Caregiver News
Caregiver News A quarterly publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County’s Healthy Communities Program
FALL 2014
Backpack Giveaway Brings New Faces
IN THIS ISSUE Family, Food, and Fun at the Summer Picnic
2
4-H Club Fair Success
2
Tri-County Kinship Summit
3
3 Help is Just a Phone Call Away...
A Passport to Environmental Learning RAPP Thanks You
4
Our Mission The Relatives as Parents Program strives to make a difference in the lives of relative caregivers and the children they care for by providing education and support. RAPP is committed to assisting caregivers and youth in building and strengthening family ties.
Left: Heavenlee shows off her new Disney Princess back pack filled with fun school supplies.
In recognition of kinship care month, RAPP hosted a back to school supply giveaway in late August. Youth were invited to stop by and pick up all the necessary school supplies they might need for Alexis helps Heavenlee fill the upcoming school year. Over 60 Above: out the “All about me” packet the youth as well as caregivers attended, and a number of families the Youth Educator uses to learn more about each child. were brand new to the program. The event provided all families a chance to meet each other and spend some time getting further acquainted.
Community Garden Grows for 4th Year The Sojourner Truth Memorial Community Garden located at Ulster Family Court blossomed for the fourth year in a row. Caregivers and children met monthly throughout the summer Above: Caregivers and kids after to plant, maintain, and harvest: green planting the garden in May. beans, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, Below: Ruthann shows her beautiful picture taught by cucumbers and sunflowers. Robert Robert Reidy and completed at the Art in the Garden day. Reidy, a local artist, taught art and photography during two of the garden work days. Youth and caregivers enjoyed creating colored pencil drawings of sunflowers and taking photos at the Historical Senate building on Fair St. The garden will be put to bed in October and replanted spring 2015.
Above: Jasper, Alexis and Roger at the garden in full bloom during the September garden day. Below: Caregivers spoof the Beatles album, Abbey Road, after visiting the farmers market at the August garden day
Above: Brothers, Jovan and Vitalis with their medals after finishing the mile.
Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County online at www.cceulster.org
PAGE 2
Family, Food, and Fun at the Summer Picnic
RAPP Program Staff:
Jennifer Patterson RAPP Coordinator [email protected] Ext. 343
Allison Reidy RAPP Youth Educator
During the month of July, Right: Kaylee got creative RAPP staff hosted a with the mustard on picnic for caregivers and her burger provided by youth involved in the Hickory BBQ program. The participants Below: Selfie fun with celebrated “some summer- Deaenna and Allison the time fun” by spending the Youth Educator day swimming, playing games, eating great barbequed food and swimming at the Andretta pool. The picnic was attended by more than 30 participants and everyone had a great time. Thanks to the local parks and recreation department for providing a great space for us to enjoy the summer sunshine. Left: Isabella was an expert hoola hooper during game time. Below: Brave Kevin jumps into the Andretta pool.
4-H Club Fair Success
[email protected] Ext. 345
Melinda Herzog Healthy Communities Issue Leader [email protected] Ext. 342
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County 232 Plaza Road Kingston, NY 12401 Ph: (845) 340-3990
RAPP’s Wonderful Kids’ Activity 4-H Club had another successful year at the Ulster County Fair. Youth entered exhibits in photography, baking, sewing, woodworking, art, and rabbits. The club project this year was a quilt with each square representing favorite club activities. The quilt, as Above: Isabella discusses well as other exhibits, were awarded blue ribbons the club Quilt with the at the county level. Some were selected to go to judge at the fair. the New York State Fair, where they earned blue and red ribbons. The club starts a new year in September with new members and looks forward to another successful year.
Above: Alexis shows off her blue ribbon drawing of local birds. Her first art exhibit.
Tri-County Kinship Summit In September, RAPP of Ulster, Orange and Dutchess Counties hosted a Kinship Care Summit. The goal of the Summit was to bring key players and stakeholders in the community connected with Kinship Care to the table to discuss challenges and issues the kin-care population faces. A panel discussion was held in the morning, which was comprised of professionals representing the Department of Social Services, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Mental Health and the educational system. The Summit was well attended, with over 80 people participating in the discussion, breakout session and networking opportunities.
PAGE 3
A Passport to Environmental Learning
RAPP is funded by the Dyson Foundation and the Catholic Family Center (Kinship Navigator)
Together, we are making a significant and positive difference. “Like” The Ulster County Relatives As Parents Program on
RAPP youth enjoyed environmental education through Forsyth Nature Center’s Naturalist Passport program. RAPP participants met Tuesdays for an hour at various Kingston parks. Beachcombing and seine Above: Jasper and his grandmother look fishing at Kingston Point out onto marshlands at Rotary Park during Wetland Wonders. Beach were two favorite Above: Jasper holds real deer activities this year. Kids composting, mammal mania, wetland antlers during mammal mania wonders and intro to birds at the zoo at Forsyth Nature Center were a few of the other programs attended this summer. Youth enjoyed fresh air and the outdoors while learning about our local environment. Left: Steve Noble teaching the children of the program seine fishing. Right: Anaijah held a worm for the first time at kids composting.
