Check out the educational, reflective and fun Parent Events taking place this month!
SHARE IDEAS, SOLUTIONS FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is Planning for the 2020-21 School Year, and exploring options of what this may look like in the wake of the current pandemic. ODE is collecting input from students, staff and parents via a survey. Take the survey and share your concerns about keeping safe while meeting students' academic needs for the coming school year.
SUMMER CAMPS
Willamalane Park and Recreation District will open registration for its Summer Camps at 8 a.m. on June 3, with camps starting June 15.
Registration for Eugene Rec Summer Campswill openat 9 a.m. on June 8, with camps starting on June 22.
Camp Harlow will also hold day camps this summer for children and teens. Unfortunately, there will be no overnight camps.
YOUR ADVOCACY NEEDED!
Due to the COVID pandemic and a drop in state revenue, Governor Brown has asked state agencies to prepare for cuts to their budgets.
For families raising a child with a disability, this means potential cuts to education, in-home services, group homes, family networks (such as Families Connected), closure of two Stabilization and Crisis Unit homes and reduced funding to help adults with disabilities gain meaningful employment.
Now more than ever, legislators need to hear from parents! Families need to share how these cuts will impact their family.
What can you do now?
Sign up for the GO! Project Bulletin to receive regular updates about advocacy opportunities and talking points. We are stronger when we have a unified voice. Read the latest edition of the GO! Project Bulletin that explains the proposed budget cuts here.
Find out who represents you in the Oregon State Legislature, and send them an email or write them a letter today! Tell them how Families Connected has helped you in your journey by providing parenting trainings, connecting you with resources, and creating peer networking opportunities for both parents and children.
Legislators need to hear from families ahead of the Special Legislative Session.
Share your story and help us advocate now!
FATHER'S DAY CRAFT AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH
Families Connected is putting together a Father's Day Craft Kit for children and youth to make a special gift to honor their fathers. If you would like an easy-to-make, all-supplies-provided craft with instructions included, email Nancyto coordinate a pick up time. All crafts will be left on the bench outside the main door of The Arc (South door) at 4181 E. Street in Springfield with the family name on it.
And to all dedicated and hardworking dads, we wish you a Happy Father's Day! May you be treated to a spectacular and memorable day!
ART MUSEUM TO HOST VIRTUAL ART WORKSHOPS
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will host two VSA Art Access Workshops via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. The first workshop will be held June 6 at 11 a.m., and it will include watercolor painting. The second workshop will be held at 11 a.m. on June 16, and will focus on line drawing and collage. The workshops will include a short PowerPoint presentation followed by guided art instruction. JSMA will provide art kits, which will be bundled and parents can pick up the supplies at the museum. If your child needs adaptive equipment, let the museum know when you RSVP. Supplies will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Art kits may be picked up on June 4 or June 5, as well as June 11 and June 12. Park in the museum parking lot, enter the side of the building next to the cafe entrance, and a museum educator will be there to distribute the art kits. Email JSMA Art Heals to RSVP for the workshops and the art kits.
ACTIVITY KITS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH
Families Connected and The Arc Lane County have created activity kits to help keep children and youth engaged and entertained at home. Each kit comes with all the supplies, tools and instructions for a fun activity. Parents can arrange a pick-up time, and the activity kit will be left on the bench outside The Arc's main door at a prearranged time. When done, simply return the box with the tools to the bench, and we will sanitize and replenish the materials for another family. To request an activity kit, contact Nancy or Annie.
FOOD BOXES AVAILABLE
The Arc has received a grant to provide Food Boxes to families who have a child with a disability. Call or text Jo Ann at 541-521-9304 to request a food box. The box will be delivered to your doorstep or you may make arrangements to pick it up at The Arc main office in Springfield. All food box recipients will remain confidential.
If you have already requested a food box, you can make another request after 14 days.
The Arc Families Connected
provides peer support to parents on their journey of raising a child with a disability.