August 2022 - Foster Change
Foster Change is the official Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Association of Southern Nevada.
From Cindy: Hey Friends!
Hey y'all! AUGUST. August? Really? The calendar tells me it is August, though I find that almost impossible to believe. We've enjoyed a quieter summer than I anticipated and I'm not counting down the days to BACK TO SCHOOL like I thought I would be! However, with a house full of children, the preparation has to begin early, as much as I don't want to do it. What are the first things you do, to start preparing? For me, it is usually with a backpack and a lunchbox. For some reason, I always feel like, with the right backpack and lunchbox, a child can rule the world. Taking my children shopping for those two things always bring me the greatest joy. It probably stems from my own childhood (doesn't almost everything?!?) I never was able to afford a nice backpack, but I did have some pretty awesome lunchboxes. You remember those? Plastic, with a matching thermos inside that took up half the space. Cool characters on the outside. My favorite was Rainbow Brite. She was...well, magical. HOWEVER, despite the fun of shopping for those, I hope we have ALL taken advantage of the local backpack drives and giveaways that have been happening around the valley, and put that money towards a new first day of school outfit!

These classes for foster and adoptive parents are being offered at no cost (thanks to Jockey Being Family®).
Click link below to check them out:
FOSTER CHANGE
SUPPORT GROUPS & UPCOMING EVENTS:
From Raise the Future:
In-Person TBRI® Caregiver Training: Introduction and Overview
August 6th | 9:00am-3:00pm

Click to Register Here
 
NEW SUPPORT GROUP OPTIONS:
CURRENT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
RESPITE OPPORTUNITIES:
School Resources:
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 be potty trained 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
COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
Learn about The Harbor!
Need help with mental and behavorial health for your teens?
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.
Mark Your Calendars for this upcoming Job Fair for Teens and Young Adults!
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 -


Hannah's Closet South - Appointments Required - find on website:


Crisis Support Resources Through Clark County School District
Families First PDF Guide

Click to access: CCSD Menu


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. 
Foster Change Lending Library
Don't forget about your newest 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!

Thanks to Allison and family for being the very first client to use the library!


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!
Want to Join Foster Change?
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
SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT?
Thanks to the following organizations for serving on our Board of Directors!
Click on each to learn more: