Spring 2021 Virtual Workshops and Updates

Hope

Of all of the forces that make for a better world, none is so powerful as HOPE.

With HOPE, one can think, one can work, and one can dream.

If you have HOPE you have everything.

Never give up HOPE.

-T.D. Carpenter

Everyone at the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren knows that this has been a year like no other and has been especially challenging for grandparents and relative caregivers. We continue to do our best to provide you with good and accurate information about services and resources for you and your family. Although we would rather be meeting in person in communities throughout Massachusetts, we know that it is just not safe enough yet to do so.......but we are hopeful that day will be soon. Until then, remain strong, take care of yourselves, and never give up HOPE that better days are coming.

This newsletter contains information about:

-The American Rescue Plan and impact on families

-Information + resources about summer camps

-Kinship Navigator Program

-Information upcoming virtual workshops for Spring 2021

The American Rescue Plan

As many of you know, Congress recently passed the American Rescue Plan. There are many provisions of this legislation that will have a direct impact on families, including grandparents raising grandchildren and relative caregivers.

Generations United has prepared a summary of the bill and how it will impact children and families and seniors.

Please read below:

American Rescue Plan Summary

Finding a Summer Camp

It's that time of year again when you start planning your grandchild's summer plans. Of course this may be difficult to do as we are still living in a pandemic, however, many summer camps will be open for business this summer. It is in your best interest to learn about summer programs as soon as possible. Here are a few links that may help your search:

Boston Mamas Summer Guide

YMCA camps

Boston Parents Paper

The Kinship Navigator is available to assist grandparents and relative caregivers access services and resources. Click on the button below to learn more.

Kinship Navigator

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Consumer Protection Workshop

4/5/21

7:00 p.m.

*Via Zoom

Please join us for a workshop presented by The Attorney General's Office on "Consumer Protection." Learn about the latest fraud threats and scams as well as ways to protect yourself and your family.

More information about registration coming soon.

Sleepless

New England

4/8/21

10:00 a.m.

*Via Zoom

Sleep, like nutrition and physical activity, is an important part of your health and well-being. Join us for this workshop to learn tips on improving your sleep.

More information about registration coming soon.

Planning for Transition to Adult Life with Special Education

This workshop will be offered TWICE:

4/14/21 at 7:00 p.m.

And

7/27/21 at 9:30 a.m.

Please join the Federation for Children with Special Needs as they present on how to prepare older youth with special education needs for adulthood.

More information about registration coming soon.

Featured Workshop:

Understanding Trauma and

Supporting Children with Trauma

presented by Dr. Craig Murphy

4/13/21

7:00 p.m.

*Virtual Workshop

Brought to you by Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.

This workshop will:

-Review trauma-and stressor-related disorders

-Identify symptoms of trauma in children and adolescents

-Discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and why they are important

To register with Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc. please e-mail Deb Dowd-Foley: DDFoley@eswa.org or press the button below to e-mail your registration.

E-Mail Deb Dowd-Foley Here