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Fall Newsletter
September-December 2023
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Free Fall Live Parent Webinars
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Three Must-Have Skills to Respond, instead of React, When Kids Won’t Listen!
presented by Kathy Whitham, R.N.
Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 p.m.
There are three parenting skills you can’t do without (and probably didn’t learn from your parents) when it comes to responding vs. reacting to get through to your child when they won’t listen. In this 1 hour webinar, you’ll learn the importance of the following for less frustration and more ease and confidence:
1) Getting their attention, 2) Recognizing transitions, and 3) Connecting with their emotional age
In this live webinar, you will learn practical strategies and quick tips for quick wins to help you:
1) Avoid yelling to be heard, 2) Increase cooperation and connection, 3) Be the parent your child talks to
Little differences in how you respond to things can lead to very different results and much more positive interactions. (Direct quote from a recent client). This webinar will include 15 minutes for questions.
Kathy Whitham is a nurse turned trauma-informed Parenting Coach, child behavior specialist, mom and poet. She helps parents and caregivers at their wit’s end, understand what’s happening with their child and learn to respond rather than react to button-pushing behaviors. Her No-Yell™ system promotes connection and communication and lies at the intersection of brain science, attachment theory, inter-generational family dynamics and parents’ inner wisdom. Find out more about Kathy at https://www.parentingbeyondwords.com/
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Picky Eating in Toddlers
presented by Pediatric Occupational Therapist Anna Knox
"Picky" eating phases or patterns typically begin between ages 1 and 3, and can feel tricky to manage alone. Picky eating doesn't usually go away on its own, and may require parents to really work at it through changes to routines, food presentation or expectations. With the priority of safe and joyful mealtime experiences, there are many supports that can help prevent the dinner table from turning into a battleground. The role of the parent, child and environment in feeding will be defined. Anna will give an overview of the spectrum of picky eating behaviors, strategies to prevent and respond to picky eating, and let us know when a more formal evaluation might be called for.
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Wednesday, October 25th (new date)
1:00-2:00 p.m.
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Pelvic Health Presentation
presented by Emerson Health Pelvic Health Specialists
Wednesday, November 15, 1-2:00 p.m.
There are many changes that a pregnant person's body undergoes. After delivery it generally takes 9-12 months to recover from these changes, regardless of how your baby was delivered. The Pelvic Team will discus these changes, and symptoms that indicate exercises may be needed to re-establish your core strength, allow the body to restore efficient muscle control, and minimize risk of chronic conditions.
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Choosing a Child Care or Preschool
presented by Ellie Springer, M.Ed.EC
Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 p.m.
If you are planning to enroll your child in preschool in 2024, or are looking for child care, you may have questions about how to find a program that will be a good fit for you and for your child. In this virtual meeting, we will discuss what options are available in the area, and what questions to ask schools when visiting. Handouts and an up-to-date listing of local schools and child care providers will be provided. Ellie's teaching degree is in Early Childhood Education and she has worked in numerous types of preschools.
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Gleason Library - Sept. 30-Oct. 15
pathway behind 22 Bedford Road, Carlisle
This is a lovely story about a mom and daughter who look forward to their Satudays off from work and school. Unfortunately so many things go wrong with their plans, but they end up realizing what's really important about their days together!
Be sure to visit the NEW Castle Playground (open during non-school hours) at the end of the pathway on Carlisle Schools Campus.
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Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, October 21-29
680 Hudson Road, Sudbury
Harry's Way Trail, left of the Visitor's Center. This is a beautifully-illustrated book telling the story of how groundhog grew his garden and ending with his sharing a feast with his friends & neighbors.
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Quality playgroups create social connections for both the child and their parent/caregiver and provide opportunities for learning and fun. Through a quality playgroup experience, children begin to learn social cues and how to participate in group activities such as circle time.
To register for any playgroup listed below, please email [email protected]. If this is the first time you are registering, please let us know what town you live in. We appreciate your respecting the minimum and maximum ages for groups on the date they begin.
Ages and Stages Playgroup for 12-23 Months
Mondays 10:00-11:00 at Bedford Public Library
Sept. 11, 18, 25*,Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11
This group will meet in the library's large meeting room, and children will have the opportunity to engage with toys and activities to support different areas of their development, based on the Ages & Stages Developmental Milestones. Each meeting will end with a circle time with songs and a story. Infant siblings in a carrier are welcome.
*Due to library scheduling, Sept. 25. will be held at First Connections in Acton.
Gross Motor Playgroup for 24-35 Months
Fridays 10:00-11:00 at Village Nursery School in Harvard
Sept. 15, 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10*, 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15
This group will meet on a fenced-in playground while the weather is nice, and inside a classroom when it is raining and/or cold. Children will have a chance to play with balls, dig in the sand, and "cook" in the mud kitchen. Each week we will also have other activities designed to foster gross motor development, as well as their social skills, confidence in taking appropriate risks, fine motor and language development. We will end each group with a circle time with songs and a book. Infant siblings in carriers welcome.
*VNS is closed on Veteran's Day, Nov. 10, when we will meet at First Connections in Acton.
Me, You, We, Playgroup for Ages 3-5 Years
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 at Sargent Memorial Library, Boxborough
Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, 14*
In this playgroup, children will have the chance to see old friends, meet new ones, and practice important social-emotional skills such as taking turns, using words to negotiate conflict, and labeling feelings. The curriculum of this group is based on one developed by the Boston Children's Museum. Each family will receive a set of activity sheets for at-home learning with materials needed for those activities. This group will meet outdoors on the library's patio as long as the weather permits. Younger siblings welcome.
*Due to library scheduling, December 14 will be held at First Connections in Acton.
Language and Literacy Playgroup for Multilingual Families Ages 1 1/2-5 Years
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 at First Connections, Acton
Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13
This group is for families who speak a language other than or in addition to English as part of their daily life. One of the most important things you can do to set your child up for success in school is to read with them. In this group we will help foster a love of books in your child and share tips for how to make the most out of your shared reading at home. Group includes a circle time with songs and a book, and activities related to the week's story. Infant siblings in carriers welcome.
Hanscom Little Learners Playgroup for Ages 6 months through 5 years
Tuesdays 10:00-11:00, at Youth Center Gym for those with access to Hanscom AFB
Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24, Nov. 7 & 21, Dec. 5
This group will provide opportunities for children to play with peers, learn or practice new skills, and explore different toys. Caregivers will have the chance to play with their children and to connect with other families on the base. Each group will include a circle time with songs and a book. Come see old friends and meet new ones! Infant siblings in carriers welcome.
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Mandarin Story Time with Jasmine
Saturday Morning Mandarin Story Times for Ages 2 thru 5
Virtual Groups meet 9:00-9:30 via Zoom
Occasional In-Person Meet-ups: 10:30-11:30
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Ms. Jasmine's popular program includes read aloud stories, language facial exercises, introduction to Chinese characters and pronunciations, and virtual activities. Jasmine Wang graduated from Communication University of China with a Master's Degree in Language Arts and a Certification of Mandarin Grade A. She has 5 years of experience teaching Mandarin, specializing in teaching vocalization, speech, recitation, and debate. This is a Mandarin immersion experience. One-time registration and weekly zoom sign-ins will be used to track attendance.
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New Parent Programs - Newborn to 12 Months | |
New Mothers Group - Every Wednesday, 1:00-2:30
Anyone who identifies as a mother with a pre-walking baby is welcome to attend this ongoing weekly virtual group facilitated by Early Childhood Educator, Lactation Counselor, Infant Massage Teacher and Pediatric Sleep Consultant Mary Beilman. This open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, learn about your baby's development, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. Currently held virtually, with an in-person meeting one Wednesday of each month thru RSVP. Email [email protected] for the zoom link. Email [email protected] to attend the in-person group.
Meets in person on September 6, October 4, November 8 & December 6 at Littleton Library
Meets via Zoom on other Wednesdays. NO GROUP on November 22.
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Emotional Wellbeing After Baby
Every Thursday, 9:30-11
Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet parents often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Parents experiencing anxiety or depression in the postpartum year can come together in this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories and learn from each other while receiving coping strategies and skills. Before participating for the first time, please contact the facilitator, Heather O'Brien, LICSW, so she can send you the connecting zoom link. Our office maintains an extensive list of mental health providers and support groups for postpartum depression and anxiety. For assistance in finding a counselor or a support group that fits your schedule, or to speak with Heather about specific concerns related to postpartum depression or anxiety, email Heather O'Brien.
This group meets in person on the 3rd Thursday, and via Zoom on other weeks.
Funding for this group provided by Emerson Health and The Nordblum Family Foundation
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Resources for Locating a Mental Health Provider & Support
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Fall Community Parent Support & Education | |
FOCUS ON FREE AUTISM SUPPORT | |
Autism now occurs in 1 in 36 children. Families who have a child with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum can benefit from ongoing support groups where they will gain knowledge of financial, treatment and other resources, coping strategies, and connection with other parents who are traveling the same path and experiencing the same challenges. Fall is an excellent time to reach out, sign up for a newsletter, attend a family activity or try a group. Here's what's available for families in our area:
Northeast ARC's Autism Support Center
Serves families in Acton, Bedford, Boxboro, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard and Westford.
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In-Person Support Group for Parents of Children up to Age 10
6:30 p.m. on the 2nd Mondays of each month at Northeast ARC, 1 Southside Rd., Danvers
Facebook Group for Parents of Children with ASD:
Arabic-Speaking Parent Support Group via Zoom.
Khmer-Speaking Parent Support Group via Zoom
Parents of School-Age Children Support Group via Zoom
6:30 on the 3rd Tuesday during the school year. Contact [email protected] or 978-924-5732
Autism Alliance, Framingham, serves families living in Sudbury
Lunch Time Drop-in Virtual Support for Parents of Kids Age 10 and Under
12-1:00 on the 2nd Wednesdays of each month thru May 8, 2024. Zoom link will be posted here.
In-Person Just for Dads Support Group
7-8:30 p.m. on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Morse Institute Library, E. Central Street, Natick. Drop-ins welcome. For information: Website Information
Portuguese-Speaking Parent Support Group via Zoom
6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 27 and Dec. 18. Contact for info: [email protected]
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at U. Mass. Medical Center
Support for Siblings of Youth with Autism, Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs is a virtual program for children age 6-18 that allows them to meet other children who know what it's like to have a brother or sister with behavior challenges, led by a social worker. Parents can attend a separate support group at the same time addressing ongoing family challenges that impact the siblings, but parent attendance is not mandatory. Register for these programs at 857-523-1145 or email Emily Rubin. This fall the group will be held on September 7, October 5 and November 2.
Lurie Center for Autism Fall Webinar Parent Education Programs
Understanding Your Child's New Autism Diagnosis and Next Steps
Free, 12-1:00, held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Interactive workshop geared toward parents of young children coping with this life-changing diagnosis. Includes support and general education about ASD, treatments and community services that are available.
Autism 101 6-Session Workshop Series for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children
Interactive lessons, Q & A with Lurie Center staff, and connection with other families. Free, 12-1:30, begins on the first Friday in November.
Educational Options for Your Preschool-Age Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
$35, 7-8:00 p.m., held on the 2nd Thursday in September. Discussion focuses on the implications of the ASD diagnosis as it relates to school, specifically addressing an early-childhood diagnosis, options for intervention, approaching the public school, and how to consider education options for your child.
Safety at Home and in the Community
$35, 12-1:00, held on a Tuesday in September. This presentation covers strategies for coping with challenging behaviors at home, in the car, and in the community, including making a safety plan for a crisis situation.
Behavior Basics - 3-Part Series, $35/session, held on Tuesdays in November
Interactive workshops for parents of children of all ages will help you understand the basic principles of behavior to better manage challenging behaviors at home. Discussion focuses on applying evidence-based ABA methodology in your daily life. 1) Intro to ABA, 2) Reinforcement and Limit Setting, 3) Problem Solving with ABA
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Other Community Support and Education for All Parents
McLean Hospital Webinars for Families this Fall (FREE)
Sign up for the connecting link here
Understanding ADHD in Kids and Teens, September 13, 12:00
Pomoting Positive Mental Health in K-12 Students, October 5, 11:00
Fear, Anxiety or Panic? October 11, 12:00
Redefining Self-Care in Kids and Teens, November 8, 12:00
Recognizing & Treating Bipolar Disorder & Schizophrenia, November 14, 11:00
Effectively Diagnosing & Treating Eating Disorders, November 30, 11:00
How to Support Someone with Depression, December 6, 12:00
Managing Grief & Loss, December 14, 11:00
Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addition, December 19, 12:00
Virtual Parent Groups Held by the Center for Early Relationship Support (FREE)
Fragile Beginnings for parents of babies who've spent time in the NICU, Thurs, 10:30-11:30, Register Here
Facilitated virtual groups allow parents to get advice, give feedback, and find resources to help you manage day-to-day parenting challenges. Specialty groups include:
Single Parents Group on Wednesdays, 7-8:00 pm
Parent Connection Group on Mondays, 6-7:00
Men's Group on Mondays at 12:00 (wait list open)
Parents in Recovery on Tuesdays, 4:00
8-Week Parenting as a Person of Color on Tuesdays, 7:00 pm (wait list open)
Families working with the Department of Children & Families, 3 group times
Virtual Weekly Parent Support Group through Wayside Youth & Family Services (FREE)
Join a confidential weekly virtual meeting for an open discussion about raising children and the struggles you may be feeling. You will get help and support from other parents who are experiencing similar difficulties. Held on Wednesdays, 6-8:00 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
In-person Westford Parent Support Group open to All (FREE)
A family support group for parents from any town who are parenting children with behavioral health challenges takes place monthly, co-sponsored by the Community Wellness and Health Departments of Westford. No registration is necessary. Held at the Library, 50 Main St., Westford, on the 2nd Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm. A safe space to receive caring support, learn coping skills, and find supportive resources. Contact is: Susan Hanly
Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support Group (FREE)
This ongoing monthly group is for those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy at any stage or infant loss shortly after birth and are looking for support from others with shared experiences. The group is facilitated by an advanced practice nurse with experience supporting families whose pregnancies have ended unexpectedly or whose infants have died. Individuals are encouraged to contact the facilitator, Katie Stockman, NP, at [email protected] or 617-299-1533 for the connecting zoom link.
September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Information
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support (FREE)
Come share the rewards and challenges of raising your grandchildren. Learn from and support others in similar circumstances. Discover ways to relieve stress. Benefit from the resources available from the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and hear about State agencies that can provide assistance. If you are interested in joining this group, which meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 11-12:00, at 30 Sudbury Road (Acton Senior Center), contact Joe O'Leary at 978-760-0360 or [email protected]. For additional statewide resources, workshops, & evening groups, contact [email protected], 617-748-2454.or visit GRG Website for dates of these Fall webinars:
Understanding the Impact of Trauma in Children 0-12 and their Caregivers
Talking to Children About Parental Substance Abuse
Changing Family Dynamics
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Free & Low-Cost Community Parent & Child Programs | |
September 9: Concord Ag Day, 10-2:00, Main Street, Downtown Concord
Meet local farmers, purchase local produce, and see the veggie race track!
September 14 & 28: Family Hindi Storytime for ages 12 & under, 4:30-5:15
Drop in to Fowler Library, 1322 Main St., West Concord, for stories, songs and hands-on activities.
September 16: Curious Carrots Storytime at Clark Farm for Ages 3-6, 10-11:15
Harvest-themed storytime, then search the fields for carrots! Dress for the weather. Register on the Carlisle Library calendar, limited to 12.
September 16: Family Farm Day at Verrill Farm in Concord, 10-2:00
Farm animals, live music, hayrides, pick-your-own veggies, corn-husking contest, farm equipment display.
September 20: Circle of Songs with Hugh Hanley at Harvard Library, 10:30
A special program for ages 0-6. Registration required on calendar.
