The Food Bank of Delaware distributes food statewide through a network of partners. You can find a list of sites on the Food Bank of Delaware website or by contacting 211. Food is also easily accessible through mobile pantries, home deliveries, and schools. They can also help individuals and families gain long-term financial stability by providing job training, nutrition education, financial coaching, SNAP outreach, and legislative advocacy. They aim to do this with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Main Office: (302) 292-1305

Email: foodbank@fbd.org

Address: 222 Lake Drive Newark, DE

Website: fbd.org

Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund

Delmarva Power electric/gas customers only

Fund Allocation Details

• One-time per household; up to $300 in utility bill assistance
• Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
• Approved grants will be credited to customers’ Delmarva Power account
• Customers with disconnected service: If a customer’s past-due balance exceeds the eligible credit amount and their service has been disconnected and finalized, they are not eligible for the Customer Relief Fund. If the eligible credit covers at least 75% of the balance due, and the customer can make payment on the previous account to reconnect service, they will be considered eligible for the Customer Relief Fund.

How to Qualify (Have questions about the program? Call 888-735-1510)

• Active limited or moderate-income residential electric and/or gas customer
• Limited income households
• Household income that currently qualifies for LIHEAP
• Moderate income households
• Household income above LIHEAP qualification up to 350 percent of federal poverty level and
• Carry a balance of at least $250
• All customers must complete their Energize Delaware Home Energy Checkup and Counseling (HEC2)  

Visit Debra Fletcher, Family Support Specialist, here at the ELC for more information about this resource and other programs and services.

The state of Delaware is seeking community input to improve behavioral health crisis services. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health invites individuals, families, providers, and community partners to share their experiences and feedback through a brief survey. Your feedback helps identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. The desire is to ensure services are timely, effective, and accessible for all Delawareans.

The survey takes about 10–15 minutes, is confidential, and will help guide future planning, funding, and improvements to crisis supports like 988, mobile response teams, and crisis care services.

The survey is open through August 5, 2026. We encourage you to participate and share with others to help strengthen services for our community.

Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGDMRSH

Visit Debra Fletcher, Family Support Specialist, here at the ELC for more information about these resources and other programs and services!

Or reach out via email to debraf@udel.edu

Wishing Well

Please join us in wishing the following ELC team members well on their next journey and in thanking them for a job well done!

Kylie Smith, Preschool 2

Kylie Smith has resigned her position as teacher to pursue a passion in special education. Her last day will be August 4^th. When Kylie joined our team in 2021, she was a student at UD in Public Policy and Criminal Justice. She loved kids and wanted to explore teaching. The ELC is a great place to do that…through her work with us, Kylie solidified her plan for wanting to work with children forever. She went on to earn her Master of Education in Exceptional Children with a concentration in autism and severe disabilities.

Kylie reflects on “how we all (at the ELC) celebrate the successes of all our students, especially those who benefited from our support”.

She shared, "I would like to thank everyone who I have worked with over the years. specifically all of my partners: Trisha Dean, Max Miller, Anitha Henry, Linda Powell, and Cheyenne Rogers. Also to my classroom neighbors Susan Yetman and Janet Olinchak for supporting me and my class. To Kelly Freel who helped me navigate toddler-preschool transitions during my first year teaching. To the ELC and everyone in it. And to you for taking a chance on someone, who on paper, had no business applying for a job at the ELC. I will be forever grateful that I found the “We’re hiring” flyer in the lobby of Willard Hall.

Carly Gaenzle, Preschool 4

Carly Gaenzle has resigned her position as classroom assistant, in order to pursue her love of Fashion. Some may not realize that her degree is not in a related field, as Carly is such a natural with children. Her love, dedication and supports have been steadfast since she began three years ago. We have loved watching Carly grow, develop and share her laughter with others. She has made many connections here that will follow her in her adventures. Carly’s last day will be August 25^th.

Carly shared, “ Through these experiences, I have grown not only as an educator but also as a person. The skills, knowledge, and confidence I have gained here will continue to guide me in my future endeavors. As I prepare for this next step in my life, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the ELC. The experiences and opportunities I have been given here have played a significant role in preparing me for what comes next…..The relationships I have built and the lessons I have learned during my time here are things I will always value and carry with me. This chapter of my life is one that I will cherish deeply, and I am grateful for all that I have learned and experienced alongside such a supportive team.”

Retirement News

As previously shared, it is with great love that we share that Ruthann Parsons, Infant 5, will be retiring this summer on July 31st after 19 amazing years at the ELC. Ruthann has been a tireless champion for infants, toddlers and their families and a dear friend to all of us.

We look forward to introducing new ELC team members to our our school community in the coming weeks!

Please click the button below to access the US Consumer Product Safety Commissions Site with up to date information about recalled items.

New Additions:

• Vevor Recalls Baby Loungers Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Fall Hazards
• Target Recalls Gigglescape™ Under the Sea Popping Toy Due to Choking Hazard
• Shield Line Recalls MedPride Baby Oil Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violate Mandatory Standard for Child-Resistant Packaging



More products and information at link below-

• August 25th Last Day for Kinder-bound children!
• August 26th-28th - ELC Closed - Professional Development Days
• August 31st 2026-2027 School Year Starts!
• September 4th - ELC Closes at 12pm - Labor day
• September 7th - ELC Closed - Labor day

Kelly Freel kfreel@udel.edu • Jessica Peace jpeace@udel.edu

University of Delaware Early Learning Center

 www.elc.udel.edu