March/April 2015 by DMI Agency

y o u r

c e n t r a l

v a l l e y

f a m i l y

r e s o u r c e

IN AZ

COMMUNITY Hope Grows Between the Groves GARDENING Easter Egg Radishes

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PARTY Hop Into Spring With An Easter Egg Party

A child’s most precious gift is their smile iles since 1997! sm r ei th d an n re ild ch g tin ea tr We've been

GET HELPFUL TIPS for keeping your kids healthy. Check out our blog on raisemag.com

Hapy Bear Surgery Center is a recipient of the Gold Seal of Approval™ for Quality

HAPY BEAR IS THE FIRST CHOICE OF TULARE COUNTY PARENTS FOR CHILDREN’S SEDATION DENTISTRY 1979 Hillman Street Tulare, CA 93274

(559) 732-4279 Located behind the Tulare Outlet Mall, just south of Cartmill Avenue

Hapy Bear’s state-of-the-art facility offers a comfortable, kid-friendly environment with a glassed-in Kids Play Zone, free Wi-Fi internet access and stroller parking in the waiting room. If your child has a significant fear of visiting the dentist, ADHD, Autism or other special needs that may require more specialized care than your family dentist can provide, Hapy Bear can help! Ask your dentist for a referral or learn more by visiting us online: www.hapybear.com.

STAFF LETTER

here’s something so refreshing about the ﬁrst few weeks of spring, when everything around us seems fresh; the trees are in bloom, the air is crisp, and new opportunities abound. As 2015 keeps rolling on, we begin to feel like we’re falling behind with our New Year goals and plans, but let’s not forget that new beginnings don’t just start once every 365 days. Hope grows whenever and wherever you plant it, and that’s what we’d like you to remember while looking through this issue. Inside you’ll be inspired by a group of hard-working Tulare high school students who call themselves “Harvesting Hope.” These teenagers spend many of their weekends during the school year picking fruits and vegetables for those in need in an effort to end hunger in this county. Discover how these students are making a difference by providing hope to the community on page 6. With spring in mind, we have a lot to keep you and your little ones busy around the house and in the garden. Gather together your children to create Easter crafts, plant radishes in your backyard, and make the most out of your spring-cleaning routine. We hope that with a little bit of help from Raise Magazine, you and your family have a great spring ﬁlled with new experiences and completed checklists.

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The Editorial Staﬀ OR ION , MAT A R E ID FO E IN STORY om R c . ag MO A m T R I e O s M i F SU B ies@ra 9 -1747 TO or 73 9 t ) s 9 l i 5 09 0 ema call (5 ) 738 r 9 o 55 ax ( or f

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

zin

e PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

Hannah Thompson, daughter of Mulcahy Middle School Principal Mark Thompson, helps out picking mandarin oranges for Harvesting For Hope.

IN THIS

ISSUE 6

COMMUNITY Hope Grows Between the Groves

DO-IT-YOURSELF Become A Green Spring-Cleaning Machine

LIVE Healthy Eating For Kids and Teens

GARDENING Easter Egg Radishes

EAT Fast & Easy Easter Treats

CREATE Easter Lamb

KUDOS Character Counts

LOVE Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse

PARTY Easter Egg Party

TRENDING Birthdays That Beneﬁt

Editorial Coordinator KATIE PRESSER Editorial Staff KELLY LAPADULA ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KELLEY PETTY MISSY YAVASILE SUSAN SCHIEFERLE ANGELA DURAN ISAACS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON Marketing Manager KIM BATTY ADVERTISING SALES Account Executive LEAH PEREZ leah@dmiagency.com SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! www.raisemag.com issuu.com/raisemagazine

FAMILIES Meet Your Local Neighbors

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief KAREN TELLALIAN

CALENDAR

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine Pinterest.com/RaiseMagazine

Out and About in Tulare County

LEARN College Admissions

22 4

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

RESOURCES

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare. If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747 Raise Magazine is published six times a year and distributed at high-traffic locations in the South Valley area. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. © 2015 DMI Agency

NOW ENROLLING preschool - 12th grade

apply online at cvc.org or call 559-734-2684 to schedule a tour

COMMUNITY

HOPE GROWS

BETWEEN THE GROVES

Mission Oak and Tulare Western students spent a January morning harvesting mandarin oranges from a 5-acre orchard in Visalia.

TULARE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT HUNGER

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing more inspiring than watching a child or teenager do something generous and meaningful with their time. But when you witness a whole group of high school students giving up their Saturday mornings every weekend to better their community, it seems to cause a domino effect. And that is whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening here in Tulare County; high school students are banding together to fight and end hunger in the Central Valley by picking fresh fruits and vegetables from local trees, and donating them to food banks around the county.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

COMMUNITY What started in a Mission Oak High School cultural history class is becoming a valley-wide movement among high school students. In 2014, Michaelpaul Mendoza challenged his class to create a student service-learning project that they could carry out to make an impact on the community. The students weighed their options and did research on the issues that affect the Central Valley. Hunger was among those on the top of the list and even impacts some of the students in their own school. With the help of Mendoza, the class took it into their own hands (literally) to ﬁgure out a tangible and measurable way they could combat hunger. And so, Harvesting Hope came into being. As stated in a documentary produced by Harvesting Hope students, Tulare County is one of the most impoverished in the nation, yet it is still considered the “bread basket” of the world. Over 40 crops are produced right here in our backyard, but almost half of that is shipped out of the country. The cultural history class at Mission Oak recognized how ironic it seemed for there to be hunger in a place surrounded by so much food. “You’ll drive past houses and see trees that are laden with fruit, and it’s far more than one family can eat,” said Leonard Houser, science teacher and Harvesting Hope coordinator for Tulare Western High School. “So we have a pamphlet that we’ll bring to people’s homes. We’ll knock on the door and say ‘If you have excess fruit, we’ll come and clear your trees for you.’ It’s actually healthier for the trees to have the fruit all taken off. So we’re helping people in need, but we’re also helping residences to keep their trees healthy.” For some students at Mission Oak High School, hunger hits closer to home than one might expect. To get an idea of how close, the students in Mendoza’s class conducted a school-wide survey to ﬁnd out if hunger was an issue. Of more than 1,000 students surveyed, 14 percent said they have gone to bed hungry and 59 percent of students said they received free or reduced lunch at school. Of those students, four percent relied on those free meals as their only meal of the day. While most teens are sent to school with full bellies and not a worry in their minds, some of their fellow classmates are wondering where their next meal will come from. “We have students who work with us whose families actually receive some of the food that we’re picking,” said Mr. Mendoza. “So for those students, it’s very overwhelming. But a lot of what we do here inspires our young people who may not have had aspirations before, and it teaches them appreciation.” With the help of Mendoza, the cultural history students

found a local organization they could team up with whose mission and service lined up with what Mission Oak wanted to accomplish: BeHealthyTulare. This nonproﬁt was started by Dr. Sarah Ramirez, a Stanford University Graduate, who was originally from Pixley, CA. She began this organization alongside her husband, David Terrell, a Tulare Union High School math teacher, in order to “make equitable health possible for everyone by broadening access to local, sustainable, health-promoting resources, knowledge, and skills.” Dr. Ramirez and her husband established a community garden in Pixley, and they also began an initiative called “Tulare County Harvest,” where they glean or harvest local produce from backyards and properties to give to local charities and food banks. Here in the Valley, thousands of trees and crops go un-harvested, especially when it comes to backyard trees that can grow enough to feed much more than just one family. That food has the potential to feed hundreds of people, yet too often it goes to waste. When Mission Oak got wind of what BeHealthyTulare was doing, they wanted to become involved and are now a major part of TC Harvest’s volunteer base, along with Tulare Western High School. “Last year Dr. Ramirez came and spoke to the kids to explain ﬁrst-hand her story and what it is that they do, and the kids said ‘ok, let’s help her.’ So that’s how they developed Harvesting Hope, and became the volunteer force to support her work,” said Mendoza. Through BeHealthyTulare, much of the produce goes to FoodLink of Tulare County, and is then distributed to food banks throughout the Valley. Before BeHealthyTulare and Harvesting Hope became involved, FoodLink was struggling because of lack of donations, according to Houser. Though Mission Oak students were the pioneers behind Harvesting Hope, they want it to be a countywide initiative among all the high schools, that’s why they call it “Harvesting Hope,” rather than a name that excludes it to one high school. There are so many places left to be harvested all over Tulare County, and there’s still a need for volunteers. The more high schools that become involved, the more lives will be touched. Tulare Western High School joined the Harvesting Hope initiative at the beginning of September 2014, harvesting 14.5 thousand pounds of sweet corn alongside Mission Oak students. Now that Harvesting Hope is in its second year, they are working hard to get more high schools involved across the county and spread the word to the community. The students have given presentations to several Rotary

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

COMMUNITY

groups, they go to other high schools to tell them about Harvesting Hope, they have been in parades handing out flyers, and they have been featured on CNN Student News, which is shown in classrooms nation-wide. “The challenge of this year’s cultural history class was ‘we can do more, let’s make it grow.’ And it’s really starting to pick up,” said Mendoza. One of the more refreshing aspects about these high school students being out in the groves and fields together, is that many are from competing high schools, yet out in the fields, they work together for the same purpose: to harvest for those in need. On the volleyball court or the football field, the rivalries are real and they are strong, but the students forget those rivalries the moment they pick up their shears. “Instead of being rival high schools, they’re getting the chance to work alongside each other, instead of it being this school against that school, Mission Oak against Tulare Western or Tulare Union,” said Houser. “All the schools come together and the kids learn that we’re all Tulare here. It gives them a different context than just going to different schools.” One Mission Oak football player, Levi Velasco, recognizes that while Harvesting Hope is definitely about helping others, it also creates an environment for students to grow. “I like how it brings a lot of the other schools together, we get to know other people, and we give back to our community. When it comes to football, that’s on the field, but when it comes to giving back to our community, we should all get together and help out. There are no rivalries out here.” “When they’re moving away from their cell phones and from the social elements that they are normally a part of, then they still spend a day with their friends, so they still have that social

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

aspect, but now they’re underneath trees, picking fruit, and they know exactly where it’s going,” said Houser. “They feel that they are a part of something. The nature of the program really draws these teens into it, and we don’t really have to ask them to do it. They’re spearheading it on their own.” Some assume that high school students do volunteer work because they receive some sort of credit for community service; however, many of the students who spend their Saturday mornings between the groves do it because they want to. So was the case for Mission Oak sophomore, Nancy Guzman, who was participating alongside her brother. “I wanted to do this because it’s something different for a change and knowing that I’m helping others is really important to me,” said Nancy. “It’s not because we’re forced to do it for community service, but it’s because I want to do it.” Last year, Harvesting Hope students entered their project into the Step-Up Youth Challenge, which is a competition of middle and high schools that put together community service projects. Harvesting Hope was awarded the best overall project and given a $5,000 grant that has helped expand their reach and get more people involved on many different levels. For Mendoza, this project is more than a classroom assignment; it is changing lives of those in the community, as well as the students who have the opportunity to participate. “As a teacher, it has provided me an opportunity to teach students lessons that they can’t learn inside the classroom,“ said Mendoza. “For me as an educator, students need to be learning with more than just books. We should also be educating hearts as well as minds. I think this allows us to do that. I don’t mind spending my Saturdays with young students who want to make a difference.”

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DO-IT-YOURSELF

DIY on a Dime

BECOME A

GREEN SPRING-CLEANING

MACHINE VINEGAR

CITRUS BAKING SODA

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

DO-IT-YOURSELF

he birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the flowers are starting to bloom. For us parents, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for spring-cleaning! Some of you might be tickled pink at the thought of being able to “purge” and start fresh, while others may be dreading the upcoming hassle of cleaning every square inch of your home.

Whatever your feelings about spring-cleaning may be, we want to help make it easy, inexpensive, and safe for your whole family. Here are some tips for getting organized, a great recipe for safe cleaning, and a list of products you can ﬁnd around your home to make it sparkle like new.

TIPS FOR ORGANIZING: Make a list. Throughout the year, make note of things you notice need to be organized and make a plan. That way, when spring arrives, you’ll already know what needs to be done (install more shelves, purchase new bins, set a donation pick-up date, etc.). Start with one room at a time. Jumping from room-to-room will take twice as long and can easily distract you from the task at hand. Plan to purge. If your only game plan is to organize all your stuff without getting rid of anything, you will end up with bins and closets full of junk. Free yourself from clutter, and make room for the stuff that really matters. Clean with a cause. If you approach springcleaning with donating in mind, you’ll be more motivated to give up all those “just in case” items you’ve been holding on to for years. Listen to up-beat music. Your favorite tunes will get you in the rhythm of cleaning, and who knows, it could even make cleaning FUN (don’t roll your eyes)!

Get your family involved. Assign tasks to each member of your family and provide them with their own checklists. Reward yourself and your family. Once your whole family has completed their tasks, reward everyone with a night out at a favorite restaurant.

GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS FOUND AROUND YOUR HOME: Lemons Baking Soda White Vinegar Olive Oil Salt Borax Washing Soda Castile Soap Essential Oils (optional)

MAKE YOUR OWN NATURAL ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

1 C White Vinegar 1 Lemon, squeezed* 2 C Water 1/2 t Castile Soap

Simply mix the ingredients together, spray, and wipe clean. *Disclaimer — take caution before using lemon on some surfaces because it can be used as a natural bleach. Try testing it out on a hidden area first.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

LIVE

THE BASICS OF

HEALTHY EATING FOR KIDS & TEENS

Text by Angela Duran Isaacs, RD, CLC, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor, Family HealthCare Network

ach year, we recognize March as National Nutrition Month® - a nutrition and education movement designed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. During this month, the importance of our family’s nutrition should be at the forefront of our minds as we work toward reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting the overall health of our families.

Juggling work and hectic family schedules can directly impact how we make our food choices and how we integrate physical activity into our daily lives. It becomes even more difficult when convenience stores and fast food restaurants are so easily accessible. When it comes to food choices for your toddler, child, or teen, it truly becomes a family affair. Children look up to adults, so it is important to role model making healthy food choices. A great place to start is by encouraging family meals. Studies have shown that children who participate in regular family meals are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods, smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol, and are more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains. Involving your child or teen in the process of food preparation, meals, and grocery shopping also helps create confidence. By including your children, you can encourage them to make healthy choices for themselves. When it comes to nutrition, it is important for parents and caregivers to lead by example. The best way to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Children will follow the lead of adults they engage with on a daily basis. Eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging on non-nutritious foods will send the right message. It also is important to pay attention to portion sizes and what is being served on your child’s plate. The “clean your plates policy” has been replaced with, “pay attention to signs of fullness and portion sizes.” Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to use food as a way to bribe children or as a way to show love - instead show praise for your child when they try new healthy foods. Regular physical activity is just as important to a healthy lifestyle as mindful eating. Research confirms that children who watch more television, eat fewer family meals together, and engage in minimal outdoor play are more likely to be overweight. Apply the same principles of variety, balance, and moderation to both your food choices and your physical activities.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENCOURAGING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Try to work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine by offering one, if not both options at each meal or snack. Decrease sugary drinks and offer substitutes such as water. Try to choose whole grain or high ﬁber products for breads and cereals. Limit fast food intake as well as junk food. Try using leaner meats and decrease fat intake by choosing chicken, ﬁsh, turkey, and beans instead of red meat and pork. Take any opportunity and use it as a time to educate your children or teen on making healthy and nutritious food choices. Introduce new foods to your family as a way to encourage participation in healthy food selection. Encourage regular physical activity by setting aside time each day for active play together. Playing tag, soccer, or going for a walk are great examples of activities your family can enjoy together. The overall goal is to help our children live a healthy life and prevent health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure. It is never too early to start teaching our children how to make good choices when it comes to food and healthy eating habits, which will carry over into their adult years.

GARDENING

Wood Industries will provide a FREE gallon bag of garden soil to any child who stops in to start a garden project! 7715 Ave. 296, Visalia, (559) 625-9426

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

GARDENING

EASTER EGG Let’s

Grow

RADISHES Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

s children look forward to Easter egg candy hunts, why not divert their attention to hunting for Easter egg radishes in the garden? Radishes are perfect for young, impatient gardeners. Radishes are so fast growing, your children will be harvesting them in less than 30 days from sowing. Like the carrots and beets we planted in February and March, radishes are also a root vegetable.

Radishes are available in many varieties and colors. Several seed companies including Burpee, Johnny’s, Park, and Renee’s Garden Seeds have some very special seed packets for an Easter harvest. These roots come out of the soil in shades of red, white, pink, and purple. The insides are white and very crisp. Imagine how pretty your child’s Easter basket will look with these radishes. You can also add them to salads for a vibrant garnish.

will learn when to plant, how much sun is required, how deep to

Have your child read the back of the packet for information. You

one packet usually has over 300 seeds?

sow, days to germination, and days to harvest. Have your child make a chart or graph to count off the days. Any small area in your garden with six or more hours of sun will be ideal for growing radishes. You can plant more seeds every couple weeks for continuous harvesting. Would you believe that

LET’S GET STARTED! 1. After choosing an area in your garden, use a purchased garden soil or amend your current soil with compost or soil amendment. Help your child amend the soil with composted organic matter like we did with carrots and beets. 2. Attach a desired length of twine to two pieces of wood stakes or dowels. With a marker, have your child make one 1-inch marks on the twine. 3. Put the stakes in the soil in a straight line. 4. With an unsharpened pencil, have your child put a hole next to each one 1-inch marking. Drop 1-2 seeds in each hole and gently cover with soil. Water. 5. Mulching will help keep moisture in the soil. 6. Keep the seeds/seedlings moist. 7. When the seedlings are about 2-inches tall, gently thin as we did with the carrots and beet seedlings. The seedlings should be about 2-inches apart. 8. In about 28 days, simply push back a little soil around the radish to see if the root has grown to the desired size of a ping-pong ball. HARVEST!

APRIL GARDENING TIP: Have children check your soil temperature with a soil thermometer. If the soil temperature has reached 60 to 65°F and the nighttime air temperatures are consistently above 50°F, it is time to plant warm season veggies such as tomato and pepper transplants.

Have fun!

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

EAT

FAST & EASY

EASTER Treats

ute food makes your kids more eager to try new things. Here are a few dressed up treats that will get your kids excited for snack-time!

Â 16

Enjoy!

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

EAT

EASTER BUNNY CUPCAKES INGREDIENTS: 1 box cake mix (prepared as directed) 1 can frosting Marshmallow Peeps bunnies Miniature candy eggs or jellybeans

OTHER SUPPLIES: Mixing bowl Electric mixer Pastry bag Wilton “grass” pastry tip #233 Green food coloring

SPARKLING SPRINGTIME PUNCH INGREDIENTS: 1 48oz. can pineapple juice, chilled 5 C diet lemon-lime soda, chilled 1/2 C powdered lemonade Ice Lemon slices

OTHER SUPPLIES: Large pitcher Spoon

DIRECTIONS: DIRECTIONS: Bake cupcakes as directed on box; allow to cool completely before frosting. In a mixing bowl, place icing and food coloring. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-low speed until icing is ﬂuffy and has doubled in size. Cut the end of the pastry bag and insert the pastry tip. Spoon the icing into the pastry bag and twist to seal. Pipe “grass” onto each cupcake. Top each cupcake with a Marshmallow Peep and candy eggs.

In a large pitcher, stir together pineapple juice and lemonade until completely mixed. Add ice and lemon slices to pitcher. Pour soda over the top and gently stir to combine.

HUMMUS & CARROTS INGREDIENTS: Hummus Baby Carrots Cilantro or Parsley

OTHER SUPPLIES: Dixie cups Skewer

DIRECTIONS: Use a skewer to poke holes in one end of each carrot. Insert a sprig of cilantro or parsley into each hole. Fill cups 2/3 of the way full with hummus. Insert 3 carrots into each cup. Serve with additional carrots on the side.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

CREATE

Easter

LAM

FAM IL LEAR Y FU N & NING TOO !

Wed-Fri 10am-4pm / Sat 12pm-4pm

Admission $5 per person / Annual Family Memberships $100

Available for Private Parties!!! 700 E. Main St., Visalia â&#x20AC;˘ 559-733-5975

visit: imagineUmuseum.org for details imagineUmuseum@scbglobal.net

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

CREATE

AMB

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: White paper plate Glue Black construction paper Pencil Scissors Tape Googly eyes (or small circle of white paper) Cotton balls

DIRECTIONS: 1.

On the black construction paper, show your child how to draw two rectangular lamb legs and an oblong lamb head.

Cut these pieces out and tape or glue them to the plate.

Help your child glue the eyes in place on the lamb’s face.

Now it’s time to cover the lamb’s body with cotton balls. Help your child add glue to a small area on the plate and have him/her cover the glue with the cotton balls. Repeat until the lamb is covered with cotton balls.

Text by ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum

unny bunnies and cute chicks are very popular at Easter. Why not mix things up with an Easter lamb? This lamb is easy to make with a few items you have at home.

You could continue the project by creating a whole ﬂock of sheep to accompany your lamb. If you want some variety, cut the center out from a paper plate for the bodies of smaller lambs.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

KUDOS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

CHARACTER COUNTS Text by Kelley Petty, CHARACTER COUNTS! Coordinator, Tulare County Office of Education

Community Service

ALONDRA SANTIAGO

Leadership

SKYLER MASON Senior Skyler Mason is a member of the El Diamante Cheer Squad and represents many of the qualities of a top student athlete. As a junior this year, Skyler maintains a 3.81 grade point average and takes pride in her studies. She has very high endorsements from teachers for her artistic abilities, creativity, and school spirit. Teacher and Cheer Advisor Amanda Richard knows first-hand that Skyler is a leader in the classroom and on the cheer squad. Ms. Richard says, “Skyler is known to be responsible, trustworthy, and respectful to adults and her fellow students. She knows how to model appropriate behavior and while others might shy away from leadership positions, Skyler is willing to help, motivate, and inspire.” Skyler firmly believes that, “If I don’t practice dedication and commitment but just give up instead, then goals don’t get achieved.” Skyler’s recognition for leadership and rapport with people of all ages goes beyond her school commitments. During school breaks, she works at a local elementary school directing crafts, games, and activities. She says, “I enjoy working with younger children and appreciate the opportunity to utilize the influences that my teachers have given me. This is a chance to give back.” Her chance to give back may just stay with her for a lifetime, as her plans after college are to become an elementary school teacher.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Mission Oak High School senior Alondra Santiago is a member of Harvesting Hope of Tulare County. Her role as the student liaison between this school project and the “Be Healthy Tulare” organization has provided her more experiences than she ever imagined. Traveling among local orchards, Alondra and her Mission Oak teammates have volunteered to harvest fruits and vegetables for the hungry in Tulare County. Alondra cannot begin to tally the hours she has spent gleaning fruit, coordinating Saturday harvest schedules, contacting businesses for donations, and recruiting volunteers. She feels a sense of accomplishment knowing that she is spreading hope and cultivating a culture of service among her peers. Alondra humbly recalls stories of hardship from her own family, saying “I grew up hearing how my family experienced hunger and how difﬁcult it was for them. There were several occasions when my father would not eat in order to feed the rest of my siblings. The thought of this is gut wrenching. It makes me realize how fortunate we are today. Harvesting Hope has given me the opportunity to help others and make a change for the better.” Alondra will conclude her high school years with a 4.0 grade point average and plans to remain part of the helping community as a teacher. For the students who follow her, Alondra will be an extraordinary example of volunteerism and service to others.

