Hello and Happy New Year! We're so glad you are here and hope that you find these newsletters to be informative and will reach out to us with any ideas/feedback.

If you are new to Families Helping Families, check out our explainer video below for deets on the organization.

Share this newsletter freely. It takes a village to raise a child and we hope that together, we can make it a bit easier!

Our Solutions Team has received over 90 requests for help since July. Only 2 of those have been repeat requests from the same family. FHF funds have been used to keep utilities like water and power on for families that are struggling.

Recently, we partnered with ACPS Families in Crisis team to provide a family with two radiator heaters. The family did not have central heating and between the two heaters they should be able to heat their home until they are able to get a heating system installed.  

We know the saying— "it takes a village to raise a child”; we also know that it takes healthy children to raise a village.

Please consider donating to Families Helping Families to ensure that ALL our students have what they need at home in order to succeed at school.

Student Campaign: Albemarle High School students have collected thousands of menstrual products in less than 2 weeks

For more information, visit EMPOWERHER

To support this effort, visit Amazon.com

In the news: Check out our friend Mary Jo: A new way of learning: G.O.A.A.T. tutoring

Families Helping Families was pleased to sponsor lunch for 50 teachers attending a free DIBELS training by Gail Lovette. 

Why did we sponsor this training?

• ACPS is in the lowest 10% of divisions in the state for serving economically disadvantaged students. Same for black students.

•  The pandemic made it worse, but pre-pandemic ACPS had one of the widest achievement gaps in the state.

• 3rd graders at 3 elementary schools are performing in the lowest 5% of the entire state: Agnor Hurt, Mtn View, Woodbrook.

•  For the key reading by 3rd grade milestone, all ACPS students are below state average.

• Having teachers trained in using a high-quality reading assessment is essential to improving outcomes.

•  Currently, ACPS is not providing a high-quality assessment.

•  DIBELS is high-quality, used very widely nationally, and is available for free for teachers to use.

• 21 ACPS teachers are slated to attend this training and potentially over 500 students will be impacted.

*Reminder if you know of any projects taking place to support ACPS families, let us know, and we are happy to list them on our “Give Help” page.

Families Helping Families' co-president, Khalilah Jones is hosting a birthday doll and book drive to collect diverse dolls, action figures and books for local children.

The purpose of this drive is to acknowledge that:

1. There is more than 1 standard of physical beauty.
2. Pretty is not a look, it is a behavior.
3. Allowing for diversity in a child's toys and books can help foster empathy and compassion.
4. Representation matters.
5. Every child deserves a gift for their birthday (regardless if in a shelter, foster care, low income, access, etc.)

The dolls/books will be donated to the Shelter for Help in Emergency, Community Attention Foster Families and other children, families and organizations that advocate and support them.

Please email to arrange for doll/book donations or other ways to support.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 16th

"...From the pulpit to the podium to the streets, Dr. King devoted his life to the quest for this Beloved Community in our Nation. His activism and moral authority helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

He gave a voice to the restless spirit of millions yearning for change. 

He gave us a roadmap to unify, to heal, and to sustain the blessings of the Nation to all of its people.

But the work continues because it remains unfinished." (President Joseph Biden)

National Popcorn Day

January 19th

• People wore popcorn as headdresses during the 16th century in Aztec ceremonies to honor Tlaloc, the god of maize and fertility.
• The Americans discovered popcorn in the 1800s.
• A machine for popping corn was developed by Charles Cretor.
• Popcorn kernels can go as high up as 2-3ft in the air.
• The popcorn kernels that don't pop are called old maids. (National Calendar.com)

Roe vs. Wade Day

January 22nd

Roe vs. Wade Day is celebrated on January 22, the anniversary of the court case that gave women agency over their bodies.

The U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that legalized abortion throughout the country, with variations from state to state depending on the length of the pregnancy.

No matter what your opinion is on the controversial abortion debate, Roe vs. Wade Day marked a pivotal turn in U.S. history, and that is certainly worthy of celebration.

The anniversary of the landmark court decision is celebrated by people everywhere, especially by women. (National Today.com)

National Compliment Day

January 24th

Compliments are so appreciated and enjoyed, that some of the most iconic quotes that people remember from their favorite movies are compliments. Here are a few, for you to take some inspiration from:

• Juno (2007) - "You're the coolest person I've ever met, and you don't even have to try."
• Elf (2003) - "You have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card!"
• Groundhog Day (1993) - “You’re very generous. You’re kind to strangers and children. And when you stand in the snow, you look like an angel.” 
• The Help (2011) - “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.”
• Anchorman (2004) - "You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair." (National Today.com)

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27th

On this day, many events are held across the World. The UN organizes events where Holocaust survivors and world leaders speak publicly about their experiences during the Holocaust, the aftermath, and why we must never forget those events. There are seminars, film screenings, and exhibitions aimed to educate people, especially future generations, about the horrors of the Holocaust.

You can show your respect to the victims of the Holocaust, and educate yourself by visiting Museums, watching documentaries, and reading books. 

• There is The United States Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., to which you can pay a visit if you're near. 
• You can read books such as The Diary of Anne Frank or Night by Elie Wiesel, which provide first-hand accounts of what it was like to be Jewish in Nazi Germany, and concentration camps.
• The Blue Card is a nonprofit organization that supports Holocaust survivors in the United States. You could consider donating to them, or volunteering to help one of the elderly survivors. (Calendarr.com)

“In the coming year, we’re hoping to raise even more funds to be able to meet an increasing number of requests for emergency needs,” said FHF co-organizer Amanda Alger. “Mental health and transportation are two key needs that come up again and again.”

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible.

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