January 2016
From the CEO’s Desk
The future looks bright for the families of St. Joseph County because of your continued support of our mission – building strong families and healthy children. As we celebrate 2016, Family & Children’s Center has so many blessings on which to reflect! From the bounding success of our first-ever Family Festival to the difference impacted in the lives of each of our clients, we want to say thank you for your continued commitment and support.
Read below to find out what we have accomplished in 2015 and what is to come in the new year!
Happiest of new years to you and yours!
Jory Fitzgerald Kelly
President and CEO
The future looks bright for the families of St. Joseph County because of your continued support of our mission – building strong families and healthy children. As we celebrate 2016, Family & Children’s Center has so many blessings on which to reflect! From the bounding success of our first-ever Family Festival to the difference impacted in the lives of each of our clients, we want to say thank you for your continued commitment and support.
Read below to find out what we have accomplished in 2015 and what is to come in the new year!
Happiest of new years to you and yours!
Jory Fitzgerald Kelly
President and CEO
Success is Measured by Milestones
“At the beginning of the year,” shares Sandra, “life was hard. My fourth child was still an infant, and my two-year-old Aaron was developing anger and behavioral issues. I did not know how to respond. I had to care for my baby and also deal with a two-year-old who has challenges. It was too much.”
This began 2015 for Sandra, a Brain Train client and hardworking mother of four children, two young sons and two school-age daughters. Sandra spoke of how, as the year went on, Aaron began to hit other kids and would not talk to them. When she tried to have a conversation with Aaron, he would often ignore her. Balancing the behavioral habits of her older son with the infant needs of her youngest child was a challenge. Sandra began to search for solutions to help her son be happy.
In August 2015, Sandra discovered the Brain Train, one of Family & Children’s Center’s early childhood programs. She and her young sons began participating in weekly play sessions. Through productive play, Brain Train staff began showing Sandra positive discipline that transformed Aaron’s behavior and Sandra’s family. Aaron became much more receptive to positive reinforcement, and he is interacting well with his brother and his peers.
This is the difference impacted by Family & Children’s Center: inviting all families to become resilient, happy, and healthy.
“At the beginning of the year,” shares Sandra, “life was hard. My fourth child was still an infant, and my two-year-old Aaron was developing anger and behavioral issues. I did not know how to respond. I had to care for my baby and also deal with a two-year-old who has challenges. It was too much.”
This began 2015 for Sandra, a Brain Train client and hardworking mother of four children, two young sons and two school-age daughters. Sandra spoke of how, as the year went on, Aaron began to hit other kids and would not talk to them. When she tried to have a conversation with Aaron, he would often ignore her. Balancing the behavioral habits of her older son with the infant needs of her youngest child was a challenge. Sandra began to search for solutions to help her son be happy.
In August 2015, Sandra discovered the Brain Train, one of Family & Children’s Center’s early childhood programs. She and her young sons began participating in weekly play sessions. Through productive play, Brain Train staff began showing Sandra positive discipline that transformed Aaron’s behavior and Sandra’s family. Aaron became much more receptive to positive reinforcement, and he is interacting well with his brother and his peers.
This is the difference impacted by Family & Children’s Center: inviting all families to become resilient, happy, and healthy.
New Baby Bags Have Arrived!
Imagine the changes that occur as a new mother: lost sleep, adjusting to caring for another person, and all the many things that one needs to care for one’s little sweetheart. Now imagine trying to prepare for a new baby with limited resources, limited funds to purchase necessities, and without the guidance of informed family members or a strong support system.
This later situation is the exact situation in which many of our Healthy Families’ clients find themselves. To ease the challenges of the transition, Healthy Families is giving every new client a diaper bag filled with helpful things ranging from baby utensils to outlet covers to ducks that test the temperature of the bathwater to ensure a safe temperature. These bags are made possible by the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust, and we are so thankful for their support in helping Family & Children’s Center build strong families and healthy children!
Imagine the changes that occur as a new mother: lost sleep, adjusting to caring for another person, and all the many things that one needs to care for one’s little sweetheart. Now imagine trying to prepare for a new baby with limited resources, limited funds to purchase necessities, and without the guidance of informed family members or a strong support system.
This later situation is the exact situation in which many of our Healthy Families’ clients find themselves. To ease the challenges of the transition, Healthy Families is giving every new client a diaper bag filled with helpful things ranging from baby utensils to outlet covers to ducks that test the temperature of the bathwater to ensure a safe temperature. These bags are made possible by the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust, and we are so thankful for their support in helping Family & Children’s Center build strong families and healthy children!
Healthy Families & Holiday Cheer!
This past December, children’s faces were aglow as they delighted in a visit from Santa Clause himself to Family & Children’s Center thanks to the support of Junior League of South Bend. With cookies to share and hot cocoa to enjoy, Healthy Families’ annual evening with Santa warmed the hearts of all in attendance.
