information for young women and men 16-21 with the goal to lower teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates in the county. Email liza@tlcfamilyrc.org
or click here to find out more or to register for 
a class.
New Season at 2nd Beginnings!
Spring is in the air even if there is snow on the ground. Get ready to find some of the best spring clothing at great prices in our store.  And St. Patrick's Day clothes are out now! You won't find better deals anywhere. Come on down to 109 Pleasant St, Monday-Friday, 10-4 pm.
Maggie Monroe-Cassel 
(603) 542-1848 x 322