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News You Can Use! September 2008 |
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| Dear Friends: |
September's Song No matter how old we get, for most of us, September is when the year really starts. When most of us were just getting into a more relaxed pace, summer is over and fall begins-with all its familiar routines-kids off to school, for the first time, or off to college. I heartily recommend the American Nurse Today article, The Wisdom of Renewal. This includes many thought provoking suggestions and questions to help us to consider our life's meaning, our relationships, our legacy and purpose. So whether you are an 'earner, a hobbyist, a creator, a monk, a helper, a parent, a learner or an elder,' as defined in this article, their 10 questions of renewal help us define where we can focus to create more balance in our lives, despite the uncertainties that surround us daily. The uncertainties that are looming this year have created even more challenges for the agencies we fund and for the families and parents who struggle to meet rising fuel and food costs. Another severe winter will surely negatively impact the lives of NH residents. We encourage all who can to reach out to help their neighbors, especially those in need. This month, NHCTF Trustees will do its annual grant making-by reading and discussing all the proposals submitted and make the difficult decisions to fund only those that are directly related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The 2008 grants will be announced in the next e-newsletter. As in every year, there are so many worthwhile programs, with staff and volunteers working many long hours to help build protective factors-those shields of armor that can overcome risk factors. We wish there were more funds available to support families and communities. We know from all the data and analysis, most recently done for NH agencies at the University of Kansas, that building protective factors is the way to prevent child abuse and neglect. I am particularly grateful to the 12 NH family support programs that worked with us and the University of Kansas on the 2008 National Protective Factors Field Test: thanks for continued hardwork to Child and Family Services, Families First Health & Support Center, Good Beginnings of Sullivan County, Family Resource Center at Gorham, Grapevine Family and Community Resource Center, HUB Family Resource Center, Lakes Region Community Services Council, Monadnock Family Services, The Upper Room, VNA of VT and NH, The Youth Council. It's interesting to note that 8 of the group were either Smith Award Winners or Finalists! There are some great events happening around the state in the next few weeks! On September 25th, Dr. Vincent J. Felitti, author of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study will deliver the keynote address at the Attorney General's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect Conference.
Read on to learn about more great upcoming events!
And, Coming Soon...our new website! |
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Sincerely,
Karen Carpenter, Executive Director
New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund
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2008
Board of Trustees
Gail Barba, Concord
Deborah Chase, Gilmanton
Melissa Correia, Manchester
Janice Fitzpatrick, Candia
Senator Martha Fuller Clark, Portsmouth
Representative Anne Grassie, Rochester
Courtney H.G. Herz, Esq., Hopkinton
Peirce Hunter, M.D., Vice Chair, Bow
Kristina Ickes, Candia
Audrey Knight, MSN, RN, Hopkinton
Betsy McKinney, Board Treasurer, Londonderry
Representative Karen McRae, Board Secretary, Goffstown
Sandra Matheson, Hooksett
Lynne Bartlett Merrill, Board Chair, Kingston
Senator Sheila Roberge, Bedford
Brenda Tibbetts, Colebrook
Staff
Karen H. Carpenter, MA, JD
Executive Director
Diane Hastings, MS
Special Projects Director
Julie Day, BS
Parent Advocacy Director
Valerie Quinn, BA
Administrative Assistant |
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Step Up for Kids Day
Join Us!
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Every Child Matters Education Fund is organizing a non-partisan, nationwide event, "Step Up for Kids Day," on September 16 from 11:00 to 1:00 on the state house lawn.
Did you know? In New Hampshire
- Nearly 28,000 children live in poverty
- 22,000 do not have health insurance
- 23% of children are left alone after school
- 16,000 are reported abused or neglected
- 49% of children are not enrolled in a quality early care and education program
Join the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund as we gather with other child advocates and let the candidates know the reasons to make investing in children a political priority.
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Jack is Back!
October 15 Save the Date |
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Positioning For Success:
Building Powerful Partnerships to Achieve Organizational Goals
An in-depth strategy conversation on ways not-for-profit organizations can more effectively position themselves for achieving their public policy, philanthropic, business partnerships and communications goals.
Wednesday October 15th, 2008 from 1:30 - 3:30
Location: Riverbend, 105 Loudon Road, Concord, NH 03301
Facilitator: Jack Levine, Founder, 4Generations Institute, Tallahassee, Florida
Jack Levine has served as a public policy advocate for 30 years. He was President of Voices for Florida's Children for 25-years, and since 2004 has led inter-generational initiatives of the 4Generations Institute to bridge all age groups for mutual benefit. He holds a Master's Degree in Child and Family Studies from Purdue University and a B.A. in English Literature from Hunter College, City University of New York.
RSVP by October 1 by emailing info@nhctf.org We ask that participants arrive on time and stay for the entire session.
There is no charge thanks to the generous sponsorship of:
Jack Levine founder of the 4Generations Institute, shown with NHCTF Executive Director, Karen Carpenter and Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, Program Director at Families First Health & Support Center, at the 2008 Smith Award celebration.
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Voting Strengthens Families |
In 2004, 20,000,000 unmarried women did not vote. In New Hampshire, over 80,000 single women are not registered to vote. "One Vote" is a 6-minute video about women and voting. Watch the video here. As one of the women puts it, "we won the right to vote and now you want to press the mute button."
It is easy to register to vote in New Hampshire. In fact, you can register on election day at the polling place in your town. Call your town or city clerk for guidelines about what to bring for proof of age, citizenship and residency. More guidelines can be found on the New Hampshire Secretary of State website by clicking here.
