Winter Program Newsletter
for Parents, Guardians, and Community-Based Bigs
Highlight from our Bigger Together Facebook Group
for Community-Based Bigs:
Big Angela shared this photo of herself with her Little Gianna at the Cape May Stage where they saw One Christmas Carol

BIGS: Be sure to join the Bigger Together Facebook Group and post photos of activities you do with your Little to help everyone else come up with fun ideas!
FUN TOPICS TO HELP BREAK THE ICE
What bands are you listening to lately? Can we listen to your favorite song? What do you like about this song?

What is the best thing and the worst thing that has happened to you in the last week?

If you had three wishes, what would they be? (You’re not allowed to wish for money or another wish!)

What is one thing that you want to accomplish, learn, or get better at in 2023? How are you going to make that happen? Is there any way that I can help you with this?

If you were President, what would you want to change in the US? (or what would be the FIRST thing that you would change?)
CREATE A BIRD FEEDER FOR THE WINTER BIRDS
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Make sure the little birdies in your backyard have plenty to eat with one of these crafty feeders. Click the link below to learn more.
ROLLER SKATING IN CAPE MAY
Enjoy roller skating for $5 per person (rentals are an additional $5 for skates and $6 for rollerblades) Fridays through Sundays from December 16 through March 26 at the Cape May Convention Center. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time skater you'll surely have a fun and memorable experience!
BAKE SOME WINTER TREATS
These easy and fun recipes will keep you and your Little busy this winter. They'll not only assist in making some delicious treats, but they will also be able to eat and enjoy all of their hard work. A perfect activity for a blustery day.
KISSES FOR POOH BEAR
Stop by Sunny Service Center (7701 Ventnor Ave. in Margate) to help 6-year-old lab mix raise money for the Humane Society of Ocean City. He will be there every Monday and Wednesday during the month of February. Kisses are $5 each and you can also give him a treat or pet him. This is his favorite time of year as he gets to help his fellow furry friends in need.
START SEEDS WITH WINTER SOWING
Reuse an old plastic milk jug or soda bottle and turn it into a mini greenhouse! It's simple, easy and fun - all you'll need are a plastic container like a milk jug, some soil, seeds and duct tape. January is the perfect time to get started.
FREE PHONE SERVICE PROGRAM
The Lifeline program is a federal program that provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings. That includes being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. You can use the Lifeline program for help with both cellular devices and landlines.
FREE DIETICIAN SERVICES
Many people are looking to get a healthy start to the new year. Did you know ShopRite offers in-person and virtual dietician services? They can help offer suggestions and substitutions and create meal plans. Some stores even have cooking classes and community events. See what your local ShopRite has to offer by clicking the button below and entering your zip code.
ENROLLMENT FOR SECTION 8 HOUSING
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Resources will be accepting Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program pre­ applications online at: www.WaitlistCheck.com/NJ559 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list state-wide. The enrollment period is Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 9am, until Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5pm. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program that provides housing subsidies to New Jersey residents, so that they can obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
FAMILY SUCCESS CENTERS
Family Success Centers are “one-stop” shops that provide wrap-around resources and support for families before they find themselves in crisis. They offer primary child abuse prevention services to families and bring together concerned community residents, leaders, and community agencies to address the problems that threaten the safety and stability of families and the community. There is no cost to access any services they provide. Click the button below to find the closest center to you.
UTILITIES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and was created to help low-income residents with their heating and medically necessary cooling bills. Assistance is available to eligible households through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and includes benefits to assist with heating bills and certain emergency needs. Additional funds may be available for medically necessary cooling assistance and heating repairs.
MORE ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
Are you new to the BBBS program? Are you having trouble thinking up fun activity ideas to do with your Little? Looking for resources in our local community? Click the button below to view all previous newsletter issues.