June 2015

GRG of Brevard

June 2015 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN OF BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA INC.

ISSUE # 167

SUMMER PICNIC

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER

Our annual picnic is June 13th 12-4pm it will be held at the Kiwanis Park on SR 520 Merritt Island.

GRG will supply hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. Please bring a covered dish.

There will be a bounce house, water slide, sporting events and boat rides on the river. If you have any questions please call Karen at 321631-7776.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren has received grant funding to assist with summer camps for our grandchildren. This will be on a first come / first serve basis as funding is limited.

Please contact GRG of Brevard at 321-631-7776 for more information.

KIDS ARTS AND CRAFT DAY GRG of Brevard will be holding a craft day on Friday, June 26th from 10:00-12:00 at the GRG of Brevard office 123 Barton Blvd., Rockledge. We have had some nice custom wood pieces donated to us for the children to work on.

If you and your grandchild would like to participate, please contact Karen at 321-6317776 or 506-4554. We need to have your reservation in order to have enough supplies for everyone.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

GRG of Brevard will be holding a Christmas in July vendor/craft event on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00AM - 3:00PM at the Martin Andersen Senior Center, 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge. If you know of anyone who might be interested in a space, the cost is $35.00 for a table and two chairs. For more information contact Karen at 631-7776 or 506-4554. More info to come.

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SAFETY TIPS FOR SUMMER It only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to heat up 20 degrees, so NEVER leave a child in the car. When outdoors, use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and drink lots of water.  Be cautious using insect repellents containing DEET on children. Never use repellent on infants. DEET can be toxic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends repellents that contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus – both are non-toxic and effectively reduce mosquito bites.  Check playground equipment before children play. Hot surfaces can burn them and loose ropes can cause accidental strangulation. Be sure that your child's clothing is playground-friendly: Remove any strings, such as those on hoodies, let them wear closed-toe shoes, and avoid clothing that is loose enough to catch on equipment.  Keep children safe on bikes by making sure they wear helmets and that the bicycle is the appropriate size for the child.

Issue 167

GRG of Brevard

2016 CALENDAR GRG of Brevard is planning on publishing a 2016 calendar as a fundraiser. If you would like to have your grandchild appear in the calendar please drop off or mail a picture and preferred month to appear, at the GRG office: 123 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, FL 32955 no later than June 30. You will be required to sign a Photography Release for your minor grandchild or grandchildren. The calendar will also mark the dates for every Support Group Meeting and upcoming events. If you have any questions, please call either Karen or Mary Ann at 321-631-7776

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS With Hurricane Season approaching; emergencies can occur without a lot of warning. Families can cope with emergencies by preparing in advance and working together as a team. For families of children with special needs planning is critical. It means extra attention to details and needs that typical families may not have to worry about. Being prepared is your best protection. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

 Create a Support Network Create a support network by making a list of family, friends, coworkers, service providers and others who can be part of your emergency plan.  Identify Resources Ask yourself what resources you rely on regularly and determine how power outages, lack of air conditioning, or refrigeration might affect your access and ability to use them.  Create a Communications Plan Make sure you and members of your support network have a list of contact information for everyone in the network, along with names of your doctors and other service care providers. Make sure you have alternate ways to communicate if phones are not working.  Pack an Emergency Supply Kit Families of children with special needs must be prepared to manage their needs under undesirable conditions. By gathering and storing supplies in advance, your family can more readily handle an evacuation. To simplify the process and purchase over a period of weeks or months each year; every few months, recycle water, food and other perishable items from your kit.

Supplies for Special Needs: • A two-week supply of all disposable medical supplies such as dressing materials, nasal cannulas, or suction catheters.

• A two-week supply of all medications, prescription, nonprescription.

• Generator or battery backup for all electrical medical equipment.

• Copies of prescriptions for medical equipment, supplies and medications.

• Extra contact lenses and supplies or glasses.

• Extra batteries for hearing aids and communication devices.

• Special dietary foods and supplies • Manual wheelchairs and other necessary equipment.