Sept. 21: Drop-in Preschool Concert with Steve Blunt at Westford Library, 10:30-11:15
September 23: Family Nature Walk with Guided Observation at Nashawtuc Hill, 2-4:00
Find birds that live in different habitats along your way. Register on Concord Library calendar.
Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16: Saturday Toddler Storytime at Littleton Library
Join other parents and children 18-36 months and Miss Jenn from 10:30-11. Register on library calendar.
September 24: WestFest Family Fun Food Truck Festival and Activities, 12-4:00
Touch a truck, trackless train, petting zoo, DJ music, and games for ages 5+ for $1/ticket. Held at Stony Brook Middle School, 9 Farmer Way.
Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 4, Dec. 2: Busy Bees Preschool-age Playtime at Littleton Library
Join and get to know other families and play with a great supply of toys! Register on the library calendar.
Sept. 28 to Nov. 9: Babygarten for Parents & 0-18 Month Babies at Littleton Library
Register for the dates you can attend on the library calendar, 10:30-11:30. Includes stimulating child development experiences, language enrichment and pre-literacy parent information, crafts and free play.
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Family Fun Days at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard,10:30-12:30
Arts & crafts, historic lawn games, storytimes at 10:30 and 11:30, farm tractor. Trustees members free. Adults $12, kids $6. Includes museum and hiking trail admissions (Discount passes available at area libraries).
October 5/6: Korean Artist and Dance Performance with Children's Activities
Check Concord Library calendar for details of this drop-in program held at 129 Main Street.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7: Stay & Play Story/Play Time at Westford Library
Held from 10:30-11:30, drop in to the meeting room to meet others, make friends, play with library toys.
October 7: Goat Hike at Good Pickin' Farm at Meadowbrook (Westford), 10-11:00
Join farmer Jen, an ecologist, for a 1-mile walk w/the goats. Register beginning 9/9 on Carlisle library calendar.
October 25: Tricks & Treats with Comic/Mime Robert Rivest at Westford Library
Register on the library calendar beginning Oct. 9 for this kindergarten & older propgram. A fun, interactive program where you'll learn how to do mime tricks and hear spooky-yet-silly Halloween stories. Afterward, parade around the library in your costume! 6-6:45 pm.
October 26: Downtown Maynard Trick or Treat, 4-6:00 pm
Children can trick or treat in downtown Maynard at all participating businesses and organizations.
December 14: Gingerbread House Workshop at Carlisle Library at 4:00 or 5:30
Registration begins on November 9 - all supplies provided - bring a box to carry your project home.
All-Access Discovery Museum Free Visits for Families with a child with special needs.
Registration Required for All-Access visits as space is limited. Dinner is provided at evening programs with a gluten-free option. Fall schedule:
Autism-Friendly Evenings - September 16, October 21 & December 16, 5-8:00 p.m.
Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Infants & Toddlers, and Infants & Toddlers of Deaf Adults will meet September 11, 9:30-12:30.
Families with a Child with a Disability is for any family who can benefit from a limited capacity visit - November 18, 5-8:00 p.m.
Visually Impaired Family Evenings will meet on October 7, 5-8:00 p.m.
Sensory-Friendly Afternoons will be held on October 3, November 7 and December 5, 1:30-4:30.
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Resources in the Community | |
Visit Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Mass. Ave., Boxboro, for a day filled with Indian food, music & dance, author Rajani LaRocca, and vendors celebrating Diwali, the Hindi Festival of Lights. Admission is free, funds raised support student activities in Acton, Boxboro and Littleton, and the Asha Foundation for Education, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality education in India.
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October 8, 12-4:30 (rain date October 15) | | |
Meeting a children's book author lets your kids believe, "I could do that too!" It gives them a more personal connection to their favorite books that they now have a history with, and introduces them to new stories and ideas. A great post- author visit activity is to help your child make their own book! | |
Silver Unicorn Book Store
12 Spruce Street, Acton
Sept. 9, 11-12:00: Night Owl Night storytime with Susan Edwards (author of Bird Count, Bioblitz). A mother-daugther story about owl conservation.
