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Hello Cornell Cooperative Extension!
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the incredible achievements of women throughout history and the challenges they have overcome. Despite facing barriers across ethnicities, cultures, races, and ages, women continue to persevere and inspire change in workplaces, schools, and communities worldwide. Their resilience and bravery have paved the way for progress, proving that their accomplishments will always shine brighter than their struggles.
In this issue, we also highlight valuable Hudson Valley Fish Advisory resources, Parenting and Family support, an update on our Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP), nutritional resources, and insights for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW).
Additionally, we invite community groups and civic organizations to take advantage of our free Parent Education and Support (PASE) workshops.
Thank you for supporting the Family & Consumer Education Program of CCEDC as we continue to provide essential resources to families and individuals in our community!
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You can save money and eat healthy with these tips!
Don’t sacrifice your health when money’s tight! With SNAP-Ed New York’s helpful tips and tricks, you’ll know how to prepare nourishing meals that won’t cost you the bank… or your time. Click here to save $!
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75+ March Crafts For Kids
Looking for easy crafts for Spring and St. Patrick's Day. We have lots of Spring Crafts and Rainbow Crafts in our March Crafts for Kids that take under 30 minutes.
There are free downloads and activity sheets too for children of all ages and stages!
Source: madewithhappy.com/march-crafts-for-kids
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25 Simple Recipes Teens Can Cook Themselves
We’ve been the primary chef in the family for years… maybe it’s time we pass the spatula over to our teens!
Check out some breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, desserts, and crowd-pleasing (budget-friendly) snacks so kids can learn their way around the kitchen and learn life skill everyone should have.
Do you have any recommendations and shared recipes your teens love?
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RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program) | |
Do YOU provide services or support to Dutchess Families?
We are scheduling demonstrations and information sharing for our monthly RAPP support group!
Please contact Jessica 845-677-8223 ext. 137 for more information
We also have sponsorship opportunities that enhances the opportunities for the families we work with. Please email donateccedc@cornell.edu
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What IS RAPP?
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.
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So Where Can I Eat the Fish?
The Hudson Valley has many great lakes, ponds, and river to fish from where it's safe for the whole family to eat the fish. Visit the detailed county maps page to find public access fishing spots where everyone in the family can eat the fish they catch. Choose to eat fish from waters outlined in blue or purple and make sure to follow the recommended advisories.
The Sensitive Population (people who may become pregnant (under 50 years old) and children under 15) should not eat any fish or crabs from the Hudson River between the South Glens Falls Dam in Warren County to The Battery in New York City because PCBs may be more harmful to young children and unborn babies.
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PASE (Parent And Support Education) | |
Spotlight: National Consumer Protection Week
Heather Ohlson, Community Educator
National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2025) is here! Explore free resources and expert advice on avoiding scams, protecting your finances, and staying informed. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw for tips. Special resources are also available for the military community at militaryconsumer.gov. Stay protected! #ConsumerProtection #NCPW2025
Financial literacy is a critical skill that empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about their money, leading to greater financial stability and long-term success. The Family & Consumer Education program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Financial Literacy services are committed to providing ongoing financial literacy and economic resources to residents because financial challenges affect people of all ages and backgrounds. By offering accessible workshops, tools, and guidance, we help families budget effectively, avoid debt, plan for the future, and navigate financial hardships. These resources are essential for building stronger, more resilient communities, ensuring that individuals can achieve financial independence and security. By investing in financial education through fee-for-service resources, we support the economic well-being of Dutchess County, empowering residents to thrive in today’s ever-changing financial landscape.
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Looking for a valuable, free resource to support parents and caregivers in your community?
The Parent and Support Education (PASE) program offers engaging workshops designed to strengthen family communication and parenting skills.
Available as a five-week series (1-hour sessions) or a single 4-hour intensive, this program can be hosted in-person or virtually—perfect for PTAs, libraries, civic organizations, faith-based groups, and community programs. Participants will learn five essential skills for creating a positive home environment, including: Encouragement, Decision-Making, Self-Control, and Positive Discipline.
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Empower the families you serve with practical tools they can use immediately—contact us today to schedule a session!
Please contact Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 to schedule this program for your organization.
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We are headed toward raising $5,000 to design and install a vehicle wrap for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s 4-H Youth Leadership and Workforce Development programs.
This wrap will increase visibility, reflect program values, and support community engagement and professional development opportunities for participating youth.
Help us drive our youth programming forward! Your support empowers youth in Dutchess County to grow as leaders, stewards, and changemakers. With your help, we can design a vibrant vehicle wrap that tells their story and helps them reach even more communities. Every dollar gets us closer—join us in growing forward today!
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Slots still available - March Training in Restorative Philosophy and Practice
Click here to register for these upcoming training sessions!
Any member of our county-funded partner schools are free to train at no cost. If you are unsure if this includes you, please reach out to claudia@dutchessmediation.org before registering.
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County is a small non-profit and your contribution enables us to continue prioritizing access to this work within our broad communities. We trust that participants will give generously within their means. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!
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Have an event or update for the Family & Consumer Education audience you want to share? Send a response email! | |
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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.
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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 with a DONATION or sponsorship opportunity!
Need to reach a member of the team?
Jessica M Canale- Program Leader
Heather L. Ohlson
Francheska Kuilan
LaQuan Rosario
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!
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**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! **
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