A SPORTING CHANCE Join us on Saturday, June 6th from 9-12 at Kiwanis Island Park on SR 520, Merritt Island for baseball and softball drills and skills. This program is free and is specially designed for first time players or players moving up a division that may not be ready. If you have a grandchild age 4-12, bring them out for a morning of fun and learning. There will also be a clinic for grandparents and new coaches during this event. All equipment will be provided. Looking forward to seeing you

POST ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP MEETING There is a post adoption support group that meets every first Tuesday of the month at the Brevard C.A.R.E.S. resource center from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Light refreshments and drinks are served, with activities for kids. There may be more services and programs available to you and your adoptive child. Our postadoption services are provided by the Post Adoption Support Coordinator at Brevard C.A.R.E.S, Kristin Pirozzi, by email at Kristin.pirozzi@brevardcares.org or by phone at 321-752-4650 x 3054.

The Space Coast Foster Adoptive Families Alliance Support Group Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month from 630p-8p at New Hope Lutheran Church in West Melbourne FL.

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Issue 167

GRG of Brevard

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR GRADUATES!

Granddaughter Dajana Taylor is a senior; she will be graduating from Melbourne High School. Dajana will be attending Eastern Florida state college in the fall.

GOOD GRADES

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren organization is so proud of our grandchildren's improvement in their endeavor to improve their grades. So far we have given out gift cards to 16 children for making the honor roll. Kids bring your honor roll report cards to our office and you will receive your $25.00 gift card. Keep up the good work!

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

The internet can be a good way to chat with friends; do research for school, and lots of other things.

But it can also be a dangerous place.  Never give out personal information about yourself or your family.  When in chat rooms, social networking websites and even instant messaging, remember, not everyone is who they say they are.  Predators will post a fake picture to pretend to be someone else. Do not plan to meet anyone you have met on the internet without first checking with your parents, as you could put yourself in grave danger.  If someone harasses you online, do not respond. Tell your parents and contact your internet service provider.  Predators attempt to lure you through the use of the internet. This is a danger to your personal safety and you should take precautions.

WHAT CHILDREN NEED YOU TO KNOW

Children who have been abused or neglected need safe and nurturing relationships that address the effects of child maltreatment. You might have questions about your child's experiences and their effects. This newsletter is intended to help you better understand the challenges of caring for a child from their point of view and provide resources for support.

Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities at (800) 962-2873 or https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/ You're Stronger When We're Together

JUNE 2015 ~ SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS Tuesday, June 9th – Titusville Support Group Meeting 805 Century Medical Dr, Building B, Titusville. This group is partnered with Parrish Senior Solutions. 10:00 – 11:30 am (This meeting is always the second Tuesday of each month) Thursday, June 11th – Club Esteem Support Group Meeting Club Esteem 3316 Monroe Street, Melbourne 10:00 – 11:30 am.

(This meeting is always the second Thursday of each month) Tuesday, June 16th – Central Brevard Support Group GRG of Brevard Office, 123 Barton Blvd, Rockledge 9:30-11:30 am (This meeting is always the third Tuesday of each month) Wednesday, June 17th – South Brevard Support Group Meeting Memaw’s Restaurant, 4916 Babcock Blvd, Palm Bay 6:00 – 7:30 pm (Dinner is available at member's expense) (This meeting is always the third Wednesday of each month) Thursday, June 25th – Beach Side Support Group Memaw’s Restaurant, Indian Harbour Beach, 9:30 – 11:30 am (Breakfast is available at member's expense) (This meeting is always the last Thursday of each month)

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The Child First!

HELP THE GRANDPARENTS AND CHILDREN OF GRG OF BREVARD BECOME A MEMBER AND/OR FRIEND Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard County FL, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

All gifts are deductible on corporate, foundation and individual tax returns to the extent provided by state and federal laws.

Members of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard County, FL, Inc. receive our newsletter and invitations to events where they can meet others in similar situations Name Date: Address:

I am raising children who are not my own I am their: [ ] Grandparent [ ] Aunt / Uncle [ ] Sister / Brother [ ] Other (please specify)

City/State: Zip: Phone:

[ ] I am not in this situation but I want to join GRG of Brevard because I am interested in what you do.

Email: [ ] Annual Membership $20 per family or $10 per caregiver [ ] Annual Corporate Membership $500 I want to be a friend of the GRG of Brevard and enclose an additional donation of: [ ] $25 [ ] $50 [ ] $75 [ ] $100 Other: $

Please make your check payable to: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard