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Together with You
Building Safe, Stable and Nurturing
Families and Communities
for both Our Present and Our Future | |
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 "That my Country be served is the first wish of my heart.
I shall be doubly happy if I were to render it a service."
-- Thomas Jefferson
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Dear Friends,
Welcome to 2010!
 We had a great time at our Annual Meeting on January 11th and want to thank you for your ongoing support of our agency and NH families. Because of your generosity, we were able to deliver a box of supplies for families to Captain McKenna at the NH National Guard. You will find a wealth of information in this eNewsletter on supporting NH's military families and an interview with Captain McKenna.
Unlike states with active military bases, the majority of our troops serve in the army branch of the National Guard and Reserves. They are people just like us; they shop in the same stores, go to school with our children, work side by side with us to contribute to the NH economy, and worship in our faith communities. NH expects to have almost 2000 soldiers deployed in 2010. We hope that you will reach out to their families and provide support during this trying time. We also hope that you will warmly welcome home our troops when they return and continue to support them and their families during the reintegration process.
We reached our 2009 individual giving goals and want to thank you for making that year end contribution. If you just haven't gotten around to it, it is not too late to send it in. Donors will be announced and acknowledged in our annual report and a separate email.
We hope to focus our fundraising efforts on increasing individual donor contributions and increasing the number of contributing groups and businesses over the coming year. You will see an invitation below to join or sponsor the Snow Softball tournament In order to make a significant impact keeping families together and children safe, we need to raise our revenues.
We also need to increase our capacity and have begun to do that. We have increased our human capital by adding 1) three new members to our Board of Trustees: Robert MacGowan of Webster, Raymond Gagnon of Claremont and Janice Fitzpatrick of Candia 2) Student Interns: Alyssa Azotea from Walden University, Amber Royea from the University of NH and Danielle Howard from Colby-Sawyer College 3) Volunteers: Francisca A. Mathes is providing Spanish translation services, Shana Potvin is helping with marketing and special events, and the Unsung Hero Award committee, Smith Award committee and Board committee community members.
Job Announcement: We are looking for an experienced applied research and evaluation professional that is passionate about the work we do to join our team. The position announcement and application instructions can be found on our web site. Deadline for submission is January 21, 2010.
Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy 2010.
Sincerely,
Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, MS
Executive Director
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NH Family Readies for Dad's
Upcoming Deployment
By Shana Potvin, NHCTF volunteer |
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Over the past week I spoke with my cousin, Amanda, and her husband, Norm, about his upcoming deployment and how the family is working together to prepare. The family includes 3 young children, ranging in age from 2 to 6.
Norm is in the U.S. Army Reserves and told me that his unit, "the 94TH Military Police Company (based out of Londonderry NH, Reserve Unit), is scheduled for a deployment to Iraq early May 2010. Approx. 170 Soldiers will be deploying to help in the efforts of enhancing the freedoms of the Iraqi people.
The unit has established a Family Support Group (FSG) for the families of Soldiers deploying. Military leaders understand that by ensuring Soldiers families are given tools, support, and are taken care of, that this will help to keep their Soldiers morale high and certainly ease the stress from being away. The FSG is comprised of family members and volunteers sharing the common factor of having a loved one deployed. Solid lines of communication are established and the group enables family members to address concerns or issues with one another for support."
The website, MilitaryOneSource.com and the Family Support Group are there to assist family members with any matter that arrives. Norm said that "coping with deployment is dealt with in many ways, several will throw themselves into their jobs, and others may volunteer, some may simply email and write letters, some take up busy-time hobbies, and I'm sure the list can go on. Essentially they will find a routine that works best for them and stick with it trying to keep things as normal as possible. It's not easy for anyone when the time for deployment arrives. The best we can do is to be proactive and work to get all affairs in order and communicate with our loved ones."
