Belle Glade and South Bay Teachers Appreciation Breakfast
All Belle Glade and South Bay teachers are invited to attend a Teachers' Appreciation Breakfast Friday, August 15, 2014 from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Jameson Hall. the breakfast is supported by the following businesses: Lakeside Medical Center, Palm Beach State College, the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, Burger King and Royals, Sem-Chi Rice, Okeelanta, Bank of Belle Glade, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, Florida Power & Light, Wedgworth Farms, Pirtle Construction, Suffolk Construction. Co-sponsored by the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Glades.
WHEN: Friday, August 15, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Community United Methodist Church, Jameson Hall, Belle Glade
Tired of tobacco? Do you know someone who is? If you're ready to quit...The Everglades Area Health Center is ready to help! A free six-week Quit Smoking Now class is being held at the Glades Initiative to help tobacco users break free from nicotine dependence! For more information or to register please call the number provided. Health providers - please make this information available to your customers, clients and patients.
Come learn more about the American Red Cross' mission before, during and after a disaster. Come learn how the ARC supports your community on a daily basis when a disaster strikes in your local area. Free to all must RSVP no later than 08/28/14 Lunch will provided.
WHEN: Saturday August 30, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: American Red Cross, 149 SE Ave "D," Belle Glade
Youth Hospitality Program at Career Source Palm Beach County
CareerSource Palm Beach County's youth program launched a hospitality track to offer industry training, job shadowing and certification. As part of the new program, Boca Grove Country Club hosted the CareerSource Palm Beach County Belle Glade culinary students to provide sushi training and demonstrations for all 25 students. Additionally, hospitality youth were assigned to observe various professionals at seven hotel/club sites to view first-hand what skills and abilities are necessary to be successful. http://youtu.be/HCiX_VGROYQ
Amnesty for certain low-income families that could qualify for Internet Essentials but have a past-due balance. Customers who have an outstanding bill that is more than a year old are now eligible for Internet Essentials, as long as they meet other eligibility criteria.Internet Essentials, which was launched in 2011 to help narrow the digital divide, provides broadband service from Comcast for $9.95 a month plus tax and the option to buy an Internet-ready computer for less than $150, plus access to free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person.
The offer is open to families of students who are eligible for federally subsidized free/reduced-price meals-or who attend schools where at least 70 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private and homeschooled students. Comcast has connected more than 350,000 families, or about 1.4 million low-income Americans, since the start of the program. Internet Essentials is offered in areas where Comcast provides service.
By offering up to six months of complimentary Internet Essentials service, along with an amnesty program, Comcast hopes to demonstrate to even more families that there is no better school "supply" than having broadband Internet at home. With it, kids can do their homework, parents can be more connected to their children's teachers and schools, and the entire family has access to resources that will help them all succeed.
There is nothing better for a baby than mother's milk. It provides an infant with an easily digestible fluid that contains antibodies to fight off viruses, and bacteria, lowers the risk of asthma and allergies and reduces incidences of diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and ear infections. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, WIC, a division of Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, supports breastfeeding as an excellent way to nurture children. The WIC program has Board Certified Lactation Consultants, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and Breastfeeding trained staff to provide support to thousands of mothers throughout the county.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for at least the first two years of life. Florida Health Palm Beach County Director Dr. Alina Alonso said breastfeeding also helps mothers, "It reduces the risks for breast and ovarian cancer later in life and an added benefit is it burns extra calories that helps lose pregnancy weight faster."
Throughout the month community partners will be encouraging all new mothers to breastfeed and awarding those who do with special recognition. "Together we can improve the health of our children by taking that first step and breastfeeding our infants," added Dr. Alonso. Based on 2013 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 71.8 percent of women in Florida have ever tried breastfeeding compared to the national average of 76.5 percent. The Department of Health offers a variety of programs, materials and resources to encourage breastfeeding friendly environments throughout the sunshine state.
