News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:

O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  Sign up for “Framing Human Trafficking as a Public Health Crisis” on Tuesday, April 4th from 10:30-11:30 am! Follow or join in the conversation as the Collaborative teams up with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to explore the issue of human trafficking through a public health perspective. Learn details & register here. Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news 

      >>  Go here to learn what it means to become a Collaborative Community Ambassador, and how you can apply to become one.
      >>  To provide survivors with the information they need to access shelter, medical care, and therapeutic services, we have created an interactive resource guide for all providers in Northeast Ohio. Access the Resource Guide here.
          
O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
      >>  Go here to visit their Resource Library. Included are resources on preventing, responding to, and supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse. The items cover a variety of topics, from talking to a teen about sexual abuse to understanding EMDR and bystander intervention. Well worth a visit.
      >>  Check out 10 Things To Know About Sex Trafficking. Go here to view & print off a copy.
      >>  Sign up for their free, 2-part, virtual Ambassador Training program. Part I – April 3 & 5; Part 2 –April 10 & 12. For details and to register go here.

 
LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here are some more grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network:   
> Avery Dennison Foundation   >  Elevance Health Foundation  >   Sam J. Frankino Foundation  >  Marguerite M. Wilson Foundation   >  American Association of University Women (AAUW).  If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service lines up w/their mission.  

O  From Me...Since many of you are affiliated in one way or another with a non-profit,  I thought this article that recently came across my desk would be of interest, and perhaps some value: “You Got The Grant! Now What?”

O  From Parma Hts Police Dept... To aid safety forces during times of crisis, the city has created a way for residents to share information about friends, family, or relatives within their household who are living with some form of disability. If you’re a resident of Parma Hts and would be interested in this service, click here to complete the form. It may be either dropped off at the Parma Hts Police Dept or emailed to Angela Love at alove@phpd.us.Any questions or concerns, reach out to the Parma Hts Fire Dept at 440-885-1717 or the Parma Hts Police Dept at 440-884-1234.

O  From Parma City Schools:
      >>  Learn more about the May bond issue by attending one of these scheduled Town Hall Meetings. If you know of a “nay-sayer”,  consider inviting him/her to come along.
            > Tuesday, March 28, 5:30 PM, - Parma Powers Branch Library 6996 Powers Blvd, Parma 
            > Tuesday, April 4, 12:30 PM, - Parma Powers Branch Library 6996 Powers Blvd, Parma 
            > Wednesday, April 12, 6:00 PM, - Parma Heights Library 6206 Pearl Rd, Parma Heights
      >>  To learn more about the District’s financial health go here to view the Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 2022.
      >>  The Superintendent’s State of the Schools address, presented on Feb. 16, 2023, is available on YouTube. Go here to view the presentation & learn more about the successes achieved & issues currently facing the District.
     
O  From Parma Council of PTA’s...  The 71st Annual Scholarship Geranium & Plant Sale is going on now through Friday, April 14th. Orders will be ready for pick up on Saturday, May 6th from 9 am – 3:00 pm at Parma Sr, High School’s back parking lot.  All proceeds benefit PCPTA’s, Scholarship Fund. Go here to order.

O  From Search Institute...More about the importance of developing healthy relationships w/youth. These are all quick reads, free & worth the visit.
      >>  The Power of Relationships In Youth Sports
      >>  The Power of Student-Teacher Relationships A Parent’s Viewpoint
      >>  Strengthening and Building Better Relationships
      >>  National survey: “The Power of Developmental Relationships in Schools: A Parents’ Viewpoint”. Survey results clearly show that teacher-student relationships remain at the heart of youth development and progress Review a summary of the results here.
      >>  Teachers as well as parents, or any adult for that matter, play a role in nurturing relationships with our young people. Go here for some easy, common-sense ways it can be done.
      >>  For those providing family-centric services, go here to download S.I.’s “6 Shifts Self-Reflections Tool”.Use it to help recognize barriers and to redirect its energies to more effectively support their families.

O  From SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) Connects – A Program of BellFaire JCB... Spring break is right around the corner! Now is a good time to address the concerns and reality of teenage substance use. SAY has teamed up with Mallory Walsh, a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate from CWRU, to share the real data about high-risk behaviors, as reported by teens in Cuyahoga County. Check out her work below and don't forget to take the survey so that you too can have your SAY in the research!     Substance Abuse     Violent Behavior     Mental Health     Technology Use     Take the Survey

O  From The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation:
      >>  If you’re a medical or legal professional, a business owner (or an employee for that matter) consider attending the OBWC’s 2023 Virtual Medical & Health Symposium – Thursday, May 4 – Saturday, May 6. Included in the 3-day agenda will be a live-streamed surgery procedure.
Learn more and register here.

