We welcome 2025!


As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on the joy and gratitude they bring into our lives. Whether it’s your parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, or even your pets, taking a moment to show appreciation can create lasting memories.

At our Family and Consumer Education program, we’re dedicated to supporting families through engaging workshops and resources designed to enhance parenting, financial literacy, and wellness. Our team is excited to share updates on the valuable programs and events we’ve planned for the year ahead.


Relatives As Parents Program:

RAPP is a free community-based initiative serving kinship families throughout Dutchess County. RAPP offers educational workshops, peer support groups, respite events, intergenerational activities, referrals, and resources for non-parent caregivers raising children. As part of our commitment to fostering connection and support, we host a monthly in-person support group featuring a family-style dinner, creating a welcoming environment for caregivers and children to bond and share experiences. Additionally, we offer a virtual Zoom group to ensure accessibility for those unable to attend in person. RAPP staff work closely with non-parent caregivers and their children to provide a safe, fun, and supportive space where families can connect with others navigating similar challenges.


Parent And Support Education:

We offer both online and in-person support groups, as well as weekly classes designed to help families improve communication skills at home and beyond.


This year, we’re excited to collaborate with community and family-based organizations to expand this program. Options include a 5-week series of 1-hour group sessions, or a 1-day intensive workshop tailored to meet diverse needs.


Wellness Education:

Through our Hudson River Fish Advisory program, we provide essential insights into safe fish consumption from the Hudson River, helping families make informed decisions for their health and well-being.


We’re also delighted to introduce two new team members who will enhance our parenting series with their expertise:


  • Francheska Kuilan, Parenting Educator
  • LaQuan Rosario, Parenting Educator and Program Coordinator, DOH Hudson River Fish Advisory

Together, they bring fresh perspectives and energy to our initiatives, helping us better serve our community. Their contact information is below.


Join Us This Year! The backbone of CCEDC are the volunteers who support and promote the efforts and initiatives of all the diverse program Extension offers. Program Advisory Committees play a vital role in supporting community engagement and program success. They identify needs and issues within the community or county, provide guidance on effectively reaching target audiences, review evaluation plans and outcomes, and, when needed, serve as advocates for Extension programs and Cornell Cooperative Extension initiatives. Will you commit to supporting the FCE Program a few hours a quarter? (See more info below!)


Our mission is to empower families and individuals through engaging workshops in parenting, financial literacy, and wellness education. We’re committed to keeping you informed about the vibrant programs and events shaping our community.


Let’s make this year one of growth, joy, and meaningful accomplishments. Together, we can create a remarkable and fulfilling chapter for all!

Family & Parenting

Burnt Out During the Holidays? Experts Share How to Reclaim the Most Stressful Time of The Year

Here's how to reclaim your winter season.



Click here to read the full article from Parents.com

New Year's Resolution Ideas for Kids of All Ages

From preschoolers to teens, here are some ideas for New Year's resolutions for all ages.

Click here to read more from Parents.com

RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program)

We are always looking to recruit and support Dutchess families that need us. Are you able to spread the word?


Do you KNOW a "kinship Family"? These families are eligible for county and state support!


Please contact Jessica 845-677-8223 ext. 137 for more information or to make a referral.

We also have sponsorship opportunities that enhances the opportunities for the families we work with.

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.

FISH ADVISORY

Fishing can be a complex and nuanced activity, and there's always something new to learn. I realized I was using the wrong hook size for the type of fish that I was trying to catch. The right hook size can significantly impact your fishing success, as it affects how well you can catch or land different types of fish. Realizing that I know absolutely nothing about fishing I decided to start with the basics of fishing. Click here to see where I started!

 

These 5 simple steps are only the beginning1

 

  1. Prepare your rod and reel 
  2. Attach a hook
  3. Attach a bobber 
  4. Attach a bait
  5. Cast and retrieve  

 

Here's a recipe for grilled rainbow trout!


Submitted by LaQuan Rosario, DOH Hudson River Fish Advisory

PASE (Parent And Support Education)


We are booking for the first quarter of 2025 our Parent and Support Education (PASE) Workshop Series. This comprehensive free program is a 5- week series or can be a 1-day intensive workshop experience. We can also offer this as a Zoom option!


This Adult Workshop Series focuses on Communcation within the family:

  • “Encouragement”
  • “Can Do” and “Decision Making”
  • “Self-Control” and “Respect Feelings”
  • Positive Discipline
  • Co-Parenting


Participants are parents who contribute to the conversation through discussion, role-play and practice. A certificate of completion is provided after successfully attending and contributing. (This does not meet any court ordered requirement and is strictly voluntary.)

Organizations and agencies who work with parents are encouraged to connect to offer this free opportunity!


Please contact Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 to schedule this program for your organization.


Why We Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day?


Learn about this special holiday with our guide to MLK Day, including how to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings today and all year round. The national holiday that commemorates him is a time to learn important American history and reflect on valuable teachings that are still meaningful today. Click here to read more!


Turn Your Support Into Action:


Support FCE by contributing ideas, collaborating, and driving initiatives in parenting, health, and nutrition.

  • Volunteer Opportunity: Deepen your community involvement by joining our Advisory Council.
  • Commitment: A few meetings per year plus fun events like picnics and parties!

Contact Jessica at 845-677-8223 ext 137 to learn more.

Sharing is caring! Click the images below for shared community information!

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!
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