A child's body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult's. Even with the windows partially down, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 125 degrees in just minutes. Leaving thewindows opened slightly does not significantly slow the heating process or decrease the maximum temperature attained. There are several factors that contribute to children being inadvertently forgotten by care givers. Paramount is the fact that our brains are not keeping up with the demands of our busy lives. The most common factors include a 2 8/15/2012 change in one's normal routine, lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, distractions and hormone changes. When these factors combine, the ability for the brain to multi-task is diminished. As parents know, life with newborns and small children is full of stress, sleep deprivation and distractions. And young children, especially babies, often fall asleep in their car seats; becoming quiet, unobtrusive little passengers. And sadly, for babies with rear-facing seats, the seat looks the same from the front seat - whether occupied or not.
Vehicular heat stroke is largely misunderstood by the general public. The majority of parents would like to believe that they could never "forget" their child in a vehicle. The most dangerous mistake a parent or caregiver can make is to think it cannot happen to them or their family. In well over 50% of these cases, the person responsible for the child's death unknowingly left them in the vehicle. It happens to the most loving, protective parents. It has happened to a teacher, pediatrician, dentist, postal clerk, social worker, police officer, nurse, clergyman, electrician, accountant, soldier, assistant principal, and even a rocket scientist. It can happen to anyone.
Countywide Community Revitalization Team Meeting ~ Crimes Against Children & Human Trafficking
Who should attend: Representatives from County departments such as Community Services, Senior Services, Code Enforcement, Parks, Water, Economic Sustainability, Commissioners Offices, the School District, PBSO deputies, Solid Waste, Animal Care & Control, Health, Neighborhood Based Social Service Organizations and neighborhood leaders.Learning Objectives Define the terms and definitions needed to discuss Crimes against Children and Explanation of the Federal and State Violations regarding Crimes Against Children, To become familiar with methods of recruitment used by the exploiters and to develop knowledge of the trauma bonds between victims and the perpetrators, Medical and mental health care for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children and Discuss challenges in providing services to sexually exploited children
WHEN: Tuesday August 12, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Vista Center, 2300 N JOG RD, Suite 1E 60, West Palm Beach
For more information contact Duane Gainer: (561) 233-5318 or dgainer@pbcgov.org
The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County brings you Project Homeless Connect ~ A Day of Dignity
Are you homeless join us for National Healthcare Day for the Homeless, and Day of Dignity free resources: Clothing, Toiletries, Haircuts, Food, Healthcare, Vision / Dental Screenings, Pregnancy / HIV Testing and many other resources to assist your temporary crisis situation. Many more free services including: Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.), Assessment Screening, Food Stamps, Medicaid / Medicare, and more.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: American Polish Club 4725 Lake Worth Road Greenacres
For more information and to RSVP contact Michelle Howell-Phillips: mhowell1@pbcgov.org
Support Florida Community Health Centers & Genesis Community Health by shopping at Charming Charlie
Come support Florida Community Health Centers & Genesis Community Health in honor of National Health Center Week by shopping at Charming Charlie's, City Place. When 10 or more customers attend, 10% of their purchases will be donated to the health centers. Customers make purchases of $50 or more will receive $10 off their purchase. Come visit us! Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: Friday, August 15, 2014 5:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Charming Charlie, 701 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
For more information contact Molly: (561) 844-9443 ext. 310
The Palm Beach County Community Action Agency's (CAA) Advisory Board Meeting
The Palm Beach County Community Action Agency's (CAA) mission is to remove barriers and create opportunities for low income individuals and families that will enable them to become more self-sufficient. The meeting will take place prior to the symposium
WHEN: Monday, August 18, 2014 4:00 p.m .- 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Community Action Agency, 810 Datura Street, West Palm Beach (basement conference room)
For more information contact James Green: jgreen1@pbcgov.org or (561) 313-1146
Stepping Out of Poverty and Into Opportunity ~ A Symposium Invites Agencies to Partner
The Palm Beach County Department of Community Services ~ Community Action Division (CAA) will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act by leading a public discussion that will highlight anti-poverty strategies and programs funded by CAA's Community Services Block Grant. The Symposium will take place on Monday, August 18, 2014, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Government Center, 6th Floor at 301 North Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach, FL 33401. They would like to invite your organization to join in this endeavor and would be honored to have you as a strategic community partner.