O  From the Ohio Dept of Natural Resources Division of Forestry...ODNRis looking for future foresters, biologists, and conservation leaders for tomorrow. Registration is now open for the popular Camp Canopy! It runs from
June 11-16, 2023. Students who have completed the eighth grade through high school seniors graduating in 2023 are invited to attend.

O  From Lake Erie Ink...With a “TAG” line of  “A writing space for youth” and a stated Mission of: “Lake Erie Ink is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 that provides creative expression opportunities and academic support to youth in the Greater Cleveland community. “, you may find this a great resource for a budding writer.
      >>  Enjoy photos from COMICON 2023 that took place earlier this month.
      >>  Sign up for aStory Game Workshop
      >>  Summer Ink Camp registration is now open

O  From BSA Lake Erie Council:
      >>  To learn more about our local Scouting landscape, click on the above website. Click on the Ladder graphic in the upper right corner of the home page to display a pulldown menu of available topics that include camping, activities, program schedules & registration, among others.
      >>   Great Lakes Adventures (GLA) officially launched in 2021; it is the arm of the Lake Erie Council that is designed to bring the curriculum of Scouting as one of the best curriculums created for young people in leadership, outdoor adventure, and vocational skills. Click on the link above to learn more.

O  From Achievement Centers for Children/Camp Cheerful:
      >>  The Adaptive Sports Program at Camp Cheerful is pleased to announce a partnership w/the Cleveland Cavaliers that will bring a new level of excitement to all participants. They need volunteers to help out on Saturdays at the Seven Hills Rec Center from 10:45 am - 1 pmfor their season running from March 18 - April 29th. From kids 14 or so to retirees there are tasks for all ages & abilities. Sit at the check-in table, greet the families, pass out name tags and/or jerseys, work 1 on 1 with the athletes, or cheer them on ..there’s something for everyone. Go here to complete the Volunteer Application. Any questions, contact Ryan Holesko at (440) 238-6200 Ext 245 or email: Ryan.Holesko@achievementctrs.org
      >>  Registration is open for all 2023 Summer Camp Programs at Camp Cheerful. Check it out here. They are also hiring. Go here to learn more about seasonal AND year-round positions!

O  From National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI Greater Cleveland)...  NAMI-GC provides support to those with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and anxiety disorders, and their family members. It offers a variety of free support groups, education programs, information and referral, and advocacy. Volunteer peers and family members provide almost all of the services at NAMI GC. Visit their website to view an impressive range of free programs, events, services, resources,  and opportunities they have available.

O  From The Center for Community Solutions...  What s/b of interest to families and providers of child & youth serving organization: “Governor’s Budget Proposal Creates New Dept. of Children & Youth.” Learn more here.

O  From The Downs Syndrome Association of NE Ohio  (formerly the Upside of Downs):
      >>  SAVE THE DATE...This year’s NE Ohio Buddy Walk will take place on Saturday, August 5th at Tri-C Western Campus. The event is open to all. Go here for details and to register.
       >>  Check their website’s Calendar tab regarding upcoming programs and activities.

O  From Connecting For Kids:
      >>  CFK is one of the better family/youth education & support resource centers in Cuyahoga & Lorain County. Go here to join as a family subscriber and receive monthly updates with their eNewsletter.
       
O  From Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL):
      >>   BABY CLUB – Boost Your Baby’s Brain Through Play...All three of our Branches are offering this 5-week program for caregivers and children ages birth to 2 years old. Click on the above link for details & schedules. Baby Club is sponsored by Ohio's 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage.
      >>  Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will be visiting branches throughout the system this spring to help you plan a low-maintenance perennial bed or border, and more.  Go here for topics and schedules.
      >>  Online tutoring is now available. Tutor.com is an online service that connects students in grades K – 12 (and parents) to live tutors in online classrooms. Go here for details and enrollment information.
      >>  Go here to view when specific Branches will be hosting a Cleveland Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry. Locally, Parma Hts mobile pantry will take place from 10 – 12 noon, Wed, April 19th. The distribution of fresh produce starts this month.. 
      >>  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 Newsstand - 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 preschool & 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