Veteran Raises Resources for Local Families

Johnnie Mitchell, a Vietnam Veteran, continues tradition with a successful second annual “For the Children” diaper drive during December 

Jeannie Parker, Johnnie Mitchell and Martha Lewis with diaper drive donations.

As a resident in the Norman Veterans Center, Johnnie Mitchell began looking for ways to make a positive impact two years ago. Upon hearing about the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) diaper drive opportunity he knew how he wanted to make a difference.

“I am a parent and I remember(ed) how difficult it was for my family to have a good supply of diapers,” said Mitchell. “With the economy the way it is, I figured this is something that people really need this time of year.”

'For the Children' Display at NVC

With the help of fellow Veterans, staff members and visitors to the Norman Veterans Center, Johnnie’s ‘For the Children’ diaper drive resulted in more than 1,400 diapers for CCFI’s diaper closet, which is open to the public.

“Everyone thinks of food, clothes and toys during the holidays, but diapers just aren’t brought up enough,” he said. “I am more than happy to help and very proud of the teamwork to make this happen.”

This is the second year Johnnie has coordinated the ‘For the Children’ Diaper Drive and says he is constantly thinking of ways to increase donations and keep the tradition going.Click here to read about the first 'For the Children' Diaper Drive.

How Cookies and Cupcakes Led to Contributions

First Presbyterian's Circle Four Women's Group: Cookie Exchangg

Back in November, I attended a “tour” of CCFI at our church, First Presbyterian, presented by Katie Fitzgerald.  Katie spoke with such passion about the neglected and abused children here in our own community that I couldn’t help but be moved by the needs of these children in Norman.  When I heard about the benefit event cupcake parties, I was impressed not only with the idea of having people bring a CCFI donation item to our Christmas cookie exchange, but also with how easy the food preparation would be with the assistance of CCFI’s cupcake program.  Since bakeries around Norman agree to donate cupcakes to CCFI for benefit parties, the baking was already done! 

The best part of making my Christmas cookie exchange a CCFI benefit event was seeing how people can band together to help others.  The ladies of First Presbyterian’s Circle Four women’s group loved helping mothers and children in Norman.  A simple gathering of church ladies for Christmas produced amazing results for CCFI!  While I know that our contributions are merely a drop in the bucket of what CCFI may need, it was wonderful to see how contributing to a cause brought all of us together.  And, I know that our efforts are greatly appreciated.

CCFI works in our own community to improve the lives of children and parents.  I love how they fight for children and work to root out the causes of childhood neglect and abuse through counseling, programming, and nurturing and providing for children’s’ basic needs.  I highly recommend that others use the CCFI’s benefit event program and have cupcake parties of their own!  It couldn’t be easier, and it couldn’t be more rewarding.

- Written by Connie Hall [with Rebecca Davis]

Falalalalalalala!

Holiday Gifting Program 2010 

Some of the Holiday Helpers!

During the holidays at CCFI we have a Holiday Gifting Program for families in our services. This year nearly 300 children were provided with presents to unwrap due to the outpouring of support from local businesses and residents from throughout Cleveland County and the surrounding areas.
 
As the donations and presents began to pile up, we began recruiting elves and holiday helpers to get all the gifts packed and ready for our program staff to deliver.

With much gratitude, all of us at CCFI, and especially the children and families that we serve, thank you for your support and for making a difference during this holiday season.
    

How your gifts made a difference...  

Staff members shared many quotes and stories from the children and families who received gifts this holiday season. Below are some excerpts:

Lead Holiday Helper, Kristi!

 

Before delivering the gifts to her home, we learned that one young single mother had just recently lost her job and was really concerned about being able to purchase gifts for her children. When we carried the gifts up to her apartment and she saw the bags full of beautiful gifts for her four children, she got misty-eyed as she hugged us and said "I can't wait to see their faces light up on Christmas morning... I was so afraid I was going to miss that this year."

One particular grandma, whose raising her 6yr old son alone, on a single income got teary eyed as we gave her the gifts saying “you don’t know how much this mean’s to me.”.

One mom said, I’m so appreciative that you guys are doing this, you don’t know how much this means to me!

A single mother who is a full-time student was overwhelmed with joy when presents for her middle school age daughter arrived.  She had recently been hospitalized and had not been able to purchase Christmas presents. She stated that she was “so thankful for everything” and that her daughter would all the gifts.

