|
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, Inc.
Counsel + Empower + Strengthen + Advocate + Enlighten = Wellness
|
|
|
Welcome to our newsletter and thank you for supporting Worcester Youth and Family!
|
|
|
Back to School Supply Drive Starts Now
|
 Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) has begun its yearly "Back to School" drive to benefit schoolchildren in Worcester County unable to acquire necessary materials for the upcoming term. Last year over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies were donated to students at local schools with additional supplies provided to the schools for supplemental supplies. WYFCS Executive Director Steve Taylor stressed the importance of the drive to the community.
"The School Supplies program is extremely important to the children and families in Worcester County. A significant number of families in the county live at or below the federal poverty level. Pocomoke schools report roughly 70% of the children fall into this category, about half of the families in Snow Hill and roughly 30% of the families in the Berlin area struggle financially," he said, "In addition to those living at the poverty level, many more families are living paycheck to paycheck. Any major expense such as a car repair or refrigerator failure will place families at risk of paying their bills. Providing school supplies can be a tremendous help to these families. School supply requests are also intended to help teachers who sometimes use their own money to help the children. These requests include tissues, wipes, markers, craft paper and other school supply needs."
Drop off locations for donated items include the WYFCS offices at 124 North Main Street, Suite C in Berlin, at the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce at 12320 Ocean Gateway in Ocean City and at Ayers Creek Adventures at 8628 Grey Fox Lane in Berlin.
School supplies being requested are:
| One, three and five subject notebooks |
Ear buds |
| Scissors (blunt end) |
Highlighters |
| Colored pencils |
Glue sticks |
| Tissues |
Hand sanitizer |
| Composition books |
Notebook paper |
| Wipes (Clorox or Lysol) |
Paper towels |
| Crayola crayons |
Masking Tape |
| Plastic two pocket folders |
Dry erase markers |
| Zip lock bags- all sizes |
Dividers |
| Large pink erasers |
Glue sticks |
The organization is also asking for monetary contributions so that items not donated can be purchased to fill any gaps. For more information, visit
gowoyo.org, call 410-641-4598, or contact Debbie Smullen at
[email protected].
|
| What's happening at Worcester Youth and Family? |
Friday Night Art Stroll for Kids
On July 12, we held our first free art program during Berlin's 2nd Friday. Ginna Magda was our instructor as the kids learned her technique of blowing, tipping and tilting to paint. Our Youth Programs Coordinator Tiffany also had fun games for the children to play when they were finished.
Everyone had a blast and we can't wait for next month's creative projects! You can read more about this program in our "events" section.
|
|
kayak
ing and crabbing at
Ayers Creek
. These activities are teaching the members the importance of respect for animals and nature, helping them to get consistent physical activity, to learn the value of teamwork, to build community resources for themselves in the future and to have fun!
|
| On July 27, we held our first "Stuff the Van" school supply drive at the Berlin Walmart Supercenter. Store patrons were encouraged to buy much needed school supplies for at risk Worcester County children. We had a wonderful turn out and appreciate the support of our community as well as Walmart for allowing us to hold the event! |
| From One of Our Therapists |
Back to School Tips
Dr. Jen Leggour, Psy.D.
With the beginning of the school year quickly approaching, is your family ready for this transition? Is your child ready to succeed? Instead of waiting until the last minute, now is the time to begin preparing for the back-to-school transition. Here are some helpful tips for parents who want to have an active role in making this transition successful.
Discuss the transition -
Check in with your child and see how he/she feels about returning to school. Ask what he/she is looking forward to, what fears he/she may have, and what he/she needs to feel successful. Also ask if there is anything that he/she wants to complete before the end of the summer such as camps, activities, seeing friends, etc
. Develop a plan for addressing these things and addressing the transition back to school. Talk about preparations that the family will be making to get ready. Most children like visuals, so it would be helpful to write it down or use a calendar to show your plans.
Adjust your child's schedule -
Typically schedules are more flexible in the summer and often bedtime is later. Begin a schedule where you gradually transition back to the school bedtime and wake up time. This should be achieved about one to two weeks before school starts.
