Forum on Families and Children E-Newsletter

July 1, 2016

Forum on Families & Children

A Publication of the Butler County Family & Children First Council

PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA

Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make a child's dream of a forever home a reality. You will be the one consistent adult in these children's lives, fighting for and protecting their right to be treated with the dignity and respect that every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case. Please volunteer to help a child today! Call 513.867.5010, email casa@parachutecasa.org, or go to www.parachutecasa.org to find out all the ways you can help the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of Butler County.

Volunteer Informational Meetings will be held on August 3rd and August 17th. Learn more here.

UPDATES:

The Fourth Annual Butler County Social Services Resource Expo will be held on Friday, August 5th, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Fairfield High School. Learn more at www.bcesc.org/fcfctrainings.aspx

HEAP Summer Crisis Program Begins July 1 at SELF

Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) and the Ohio Development Services Agency will help income-eligible Butler County residents stay cool during the hot summer months. The Summer Crisis Program provides assistance to low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill and/or with an air conditioning unit. The program runs from July 1 until August 31, 2016. Learn more here.

Job Opening at SELF

SELF is looking to fill a Getting Ahead Facilitator position. Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World is a program that helps people in generational and situational poverty learn the secret hidden rules to escape poverty permanently. Resumes can be sent to Beth Race at brace@selfhelps.org or outofpoverty1@gmail.com.

See the job description here and see all job openings at http://selfhelps.org/employment/.

July Volunteer Opportunities

Community Volunteer Force compiles a monthly list of volunteer opportunities in Butler County. See July's list here. For more information about Community Volunteer Force or to submit your organization's volunteer needs, contact CVF at volunteerfinder@yahoo.com.

Webinar Series Now Available: Trauma and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

In 2015, about 70% of people with developmental disabilities reported experiencing trauma. Learn more about responding through Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). View the webinars here.

Summer Lunch Sites Available

Looking for summer lunch sites? The Ohio Department of Education has a map of sites at http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Food-and-Nutrition/2016-Summer-Food-Service-Program. You may also find locations by calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY (48-6479).

Partnership to Reduce Infant Mortality Funding

Six projects in Butler County will receive funding to combat infant mortality collaborative efforts that aim to improve birth outcomes and reduce the racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality. Learn more about this project here.

Upcoming Regional Training on Behavioral Health Redesign

The Ohio Department of Medicaid, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, is pleased to announce a series of FREE regional trainings focused on next steps for Behavioral Health Redesign. Learn more here. A session on July 22 will be held at Hueston Woods. Space is limited.

New Resources

- 2016 KIDS COUNT Data Book

- SAMHSA's TIP 56: Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men

- Understanding Child Trauma

- Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

Send your updates to Heather Wells at wellsh@bcesc.org

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS: