June 2013
Volume 2, Issue 6
Logo
Greetings !
 The Graduation Edition!!!   
  
Do you feel that?  That is the excitement and anticipation that is starting to build up as we approach the Graduation Day, the end of the school year, and the beginning of summer break!! 
 
This transition can sometimes be stressful as many begin planning what to do with the summer months, especially if you are a parent/guardian. 
 
This issue will highlight some helpful links regarding summer events and camps.  We will also recognize our High School graduate as they achieve a monumental milestone in their academic career.
 
To the Class of 2013, Brighter, Stronger Foundation salutes you!! 
  
In This Issue
Class of 2013
Summer Camps Resource Guide
CWSEAP & Dr. Alonso visit Brighter, Stronger Foundation
Adult Day Program News!!
Youth Group's Update
BSF's Calendar
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Class of 2013!!!
  
 
Do you remember waking up on Graduation Day with so many emotions running through your head?
  
 Excitement, pride, anxiety, happiness, a sense of accomplishment. 
Do they sound familiar? 
 
We are certain that our 10 graduates are beginning to experience some of those. 
This day is a huge milestone, one to be celebrated and honored. 
  
We at Brighter, Stronger Foundation dedicate this Graduation Edition to the following individuals:
  
B. A
M. Brown
J. D
D. Garner
T. G
J. Hasan
C. Paige
M. Pulley
R. Waalkes
J. Winestock
  
On June 29, 2013, a Graduation Ceremony has been planned in their honor at  Brighter Stronger Foundation.
  
Congratulations Class of 2013!!
It's summer time, let's make some summer plans!!
       
The school year has come to an end and that number 1 statement that parents try to avoid hearing from their child is, "I'm bored!".
 
Brighter, Stronger Foundation has located some summer camp options for the family to help keep the children engaged.
  
Click on the link that represents your county of residence for camp ideas! 
  
  
 
Other camp options include:
 
Family Fun Activities!!!
 
Summer time is not just for the kids. It is a time for adults to have some fun too! Below are a list of activities that are taking place in the month of June! Enjoy yourselves!

 

 

*June 1st- The Gathering, Baltimore: A Taste of Two Cities- Vote for your favorite food truck as Baltimore and D.C. trucks battle to be named champion at this annual event. Features music and kids' activities. Rash Field, Inner Harbor, 12- 10 p.m., Ages: All ages, www.thegatheringbaltimore.com

 

*June 1st- First Saturdays & Sundays Program - This program allows visitors with special needs and their guests to enter 30 minutes before the Aquarium opens to the general public. National Aquarium, Baltimore, 8:30 a.m., Tickets Reqd. 410-576-3800, www.aqua.org.

* June 6th- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group - For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
  
*June 8th- Monster Jam Show at the M&T Stadium. Contact Brighter, Stronger Foundation for discounted ticket coupons @ 410-485-7555. Tickets can be purchase on www. ticketmaster.com.

*June 9th- World Oceans Day Celebration - Celebrate World Oceans Day at the National Aquarium, Baltimore, all weekend. The public can experience aquatic stilt performances, workshops, and more on Waterfront Plaza. Aquarium guests can enjoy ocean-themed games, crafts, and performances throughout the Aquarium. National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Tickets Reqd. www.aqua.org.
  
*June 13th-NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group- For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
 
*June 17th- New Kids on Campus Classes Available June 17-21 - Howard Community College has added four new Kids on Campus classes for the week of June 17-21 so that parents have an enriching, fun, academic experience to offer their children. Supervised lunch will be available so students can participate in a full day of activities and stay on campus. Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Ages: 8- 14, Reserv Reqd. by June 14, 2013 Tickets Reqd. 443-518-4110, howardcc.edu/KOC. 
  
*June 20th-Grade A Student Night - Baltimore City, County, and Howard County students with three or more As on their report card are invited to this exclusive, free event. National Aquarium, Baltimore, 6 p.m., 410-576-3800, www.aqua.org
  
  
  
  For more family fun events, click the link below
 
 Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Program Updates!!!
CWSEAP & Dr. Alonso visit Brighter, Stronger Foundation
   
 
Brighter, Stronger Foundation was pleased to welcome CityWide Special Education Advocacy Project, Inc. members, parents, professionals, and Dr. Alonso to our office on May 6th. 
  
As expected there was rich discussion regarding Special Education in Baltimore City Schools.  What was unexpected was Dr. Alonso announcing his retirement.  He will be missed, but we take comfort in his promise that his staff and predecessor will continue with his vision and support of Special Education advocacy.
  
We wish Dr. Alonso the best of luck with his future endeavors!
Brighter, Stronger Foundation offers a FREE Seminar!!
Brighter, Stronger Foundation's mission is to
"build Brighter, Stronger communities one person at a time". 
One way that we can ensure that is to equip individuals with the knowledge that they need in order to make informed decisions regarding their well being. 
  
On Thursday, May 30th we invited Callegary & Steedman, P.A., to speak to our guests about Special Needs Trusts and Guardianship options. 
 
Parents/Guardians of adolescents transitioning to adulthood received an abundance of information that can be used during this process.
  

 Please click the link below to read our Press Release

FREE Special Needs Trust and Guardianship Options Seminar

  

 

**Keep an eye out for future seminars to be held at Brighter, Stronger Foundation**

Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Adult Day Program Update!!
 
 
Last month our Adult Day Group identified ways to eat healthier and shop on a budget. 
 
Our program activities are goal oriented and taken from each individual's Rehabilitation Plan.  
 
Here at Brighter, Stronger Foundation, we make goal achievement fun!! 
  
 
All adults in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program are invited to our
Day Program!
  
The dates for the month of June are:
  
Tuesday, June 4th from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, June 11th from 10am-12:30[m
Tuesday, June 18th from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, June 25th from 10am-12:30pm
  
To register for these days and to make transportation arrangements, please call us at  410-485-7555
  
Therapeutic Youth Group's Updates!
 
Therapeutic groups allow for an opportunity for our youth to get together to discuss issues and concerns that they are challenged by. 
  
With that being said, we highly encourage parents/guardians to have their youth attend these monthly groups. 
  
Please make note of the following dates and times:
  

* 4-11 Year Olds-

Tuesday, June 11th & Thursday, June 13th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided

 

* 12-17 Year Olds-

Tuesday, June 25th & Thursday, June 27th from 6pm-7pm

Transportation and Meal Provided

  
BSF's Calendar of Events!
*June 5th @ 10am- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
 
 *June 19th @ 1pm- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
 
*June 29th @ 11am- Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Graduation Ceremony (Don't forget to RSVP graduates!)
Community Resources/Discounts!!
 
Baltimore City Housing is offering its FREE Summer Food program to all children under the age of 18!!
  
Start Date: June 17, 2013
Days: Monday-Friday (Except July 4th)
Time: 12pm-2pm
  
Click on the link below to find a serving sight near you!
  
**A new site will open at the Food Depot located at 2401 Belair Rd.**

We thank you for your time and please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

 

Have a positive and productive day!

The Staff of Brighter, Stronger Foundation

  

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ BSF_Foundation

Like us on Facebook @ Brighter Stronger Foundation