Check on educational tasks -
Many schools give reading lists and packets of work for the summer. If your school does, now is a good time to review progress on this list. Begin assigning some additional educational tasks to assist in refreshing study habits and basic skills. Reading in general is a good way to stimulate the brain and it can be an activity that you do together.
Prepare a study area -
About one to two weeks before school starts, set up a special place in your home where your child can do school work and homework. Make sure it is free from distractions and incorporates things that your child prefers for studying. This shows your child that education is important to your family and that you support them.
Communicate with teachers and the school --
Contact your child's teachers at the start of the school year or attend an open house. Get acquainted with them and let them know you want to be an active partner in helping your student to learn and grow. Plan to keep track of your child's subjects, homework, activities and progress throughout the school year. And, consider serving on your local PTA or joining other parent groups that engage with and support your child's school.
Shop now -
Plan ahead for school shopping so that it is less stressful and more enjoyable. Schools typically send out a list of what is required and many local stores have the list available. You may want to call the stores first to check availability of the supplies needed in order to reduce running around. In collaboration with your student write a list of additional items they need including clothing. This will assist in budgeting and establishing expectations before you arrive at the store.
Take your child to the doctor, and make sure your child has health insurance coverage --
It's a good idea to take your child in for a physical and an eye exam before school starts. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations, and you may be asked to provide paperwork showing that your child has all the necessary shots.
Provide healthy meals --
G
ood nutrition plays an important role in your child's school performance. Studies show that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches do better in school. Make sure your child has a good breakfast and fix nutritious meals at home. If you need extra help, find out if your family qualifies for any Child Nutrition Programs, like the National School Lunch Program.
|
|
Sponsor and Donate to New Teacher Bags! Donations due August 15
|
For the first time, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, in partnership with the
Greater Ocean City,
Ocean Pines,
Berlin and
Snow Hill Chambers of Commerce are asking for donations to fill bags for the new teachers of Worcester County. WYFCS is encouraging local businesses and non-profits to give helpful items for the upcoming school year.
We also are calling for a major sponsor to help with the purchase of the bags themselves.
Many of these teachers are new to the area. We feel it is important to make them feel welcome as well as educate them on our area businesses and our community at-large. It also serves as a free advertising campaign for businesses choosing to donate.
We are requesting 100 items per business to place into the bags. Accepted donations include advertising pieces, gift cards, coupons, promotional products, or goods with a company logo.
We would ask that the majority of submissions be physical items, rather than paper products as teachers tend to find them more useful.
Those interested in donating should deliver items to the WYFCS offices no later than August 15. The offices are located at 124 North Main Street, Suite C, in Berlin, MD 21811.
We are also requesting volunteers for the "bag stuffing" event on August 16 at 12 p.m. in the Ray (located within WYFCS offices.) Lunch will be provided.
|
August 2- Free Movies on the Beach
Movies on The Beach are every Wednesday at dusk at The Carousel on 118th. July 10th they are featuring "How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World." Free Glow sticks for children; free admission. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the movie and relaxing ocean breeze!
|
August 3- Berlin Peach Festival at the Calvin B. Taylor House
Peaches every way you can think of!
Peachy Activities Include: a
rtisans & demos, k
ids activities, m
useum tours, p
ie eating contest, raffles, juggling, pie baking contest, live music by the Bilenki Duo, food vendors and more! Raindate is Sunday, August 4.
|
August 3- Ocean Pines Flounder Tournament
The 11th Annual Flounder Tournament in Ocean Pines begins August 3 at 7 a.m. at Pines Point Marina (869 Yacht Club Dr.) Anglers of all ages are encouraged to come try their hand at fishing for flounder off a boat, from a dock, anywhere within Maryland and Delaware waters no more than 3 nautical miles offshore.
Register here.
August 4-
Sundaes in the Park
Spend your Sunday evenings in picturesque Northside Park in Ocean City, MD from 7-9 p.m. listening to your favorite live music. This is a family concert series with pizzazz! Enjoy free music ranging from country to rock, tribute bands to oldies. Each week children are offered various free activities and entertainment. The best thing about Sundaes in the Park is the ice cream sundaes! Create your own sundae for a nominal fee, sit back, listen to music and watch the sun set over the beautiful Assawoman Bay. Additional ice cream novelty and beverage options are available for purchase. Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs. The night will end with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved inside the complex.