Sportsmanship

MATTHEW BOYD Since he was six-years-old, 6’5” El Diamante High School senior Matthew Boyd has played basketball. Now, his passion has led him to a leadership role, where he serves as a role model. “I try to lead by my actions. Teachers and coaches are supporting what my parents instilled in me; simple courtesies, how you treat others, and a little act of respect and kindness carries great weight.” Last year, the El Diamante Boys Varsity Basketball team set a school record for league wins. This year, they are on pace to break their historic record. He believes that this year’s goal will be achieved by digging deep to stay focused. He says, “It will be the signiﬁcance of our character that makes our goals a reality. It takes a bigger person to not indulge in poor sportsmanship; it takes a huge commitment from all of us to bounce back from a loss and improve both on and off the court.” Matt realizes that taking time to mentor underclassmen strengthens the program overall. “Trust is fundamental and expected from all. As a team captain, players and coaches must rely on me. If they can’t, then I am not doing my job.” Coach Moore says, “Matt is trusted by his teammates and coaches alike, his willingness to learn, work hard, compete, and inspire others makes him a rare, all-around student athlete.” With a 3.8 grade point average, Matt looks forward to college opportunities to play basketball and study physical therapy where he can help people.

LOVE

RECOGNIZING & REPORTING

CHILD ABUSE Text by Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency- Child Welfare Services

very child deserves a safe place to call home. Unfortunately, that is not the case for every child. In 2014, Tulare County received approximately 8,420 referrals of child abuse involving over 11,000 children. Of those referrals, over 1,200 children were found to have been abused. It is important to note that child abuse can take many forms; it is also important to ensure that child abuse does not go unseen, unnoticed, or is disregarded. No one wants to pry into other families’ lives, but certain signs of abuse should never be ignored.

One of the most common forms of child abuse is neglect. Legally, neglect is when a child experiences serious physical harm or illness as a result of the failure or inability of his or her parent or guardian to adequately supervise or protect the child, or provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. In simple terms, neglect is when a child experiences harm as a result of the failure of a parent or guardian to meet the child’s basic needs. Signs of neglect can include children wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the current weather conditions, persistently poor hygiene, having untreated injuries and illnesses, and being consistently unsupervised. Another form of abuse is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can include belittling, shaming, humiliating, threatening, or yelling. Exposing children to violence or the abuse of others is another significant form of emotional abuse. A third form of abuse, sexual abuse, can be both physically and emotionally damaging to a child. However, sexual abuse doesn’t always have to involve body contact: exposing a child to sexual situations or explicit material would be classified as sexual abuse. While some signs of sexual abuse may not be obvious, this form of abuse can have a significant and longterm effect on the child. Children who have been sexually abused are more likely to engage in risky behavior, develop substance abuse disorders, and have twice the suicide rate of their peers. If you become aware of a child who you suspect is being abused, or a child tells you that they’ve been abused, it is important to report it to Child Welfare Services. Often times, your intuition is a good guide as you consider whether or not abuse is occurring in a particular situation. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little overwhelmed and confused when confronted

with child abuse, but whether or not what you observed is abuse, you should still call the Tulare County Child Abuse hotline at 1 (800) 331-1585. Not every case reported to the hotline will result in an investigation by Child Welfare Services; a case has to meet certain legal criteria in order to warrant a Child Welfare Services investigation. The mission of Child Welfare Service is to safely preserve or reunite families. Children will only be taken into protective custody if it is determined that they have suffered, or there is substantial risk of suffering serious harm as a result of abuse or neglect. In every case where a child is taken into protective custody, a Juvenile Court Judge reviews the merits of the custody within three days. Child Welfare Services provides a range of services to improve family functioning and keep families intact. The goal of providing these services is to ensure the safety of the children while supporting and strengthening the family. To ensure all children have the opportunity to live in a safe and protective environment, there is a need to raise awareness about the harmful effects child abuse can have. During the month of April, various community partners join together with the goal to raise awareness about child abuse and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid children being in an unsafe environment. As a way to kick-off April as National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month, the annual March on Main Street will take place on March 28, 2015. This community event commemorates the survivors and victims of child abuse while raising awareness of the prevalence of child abuse in Tulare County and the services available to assist victims and families. If you would like more information about the March on Main Street please contact CASA at (559) 625-4007.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

PARTY

Hop Into Spring

EASTER EGG PARTY

WITH AN

ith springtime and Easter just around the corner, what better way to get ready for warmer weather and blue skies than getting a little creative? Here, we provide a few fun and unique Easter egg decorating ideas that might be new to even the most experienced of decorators. Spend the day getting creative, and turn an Easter tradition into a day filled with fun.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES

PICTURE EGGS

Crayons

Glue

Depending on the size of your party (we recommend keeping it small, around 4-5 kids and a few adults), you will need about ďŹ ve eggs per person, that way if there are any mess-ups or re-dos, you will have plenty to work with.

Hard-boiled eggs

Rubber bands

Thread

Paper towels

Olive oil

Glitter

Paper plates

Sharpies

Washi-Tape

Bowls or deep cups

Stickers

Give your kids crayons or colored pencils for them to draw pictures and fun settings on the eggs. If you use white crayon to draw a butterďŹ&#x201A;y or heart on the egg, you can dye the egg and watch as the image appears.

Spoons or egg dippers White vinegar Liquid food coloring Newspaper

GLITTER EGGS On a dry, dyed egg, apply glue with a paintbrush or sponge. Roll or spoon glitter all over the egg and let dry. Alternate ways to use glitter is to create patterns on the egg with the glue, such as polka dots or stripes, or use masking tape to do half glitter, half dye.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

BEJEWELED EGGS You can really jazz up your eggs by gluing on colored rhinestones and other sparkly jewels.

RUBBER BAND EGGS Just as you would use a rubber band to tie-dye a shirt, the same applies to an Easter egg! Put rubber bands around your egg and place it in the dye. Once you take the egg out, wait for it to dry and carefully remove the rubber bands to reveal some crazy patterns.

PARTY

MARBLEIZED EGGS We recommend assisting a child with this process

DYED EASTER EGGS

Take a previously dyed hard-boiled egg with a color of your choice. Next, in a shallow bowl, prepare another color or darker shade that you want to be the marble “swirls.” Add 1 T olive oil, run a fork through the mixture, creating swirls of oil on the surface. Place the egg in the mixture and roll it once around to pick up the oil, remove, and blot gently. Let dry for about 30 minutes.

