|
24-Hour Crisis Intervention for Adoptive and Pre-Adoptive Families in St. Louis County
 Thanks to a generous grant from the St. Louis County Children's Service Fund, the Coalition will now offer 24-hour Crisis Intervention services to adoptive and pre-adoptive families in St. Louis County! For more information on the Crisis Intervention program or to make a referral, contact Dawn Milburn, Lead Family Intervention Specialist, at 800.FOSTER.3.
Family Support Network
To promote permanency and prevent out-of-home placement, Family Support Network has a therapist available, dedicated to serving pre-adoptive/adoptive/guardianship families in St. Louis County. Families can access this service if they are receiving Crisis Intervention services from Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition OR if they are seeking a therapeutic intervention but are not necessarily in crisis. To access 24-hour Crisis Intervention services from the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition OR services from the Family Support Network, families must live in St. Louis County and must call 800.FOSTER.3.
Shopping Event to Benefit the Coalition
9.02.10 / 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cole Haan in Plaza Frontenac
 Win this Cole Haan Handbag! Join us at Cole Haan in Plaza Frontenac for a shopping event September 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy $50 off your purchase of $250 or more during the event. Pinnacle Imports and Cardwell’s on the Plaza are generously providing a wine tasting and light fare for event guests. Purchase your chance to win a Cole Haan Handbag through our website by clicking here or in person at the Cole Haan store. Chances to win are $10 each, and the value of the bag is $250. Winner need not be present to win.
Pass the Plate for the Coalition
Until 08.22.10
Area Restaurants
Hot Sauce offers more than 60 deals a month that can save you over 55% at your favorite Saint Louis Restaurants. Each week, they choose a different charity to receive 10% of their proceeds, and we are their chosen organization until August 22nd. In order to receive great offers and help the Coalition, you must sign up on their website. There's no fee for signing up – only if you want to purchase a fabulous deal. Click here to sign up!
Birthday Buddy Program
Need help providing birthday presents for your foster child? The Birthday Buddy program can help! Foster parents fill out a short application, providing general information about the child and gift ideas, which are posted on our website. Generous donors sign up to donate some or all of their presents to the child.
Only foster children (not adopted) can request a Birthday Buddy. Applications for August, September, October, and November birthdays are now being accepted. Visit www.foster-adopt.org to download an application. For more information, contact Karen at 314.698.1716 or karenherrington55@gmail.com. You may also contact Shelley at shelleythomasbenke@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x29.
Phenomenal Deal at Sports Fusion in Chesterfield
09.10.10 / 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sports Fusion in Chesterfield Valley
 Sports Fusion in Chesterfield Valley is offering 50% off to foster/adoptive families on Friday, September 10th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m! Kids and parents can enjoy two hours of unlimited lazer tag, dodge ball, rock climbing, mini golf, and more for $10 per person. Our Junior Board members can supervise your children at Sports Fusion, so that you can leave and dine or shop at the dozens of nearby stores and restaurants. Registration is required if you would like childcare at the event. Please contact Nickie Steinhoff at nickiesteinhoff@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x35 to register. If you’ll be staying with your children at Sports Fusion, pre-registration is not required. Coalition staff will be present to verify foster/adoptive family status. Please bring proof of your status (e.g., foster parent identification card, copy of foster parent certificate/license, CD or DFS check stub, or a court order). Feel free to contact Shelley Thomas-Benke with any questions at shelleythomasbenke@foster-adopt.org or 314.367-8373 x29.
Twin Beds and Dressers Needed
Several foster children in our Extreme Recruitment program are waiting for, or have recently been placed in, pre-adoptive homes. They are in need of four dressers and one twin bed. If you have any of these items that you'd be willing to donate, we would be very grateful! Please contact Shelley Thomas-Benke at shelleythomasbenke@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x29.
|
|
|
|
Any parent will tell you that foster care and adoption takes more than love; it takes skill, too! The Coalition offers a variety of skill-building support groups. You must be registered to attend.
Parent Support Group
08.31.10 / 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Topic: Starting a new school year successfully
Olivette Community Center (9723 Grandview Dr., St. Louis, MO 63132)
Dinner and childcare will be provided. You must register to attend. To register, please contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training and Community Support, at 314.367.8373 x35.
