Click here to read this newsletter in Spanish
Haga clic aqui para leer el boletin de este mes en espanol
|
|
McKenzie/Holiday Farm Fire |
|
Lane County families have been hit with a huge new challenge due to the wildfires raging locally. From evacuation orders and homes destroyed, to some reports of loss of life, families are at a new level of stress and concern.
-
For information on local shelter options, pet and large animal assistance, evacuation maps, and more related to the fire, visit lanecounty.org/mckenziefire.
-
If you have capacity to give, consider bringing supplies to the smoke respite shelters. Or, donate to the United Way Wildfire Relief fund which will be used to support local non-profits meeting the needs of businesses and individuals impacted by the fire.
-
We don't always know what to do in highly stressful and traumatic situations, both for ourselves and our children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a webpage dedicated to mental health resources for families.These resources may be useful to look back at over the next few months.
|
|
Supporting Latinx Families |
|
One challenge organizations must address in the midst of a crisis is to understand what families need and then to find creative and inclusive ways to ensure ALL families get access to helpful resource. If information is only available on a website in English then people without internet, who don’t read English or don’t already know who to reach out to for help will be marginalized.
Meeting the needs of Immigrant and Latinx families
To find support and services for Latinx and immigrant families, visit the websites of these trusted local agencies. Their websites and social media pages are in English and Spanish.
-
Centro Latino Americano:
- Social services, resources, immigration rights information, and more.
- They regularly provide live updates on their Facebook page in both Spanish and Mam.
-
Downtown Languages:
- Free classes for adults: English, Citizenship, and Basic Computer Skills.
- The free Pilas! Family Literacy class starts in late September and is for families with children birth - age 18.
The Beauty and Diversity of Latinx Art and Culture
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 – October 15) explore the events being offered by Fiesta Cultural, including live music performances, virtual dance classes, and immersive art experiences. These are great local opportunities to connect with and learn about the diversity of Latinx cultures here in Lane County.
|
|
Parent Advisory Council Update |
|
In August, the Early Learning Alliance hosted its first Parent Advisory Council meeting. We were so pleased to have 19 parents join us! There were some bumps along the way with interpretation, but a council member stepped in to that role and saved the day (thank you!). Huge thanks to our council members for joining the meeting.
We heard parents share their positive experiences accessing services in Lane County (there was a lot of love for libraries) and the challenges faced, including not enough resources for Spanish speaking families and parents making too much money to qualify for much needed services.
Our next meeting will give us the chance to dig a little deeper with council members and determine next steps on how to work together to address the challenges families are facing.
|
|
Community Spotlight: Parenting Now! |
|
Parenting Now! believes that all children should be raised by nurturing, skilled parents - which is why, since 1978, this nonprofit has offered resources for parents to connect with other local families, learn about their child’s development, and find healthy ways to cope with the stress of parenting.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become clear that families need support now more than ever. Currently, Parenting Now! is offering its programming virtually over Zoom, including its First Three Years program for families with infants up to 3 years of age, starting in mid September. These groups - for parents of infants, ones, two, and threes - are led by Parenting Educators who share the latest in child development, as well as provide positive parenting strategies to families to use in the areas of misbehavior, discipline, and stress management.
In addition, Parenting Now! is offering its popular Baby Connection program virtually, with families connecting on Zoom with Lactation Specialist Debbie Jensen every Wednesday at 11 am. Parents can also check in with Parenting Educators via the One-2-One program, which is designed to get parents support on a schedule and platform that works for them, whether it’s text, call, Zoom, or email.
As restrictions lift, Parenting Now! looks forward to offering in-person groups once again. In the meantime, Parenting Now! staff encourages parents to register for one of their virtual programs. For more information, visit parentingnow.org.
|
|
National Grandparents Day |
|
For those of us fortunate enough to have a grandparent in our lives, the covid quarantine may have pushed your family to have one of two relationships with them. To either rely more on them to help with child care, or on the other end of the spectrum, caused you to act with caution and only connect virtually.
