News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:  Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  Become a Collaborative Community Ambassador ... This is a network of Individuals that are active in their community and would like to volunteer their time to help increase awareness and knowledge about the reality of Human Trafficking. They are looking for individuals that are passionate about the Mission of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking.
      >>  “Fundamentals of Human Trafficking” presentations are scheduled for 10:30 am, Tues, Oct 4th, and again at 7:00 pm on Tues, Nov 15th, These hour-long presentations are both free and virtual.
      >>  Go here to display a list of the nearly 70 partner organizations & agencies that make up Greater Cleveland’s Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking. Click on any Entry to visit their respective website.
      >>  Know who to call….If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking call the Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline at 216-443-6085 or 911 in the case of an emergency.     

O  From ICAC Task Force... There are many different approaches parents and children can take to stay safe online. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and ICAC presented a virtual session regarding internet safety. To watch the first session,

O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC):
      >>  It being Back-To-School time, go here to learn of four ways you can help support students and survivors in our community this fall.
      >>  CRCC offers resources on preventing, responding to, and supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
      >>  Learn how YOU can help to prevent sexual abuse in our communities. Whether you’re an educator, healthcare provider, or parent/caregiver, we ALL can play our part. The training is free, virtual & open to all.

O  From Futures Without Violence...Addressing the sharp increases in mental health issues being experienced by youth across the country, Fw/oV has made available some excellent material that educators, youth-serving professionals, juvenile & family court personnel, and of course parents may find helpful. Visit their  Changing Minds NOW website for details. Also available, CDC has published a terrific set of resources to help children and youth transition back to school.

LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified by the MyCom network. These have a mostly mental health focus:  > American Mathematical Society (AMS) - Epsilon Fund  > American Chemical Society (ACS) > The American Radio Relay League (AARL) Foundation > The Amgen Foundation   > The ASM Materials Education Foundation.  If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission.  
 
O  From Parma Council of PTA’s:
      >>  Help support scholarships for Valley Forge students by helping sponsor one of two (or both) PTA-sponsored student events being planned for 2023.  The cost is more than reasonable at $50 each for which your business (or organization) will be listed as a school supporter on the event sponsor board and be publicly acknowledged on their various social media platforms and at PTSA meetings. For more information call/email Melissa Wolfe at 440.552.4960 / mwolfe0921@gmail.com.
      >>  Go here for information regarding upcoming events and activities. Included, among other things, are links to order forms for the PTA’s current School Calendar, and details related to the Annual Kalahari Night Fundraiser scheduled for October 27th.

O  From Parma City Schools: 
      >>  The bond issue on the November ballot funding replacement of Parma H.S. will be 3.95 mills or $11.53/month per $100,000 in property value.  Email bond-related questions to bondissuequestions@parmacityschools.org .  Responses are posted weekly.
      >>  Learn the facts - Click here to view the administration’s presentation of information about the District's ODE Report Card at last month’s board meeting.
      >> If you’re a local business owner, go here to learn more about the district’s Workforce Learning Program. Find out why and how your business can participate to help build a local workforce pipeline.
      >>  Save the Date: 6 – 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 14 – Bonfire & Tailgate party at Byers Field. It’s free and all are welcome. Go here for details.
      >>  Go here to learn more about the recently opened PCSD Historical Museum located at Parma Senior High at the back of the building.

O  From Parma Early Childhood PTA (PECPTA)...Will be hosting their Annual Preschool Showcase – 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 18th at Shiloh M.S., 2303 Grantwood Dr. The event provides an opportunity to speak with upwards of 15 local preschool programs & youth-serving organizations. For more details, go here.

 O From Ohio Dept of Education (ODE):
      >>  Has introduced a new behavioral health resource that includes screening tools, detection and prevention options, and guidance on when and how to seek help for a child. This online behavioral health resource can help families, teachers and health care professionals manage increasing childhood mental health needs. Learn more here. 
      >>  OHIO LEARNS 360...Click on the link to learn more about this partnership between our local PBS stations and the Ohio Department of Education, which focuses on afterschool programs to address disruptions to learning caused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Or, go here for additional details.
 
O  From The Literacy Cooperative  / Imagination Library... In addition to sending high-quality books each month to kids ages 0 – 5 (enroll your child here), they’ve recently begun providing a series of virtual presentations on health topics of interest to families w/young children. Another session in this Healthy Families series, “A Guide to Your First Year as a Parent” is now available.  Go here to learn more & to register.  Or, go hereto view archived programs.