Here’s a refresher course on the original way to dye eggs

STICKER EGGS Use alphabet stickers so that the kids can spell out their names or fun words. You can also decorate your eggs using Washi-Tape, which can be found online or at your local craft store. Washi-Tape comes in all sorts of patterns and colors that will bring extra ﬂare to your eggs.

Have fun!

With so many ideas to choose from, your kids (and even the adults) can have fun getting crafty and creative this Easter. Once everyone has decorated the eggs and they have dried, designate one person to hide the eggs while everyone else hunts. Whoever has the most eggs wins.

For each dye bath, combine 1/2C of boiling water and 1 tsp of white vinegar, along with 15-20 drops of food coloring. Dunk the hard-boiled eggs in the dye and let sit for 3-4 minutes, depending on the color you want. (*This is where you can give your children the option to dye half the egg in one color, and the other half in another color to make two-toned eggs). Remove the egg and place on wax paper. Blot dry any excess color with a paper towel.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

TRENDING

WHAT’S

Birthdays That Benefit

TRENDIN Throw Your Child

ach year as you prepare for your child’s next birthday, it seems you have to go through the toy box to make room for the influx of new gifts. As you do this, you begin to wonder why any child should need so many toys. Birthdays are, of course, a significant part of your child’s life growing up, but what if you could make their birthdays more meaningful?

This year, try something new that will not only be fun, but will also teach your child a valuable lesson in giving, rather than receiving; throw a party with a cause! Have a conversation with your child about all the blessings in his or her life, and explain how there are many people and organizations in the community that are in need. Ask your child, “What do you think we can do to help?” or “How would you like to contribute?” Include them in on the party planning process and ﬁnd out what they are passionate about: animals, the military, senior citizens, gardening, etc.

Here are some ideas to help you and your little one get started: ANIMAL SHELTER– If your child is an animal lover, consider throwing a party to support your local humane society and teach children about caring for pets. On the invitation, make a request for guests to bring pet food, pet toys, or pet beds to donate instead of gifts. There are plenty of ways to implement an animal theme into your activities, whether you visit an animal shelter (some humane societies even host birthday parties on-site), go to a local zoo, or make DIY dog treats and homemade pet toys to donate to your local animal shelter.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – While we wouldn’t suggest taking a group of young children to visit sick kids in the hospital, there’s still plenty you can do at home. Again, on your invitations, request that your guests bring a toy to donate to the local Children’s Hospital rather than a gift for the birthday boy or girl. As an activity, purchase materials to stuff teddy bears so that each child can make one to take home, as well as one to donate to the children in the hospital. Have each of them draw a picture to go along with their gift and explain that they will be helping other kids feel better.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

THE ELDERLY – Most children don’t realize how much of an impact they can make on senior citizens by paying them a visit, or even simply drawing them a picture. As part of the activities at your child’s birthday party, make greeting cards and crafts to bring to the elderly; perhaps even talk to your local senior center to arrange a game of bingo, prizes, and snacks so the children and seniors can interact together. Kids love to play games for prizes, and the seniors will enjoy the younger company.

TRENDING

ING

GO GREEN – There’s something incredibly rewarding when a child can plant their own vegetables and watch them grow over time. Consider throwing a garden themed party, where each child gets to plant their own vegetables to take home with them. Purchase terracotta planting pots and acrylic paints so everyone can decorate the pot that their plant will grow in. Provide soil and a variety of vegetable seeds that grow well in pots. Include easy-to-read instructions for maintaining the plants, and be sure to explain why taking care of the earth helps them live healthier and happier lives.

a Party with a Cause

MILITARY – Some young boys and girls are especially passionate about all things military. To throw a military themed party with a cause, decorate the house using “camo” colors, give each child a hat representing different branches of the military, and set up a face-painting booth so everyone can look like a soldier. Have everyone bring one small item to donate as part of a care package for soldiers overseas, and make sure to let the kids know why supporting the military is so important.

When you throw a party for a cause and reinforce the difference that each child is making, they will walk away feeling proud of what they were able to accomplish. Hopefully, they will have fun in the process and will be encouraged to keep a pattern of giving and service throughout their lives.

TULARE COUNTY HEALTH CARE CENTERS · Pediatrics · Laboratory · Teeth Health · Family Medicine · Obstetrics & Gynecology · Diabetes Management & Health Education · We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare and have programs for people without insurance.

Your Health and Well Being Is Our Commitment Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Visalia Health Care Center 2611 N. Dinuba, Visalia 559) 623-0700

Farmersville Health Care Center 660 E. Visalia Road, Farmersville (559) 713-2890

Tulare Pediatric Health Care Center 1008 N. Cherry Street, Tulare (559) 688-5437

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Association.

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

FAMILIES

REAL FAMILIES of Tulare County

TANISHA & MONROE

THE FAMILY UNIT: Tanisha Graham, 31, and 8-month-old son, Monroe D. Gordon THE BEGINNINGS: I’m from Visalia and Graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 2001. I’ve lived in a couple of different states, such as Rhode Island and Alabama, which was kind of a culture shock but I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing other parts of our country. Monroe was due at the end of June but could not wait, and was born the first week of June. I went into labor while on my way to a graduation party (I suppose I can forgive him for interrupting the throw down I was about to have on a plate of ribs.) We reside in Visalia where I purchased my first home two years ago. PARENTING PHILOSOPHY? I can’t really say I that I have one because I’m making this up as s friend from e go. I’ve had some amazing advic and family. It sounds so cheesy, but it really does take a village to raise a child. I hope to be as open and honest with my son as I can. I also want him to feel like he has my support and can talk to me about anything. HOW DID YOU ADJUST TO BECOMING A SINGLE PARENT? It’s definitely a challenge but with the support of my family and friends, it hasn’t been so bad. As the mother of a young black son, I put even more effort into co-parenting with his father because yes, even though I can raise him by myself, I feel that having both parents in his life will help him rt. become even more successful with our suppo ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER SINGLE PARENTS? Put your children first and try to work with the other parent as much as you can. Of course it is not easy, but I’ve learned as a parent that I want to consider my son’s emotional wellbeing. Also, enjoy every moment of them being small. I was mostly raised by a single mother and she would take me on little dinner dates to and spend quality time together, which I plan do with my son.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

FAVORITE FAMILY MEMORY? So far it has been spending time with my son and my grandmother together. WHERE WILL YOUR FAMILY BE IN 10 YEARS? Raising my son to be a wellrounded and happy child. WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED TO TEACH YOUR LITTLE ONE? How to appreciate all types of music. The older he gets I will have to watch what I play in front of him. In one car ride I could go from Drake, The Temptations, New Found Glory to Dolly Parton. I like it all and so will he, or at least I hope. WHAT HAS YOUR SON TAUGHT YOU THE MOST? Patience. I now know what people meant when they told me that children will teach you patience. I no longer sweat the small stuff; sounds so cliché but it’s true.

