STC Newsletter

***This schedule remains flexible for specific student and family needs and is subject to change. If you'd like to meet at another time, please call the Family Advocate for an appointment, 612-202-7366.

This month let's come together as a community to support Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness! There are lots of ways that you can show your support. It begins with kindness. Show kindness to families...to that mom who is struggling to complete grocery shopping for her family while her two year is having a melt down...to a family stranded on the roadside with a flat tire...to a ball mom supporting her favorite player but her littles are easily distracted and have immediate needs...it takes a village to raise healthy families and showing kindness to stressed parents offers them the emotional support that can make a difference to them and how they might respond to their kids now or later. Kindness is FREE! Words of encouragement to kids and parents both are valuable. Be an objective, non-judgmental listener. A sounding board is often a huge difference maker!

And there's more! Wearing BLUE on Fridays in April is a way to unite with others supporting prevention and awareness of child abuse. Its a visual reminder that you believe children should not live in fear of abuse or neglect. Put a reminder on your calendar to wear blue on Fridays.

PINWHEELS for PREVENTION is a new event kicking off at Riverside Market in Blue Rapids and at the City office in Waterville! Blue pinwheels are available to purchase for $1 each. The goal is to create community awareness by "planting" PINWHEELS for PREVENTION Gardens at each location. Waterville Community Connections has planters along Commercial that will be planted in May for Nikel Days. Let's fill them up this month with Pinwheels! Pinwheels for Prevention Gardens are a reminder in our community that everyone has a a role in helping prevent child abuse. Individuals and organizations can do this through education and awareness, support and outreach to children and families in need and reporting child abuse and neglect.

This cause is only as good as those who choose to support it. The Valley Heights Afterschool program known as Colts Round Up is an excellent example; thanks to those who work in this program. You are making a difference to the students you care for and the families you are assisting with care and to our community! Together we can end child abuse.

To download instructions to build a pinwheel, click on the link provided.

Many thanks goes out to Jock's in Waterville for hosting a community 5K event on March 16, in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! With fifty-three registered participants, Jock's donated the proceeds to the Schools That Care program to give back to the community. What a beautiful gift that is truly from the community and to benefit the community! The announcement was made as a surprise gesture. Schools That Care was selected as the first to receive a donation from this annual event. Sue Carlson awarded the donation to Schools That Care's Family Advocate, Jayne Whitson, after completion of the event at Jock's. "I want to thank Sue and Kiley Carlson for organizing and running the event as well as the participants for this donation. This gift will help Schools That Care continue to provide for students and families with unexpected needs as they arise and will be a blessing."

Schools That Care hosted two special after school events and several preview events during seminars at Valley Heights. These events offered formal dresses to girls 7-12 grades for the upcoming Jr High Dance held, March 22 and Prom scheduled April 6. There were many donated dresses available to choose from. Some are brand new with tags still on them! Most have been worn likely once. Alterations were available if needed and girls also had the opportunity to choose from available shoes, accessories, make-up and nails that were donated. Punch and snacks were served at the after school events in a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights. The gals had a great time trying on and selecting dresses. Dresses remain available for girls who have any upcoming special events to attend. See the Family Advocate to make an appointment.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may want to join this FREE online meeting on April 18, at noon to learn ways that you can support them. REGISTER NOW at this link

https://familiestogetherinc.org/events/help-my-child-is-struggling-in-school-empowering-836-368-628-539/

Give on-line anytime! If you want to make a difference with a tax deductible donation or contribution, please consider giving to Schools That Care. Schools That Care uses cash donations to provide for needs when donated items run low or don't fit the size necessary.

Talk to your tax preparer for specific information. It's easy to give via PayPal or with your credit/debit card. Use this link and view other ways to give. https://www.valleyheights.org/page/donations