April 21, 2012 – 9:00-11:00 AM
First Parent Fair and Youth Fair
Waterbury Arts Magnet Schools (WAMS), 16 South Elm Street, Waterbury
Learn more about summer programs, community resource partners, Waterbury public school initiatives, plus meet other parents, plus parent liaisons, teachers and supervisors. Learn about best practices for Family Involvement. Middle School and High School students: participate in a fun discussion group led by youth from our schools and communities, including Young Civic Learners Group from WOIC, WOW Youth Council, PAL and Granville Academy. Fun activities for all ages! Brunch, free parking, translation and child care (for children under 3) available. See flyer on BTS website at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
April 24, 2012 – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
“Let’s Talk” Community Conversation about “Workforce Development” –Leadership of Greater Waterbury, Waterbury Youth Council and Bridge To Success
Please register to participate in this Community Conversation regarding Workforce Development in Waterbury. Come share your thoughts, concerns and questions as to how we as a community can come together to address the issues that students and young adults are facing upon graduation from high school and college. This event is free and a light meal will be provided. Chance to win a door prize. Please RSVP by April 10 via email to info@waterburybridgetosuccess.org, phone 203-754-0040, fax 203-721-6113. When calling or faxing please let us know whether or not you will need childcare for ages 3-12 only, space is limited. Naugatuck Valley Community College, Founder’s Hall, Cutrali Commons
Please visit our website to fill out the invitation and RSVP for the Community Conversation at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
April 28, 2012 – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
2012 Community Fair
Waterbury PAL Community Center, 64 Division Street, Waterbury
Learn about services available within our community to better serve the children and families of WOW and North End communities. More than 40 agencies have registered to host a table – including clinical outpatient, in home services, parent liaisons/aides, educational programs, critical goods, housing, medical agencies, recreational programs – providing information & outreach. Join us to learn more about how we can help you.
April 29, 2012- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Waterbury Tulip and Flower Festival – Waterbury Tulip and Flower Festival
Please join us at Fulton Park as there will be opening ceremonies, music, dancing, vendors, face painting and door prizes. For more information please contact Dominic Rinaldi 203-573-1857 or email domrinaldi@sbcglobal.net *Rain date May 6, 2012
Location: Fulton Park, Cooke Street (Across from Park Pizza)
Please visit our website to view the event flyer for Waterbury Tulip Flower Festival at http://www.waterburybts.org
April 29, 2012 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Healthy Kids Day – Greater Waterbury YMCA
For the first time ever YMCA is celebrating healthy kids through fun free activities for children of all ages and their families. Activities will be held in the gym, teen center, pool and playground. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone over 18 must present a valid photo ID for entry. For more information please contact Kristen Heller at kheller@waterburyymca.org
Location: Greater Waterbury YMCA, West Main Street (on the green), Downtown Waterbury
June 25, 2012 – August 3, 2012 – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Summer Bridge Program – Waterbury Hospital
This is a 6 week program that offers intensive academic review including SAT English, Vocabulary, and Math, college readiness, and job shadowing. Extra curricula activities include full day field trips and photography instruction. Program admission requirements include submission of a written application and essay, mandatory attendance, and an interview with the Program Coordinator for candidates and their parents. This program is FREE to anyone who meets the requirements. For more information/application please contact Natalie Forbes, Grant Coordinator at 203-573-7012 or grants@wtbyhosp.org.
Location: Waterbury Hospital, 140 Grandview Avenue, Suite L-02
Story Time at the Silas Bronson Library
Every Tuesday at 10 AM (except during school holidays) just walk into the library and there is always something special to do – stories, toys and lots of fun.
Location: Silas Bronson Library, Children’s Services Division, 267 Grand Street (2nd Floor)
Please visit our website to view the flyer about Story Time at Silas Bronson Library at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
Playgroups for Children Birth to 5
The Wilson Family Resource Center hosts FREE playgroups every other Tuesday of the month from 10:30 AM to 12 PM. For more information and dates, contact (203) 573-6664.
Location: Wilson Family Resource Center, 235 Birch Street
Please visit our website to view the flyer about Playgroups at Wilson Family Resource Center (para en Espanol) at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood- Weekly Fatherhood Support Group
Catholic Charities is sponsoring this weekly support group for Fathers of all ages and backgrounds
Attention all Waterbury Fathers please come to this weekly support group which will help you to become more aware of the important role you play in your child’s life. It will provide the opportunity to build tools and skills you need to meet their basic needs. This will assist in providing for your child at all levels. For more information please contact Ernie Racine at Catholic Charities Family Center 203-596-9359 ext 233.
Please visit our website to view the flyer about how to become more involved with your child as a Father at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
AutismCares
Grants for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) During Times of Crisis or Unplanned Hardships
Financial Support Awards provide financial relief up to $1,000 for individuals with ASD and their families to help cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. Eligible families have a child (children) medically diagnosed with ASD, a family income of $40,000 or less, and have experienced at least one of the following qualifying events in the last 90 days:
• Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake
• Death or critical illness in the immediate family
• Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster
• Termination of employment for the primary income-earner
Contact info: sselkin@autismspeaks.orgor call (917) 475-5059 for more information. Click herehttp://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htmfor online information.