"I can tell you that being the deployed Soldier I'll do my best to communicate with Amanda and the kids as often as possible in hopes of helping them cope. I understand talking on the phone or via web-cast is not the same as being home to place the band-aid on my daughters cut that is making her cry, or hug my boys when they have a bad day, but it's being there to listen to them that I'm hoping will help. I know hearing the voices of Amanda and the kids will certainly make me smile. The thought of being away from my family is difficult but I did make this choice and Amanda and I understand the commitment I have to the Army and this Country."
 I then spoke with the woman who Norm calls his hero, Amanda, about ways that the family will cope while Norm is in Iraq. She's the one that will be taking care of 3 young children, managing all finances, taking care of house matters, and working a full-time job. I asked Amanda about the Family Support Group that will be meeting monthly for the year that the spouses will be deployed. They have not had a meeting yet so it is hard to say what they will be like, but Amanda is the treasurer of the group and said they plan on having a Family Day in August and one in December. The group also hopes to have smaller events during the other months to bring the families together for support. The FSG also has their own website so that they can share information on the unit with each other.
When asked how she feels about everything, Amanda admits that she is sometimes scared and frustrated, but that this is something they choose and that she needs to be strong for the kids. Having a strong family unit is key. The kids are used to dad being gone for long periods of time as he has attended trainings for months away from home over the past few years. The goal is to make things as normal as possible for the children during the times that dad is gone, and that is how they get through. Amanda and Norm have a wonderful support system that includes their parents and extended family-always there to help. Amanda notes that "some people don't have the support system of the family and that is why the Family Support Group is so important."
Amanda said that because the kids are so young and don't have a real sense of time that they have waited to talk to them about it. "But with the help of some videos I think they'll understand -of course that doesn't mean they won't be upset and miss him."
The important part is that when you are ready to tell the kids that you have got to keep the lines of communication open. Be ready to talk, listen, and connect with the kids. There are a number of videos for children that feature familiar characters like Elmo, getting through the deployment and adjusting to the homecoming of his dad. There are DVD's for elementary aged kids and teenagers, too.
Along with support from family, friends, Family Support Groups, and the community, Amanda, Norm, and the kids will be able to successfully maneuver and adjust, both with deployment and homecoming. |
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 "The strength of our Nation is measured not just by our success on the battlefield, but also by our ability to support those families who have made so many sacrifices for us"
--President Obama, 2009 Proclamation
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2010 Board of Trustees
Staff
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3rd Annual Unsung Hero Awards:
Thank you to everyone who submitted an Unsung Hero Nomination to us. The nominations are incredible again this year. The deadline for the nominations is January 15th; if you have not submitted a nomination email or fax 603-223-9847 it to NHCTF ASAP.
SAVE THE DATE!Governor Lynch has agreed to host the event in the Executive Council Chambers at the State House again this year. It will be held on February 17, 2010 from 4-5 pm.
We will be holding a reception immediately following the ceremony for the award recipients and guests in the State House café. Light hors dourves will be served. Please join us for the event. You will be glad you did.
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Quick Links
Cooperative Kids-raising children with love, limits, and lessons
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Community Support and the
Strength of Military Families
by: Alyssa Azotea, MS |
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 News channels flash stories of fallen and wounded soldiers, broken hearts overseas, and the never ceasing controversy and promises of soldiers returning home. At times, we are blessed with the heart-warming moments of watching a young child run to see a family member who has just come home to visit. As individuals, most of us cry with gratitude, pain, fear, and hope. Emotions overflow when we think of what has happened, and we begin to wonder what we will endure in the future.
Just as the men and women of the military serve our Country with courage and honor, their family does the same. Waiting patiently for their loved ones to return, the military family is an incredible unit of strength.
CPT Ana McKenna (State Family Program Director, NH National Guard) gave some insight regarding the NH National Guard and the differences regarding specific needs of the military families. It is important to remember that the men and women of the National Guard are service members within the general community. Therefore, the individuals serving in the National Guard become enmeshed with community groups such as schools, service organizations and the spiritual community. Here in NH, training is offered regarding military culture to better educate, and they work hard to build relationships with these organizations.