Katie and a few Holiday donors!

"Six months ago a dad of some kids in my program lost his job. He was really unsure and worried about being able to give his children gifts this season. He was incredibly grateful and told us over and over again how much it meant to him as a father. I think he was relieved that his children's holidays were going to be happy."

 

“Is all that for us?”

 

"A mom struggling to make ends meet told us that we made her wishes come true because it is really hard to buy the things her children want during the holidays. She told us there wasn't any more stress and she could now enjoy Christmas."

Thank you to all our holiday gift donors, helpers, and volunteers for helping make this holiday special for the children and families we serve!

Jack's Celebration

Jack and his friend, Kira, Celebrating their CAKE par

For most 8-year-olds, tearing open countless presents from family and friends usually only happens during the holidays and on birthdays. But that was not the case for one boy, who requested that his guests bring gifts for others during his CAKE (Celebrating Adopted Kids, Everyday!) celebration during November.

As a young philanthropist, Jack Flax is inspired by his parents, Troy and Jenny, to give back to the community and saw their CAKE celebration as a way to inspire others.

“We really wanted Jack to do something special not only for himself, but for others as well,” said Jack’s mother, Jenny. “We invited all our friends with adopted children to the CAKE party and made it a benefit party for CCFI. I think helping a local agency made it even more special for us, the guests and especially for Jack.”

Jack's cake, it says: "Happy Adoption Day Jack"

Jack and his friends and family raised over 250 diapers at their party last month, all of which went to the CCFI public diaper and formula closet.  The Flax family believes that philanthropy starts young and that learning to help others at an early age truly makes a difference. Here at CCFI we couldn’t agree more. Teaching young children to perform great acts of kindness, such as this, is an important life skill. Children, like Jack, are our future generation of volunteers and supporters and we are beginning to see younger philanthropists each year.

Jack’s mother, who’s been active in several of her own philanthropic adventures, couldn’t be more pleased. “Whatever your situation in life, there’s almost always someone who has it a little tougher than you do,” Jenny said. “I think that getting kids to understand about donating and giving back when they are young really makes a difference.”

Jack agreed and said, “It’s a really fun way to help and have fun with my friends!”

Getting to the Bottom of it

Any parent will tell you it is a terrible inconvenience to run out to the drugstore late at night because you ran out of diapers. But this occasional inconvenience is nothing compared to the crisis unfolding across the nation for families who are unable to provide their children with an adequate supply of diapers.

The Facts

• Safety-net programs such as the SNAP (formerly food stamp program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) do not cover the cost of diapers. 

• An adequate supply of diapers can cost over $100 per month. 

• The vast majority of licensed day care centers do not accept cloth diapers, and require parents and caregivers to provide a steady supply of disposable diapers.

• Most people living in poverty do not have affordable access to washing facilities. Furthermore, most coin-operated laundromats do not allow customers to wash cloth diapers for health and sanitary reasons.

The Impacts

• In poor and low-income families, a baby can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health and abuse risks.

• Low-income parents cannot take advantage of free or subsidized childcare if they cannot afford to leave disposable diapers at childcare centers. If parents cannot access daycare, then they are less able to attend work or school on a consistent basis. This in turn leads to increased economic instability and a continuation of the cycle of poverty.

• Without transportation, buying diapers at an inner city convenience store rather than a large retailer can double or triple the monthly cost for diapers. Many parents are already struggling to pay for rent and food and simply cannot afford the high cost of an adequate supply of diapers for their children.

Keeping Children Healthy, Helping Families Become Self Sufficient

Every baby deserves a clean diaper. Children left for extended periods of time in dirty diapers are at a higher risk for health problems including severe diaper rash, urinary tract infections, jaundice, and even staph infections.  Babies left in soiled diapers are more likely to cry from discomfort, which can increase caregiver stress and parental depression. In extreme cases, this type of stress on a family unit may lead to child neglect and abuse.

Lacking a steady access to diapers may also result in a family’s inability to participate in childcare programs, school, and even regular employment. We know that early childhood learning and development are critical to at-risk children.

The majority of early care and education programs, including free or subsidized programs like Early Head Start, require parents to provide disposable diapers prior to entering the program. If a caregiver is unable to meet this requirement, they may not be able to participate in regular employment or job training programs – essential factors in a family’s ability to be self sufficient.

Donating diapers to low-income families might be the best gift of all.

