May welcomes another winner! |
Congratulations to Lori Lyon for finding the penny and receiving a prize! Thank you to everyone who participated. If you find the hidden penny, email audrey@fosterchangecc.org, with a screenshot of the penny or a detailed description of its location to be entered into a raffle to win a gift card. There are two pennies to be found this May. Happy Hunting!
|
|
May is Foster Parent Awareness Month! |
|
Every May we celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month.
This is a time to recognize that we all have a role to play in caring for children who need us the most. There are no extraordinary requirements, no degrees needed, not even any special experiences that bar or enable you to do your part.
All of us can do something.
The most common, or perhaps the most well-known is becoming a Foster Parent.
-
This route does require training. Becoming a foster parent is a lot of responsibility, and caring for kiddos who come from hard places takes knowing how to handle some big behaviors.
- Being a foster parent is welcoming children into your home, and caring for them while their parents are working a case plan for reunification, or caring for them afterwards, when reunification is not in their best interest.
Another way that you can do your part is professionally.
- There are many careers that services the Child Welfare System.
- Examples include, but are not limited to, working for the Department of Family Services (options here include CPS investigations, permanency planning, case workers, licensing technicians, and more), becoming a school social worker, becoming a therapist for children and families, entering the legislative field and fighting for legal change, becoming a lawyer that fights for the rights of children and families, or finding a non-profit like Foster Change that is working to support families.
One of the most important ways to support is by being a part of the support community.
- It takes a village to raise a child, and in no area is this more apparent than in the foster care system. Each child has a team of adults behind them fighting for their best interest. And each family should have one too.
- Becoming part of a community of support means walking along side families, brining meals to tired parents, offering to babysit the children, hosting birthday parties, being a source of emotional support when times get hard. Being in a family's corner means both celebrating the victories, and grieving the losses, no matter how small.
- If you are unable to open your home to a child, maybe you can open your heart to a family.
Each one of us has been touched by the Child Welfare System in one way or another. Some of us live in it every day as foster parents. Others of us were born into it, raised in it, graduated from it. Others still work in it, as our Case Workers, our trainers, our teachers, our friends. However you are connected, whatever detail in your life has lead you to read this newsletter this May, I encourage you to share the story.
The idea of Foster Care Awareness Month is to raise awareness, and it takes a village. Be a part of sharing the essence of the Foster Care System and how it impacts us all. Share your story, because someone needs to hear it.
|
|
May the Fourth Be With You |
|
May 4th, this year a Tuesday, is affectionately known by Star Wars fans, as National Star Wars Day. Even though this is not an official holiday, every year on May 4th, fans across the country chose to commemorate the iconic movie franchise by wearing graphic t-shirts, re-watching the films, and making cheesy posts on social media.
May the Force be With You!
|
|
|
|
|
As we transition into summer months, we see and hear about many changes that are happening in our community. For our child(ren), this last year has been one of modifications, accommodations and/or challenges. As I see signs of community-wide progress, summer may be the first time our children are able to partake in pre-pandemic activities such as sports, camp, and social activities.
Below are a few options pulled from a quick Google search. Please look through the options or research a few based on your child’s interest. If you believe any activities would be appropriate for your child(ren), discuss the activity with your team. If everything lines up, please take the time to support the process, better ensuring your child(ren) can participate in an activity this summer.
-
Camp to Belong for separated siblings (Free) (ages 8-18)
-
They accept youth who are in foster care, adoptive homes, even those who have aged out or returned home. The key is whether we are bringing together two (or more) youth who have been separated (even if they are not currently separated) that wish to enjoy bonding experiences. Additional information is HERE.
-
Horses4Heroes (ages 5-13)
- Horses4Heroes Summer Adventure Camp is fun for ages 5 to 13. They are offering eight weeks, starting June 7. Campers will learn about horses, horse care, horseback riding, interact with farm animals, play games with miniature horses, participate in ranch games and activities including Archery, Fencing, and our Ninja Course, arts and crafts and water play. Campers will be unplugged the entire week, they will spend time making new friends, and learning valuable life and social skills. Campers bring lunch every day, and will be provided lunch each week on the last day of camp. Non-refundable registration fee of $50 per family is due now. Camp tuition is $150 for the first camper, $125 for the second and $100 for each additional camper from the same family.