Medicaid Reference Desk
A new tool developed by the ARC and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities is now available online. The Medicaid Reference Desk provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with information regarding Medicaid and social services. The site provides access to a listing of Medicaid services offered in each state, a person-centered planning toolkit and other resources available. For more information visit the site at: http://www.thedesk.info/state/connecticut/.
The National Hispanic Prenatal Hotline (1-800-504-7081)
This hotline is a bilingual hotline designed for Latina expectant moms planning a pregnancy and providers. It has 3 main functions: 1) to answer questions about prenatal issues in both English and Spanish and in a culturally appropriate manner; 2) to give referrals to local bilingual prenatal services that have the capability of serving Hispanic consumers and 3) to send written information to callers about prenatal issues in Spanish and English. The Hotline operates Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
April 5, 2012 – 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
“How To” Use Technology, Enhance Social Media, Increase Support & Raise Awareness – Connecticut Prevention Network
Please come to this “How To” meeting to discuss with local partnerships how to promote wellness by addressing substance abuse statewide. Effectively use technology for your underage drinking coalitions. Please RSVP to Melisa Luginbuhl at 860-568-4442 or email Melisa.luginbuhl@erasect.org.
Location: Rocky Hill Marriott, 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, CT
Please visit our website for event flyer regarding How To Use Technology at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
Two Sessions starting April 11 & June 20, 2012
Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurturing Heart Approach – Bristol Hospital
Please visit our website to view the flyer for Transforming the Difficult Child at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
Community Volunteer Positions/Opportunities
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
VITA Volunteers are needed late January to early April to help low-to-moderate-income individuals and families prepare their tax returns. Volunteers can serve as tax preparers or in other roles such as greeters and interpreters. Volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. There are 8 tax sites in Greater Waterbury in need of volunteers and there are a variety of days and hours available to fit any volunteer’s schedule. No prior tax preparation experience necessary. Bilingual volunteers especially needed. Volunteers can sign up at http://ctvita.volunteerhub.com/or for general questions and information, contact Shannon Houston, VITA Coordinator at the CT Association for Human Services, at (860) 951-2212 x225 or shouston@cahs.org.
THE GIFT OF CARING – Volunteer to be a Foster Grandparent
The giving of oneself, through volunteering, to those in need is one of the most caring gifts one person can give to another. The Foster Grandparent Program has been in existence since 1965 and is sponsored locally by New Opportunities, Inc. and federally funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service. The program has a dual purpose by providing opportunities for low-income people, 55 years and older, to give supportive person-to-person services to children under the age of 21. A volunteer serves 15 hours or more per week at stations such as: Head Start, Child Care Centers, Schools, and Day Nurseries. The Foster Grandparents receive a tax-free stipend of $2.65 per hour but are still considered volunteers. This stipend does not affect assistance or benefit programs, such as, unemployment benefits, social security, energy assistance, food stamps, Title #19, rent rebate, etc. The criteria to join the program are as follows:
• Must be at least 55 years old and meet the income guidelines.
• Have a sincere desire to serve children, an ability to understand and tolerate children, and be willing to accept direction, and
• Participate in In-Service Trainings.
For more information, please call. (203) 575 – 4245
Adult Mentors Needed
Waterbury Youth Services recently received a grant through CSSD to create a mentoring program for court involved youth in Waterbury, Danbury and Torrington. This is a great opportunity to foster the developmental assets in our most vulnerable youth. If you know of any adult over 21 interested in serving as a mentor to help build self esteem and engage a middle school youth in their school and community, please contact Nicole Skonieczny at nskonieczny@waterburyyouthservices.org or 203-573-0264.
BTS Partner Social & Other Events
April 27, 2012 – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
2 nd Annual “Girls Night Out” Benefit – Girls, Inc. of SWCT
Come support our Beautiful, Creative and Bold girls of Girls, Inc. Southwestern Connecticut at this benefit featuring distinctive specialty vendors to shop for yourself or stock up on gifts! Key note speaker will be Kara Sundlun two-time Emmy award winning anchor of Channel 3 Eyewitness News at Noon. This event is $35 per person which includes dinner, dessert, coffee/tea, raffles and door prizes. Cash bar available. For more information please call 203-756-4639, fax 203-756-3638 or email info@girlsincswct.org.
Location: Courtyard Marriott, 63 Grand Street
Please visit our website to view the invitation flyer at http://waterburybridgetosuccess.org/resources.
May 11, 2012 – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Take a Seat “Char”ity Auction – Waterbury Youth Services
Please come see twenty-two artists from Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven counties offer their uniquely designed chairs to seat your whimsy in support of at-risk youth served by Waterbury Youth Services at this Spring fund raising event. Tickets are $75 and include food and entertainment. Please visit www.waterburyyouthservices.orgor call 203-573-0264 for tickets and information.
Location: The Country Club of Waterbury, One Oronoke Road
The Waterbury YMCA is competing with 18 other Y’s in 8 States to bring the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project to the Greater Waterbury YMCA. Click the VOTE NOW link to participate!