This partnership would require the following:
Having a representative (s) in attendance at the Symposium
Sending a copy of your logo to be added to the Symposium flyer
Sending the flyer out to your constituents to encourage their participation If you would like to join us in this effort, please complete the attached form, and provide your agency logo no later than Thursday, July 31st, 2014 to James Green via email at jgreen1@pbcgov.org.
WHEN: Monday, August 18, 2014 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Governmental Center (6th floor Commissioners Chamber), 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach
For more information contact James Green: (561) 355-4792 or JGreen1@pbcgov.org
The Glades Initiative, Inc. Thanks the Teens of Camp Fire Sunshine Council for Landscaping Project
The Glades Initiative, Inc. was selected by the teens of Camp Fire Sunshine Council of Lakeland for a service-learning road trip on July 9. These hardworking teens, Tiffany, Robert, Jenna, Matt, and Morgan - gave back to the Glades community by helping to improve the landscape at the Glades Initiative offices. The teens coordinated the entire project as they develop leadership skills. The CampFire program is a service-learning road trip for teens. Five teens and two adults are traveling throughout Florida giving back to the communities they visit. Service-learning is more than just volunteering; service-learning projects help the teens see the world in a new way, to feel empowered to make a difference, and to improve academic skills through real life experiences.
Our Program Assistant, Sandy Desty, gave the teens a presentation of the work we do in the Glades communities. The project was managed by our volunteer, Bob Rehr, who worked along with the teens and donated the landscaping material. Bob visits us weekly to assist Glades nonprofit organizations with distribution of food from the Palm Beach County Food Bank and our Glades Area Food Bank. To view more photos, click here.
The Summer Heat Is Here: Never Leave Any Child Unattended in A Vehicle
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is reminding everyone to take additional steps to ensure that no child is left unattended in a vehicle this summer. This year, there have been two reported cases in Florida of children dying of heatstroke after being left in cars. Don't be distracted when leaving your vehicle and take a second look in the back seat to ensure a child is not left behind. Getting into a car that has been sitting in the sun on a hot summer day in Florida can be unbearable. The inside of a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and cracking a window open does little to keep the vehicle cool. A child's body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult's and heatstroke in a closed vehicle can occur when the temperature is as low as 57 degrees outside.
For the safety of your children, never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. Florida law makes it a criminal offense to leave a child under the age of six unattended in a vehicle. Tips for preventing heatstroke deaths in vehicles: NEVER leave any child unattended in a vehicle. Put something in the back seat that you will need at your final destination like a purse, briefcase, cell phone or shoe that will remind you to look in the back seat. If you see a child unattended in a vehicle, call 911. After checking to make sure your vehicle is empty, always lock it and teach children not to play in vehicles. Pets are also susceptible to heatstroke if left unattended in a closed vehicle, as well.
A study by researchers at San Francisco State University showed that, on average, 38 children die each year as a result of heatstroke after being left in a closed vehicle. Since 1998, 66 child heatstroke deaths have occurred in Florida for this reason, more than any other state. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter@FLHSMV or find us on Facebook.
Florida Health Palm Beach County Helps School aged Kids get Ready for School
The 2014-2015 school year is quickly approaching and Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is ready to help parents assure their students have the required immunizations. Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming school year by reviewing students' immunization records, and schedule an appointment with a medical provider, for a physical and to update any required vaccines.
Florida Health Palm Beach County offers immunizations to school aged children at all of its health centers and on the immunization van that travels throughout the county. The 2014-2015 school year requires all students in grades 7 to 12 to have proof of one dose of Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine or have documentation from a provider of having chickenpox. These students also need proof of receiving one dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) Booster. All students in every grade should have received other vaccines like Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Polio and have an up to date form 680 on file as proof of receipt.