-
Broadway Kids (Ages 3-18)
- Campers experience the magic of Disney and Pixar at Broadway Kids Academy Disney and Pixar Summer Camps. They will sing, dance, and act the songs and scenes from Disney and Pixar on our stages, under the lights, and in our beautiful costumes and perform for their parents during the last hour of the camp. BKA has its own stages with state-of-the-art technology. Each class does its own production of our shows so each child can be on the stage, singing, dancing, and acting! They are non-competitive so the child will feel safe and happy at BKA!
- Game Changers
- Has various sporting activities including training for football, boxing, tumbling, basketball, baseball and track and field and more. Some activities may not be available during the summer or due to COVID restrictions.
-
National Youth Sports
- Has various team sporting activities including volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, cheerleading and more. Some activities may not be available during the summer and/or due to COVID restrictions.
-
Desert Gymcats Flip ‘N Twist Summer Camps
-
Desert Gymcats Gymnastics DGC Intro to Cheer (ages 5-8)
- Intro to Cheer class for girls & boys ages 5-8 years old! They'll learn basic tumbling, stunting, and choreography. (702) 798-3547
-
Classic Rock Rewind Camp (ages 8-18)
- Campers will learn the music of the 60's and 70's rock icons such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones in our Classic Rock Rewind summer camp. In addition to song, students will learn about rock history and the stagecraft needed to perform on stage. At the end of the week students will put on a live performance. Great for students 8-18 years of age who have had some previous experience. June 7-11, 2021.
-
Pop Punk (ages 7-18)
- Starting in the early 90s, Pop Punk became a popular genre that dominated the radio. It’s produced bands like Green Day, Paramore, Blink 182, No Doubt, Offspring and many more who will be featured in this camp. Students will spend Monday through Friday learning and practicing songs, all culminating in a live performance at the end of the week. Great for students 7-18 years of age who have had some previous instruction. June 14-18, 2021.
-
Rock 101 Camp (ages 7-12)
- Rock 101 Camp is designed for beginners 7-11 years of age. No experience necessary! Students will explore their instruments through musical games and activities. Our nurturing environment makes it the perfect camp for budding musicians. Students will work on songs Monday through Friday and the camp will culminate in a concert at the end of the week for family and friends.
-
Engineering for Kids Las Vegas (Design the Future) (ages 4-14)
- What does the future look like? Campers embark on an odyssey to explore the future of transportation, manufacturing and structural. Participants look at the innovations of today and apply them to create the designs of tomorrow as we explore ways to harness clean energy and house a growing human population. This camp features hands-on projects in a variety of engineering fields, most of which, students get to take home!
-
"Video Game and Story Design" (ages 4-14)
- Calling all future writers, artists, designers and game developers! Students in this collaborative camp enjoy storyboarding their games with character, enemy and plot development. Using the Bloxels Edu system, they turn their interactive stories and physical creations into a digital video game. They will use a special game board and blocks (which will become pixels) to design the characters, levels, and other art for their games. They then capture their creations using the Bloxels App, where they edit and customize their game, deciding how each of the elements interact and behave. Students will walk away with a fun playable game for tablet or computer, and invaluable experience with logic and programming.
-
Engineering in Minecraft | Science of Magic (ages 4-14)
- Youth design, create, and make their very own city come alive using Minecraft! Participants explore the theme of sustainable, innovative, and futuristic transportation systems that include public transportation, such as rails, busses, and taxis, as well as pedestrian and bicycle systems. Students apply their new, scientific understanding to design and create their very own city in Minecraft using the Engineering for Kids design process. On the last day, students will learn how to pitch their ideas and launch their designs to a larger audience to participate in an EFK Global Design Competition.
