HomeMy WebLinkAboutCASSP Events Newsletter April 2014
April is National Child
Abuse Prevention Month,
a time to recognize that we
each play a part in promoting
the social and emotional well-
being of children and families
in communities.
Learn more here.
10 Ways You Can
Prevent Child Abuse
Go here.
April is Nation Autism
Awareness Month
The Autism Society has
been celebrating National
Autism Awareness Month
since the 1970’s. The United
States recognizes April as a
special opportunity to
educate the public about
autism and issues within the
autism community.
To learn more, go here.
Light It Up Blue
Celebrates World Autism
Awareness
Learn How you Can Shine
A Light on Autism here.
The Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign is the national platform of Prevent
Child Abuse America that began in 2008 and has firmly established the
pinwheel as the new symbol of child abuse prevention. The pinwheel stands
for the carefree childhood we want for all children and is a call to neighbors,
community members and leaders to play a role in protecting and nurturing
our youngest citizens. Our ultimate goal is for abuse and neglect to never occur and to share the message that Prevention IS Possible.
Family Group Decision Making Franklin County Children &
Youth Services will be offering two sessions on May 6 and
May 7th. This is a strengths-based, collaborative, family-driven
program that involves agencies partnering with families to
address concerns. It also involves the development of a plan
that all are committed to carry out. See attached flier. Contact Bernice for
more information at 263-1900.
CASD Autism Awareness Walk, April 2nd at CASHS
Stadium. The goal for this event is to raise community
awareness. All funds raised during the walk will directly
support the CASD autism classrooms as well as students with
autism attending CASD. To sign up, go here.
Protect Kids Online Kids have lots of opportunities for socializing online, but
they come with certain risks. Parents can help reduce these risks by talking to
kids about making safe, responsible decisions. Find resources at on child
identity theft, cyber-bullying and more here.
Autism Awareness Night Join the Baltimore Orioles and
Autism Speaks as we raise awareness for autism on Saturday,
April 12th against the Toronto Blue Jays at 7:05 p.m. $5 of
every ticket sold will benefit Autism Speaks. Discounted
Upper Reserve tickets are available for purchase below.
Go here for more info.
Grand Parents Raising Grandchildren Franklin County Children
& Youth will offer a special training on Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren on May22th. The seminar will discuss the
prevalence of the issues and the struggles, along with the joys
and the experiences that grandparents and grandchildren face.
See attached flier and contact Bernice to register at 263-1900.
30 Ways to Promote Child Well-Being this Month: click here
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment
program designed especially for young children ages 3-8. For insight into
how PCIT actually works, go to: “Parent Training Can Improve Kids’ Behavior”
or “PCIT Across PA: Healthier Kids Happier Families,” at www.parecovery.org.
To learn about local providers of PCIT, contact Brian at 263-8723
Events
Safe Kids Network Nearly 2,300 children ages 14 and under die from unintentional injuries that
occurred in the home. Nearly 80 percent of these deaths are among children ages 4 and under.
Safe Kids Network provides an online parent center which focuses on safety at home, at play
and on the way. You’ll find tips and how-to’s broken out by age or activity, so you can easily find
the information that is most important to your family. Learn more: http://www.safekids.org
The Children’s Defense Fund’s Monthly eNewsletter provides an update on CDF's efforts to be a voice for
children, issues affecting America's children and taking action on those issues. Go to:
http://www.childrensdefense.org/newsroom/enewsletters/
The State of America’s Children 2014, CDF's new report, finds child poverty at record levels and children of
color are disproportionately poor. A comprehensive compilation and analysis of the most recent, reliable,
national, state-by-state data on population, poverty, family structure, family income, health, nutrition, early
childhood development, education, child welfare, juvenile justice, and gun violence. Provides key child data
showing alarming numbers of children at risk. For more info, go here:
Teens' brains make them more vulnerable to suicide To address suicide among teenagers and
young adults in the US, some researchers are focusing on new discoveries about brain
development. Barry Feldman, director of psychiatric programs in public safety at the University of
Massachusetts Medical School, points out that when a person becomes suicidal it is probably not
due to any one problem or condition, but rather to a combination of risk factors and underlying vulnerabilities.
"If you focus too much on just bullying or sexual orientation, you take your eye off the underlying vulnerability
a kid may have," he says. As a way to protect young people, Feldman encourages the active creation of family-
and school-based systems that can help teens build caring relationships with adults. More information is here.
More Than Baby Talk: 10 Ways to Promote the Language & Communication Skills of Infants & Toddlers
Recommends one-on-one and small-group interactions that are tried and tested to support the development
of language and communication in infants and toddlers from a variety of backgrounds. Recommended
interactions include responding to children's vocalizations and speech, eliciting conversations, and using
complex grammar and a rich vocabulary. Each practice includes the science that supports it and examples of
how to use it. For more information, go here.