FAMILIES

A License to Care

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency

We heard you!

We are now offering one-on-one orientations for people interested in becoming a foster parent. Please call Foster Care Licensing, 623-0581, to schedule an orientation AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. Foster care homes are needed throughout Tulare County. We especially need foster parents ready to take in siblings or teenagers, and to respond to emergency placements. Foster Care Licensing will provide: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking with other foster parents

Children in foster care are going through a scary time in their lives. Are you ready to be their shelter in the storm?

tchhsa.org

623-0581 RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

EVENTS

OUT-AND-AB IN TULARE COUNTY

10TH ANNUAL FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE Dads are invited to escort the young ladies in their life for a night they will never forget. This year’s theme is “The Rockin’ 50s” and it’s a sock hop! Music, dancing, ﬁnger foods, and a complimentary photograph will make this a night to remember. Price includes one picture per family; additional photos available for purchase. Tickets are $50 per couple, $25 per additional guest. When: Mar. 6 or 7, 6-9p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4365

PRAYERS FOR ARIA BLAKE Participate in a blood drive and bone marrow registry that will be held in honor of Aria Blake, who is currently battling Sever Combined Immunodeficiency, or SCID. This deficiency causes Aria’s immune system to be compromised, making it hard for her to fight any sort of infection. Spend an hour of your day giving back to a infant who needs your help. When: Mar. 9, 3-7p Where: Exeter United Methodist Church, 148 N. D St., Exeter Contact: Claudia Rivera, 750-9987

GET FIT KIDS

VISALIA CROP HUNGER WALK Join this community-wide fundraising walk to raise money for local and worldwide hunger and disaster relief. 25 percent of the money raised will remain in Tulare County, and will be donated to FoodLink. The remaining money will be donated through Church World Service to locations throughout the United States and the world for hunger and disaster relief. When: Mar. 22, 1:30p Where: St. Pauls Anglican Church, 120 N. Hall St., Visalia Contact: Cindy Sanders, 625-4931

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Join the Visalia Parks & Recreation at their 10th annual Eggstravaganza event. Have a day of fun with games, activities, and meet the Easter Bunny! This event is for those 10 and under. Times vary. Activity fees may apply. When: Mar. 28, 10a Where: Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: 713-4365

CULINARY KIDS CAMP If you love to cook or are an aspiring chef, come spend the spring in our Culinary Kid’s Camp. The camp will feature basic food prep and safety skills, high-energy challenges, and tons of kid friendly recipes. Participants will learn to prepare their own meals, create their own cookbook, and learn basic nutritional facts in this one-week camp. Fee is $75.

Get the kids outside and away from the distractions of television and video games with this fun-ﬁlled, active workout. Each week will feature different activities sure to engage your child. The class consists of athletic games, running, walking, and strength training. Enrollment is $40.

When: Mar. 30-Apr. 4, 8:30a-12:30p

When: Mar. 9- May 6, Mon. & Wed. 5:30-6:30p Where: Riverway Sports Park – Field 8, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: 713-4365

Contact: 713-4365

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Where: Anthony Community Center Room A, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia

EVENTS

OUT

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SPRING BREAK KIDS CAMP 2015 Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy a week of indoor and outdoor games, swimming, rockwall climbing, Jiu-Jitsu, and much more. Snacks will be provided. Price is $95 for non-members, $75 for members. When: Mar. 31- Apr. 3, 12:30-4:30p Where: The Lifestyle Center, 5105 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: 624-3416

LIFEWALK & 5K RUN Tulare-Kings Right to Life will be hosting their 20th annual LifeWALK & 5k run. This year’s event will be larger than ever with the addition of the 5k, two live bands, and a new and improved bounce house, alone with vendors, face painting, games, and more. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, from strollers to wheelchairs, are invited to join in on the fun and invigorating spring outing! Run registration is $25. When: Apr. 11, 9a Where: Plaza Park, 700 S. Plaza St., Visalia Contact: 732-5000

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is gearing up for the 28th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign. This fun-ﬁlled event is their largest national and communitywide fundraiser that takes place in four counties served here in the Central Valley. This event is great opportunity to help kids in your local community and a chance to meet with family, friends, and coworkers for a few hours of fun.

TOTS IN TRAINING This program is for children ages 2-4 years old. Group activities and a fun ﬁtness course will be used to help develop motor skills, balance, and coordination. Parents are encouraged to participate. Price is $50 for nonmembers, $35 for members. When: Apr. 11- May 16, 10-10:45a Where: The Lifestyle Center, 5105 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: 624-3416

33RD ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Spend the day at St. John’s Riverwalk planting, spreading mulch, and visiting the many informational booths in celebration of our planet. When: Apr. 25, 10a-2p Where: St. John’s Riverwalk, Ben Maddox & St. John’s River Contact: 713-4384 or email chipin@ci.visalia.ca.us

25TH ANNUAL DIA DE LOS NINOS & DIA DE LOS LIBROS

When: Apr. 11, 2-4p

Join in on the celebration day for children. The event will focus on healthy living, literacy, and playing, and will include fun interactive games and activities. There will be dance performances, live music, live readings by local authors, prizes, ﬁtness activities, and more. This event is a great reminder that children are our community’s most precious resource. Tulare Ofﬁce of Education will be distributing free books and some activity fees may apply.

