September is a time to honor our Kinship Caregivers, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the kinship families* who open their hearts and homes to children in need. New York State’s Kin First Initiative aims to place at least 50% of foster youth in Kinship Care, but currently, Dutchess County is at 27%. Programs like the Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) offer vital support and services to families welcoming a kinship child, helping to ease the transition and connect with other families in similar situations. Kinship caregiving is a significant responsibility, and we want to acknowledge the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment it takes to be a kinship caregiver. We are also dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community and resource base.

September also brings National Grandparents Day, and the FCE Program cherishes our grandparents. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a homemade card, a freshly baked treat, or simply spending quality time together. For grandparents, these thoughtful and creative activities mean the world. Grandparents Day is the perfect opportunity to bond with grandchildren and enjoy fun activities together.

Check out the article below for ideas on crafts and other ways to create special memories. Know a kinship family that would benefit from a supportive community? Please forward this email or share this link with them!

Thank you, Kinship Caregivers!

*Kinship Families are relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting because the parents are unable or unavailable to parent their children.

Celebrating Grandparents

31 Grandparent's Day Activities to Celebrate Your Elders

Grandparent's Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day, Sunday, September 8 this year, and there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the official grandparent holiday. Whether your grandparents are still living or have passed on, take some time out of your busy life to honor them. Celebrate all that they mean to you with these fun and meaningful Grandparent's Day activities.

Source: Celebrate your elders. (lovetoknow.com)

Family & Parenting

10 Ways to Incorporate Self Care:

Being a kinship caregiver requires a great deal of love, support, and selflessness. In all of that giving, one needs to also remember to give back to themselves. In this toolkit provided by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Support, there are tips for self-care. Try some of them when you are in need of recharging.

What are ways that you practice self-care? Which tip from the toolkit will you try this month?

Let us know on Facebook and Instagram! Follow and message us!

Additional Empire State child credit payments:

We’re putting money back in the pockets of more New Yorkers. This week, I announced we're delivering $350 million in supplemental payments to low- and moderate-income families statewide through the Empire State Child Credit program:

Click here to see if you're eligible.

Over 1 million families will receive this financial assistance without any need to apply. Each eligible family will receive up to $330 per child. That means a family of 5 could see $1,000 dollars this month for groceries, baby formula, and so much more. Take a minute to hear what this will mean for families across our state from Lisa Chin of Mount Vernon, New York:

Find out more about the Empire State Child Credit Program at this link.

Our work is far from over. I'm New York's first mom governor and from expanding tax credits to increasing access to childcare assistance, I’ll never stop fighting to address the cost of living for working parents and help them create a brighter future for their kids.

Ever Upward,

Gov. Kathy Hochul

#FarmStandFriday

These local farm stores are operational and offer local food products from the farms in Dutchess County!

Please check back here and on Facebook for frequent #FarmStandFriday updates.

Click here for your list of locations!

Getting ready for middle school

Prepare your child for the changes and challenges of middle school with these tips. Here are some tips to get you both ready for this new adventure.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/mr22pspw

Back-to-School Supplies Lists for Every Grade

For elementary school, middle school, high school and college — look to this easy shopping list.

With the first day of school rapidly approaching, you can consult these lists of the best back-to-school supplies for every grade for the 2024/2025 school year.

Please also check out the information here on how to donate to a classroom and where to get school supplies for free if you need it!

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/tips/a17427/school-shopping-lists/

RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program)

After a break for the summer, we will be back in person this month. We plan on celebrating our Kinship Caregivers for Kinship Care month with a welcome back party. Adults and Youth will celebrate their accomplishments with each other and a family meal. We will also have our annual apple picking and cider donut celebration at the end of the month as a ‘Thank You for all you do!’ respite event.

Please contact Jessica 845-677-8223 ext. 137 or Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 for more information or to make a referral.

The Relatives As Parents Program is a free community-based program that works with families throughout Dutchess County providing educational workshops, peer support groups, respite events, inter-generational activities, referrals and resources for non-parent caregivers raising children. RAPP staff works with non-parent caregivers and their children to provide a fun, safe, welcoming space for them to connect with other families in situations similar to their own.

FISH ADVISORY

New York State Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch

Looking for delicious, healthy ways to prepare your locally caught fish? Read up on the best way to prepare what you catch!

It's important to reduce exposures to mercury, avoid or eat less largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, walleye and larger yellow perch (for example, longer than 10 inches) because these fish tend to have higher mercury levels, particularly in the Adirondack and Catskill regions.

Always make sure to check the advice for your favorite waters before eating a locally caught fish meal.

Click here to read more!

Click the image to download

Please contact Maureen at 845-677-8223 ext. 122 for more information or events.

PASE (Parent And Support Education)

The Fall PASE "Intensive" has open registration for this one-day voluntary communication workshop that provides parents the five fundamentals of great communication for families.

Participants are parents who contribute to the conversation through discussion, role-play and practice. A certificate of completion is provided after successfully attending and contributing. (This does not meet any court ordered requirement and is strictly voluntary.)

Click here for complete information and to register.

Please contact Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 to schedule this program for your organization!

Click the images below for full event information!

The Family and Consumer Education (FCE) program strives to ensure that families facing challenges in parenting, family finances, and wellness and nutrition find the resources and education they need to improve their lives.

FCE creates connections for residents with the latest, evidence-based research and practical information that can be directly applied to their day-to-day lives.

We work to strengthen individual knowledge and skills while providing community level and County wide education.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. This program is partially funded by the County of Dutchess, Dutchess County office for the Aging, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office if you have any special needs.

Wishes would come true with you! FCE needs ongoing supplies for our parenting programs. Click here to see how you can enhance our programming today!

Need to reach a member of the team?

Jessica M Canale- Program Leader

Maureen Rodriguez Callama ri

Heather L. Ohlson

Click here for previous FCE Update: Newsletters!

Thanks for your support and collaboration!

Are you a collaborative program or agency that needs information shared to the FCE community? Email Heather!

**The Family & Consumer Education Program counts entirely on grants and donations to maintain and grow the services we offer throughout Dutchess County. Click the button below to see how you can contribute to maintaining the success of these initiatives!

Your direct support: donations, sponsorship and underwriting matter!

Please help! **

SUPPORT FCE!