No matter a mother’s financial standing, marital status, ethnicity, or education- each one of them sees changing their child’s diaper as a wonderful act of love for their baby. The experience of diapering is a channel for connection and love, as well as a source of confidence and pride for mothers. For mothers living in hardship, this sentiment is felt even stronger when they are able to give their babies a clean diaper as this basic necessity can be a struggle to come by. 

CCFI Public Diaper and Formula Closet.

Unfortunately, diapers are often a forgotten basic need that is lacking not only during the holidays, but year round. It’s always fun to donate toys during the holiday and is greatly appreciated by the staff, children and families at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) and other organizations alike; but for many families in need, diapers are hard to come by and many shelters and family resource centers have diapers at the top of their wish lists, including CCFI.

One of the biggest needs of those living below the poverty line is diapers and government programs do not provide funding for personal care items- including diapers. In Oklahoma, 25% of all babies are born into poverty (Annie E. Casey Foundation). In Norman poverty is steadily increasing. Ten years ago (2000), 27% of the Norman Public School population was eligible for free and reduced lunch. Today (2010) that number is 42%*.

Some families have to compromise on necessities like food and heating to be able to afford diapers. In addition, there are some parents who can only afford a few diapers a day for their children and may sometimes have to re-use soiled disposable diapers. During the holiday months, staying warm and having the financial stresses of gift giving can overwhelm families with diaper need.

So when you’re out and about doing your holiday shopping, why not buy an extra pack or case of diapers or a can of formula to donate to your local diaper closet and help families in need?

__________________________________________________________

* data from Norman Public Schools

Want more information? Wondering about reusable diapers? Want to know why it’s such a struggle for parents faced with diaper need? Read these articles: Basic Need for the Poor: Diapers and Mother, Can You Spare a Dime?

The Bare Necessity

Over the next few weeks we’d like to shed some light on a common necessity that is often overlooked, something that we all have either worn, purchased or changed: Diapers.

CCFI Public Diaper and Formula Closet.

A recent study from Huggies found that 55% of U.S. mothers have never before thought about the problem of caregivers in their community not having enough diapers for their children’s daily needs. However, compromising on necessities and only having a few diapers for a given day is more common than we think.
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Keeping a child in a clean diaper is a struggle for less fortunate families. Each day in Oklahoma caregivers are faced with the unfortunate decision of having to choose one basic necessity over another. When families have trouble providing diapers, there are typically few places they can turn for help. Many community based organizations and food banks don't usually carry diapers and government-based support programs do not allow for the purchase of diapers.

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Mothers report that keeping their child in a clean diaper is one of the most important things they do for their child. No matter a mother’s financial standing, marital status, ethnicity, or education- each one of them sees changing their child’s diaper as a wonderful act of love for their baby. For mothers living in hardship, this sentiment is felt even stronger when they are able to give their babies a clean diaper as this basic necessity can be a struggle to come by.

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With the help of community members, we have been able to keep the Center's Baby Pantry open to the public for more than 20 years. In the past year, we have given over 3,000 diapers and 350 cans of formula to families in need in the Norman community.
 

CCFI Benefit Parties!

A Very Special Place

More than 350 guests attended the annual Hands & Hearts Luncheon at the Embassy Suites this month. Personal stories of adversity, hope and giving back were shared by Executive Director Katie Fitzgerald and guest speaker Martha Buchanan. Here is the Hands & Hearts video of inspiring stories featuring former clients and staff:

Thank you to the guest speakers, video testimonials, table captains, luncheon sponsors and leadership donors for making this event a success. CCFI’s Caring Adult Network of financial donors increased with 65 new
donors supporting children and families in our community. Thank you for all your support!

After our annual Hands and Hearts fundraiser this year we received a lot of positive feedback but we believe that one of our guests and partners described the event best:

"As you may or may not know, Abbott House serves as the Child Abuse Response and Treatment (CART) team coordinator agency for Cleveland, Garvin, McClain and surrounding counties.  I mention this, because one of our partner agencies is the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI).  This past Wednesday, I had the extreme honor of attending their annual fundraiser, Hands and Hearts.  Wow. 

In just over an hour, I was filled with more pride in our community and hope for our future than I am able to put in words.  The program consisted of several personal stories from staff, volunteers, and individuals who have utilized the services that CCFI offers, each leaving the audience with encouragement and stories of overcoming obstacles."
-Mary Abbott Children's House (click here to read the rest)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

What's ACEs? 
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being. The study is a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente's Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego.

