News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  The next free & virtual “Fundamentals of Human Trafficking” training  session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd from 10:30 am to noon.  Go here for details and to register.
     >>  According to World Without Exploitation, the majority of women and girls who are survivors of sex trafficking are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.[1] Go here to view the Seven Facts about the intersection between sexual violence & human trafficking
     >>  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.
      >>  Visit Collab’s website a/o Follow them on Facebook. View the close to 70 local partners working collaboratively in support of victim recovery by clicking here. To stay current in regards to HT-related events and activities sign up for their E-newsletter here.

O From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC):
      >>  “How You Can Support A Survivor” What can you say if your friend or loved one tells you they have been raped or sexually abused? Learn how here.
      >>  Go here to learn how your organization can participate in CRCC’s just announced 2022 Community Partner initiative.
      >>  Visit their “Training Institute” page for Spring course offerings, Note that the 2- part Ambassador Training programs are both virtual & free.
      
O  From Futures Without Violence...Visit their website to learn more about this new initiative – CBIM: Coaching Boys Into Men...An evidence-based program designed to leverage sports to teach young student-athletes healthy relationship skills and that violence never equals strength.

LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors, these w/a youth scholarship focus, identified by the MyCom network:  > The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation > The Blackburn Foundation> The Bollinger Foundation  > The Brinson Foundation  > The Burroughs Wellcome Fund.  If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission.  If you have or know of a graduating senior interested in pursuing the sciences check out these 5 potential grantors.

O  From University Hospitals...UH/Parma Medical Center is participating in the system’s Medication “Take Back Day” – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 30 in the John A. Nelson Auditorium, located on the ground floor just inside the main entrance.  

O  From The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)...Check out their website for resources and ideas on how to keep kids learning during the summer while having fun doing it.

O  West Creek Conservancy:
      >>  West Creek is gearing up for lots of exciting projects and events in the coming months. We are seeking volunteers to assist with events, land stewardship, and office work. Fill out our volunteer form and we'll be in touch soon!
      >>  Check out this short video to learn about West Creek’s plans for the Stearns Farm homestead property on Ridge Rd. Under consideration for potential uses include a tree farm, apiary, cutting garden, food forest, composting facility, and more!

O From Child & Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County...Go here to learn about this organization & the support being provided by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers.  They are thoroughly trained & well-supported by professional staff to help them through every case. If you’re interested, go here to complete a Pre-application form.

O  Parma Area Run/Walk for Pierogies...Saturday, June 25th at Tri-C Western Campus. Go here for details & to register

O From Search Institute...Go here for some thoughts on nurturing a community mindset and some tips for getting started in building developmental relationships. Visit their Resources Hub, where details & downloads are available re: the developmental relationships framework, a relationship check-up tool, a relational culture checkup tool and tips to cultivate & sustain a relationship-rich culture.

O  From The Downs Syndrome Association - https://www.dsaneo.org/  (formerly the Upside of Downs):
      >> Give “sunburst Snacks” a try! This new adult employment initiative is designed to prepare, connect, and employ adults with Downs syndrome. Learn more here.     
      >>  Also, check out their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/dsaOFneo for info on their extensive list of      programs coming up in May.

O  From SAY Connects (A program of Bellfaire JCB)... As global tensions mount, we’ve found some expert advice on how to talk about the situation with your kids.
      >> How to Talk to Children about War: an age by age guide. Check it out here.
      >> How to talk to kids about the crisis in Ukraine: Find it here.
      >> In response to school shootings and other traumatic events, SAY created a tip sheet for how to talk to your child about trauma in the media. Take a look here.  

O  From Ohio Dept. of Education:
      >>  Go here to learn more about the recently announced Afterschool Child Enrichment Educational Savings Program whichprovides qualifying families with a $500 credit that can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities.
      >>  Check out this video designed to help families find high-quality early learning programs. Among other things, the video covers topics like questions to ask early learning providers and accessing Ohio’s Step Up To Quality child care rating system.

O From Tri-C:
      >>  Go here to learn more about the variety of in-person and virtual camps being offered this summer!
      >> Their Community Education program is looking for new content and new instructors! Call 216-987-2333 or email frances.tomba@tri-c.edu to learn more. For more about the program, go here.     
      >> The ENCORE 55+ Learning program is also looking for enthusiastic instructors to join their program! Call 216-987-2274 or email encore@tri-c.edu to learn more. Go here to visit the program’s website.

O  From University Settlement/SW Community Based Svcs...
      >>  SWCBS IS NOW LOCATED IN ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 8911 W. Ridgewood. They can be reached by dialing 216.331.7323.  Services include case mgmnt., referrals/linkages to area resources, family time visits, kinship support, emergency assistance, parent supt. classes, household supplies, non-perishable food items, & more.
      >>  Global Youth Service Day runs from April to May 1. If you work with or are affiliated w/a youth group of any sort, check out this YouTube video for tips on how to design a GYSD service project. 
      
O  Parma Council of PTA’s (PCPTA - https://www.parmacityschools.org/PCPTA  or FB at: https://www.facebook.com/parmacouncilpta/ )
      >>  Pickup of Geranium Sale orders is Saturday, May 7th at the Parma Sr. H.S. back parking lot.
      >>  Click here to join a local PTA unit

O  From Parma City Schools:
     >>  Pleasant Valley Elementary will once again be hosting Camp Invention from June 13 – 17. Two age groups to participate! Campers: Entering Grades K-6 next school year; Leaders In Training: Entering Grades 7-9 next school year! To register go here. For more details about the program, click here.
      >>  Did you know that the “Invader Style Salon” one of several district CTE programs is open to the public?!
Services are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Normandy High School! To schedule an appointment please call 440-885-8394. To learn more about this and other available programs, click here.
      >>  Visit www.parmacityschools.org for the most current information regarding COVID Dashboard/protocols, community walking, and open swim programs, the latest “PCSD in :60” video, and much more.

O  From Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL):
      >>  If you need home access to the Internet, click here to learn about CCPL’s portable HOTSPOT lending program.
      >>  Recognizing that the news may be scary, especially for children, CCPL has curated a list of titles that will help young ones better cope with what they might witness on the news these days. Check it out at www.tinyurl.com/CCPLHELPKIDSCOPE
      >>  At-home COVID-19 testing kits are available via DRIVE-THOUGH ONLY at the Powers & Parma-Snow locations;  call ahead to check for availability. Or, you can request four free rapid antigen test kits to be mailed directly to their home by the U.S. government at https://special.usps.com/testkits.
      >>  Go here to view when specific Branches will be hosting a Cleveland Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry. Locally, Parma-Snow will have theirs on Tuesday, May 3rd, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm. The Parma Heights Branch mobile pantry will take place from 10 – 12 noon on May 18th.
      >>  Don’t forget, our three local branches are providing and will continue, Monday – Friday through May 30th, to provide children with free grab-and-go meals.  Go here to learn more about KIDS CAFÉ. 
      >>  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.
            > Get access to these free online learning platforms taught by professionals in their fields
            > WiFi Access & Computer Classes
            > Learn how to hold a conversation in over 70 languages
            > Digital Newstand - Enjoy digital versions of your favorite news publications and magazines
            > Learn more or register for any of 50+ virtual programs for adult learners
            > 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
            > Sign up to receive the Library Insider e-Newsletter
            > Click here to visit CCPL’s Home Page