For many kids, April is filled with visions of spring flowers, coloring eggs and the dream of a giant chocolate bunny sitting in the middle of their Easter basket. For others, April is just another month. These children would be excited if their day-to-day reality didn't match their nightmares. During the month of April, CASA for Kids joins other community members in remembering these kids by bringing attention to National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This is a great time to educate yourself and others on the topic of child abuse prevention, offer support to stressed families, take a parenting class, learn more about foster parenting, and/or consider becoming a CASA Advocate. To that end, consider the following options:
Attend “Empowered to Connect”, April 7 & 8, 10 am – 6 pm, at Easthaven Baptist Church. This 2 day workshop addresses effective ways to help traumatized children heal. The cost is just $40.00 and includes 16 hours of training, two lunches, snacks and a workbook. To register or learn more about the program follow this link: http://www.childbridgemontana.org/empowered-to-connect.html.
Catch a FREE showing of James Redford’s documentary, “Resilience; The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope”, Thursday, April 20, 6 PM at the Flathead Community College Arts and Technology Theater (AT139). Special guest Stacy York, LCSW will also be present to offer further insight and field questions. For information about Stacy check out her website: http://bewhatsright.com/.
Sign up for a parenting class at the Nurturing Center 406 755-1414. Currently they are offering the following classes: Children in the Middle, Active Parenting Now and After the Storm. They also offer child care scholarships which can help make quality child care more attainable for struggling families. The Nurturing Center will also be offering an opportunity for community members to Stand Together Against Child Abuse with their annual Blue Ribbon Event, April 25th at Lawrence Park. Please call them for more details regarding that event.
If you really want to dig into the topic of Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention consider signing up for the Annual Montana Child Abuse and Neglect Conference. This year it is being held at the Radisson Colonel Hotel in Helena, April 25 - 27. The conference is always filled with great workshops and key note speakers. You can sign up here: http://dphhs.mt.gov/CFSD/CANConference. Please note the fee is waived for CASA advocates and foster parents.
Informed, caring community members can make a positive impact on stressed families (and lets face it, what parent doesn’t find themselves overwhelmed at some point?) Are you interested in learning more? Have you been wondering what CASA does? Do you have interest in supporting foster youth? Check out the CASA Experience, a 50 minute program April 19th, 3rd floor of the Flathead County Justice Center, at noon. Listen to Judge Heidi Ulbricht and others share about the impact of CASA. Information about ways to get involved will be available. Questions? Just give us a call at: 406 755-7208.