More than 17,000 Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) members undergoing a comprehensive physical examination chose to provide detailed information about their childhood experience of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction. To date, more than 50 scientific articles have been published and more than100 conference and workshop presentations have been made.

The ACE Study findings suggest that certain experiences are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness and death as well as poor quality of life in the United States. Progress in preventing and recovering from the nation's worst health and social problems is likely to benefit from understanding that many of these problems arise as a consequence of adverse childhood experiences.
-Center for Disease Control


CCFI typically looks at ACEs and in a better way to explain our services we created an ACEs document that was within our Hands and Hearts publication.

For more information about Adverse Childhood Experiences visit http://www.acestudy.org/.

Choosing Child Care

In our last blog post we discussed the long-term effects of low-quality child care on children.  Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions a parent can make.  Finding the care most suitable for your child will take time, but learning the types of child care available and what make a quality child care program will help your search be successful.

So how do parents find quality child care?  Here are some tips we hope you'll find helpful.


Some important factors to consider when selecting quality child care are:

• What is the education level of the child care providers?
• Is the space safe, bright, attractive, and interesting to children?
• Does the environment allow for a variety of play activities both inside and outside?
• What is the adult to child ratio?
   

Resources for finding quality child care:
- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (many great resources)
- Reaching for the Stars (rates facilities)
- Rainbow Fleet (resources and referral)

We strongly urge you to visit the family child care homes or child care centers under consideration, and to talk to those who will be directly and indirectly involved in your child's care.  The more homes and centers you visit, the better prepared you will be to make the best choice for your child.  All family child care homes and child care centers must by licensed by the State of Oklahoma.  Licensing is intended to insure minimal standards of health and safety for children's protection.  Licensing alone does not guarantee the quality of a child care center for home.  You are the best judge of whether a child care program will be suitable for your child.

 
Quality Child Care Checklist
 
Health and Safety

• Is the facility licensed?
• Are the proper adult/child ratios maintained?
• Is the setting bright and attractive, with adequate space for quiet and active play both indoors and outdoors?
• Is the facility clean overall (bathrooms and diapering areas, kitchen, play areas) and is hand-washing practiced regularly?
• Are all areas child-proofed and free of hazards and is all equipment safe and in good repair?
• Are there working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit?
• Is an emergency evacuation plan posted and practiced?
• Are there emergency contact cards for each child?
• Does the caregiver have liability insurance or a waiver of liability?
• Does the caregiver or center staff have up-to-date training in pediatric first aid and CPR?
• Does the caregiver or center use appropriate car seats or safety belts for each child if children are being transported?
• If food is furnished at the facility, is it nutritionally balanced and prepared and stored in a safe manner?

 
Personal Style

• Is the caregiver someone who is warm, sensitive to children's needs, and who responds lovingly and respectfully to children?
• Does the caregiver give each child individual attention?
• Does the caregiver treat each child in a positive way that builds self-esteem? For example, does the caregiver interact respectfully with children, using a positive tone of voice?
• Does the caregiver have a firm but loving approach to discipline? (Note: physical punishment, spanking, humiliation, neglect, retaliation, mental abuse, or punitive interference with daily functions of living such as eating, sleeping, or elimination are strictly prohibited by licensed facilities.)
• Is the caregiver willing to discuss your child with you, and are parents welcome to make unannounced visits at any time?
• Is the caregiver accepting of your cultural and family values?

Professionalism

•  Does the caregiver have training in child development or early childhood education? (Licensing sets minimum educational standards for child care center directors and staff, no educational training is required for family child care providers at this time.)
• Does the caregiver continue to keep up-to-date by attending trainings and seminars?
• How much experience caring for children does the caregiver have?
• Does the caregiver belong to any professional organizations?
• Are the child abuse reporting procedures provided to parents?
• Does the caregiver use written agreements and clearly communicate the expectations and policies of the program?
• Does the caregiver make available a reference list of current and past clients?

The quality of child care affects your children through their teen years

The Washington Post printed an article last month on the long-term effects of low-quality child care, and the results have significant implications for parents.

According to the largest study on child rearing in the U.S., children are affected by low-quality child care through (at least) their teen years.  Kids not only received lower testing scores, but were more likely to have problem behaviors such as arguing, mean behavior, and getting into fights over children who received high-quality child care.  This information proved true for children all ethnicities, races, home life situations, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Although the differences between kids was only a few percentage points, the differences were surprisingly long-term.  The study suggests these behaviors will continue into adulthood, creating life-long difficulties.