Parents on Smartphones Ignore Their Kids, Study Finds The alluring glow of that smartphone
affects our skills as parents and kids take notice, a new study found. Researchers from Boston
Medical Center went undercover in 15 local fast food restaurants to observe nature’s parenting
playground. Watching silently from a distance, they observed the interactions between family
members, noting in particular the reactions children had when mom or dad punched away at the portable keys
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2014/03/10/parents-on-smartphones-ignore-their-kids-study-finds/
GradNation.org America's Promise Alliance, a partnership of hundreds of national organizations dedicated to
improving the lives of children and youth, has launched a new GradNation.org website. GradNation.org is the
online community for those seeking to learn about, connect into and act on behalf of the GradNation
movement. If you work on behalf of children and youth, you'll find innumerable resources here. Child Trends is
a content partner for GradNation, providing reports from our work on early childhood development,
mentoring, family engagement and other areas. More info? Go here.
CDC estimates 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum
disorder The report also shows most children with ASD are diagnosed after age 4,
even though ASD can be diagnosed as early as age 2. Read more here:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0327-autism-spectrum-disorder.html
What are the treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? There is currently
no one standard treatment for autism. But there are many ways to help minimize the
symptoms and maximize abilities. People who have ASD have the best chance of
using all of their abilities and skills if they receive appropriate therapies and
interventions. For many people with ASD, it is not too late to benefit from treatment,
no matter how old they are when they are diagnosed. People of all ages, at all levels of ability, can often
improve after well-designed interventions. Read more here.
Take It Personally is an action and reflection workbook containing everything individuals need
to make a stronger commitment to children and teenagers. Ideal for staff meetings, parent
groups, volunteer trainings, and community events, this concise book helps people from all walks
of life learn about the power they have to make a difference for young people. Learn more here.
Saturday, April 5th Help Combat Animal Abuse Event for Kids The goal of Wilson student,
Rebecca, is to educate local children on basic pet care and safety for her class's service learning
project by helping children to establish compassion for animals at a young age. Location: Bark
Central Dog Daycare/Boarding Resort, Wayne Ave. Children will take part in various interactive
activities with the dogs, in addition to supervised playtime with the animals. A meal and goodie
bag will be provided. For more information, contact: rebecca.wagner@wilson.edu
See flier attached at the end of the Events for more details.
Chambersburg Hispanic American Center's KiteFest, Saturday, April 5, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00
P.M., in Nitterhouse Park, 375 W. Washington St., Chambersburg. Ben Franklin will attend this free
family-oriented event! There will be interactive science exhibits. Food will be available for
sale. We are celebrating National Kiteflying Month! We want to bring the community together
and flying kite is common to many cultures. For more info: http://www.hispanicamericancenter.com/11.html
Words Wound Video Contest for Teens More than parents, teachers and counselors, as well as
teens have the power to put an end to cyberbullying. This is where the Words Wound Video
Contest comes in: We want to hear your students' ideas about how teens can delete cyberbullying
and make kindness go viral. Create a short video about ways teens can use technology and the
Internet to make schools better, safer places or share efforts that are successful at your school or
dream up new solutions. The winning entry will receive a $250 cash prize along with a $250 gift
certificate for their teacher or school library. Videos are due April 15, 2014. Visit the Free Spirit Blog for
complete contest rules and submission guidelines.
Seminar: Saturday, April 5th Ludwick Eye Center is hosting an Educational Seminar on Diabetes by expert
Tracey Wiley on Saturday, April 5th at 9am in the Chambersburg office. Ms. Wiley will be there to help you
learn the keys to taking control of your diabetes and answer all your questions. Seating is limited! Don't miss
out on this great opportunity! RSVP to Kristin Anderson at 717) 552-2218 or email her
at kanderson@ludwickeyecenter.com to reserve your seat.
The Fulton County Community Health Needs Assessment Results are available The new
dashboard tool provides users with information to improve health and quality of life in their
community. The PA Office of Rural Health hopes that community members and organizations
look to this platform as a rich source of data and information about their community. It is an excellent tool for
information on where things are at and for the community to see where they should be headed. For additional
information, go to http://www.fcmcpa.org/community or contact Misty Hershey at (717) 485-3155.
Kids Teach the First Lady & Will Ferrell about Being Healthy Over and over again, we’re faced with the
challenge of how to get kids to eat healthy foods and stay active, so who better to hear from than the kids
themselves? In celebration of the fourth anniversary of Let’s Move!, the First Lady and Will Ferrell hosted a Let’s
Move! “focus group” with young kids to ask them about eating healthy and being active. Here’s what they had
to say: http://www.letsmove.gov/blog/2014/02/24/check-out-kids-teach-first-lady-and-will-ferrell-about-
being-healthy
Looking for simple changes you can make to eat healthier today? Check
out our latest blog post with tips on making smarter food choices for you
and your family. We want to hear from you! Visit the OWH blog today to
discuss this and other women’s health topics. Keep the discussion going by
sharing this post with friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers.
NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): New website. The
redesigned NIDDK site offers easier access to current funding and research training opportunities, as well as
important information on acute and chronic digestive and kidney diseases and conditions. Visit the new site.
The 6 Best Rules of Toddler Nutrition. Get your child to stick to a healthy diet:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/best-rules-toddler-nutrition/story?id=23036402#7
New Products Similar to E-Cigarettes are Attracting Teens A growing number of teens are starting
to use devices that are similar to e-cigarettes, with names such as “hookah pens” or “e-
hookahs” or “vape pens.” The devices are being marketed to avoid the stigma associated with
smoking any kind of cigarette, The New York Times reports. The new devices are colorful and
come in candy flavors, but are otherwise almost identical to e-cigarettes, according to the
article. Like e-cigarettes, they have nicotine and other chemicals, which are unregulated. Learn more:
https://www.drugfree.org/join-together/marketing-and-media/new-products-similar-to-e-cigarettes-are-
attracting-teens
Seminar: May 14 Substance Abuse in Adolescents: Identifying Risk Factors & Interventions Symposium
Adventist HealthCare Behavioral Health and Georgetown University Hospital. Registration is now open for the
event to be held in Rockville, MZD. To register, go here.
Online classes at Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies. Educational
opportunities to expand your employee's skills and expertise are available at the
Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies. Now offering customized training in an
online format. Summer semester registration is now open. For more information about
customized training or the Master of Arts degrees offered at Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies,
email graduateschool@hazelden.edu call 651-213-4175 or visit Hazelden.edu.
Fundraisers…………………………………………………
Sat., April 5 - Greyhound Alumni Basketball Game to benefit the Drew Michael
Taylor Foundation at Shippensburg Area Senior High School at 3 p.m. Admission is a donation to the DMTF
(alumni players and cheerleaders needed). There will be a bake sale and an Easter Egg hunt at halftime for
kids. Contact Heather Bigler Swartz SASHS ’87 at 532-8898 or the DMTF at drewmichaeltaylor@pa.net for a
registration form. Post-game gathering at Knutes!
Mental/Behavioral Health……………………….
The first edition of the Behavioral Health Barometer (2013) provides a snapshot of the state of behavioral
health in the U.S. It presents a set of substance use and mental health indicators as measured through data
collection efforts sponsored by SAMHSA, the CDCl, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The report is
available for the nation as a whole and by state. Pennsylvania-specific data
New! 2012 Mental Health Data Now Available Get a first look at the mental health findings from the 2012
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual U.S. survey of the civilian, non-institutionalized population
ages 12 and up. Both the report and detailed tables present national estimates of the prevalence of past-year
mental disorders and past-year mental health service utilization for youth ages 12 to 17, and adults age 18 or
older. More info: go here
New ICD-10 Provider Readiness Survey Available DPW Office of Medical Assistance is conducting an ICD-10
Provider Readiness Survey, which is voluntary and open to all Pennsylvania Medicaid providers. The
Department strongly recommends providers complete the survey since it will allow for ICD-10 progress
tracking and identification of implementation issues, which will result in outreach efforts to the provider
community. The survey will be available March 24, 2014 – April 4, 2014. Results will be tabulated and shared on
DPW’s ICD-10 Website. Click the link to start the survey: ICD-10 Provider Readiness Survey
PA CASSP Newsletter, March 2014 edition “Family Voices from the Field,” features parents of children with
emotional and behavioral challenges telling stories of their involvement in the children’s behavioral health
system. This follows the September 2013 edition on “Voices from the Field,” which featured the perspectives of
providers and clinicians. Please feel free to print and distribute the newsletter as you like. See the March issue
here: http://listserv.dpw.state.pa.us/cassp-newsletters.html
Webinar: April 8 "Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Justice-Involved Persons
with Co-Occurring Disorders" time: 1-2:30pm Presented by: Dr. Fred Osher of the Council of State
Governments Justice Center and Ann-Marie Louison of CASES, NYC. More info:
http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/eNews/solicit-0320.html
Statewide Training Opportunity: Autism Spectrum Disorder Seminar – Registration is Now Open Offered
by the DPW Bureau of Autism Services This is a free training highlighting fundamental content specifically
designed for direct support professionals and other community professionals who may interact with individuals
with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in various environments. Specifically, this training will provide
opportunities to better understand a) core deficits of ASD, b) how to address challenging behaviors, and c)
strategies based on best practices. Dates: April 17 in Pittsburgh, April 24 in Harrisburg, April 24 in Erie, April
28 in Philadelphia, April 29 in Lehigh Details and Registration Information
A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children offers information and
resources to help practitioners throughout health and social service systems implement best practices in
engaging and helping families and caregivers to support their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
children. To read, download, order: http://store.samhsa.gov//product/PEP14-LGBTKIDS
5 Things to Know about Sleep and Mental Health by Dr. Kawish Garg, board-certified psychiatrist
specializing in sleep medicine at Keystone Behavioral Health. This article first appeared in the Public
Opinion Newspaper in January 2014. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com or go to the
Keystone Health website at http://keystonehealth.org/blog/sleep-and-mental-health/
The last stigma: mental illness and the workplace People with depression, bipolar or other
mental health conditions are able and willing to work, but stigma makes employers reluctant to
have them on the payroll. Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-
living/ci_25281737/last-stigma-mental-illness-and-workplace
People First, the OMHSAS Newsletter is now available here on PaRecovery.org. Articles included in this edition:
New Initiatives Focus on Individuals with Mental Health Challenges and Intellectual Disabilities, Mobile
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Helps People Make Their Way in the Real World, From Caterpillar to Butterfly: My
Flight to Recovery.
