Foster Change is the official Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Association of Southern Nevada.
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I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It is so cliché and overused at this point, but I feel it so deeply! One of the silliest wishes I've ever had in my life was to parent a child whose birthday was in October. My wish came true eventually but it took a long time to happen and...a lot of foster care. HaHa! But seriously, it is such a special time of year. It is before the rush of the holidays - a quiet time to reflect on the changing of seasons, my year up to this point and a chance to reflect inwardly on changes that I can be making, to finish the year well.
This month of October, the focus for Foster Change will be one that is especially important - not really highlighting an "awareness month" but rather a topic that we should all spend time educating ourselves about. My go-to way of learning is listening to others who have lived experience and you will see that reflected below, in the section titled "Foster Siblings - In Their Own Words" and also in our virtual support group on October 18th.
The topic is: How does providing foster care effect the permanent children in the home? I think we all agree that "the whole family fosters" but are our biological and adopted children at risk? It is always the first concern I hear from families considering stepping in to provide care. "But what about our children?" "How will it effect them?" IT IS A VALID CONCERN. However, the outcomes might surprise most people. In this newsletter, I have made space for the voices of some of these children, living here in Las Vegas, to share their experiences:
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🍩 Doughnuts for a Cause!! 🍩
Foster Change is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Until November 1, 2022, 50% of your order will be donated back to Foster Change when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code.
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Treat yourself or even gift them to friends and family here:
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Important Topical QPI Trainings:
I've heard a lot of people are experiencing freezing videos or so much buffering that it makes it miserable. Here are some tips I found on the QPI Website: Click link below:
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Foster Siblings - In Their Own Words: |
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FOSTER CHANGE
SUPPORT GROUPS & UPCOMING EVENTS:
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You must be a Foster Change member to attend the Oct 8th Group but anyone is welcome to attend the October 18th Group! |
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October 12th at 10am - WORKING WITH TRIGGERS IN THE MOMENT (FREE WEBINAR) - Click here to register: HERE
In this webinar, Lauren Fishbein will explain how to help children identify their emotions. As humans, we primarily learn through observation; this means it is essential that our parents and caregivers learn how to model their own emotions. There are specific tools when it comes to modeling behavior, especially when we are navigating intense emotions (such as anger). Sometimes, naming emotions can cause even more stress and dysregulation, and we will explore another way to work with these challenging moments.
Meet Waiting Children in the Nevada Heart Gallery: Click HERE
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TBRI® Training From
Raise the Future:
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October 5th at 10am - HOW TO HELP CHILDREN RECOGNIZE THEIR EMOTIONS (FREE WEBINAR) - Click here to register: HERE
In this webinar, Lauren Fishbein will explain how to help children identify their emotions. As humans, we primarily learn through observation; this means it is essential that our parents and caregivers learn how to model their own emotions. There are specific tools when it comes to modeling behavior, especially when we are navigating intense emotions (such as anger). Sometimes, naming emotions can cause even more stress and dysregulation, and we will explore another way to work with these challenging moments.
In-Person TBRI® Caregiver Training: Introduction and Overview
October 15th from 9:00am-3:00pm
Raise the Future Office
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NEWEST SUPPORT GROUP OPTIONS: |
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1st 25 foster families that register will get 4 free tickets.
To register as first 25 families, email HERE to inquire.
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CURRENT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: |
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FOSTER PARENT NIGHT OUT by Canyon Ridge is open to all foster caregivers (licensed, unlicensed, relative, fictive kin). Please make sure to register yourself and each child that will be participating. Registration closes on Monday, October 17 or once all slots are filled. Register HERE
What Do You Get Out of It?
Being a Foster Parent is a tremendous responsibility and help to our community. We understand that with the increased responsibility it is difficult to find regular respite care. On the third Friday of every month, from 6p - 9p. Canyon Ridge Christian Church would like to serve the foster parents of our community by providing free respite care. During that time, we will provide your children and your foster children a fun, safe and nurturing environment so that you can take some time to rest, catch a movie, go out with your spouse and more! Space is limited to a first come, first serve basis. Please drop off your children between 6:00p - 6:30p as the doors will closed after that time for safety purposes. Fill out the registration form to sign-up today!
