Supporting Relative Caregiver Families of Brevard County, FL May 2017
Support Group Meetings Sometimes our children provide us with challenges that we're just not quite ready to handle. And sometimes support groups can help us find the answers we need, or at least make us feel okay about the unique challenges we're facing. Friday May 5 – North Brevard Indian River City United Methodist Church, 1355 Cheney Hwy. Titusville 9:30–11:00 am (This meeting is always the first Friday of each month)
Growing up with Grandma A poem by Candy Canan I don't know when it happened. I don't know when she came, But, she's the one I always knew, Grandma was her name. She taught me how to tie my shoes. She taught me how to talk. And, though I can't remember, I think she taught me how to walk. When all the other kids in school Would talk about Mom and Dad, I wondered where my parents were, That made me kinda’ sad. And, sometimes there were days I'd cry Or hide my head in shame. But Grandma took it all in stride, And loved me all the same. She'd wrap her arms around me, And kiss me on the head. She'd tell me that she loved me When she tucked me into bed. Being a teen, I remember the days When being with friends was more fun. And I wondered what it would have been like To actually be someone's son. To have a regular family Some siblings, a mom, and a dad, What had I done to deserve less than others?
Sometimes I felt so mad. 'It's alright, it's okay,' Grandma would say, 'One day you'll understand why, Life just isn't fair to everyone you see. It's always okay to cry.' And when I went off to college, I met the love of my life. It was Grandma who was the first I told That I planned to make her my wife. Soon after I'd become a father, For that I could hardly wait. To have a child of my very own, And, to make my Grandma a 'Great'. A little girl to share her name, For all that she'd given me. So much I owed to Grandma, That was plain to see. As time passed and life grew short I hoped my Grandma knew That it was her love and her support That always got me through. If I could tell her one more thing 'Thanks Grandma', is what I 'd say For loving me and making me, The man I am today.
Due to the request of many grandparents we have decided NOT TO HOLD support group meetings during JUNE and JULY. Support groups will start back up in AUGUST as usual. During these months our office will be open and any assistance needed please come by the office at 123 Barton Blvd, Rockledge, FL or call 321-631-7776 or 321-848-8006..
Tuesday May 9 – Cocoa Beach Riverside Presbyterian Church 3400 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach 9:30–11:00 am (This meeting is always the second Tuesday of each month)
Thursday May 11th – Club Esteem Club Esteem 3316 Monroe Street, Melbourne 10:00 – 11:30 am (This meeting is always the second Thursday of each month)
Tuesday May 16th – Central Brevard GRG of Brevard Office, 123 Barton Blvd, Rockledge 9:30 -11 am (This meeting is always the third Tuesday of each month)
Wednesday, May 17th – South Brevard Memaw’s Restaurant, 4916 Babcock Blvd, Palm Bay 6:00–7:30pm (Dinner is available at member's expense) (This meeting is always the third Wednesday of each month)
Thursday, May 25th – Melbourne Beach Side 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)
DCF meetings will be held during the summer months at the GRG office 10:00 am - Upcoming Dates May 30th (Due to Memorial Day May's will be on Tuesday), June 26th and July 31th Page 1
Special Request
More than 400,000 children and youth in the United States are involved in foster care. Resource families—which include foster parents, foster-to-adopt families, and relative/kinship caregivers— are critical partners in the foster care process. This May, National Foster Care Month pays special attention to the resource families who offer children and youth in foster care permanent homes and connections. The National Foster Care Month website (https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth) connects child welfare professionals, foster parents, and kinship caregivers to resources to help families create a safe, caring home.
TARGET TRAINING Our recent TARGET Training sessions have been a great success. Please try to attend the upcoming sessions on Mondays at 10:00 at the GRG of Brevard office. The speakers cover issues ranging from legal to community resources. If you missed the training conference sessions in April and need the information, please contact the GRG office. 321-631-7776
A Special Thank-You to the Space Coast Chapter of B.A.C.A. Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. Many of the volunteers came to all 6 support groups in April to share their mission and stories.
