Hello friends,
My goodness, how the world has changed over the past few weeks! The ripple effects of the Coronavirus are indeed far-reaching. However, we are Georgetown. We are Williamson County. We are Texas. We are Americans. We have the best and brightest minds helping to navigate this public health crisis. We will come through this together, and we’ll continue to be there for those most vulnerable.
I want to encourage each of you to take care of yourselves. And remember; social distancing does not mean social isolation. Please stay connected to friends, family, coworkers and clients, and make the most of this special gift of time at home with loved ones. No doubt, these times bring many challenges, but they also present opportunities, some of which we've identified in this newsletter.
Though each day seems to bring change, we will keep you updated with information related to The Georgetown Project and its programs. I have included some important current updates below. I have also attached
a few additional resources for you.
I continue to
pray for your health and safety and for the families affected by Covid-19.
Keep Calm & Carry On!
Leslie Janca
CEO
The Georgetown Project
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The Georgetown Project is continuing to follow CDC protocol for mitigation of Covid-19, and aligning with Georgetown ISD with regards to our youth-serving, out-of-school-time programs. Here are a few updates for the week:
- Program staff of The Georgetown Project are working remotely through April 13, pursuant to the Stay Home Stay Safe Order issued by County Judge Bill Gravell for all individuals in Williamson County. This Order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020, and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020. Pursuant to the exceptions for "essential services" contained within the Order, The Georgetown Project management and limited administrative staff are working in the home office throughout the Order period. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at 512-943-0074.
- Teens served by our NEST program are receiving individual case management services with staff. TGP NEST Empowerment Center is closed through April 13. (The NEST: 512-943-8056)
- Parents, childcare providers and preschool children served by our Bridges to Growth Parent/Child Center will have access to virtual training beginning later this week. Class registrants are being contacted. Please watch email, Facebook and Twitter for upcoming opportunities to engage. TGP - Bridges to Growth, located in the Georgetown Community Resource Center, is closed for onsite classes and events through April 13. (Bridges to Growth 512-864-3008)
- The April 1st meeting of The Georgetown Project Collaborative for Children & Youth is canceled.
- For information on local nonprofit resources for children and youth, please check out our Ready by 21 Educational Pipeline at https://wcchd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=216ce2f543a744b8b0d26fba280ed9db&autoplay.
- Additional updates will be posted as they become available at http://williamson-county.org/williamson-county-orders-residents-to-stay-safe-stay-home.
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As much as we'd like to protect our kids from the negative stuff of life, it's through navigating challenges that they develop a sense of efficacy and self-sufficiency.
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Yes, the Coronavirus crisis has disrupted life as we've known it. However, we can use this opportunity to hone Developmental Asset #32 with our adolescents and enhance our relationships with them.
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32. Planning and decision making
—Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices
Young people need the skills to interact effectively with others,
to make difficult decisions, and to cope with new situations
. (Search Institute)
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Bebe Johnson,
Coordinator, The NEST Empowerment Center with NEST student
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Ideas for challenging growth and sharing power with your adolescent:
Kids are more resilient than we might realize. As parents, teachers and caregivers, we must
take care not to project our fears
onto our kiddos. Instead, we can use this opportunity to start discussions with our teens:
- Ask young people what they've heard.
- Don't assume you know how they feel. Ask them.
- Ask them how their friends are responding at this time.
- Let young people make decisions about family activities.
And a special bonus . . .
DON'T MISS IT!
Bebe Johnson
,
Coordinator, The NEST Empowerment Center
and
Lexy Largent
,
Education & Outreach Coordinator of The Georgetown Project – Bridges to Growth
will conduct a
live video-based discussion on Thursday, March 26 at 7pm to talk about teens and share suggestions for families to manage and stay connected during this time.
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RESOURCES TO HELP NOW
AND BEYOND
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Whether online or in person, you can always depend on us to provide free and low-cost enrichment activities for you and your kiddos!
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Outdoor Play-Based Learning
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Join this online workshop to find out! Learn the brain science behind how young children learn best and find out how to set up outdoor learning centers to extend learning and fun outside. Make the world your classroom!
If you've already registered, you'll be emailed a link.
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Please check out our Pinterest page for exciting new activities, templates and other
Pinteresting items from Bridges to Growth!!
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Yup! You got it. We're taking our famous Wednesday Circle Time on-line on Facebook. You and your 2-5 year olds are going to love it!
Beginning:
March 25, 2020
10 a.m.
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OTHER RESOURCES
FOR ADULTS AND KIDS
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We are always on the lookout for resources that help strengthen children and families. Here's a few you may find helpful.
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Free Book: Take Control of Working From Home
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This free book by Glenn Fleishman offers great tips for those who suddenly find themselves working from home.The author gives guidance on tools that will help you be more efficient and setting up workable at-home boundaries with kids, partners and pets!
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Free Family Dinner Toolkit
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Utilize time at home to engage with your family over meals. Sharing meals is a great way to strengthen bonds with your family. (Search Institute)
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Getty Images
Source: Harvard Health Publishing
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Tips for Talking to Teens
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How can you make sure teenagers are informed just enough without feeling overwhelmed, yet also have accurate information?
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Age Appropriate At-Home Activities
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f you're looking for activities you can do with your kiddos at home, check out these age-focused ideas from Scholastic!
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- Donate online to The Georgetown Project at www.georgetownproject.org to help youth and families as needed.
- Shop at Amazon Smile. Select "Georgetown Project" as your charity of choice.
- Pray for our community.
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We build skills and confidence in Georgetown's parents and childcare providers so that all children receive the best of care!!
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Please share our news with your friends
on social media!
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Bridges to Growth Parent Center
is a program of
The Georgetown Project
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With support from our sponsors
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Our Vision:
A community where no child is hungry, hurt, alone or rejected, and where all children and youth believe they are loved, respected and treated with dignity.
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