Sept. 16, 11-12:00: Smarty Ants with Kirsti Call (author of Mootilda's Bad Mood, Cold Turkey). A fun math story.
Sept. 23, 3-4:00: Dear Unicorn with Josh Funk, and My Cousin's Mermaid with Anna Staniszewski
Sept. 24, 3-4:00: The Skull with Jon Klassen
Sept. 30, 11-12:00: Bridget Finds a Home with Bridget Chamberas, about her childhood years living in a hotel.
Oct. 7, 11-12:00, Jamie Michalak reads new books from her Frank & Bean, and Dakota Crumb, series
Oct. 14, 11-12:00: Tell Me About Space with Lisa Varchol Perron, and Animals in Pants with Suzy Levinson
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Oct. 21, 11-12:00: It's Fall, and also One Upside-Down Day by Renee Kurilla
Oct. 28, 11-12: Thank You, Moon with Maria Gianferrani and Fungi Grow with Melissa Stewart
Acton Library, 486 Main Street
Sept. 27, 2-3:30: Meet Jarrett Lerner, author and illustrator of Nat the Cat, The Hunger Heroes, Geeger the Robot and other series. Registration required beginning September 6 at this link
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Museum visits provide children with memorable family experiences, provoke their imaginations, encourage exploration and creativity and allow them to learn about unknown words, cultures and subjects. | |
BRING YOUR CHILD TO A MUSEUM THIS FALL! | |
Most museums have low-cost ways to visit including by using a library pass, WIC/EBT card, military discounts, teacher discounts, reciprocal membership deals, etc. Here are some Fall Specials
*Museum of Fine Arts - Free to Mass. residents Oct. 9
*Worcester Art Museum - Free on 1st Sundays
*Harvard Art Museums - Free
*Harvard Science & Culture Museums - Free on Sundays 9-12:00 for Mass. residents
*Discovery Museum - Free 1st Fridays 4:30-8:00
*Boston Children's Museum - $1 on Sundays 1:30-4:30
*Museum of Russian Icons - Free 1st Sundays
*Fitchburg Art Museum - Free 1st Thursdays, 12-7:00
*Institute of Contemporary Art - Free for families with children 12 & under with up to 2 parents: 9/30 & 10/28
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Free Family Days at The Umbrella
40 Stow Street, Concord
The Umbrella is offering a free monthly seasonal creative craft led by art teacher and graphic designer Alison Tsoi for all ages and abilities. Registration is appreciated and opens at the beginning of each month. Held in Room 222.
Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 4 & Dec. 2
Held from 2:00-4:00
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Alison Tsoi, BFA, is the instructor for this program. She believes in nourishing children's creativity with encouragement and kindness. | | |
Adoption is a lifelong process. As your child grows, adoption-related issues should be expected at various developmental stages. Learning how to talk about adoption, address adoption issues in school, help children with grief and loss, and find additional services if needed are things a support group can help with. | | |
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Local Support for Adoptive Families
Adoption Journeys has a free monthly support group for parents of adopted children that meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 virtually. They also provide parent-and-child activities, and home-based family sessions. To register for their newsletter or get more information about these programs, contact Kimberly Calvin, [email protected].
The Center for Early Relationship Support provides a weekly support group for parents of adopted babies under one year. You can register Here. 1st Fridays meet in person, other weeks zoom
Boston Post Adoption Resources is currently providing virtual support groups for children aged 8+, adoptive parents, and adult adoptees. Groups are $30-35/session. More Info Here
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Free Fall Virtual Support Groups thru Brazelton Touchpoints Center (BTC)
BTC is based in the Division of Developmental Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital.
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Connect with other parents of children with differences through your unique and common experiences of loving and raising a child whose developmental process and journey is delayed or atypical. Through 5 guided conversations learn how to best support and advocate for your child, your family and community. Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 & 18, 3-4:00 p.m. Live spanish translation and close captioning available.
Moderated by Jayne Singer, Ph.D.