Where: AMF Visalia Lanes, 1740 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia

When: Apr. 26, 1-4p

Contact: 268-2447

Where: Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center, 247 W. Ferguson Ave., Visalia

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015

LEARN

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS:

HURRY UP AND WAIT! Text by Missy Yavasile, Independent College Consultant, SOAR College Planning and Consulting

he phrase “hurry up and wait,” believed to have been coined in the military, is very apropos for the college application process. During “application mania,” students are overwhelmed with applications, essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid, transcripts, and test scores. Suddenly, when the applications are finished, it is time to wait...and wait...and wait! So here are few things students should be doing while they are waiting for admission decisions and financial aid award letters.

VISIT ANY COLLEGES YOU HAVE NOT YET VISITED.

HAVE THE COLLEGES RECEIVED MY APPLICATION?

Before you make your final decision, be sure to do a net cost comparison of your colleges based on the award letters you will receive. Remember that the “You got in!” letter and the award letter are not the same thing. Sometimes, colleges will mention an amount of money you are eligible for in their admissions letter. This is not an official award letter. Watch for the real award letter. Unless the cost of college is not important to you, comparing financial aid should be an important part of your decision.

You should have received an email from the college. Sometimes the college will have you set up a portal where you can check the status of your application. Be sure to check! The portal will also alert you of any missing materials. Check your email often and do not skip reading emails from the colleges where you applied. Call the admissions ofﬁce if you are unsure about anything. Be sure your ﬁle is complete.

ALERT COLLEGES OF ANY CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO YOUR FILE. If you have changed the schedule of classes you reported for spring semester, be sure to let them know. I once counseled a student who was admitted to Cal, but dropped physics in the spring and did not let them know. His offer of admission was withdrawn. Have you moved? Changed schools? Won additional awards? Let the colleges know.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

It is important to choose a college where you will be happy. College visits can give you a great sense about the college. If you cannot visit, do online research and virtual tours. Try this website: www.youniversitytv.com So the next question is, “When will I ﬁnd out if I got in?” This is the big question, and unfortunately the answer is, “It depends.” If you applied early action or early decision, you probably heard back in December. If you applied regular decision, you may hear as soon as early March or as late as the end of April. If you have not heard by early April, call the schools and ask about the status of your application. May 1st is National College Enrollment Deposit Day. You should make your decision and your deposit by then. Some colleges offer incentives for early deposits.

This is an important decision. Take your time, discuss with family, and commit to your decision. Once you have decided, be sure to send a note/email to the other schools thanking them and letting them know that you will be attending elsewhere.

RESOURCES Fire & Police • Tulare County Fire Department, (559) 747-8233 • Visalia Fire Department, (559) 713-4266 • Tulare Fire Department, (559) 684-4300 • Exeter Fire Department, (559) 592-3714 • Woodlake Fire Department, (559) 564-2181 • Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, (559) 636-4625; (559) 733-6218 • Visalia Police Department, (Non-Emergency) (559) 734-8116 • Visalia Police Department, Gang Suppression and Narcotics Unit, (anonymous tip hotline) (559) 713-4737 • Tulare County - End Gang Hotline, (888) 363-4264 • Tulare Police Department, (559) 684-4238; (559) 686-3454 • Exeter Police Department, (559) 592-3103 • Woodlake Police Department, (559) 564-3325 • Kings & Tulare County California Highway Patrol, (559) 441-5400

Medical • Family HealthCare Network, (877) 960-3426; www.fhcn.org • Kaweah Delta Medical Center, (559) 624-2000 • Emergency Room, (559) 624-2213 • Visalia Walk-In Medical Clinic, (559) 627-5555 • Tulare Regional Medical Center, (559) 688-0821 • Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, (559) 624-8000 • Children’s Hospital Central California, (559) 353-3000 • Sierra View District Hospital, (559) 784-1110

Education • Tulare County Library, (559) 713-2700; www.tularecountylibrary.org • Tulare County Office of Education, (559) 733-6300; www.tcoe.org • Visalia Unified School District, (559) 730-7300; www.vusd.org • Tulare City School District, (559) 685-7200; www.tcsdk8.org • Exeter Union School District, (559) 592-9421; www.exeter.k12.ca.us • Woodlake Public Schools, (559) 564-8081; www.woodlakepublicschools.org

City Information • Tulare County website, www.co.tulare.ca.us • City of Visalia website, www.ci.visalia.ca.us • City of Tulare website, www.ci.tulare.ca.us • City of Exeter website, www.cityofexeter.com • City of Woodlake website, www.cityofwoodlake.com • Visalia Parks & Recreation, (559) 713-4365 Add your numbers below

important numbers at a glance: Other Important Numbers County & City • Tulare County Services - United Way, Dial 2-1-1; www.211ca.org • Delta Vector Control District, (559) 732-8606; www.deltavcd.com • Tulare & Kings Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force, (Non-crisis) (559) 624-7471; www.sptf.org • Child Abuse Prevention Council, (559) 735-0456; www.tularecountycapc.org • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • Domestic Violence/Shelters, (559) 732-5941; (559) 685-9515; www.fstc.net • Sexual Assault 24-hr Confidential Hotline, (559) 732-7273; www.fstc.net • Alcohol/Drug Programs, (559) 733-6123 • Parenting Network, (559) 625-0384; www.parentingnetwork.org • Tulare-Kings Right To Life, (559) 732-5000; www.tkrl.org • The IRMA Network, (559) 732-5000; www.theirmanetwork.org • Latinos4Life, (559) 732-5000; www.latinos4life.org • 5ive5ive9ine, (Teen Health) www.559teensmatter.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 636-4050 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 713-4957

Nationwide • American Association of Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222; www.aapcc.org • Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 232-4636; www.cdc.gov • California Poison Control, (800) 222-1222; www.calpoison.org • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255; www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • The Trevor Project, (LGBTQ) (866) 488-7386; www.thetrevorproject.com • Missing Child Hotline, (800) 843-5678 • Road Conditions, (800) 427-7623

Add your numbers below

RAISE MAGAZINE |MARCH/APRIL 2015