Older Youth Support Group
08.31.10 / 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Topic: Back to Basics – Returning to School
Olivette Community Center (9723 Grandview Dr., St. Louis, MO 63132)
Dinner will be provided. You must register to attend. To register, please contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training and Community Support, at 314.367.8373 x35.
|
|
|
|
314.773.KIDS
Tyler Place Presbyterian Church
(2109 S. Spring Street, 2nd Fl., 63110)
Hours of Operation: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, and every Saturday (except Holidays) from 9 a.m. to noon.
The KidStore is a resale shop open exclusively to children in foster care. Visit www.foster-adopt.org/kidstore for more information.
AUGUST: School supplies and school uniforms are now available.
SEPTEMBER:
09.04.10 - Closed for Labor Day
09.25.10 - Closed
Bag Sale
09.01.10 - $2.50 Wednesday
09.11.10 - $2.00 Saturday
09.15.10 - $2.00 Wednesday
09.18.10 - $1.00 Saturday
KidStore & Parents Classifieds
The KidStore Classifieds is a section that allows foster parents to see what we have to offer at our KidStore. The Parents Trade Classifieds allow parents to exchange items amongst themselves. Parents can post items they no longer need, and see what other parents have to offer. Click here to visit the Classifieds and post items
Volunteers Needed at the KidStore!
On Saturday, September 25th, the KidStore will switch out the summer clothing, which is currently on the store racks, and display the fall/winter clothing. Volunteers are needed from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to switch out the inventory. We'll also need a few volunteers with vans or pick-up trucks to recycle the summer clothing. If you're able to help, please contact Shelley Thomas-Benke at shelleythomasbenke@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x29. Youth over the age of 13 may volunteer with an adult.
|
|
|
|
Report Bullying in School
The Department of Social Services has announced a website where students, parents, and others can file anonymous reports of school violence, such as fights, bullying, and vandalism. To report bullying or for more information, please visit http://schoolviolencehotline.com/index.htm.
Leslie Lewis, Director of Educational Advocacy, has over 30 years of experience, and can help you with IEPs, tutoring, and a variety of other educational concerns. Requests can be e-mailed or discussed by calling 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x37.
|
|
|
|
|
Training Extravaganza:
10.16.10 / 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Extravaganza is an all-day workshop that allows foster/adoptive/relative caregivers to receive 7.5 in-service training hours in one day, and you can bring the kids! This training offers participants knowledge and skills designed to help create a sense of belonging for children in foster care by providing awareness and solutions that will address a variety of issues and challenges. Please see below for additional information and registration form. You may also download the form here. For more information about the Training Extravaganza, click here or contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training and Community Support, at 314.367.8373 x35.
Extravaganza Agenda
THEME: Strengthening Family Relationships
Photographers will be available to take portraits of individuals and families.
- Refreshing Parenting Practice: Parents will learn the language of permanence from a child’s perspective as well as how to strengthen family relationships.
- Identifying and Understanding Personal and Cultural Identity Issues: Why is identity so important in multicultural families? Participants in this workshop will learn how to address the need for a positive self image and identity through assessment and child-specific strategies.
- Trauma 101: Participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of the effects of trauma on their children's emotional development.
- Communicating for Results: Learn how to express concerns regarding the case plan with the professional team and how to support the plan to best meet the child’s needs.
|
|
|
|
YMCA Integrated Fitness Program
This Program provides age-appropriate support for individuals with documented developmental disabilities. For more information, please contact Jen Osborne, Integrated Fitness Program Director at 314.678.0162.
Magic House Offers Free Admission to Foster Children
The Magic House now offers foster parents and those living in their homes free admission at all times. Foster families must show identification that proves they are currently licensed. The offer does not extend to adoptive parents, unless they can prove they are currently licensed foster parents. The Magic House is located one mile north of I-44 at 516 South Kirkwood Road.
GAIN - Girls Aspiring toward INdependence is Seeking Participants for a Research Study
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Girls in the Child Welfare System. Girls will attend 1.5-hour weekly sessions for a total of 10 weeks. Sessions will emphasize trauma symptom education and will promote changes in cognition, skills, and behaviors related to the trauma or maltreatment. For more information or to make a referral, call or email April Schutz, Project Coordinator, at 314.935.3327 or aschutz@wustl.edu.
