Coalition News

Fostering Financial Success: [RE]FRESH

We are now accepting applications for our new program, Fostering Financial Success: [RE]FRESH. This is a skills training and job placement program for foster youth ages 16 to 21. This program will allow older youth to obtain job training and experience, demonstrate their ability to earn and save money, and finally, obtain permanent jobs in the community.

Employment Skills/Job Training
Youth will learn the workings of a retail establishment in detail, including: receiving, merchandising, working the cash register, managing volunteers, customer service, inventory/stocking, marketing, and helping customers find exactly what they are looking for. Participants will take away valuable interpersonal and customer service skills that will be transferable to multiple industries.

For more information, contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training & Community Support at 314.367.8373 x35.

Birthday Buddy Program

If you need help providing birthday presents for your foster child, our Birthday Buddy program can help!  Foster parents must fill out an application and be willing to pick up the presents in Kirkwood, MO or Waterloo, IL.  We are currently accepting applications for April, May, June and July birthdays. Contact Shelley Thomas-Benke for more information at 314.367.8373.

Coalition Training Extravaganza

Children's Mental Health

04.02.11 / 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!  All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a XBOX and 8 games!  To view the agenda, or download a registration form, click here. 

Childcare Lottery: Space limited to 200 adults and 100 children.
Registration forms must be received by March 18th to be included in the childcare lottery.  ALL requests for childcare received by March 18th will be placed into the same lottery pool.  Registration forms will be drawn at random until the 100 childcare slots are filled.  All families who register will be notified by mail.  If childcare is full, adults are still welcome to attend the  workshops and receive 7.5 training hours.

Job Fair for Teens and Young Adults

04.02.11 / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration Deadline March 18th
Is your teen thinking about his or her future?  Thanks to Citigroup, youth ages 16 to 20 can participate in the Coalition's Third Annual Job Fair including a variety of financial literacy workshops.  The Fair will take place during the next Training Extravaganza on Saturday, April 2nd.

Interactive activities and individualized instruction will include:

- Jobs: Complete a skills/interest assessment and participate in a 

  "mock" interview

- Employers' Expectations:  Learn how to find a job and create a plan

- Money:  Budgeting and preparing for the future

- Credit:  Establishing and protecting credit

Participants will be able to complete employment applications and speak with potential employers.  Representatives from St. Louis Community College will be available to discuss the admission and financial aid process for prospective students. Parents NEED NOT be registered for the Training Extravaganza for older youth to attend the Job Fair. Click here to download the registration form and return before March 18th to:  

Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, ATTN: Job Fair, 111 North 7th Street, Suite 402,  St. Louis, MO 63101, or fax to 314.241.0715.

Wehrenberg Family Winter Series 2011
Winter, 2011 / noon
All 14 Wehrenberg Theatres
Cost: FREE
Tickets to show are available the "day of" at the theatre box office and seats are first-come, first-served.
More information: www.wehrenberg.com

Wild in the City
02.25.11 / 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center (11715 Cragwold Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE
Children ages 7 and older can find out which animals live in town and what challenges and dangers they face. Explore this urban adventure through stories, hiking, and hands-on activities. Dress for the weather and walking. Reservations are required.

More information: www.mdc.mo.gov or 314.301.1500

Sugar, Spiced, and Everything Iced
02.26.11 / 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110)
Cost: $8 per adult, children 12 and under are FREE
Enjoy a look at exquisitely adorned cakes and cookies!

More information: www.mobot.org or 314.577.5100 

Historic Frenchtown District Mardi Gras Parade
02.26.11
Frenchtown District of St. Charles
Cost:  FREE
People of all ages can celebrate Mardi Gras fun with an alcohol-free, family-friendly parade.
More information: www.historicstcharles.com

Storytelling Workshop
02.26.11 / noon to 2:30 p.m.
Missouri History Museum (S. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112)
Cost: FREE
Come to this classroom-turned-kidzone to play with puppets, make crafts, build a puzzle, or escape to the rainbow retreat to read stories.
More information: www.mohistory.org or 314.746.4599

Land of Smiles the Musical
02.26.11 / 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Delta Dental Health Theatre (727 N 1st St., # 103, St. Louis, MO 63102)
Cost: $1
Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month with story time and a special performance of Delta Dental of Missouri's Land of Smiles the Musical. This fun show explains to the children the importance of eating healthy foods and keeping active.
More information: www.ddhtstl.org or 314.241.7391    

St. Luke's Hospital Day of Dance
02.26.11 / 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Frontenac Hilton Hotel (1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131)

Cost: FREE
Bring your friends to learn easy dance steps for better health and visit with St. Luke's physicians and health educators as they provide health screenings and education. Free screenings are available, including blood pressure, body mass index, bone density, pulmonary function and others, as well as cholesterol and glucose screenings for a fee. Space is limited and registration is required.
More information and to register: www.stlukes-stl.com

Black History Month: Children's Stories
02.26.11 / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arch Museum of Westward Expansion (Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102)
Cost: FREE
A ranger will read a book relating to African American history topics to children ages 4 to 12 which will be followed by short program.
More information: www.nps.gov/jeff or 314.655.1724

Who Reads? We Read!
02.26.11 / 9 to 11 a.m.
Area Target Stores
Cost: FREE
Bring the kids to your local Target store to enjoy giveaways, coupons and hear Dr. Seuss favorites.
More information: www.reading.target.com

18th Annual Beggin' Pet Parade
02.27.11 / 1 p.m.

Soulard (Parade kicks-off at the corner of Allen and Menard in Soulard)
Cost: FREE to attend ($10 to enter your dog)
Bring your furry friend to one of the largest pet parades in the world.

