February 9, 2017

Forum on Families & Children

A Publication of the Butler County Family & Children First Council

Infant Mortality Reduction Project Overview

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati

Autism Society Greater Cincinnati's mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by providing information & referral services, support groups, community outings and educational programs throughout the Tri-state region.
The nonprofit organization was founded by local parents and professionals in 1971, the first such organization in this area at a time when autism was rare and misunderstood.
Through the years Autism Society Greater Cincinnati has proven to be a trusted and caring resource for families, as well as a leading advocate for the local autism community. Today, decades after our founding, one out of 68 children born develops autism which makes our mission even more critical to thousands of local families.
To learn more please visit their website at: www.autismcincy.org or call our Information & Referral Hotline at 513-561-2300.

Click here for an updated list of programs!

UPDATES

Butler County Social Services: An Overview for New Employees

March 3rd & 6th 8am-4:30pm
This 2-day "new worker" orientation combines field trips with guest speakers to allow *new employees to become familiar with Butler County community resources. Participants will tour facilities, meet agency staff and get up to date information about services, eligibility, referral processes and fees. Cost: $50 per person

*Who Should Attend: Butler County agency or school employees who have been in their current position for 1 year or less AND who are in a role in which they assist families/consumers in accessing social services. (Others will be accepted for attendance only if space allows.)

Registration is NOW OPEN! Limited spaces!
Registration deadline is March 1st.

Click here to secure your spot!

2017 Butler Co. Community Health Survey

Butler County residents, please take 5-10 minutes to complete the 2017 Butler Co. Community Health Survey. Your responses will remain anonymous, and will be instrumental in assisting the local health departments and community partners in identifying the most important health issues which can be addressed through community action.

To take the survey click here!

Upcoming Events at GIRLS INC.

What a Girl Wants February 10th, 6:00pm

High school girls are invited to the YWCA Hamilton on February 10th, 6:00pm as we discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships, examine relationship violence, and focus on developing and maintaining safe and healthy relationships. Participants will learn to recognize different types of relationship violence and warning signs and develop strategies for avoiding unhealthy relationships. This class is free and dinner is provided. To register email girlsinc@ywcahamilton.com or call Betsy at 513.856.9800

Girls Grow February 25th, 11am-12pm

Girls in grades 3-6 and their parent/guardian are invited to the YWCA Hamilton February 25th, 11am-12pm to learn all about herbs. Taste them, grow them, plant them! Girls and their parent/adult can enjoy this FREE event, register today!! Email girlsinc@ywcahamilton.com to register.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) February 10th, 1:00pm

The ESSA requires states to develop plans that address standards, assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools. Department leadership will host a webcast on Friday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. to discuss and share details about Ohio's ESSA plan and discuss what it means for schools, students, educators and families. The Department invites the public to review and comment on the overview during the comment period which is open through March 6. The webcast will be recorded and available for playback.Click here to register.

United Way's 2017 Bidder's Conference February 24th 8:30-10:30am
Please see the important information attached regarding United Way's upcoming 2017 Bidders Conference. All non-profit agency staff member who are responsible for preparing request to be submitted to Butler Count United Way for funding. The meeting is MANDATORY for new partner agencies and highly recommended for staff members who are new to the process or would like a refresher on the submission procedure. The event will take place at the Adult Education Office/Auditorium of Butler Technology and Career Development Schools (3603 Hamilton Middleton Road Fairfield Township, OH 45011)

Click here to register before Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

Guiding People Through Systems (GPS)
GPS allows families to organize their children's important medical and schools record into one convenient, online location. You can set-up an online "binder" of individualized forms, and download or email forms that you can share with healthcare or service providers, schools and relatives from anywhere where you have access to a computer. For more information check out the website.

Tuesday, February 28 10am-11am a webinar will be offered on how you can use the GPS care notebook. Register Here.

For questions, please contact nithya.naryan@cchmc.org or 1-844-644-6323.

2017 Empowering Families Symposium March 3rd, 9-3:00pm

Save the Date! Friday, March 3rd, 2017 9-3:00pm (registration 8-9:00am) Over 75 vendors will be present at the Xavier University Cintas Center where the conference for Advocating for Child and Adolescents with Special Needs will take place. The day long conference will include includes a variety of speakers, workshops and community organizations. For more information see the attached flyer.

Upcoming Events:Community Development Professionals (CDP)

Grant Writing Basics Webinar February 8 12 - 1:30pm

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 12 - 1:30pm EST. Register here serves as the perfect introductory course for newbies or a refresher for seasoned professionals. This webinar covers how to prepare projects for grant funding, prospecting the right funder and writing a winning proposal. Includes time for Q&A. Register here!

Cost: FREE for CDP Members and $69 for non-members.

Personalities in the Workplace February 14th 11:30 - 1:00pm

In partnership with Miami University Hamilton Downtown, this is a fun, interactive workshop designed to help identify different personality types and understand how to work together effectively. Participants will complete a personality test and identify best practices for communicating with other personality types in the workplace. No cost. Seating is limited. Lunch included. Will take place at Miami Hamilton Downtown, 221 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011. RSVP to vaughnjh@miamioh.edu.

Difficult Personalities in the Workplace February 28th 12 - 1:30pm

Difficult Personalities in the Work Place is a follow-up to Personalities in the Workplace and is an interactive webinar that confronts the challenges of different types of personalities working together. Participants will briefly assess their personality type and identify the personalities of their co-workers to define practical strategies for communicating with others. Register here! Cost: FREE for CDP Members and $69 for non-members.

OACCA Redesign Conference April 26-27th

OACCA will convene its 20th annual conference for child and family service professionals on April 26-27, 2017. The conference will feature national and state leaders in the behavioral health and child welfare sectors, including government and provider leaders.Conference presentations will explore the Behavioral Health Medicaid Re-Design, strategies to thrive in a managed care environment, the BRIDGES foster care to 21 program, clinical best practices, innovations underway at local agencies, and various state policy topics. CEUs for social workers and counselors will be provided. Click here for more information.

2nd Annual Conference to Eliminate Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding and Infant Mortality Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Breastfeeding positively impacts the life course of both maternal and child health. Sadly, there remain great disparities in breastfeeding rates with the lowest rates occurring within the African American population. Healthcare providers at all levels want to help all moms and babies to be successful in healthcare decisions. This conference will unpack these concept and in an interactive setting and help us all to learn how to help all mothers and babies reach their breastfeeding goals.

Click here for registration, agenda, fees, parking information and continuing education credit information.

2017 Ohio Promoting Wellness and Recovery (OPEC) Conference Monday, June 26th- Wednesday, June 28th

Miami University is hosting Ohio Promoting Wellness and Recovering conference, which focuses on creating access, improving quality and making connections within Ohio's prevention, early intervention and treatment workforce for children, families and communities. OPEC will offer six subject matter tracks this year including Early Childhood Mental Health. Adolescent Treatment & Recovery Peer Support, Prevent, Collective Impact, Youth Development and Cultural Competency. Registration fee ($115) includes lunch and afternoon snacks.

See website for more details.

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities in Butler County

Community Volunteer Force uses email and Facebook to make volunteers aware of current volunteer opportunities in or adjacent to Butler County, Ohio. Organizations with strong need for groups of volunteers across Butler County include: SORG Opera House in Middletown, SELF, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Hamilton Living Water Ministry, The Center for Family Solutions, PAWS Adoption Center in Monroe, and Rethreads of Fairfield.

Check out the latest issue (flyer attached) or ask for more info from
Dan at volunteerfinder@yahoo.com.

New Resources