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Esta serie de conversaciones virtuales gratuitas de 5 episodios ofrece un espacio seguro y acogedor para mantener conversaciones por, para y con las familias latinas. Explore lo que significa ser padre o madre como parte de la comunidad Latinx, criar hijos Latinx mientras navega por las culturas dominantes de EE.UU. y conectar las identidades culturales Latinx con el bienestar físico y mental. Únase a nosotros para crear una comunidad de padres latinos de aprendizaje y apoyo mutuo. Oct. 2, 16, 30, Nov. 13, 27, 30, 3-4:30 p.m.
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Free Parenting Journey 12-Wk Group
In Parenting Journey I, a small group of parents meet virtually for 2 hours a week. The program is experiential - you learn by doing - and it's fun. Through a combination of hands-on activities and guided discussions, you will develop knowledge and skills that support you as a parent and role model. This is a closed group, with safety and non-judgmental support as a priority. This group helps you begin to understand and experience healing new and old wounds, create new possibilities for and communicate effectively with your children.
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Sept. 12-Nov. 28, Tuesdays 9:30-11:30
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How you can help: Consider a diaper drive through your business, school or group. Or you can ship to our office, or send a check for us to purchase needed diaper sizes tax-free.
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First Connections Diaper Pantry Facts
- Since January, we have assisted 34 families with their supply of diapers; they can visit the pantry once a month
- Families must register with us and qualify for WIC, SNAP, child care subsidy, subsidized housing, have refugee status or have other circumstances that make their financial situation unstable.
- As part of the registration process we refer families to other benefits programs they may be eligible for, share our list of food pantries, and notify clients of local clothing tag sales or give-aways.
- Some of our diaper pantry clients have enrolled in our PC+ home visiting program for more parent support and early learning activities for their children.
- Our families live in 10 towns, speak 7 different languages and include 40 children.
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Thank you to First Parish Church United of Westford for their donation of $500 this spring, which provided 50 diapers for 32 children.
We're grateful for our grant from Emerson Hospital targeting community economic insecurity which allows us to keep the shelves stocked in between community donations.
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SEPTEMBER 23 - Save some money!!
Greater Visions Children's Center
180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford
9:00-11:15, then 11:30-1:00 is half price
$2 admission OR 1 canned food donation
Gently used clothing sizes 0-14, shoes & boots, baby equipment, toys, books, Halloween costumes. No strollers or children allowed at sale - bring shopping bags or bins.
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Acton's Annual Stand Up to Stigma Scarecrow Contest |
Make your own scarecrow, or vote for your favorite!
$25 donation to NAMI Central Middlesex will reserve your scarecrow frame starting September 1st. Drop off in October for a month-long display. Visit the farm to vote for your favorite. Corn maze and Jack O'Lantern Glow By Event on Halloween Weekend. NAMI Free Family-to-Family 8-Week Course is evidence-based and begins this fall for family and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions.
Saturday mornings in person in Winchester begins September 9th
Tuesday from 6-8:30 virtually begins September 26
Tuesdays from 6:30-9 virtually begins October 10.
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Thank you Sudbury Foundation
for your new donation to further support First Connections' PC+ Early Literacy Home Visiting Program, which brings an Early Learning Specialist into the homes of children 2-4 years old whose families who cannot easily access our traditional programs.
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Denotes funding for this program provided by Mass. Dept. of Early Education & Care CFCE Grant
First Connections, a division of Justice Resource Institute, is one of 84 Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) programs in the state of MA, funded in part by the Department of Early Education and Care and offering regionally specific family support services. Our CFCE funded programs extend to families within our 11-town catchment area including Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford. We also rely on the generous support of local partners who help fund these programs and expand the geographic reach of our First Year of Life & EWAB programs. We are grateful for the financial support of Acton-Boxborough United Way, CHNA15 grants with DoN funds from Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, Emerson Health Determination of Need Mental Health Grant, The Sudbury Foundation, Maynard Community Chest, Nordblum Family Foundation, William E. Schrafft and Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, Acton Congregational Church, Concord Trinitarian Congregational Church and individuals like you. Thank you for your support! To view our direct services and programs:
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