-
Discovery Children’s Museum Camps
- CREATIVE CODING WITH DISCOVERY & VEGAS PBS (ages 6-8)
- DISCOVERY and Vegas PBS team up to take you through an exciting adventure of coding and the foundations of computational thinking. Program your own interactive stories and games using the popular Scratch Jr. program during this engaging camp.
- TINKER WITH TECH (ages 9-11)
- Youth learn how CAD software is used in architecture, engineering, and video games while we apply the steps of the design thinking process to create original designs in TinkerCAD while building 3D-printed inventions.
-
PREHISTORY MYSTERY: DINOSAURS & MEGAFAUNA (ages 6-8 & 9-11)
- Youth Journey back in time to a prehistoric paradise as they unearth ancient fossils and encounter unfamiliar landscapes. Participants investigate paleontology and natural history while learning about ancient marine life, dinosaurs, and other creatures that roamed the land and sea from Triassic to the Pleistocene.
-
ASTRONOMY ALL-STARS (ages 6-8 & 9-11)
- Youth discover the depths of our mysterious universe while exploring the scientific achievements of both earthlings and robots in space. Students design their own rocket ship, sample astronaut cuisine, enjoy hands-on explorations of gravitational forces, and more!
-
Junior Lifeguard Camp offered by City of Las Vegas (ages 11-14)
- This is an American Red Cross program in which successful participants will learn essential pool lifesaving skills and Junior Lifeguarding certification. Participants will bring a swimming suit, towel, change of clothes, lunch, snacks and beverages to camp daily. Each class limited to 10 students. Camp will be offered June 7-11, June 21-25, July 5-9, July 19-23 and Aug. 2-6. Junior Lifeguard registration is open now.
-
Cultural Arts Summer Camps
- Space is limited; advance registration is required. For questions on cultural arts summer camps, please call 702-229-ARTS (2787).
-
Rainbow Company Youth Acting Summer Workshop (ages 8-11)
- Rainbow Company Youth Acting Workshop is a highly concentrated theatrical experience for students ages 8-11. This two-week, full-day workshop will spark imaginations. Students will build confidence, increase self-esteem, discover hidden talents, develop teamwork, and foster creativity. This theatre workshop culminates in a presentation at the Charleston Heights Arts Center Friday, June 18, at 6 p.m.
-
Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp For Kids 2021 (ages 10 – 15)
-
The 25th Annual Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids (PVAC) will offer art instruction in the disciplines of dance, music, theatre, video production, and photography. PVAC is a cultural and performing arts conservatory designed for students 10-15 years of age, in the best practices of mentoring, character building, and civic engagement. This program provides community youth in West Las Vegas an opportunity to participate in a structured arts curriculum created to strengthen and reinforce the processes of learning, retention and service. Each student will receive intensive, multidimensional training in the areas of physical activity, competence and achievement, self-definition, creative expression, and positive social interactions with peers and adults. The curriculum is comprised of five interrelated artistic programs: Theatre Arts/Drama and Creative Writing; Music (African Drumming and Vocals); Dance; Video Production, Photography and a Community Arts Project. Registration is by application only through the West Las Vegas Arts Center. Please click here to request an application; all applications are due by Friday May 28, 2021.
-
Rainbow Company Teen Acting Intensive (ages 12-16)
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 21-July 2.
- Cost: $225/student. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Rainbow Company Teen Acting Intensive is a highly focused theatrical experience for students ages 12-16. This two-week, full-day intensive will spark creativity through various theatre arts experiences that will hone acting skills. Students will build confidence, increase self-esteem, discover hidden talents, develop teamwork, and foster creativity. This acting intensive culminates with a 75-minute showcase at the Charleston Heights Arts Center Friday, July 2, at 6 p.m.
-
Contemporary West Dance Theatre Summer Intensives (ages 8-25)
- Male Intensive: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 12-17.
- Full Intensive: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 19-30.
- Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.
