Winter Program Newsletter

for Parents, Guardians, and Community-Based Bigs

Highlight from our Bigger Together Facebook Group

for Community-Based Bigs:

Big Sam and Little Sky had a great time at our annual holiday party this year!

We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Match of the Year:

Big Sam and Little Sky

This dynamic duo has formed a truly wonderful friendship. Sam has been such an incredible champion for Sky. She is always encouraging her to reach her full potential. We've seen amazing growth in Sky since they became friends.

BIGS: Be sure to join the Bigger Together Facebook Group and post photos of activities you do with your Little to help everyone else come up with fun ideas!

FUN TOPICS TO BREAK THE ICE

What is your favorite wintertime memory?

What is something they don't teach in school that you wish they did?

Would you rather live in a place where it's winter year-round and it snows all the time or where it's always summer and hot? Why?

Would you rather have a snowball fight or build a snowman?

If you made a snowman and it came alive, like Frosty or Olaf, what would be the top thing you'd show it or teach it how to do?

Which class at school do you think would be the most fun to teach?

Did you make any New Year's resolutions this year? If so, what are they?

Do you prefer your hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows?

BAKE AND DECORATE COOKIES

Bake and decorate winter sugar cookies with your Little. You could even choose a theme for the decorations like Valentine’s Day, your favorite movie characters, favorite animals, etc. The options are endless and the final masterpieces are sure to be delicious, too!

MAKE A VISION BOARD

Make a 2024 vision board with your Little. Come up with some goals for the year and cut out pictures and phrases from magazines or online to arrange on a board that your Little can look at each day.

WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Don't let the cold temperatures give you cabin fever! Whether you're craving adventure outside or simply a way to pass the time indoors, check out this list for some great activity ideas to keep you and your Little busy this season.

THROW YOUR OWN PAINT PARTY

Throw your own paint party with your Little! Use plain old paper or the dollar store has canvases for around $1.25 as well as paint. Get some of your favorite snacks and drinks and party at your house or at the library. YouTube has tons of kid friendly “how to” paint videos that give you step-by-step instructions on how to paint different things. Below is a "how to paint a snowman" video! 

CREATE A BUCKET LIST

New Year Bucket List: Create a bucket list of things you want to do together in 2024. This printable encourages you to explore ideas for new things to eat, places to visit, volunteer projects, etc.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Is keeping your home warm this winter draining your wallet? NJ has assistance programs that might be able to help. Low-Income eligible households that are having difficulties paying their heating and cooling bills can contact this office for financial assistance and help in weatherizing their homes.

MENTAL HEALTH HELP AND MORE

What is PerformCare? NJ4S is offering bi-weekly Zoom sessions to inform and assist parents and caregivers with information on how PerformCare can help link youth to behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and intellectual and developmental services. The Zoom PerformCare information sessions will take place on February 8 and 22, March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 18 from 1-2pm. Click the links below to view the flyer for more info or to connect to the Zoom meetings. The passcode for the Zoom meetings is 011558.

28+ ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

NJHelps.gov allows you to check your eligibility for 28+ assistance programs. The programs include food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA), and health Insurance (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid). From there you can apply for services or learn about additional resources.

EXPANDED FREE SCHOOL LUNCH

Free school meals are now available to a wider range of families. Newly signed legislation increases the income limits that qualify students for free breakfast and lunch in the 2024-2025 school year. All parents should complete a Free and Reduced Meal application for the 2024-2025 school year to see if their children are eligible to receive meals at no cost. Contact your child's school with any questions or to fill out the application.

WINTER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES

Cold and flu season is in full swing. New Jersey residents are encouraged to take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. Basic strategies to prevent the spread of viruses include staying up to date on your vaccinations, washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and staying home if you're feeling or are sick.