The National Guard gives out food baskets to families in need during the Holidays, and holds a "Operation Giving Tree" event, however, much work is done year round to ensure they are doing all they can for the families here in NH. The NH Children's Trust Fund collected donations at our annual meeting on Jan. 11 and delivered notebooks, pens, toiletries, laundry detergent and children's books to CPT McKenna.
 Just as the National Guard spends countless hours giving to the Community, it is important for the Community members to support our troops. CPT McKenna addressed the importance of individuals to get involved with their church or civic organizations that most likely have already formed a relationship with the National Guard.
It is also important to remember that for families who are facing deployment of their family members, support can be given by offering childcare, assisting with home repairs, or just lending a shoulder when they are overcome with emotion. As resiliency is one of the foundations integral to family strength, NH offers much support and assistance for our members of the military. It is imperative that we, as grateful community members, do the same.
References:
Agency Group 09, (2009). President Proclaims Military Family Month.
FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database. Retrieved January 3, 2010, from Military and Government Collection Database.
Interview- CPT Ana McKenna, State Family Program Director(NH National Guard) |
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10 Ways to Stay Involved with Your
Children During Deployment |
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Most of us don't want to think about deployment. After all, it means time away from those we love! But the fact is that military families do separate. And deployment can be tough when you don't prepare for it. Americans appreciate the sacrifices that you make to defend our freedom and way of life!
Here are 10 great tips that can help you and your family to make it through deployment.
- Be Creative
Today's military offers many ways to stay connected: video and cassette tapes, video conferencing, phone calls, postcards, letters, e-mail and websites, just to name a few. Use the ones that work best for you. And use them often!
- Put a "Message in a Bottle"
Before you leave, write as many short messages to your child as you can and put them in a large jar, can, or box. Tell your child to pull out one message a day while you're gone.
- Draw Pictures for Your Children
Your kids will love to receive your drawings. Everyone can draw. Yes, even you! The best part is that your kids will love your artwork, even if you don't. So take a pencil, some paper, and five minutes to draw a simple picture of you and your child. Then give it to them. You will make their day.
- Record Helpful Phone Numbers
The parent who stays home will need to know who to call in a crisis. Even when it's not a crisis, it's easier to have a phone list handy to avoid fumbling for it while the kids are screaming. Make the list before you're deployed. If you're already deployed, encourage the other parent that stays home to do it.
- Get Your House in Order
Take care of financial, medical, and legal needs before you leave. Create a deployment spending plan for the family and decide which parent will pay the monthly bills during deployment. It might make sense to have two checking accounts, one for the parent who stays home and one for the deployed parent. Make sure your family knows how to use its medical insurance and to get legal aid from the military. Create a Family Care Plan, offered by the military. It describes how your family will want financial, medical, and legal affairs handled during deployment.
- Prepare for Changes in Your Children
The biggest complaint many military fathers have about deployment is the changes that they will miss in their children. They might miss the first steps, or the first words, or the first birthday. One way to accept the changes is to stay connected as much as possible during deployment. That way the changes won't overwhelm you when you return.
- Learn the Basics of Child Development
Even though your children will change while you're away, they will do so in regular and predictable ways. Take the time to learn the basics of child development. If you know what your children will be able to do and not do when you return, you will know what to expect. Suppose you return to a six-month-old daughter and expect that she can eat with a spoon. You might be disappointed when she grabs a handful of mashed carrots with her fist instead. Armed with knowledge about how children develop, you will know that it will take another six months before your princess' table manners improve.
- Allow Your Children to Ask Questions and Express Fears
The world can be a scary place. It's your job to keep your kids safe. Kids these days not only have to deal with the boogey man and monsters in the closet, they worry about things they see on the evening news, in the paper, and in real life! War, crime, and disease seem to be the main topics these days. Deployment can also scare and worry kids. Before and after you leave, talk with your children calmly and reassure them that everything is okay. Allow them to ask questions and express fears about anything. This will comfort your children.