-
The mission of Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT) is to continue the American legacy of excellence in dance by creating opportunities to nurture, educate and advance future artists. The company has a dance methodology that integrates classical and modern paradigms with an athleticism that gives audiences a more profound dance experience. CWDT dancers and dance instructors are passionate, relatable and highly skilled, and have been bringing virtuoso performances to the stage that have excited and inspired audiences around the world for over a decade. This summer intensive will offer classes in Ballet, Horton, Graham, African, Jazz and Hip-Hop. Spaces are limited. For more information, contact Avree Walker at a.walker@LVDANCE.org
|
|
Let's Talk About Mother's Day |
|
May 9th is internationally celebrated as Mother's Day. That means that all over the country, families are taking a day to recognize mothers for everything that they do for us. The day is full of flowers, baked goods, special meals, hugs, and kisses for the special women in our lives that fill the mothering role we all appreciate. Even so, every family looks different. |
|
The role of a mother is not easily defined. It is unique to the individual and the needs of the relationship. Some common denominators of motherly relationships include feeling safe, being given compassion, and receiving the guidance of an experienced, trusted adult. Motherly relationships can form from biological mothers, grandmothers, Aunts, Cousins, siblings, family friends, and foster parents.
Often times in our situations as foster parents, we are serving in the role of a mother without being recognized as such. Mothering the children coming into our homes means finding a way to serve the needs that they have, without expecting something in return. Bridging the gaps, and filling the role of a reliable caregiver, while knowing that you may not feel appreciated.
Many foster parents face the discussion of what the children in your home will call you. In a lot of homes, children in care call their caregivers by their names. As trust is built, or the relationship becomes stronger, they may begin to call their caregivers mom or dad, but it does not always happen. If it does not, as the caregiver, you are faced with the reality of processing the feelings associated with being a mother, but not being 'mom'.
|
|
It is important to be able to process the feelings of not being 'mom'. Those feelings stem from expectations of children that may need to be adjusted. The kiddos in our care have hard experiences, and we cannot love their trauma away. We can do everything in our power to make them feel safe, and loved, but sometimes their are still issues that their little brains and bodies have to face. Sometimes, the only thing we can do is be there for the, support their growth, and be a 'mother'.
Find a way to process through your own feelings in a healthy way. Self care is very important when caring for kiddos from hard places. It is also a very personal thing. You need to find what works for you. Do you need to read a book? Go for a run? Soak in a bath? Take a nap? Find what works, and create a routine of setting time for yourself. Being a mother is an important job, that needs to be taken seriously, but you cannot help anyone if you are suffering in the process.
|
|
Trainings from Raise the Future |
|
Who Am I? Racial Identity Development in Youth |
May 13th at 12pm
Types: Parenting Tools, Trauma, Social Issues
------------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone can recall the awkward periods during childhood and adolescence when they were trying to discover their own identity. Developing one’s racial identity can especially be difficult given all of the external forces (i.e., family, peers, media, institutional racism) that children encounter. Racial identity development models explain how children and adolescents navigate these stages and the challenges that arise. We will discuss ways to foster healthy development in youth of color.
This training will be facilitated by Dr. Apryl Alexander (Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver).
|
|
How to Chose a Child Therapist |
|
May 19th at 10am
Types: Trauma, Behaviors, Complex Needs, Parenting Tools
------------------------------------------------------------------
In this workshop, we will explore how to choose a child and family therapist. When we are parenting a child with high needs, who has experienced attachment trauma, ruptured relationships, or toxic stress, choosing a therapist with the right framework is imperative. If you are reading this, you have likely asked the question, “HOW do I best choose a therapist for my child/family, WHO am I looking for, and WHAT are the qualities, phrases, credentials, and lived experience I should be asking about?” We will dismantle the jargon attached to clinical language and therapist descriptions, discuss modalities, and discuss practical directories and searches to best choose a therapist for your child and your family to begin to heal. If you want to feel empowered and knowledgeable when choosing providers, register for this webinar!
|
|
Special Needs Adoption form Clark County Foster Care |
May 19th at 5:30pm
Types: Orientation, Parenting Tools
------------------------------------------------------------------
This 90-minute informative orientation is specifically designed for families who reside in Clark County, Nevada and are interested in adopting youth from foster care.
The class will cover the following topics:
• Your Journey with the Clark County Department of Family Services
• Terminology
• Application Process and Wait Time
• Home Study/Pre-Assessment/Professional Caregiver Pre-Service Training
• Who Can Adopt
• Adoption Support
• Topics To Consider and Self Reflection
• Questions and Answer Time
|
|
Get Into The Groove: Routines and Schedules for Foster/Adoptive Families |
May 20th at 10am
Types: Trauma, Behaviors, Complex Needs, Parenting Tools
------------------------------------------------------------------
Feeling safe is about more than just being away from dangerous and abusive situations and having needs met regularly. For kids with trauma histories, felt safety is vital! This webinar explains how the rhythms and routines developed in your home can create calm and healing for your foster/adopted child.
|
|
International Adoption: A Panel Discussion |
May 27th at 10am
Types: Trauma, Complex Needs, Educational
------------------------------------------------------------------
This panel will feature adoptees who were adopted from overseas. You will hear from four individuals, each adopted from different countries, who will share their stories about growing up as adoptees in the US. Participants will learn how international adoption has impacted the panelists. The conversation will focus on internalized struggles, racial identity issues, and what it feels like to grow up in a culture that differs from one's birth culture.
Types: Trauma, Complex Needs, Educational
|
|
Click on the video here ============> to check our a super fun craft to do with the kiddos! The supplies you will need are listed below, so that you can make a whole garden full of yellow sunflowers.
SUPPLIES:
Multicolored paper
Glue
Scissors
|
|
|
Vegas Strong Academy with Parks and Recreation
- Accepts Urban League- Library locations only
-
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
- Call for openings
- 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
- Enrichment Program
- Open M-F Full Day ages 5-15
- Financial Assistance available
- Accepts children with special needs. Must toilet on their own and able to self-feed
Battle Born Las Vegas Kids and Teens
Lifetime
- https://my.lifetime.life/lp/distance-learning-camp.html
- Learning camps
- 2 locations:
- Life Time Athletic Green Valley
- 121 Carnegie St, Henderson, NV 89074
- Life Time Summerlin
- 10721 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
- Ages 5-12
- Call for financial information and acceptance of children with special needs
Boys Town
|
|
Food Banks
There are many locations in Nevada where families can get free and reduced food.
Clark County Food Resources
Three Square offers an interactive website which matches your zip code to food banks and provides the food bank’s days and times of operation.
Phone: (702) 644-3663
Just One Project offers free groceries for individuals and groups. Below is a quick snapshot of what they offer and a link to their site.
-
The Mobile Food Market is: A mobile community market in Southern Nevada called Pop Up & Give at various locations. There are no requirements to be served.
-
The Senior Food Market is: Open weekly on Monday's and Friday's BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to serve seniors 60+ in need of food. To make an appointment call the office. The pantry is stocked with specialized foods for proper senior nutrition. The Just One Project welcomes all senior individuals and groups. There are no requirements to receive groceries and no lines to wait in. Seniors are welcome to attend the pantry once a month for grocery needs.
-
The Senior Grocery Delivery is: Grocery delivery made available for seniors Monday through Friday. Schedule BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
-
Emergency Assistance is: FREE Groceries for Families. The Just One Project pantry is open weekly BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to serve families in need of emergency food assistance. To make an appointment call the office. They welcome all individuals and families in need. There are no requirements to receive groceries and no lines to wait in.
Phone: 702-462-2253
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 monthly visits as needed. For more information and hours of operation, visit their Facebook pages, Hannah's Closet North and Hannah's Closet South. Business hours vary, as this is a volunteer-run resource.
Phone: (702) 546-8849
Website: www.fosteringhopelv.com
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
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
or
Nevada Crisis Line: 775-784-8090
If someone is having thoughts of self-harm, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Please call 911 for an immediate emergency situation.
|
|
Suspect Child Abuse/Neglect? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