What constitutes low quality?  Researchers observed many factors, including the caregiver's warmth, sensitivity, emotional support and how much cognitive stimulation they provided.

What really stood out in the article was the sentence: "Other factors, such as the influence of parents and family members, were clearly more important. However, the findings held true even after researches took those and other factors into account."

This is certainly an issue to take very seriously.  We'll talk more in our next blog about how to locate high-quality child care.

Read the full article here.

Summer Fun for Families

Summer is officially here! Don't miss out on great resources for families looking for fun activities for summer. Here are several free and low cost ideas:

Free Events in Norman

Jazz in June

Dates: June 24 - 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Location: Brookhaven Village, 3700 West Robinson Street
http://jazzinjune.org/blog/

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Date: June 26
Free admission! Bring your library card to get in for free.
http://www.snomnh.ou.edu/

4th of July - Fireworks and Live Entertainment
Date: July 4
Time: 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Reeves Park
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/4th-july-activities-reaves-park

Midsummer's Nights Fair
Dates: July 9 - July 10
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Lion's Park
http://normanfirehouse.moonfruit.com/#/midsummer-nights-fair/4524980380

Summer Breeze Concert Series
July 11 & 18
August 1, 15, & 29
September 12 & 19
http://www.thepas.org/content/blogcategory/18/74/



Free Activities in Norman

Norman Splash Pads
Two locations
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/splashpad
 
Norman Public Library
At each of the Pioneer Library System, you will find classes such as story time for preschool age and play times for children of all ages. Plus enjoy concerts, movies and computer help for all ages, and make and take art ages 3-6, and concerts for all ages. Visit http://www.pioneer.lib.ok.us/



Low Cost

Westwood Water Park
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/water-park

Little River Zoo
http://www.littleriverzoo.com/

Sooner Theatre
http://www.soonertheatre.org/cms/index.php?page=EventTickets



More fun ideas and activities

Metro Family Magazine - Family Fun:
http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-fun
 
Parenting.com: 101 Things to do this Summer:
http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Activities-Parties/101-Things-To-Do-This-Summer

Spotlight on CCFI's executive director Katie Fitzgerald

It has been my dream to run an agency that centers around children and families.  My work at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. is an absolute joy and the pinnacle of my career.  What led me to work for CCFI was the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
 
When it comes down to it - life is all about relationships.  The quality of the relationships we have in life - particularly early in life - fundamentally shape who we become.  Every child deserves to have caring, nurturing relationships in his / her life so they can realize their full potential.  Knowing that these children - and families - depend on CCFI for healing and for the chance to maximize their full potential in life is all the motivation I need at CCFI.

I hail from Lansing, Michigan and have been around the field of child development since I was young - my father is a respected researcher and educator in the field of infant mental health.  Being exposed to topics of children's health and development from an early age has certainly had a hand in guiding my passion to work with vulnerable children and families.
 
My husband, Brad, myself, and our two kids (now three!) moved to Norman five years ago when he accepted a job as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma.  What a difference world Oklahoma is from Michigan, yet how encouraging to find the common thread in those dedicated to helping children.

I was asked recently what my best day has been so far at CCFI.  The day and moment I remember most involved a child who has been in treatment for healing the abuse and neglect she experienced.  As she was about to leave our building she said to her foster-mom, "I love you, mommy." Her foster-mom said, "I love you too," That sums up the reason I, our staff, and volunteers are here every day...for moments like those.

- Katie
 

More about Katie:
Katie Fitzgerald brings more than fifteen years of experience working in the non-profit sector focusing on improving policies and programs that serve vulnerable children and their families.  her experiences include serving as a program director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, as well as holding several leadership positions with United Way.  She has worked as a non-profit consultant and in higher education as a program director with the University of Oklahoma and adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University.

My Volunteer Experience

By Lindsay Sparks
We asked Lindsay to share about her volunteer experience with our Trauma Focused Services, which gives foster and adopted children a way to begin the healing process. Lindsay helps out with the monthly therapeutic play group.


"I remember the first time I showed up for group.  I wasn't completely sure what the structure of the group would be, just that CCFI needed more volunteers.  The first day was a nice summer day and the kids were outside playing games.  They were playing with balloons and water hoses and all sorts of fun summer kid games.

