Hello Cornell Cooperative Extension!

Spring is here and April is a month filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and renewal! As we observe Stress Awareness Month, it's a great time to focus on self-care and stress management. Whether through mindfulness, outdoor activities, or spending quality time with loved ones, it's important to prioritize our mental well-being and connect with others. And with spring in full bloom, there's no better time to enjoy outdoor activities with the whole family.

From nature walks to picnics in the park, spring offers a perfect setting for reconnecting with nature and each other. Earth Day on April 22nd reminds us to take care of our planet by participating in local clean-up events, planting trees, or simply reducing waste. We can make April a great time to relax, recharge, and make a positive impact on our environment together! Please check out this list of parks and trails in Dutchess County by clicking here!

The staff of the Family and Consumer Education program will be at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Community Earth Day event on April 6th at the Wallace Center on the FDR grounds in Hyde Park from 10:00-2:00. Stop by and see all the exciting things CCEDC has to offer!

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Henry A. Wallace Visitor And Education Center

4079 Albany Post Rd.

Hyde Park, NY 12538

Click here for complete info!

Family & Parenting

Francheska Kuilan, Community Educator

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! It’s the perfect time to step outside, embrace the warmer weather and make lasting memories with your family. The best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to have fun! Here are some delightful and budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your loved ones this season.

Explore Nature with a Family Hike
Have a Picnic in the Park
Go on a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Host an Outdoor Storytime
Create Sidewalk Chalk Art
Try Birdwatching

Here are some affordable camps for kiddos during Spring Break:

Kids Out and About (costs may be associated with some of these resources.)

Kid Activities

Meals & Recipes 1

Meals and Recipes 2

Make the most of spring! With longer days and warmer temperatures, spring is the ideal season to spend quality time outdoors with your family. These free activities will not only create wonderful memories but also help you reconnect with nature and each other. So, grab your loved ones, step outside, and make this spring one to remember!

April Is Stress Awareness Month: What To Know About Stress

Since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been observed with the intention of increasing knowledge about the impact of chronic and acute stress. During April, Stress Awareness Month offers a chance to spread awareness and increase your knowledge on managing or preventing stress. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, looking at facts about stress, including common causes, signs of stress, and how to cope with challenging moments, may be beneficial.

Source: www.betterhelp.com

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

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.

PASE (Parent And Support Education)

Partner with Us: PASE Spring Sessions Now Booking!

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.

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.

Click images for access:

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center/Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Understanding Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Harassment

Sexual violence impacts everyone. Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, and people who commit sexual abuse, assault, and harassment exist in all of our communities. This underscores why it's important for all of us to care about sexual violence and take steps to promote the safety and well-being of others.

Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any type of unwanted sexual contact — including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

2025 Referral Form for the Strengthening Families Program

For Parents and Youth ages 10-14 years old

Tools, skills and strategies to build stronger families in seven weeks.

We are currently recruiting youth (ages 10-14) and their families to participate in a seven-week program to help them develop their skills and strategies to build a stronger family. The Strengthening Families Training will be on Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at DCFS, 60 Market Street, Poughkeepsie NY on the following evenings April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21. Click here to download the application.

Have an event or update for the Family & Consumer Education audience you want to share? Send a response email!

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 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!

**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!