Child abuse and neglect can be prevented by building strong families, strengthening community supports, and voting for candidates who care about children and families AND who support programs for children and families.
Parent Advocacy Day
Learn How to Speak Up for Yourself,
Your Family and Your Community
October 1, 2008 8:45 to 12:15
Gorham Congregational Church
143 Main Street, Gorham, NH
Registration: 8:45-9:15 am Program Begins Promptly at 9:15
Workshops Offered:
- Special Education in Public Schools--Angela Keef, Education Specialist for the State of NH
- Learning How to Become an Advocate for Your Child--Bonnie Dunham, Parent Information Center
- Voting is About Making Change--Local State House Representatives
- How to Use Your Voice--Annie Farnsworth, NH Women's Lobby
- Advocating for TANF--Jack Lightfoot, Child & Family Services
Coffee, light refreshments and lunch provided
For more information and to register contact:
Julie Day, Parent Advocacy Director New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund 603-224-1279 or jday@nhctf.orgSpace is limited. R.S.V.P. by September 24, 2008 No Charge
Co-Sponsored by:
New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund
Family Resource Center at Gorham
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Protecting our Children
from Child Sexual Abuse
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Darkness to Light has posted 7 Steps to Protecting our Children from Child Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Responsible Adults on their website. Learn more by clicking on the link.
Step 1: Learn the facts
Realities-not trust-should influence your decisions regarding your child.
Step 2: Minimize Opportunity
If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you'll
dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for your child.
Step 3: Talk about it
Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down
by talking openly about it.
Step 4: Stay Alert
Don't expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused.
Step 5: Make a Plan
Learn where to go, who to call and how to react.
Step 6: Act on Suspicions
The future well-being of a child is at stake.
Step 7: Get involved
Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight the tragedy
of child sexual abuse.
Darkness to Light is a national nonprofit organization and initiative located in Charleston, SC with a mission to diminish the incidence and impact of child sexual abuse, so that more children will grow up healthy and whole.
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Healthy Families, Healthy Communities,
Healthy Planet |
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Money Saving Tips for Families
What is a family to do!?
Commercialization is Damaging Children's Well-being
The kids are back in school and the pressures for the latest fashions, electronics and sporting equipment are re-energized in full, culminating with Christmas. What's a family to do? Resist! A public opinion poll published by The Children's Society of the United Kingdom, as part of its ongoing Good Childhood Inquiry, has revealed a consensus among adults that increasing commercialization is damaging children's well-being. They note that children are feeling under pressure to keep up with the latest trends. Read the full report by following the links on their website.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society said: "A crucial question raised by the inquiry is whether childhood should be a space where developing minds are free from concentrated sales techniques. As adults we have to take responsibility for the current level of marketing to children. To accuse children of being materialistic in such a culture is a cop out. Unless we question our own behaviour as a society we risk creating a generation who are left unfulfilled through chasing unattainable lifestyles."
Professor of child psychology, Philip Graham is quoted as saying, "Evidence from both the United States and from the UK suggests that those most influenced by commercial pressures also show higher rates of mental health problems."
"Children should be encouraged to value themselves for who they are as people rather than what they own." --Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury
Soccer Moms Unite!
How many of us arrive at the "away game" with just our child in the mini-van? Get to know other team parents and share a ride! There are many other ways we can reduce our gas consumption, save money and reduce our carbon footprint at the same time. The U.S. Department of Energy has solid tips for driving more efficiently. Click here for more tips.
 Drive alone to work? Consider sharing a ride with a neighbor even a couple of days a week. New Hampshire Rideshare is a New Hampshire Department of Transportation program dedicated to finding an alternative way for commuters to travel to and from work. As their website says, driving alone is not only expensive, but it also contributes to increased traffic congestion and air pollution.
Buy Locally for Winter Root Crop Storage
 T he harvest is plenty! Explore New Hampshire with your family by taking excursions to area farmers markets and farms. Find farms and farmers markets near you by going to the Local Harvest website. Buying locally and growing your own food helps to create healthy communities and healthy families.
For tips on properly storing the bounties of the harvest and extending the life of fruits and vegetables, click on this link.
New Hampshire Second in Nation in Credit Card Debt
According to Americans for Fairness in Lending, New Hampshire ranks second in the nation in credit card debt. "The burden of credit card debt is felt in every state across America with devastating impact on consumers and communities everywhere," said Jim Campen, executive director of Americans for Fairness in Lending, a national nonprofit advocating for greater regulation of the lending industry. "Unfair practices by credit card companies are fueling these high debt levels." "Consumers are victims of a range of abuses such as doubling and tripling interest rates,  applying higher interest rates retroactively to outstanding balances, imposing exorbitant penalty fees and requiring binding mandatory arbitration clauses." The Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people in New Hampshire and Vermont take charge of their money. Follow the link to their website for resources to help families.
Money Saving Tips for Greening Your Office
 According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average office tosses out about 350 pounds of paper per employee, per year! The NRDC has tips on their website for greening your office.
We know that everything we do has an impact on our world around us. At the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund, we are taking steps to become more earth friendly with our own office practices. And, it is saving us money!
"I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor.
Do you know your next door neighbor?" ---Mother Teresa
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Give the Gift that Gives Twice! |
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Birthdays, Bereavement, To Show You Care...
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The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund was established in 1987 by legislative statute RSA 169-C:39 to support programs in New Hampshire that work to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our focus is primary prevention initiatives that keep children safe and families strong.
To find out more about our programs and partners, go to our website at www.nhctf.org
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