Help is Just a Phone Call Away... Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) Support, referral and assistance (845) 340-3990 Catholic Charities Emergency assistance and food pantry (845) 340-9170
Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County online at www.cceulster.org Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please Contact the CCEUC Office at 845-340-3990 if you have any special needs.
Jewish Family Services of Ulster County Elder care, social workers, workshops (845) 338-2980 Department of Social Services Food stamps, child care, Medicaid (845) 334-5000 Ulster County Community Action “Extra Helpings of Food Program”, fresh produce distribution (845) 338-8750 ext. 105 Family of Woodstock Case management, emergency homeless assistance (845) 331-7080
Do you have concerns about your preschooler’s speech or other skills? If you or others have trouble understanding what your child is saying, or you suspect delays in any area of development, he or she may be eligible for services like speech therapy or possibly even a pre-school program that is FREE. In Kingston, contact your school district at 339-3000. In New Paltz, call Kathleen Clark, 256-4042 for more info. People’s Place Food and clothing (845) 338-4030 Office of the Aging Free and low-cost services for seniors (845) 340-3456 Ulster County Crime Victims Program Confidential service for victims (845) 340-3443
Return Service Requested
Non–Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 1 Kingston, NY 12401
232 Plaza Road Kingston, N.Y. 12401 Phone: 845-340-3990 Fax: 845-340-39993 www.cceulster.org
RAPP Thanks You! So many people help to make our program successful. This page is dedicated to thanking all of the organizations and people who help RAPP help others! Special Thanks to our venues: Ulster County Family Court Cornell Cooperative Extension Forsyth Nature Center Boces Education Center Ulster County Fair
Special Thanks to our funders and donors:
Catholic Family Center, NYS Kinship Navigator
Special Thanks to our Educators and Volunteers: Robert Reidy, Local Artist Steve and Julie Noble, Kingston Parks and Rec Lisa Petramale, RAPP Volunteer
Dyson Foundation
Ulster County DSS
Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation
Rich Hines, Master Gardener
Right: Kevin, Alexis, and Jasper enjoy a swim in the Hudson River after Seine fishing with the Naturalist Passport Program
Right: The children show off some amazing carrots picked at the garden
FALL 2014
Backpack Giveaway Brings New Faces
IN THIS ISSUE Family, Food, and Fun at the Summer Picnic
2
4-H Club Fair Success
2
Tri-County Kinship Summit
3
3 Help is Just a Phone Call Away...
A Passport to Environmental Learning RAPP Thanks You
4
Our Mission The Relatives as Parents Program strives to make a difference in the lives of relative caregivers and the children they care for by providing education and support. RAPP is committed to assisting caregivers and youth in building and strengthening family ties.
Left: Heavenlee shows off her new Disney Princess back pack filled with fun school supplies.
In recognition of kinship care month, RAPP hosted a back to school supply giveaway in late August. Youth were invited to stop by and pick up all the necessary school supplies they might need for Alexis helps Heavenlee fill the upcoming school year. Over 60 Above: out the “All about me” packet the youth as well as caregivers attended, and a number of families the Youth Educator uses to learn more about each child. were brand new to the program. The event provided all families a chance to meet each other and spend some time getting further acquainted.
Community Garden Grows for 4th Year The Sojourner Truth Memorial Community Garden located at Ulster Family Court blossomed for the fourth year in a row. Caregivers and children met monthly throughout the summer Above: Caregivers and kids after to plant, maintain, and harvest: green planting the garden in May. beans, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, Below: Ruthann shows her beautiful picture taught by cucumbers and sunflowers. Robert Robert Reidy and completed at the Art in the Garden day. Reidy, a local artist, taught art and photography during two of the garden work days. Youth and caregivers enjoyed creating colored pencil drawings of sunflowers and taking photos at the Historical Senate building on Fair St. The garden will be put to bed in October and replanted spring 2015.
Above: Jasper, Alexis and Roger at the garden in full bloom during the September garden day. Below: Caregivers spoof the Beatles album, Abbey Road, after visiting the farmers market at the August garden day
Above: Brothers, Jovan and Vitalis with their medals after finishing the mile.
Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County online at www.cceulster.org
PAGE 2
Family, Food, and Fun at the Summer Picnic
RAPP Program Staff:
Jennifer Patterson RAPP Coordinator [email protected] Ext. 343
Allison Reidy RAPP Youth Educator
During the month of July, Right: Kaylee got creative RAPP staff hosted a with the mustard on picnic for caregivers and her burger provided by youth involved in the Hickory BBQ program. The participants Below: Selfie fun with celebrated “some summer- Deaenna and Allison the time fun” by spending the Youth Educator day swimming, playing games, eating great barbequed food and swimming at the Andretta pool. The picnic was attended by more than 30 participants and everyone had a great time. Thanks to the local parks and recreation department for providing a great space for us to enjoy the summer sunshine. Left: Isabella was an expert hoola hooper during game time. Below: Brave Kevin jumps into the Andretta pool.