ADDitude is a place you can turn to for all your questions, concerns, and needs. The
content serves as a vital resource for professionals – teachers, healthcare providers, employers and others –
who interact with families living with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities every day. If your child’s
teacher or your wife’s boss has a question about ADHD or LD and its treatment, we want you to send them to
our website for material that’s concise, responsible, and helpful. Finally, we are a national voice for people with
ADHD and learning disabilities, many of whom are children who have difficulty speaking for themselves and
asserting their rights. Some of us at ADDitude have ADHD or LD kids and others have ADHD or learning
disabilities themselves. We’re in this with you. Learn more: www.additudemag.com
The new Schizophrenia Resource Centre aims to provide clinicians with access to the latest literature on
schizophrenia. The site is regularly updated with the latest peer-reviewed articles, editorials, video interviews
with eminent researchers and opinion leaders, lectures, e-learning modules, and a congress planner. Sign up
for the e-alert to stay informed about new content updates. http://schizophrenia.elsevierresource.com
Throw Out the 1st Pitch at Suicide Prevention & Awareness Night with the Harrisburg Senators The
Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative and the Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adults Suicide Prevention
Coalition are teaming up with the Harrisburg Senators! Your group or organization can throw out the first pitch
at Suicide Prevention and Awareness Night with the Harrisburg Senators on May 16, 2014. Decide on who your
“group” will be---school sports team, school club, church group or just about any other “group” interested in
reducing suicide and go here to learn more about this opportunity!
The Weekly Spark contains announcements and information about suicide, suicide prevention and mental
health issues. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) through the Weekly Spark offers brief summaries
of national, state and international news; analyses of relevant research findings; descriptions of funding
opportunities, and links to additional resources. The Weekly Spark is written and edited by SPRC staff. Every
effort is made to offer relevant and timely information with links to the original content as available. We
welcome your suggestions atinfo@sprc.org. In general, the Weekly Spark does not include editorials, opinion
pieces or information on local events. Events may be listed in the SPRC Calendar. Subscribe to or unsubscribe
from the Weekly Spark.
Bureau of Justice Assistance Releases Report on Online Behaviors as Real-World Threats "Real Crimes in
Virtual Worlds focuses on how threatening behaviors among youth within online video games, virtual worlds,
and social networks can pose real-world threats in schools (bullying, threats, harassment, stalking, and abuse)
The report highlights how virtual environments can help law enforcement, school resource officers, and school
administrators become aware of real-world criminal intent, offer strategies for detecting and preventing online
threats to improve school safety, and provide resources about suspicious or threatening online activities. View
and download the report. Learn more about cyberbullying at www.stopbullying.gov.
Seminar: May 16, “The Elephant in the Room: Assessment and Management of Suicide Risk” Go to
http://cognitivehealthsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Elephant-in-the-Room-Brochure.pdf for
more information.
Two-Day Storytelling Training, May 19 & 20 PA. The Copeland Center will hold its first Storytelling Training
with advanced level WRAP Facilitator Gina Calhoun and Dr. Scott Heller. Research indicates that they are just as
important for educating and motivating adults. This 2-day workshop is designed for anyone who has a story to
share and will focus on the benefits of storytelling, as well as provide a step-by-step guide for writing and
presentation in a way that educates, inspires and motivates. It will also enhance the incorporation of stories into
public speaking forums. For more information, go here.
Family Behavioral Resources News: Moving Forward …the Spring 2014 Edition
is now available here online.
Functional Behavioral Assessment Trainings Dr. Ed Toyer, Psychologist Advisor with PerformCare, will
present all of the courses on conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments. Six CEU credits per day of training
have already been approved. Training is held from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 8, 15, and 29, 2014, at
PerformCare's Harrisburg office: All Providers in the PerformCare Network who are interested in conducting
FBAs or would like a refresher course in the practice are welcome to register. Register here
Infant Mental Health Conference: Proposals are being accepted for workshops at the Sixth Annual
Pennsylvania Infant Mental Health Conference to be held Oct. 16-17, 2014 in Hershey, PA. The purpose of the
conference is to promote social emotional development of infants and young children through developing
high quality relationships with families and caregivers. Topics include innovative programs or therapies for
young children, interventions for parents and caregivers, promoting attachment, and meeting special needs.