Junior League provided food, games, and crafts for all of our Healthy Families’ clients. From the smallest of infants to adults, this event was truly enjoyed by all!
This past December, children’s faces were aglow as they delighted in a visit from Santa Clause himself to Family & Children’s Center thanks to the support of Junior League of South Bend. With cookies to share and hot cocoa to enjoy, Healthy Families’ annual evening with Santa warmed the hearts of all in attendance.
Junior League provided food, games, and crafts for all of our Healthy Families’ clients. From the smallest of infants to adults, this event was truly enjoyed by all!
Get On Board with The Brain Train!
The Brain Train has rolled down the tracks to a new location! We loaded up our books, dollhouses, cars, castles, and everything in-between. We are now located at the O.C. Carmichael Jr. Youth Center, 502 E. Sample Street South Bend, Indiana.
Are you, or do you know, a mother of children ages zero through five? Check out the Brain Train to learn knowledge and skills to enhance the growth and development of infant and young children. Through experienced Family Coordinators, parents learn positive ways to interact with their children and how to use the resources available. To learn more, contact Courtney: 574-287-2671 or e-mail ccarroll@fccds.org.
The Brain Train has rolled down the tracks to a new location! We loaded up our books, dollhouses, cars, castles, and everything in-between. We are now located at the O.C. Carmichael Jr. Youth Center, 502 E. Sample Street South Bend, Indiana.
Are you, or do you know, a mother of children ages zero through five? Check out the Brain Train to learn knowledge and skills to enhance the growth and development of infant and young children. Through experienced Family Coordinators, parents learn positive ways to interact with their children and how to use the resources available. To learn more, contact Courtney: 574-287-2671 or e-mail ccarroll@fccds.org.
Family Fun with a Mission
It was sunny and 65 degrees, with a slight breeze blowing balloons as they danced across the sky. Children ran about, faces aglow with smiles as they darted from bounce house to face paint to tug-of-war and back again. Sidewalks were transformed as kids created works of art with chalk. Underneath a tent that shaded the warmth of the sun, magicians astounded and musicians delighted, while onlookers watched with enjoyment. The day was bright and beautiful, perfect for an outdoor adventure with the entire family.
Obviously we’re not talking about South Bend in January. No, the scene above describes Family & Children Center’s first annual Family Festival. This past September, over 1,300 community members came to the Irish Green for a day filled with friends, family, and fun.
In the entertainment tent, music, magic and talented dancers wowed the crowd throughout the day. In the vendor tent, guests could taste and vote for South Bend’s finest coffee. Local businesses and organizations provided vendor booths, and snacks were available to guests.
Talks for parents were provided by Dr. James McKenna, Mary Scott, Dr. Joshua John Diehl, and Dr. Juhu Kaboski on topics of healthy sleep habits, paying for college, and childhood development.
Across the green, there were activities for all ages. Obstacle Courses, a bounce house, pony rides, lawn games, face painting, mini manicure station, sack races, and more.
Save the date for next year’s event to be held on Saturday, October 1st!
It was sunny and 65 degrees, with a slight breeze blowing balloons as they danced across the sky. Children ran about, faces aglow with smiles as they darted from bounce house to face paint to tug-of-war and back again. Sidewalks were transformed as kids created works of art with chalk. Underneath a tent that shaded the warmth of the sun, magicians astounded and musicians delighted, while onlookers watched with enjoyment. The day was bright and beautiful, perfect for an outdoor adventure with the entire family.
Obviously we’re not talking about South Bend in January. No, the scene above describes Family & Children Center’s first annual Family Festival. This past September, over 1,300 community members came to the Irish Green for a day filled with friends, family, and fun.
In the entertainment tent, music, magic and talented dancers wowed the crowd throughout the day. In the vendor tent, guests could taste and vote for South Bend’s finest coffee. Local businesses and organizations provided vendor booths, and snacks were available to guests.
Talks for parents were provided by Dr. James McKenna, Mary Scott, Dr. Joshua John Diehl, and Dr. Juhu Kaboski on topics of healthy sleep habits, paying for college, and childhood development.
Across the green, there were activities for all ages. Obstacle Courses, a bounce house, pony rides, lawn games, face painting, mini manicure station, sack races, and more.
Save the date for next year’s event to be held on Saturday, October 1st!
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Healthy Families’ Tips for Expectant Mothers
Be consistent and early with prenatal care Eat five or six well balanced meals a day Drink lots of fluids: no alcohol, and avoid caffeine No smoking or secondhand smoke Be kind to yourself: get plenty of rest, wear comfortable shoes and relax! |
Healthy Families is…
A FREE program that visits in the comfort of your home. Personalized referral guidance and direction as needs arise. Working with you to promote a healthy, fun, and loving family. Family Support Specialists providing support, encouragement, and education as you navigate the most important role: PARENTING! An opportunity to earn BABE coupons to purchase diapers and other needs for your baby. |