To honor the grandparents in our lives, do something special for them on National Grandparents Day, September 13th. There are so many ways, even from a distance, to show them you care and appreciate all they have done for you and your family. Here are just a few examples:
- send a card in the mail with a picture of your family or a sweet note from your kids
- set-up a time to video chat or call them on the phone and tell them a special memory you have of them or something funny that happened today
- host a watch party where you watch a movie together on Netflix or other streaming platform, then chat after about the film
- enjoy a socially distanced activity outside, like gardening, bird watching, fishing or playing catch
Now more than ever, these social connections will help keep us mentally healthy and show our family members who may be isolated that they are valued and loved.
|
|
LaneKids Guest Blog: Distance Learning Tips
Ready or not, distance learning is right around the corner for many families in our community. This giant change in educational setting can cause stress and strife in the home. But, it can also be an opportunity to grow alongside your child and...
Read more
www.lanekids.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abuela by Arthur Dorros, Illustrated by Elisa Kleven |
A young girl enjoys a magical adventure with her Abuela as they soar like birds high above New York City.
Spanish and English words are mixed throughout the story as the little girl and her Abuela explore Central Park, then take flight to explore the the city.
You will feel the special bond between them, especially in the adorable moment when they stop to spot cloud shaped animals while sitting in their chair made of clouds.
Preschoolers and elementary age kids will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and be swept up in this grandmother and granddaughter's adventure.
|
|
The Triple P: Positive Parenting Program, is an internationally recognized parenting curriculum and has been part of parenting education in Lane County since 2015. Triple P Online (TPOL) is an 8 section online parenting course that parents and caregivers can access anytime, on any device, for up to a year after they sign up.
TPOL is designed for parents of children ages 2-12 and is available in both English and Spanish. This program is free for families who are OHP members and is currently also available to any family who requires financial assistance to participate.
Topics covered in TPOL include: encouraging behavior you like; teaching new skills; managing misbehavior; dealing with disobedience; preventing problems by planning ahead; making shopping fun; raising confident, capable kids; and a new section on parenting during COVID-19.
Information is delivered through videos that show families managing similar challenges and parents complete short activities that help to identify areas of improvement and strategies to try. Each module can also be downloaded as a PDF summary or as an audio only podcast, which participants can revisit long after they complete the program.
|
|
Employment Related Daycare (ERDC) |
|
Low income working families may be eligible for financial help with child care costs. ERDC is a subsidy program. This means eligible families still pay part of the child care cost. This amount depends on the family’s income, size, and the amount the child care provider charges.
- Copays have been reduced to $0 through families’ current certification periods
- Families that apply by October 31 can qualify for 12 months of $0 co-pay
- The income limit has increased for initial eligibility
|
|
Cash Grants to Black Community |
|
The Oregon Cares Fund provides cash grants to Black individuals, Black-owned businesses, and Black-led nonprofit organizations who have experienced financial adversity due to COVID-19.
The Oregon Cares Fund is designed and led by Black leaders for the Black community. All grants must be awarded before December 30, 2020!
Qualifications for families or individuals to apply include:
- Applicant(s) must reside in Oregon,
- Applicant(s) must self-identify as Black, and
- Applicant(s) must suffer from demonstrated employment or economic interruptions due to COVID-19 related impacts.
You can find the application and information on how Black individuals, families or businesses can apply by visiting The Oregon Cares Fund website HERE.
|
|
Wednesdays and Saturdays through September 19th
Veneta business owners have set up shop in an outdoor retail village. Enjoy local food and drink providers on Wednesday nights. They will be open alongside the Veneta Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
Please remember to wear your mask and practice social distancing while supporting your community.
|
September 20
All parade enthusiasts are encouraged to come up with their most colorful, fun, and quirky take on the theme BOUNCE FORWARD.
|
September 23
In a mental health crisis the best first aid may be you! Join a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid class, presented by Oregon Family Support Network.
|
|
September 26
Whether yours is a kitty or a puppy — or a ferret or a parrot — we all love our pets. Join us for PetFest and learn about resources for your furry, scaly and feathery family members.
More than 30 vendors, demonstrations, prize drawings, and a photo booth! Pets are welcome on leash.
|
|
October 3
Want to understand how to talk to your child about race? This one hour virtual workshop will help you answer questions like Where to Start? What do I say? How much is too much?
|
|
We would love to hear your questions, feedback on the content of our newsletter, or recommendations on what you would like to read about next time!
|
|
LaneKids is Lane County’s parenting education hub.
Our mission is to ensure all parents in Lane County have the knowledge, tools, and support to nurture their child’s optimal development for success in school and life.
|
|
LaneKids is made possible with support from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