Deadline for proposals is April 30, 2014. More information
……….….…
The Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice recently
released two documents focusing on the 2010 revised requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). The first document is about new rules for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other power-driven
mobility devices. The second document addresses effective communication between those with disabilities and
those without.
A new report from the Alzheimer's Association shows that
women age 65 and older are almost twice as likely as their male
peers to develop Alzheimer's disease. The report, "Alzheimer's
Association 2014 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures," also shows
that women are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's than breast cancer. There are 2.5 times more women
than men acting as caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's. More:
http://www.alz.org/news_and_events_women_in_their_60s.asp
CARIE News The new newsletter is available here. The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the
Elderly (CARIE) is a non-profit organization, based in Philadelphia, that has been dedicated to improving the
quality of life for vulnerable older people since 1977. CARIE fulfills its core mission to improve the well-being,
rights and autonomy of older persons through advocacy, education, and action through a "case to cause"
model of advocacy that serves to promote equal access to justice and addresses problems and issues on both
the individual and the systemic levels. Additional info is available here: http://www.carie.org/
The Health Consequences of Senior Hunger in the United States The National Foundation to End Senior
Hunger released this study that examines the relationship between food insecurity and negative health
consequences among older Americans age 60 and older. To read the document, go here.
webcast: April 10-Safety in the Golden Years Elder abuse is an often
unrecognized and underreported crime with devastating consequences.
The National Crime Prevention Council & the Bureau of Justice
Assistance joined forces to offer this comprehensive one-day, live event to
help combat elder abuse. Registration required. Time: 9-4:30 Go here to
register: http://engage.vevent.com/index.jsp?eid=2155&seid=268
Opening Doors: An Investigation of Barriers to Senior Housing for Same-Sex Couples The Equal Rights
Center’s recent research report documents that older same-sex couples face high levels of discrimination when
seeking senior living accommodations when compared to heterosexual counterparts. Read more here.
Best Nursing Homes 2014 U.S. News & World Report released its list that identifies the “best” nursing homes
by state (can search by zip code) and by major metropolitan area. The ratings cover almost 16,000 nursing
homes. Check it out here.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and
widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The program expansion increased
the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and
raises the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. The income limit for renters
is $15,000. The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2013 is June 30, 2014. You may
request a form by mail, download a form , call 1-888-222-9190 for information. You may obtain a paper form
from the Revenue district office or legislator's office nearest you until June 30, 2014. For more info:
http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_rent_rebate_program/11410/sign-
up_to_receive_a_form/581708
Video: Practical Strategies for Lowering Caregiver Stress “Practical Strategies for Lowering Caregiver
Stress” is a video produced by the Department of Aging. The video features Dr. Steven H. Zarit, a Distinguished
Professor, the head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University, as
well as a renowned researcher in caregiving. In the video, Zarit provides information about how to effectively
manage stress for caregivers and how to care for a loved one with memory loss. To view this video, click here.
To view other department videos, visit http://www.youtube.com/PADepartmentofAging
The Golden Years Gazette The March/April newsletter by Franklin County Area Agency on Aging is now
available online at: http://www.franklinshopper.com/tabs/GYG_2.2014.pdf
Veterans & Military Members with ALS Now Automatically Eligible for VA Housing Grants
Veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-connected amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are now presumed medically eligible for grants up to almost
$68,000 to adapt their homes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today. Under the change,
Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected ALS will be determined medically eligible for the
maximum grant. For additional information: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2530 Studies
have shown that Veterans and military members are nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as those who haven't
served. For more housing resources read “Disability.gov’s Guide to Housing.”
Supporting Family Caregivers of Wounded, Injured and Ill Veterans The devastating types of injuries that
thousands of veterans endure are, in many cases, so severe that family members put their lives on hold and
face financial and emotional hardships in order to help their wounded sons, daughters, husbands and wives.
Family caregivers provide crucial support to help veterans achieve meaningful and active lives, often at the
expense of their own education, job and health. Five years ago, DAV played an instrumental role in developing
the legislation requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a comprehensive caregiver support
program for family caregivers of severely injured veterans. Read more here:
Chambersburg's Meals on Wheels looking for more volunteers Meals on Wheels is looking for some new,
fresh faces to help deliver hot meals to homebound people in the area. "This volunteering is about two days a
month," he said. "It's not a big commitment of time." Some people volunteer more frequently, such as one day
every two weeks. A normal day for a volunteer is usually around an hour and a half and involves going to the
office at around 10 a.m., picking up and delivering several meals that have been assigned to the volunteer.