Florida Health Palm Beach County will be conducting immunization outreaches to help parents and children get vaccinated and their records up to date.There is no charge for children's immunizations for those who meet qualifications through 18 years old. Information and appointments can be obtained by calling 1-855-438-2778, 561-625-5180 or on the web at www.flhealthpalmbeach.com. For those who are located in these following areas: Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Belle Glade visit your local Health Center
Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Confirms Second Local Case of Chikungunya A Fever
~ Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying ~
~ Cover skin with clothing or repellent ~
~ Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out ~
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County today has confirmed the second case of locally acquired chikungunya (\chik-en-gun-ye) fever. Chikungunya is a disease spread by bites from infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. With this second Palm Beach County case, Health Officials are changing the mosquito borne Advisory from the possibility of transmission to an Alert status warning that the disease is likely in the mosquito population. Chikungunya is not contagious from person-to-person, is typically not life threatening and will likely resolve on its own. Persons infected with Chikungunya can infect the mosquito that in turn infects another person.
"The Department continues to conduct countywide monitoring for signs of additional locally acquired cases of chikungunya," said Dr. Alina Alonso, Director, Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County. "Everyone should take precautions and fight the bite of mosquitoes to prevent chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases." This includes, surveying your property and removing standing water from anything that can hold water, covering-up with long sleeves and using insect repellant before you go outside, and covering your doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out. Aedes mosquitoes are day-biters which can lay eggs in very small water containers. Early detection of the symptoms and preventing mosquitoes from multiplying and biting will help prevent the disease.
June is typically the first full month of South Florida's annual rainy season, a five-month period that brings 70 percent of our regional rainfall in an average year. The rainy season can also bring flooding, which may occur when large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time or from a single heavy storm, tropical system or hurricane. For more information, please click here:
According to Dictionary.com, a Jook Joint is a slang term referring to an establishment where you eat, drink, and dance to music provided by a jukebox. FREE ADMISSION. Family Restaurant Soul Food until 6:30 pm. Music all day from the Jooks. Contests for best dress and best dancing from the 40's and 50's era, Essay contest on place of jooks in your family life.
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014 10:00 am to 9:00 p.m. Come and go throughout the day, rain or shine
WHERE: Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, Belle Glade
Brought to you by: Lawrence E Will Museum - Palm Beach State College Belle Glade - Glades Technical Advisory Committee GTAC
Community Trip to Miami Dolphins Game against the Kansas City Chiefs
St. John 1st Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a community trip to the Miami Dolphins
VS Kansas City Chiefs. Cost: $50.00 (includes transportation, admission, and food). Cost breakdown: $42.00 transportation & admission, $8.00 food (at church). Please note: Passengers do not have to ride the bus. Receipts will be issued. Only 50 tickets available. They are on sale now. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, August 17, 2014. Sponsored by the Trustee Ministry.
WHEN:Sunday, September 21, 2014Game Time: 4:25 pm (Bus will depart from church's parking lot at 1:00 pm)
WHERE: St. John 1st Missionary Baptist Church/Miami Dolphins Stadium
For more information, contact Stephanie Harper at
(561) 996-1139 or Kevin Wright at (561) 261-0717.
Previous Postings OTHER AREAS
Dress for Success Palm Beaches Open House Luncheon
Join Dress for Success of the Palm Beaches for an Open House Luncheon Tour our boutique and learn about the services we provide. Meet other agencies, area business leaders, our board members and our volunteers! Mission of Dress for Success� Palm Beaches: To promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career-development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dress for Success Palm Beaches, 118 East Ocean Avenue, Lantana
The Florida Association for Infant Mental Health's Palm Beach Chapter
Please join us for our first meeting at the Palm Healthcare Pavilion on the St. Mary's Medical Center campus. Meet the chapter co-chairs, Clarissa DeWitt and Ren�e Layman, network with peers, and have a say in what is needed to support the social-emotional wellness of the youngest children in our community! Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 2014 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Healthcare Pavilion, 5205 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach
Join the Urban League of Palm Beach County NULITES, NextEra Energy and MSNBC for the Youth Empowerment Luncheon featuring MSNBC's Toure', co-host of "Education Empowers All" and Tamron Hall, host of "NewsNation".
