Community Newsletter | February/March 2021
All classes are held virtually
HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Training 
March 10th from 9–11 am
Learn a new way of seeing and talking about experiences that support children’s growth and development into healthy, resilient adults. This 2-hour, free training dives into the science of HOPE and actionable ways to bring HOPE to life. Especially if you work with children, this training is a must! Click here for more info and registration.
Strengthening Families Program (SFP) for Parents & Youth 10-14 
Starting March 21st in English | a partier de marzo 15 en español.
All families have strengths, and SFP helps bring them out! Over seven weeks, families with kids age 10-14 meet for an hour at a time to connect and learn together. Two times per week, families practice communication skills, stress management techniques, and positive ways to connect. Click here for more info and registration.

New Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention courses and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses are offered throughout this winter and spring. Read about all our upcoming trainings and events by visiting our Classes webpage.
In lieu of the annual Connections Conference, we are partnering with agencies across the state to offer two virtual sessions* with Dr. Diane Craft, an expert on early childhood physical activity:

Play & Movement with Infants and Toddlers
March 20th 9:00--10:30 am
Learn numerous physical activities to play with young infants, mobile infants, and toddlers to enhance their movement skills and brain development in this free training.
Get Moving!
March 23rd from 1:00–3:00 pm
A free Train the Trainer for coaches, trainers, administrators & directors who work with children. Learn active-play best practices and enriching activities to start using right away!

For more information or to register for one or both sessions, visit the Connections Conference website.

* STARS credits are available!
 
Intérprete disponible para sesiones en abril para proveedores. Para información, contacto (360) 952-3466
Volunteering with Heart
Youth United Varsity in Volunteerism (ViV) students are bringing cheer to older adults in their communities. With a special grant from Points of Light, ViV coaches and high school students have connected with assisted and senior living communities and Meals on Wheels. Students are writing cards (pictured) and recently completed multiple sets of window decorations just in time for Valentine’s Day! Want to know more about ViV? Contact [email protected]
Gear Up for Gardens
As students return to in-person classes and gardening with Concrete Farm to School, they could use more wet weather gear! If you have new or gently used rain boots or slickers to fit anyone from age 6 to adult, your donation would be appreciated. Financial contributions are also accepted through the Foundation of District 304 here and allow us to purchase gear in bulk! Contact [email protected] to schedule a donation drop-off or learn more. Visit our Farm to School webpage to see how we bring a love for fresh produce to our schools!
Get Ready, Get Set... for Adventure!
The 2021 Trek for Treasure challenge is around the corner! Get a first look at this year’s exciting theme, The Quest, A Treasure Hunt by visiting trekfortreasure.org. Complete information on this year's summer hiking adventure will be posted March 1st. Early bird registration begins April 1st!
A New Way to Vroom
Vroom, a set of free, science-backed brain development tools, can be accessible to all families when we meet them where they are. In partnership with Family Promise of Skagit Valley, backpacks filled with printed Vroom materials, basic health and wellness items, and information about local resources like WIC and Help Me Grow Skagit are reaching families experiencing housing instability. If you are interested in partnering to bring Vroom to families or just want to know more about how Vroom works, contact [email protected] or call 360-854-7178.
We are excited to welcome Liz Wilhelm to the team as our newest Program Coordinator! Liz will be working with Burlington Healthy Community Coalition under the newly awarded Drug-Free Communities grant. She brings a wealth of substance use prevention knowledge and experience to this new role, our Engaged Youth & Communities pillar, and to the Skagit community!
Have you visited our new website yet? Whether you are looking to get cooking with kids, try out Yoga for Every Body, or become involved in local prevention efforts you’ll find information and resources to connect and inspire at www.UnitedGeneral.org/