For more information, contact Rena Moore, client administrator at 263-7228 between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Monday through Friday. Or go to http://www.publicopiniononline.com/local/ci_25273159/chambersburgs-
meals-wheels-looking-more-volunteers?source=nav
Franklin County’s Youth Aid Panel Program Seeks Volunteers The program will be expanding , and new
volunteers are needed for some cases referred to the Juvenile Probation Department. The Youth Aid Panel
consists of a group of trained community volunteers that are willing to donate their time to help youth at risk
of formal involvement in the Juvenile Justice System. Youth Aid Panels are designed to enhance the Juvenile
Court System by hearing lesser-degree, first-offense cases and diverting them from Court intervention while
still holding them accountable. For more information on clearances and the application information, go here
…...………………………..…..
Seminar: April 14 Getting the Most from Your Grant Writing Efforts from 8:30-12:00 at Chambersburg
Council for the Arts. Obtaining grants is a process and this workshop breaks it down to ensure a more
successful outcome. Contact Judy for more info: (717) 334-6271 x.313 or chambers@psu.edu or
http://extension.psu.edu/community/ecd
Kids Bowl Free & Participating Centers Sponsor $100,000 Classroom
Supply Grant Program Kids Bowl Free and participating bowling centers are teaming up to help educators
offset their growing out of pocket expenses. Kids Bowl Free has been working closely with teachers, school
administrators and bowling centers over the past four summers to help provide a safe, fun activity for children
while they are on summer break. Many teachers have expressed their concern of budget cuts and the inability
to have all of the teaching aids they need for their students to have the best learning environment possible.
The Bowling To Teachers program is a small step to helping 400 teachers improve their learning experience for
their students. For teachers that would like to apply visit www.BowlingToTeachers.com to complete the short
grant application. 80 grants per month will be awarded from March through the end of July 2013.
The Kids Trust The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is currently accepting proposals for grants
available through The Kids Trust for projects that provide support and services to young children who are living
with physical or emotional abuse, or neglect in the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster,
Lebanon, Perry, and York. Deadline is April 11. Get more info here.
Student Financial Aid comes in many forms: scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Disability.gov’s Guide
to Student Financial Aid explains the financial aid options available to students who want to further their
education by attending a college or university or a career or technical school
PA ChildStat: Community Outcomes for Pennsylvania’s Children and Families PA ChildStat is a county
child outcomes indicators project that allows stakeholders, counties and the state the ability to use data on
child indicators to plan and program services for kids in Pennsylvania. It uses the best data available to measure
the educational, social, economic, and physical well-being of children at the county level. By providing
policymakers and citizens with benchmarks of child well-being, PA ChildStat is a means for discussing ways to
secure better futures for all children and to guide policy trends and goals on behalf of children. For more
information: https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/CommunityLevelOutcomeIndicators/PAChildStatFlex.html
…………………….
HHS releases security risk assessment tool to help providers with HIPAA compliance A new security risk
assessment (SRA) tool to help guide health care providers in small to medium sized offices conduct risk
assessments of their organizations is now available from HHS. The tool is designed to help practices conduct
and document a risk assessment in a thorough, organized fashion at their own pace by allowing them to assess
the information security risks in their organizations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) Security Rule. The application, available for downloading at www.HealthIT.gov/security-risk-
assessment also produces a report that can be provided to auditors. More info:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2014pres/03/20140328a.html
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Extension Governor Tom Corbett announced that
Pennsylvanians struggling to pay home heating bills will have extra time, through April 18, to apply for financial
help through the LIHEAP. The program was slated to end April 4, but now individuals can apply for a LIHEAP
grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us or in person at county assistance offices until April 18. You may also
call the statewide toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095 with questions about the program. For more information
about LIHEAP, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.
Successful People: The 8 Self-Limiting Behaviors They Avoid people who love what they do for a living and
have created tremendous success and reward, not only engage continuously in life-supporting (and generous)
behaviors, but also avoid certain negative actions and mindsets that other, less successful people habitually get
lost in. Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2014/01/06/successful-people-the-8-self-
limiting-behaviors-they-avoid/
Coming up…………………………………………………..
April 10th Chambersburg Area School District Transition Fair Doors open for set up at 5:00pm and the fair is
open to parents, students, faculty and community members from 6-8:00pm. The fair will be held at the
Chambersburg Area School District Administration Building, 435 Stanley Avenue, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Tues., April 22 – Ready, Set, Go! Kindergarten Readiness Program 5-7 p.m. at Nancy Grayson Elementary
School. For parents and their kids, ages birth to five. Call 530-2770 or 530-2780 to register by 4/15.
April 30-May 1, 2014: Pennsylvania Childhood Trauma and Injury Prevention Conference: A Community
Approach, Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, Harrisburg. Sponsored by the Center for Schools and Communities,
Safe Kids Pennsylvania.
*May 16, 2014: “In Search of Safe Space: Helping Youth Face Stress and Terror,” Annual STAR Center
Conference, William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. Sponsored by the STAR Center.