As the months have passed, I've gotten a chance to see how the group allows for the kids to freely express themselves in a healthy way.  They learn new ways to cope with their past experiences creatively through music and dancing, or in their art class by building, molding, drawing, and crafting.  What works for one child many not work for the other because we are all unique individuals.

During the course of the breakout session we have only an idea of what we want to accomplish, but the children may change the whole course of what we do, but only because we allow room for creativity.  Every month we make sure the kids are all offered the chance to go to music group.  This is my favorite part of volunteering.  The little ones all come in and we sing the same song when they walk in every time.  In that, there is a little bit of consistency, but we also allow for variety.

If they want to run around and flap wings like a bird while we sing a song about birds, that is acceptable, if they want to play and sing London Bridges six times instead of two so they all get a chance to be "locked up," they we do that.  To see the kids smile and really enjoy letting loose and being creative and learning from each other is what my volunteer experience has been about."

- Lindsay Sparks

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The amount of need in the world can be overwhelming. You may think, "What difference will it make if I volunteer or not?"  Even a small amount of compassion and attention can make a world of difference.  When you remember back to your childhood, what adults in your life made a difference for you?  Who, outside of your family, took a little extra time to make you feel valuable?  No one person can solve the world's problems, but you can make your corner of the world a happier, healthier, safer place to live for those who need your help.

The kids in CCFI's programs need positive adults around them.  We know from research that the more relational support and healthy connections kids make, the more promising their future.  Helping children have a sense of belonging is immeasurably valuable.

People who have spent their time volunteering for a cuase say they get back in satisfaction and joy more than they ever expend in inconvenience or effort. As one of our volunteers, Judson Ahern says, "The reason (volunteering) makes me feel good is because CCFI serves our most precious resource and those who need help the most - the children of our community...It is wonderful therapy - a kind of antidote for those times when you realize we live in troubling, discouraging times.  The CCFI staff will make you feel like family.  I treasure the friends I've made there, and honestly think I've gotten more from them than they have from me!"

Would you consider helping?


Volunteer Needs:

(1) Summer Youth Enrichment Program
      Spend your free time mentoring kids this summer during our Summer
      Youth Enrichment Program. There will be two sessions, one in June
      and one in July:

      Dates:
      June Session: June 2 - June 25
      July Session: July 5 - July 30

      Times:
      Monday - Friday, 12:45 - 5:30 p.m.


(2) Circle of Parents Support Group
      We need volunteers to work with toddlers and young children in
      therapeutic play while caregivers of the children are in a support
      group.

      Dates and Times:
      Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.


(3) Parents Assistance Groups
      We need volunteers to work with toddlers and young children in
      therapeutic play while parents of the children are in parenting
      skills classes.

      Dates and Times:
      Tuesday evenings, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.


Contact us at (405) 364-1420 if you can help!

Abuse and Neglect Literally Changes the Wiring of Children's Brains

I had a great opportunity to participate in a day-long session yesterday conducted by Dr. Joy Osofsky - a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and a professor in pediatrics and psychiatry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans at the State of Oklahoma's Children's Behavioral Health Conference.

Dr. Osofsky is Co-Director of the Louisiana Rural Trauma Services Center and a member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.  She is an international expert in how children's mental health and behavior are impacted by abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma.  An incredibly well-published researcher and practitioner, her latest book Young Children and Trauma: Intervention and Treatment is a great read for anyone involved in mental health, child welfare, the judiciary, and law enforcement.

Here are some of the power things Dr. Osofsky had to say - as well as some great resources she mentioned that I encourage you to follow-up on:
 

Q: What are the impacts of trauma on children?

Trauma derails the normal developmental trajectory of children in the following ways:

• Developmental delays (Dr. Osofsky said that it is very "rare" for there to not be a developmental delay in an abuse/neglect situation)
  
  
    
• Emotional dysregulation - a term used in the mental health community to refer to an emotional response that is poorly modulated, and does not fall within the conventionally accepted range of emotive response (e.g., mood swings).  Possible manifestations of emotional dysregulation include angry outbursts of behavior outbursts such as destroying or throwing objects, aggression towards self or others, and threats to kill oneself.  These variations usually occur in seconds to minutes or hours. Emotional dysregulation can lead to behavioral problems and can interfere with a person's social interactions and relationships at home, in school, or at a place of employment.
  
