Child Advocacy - May Newsletter

Our 5K Event is fast approaching. We would love for you to come out and support this fun filled event. This year there will be a bubble party and face painting for the kids.

Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Kids Fun Run and Toddler Trot begins at 9:30 a.m.

5K Run and Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Bubble Man will begin at 10:00 a.m.

There will be lots of fun for the whole family!

The registration form may be obtained from our website- www.linkforfamilies.org.

Charity Basketball Game

A huge thank you to all who participated and/or attended the Charity Basketball Game. The event was a huge success.

Especially, thank you to all the alumni basketball players, alumni pom pon girls, and the 8th Grade Student Council. Without their participation, this event could not happen.

We are looking forward to next years' event.

Words Your Child Needs to Hear

* I'm so lucky to have you.

* You are a great helper.

* I like it when you try so hard.

* Let's talk about it.

* I'm sorry.

* You're very special to me.

* Thank you for being patient.

* You're a great kid.

* I love you.

Child Advocate of the Year

Congratulations to our advocate of the year recipients!

Jane Wakely-Haycook- was awarded the

Child Advocate of the Year

Central MI Youth for Christ -was awarded the

Organization of the Year

Alma Middle School 8th Grade Student Council

was awarded the Youth Advocate of the Year

These organizations and individuals truly make a difference in the life of children in our area. We are thankful for all they do!

Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition

(GCSAC)

Prom and Graduation season is in full swing. Here are a few FAST FACTS for Parents to consider. Did you know?

- Parents can not provide or knowingly allow any person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol. You can face a maximum of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

- Adolescent brains continue to develop into their twenties. Youth who engage in drinking put themselves at risk for many behaviors which parents dread.

- Taking the keys is not enough. Six youth die each day to a non-driving alcohol related accidents. Parents can be held legally responsible for any accident or death which occurs as a result of providing.

You Might be a Daycare Provider if...

written by Suzanne Cline

...you know Mr. Clean Erasers will get permanent marker off hardwood floors.

...you've ever purchased sunscreen with SPF higher than 50.

...you can't find your cell phone so you get on Facebook and ask someone to call you.

...you spend the entire week wearing sweats.

...your favorite TV show is a cartoon.

...you're so desperate for adult conversation, you spill your guts to the telemarketer that calls and he hangs up on you!

...you're up each night until 10:00 p.m. or later vacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, loading, unloading, shopping, cooking, flushing, sweeping, picking up, paying bills, budgeting, clipping coupons, PLUS swinging, playing baseball, football, catch, bubbles, sprinklers, slides, nature walks, coloring, crafts, jumping rope PLUS raking, trimming, planting, edging, mowing, gardening, painting, and walking the dog. You get up at 5:30 a.m. and you have no time to eat, sleep, drink, or go to the bathroom, and yet...you still manage to gain 10 pounds.

Scheduled Classes

Parenting Classes

New Parenting Classes for parents of children from

0 - 6 years old. Classes are offered the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Classes are from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Wilcox Non-Profit Building located at 525 N. State Street, Alma.

Topics to be covered for the month of May are as follows:

May 4 - Loving Discipline for Children ages 1 - 5

May 18 - Using Games, Charts, and Rewards as positive motivators for behavior.

All classes are FREE. Please call our office at (989) 463-1422 to register or to get more information.

Get to Know Kris Olejniczak

I am the new Prevention Educator for Child Advocacy. I am very excited to begin my new career and to be a part of the Child Advocacy team. I look forward to working with our area elementary children and educators in the Protect Yourself Program.

I have a bachelors degree in Child Development from Central Michigan University and my husband Mike and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in February. We have four children. Three graduated from Alma High School. Two of them just received their college degree and the third is still working towards that goal. Our fourth child is a very active 7th grader at Alma Middle School. Our oldest daughter, Amber, just got married and now lives in Wisconsin.

In my spare time, I love being with my family, playing sports, coaching, and watching my son Darren participate in sports.

Wow! What a whirlwind month April turned out to be, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, and Month of the Young Child. Child Advocacy hosted a Charity Basketball game, Child Advocate of the Year Banquet, Head Start Bike Giveaway and Coloring Contest, Pinwheel Garden Ceremony, as well as planning for our 4th Annual 5K Event and Bubble Party, plus so much more. WE have been BUSY!! Thank you to everyone who participated in our events.

Have a safe and happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Audra Stahl
Executive Director