June 10-12, 2014: Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC), Eden Resort, Lancaster. Sponsored by
the Department of Public Welfare. The conference will expand its focus on training professionals to include a
special track for self-advocates.
here is what we have so far on summer programs & activities for kids
Wilson College’s SEEDS summer camp provides kids with a happy, healthy and
rewarding summer experience in a safe and clean environment. Each camper will
receive instruction through 4 different courses that will enrich their minds by
teaching them skills and knowledge they can use in everyday life. Dates: June 16-20 & July 7-11, from 9a-4p.
GRADES K - 6 are permitted Pricing: $200/child/week (2 snacks provided throughout the day, but each camper
must bring their own lunch) More info: http://www.wilson.edu/news-events/conferences-and-special-
programs/seeds/index.aspx
Kids Bowl Free is a program in its seventh year that allows children around the
country bowl 2 free games every day all summer long. All families have to do is
register at www.kidsbowlfree.com and they’ll receive vouchers via email every
Sunday valid for 2 free games per day for the week for the entire summer.
Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania is proud to offer various recreational programs
for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. The programs vary from camping
to t-ball to horseback riding to swimming. Each program is design to give children and
adults with disabilities the chance to learn, play and improve their quality of life! To find Easter
Seals' Camping & Recreation Programs in your area, download the 2014 Summer Camp Booklet
to learn more! Go here for the booklet.
Totem Pole's Children's Theatre Camp is open to students ages 8 to 12 and will run
from June 16th through the 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Teen's Theatre Camp is open to students ages 12 to 18 and will run from July 7th
through the 18th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Teens will write, produce, and perform an original
show this summer based on the theme of "bullying." Totem Pole's Comedy & Improv Camp will return for the
third year from July 21st through August 1st, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday, and is open to students
ages 10 to 18. Parents interested in enrolling their children are urged to call Daphne Blair at 352-2164 ext.
1004. Scholarships will once again be available this year to families who need assistance in covering the camp's
$385.00 fee. For more information, go here.
Mercersburg Summer is all about fun. Nestled in the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania,
our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for a wide range of opportunities for learning,
personal growth, and most importantly, fun. Each summer, participants take part in an array of
programs, ranging from the Adventure Camp series to various Enrichment, Arts and Sports Camps.
For brochures, cost, and to download more, go to www.mercersburgsummer.com
At Camp Victory, the kids are special, and the camp is special. We planned it
that way because we knew that the children who would come here would have
many, and diverse, special needs. Children who must live with chronic health
problems, physical or mental disabilities, or the aftermath of catastrophic
illness, know lifelong challenges. Their lives are controlled and restricted by the
daily medications and frequently complex medical treatments they need. The lives of family members are also
affected. Camp Victory was planned and built for these children. To find out more: http://campvictory.org/
Keystone Diabetic Kids Camp Please watch our Website and Facebook Page for information
about our new camp for kids with type 1 diabetes coming to Camp Victory in 2014! Keystone
Diabetic Kids Camp will be accepting applications beginning February 1, 2014! We are so excited
about hosting this great new camp! Camp Dates for 2014 are June 14 – June 20, 2014. More info:
http://campvictory.org/news/keystone-diabetic-kids-camp/
The Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge Camp is a beautiful five hundred and eighty-three acre
summer camp for children and adults with special needs including blindness, deafness, and many
other physical and mental challenges. It is nestled in the natural woodlands along the Juniata River
of Central Pennsylvania just two miles west of Newton Hamilton, near Mount Union. Beacon Lodge
was established in 1948 as a summer camp for blind residents of Pennsylvania. It has grown into a
favorite retreat for many people with disabilities as well as a conference center for special groups, an
educational facility for families, a rental camp for group retreats, and more. The goals of the camp were and are
to present a well-rounded program adaptable to all campers and others, regardless of age, race, creed or color.
Visit the Beacon Lodge Camp website at http://www.beaconlodge.com/ To access the 2014 calendar of
summer camps: http://www.beaconlodge.com/files/2014CAMP%20CALENDAR_1.pdf
Camp Koala -May 30-June 2, 2014 Our camps are for grieving children who have
experienced the death of a parent, primary caregiver or sibling and are free. We have a
NEW camp, for grieving TEENS. We only have six spots left in this camp. The location is the
YMCA's Camp Thompson, just outside of Carlisle. Both camps occur simultaneously, but
are in different parts of the campground with an entirely different curriculum and staff. All
campers must send in an application for consideration: www.campkoala.org/campers
Please feel free to call (717-258-1122) or email with any questions or for more information.
Summer Day Camp Registration Begins: The State Museum
will be offering a variety of day camps this summer. Featured
camps include: “Mammals of Pennsylvania” for ages 7 to 10,
Tues., July 8 or Wed., July 9; “Native Americans” for ages 7 to 10,
Tues., July 15 or Wed., July 16 and “Fossils” for ages 9 to 12,
Tues., July 22 or Wed., July 23. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee for each camp: $35 per
participant with a discount for State Museum Affiliate Members. Registration is required; space is limited.