  
    
• Difficulty forming attachments in childhood and later in life
  
  
    
• Over-reactive fear - stress response
  
  
    
• Language problems often occur as a result of trauma
  
  
     

Q: How do children experience trauma?

• Loss of trust
• Uncertainty and new fears
• Emotional instability
• Behavioral changes
• A return to earlier behaviors (e.g. bed wetting)
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome
   

Q: How are children traumatized?

• Direct abuse / neglect
• Living in and around high-levels of community violence
• Domestic violence
• Hearing about traumatic events
• Exposure to the media (especially if children are exposed to violence in the media without a caregiver to monitor that exposure)

Q: How is the brain impacted by trauma?

• "Abuse and neglect literally changes the wiring of the brains of young children." Dr. Jack Schonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child
   
• When children are faced with prolonged / persistent trauma (e.g., abuse and neglect), the levels of cortisol in their brains is increased (Stress hormone).  The increased level of cortisone in the developing brain literally "poisons the brain," according toe Dr. Schonkoff as it disrupts normal and healthy brain development.
   
• There is significant research that demonstrates that abuse and neglect impacts the brain development of young children.  Learn more at: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/

Dr. Jack Schonkoff also has a great book called From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development.


One more thing. . .
There is so much more I could share.  The last thing I will suggest you look at is the Still Face video.  This video (the experiment itself) shows a clear demonstration of the stress that babies experience when they are being ignored, neglected or are lacking the engagement of their caregiver.  It shows us that babies DO know what is going on in their environment and are stressed by a lack of stimulation and engagement.

- Katie Fitzgerald

Take Action to Prevent Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month but I wish we didn't have "awareness months." An "awareness month" suggests that an issue deserves our attention just one month per year. How sad, when most things that really matter to us get our "awareness" every day... our children, our spouses, our jobs, etc. "Awareness months" are also out of control. Consider National Clown College Month, National Wear Brown Shoes Month and don't forget about National Don't Eat Cheese After Noon Month. At the risk of offending aspiring, brown-shoe wearing, lactose intolerant clowns, I'd like to propose an alternative way.

Let's resolve to pick the issue(s) that matter to us and be both aware of that issue, and active on that issue throughout the year! I hope I can convince you to make one of your issues the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

You might be surprised to learn that Cleveland County ranks third among Oklahoma counties in the number of confirmed cases of abuse and neglect - a statistic that does not help us in our quest to be one of the "best places to live, work and raise a family." For the hundreds of children who are abused or neglected in our community each year, that ideal is far from their reality.

Without intensive therapeutic intervention, children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders, behavioral health problems, and to repeat patterns of abuse and neglect when they become parents., Tragically, some children do not survive the abuse at all.

But preventing and treating abuse and neglect is not just the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. Child abuse and neglect is a community issue - a public health issue. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente, in one of the largest studies of its kind, documented the relationship between abuse, neglect, and other traumas in childhood (e.g., domestic violence and substance abuse in the home, incarceration of a parent, etc.) and health conditions later in life, such as heart disease, lung and liver disease, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, and depression.

Abuse and neglect also impact a child's ability to learn. International business leaders like Warren Buffett and Oklahoma's George Kaiser are putting millions - if not billions - into efforts to ensure that babies and young children have healthy starts and nurturing environments. These and other business leaders are approaching this issue with the same passion and savvy that propelled them to economic success. They make decisions based on evidence and the return on investment. In this case, the evidence is clear that quality programs that support healthy learning and nurturing environments for vulnerable children produce real results. For every $1 invested in those programs, there is a $7 - $8 return. The paradigm has shifted. It is no longer just about helping those children; it is now also about doing what is in our own best interest.

Yet, the problem is growing and the leaders are too few and far between. The downturn in the economy has exacerbated problems for families and children. In 2009, Medicaid paid for 60% of all births in Oklahoma, 42% of all births were to single parents, and one out of every four children in Oklahoma were born into poverty. The State of Oklahoma's investments in early childhood, mental health services, domestic violence and abuse prevention are evaporating at the same time the problems are increasing. It is a perfect storm.

This is where YOU come in. Norman's children need you and they need you today! They need you to volunteer to mentor them, tutor them, and spend time with them. Norman's children need you to watch out for them, to speak to legislators and city leaders about them, and to invest your talents and resources in programs that serve them. There are many organizations in Norman committed to protecting and nurturing children. Now that you are aware, please take action not just this month but throughout the year.