The 21st Annual Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association conference returns to Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld on June 16-18th, 2017 Registration http://floridafapa.org/event/fsfapaannual-education-conference/ This conference is a valuable resource for kinship, foster and adoptive families. Call 1-866-913-0977 regarding scholarship information.
Our next newsletter will be coming to you in August. Included in this newsletter will be a one-page questionnaire, which can be folded and returned to us. This questionnaire will be asking you questions about your experience as a grandparent raising your grandchildren, the difference and what influence our organization has had on assisting you, how your grandchild's behavior and education have improved under your care and many other thoughtful observations. Your participation in this request will assist GRG in obtaining funding as most donors like to know how their money has improved the condition and safety of these displaced children. Please Fill out the form Fold twice and place tape to secure. Please pay the postage (Forever stamp 0 $.49)) and return it to us. Address will be preprinted on back of form. Any questions please call 321-631-7776 or 321-848-8006 Thanks You!
Mary Ann Women’s Center Career Guidance Program The Women’s Center is offering Career Guidance for displaced homemakers. Services Include Working one-on-one with a Career Guide Creation of an individual employment plan Assistance with exploration of careers Employability/job search workshops Career interest testing Resume writing assistance Interview preparation Job posting/job referrals/job search assistance 200 Hour on-the-job training program Computer/office machine usage for Job Search Career clothing and beauty items/services Community resource referrals Free therapeutic counseling sessions Microloans to start a small business They will assist homemakers 35 years of age or older, who need training and support to transition to either their first job or back into the workforce. These are individuals who have been supported by a spouse or family member, but are not longer due to divorce, separation, death, or disability and who are unemployed or underemployed and want to become self-sufficient. Melbourne office 321-242-3110 Titusville office 321-607-6811 for more information.
Summer Picnic Our Summer Picnic will be held on June 24th, at the Kiwanis Park in Merritt Island from 12:00 -4:00 PM. Please bring a covered dish and bathing suits and towels for the children.
E-NEWS for Members Sheriff Ivey host FREE It’s Time to be a Parent Again presentation designed to empower parents. Wednesday, May 10, 6pm – 8pm at Calvary Chapel, 2955 Minton Rd, Melbourne, FL RSVP 321-264-7755 https://www.itstimetobeaparentagain.com/
Monthly news bulletins for all members who receive our information by email. If you currently receive information by postal service just update your preference to email Please email your updated details to GRG.Brevard@gmail.com Page 2
The 5 Mistakes Almost Every Grown-Up Makes with Teens By Josh Shipp, “Teen Whisperer” Josh is an award winning youth speaker that is helping adults Understand Teens & Teens Understand Themselves. Everyone makes mistakes. So, don’t get defensive as you read about these five common mistakes. Rather, let them encourage you to be a better role model to the teens in your life. Or, hey, maybe you’ll read through these pages and go “HUH! I guess I’m doing better than I thought!” Her is a link to Josh Shipp’s FREE E-Book http://joshshipp.com/ebook/5-HJ4GU.pdf
Tips for Raising Toddlers A child's toddler years are full of developmental milestones and behaviors that warrant parent attention and intervention. In order to positively support children during this time, parents and caregivers can utilize a variety of management styles. The Mayo Clinic suggests there are different ways parents can help improve toddler behaviors when times get tough. Som e of these include: 1. Continuously showing children love and affection, even during rough patches 2. Accepting the child for who they are and finding positive ways to channel their energy 3. Focusing rules around safety for children in their earlier years 4. Finding ways to prevent tantrums, which may include: Knowing your child's limits Explaining to children how to follow the rules you have set Taking "no" in stride and trying to repeat your request in a calm manner Offering choices to children when possible Sticking to a routine schedule Encouraging children to communicate their feelings 5. Enforcing age appropriate consequences for negative actions 6. Setting a positive example for children so they have healthy models to follow as they develop To find more helpful tips on raising children of all ages, you can visit the following links: Aha! Parenting, Tips for Raising Great Kids and Positive Parenting Tips.