August 6- National Night Out 
National Night Out is a yearly event meant to strengthen current community partnerships and build new ones in an effort to fight crime and the effects of crime. The event features free food, wonderful music, displays, educational booths, medical screenings and family fun activities for all. There will be giveaways of school supplies, bicycle raffles, gift baskets and more.
Berlin will host their event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dr. William Henry Park (117 Flower Street.)
Ocean Pines will hold their event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at White Horse Park (235 Ocean Pines Parkway.)
Pocomoke City will host their event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cypress Park (7 Bridge St.)
August 7- Family Fun Night at the Oasis Pool
Visit the
Oasis Pool in Ocean Pines every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. for this fun event. DJ, games & prizes. Food available for purchase. $3 OP swim members, $5 OP residents, $7 non-residents. Free for non-swimmers.
|
|
August 9- Friday Night Art Stroll for Kids
 Only 20 spaces per session!
Worcester Youth and Family
presents with support
from the Worcester County Arts Council a FREE art program for kids held every month during Berlin's 2nd Friday Art Stroll from 6 to 8 p.m.; beginning July 12 through December. Featuring a variety of hands on art experiences for kids aged 6 to 12. Snacks will be provided. Children MUST be signed in and out by an adult with cell phone access.
Held at The Ray, 124 North Main Street in Berlin, MD.
Pre-register to reserve your spot by calling 410.641.4598 or
emailing [email protected].
August 22- Worcester Goes Purple Kick Off
We are Worcester Night at the Ball Park starts at 7:05 p.m. at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. Tickets are $10 and the first 1,000 guests will receive a bobblehead of Superintendent of Worcester Schools Louis Taylor sponsored by Blue Water Development, the first 500 guests will receive a foam finger sponsored by Hudson Health Services. Atlantic General Hospital will provide WGP items. Also in August is the
AGH Goes Purple Kick Off, followed by the
Walk for Recovery September 7.
September 21- Out of Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide
Join us at Caroline Street and Ocean City Board Walk as we walk to fight suicide and raise awareness about mental health. Be a part of the movement turning hope into action, and create a culture that's smart about mental health. Funds raised at the walks will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be memorial activities to honor loved ones and resource tables to visit before and after the walk. Register today at www.afsp.org/oceancity! If your business would like to sponsor this event, please contact Christine Felix at [email protected].
|
We are still seeking donations for our Every Child Needs (ECN) program. The program will supply at risk children with basic needs such as blankets, pillows, pajamas, shoes, clothes, toiletries, coats and duffel bags. To donate, stop by or mail our offices at 124 North Main Street, Suite C in Berlin, visit gowoyo.org, or check out the fundraiser section of our Facebook page.
|
|
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services' CASA program is currently accepting applications for new volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA's). CASA's are trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children in the child welfare system. The CASA volunteer experience is powerful and rewarding.
|
|
Worcester Youth and Family Employment Opportunities
|
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services is expanding its practice and has openings described below. Please email cover letter and/or resume to [email protected].
Licensed Counselor/Therapist
Our outpatient clinic is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic clinician to provide mental health counseling to youth, adults and families. Candidates must be a licensed psychologist, LCSW-C or LCPC.
Psychiatrist/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
We are also seeking Psychiatrist or Psychiatric CRNP to provide mental health counseling and medical care to youth, adults and families. Candidates must be a licensed Psychiatrist or CRNP and will maintain any documentation required by state or facility guidelines to demonstrate compliance with supervision requirements. Provides psychiatric consultation, diagnostic and treatment services to the identified patient population, including medication management and crisis intervention services.
|
To make a donation to Worcester Youth and Family, click
here
.
You can
..Protect a child from child abuse
..De-stigmatize mental health
..Empower the neglected
..Strengthen a family
..Improve a community
..Feel good about your day!
We often need volunteers to help with our programs. Some of the volunteer opportunities are short term such as helping with fundraisers and community events while others require more of a time commitment.
To learn about Worcester Youth and Family volunteer opportunities, you can visit
Get Connected by United Way or call the office at 410-641-4598.
Thank you for your support!
|
|
124 N. Main Street Berlin, MD 21811
|
|
|
|
|
Our Berlin Youth Club is in full swing