Please note - feed your children before drop-off (we will provide snacks, but not dinner).
Open for children ages birth - 5th grade.
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Shout Outs and Spotlights: |
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School & Community Resources: |
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NEW!!! New Tutoring Service to all K-12 CCSD Students
A new district-wide initiative to provide unlimited, 24/7 virtual tutoring and academic support to approximately 300,000 students in the District.
CCSD recently partnered with Paper, which works with school districts nationwide to provide 1:1 instructional support across more than 200 subject areas in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Paper’s staff of highly trained, background-checked tutors empower students to achieve success with equitable access to academic support. CCSD is funding the Paper partnership using ESSER funds, so the service is free to all K-12 students and families. Student access via their Clever account.
Vegas Strong Academy with Parks and Recreation
- Accepts Urban League- Library locations only
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Community centers- have a separate application for financial aide https://registration.lasvegasnevada.gov/NV/las-vegas-nv/catalog
- Bring financial request to the community center directly
- Yes, for children with special needs, have to toilet and feed themselves.
- Dula community center, 702-229-6307 assist with the financial assistance process and criteria to qualify
SMUNA- Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy
Boys and Girls Club
YMCA
- https://www.lasvegasymca.org/y-cares/
- Enrolling Full/Half Day preschool ages 3-5
- Preschool accepts Urban League assistance
- Open M-F Full Day ages 5-15
- Financial Assistance available
- Accepts children with special needs. Must be potty trained and able to self-feed
Battle Born Las Vegas Kids and Teens
Lifetime
Boys Town
The Harbor
Families and youth in need of counseling, tutoring and other support services over the summer are reminded the Harbor juvenile assessment program is here to help.
The Harbor has five locations in the Las #Vegas Valley with hours 8am to 10pm daily to assist families coping with problem behavior and other concerns. Appointments can be made by calling the program’s main number at (702) 455-6912. Walk-ins are accepted. Locations and more information about the program are listed on its website at www.theharborlv.com.
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Hannah's Closet is a free clothing resource for foster families in the Las Vegas Valley. It offers clothes and shoes for ages 0-17, toys, and limited hygiene items, depending on availability. To shop, you will need to bring your placement letter, guardianship papers, or adoption decree. There are two locations, one north and one south, and both are available for once a month visits, as needed. For more information and hours of operation, see location specific contact information below. Business hours vary, as this is a volunteer-run resource.
Hannah's Closet North - No Appointments Required
Hannah's Closet South - Appointments Required - find on website:
Crisis Support Resources Through Clark County School District
Safe-Voice: 1-833-216-SAFE (7233) for anonymous reporting
CCSD Police: 702-799-5411
Mobile Crisis Response Team: 702-486-7865
If someone is having thoughts of self-harm,
please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
or
Nevada Crisis Line: 775-784-8090
OR
CALL or TEXT 988
Please call 911 for an immediate emergency situation.
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SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT? |
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While supplies last, all families who use the library get a gift bag full of great things and tickets to The Discovery Museum or SeaQuest!
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Foster Change Lending Library |
Don't forget about your newest FREE resource! Visit the Foster Change Lending Library and enjoy books for FREE! Use just as you would a public library- checkout policies are printed at the bookshelf and online!
for more information!
This month's featured book:
This first introduction to the world's celebrations make for a party on every page! Includes the following holidays: Lunar New Year, Passover, Valentine’s Day, Cherry Blossom Festival, Holi, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Eid, Day of the Dead, 4th of July, Hanukkah, La Tomatina Festival, Christmas, Halloween, and Kwanzaa.
Series: Shine-A-Light
Shine a flashlight behind the page or hold it to the light to reveal what is hidden in and around different places and things. Discover a world of great surprises!
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Want to Join Foster Change? |
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Foster Change has an online
T-Shirt Store Now!
There are MANY styles to choose from...go get yours now!!!
As an organization, we are honored to serve you but - we also ARE you! Together, as a community of families, we are proud to BELONG to each other. Grab your shirt and wear it with pride! #youbelonghere #bettertogether #fosterchange
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Thanks to the following organizations for serving on our Board of Directors!
Click on each to learn more:
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