To sign up, contact our reservationist, Diane, at 717-772-6997 or e-mail her at dwynkoop@pa.gov.
4KidsinPA.com is a FREE Online Resource for Families to Find Things to See
and Do in Pennsylvania. We help families find events, programs, parks, day trips,
vacations and deals every day. Plus, we have a contest every day where we give
away tickets to some of the greatest attractions in Pennsylvania. We update the site
everyday, so the information is always up-to-date! http://www.4kidsinpa.com/
If you have information on summer activities or camps
for kids, please email them to
kmlucas@franklincountypa.gov
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Support Groups
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Thursday, April 3 - Bereaved Parents Support Group If you are grieving the death of
a child of any age, please join us. Meetings are the first Thursday of every month
from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Messiah U.M. Church in the Timothy House annex, 30 S. Penn
St., Shippensburg, PA. If you have questions about the group, please call Marcie Taylor,
bereaved parent and group facilitator, at 532-8922 ordrewmichaeltaylor@pa.net.
The Bereaved Spouse Support Group starts tomorrow morning with future meetings
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of April, May and June from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. in the
Parlor... of Messiah UMC, 30 S. Penn St., Shippensburg, PA. While this group meets at a
church, it is not a faith-based group. It is open to anyone grieving the death of a spouse.
Contact Marcie Taylor of the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation at 532-8922
or drewmichaeltaylor@pa.net if you have questions or need more information.
Drop-in Meditation Class Held the First Thursday of every month. April 3rd is the next one.
No registration is required, but you are welcome to call in and reserve your seat.
Location: Meditation Room, CenterPoint Counseling, Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg.
Time: 5:15- 6:15 PM. Cost: $15.00. For questions and more information: call (717) 267-2081 or
send us an email to Daniela Crawford, Mindfulness Meditation Program Assistant, at
centerpoint@innernet.net
Community Support Program (CSP) Meeting A forum where mental health
consumers, family members and professionals are united by a common set of beliefs
and values and use their combined strength to support one another and promote
system change while focusing on Recovery from a serious mental illness. Join us each
month to discuss mental health topics and issues. Meetings are every month, on the
fourth Monday. Location: 218 N Second St, Chambersburg. Time: 10:30am-12pm
Recovery Support Opportunity for the Divorced and Separated A 6 week recovery
support group for adults dealing with the issues of separation and/or divorce. All are
welcome who have gone through divorce or separation recently, or to those who have
been divorced or separated for a while and need some additional support. Classes:
Monday evenings, from 7 to 8:30pm at the Wholeness Center, 19 S. Main St.,
Chambersburg. Classes start April 7 and run through May 12. Group format will consist
of lectures, small group discussions, videos. Facilitator: Cindy Shoemaker. Cost: $10 per
person. Registration requested; no provisions for childcare. More info/registration:
cshoe0815@gmail.com or call Central Presbyterian Church at 264-4113, ext. 0.
Healthy Communities Partnership will offer the American
Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® clinic for free
throughout 2014. Learn more: http://www.ffsonline.org/
Next session: Apr. 1 - May 20 (Tuesdays), Coyle Free Library,
6:30 PM. More info/register: 264.1470 or click here
Pure Grace 101, Abortion Recovery Small groups are forming for 11 week intervals
throughout the year. Free & confidential help. Contact Ruth Schuler at 717-372-
2845 or puregrace101@gmail.com for more information. Pure Grace 101 is a ministry of
Pregnancy Ministries Inc.
Widow to Widow Lunch Group meets the 2nd Monday of each month to provide an
opportunity for widows to share and learn about grief and the journey it brings. Each
month will feature a topic related to healing your grief. Meetings are at Bonanza
Restaurant, Chambersburg Mall from 11:30a - 12:30p. Each person is responsible for the
cost of their meal. Meeting is in the private dining area. More information: Kim McCurdy
at 217-3527 or 264-8178.
Support groups as listed in the Chambersburg Public Opinion:
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/lifestyle/ci_25181366/area-support-groups-seniors
Support groups listed in the Franklin Shopper:
http://www.franklinshopper.com/features/groups/
List of support groups offered though Summit Health:
http://www.summithealth.org/classes-events
--------------------------------------------------
Useful Resources (click the image for the pdf file/website)
---------------------------------------------------
CALL US 24 HOURS
A DAY
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Where to Turn
For Help
An overview of Human Service
Agencies in Franklin County
revised 11/12
A Guide To
Basic Needs
Assistance
Franklin County,
Pennsylvania
revised 11/12
Franklin County
Information
&
Referral
717-261-2561
Shippensburg
Community Resource
Guide
Social services & related
programs located in
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
updated January 2013
http://franklin.pa.networkofcare.org/mh
List Your Group
If you know of a support group
and would like it listed in a future
issue of the Events, email
kmlucas@franklincountypa.gov