O  From City of Parma Hts.:
      >>  The police department now has a SAFE ZONE for custody exchanges, private property & e-commerce transactions that are on camera. These are marked spots on the police department parking lot across from their front door facing the library.

O  From Islamic Center of Cleveland, 6055 W. 130th St, Parma, 44130:
      >>  The Ibn Sina Free Health Clinic….offers free healthcare services to community members who are uninsured or underinsured. The clinic serves anyone in need regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.  Visit https://clevelandibnsina.comfor details.
      >>  Offering Free Fresh Produce on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Federal program income guidelines apply; please bring your ID & your bags/cart; no admittance before 10:30.

O  From University Settlement/SW Community Based Svcs:
      >>  A Stuff The Truck Diaper Drive is scheduled for 12 – 3:00 pm,  Saturday, Oct. 1st at St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd. Check out the attached flyer for drive details. To learn more about the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland & how your organization can partner up, visit https://diaperbankgc.org/

O  From Search Institute...For both educators and parents, check out:
      >>  8 Interventions for Struggling Students
      >>  Getting at the Heart of Student Motivation – Finding Students’ Sparks
Both are easy reads with references to supporting resources.

O From Goods Bank NEO: Go here to learn more about this relatively new organization established to
help nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations provide new goods to the people they serve or use them to support their operations, all for a nominal handling fee. If your organization is a qualified 501(c)(3) that has been in existence for two years and has at least two staff and a nonresidential location; the annual membership is $100.  And, if you’re a local corporation looking to support our local non-profit community, partnering up with Goods Bank NEO might be a good way to do that.

O  From Starting Point’s Out-Of-School/After School Dept.:
      >>  For 9th, 10th & 11th-grade students interested in a nursing career, go here to learn more about Cleveland Clinic’s ASPIRE Nurse Scholars program. If nursing is something you’re interested in then this is a must-visit!
      >>  Re: Tri-C – Women In Transition...The last day to register for this popular, free, hybrid, six-week program (held at their Metro Campus this year) will be October 25. Visit tri-c.edu/women-in-transition to learn more.
      ­>>  For educators or any youth-serving organizations (or a parent, for that matter) encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit check out these two free curriculum offerings: Startup Squad for grades 2 – 6 and Upcycle Parts Shop for grades 5- 12.
      >>  Connecting for Kids...Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support for families with a concern about their children. This local organization can help with many types of concerns - from understanding a new diagnosis to family challenges, like divorce or adoption. CFK programs are free to any family with children between the ages of 0-12. Our service area includes Cuyahoga, Lorain, and the surrounding counties. Click on the above link to learn more or download the seasonal program flier.
     >>  To learn more about local Out-Of-School/After-School activities signup for their e-newsletter by contacting: Stacey Gepperth,  Out-of-School Time Specialist at 216.575.0061 x540 or stacey.gepperth@starting-point.org.

O  From Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL):
      >>  Student Success Centers (formerly called Homework Help) are now open at 10 CCPL branches. Go here to learn more.
      >>  After-school meals (Kids Café) for kids 18 and under are available Monday thru Friday while supplies last at Parma Hts. from 3:00  to 4:00 pm, Parma-Powers from 3:30  to 4:30 pm, & Parma-Snow from 3:15  to 4:15 pm.
       >>  Go here to view when specific Branches will be hosting a Cleveland Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry. Locally, Parma-Snow will host their Food Pantry from 3:30 – 5:00 pm, Tues., Oct. 4th  (if you have the time, they do need more volunteers);  Parma Hts mobile pantry will take place from 10 – 12 noon on Wed, Oct. 19th.
      >>  Use your CCPL library card (or get one here) to take advantage of just some of these more unique services/programs available at your library.
            > WiFi Access & Computer Classes– A full complement of free, in-person & online computer classes are now available including Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Prep courses.
            > One-on-one tech help is available from the Digital Navigator service.
            > Learn how to hold a conversation in over 70 languages
            > Digital Newstand - Enjoy digital versions of your favorite news publications and magazines
            > Take your pick from thousands of streaming movies & TV shows from Hoopla, Kanopy & Overdrive
            > Design something & use the 3D printing capabilities of the Parma-Snow Innovation Center            
            > Learn more about Library2You, their homebound delivery service
            > Passport services are now available.
            > Check out programs for pre-school & school-aged youth. Scroll down for Teacher resources.
            >Cuyahoga Works: Job and Career Services, ESOL, GED, Citizenship classes
            > Sign up to receive the Library's weekly e-Newsletter
            > Click here to visit CCPL’s Home Page