September celebrates our Kinship Caregivers, and we would like to thank all the kin families who open their homes to familial youth in need. New York State’s Kin First Initiate aims to place at least 50% of foster youth in Kinship Care. Currently Dutchess County is at 27% placement of foster youth in kinship homes. Programs like the Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) can assist families in need of support and services when taking in a kinship child to make that transition easier and to connect with families just like theirs. Kinship caregiving is no easy task, and we want to recognize and acknowledge the dedication, sacrifice, investment and achievement of being a kinship caregiver.

Thank you, Kinship Caregivers!

The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) works with families throughout Dutchess providing resources, activities, referrals and resources for non-parent caregivers raising children.

Know someone who could benefit from additional support?

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Click here now and select "Family & Consumer Education."

FCE Program Updates

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Lunch-N-Learn: Your Money, Your Goals Fall Session -Every Tuesday 9/12-10/3 @ NOON

This workshop series gives you the tools and information you need to set and achieve goals; build skills in managing money, credit, and debt; and choose financial products that are right for you. Each person has different circumstances and things they can benefit from, so you can select the tools that best meet your needs and we’ll work through those topics. If we need to, we can bounce around from these topics but having all this material in one place can help in getting you started and progress through the information as you need it.

Click here for complete information and to register today!

Your Money, Your Goals: Financial Empowerment Resources is a product of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

Not affiliated with any bank or financial institution.

RAPP Report

After a break for the summer, we will be back in person this month. We plan on celebrating our Kinship Caregivers for Kinship Care month with a welcome back party. Adults and Youth will celebrate their accomplishments with each other and a family meal. We will also have our annual apple picking and cider donut celebration at the end of the month as a ‘Thank You for all you do!’ respite event.

Please contact Jessica 845-677-8223 ext. 137 or Maureen at 845-677-8223 ext. 122 for more information.

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.

PARENTING

Being a kinship caregiver requires a great deal of love, support, and selflessness. In all of that giving, one needs to also remember to give back to themselves. In this toolkit provided by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Support, there are tips for self-care. Try some of them when you are in need of recharging.

What are ways that you practice self-care? Which tip from the toolkit will you try this month?

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FISH ADVISORY

Looking for delicious, healthy ways to prepare your locally caught fish? Read up on the best way to prepare what you catch!

It's important to reduce exposures to mercury, avoid or eat less largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, walleye and larger yellow perch (for example, longer than 10 inches) because these fish tend to have higher mercury levels, particularly in the Adirondack and Catskill regions.

Always make sure to check the advice for your favorite waters before eating a locally caught fish meal.

Click here to read more!

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A variety every Friday!

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Good luck this school year, students!

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!

Need to reach a member of the team?

Jessica M Canale- Program Leader

Maureen Rodriguez Callamari

Amber Dunlavey

Heather L. Ohlson

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!

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FCE Program Updates﻿

FCE Program Updates