- Get Help If You Need It
If you need help during deployment, it is available. There are all kinds of help for all kinds of problems. You're not alone. Do you have the blues or feel depressed? Do need a baby-sitter because you're up to your neck in kids? Are you in a deep crisis and need spiritual guidance? Regardless of your need, there are people who can help. Check your local phone book for counselors, parenting classes, spiritual leaders, recreational outlets, swimming pools, suicide hot lines, social organizations, gyms, libraries, and more. The military has many activities for families, from including outdoor events to basketball leagues to private counseling. It's all at your fingertips. If nothing else, call a relative or an old friend. Reach out for help...for your children's sake.
- Remember Your Sacrifice for Country and Family
It's no surprise: Parents give up a lot for their children. And military parents give up more than most. They give up personal time, family time, and stable home lives. Who benefits from your sacrifice? Your family, your neighbors, and all Americans! Talk with your kids about the meaning of this sacrifice. It will make it easier for them to handle being away from you. | |
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 It is Time to Renew Your Annual Membership
with Family Support NH
Please go to the NHCTF website to download the Family Support NH application and other related materials. All applications and dues should be received by January 31, 2010. Checks may be made out to Family Support NH.
A member agency or an affiliated member experiencing financial hardship and having paid dues for two consecutive years and attended monthly meetings on a regular basis may apply to have the annual membership dues waived in exchange for in-kind contributions approved by the board. A maximum of two in-kind memberships are available annually on a first come first serve basis. Requests should be made on agency letterhead and addressed to FSNH Board of Directors.
In 2010, Family Support NH will continue to focus on four key areas: advocacy, technical assistance to members, visibility, and professionalism in the field of family support. This year, the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund will provide administrative support to FSNH. Colby-Sawyer student, Danielle Howard, will be your primary contact. She will be interning at NHCTF and focusing on FSNH from January 19, 2010- May 8, 2010 for 16 hours per week.
Your participation at member meetings and Family Support NH events is crucial to support our network. A list of meeting times, dates, and locations for 2010 will be issued to all member agencies in January of 2010.
Another way that you can support the network is to engage other agencies that you know by inviting them to a Family Support NH meeting or encouraging them to become members. We are always happy to widen the circle of support for other agencies committed to the Principles of Family Support Practice. View these Principles by going to the NHCTF website.
Membership renewals received by January 31, 2010 will be included in the Family Support NH brochure. We look forward to your membership and another year of promoting the Principles of Family Support Practice.
Thank you,
FSNH Board of Directors |
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SAFE FAMILIES - SAFE HOMES
Domestic Violence - Substance Abuse - Child Abuse
Working with Families of Children ages Birth-5
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Announcing a 3-day mini-series Training Opportunity
January 15, 22, & 29, 2010 (snow date February 5, 2010)
from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M
Portsmouth City Hall, 1 Junkins Ave, Porstmouth, NH
¶ Are you an early childhood professional or caregiver concerned about domestic violence, substance abuse, & child abuse /neglect?
¶ Would you like to enhance your skills/knowledge in these areas?
IF YES: Here's a training program you won't want to miss!
Safe Families - Safe Homes (SF/SH):
¶ Is a dynamic, evidence-based, training program
¶ Offers helpful tools & information on supporting families to provide safe & stable homes for their young children
¶ Engages participants in a unique training experience with a team of parents & local experts on domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse/neglect & early childhood
Major Program Goals:
¶ Deliver a family-centered, interactive & integrated training approach that capitalizes on the expertise & experience of both the participants & the facilitator-instructors
¶ Sensitize those who work with children &/or families to the causes, dynamics & consequences of domestic violence & other abuse issues on the child & family
¶ Promote communication & collaboration between early childhood professionals, other area service providers & caregivers that improves local practice around domestic violence
Who should attend: Early childhood professionals (Head Start, preschool, childcare, early intervention), caregivers & others involved with young children & families.