Ban on Drop-side Cribs
After recalling 10 million drop-side cribs since 2007 (2 million in June alone) - the Consumer Product Safety Commission has proposed new crib standards that will ban the sale of drop-side cribs and prohibit their use in hotels and day care centers. These types of cribs are dangerous and have proven deadly for many infants. Click here to read the full article on USA today.com. For drop-side crib safety information, click here.
Partners for Success Research Project
The Department of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University announced a new research project called Partners for Success (PFS). PFS is a six-month, family-based intervention designed to increase adaptive behaviors and improve job or school performance among young adults ages 16 to 25 affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. The intervention is also designed to decrease parental stress and increase parental empowerment. Young adults are not required to have a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other alcohol-related condition to qualify for screening. Participants will receive a free diagnostic assessment, in-home family therapy, mentor services for the young adult, access to an online support group for parents/caregivers, and monetary compensation for participation. If you would like more information or a referral for evaluation, please contact Cassie Morgan at Saint Louis University, 314.977.8769 or morgancn@slu.edu.
|
|
|
|
Dental Services
Missouri College
Cost: FREE
Dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental hygiene students at Missouri College. For an appointment, call 314.768.7899.
Target Free Family Nights at the Magic House
08.20.10 / 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Magic House (516 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE
These special nights enable a family to enjoy more than 100 hands-on exhibits in the museum at no charge through the generosity of Target. Reservations are not required. Click here for more information. The Magic House now offers foster parents and those living in their homes free admission at all times. Foster families must show identification that proves they are currently licensed. The offer does not extend to adoptive parents, unless they can prove they are currently licensed foster parents.
The Bluau
08.26.10 / 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Howdershell Park (6810 Howdershell Rd., Hazelwood, MO 63042)
Cost: FREE
The evening includes a Hawaiian Polynesian Revue with authentic costumes, BBQ, dance, and music. For more information, please call the Hazelwood Parks & Recreation Office at 314.731.0980.
Dance Together
08.28.10 / 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Giant Steps of St. Louis (2685 Metro Blvd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043)
Cost: $10
Open dance for youth with special needs – bring a snack or drink to share with friends! For more information, email bibits7@aol.com or call 314.662.1223.
Festival of Nations
Sponsored by the International Institute
08.28.10 / 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tower Grove Park
Cost: Entertainment is FREE
Children can make souvenirs while the family listens, watches, and dances to the beats of the world’s music. Shop at over 50 booths and enjoy a variety of cuisines!
Asthma Education
09.02.10 / 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Northwest Healthcare
Cost: FREE
Learn the basic information about asthma including peak flow monitoring, action plan, triggers, and environmental control. To register, call 314.454.KIDS.
|
|
|
|
Orientation for Parents to Special Education and the IEP Process - Presentation
08.26.10 / 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
09.29.10 / 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SSD Central Office (12110 Clayton Rd., Town & Country, MO 63131)
Not Approved for Training Hours
This orientation is designed to provide parents with an overview of special education services and how they are provided through Special School District. Learn more about how to develop an effective individual education program (IEP), educational rights, community resources/support, and take a tour of the Family & Community Resource Center. All participants will receive a Parent Handbook, including the IEP Guide for Parents. Parents will gain knowledge to support their children's education and effectively collaborate with the school. To learn more, please contact Joann Noll at 314.989.8108 or jnoll@ssd.k12.mo.us.
The Art of Effective Advocacy
08.30.10 / 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SSD Central Office (12110 Clayton Rd., Town & Country, MO 63131)
Not Approved for Training Hours
If you have, or work with, a child with a disability, this training is for you. Learn the importance of keeping and organizing your child's records, as well as what information needs to be in your child’s file. We will also discuss how to communicate more effectively with your child’s school district and the importance of working collaboratively to solve problems. Parents will gain knowledge to support their childīs education and effectively collaborate with the school. To learn more, please contact Joann Noll at 314.989.8108 or jnoll@ssd.k12.mo.us.
|
|
|
|