More information: www.mardigrasinc.com or 314.771.5110   

Celebrate the World and Diversity International Festival
02.27.11 / noon to 5 p.m.
Maryland Heights Centre (2344 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043)
Cost: FREE (fees for food and some activities)
Activities include the parade of nations opening ceremony, music and dance performances, international marketplace staffed by vendors selling global crafts and jewelry, children's art projects, and more.
More information: www.marylandheights.com or 314.738.2599

Family Sunday
02.27.11 / 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Louis Art Museum (One Fine Arts Dr., Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110)
Cost: FREE
Family Sunday explores four important African American artists and the art they made. You'll see paintings and sculptures that show real-life stories, interesting people, and beautiful places. Kids will have a chance to make their own works of art.
More information: www.slam.org or 314.721.0072

Workshop: Child Advocacy 101 - Speaking Out for Kids from your Community to the Capitol
02.28.11 / 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Vision for Children at Risk (2401 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106)
Cost: FREE

This interactive training will provide advocates with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to effectively communicate with state lawmakers. Individuals or groups who plan to attend the 2011 Child Advocacy Day (information below) are encouraged to attend.

More information and to RSVP: Kate Kasper, 314.289.5687

Staying Home Alone
02.28.11 / 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Lodge at Des Peres (1050 Des Peres Rd., St Louis, MO 63131)
Cost: $20

Determine your child's physical, mental, social, and emotional readiness to stay home alone. Designed for families with children preparing to stay by themselves, this two-hour class will help kids get ready for this new experience. Workbooks are provided.
More information: www.stlouischildrenshospital.org, 314.454.5437, or 800.678.5437 x3

Tuesday Morning Play Dates
03.01.11 (first Tuesday of every month) / 10 to 11 a.m
Contemporary Art Museum (3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108)
Cost: FREE
Bring your child (age 2 to 5) on the first Tuesday of every month for a hands-on play date full of art projects, gallery activities, storytelling, and more. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.

More information: www.camstl.org or 314.535.4660

Summer Programs
03.03.11 / 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Louis Arc (1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132)
Cost: FREE
Summer will be here before you know it!  Learn the resources available for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities during the summer months. Presented by Susan Fleming, Executive Director, Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis & Rhonda Hembree, Assistant Director, St. Louis Arc.
More information: 314.569.2211

Parent Seminar on Sensory Processing
03.03.11 / 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Leaps and Bounds (324 Jungerman Rd., St. Peters, MO 63376)
Cost: FREE
Learn about how sensory processing may be affecting your child's life. Occupational therapists will discuss sensory processing, share coping strategies, and offer insight into behaviors caused by sensory processing difficulties. Registration is requested.
More information and to register: 636.928.5327

Developmental Disability Awareness Art Fair
03.04.11
Regional Arts Commission (6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112)
Cost: FREE
Students from St. Louis Public Schools will create artwork that reflects their perception of developmental disabilities. The art fair will be hosted by Wendy Erikson of KSDK NewsChannel 5.
More information: 314.421.0090 or www.stldd.org

Expo: NeuroDay 2011
03.05.11 / 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110)
Cost: FREE
There will be hands-on activities, giveaways, exhibitor booths, demonstrations, and presentations by local scientists.

More information: www.slsc.org or 314.289.4439

Hula Hoop Fitness
03.06.11 / 3 to 4 p.m.
Center of Creative Arts (524 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130)
Cost: FREE
Students ages 12 and older can use the hula hoop as a fitness tool in this fun and aerobic workout.
More information: www.cocastl.org or 314.725.6555

Delta Dental Mardi Gras at the St. Louis Zoo
03.06.11 / 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Louis Zoo (1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110)
Cost: FREE
Kids can spend the day making masks, listening to music, and enjoying a parade.

More information: 314.781.0900

Workshop: "Applied Behavior Analysis"
03.08.11 / 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Louis Arc (1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132)
Cost: FREE
Missouri recently passed the Autism Insurance Bill. One of the services included is Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA). This workshop will provide an overview of what ABA is, how individuals with developmental disabilities can benefit from this therapy, and how to find someone experienced with this approach. Presented by Julie Roscoe, M.ED, M.A., BCBA, Clinical Director, Blackwell-Roscoe Autism Spectrum Intervention Partners.
More information: 314.569.2211

Workshop: Guardianship and Alternatives
03.10.11 / 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
St. Louis Arc (1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132)

Cost: FREE
Presented by Bhavik R. Patel, Sandberg, Phoenix and von Gontard, P.C., this workshop will focus on determining when guardianship is needed, who should be a guardian and alternatives such as payees, conservatorships, trustees, powers of attorney, living wills, and more. 

First Regional Robot Competition
03.17.11 - 03.19.11
Chaifetz Arena (1 S. Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103)
Cost:  FREE
Watch kids and teens bring electronics to life in this robot competition. Student-built robots will compete in a varsity sport for the mind!
More information: www.stlouisfirst.org

29th Annual Missouri Child Advocacy Day
03.31.11
Missouri State Capitol (201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101)
 This is an opportunity for parents, providers, and community members to speak up and ask lawmakers to make the health, safety, and education of Missouri's children a top priority for the state.
More information and to register: www.childadvocacyday.org

Educational Advocacy Corner

Community Resources 

Angel Food Ministries

Angel Food Ministries operates in hundreds of churches nationwide and offers heat-and-serve meals, canned and fresh food boxes at a reduced cost. Find a location near you by visiting www.angelfoodministries.com.

Strategies for Supporting Relative Caregivers of Children and Youth featuring Dr. Joseph Crumbly (Author, Family Therapist, Trainer, and Consultant). 4.25 social work credit hours pending. The purpose of this conference is to provide professionals methods of supporting and intervening with kinship caregivers and their families, and to offer caregivers coping strategies to manage the family dynamics and emotional issues specific to kinship care.

More information:  www.extension.missouri.edu