The SF/SH program is limited to 25 participants, so register early! Preference will be given to those who will complete the entire program. Continental breakfast included. Lunch on your own.
Register on line
Or call: Debra Nelson at 271-7190 |
Save the Date! Enter a Team!
Snow Much Fun Softball Tournament
The Snow Much Fun Softball Tournament will take place on January 30th & 31st at Lebanon NH High School. The tournament is a double elimination coed tournament with a $225 entry fee. Please see the rules page on the website for specific rules.
Beginning in 2009 all proceeds will go to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont and Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire. The tournament is sponsored by The Boss Snow Plow , Springfield Auto Mart, and South Main Auto Sales and Service.
Child Abuse happens far too often, yet is a cause that isn't always thought of when people want to help others. This tournament gives people a chance to help prevent child abuse, while having the fun of playing softball in an unorthodox manner.
Save the date! Get a team together-agencies, relatives, friends or enemies-it's all for child abuse prevention! If you can't get a team, come to cheer everyone on.
For more info please contact Rick Currier at dcmemorial@aol.com or 802-356-4311.
Check out the website at: http://snowmuchfunsoftball.com/
2009 winner: EXTREME AUTO |
THE ALLIANCE FOR BETTER CHILDCARE
A 2-HOUR WORKSHOP AND BOOK SIGNING WITH
AUTHOR AND PARENT EDUCATOR BILL CORBETT
"No I Won't and You
Can't Make Me!"
Handling Children's Power Struggles with Success
 Get ready to learn, laugh, and have some fun seeing your child's behavior from a different perspective. Bill Corbett's workshops and classes help parents and professionals examine what they currently have in their "Discipline Toolboxes" and evaluate the fact that many of these tools are outdated or no longer work. Using lecture, humor, & video, he works closely with parents and professionals in helping them rebuild their toolbox to make room for more effective tools and
methods that truly work with today's challenging child.
At the conclusion of his seminar, Bill will be signing copies of his new book Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent's Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids.
A portion of the proceeds from book sales are donated to NADA (Network Against Domestic Abuse)
THURSDAY, JAN. 21
(SNOW DATE FEB. 2)
6:30-8:30 PM
DOVER HIGH SCHOOL
AUDITORIUM
25 ALUMNI DRIVE
DOVER, NH
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ADMISSION $7.00 ($10/COUPLE)
(CALL FOR TEACHER GROUP DISCOUNTS)
CHILDCARE NOT AVAILABLE
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
AT INTERMISSION
ECE CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Contact Tammy Hart to
reserve your seat(s)
(603) 332-2945
or email her at
HARTX5@myfairpoint.net
 ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Bill Corbett is the author of the book, "Love, Limits, & Lessons TM" and founder of Cooperative Kids. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Children's Alliance (NCA), and the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC). Bill has a degree in psychology from University of Phoenix and his syndicated column on discipline appears in many parenting publications around the country. He has three adult children and two grandchildren and lives with his wife Elizabeth near Hartford, Connecticut.
Highly recommended for parents of children pre-k to grade 8 |
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Give the Gift that Gives Twice!
An FTD Promotion to Prevent Child Abuse
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Birthdays, Anniversarys, Bereavement...
  Remember the loved ones in your life by ordering flowers or gift baskets through an ongoing FTD promotion that will give 15% of your purchase to Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire.
Click here to go directly to the FTD promotional website and support child abuse prevention in New Hampshire. The NH Children's Trust Fund is the Prevent Child Abuse NH chapter |
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Who We Are
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The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund was established in 1986 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.
The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund believes that the most effective way to keep our children safe from abuse and neglect is to foster the development of strong families. The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund advocates for positive change in both state and federal policies that effect children and families.
The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund is the New Hampshire chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America.
To find out more about our programs and partners, go to our website.
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New Hamphire Children's Trust Fund Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire
10 Ferry Street, Suite 315
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 224-1279 | |
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