Great News! GRG has teamed with Tutor Doctor of Brevard County to provide services to our grandchildren. Tutor Doctor is an approved vendor for Step Up For Students – The Gardiner Scholarship The Gardiner Scholarship allows parents to personalize the education of their children with unique abilities by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers. https://www.stepupforstudents.org/for-schools-providers/howthe-plsa-scholarship-works/ Step Up for Students is accepting NEW Income-Based Scholarships The deadline for submission is May 31, 2017. Applications submitted after this date will be processed on a firstcome, first-served basis if funding is available. https://www.stepupforstudents.org/logins/income-basedscholarship-login/ If you have any questions or need help, please contact GRG Office 321-631-7776.
Camp Victory is an experience that your child will never forget! Camp Victory allows your child to play recreational sports like flag football, soccer and wacky sports. In addition to sports, your child will tap into their creative arts side via multimedia, S.T.E.M., and crafts. http://www.victorykidsports.org/
May 25th – August 9th Brevard County Parks & Rec Camp http://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksRecreation If your child is receiving free school lunch they qualify for a reduced camp fee – you must bring a letter from the school. If you have not sought assistance for summer camp please do so by calling 321-631-7776. We will need to know the camp you would be using and the funds will be paid directly to the camp. It will be your responsibility to get the receipt back to our office. The amount available is $120.00 for each child with a limit of 3 children per family.
The Titusville Elks Lodge has once again this year offered to send our grandchildren to summer camp. They will pay for a week of camp for your grandchild. The sleep-away camp is open to boys and girls ages 9 -13. Register online – http://www.floridaelks.org/camper-application Your grandchild will need a physical and current shot record to attend camp. When you come to the payment section please put in Titusville Lodge #2113. If you have any questions or need help, please contact GRG Office 321-631-7776.
YOU NEED TO KNOW Please remember that it is important to keep records when you get your grandchildren to raise. • DATES: When you received your grandchild, record any legal action, visits with parents • INFORMATION: Child's DOB, SS #, doctor, dentist, therapist, extracurricular activities, physical or mental issues, progress pictures • DCF: Date DCF became involved, court actions, including dates, case workers’ names and phone numbers, Guardian Ad Litems’ name and phone number, and parent's status. • NON-DCF: Same as above. • FUNDING / ACCESS: remember to record username and passwords in a safe place, GRG has a Journal Booklet to help with your record keeping. Page 3
Water Safety Pools, lakes, ponds, and beaches mean summer fun and cool relief from hot weather. But water also can be dangerous for kids if parents don't take the proper precautions. Nearly 1,000 kids die each year by drowning. And most drownings happen in home swimming pools. It is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of 5 and 24. The good news is there are many ways to keep your kids safe in the water — and make sure that they take the right precautions when they're on their own. Swimming can be safe at designated swimming areas that are protected by lifeguards. Swimming in a natural body of water is different from swimming in a pool. More skills and energy are required for natural water environments because of water and air temperatures, currents, waves and other conditions – and these conditions can change due to the weather. Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, an ornamental fish pond, a swimming pool, a spa, the beach, or a lake. Young children are especially at risk — they can drown in less than 2 inches (6 centimeters) of water. That means drowning can happen where you'd least expect it — the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains, buckets, inflatable pools, or small bodies of standing water around your home, such as ditches filled with rainwater. Always watch children closely when they're in or near any water. Don't assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skills. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm's reach to provide "touch supervision." Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and have kids wear them whenever near water. Check the weight and size recommendations on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly. Inflatable vests and arm devices such as water wings are not effective protection against drowning. Don't forget the sunscreen and reapply often, especially if the kids are getting wet. UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing also can help provide sun protection.
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
I am raising children who are not my own I am their: [ ] Grandparent
Date:
[ ] Aunt / Uncle
Address:
[ ] Sister / Brother [ ] Other (please specify)
City/State: Zip: Phone: Email:
[ ] I am not in this situation but I want to join GRG of Brevard because I am interested in what you do.
[ ] 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