WHEN: Friday, September 12, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach
Every child deserves to be loved and to have a safe and healthy environment free from abuse. Families First invests in our children today - to give them a better opportunity for a bright future tomorrow. Keynote speaker, Deborah Polston, will tell a riveting, true story of the horrors of human trafficking her family endured. We are honored to give this year's Harriet Goldstein award to Gary Lesser, an individual who has made a lasting, positive impact on families in Palm Beach County.
WHEN: Friday, October 3, 2014 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cohen Pavilion of the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach
Palm Beach County Back to School Events Open to the Public
It almost time for school kids to be back in session and unfortunately some kids wouldn't have the supplies they need to succeed. Luckily, there are many open back to school events to help out these less fortune throughout Palm Beach County don't be left out!
9th Annual South Florida Conference "The New World of Health Care: What's Working Today"
The Florida Health Care Coalition invites you to attend our 9th Annual South Florida Conference A closer look at a high value collaborative presented by Lawrence Becker, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Alliances and Analytics, Xerox Corporation
WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 North Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale
11th Annual Turn on the Light South Florida Conference ~ Child Abuse and Neglect
Join The Children's Healing Institute for Education... Resources... Networking... The Turn on the Light South Florida Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect is a one-day conference that brings together professionals who work with or on behalf of children and families for a full day of educational and networking opportunities. LEARN Attend a variety of workshops and presentations focused on key trends related to child abuse and neglect programs, research, practices, therapeutic approaches and advocacy. Continuing Education credits are available for many professions. GAIN Acquire information and resources about community programs, services and products relevant to children and families from local and national exhibitors and vendors. CONNECT Network with professionals of varied disciplines who work with children and families including social workers, psychologists, law enforcement, attorneys, nurses and teachers.
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2014
WHERE: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
The Quantum Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2014/2015 cycle.
The Quantum Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2014/2015 cycle. Please go to our website and click on the "Apply for a Grant" tab.
Click "Learn more about Quantum in the Community," Set up an account or access your account to apply.
* Special Note: if you were funded in our last grant cycle (November 2013), you must have your final report completed and submitted before your new accplication will be considered for funding.
The deadline for applications is Friday, August 1, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
Posting Information to our Eblast & Volunteer Opportunities
Anyone wishing to add their local announcements or events is welcome to submit their information by Friday to be posted the following week. Please include a brief summary of the information to be posted with your contact name, phone number and/or flyer. If you want to submit a posting please email us at updates@gladesinitiative.orgor (561) 996-3310.
If you would like to submit your volunteer opportunities on our site below, please email us at volunteer@gladesinitiative.org
Check the Glades Community Calendar for Check out Volunteer Opportunities at the Glades Initiative
additional activities scheduled in the Glades area: or opportunities with our Partners in the Glades:
Glades Community Calendar
Click here to Volunteer
Donating to The Glades Initiative, Inc.
If you would like to show your appreciation for the services of The Glades Initiative, Inc., please consider making a tax deductible donation. You can click on the link below or send a check made out to The Glades Initiative, Inc. to 141 SE Avenue C, Belle Glade, FL 33430. Thank you in advance.
If your place of work has a United Way giving campaign, you can keep your donation in the Glades by designating your contribution to The Glades Initiative, Inc.
SOLICITATIONS UNDER THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION #CH16445 BENEFIT THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THE GLADES INITIATIVE, INC. INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLADES INITIATIVE IS AVAILABLE AT (561) 996-3310, OR AT www.gladesinitiative.org "A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." The Glades Initiative, Inc. a not for profit tax exempt organization receives 100% of each contribution.
COMMUNITY * CONNECTION * COMMUNICATION * COLLABORATION
The Glades Initiative, Inc., 141 SE Avenue C, Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3310
Pregnancy / HIV Testing and many other resources to assist your temporary crisis situation. Many more free services including: Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.), Assessment Screening, Food Stamps, Medicaid / Medicare, and more.
WHEN: 