For more information on how you can be involved in preventing child abuse and neglect, please contact the Center for Children and Families, Inc. www.ccfinorman.org or 405-364-1420.

 - Katie Fitzgerald

Katie Fitzgerald is the Executive Director of the Center for Children and Families, Inc.

Child Abuse Prevention - What YOU can do to Help!

Greetings and welcome to our first blog post! We felt April 1st was the best time to embark on our new social media outreach as April is Child Abuse Prevention month. Here at the Center for Children and Families, we’ve made it our mission to improve the lives of children through partnerships with families and communities because every boy and girl deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and loved.


First, let’s hear some facts. The ugly truth is, before today is over, 3 CHILDREN WILL DIE from being abused in the United States. At least one of them will be a baby - less than a year old. The other two probably haven't yet celebrated their 5th birthdays. More than 510 other children will be physically abused today and another 270 will be sexually abused. In total, over 2,700 children will be abused today.


Tomorrow - the horror starts all over again.


Child abuse is an epidemic. And one of the most tragic aspects of abuse is, children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders, behavioral health problems, and to repeat patterns of abuse and neglect when they become parents, thus perpetuating the cycle of violence. 


A blue ribbon is the international symbol for Child Abuse Prevention. The color blue was chosen to represent the bruised and battered bodies of the thousands of children that are abused every day. It serves as a constant reminder that all of us have a responsibility to help keep children safe. 


This April, it is important to remember while springtime and sunshine are going on outdoors, there may be a child you know experiencing abuse indoors. 


So what can YOU do to help? 


Here are 7 things anyone can do to help prevent child abuse:

1. Provide financial support to agencies working to protect and heal children.

You can help support agencies like the Center for Children and Families. Your gift to our organization helps support our many programs, such as our Trauma Focused Services which helps heal children who have been victims of abuse, or our Parents Assistance program where we counsel parents who are at risk or recovering from their own abusive past in effort to stop the cycle of violence.  

To donate to CCFI online, click here.

2. Join a CCFI Committee and volunteer.

Volunteer committees advocate on behalf of children, raise much needed funds, monitor the fiscal responsibility of the agency, plan events and activities and lend their skills and talents to direct the course of the agency. Many other volunteer opportunities exist as well. To learn more about CCFI committees and volunteer opportunities, contact the CCFI Resource Department.  

3. Advocate on behalf of abused children.

Abused children have no one to speak for them. You can do that. Advocate with your government officials to provide sufficient funding to keep programs operating that help keep children safe. Make sure you -- and your officials -- know about the child welfare organizations working in your community to help keep children safe.

4. Know the signs and symptoms of abuse.

With so many children suffering from abuse and neglect - you may very likely know a child who is being abused. Know the signs and symptoms. If you suspect a child needs help, he or she probably does. Calling to file a report doesn't mean the child is automatically and immediately removed from the home. It does mean that someone knowledgeable will investigate and evaluate the situation. The family may need help. Your call can help them get it. Your call may save the life of a child! 

Click here for more information about abuse.

5. Help a family.

Do you know a family in your community where Mom and/or Dad are under a great deal of stress, seem to be very short on patience, perhaps drinking a little too much and just seem to be on the edge all the time - yelling at the children, threatening them, grabbing them or maybe even spanking or hitting them? Perhaps there is something you can do to help. Maybe it is a simple thing like offering to take the kids to the park or a movie so that Mom and Dad can get a short break. Sometimes just feeling like there is someone who cares can be enough to diffuse a potentially violent situation.

6. Help a child.

Do you know a child in your neighborhood who seems to be unsupervised or left alone to look after herself, often out later than appropriate or generally seeming neglected by her parents? Child neglect is a form of child abuse. She may need help. Make a report. It could save her life. Click here for reporting information.

7.  Help raise awareness!

Doing things like sharing this blog post with your friends and family, talking to groups you belong to in your community, becoming our friend on Facebook or following us on Twitter and reposting our messages, and creating a blue ribbon tree at your home are all ways to help get the word out about child abuse prevention in your community.

CCFI offers a variety of services and programs to help heal abuse and neglect, support and educate parents, and cultivate neighborhood connections. To learn more about our organization visit our website at www.ccfinorman.org. And visit our blog often for more information on child abuse prevention throughout April!