4-H Club Fair Success
[email protected] Ext. 345
Melinda Herzog Healthy Communities Issue Leader [email protected] Ext. 342
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County 232 Plaza Road Kingston, NY 12401 Ph: (845) 340-3990
RAPP’s Wonderful Kids’ Activity 4-H Club had another successful year at the Ulster County Fair. Youth entered exhibits in photography, baking, sewing, woodworking, art, and rabbits. The club project this year was a quilt with each square representing favorite club activities. The quilt, as Above: Isabella discusses well as other exhibits, were awarded blue ribbons the club Quilt with the at the county level. Some were selected to go to judge at the fair. the New York State Fair, where they earned blue and red ribbons. The club starts a new year in September with new members and looks forward to another successful year.
Above: Alexis shows off her blue ribbon drawing of local birds. Her first art exhibit.
Tri-County Kinship Summit In September, RAPP of Ulster, Orange and Dutchess Counties hosted a Kinship Care Summit. The goal of the Summit was to bring key players and stakeholders in the community connected with Kinship Care to the table to discuss challenges and issues the kin-care population faces. A panel discussion was held in the morning, which was comprised of professionals representing the Department of Social Services, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Mental Health and the educational system. The Summit was well attended, with over 80 people participating in the discussion, breakout session and networking opportunities.
PAGE 3
A Passport to Environmental Learning
RAPP is funded by the Dyson Foundation and the Catholic Family Center (Kinship Navigator)
Together, we are making a significant and positive difference. “Like” The Ulster County Relatives As Parents Program on
RAPP youth enjoyed environmental education through Forsyth Nature Center’s Naturalist Passport program. RAPP participants met Tuesdays for an hour at various Kingston parks. Beachcombing and seine Above: Jasper and his grandmother look fishing at Kingston Point out onto marshlands at Rotary Park during Wetland Wonders. Beach were two favorite Above: Jasper holds real deer activities this year. Kids composting, mammal mania, wetland antlers during mammal mania wonders and intro to birds at the zoo at Forsyth Nature Center were a few of the other programs attended this summer. Youth enjoyed fresh air and the outdoors while learning about our local environment. Left: Steve Noble teaching the children of the program seine fishing. Right: Anaijah held a worm for the first time at kids composting.
Help is Just a Phone Call Away... Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) Support, referral and assistance (845) 340-3990 Catholic Charities Emergency assistance and food pantry (845) 340-9170
Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County online at www.cceulster.org Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please Contact the CCEUC Office at 845-340-3990 if you have any special needs.
Jewish Family Services of Ulster County Elder care, social workers, workshops (845) 338-2980 Department of Social Services Food stamps, child care, Medicaid (845) 334-5000 Ulster County Community Action “Extra Helpings of Food Program”, fresh produce distribution (845) 338-8750 ext. 105 Family of Woodstock Case management, emergency homeless assistance (845) 331-7080
Do you have concerns about your preschooler’s speech or other skills? If you or others have trouble understanding what your child is saying, or you suspect delays in any area of development, he or she may be eligible for services like speech therapy or possibly even a pre-school program that is FREE. In Kingston, contact your school district at 339-3000. In New Paltz, call Kathleen Clark, 256-4042 for more info. People’s Place Food and clothing (845) 338-4030 Office of the Aging Free and low-cost services for seniors (845) 340-3456 Ulster County Crime Victims Program Confidential service for victims (845) 340-3443
Return Service Requested
Non–Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 1 Kingston, NY 12401
232 Plaza Road Kingston, N.Y. 12401 Phone: 845-340-3990 Fax: 845-340-39993 www.cceulster.org
RAPP Thanks You! So many people help to make our program successful. This page is dedicated to thanking all of the organizations and people who help RAPP help others! Special Thanks to our venues: Ulster County Family Court Cornell Cooperative Extension Forsyth Nature Center Boces Education Center Ulster County Fair
Special Thanks to our funders and donors:
Catholic Family Center, NYS Kinship Navigator
Special Thanks to our Educators and Volunteers: Robert Reidy, Local Artist Steve and Julie Noble, Kingston Parks and Rec Lisa Petramale, RAPP Volunteer
Dyson Foundation
Ulster County DSS
Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation
Rich Hines, Master Gardener
Right: Kevin, Alexis, and Jasper enjoy a swim in the Hudson River after Seine fishing with the Naturalist Passport Program
Right: The children show off some amazing carrots picked at the garden
