Staff Participates in Generational Leadership Training

During our September All Staff meeting we had a fun, interactive training presented by Jan Astani. With a staff of 25+ individuals we have just about every generation on board. Check out what Jan's morning with CCFI was like:

“Who did you see at your first concert” and “What was the most popular girl’s name when you were in grade school?” Those were just two of the fun questions that started off my morning of “Generational Leadership” training recently with the awesome staff at Center for Children and Families in Norman, Oklahoma.
 

The purpose of the training was to examine the characteristics of each of the four generations and to learn ways to appreciate the differences to create a more peaceful work place.

Traditionalists (born 1927 - 1945) are considered the “silent” generation because they don’t rock the boat or cause conflict in the workplace. They are loyal to the company and don’t question authority.

Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964) believe that hard work, long hours and playing nice gets them ahead in the work place. They are honest and ethical.

Generation X (born 1965 – 1981) are resilient, independent and prefer working alone rather than in teams.

Millennials (born 1982 to present) make great team players, possess a global mentality and know technology like the back of their hand. (This group is sometimes called Generation Y.)

Conflicts often arise in the work place when one generation thinks their way is the best. They don’t recognize and appreciate the talents that other generations bring to the table. How can they all get along to create a more harmonious, productive office environment?

1.       Accept your mutual rightness. In other words, each generation’s way is right.

2.       Acknowledge your interdependence. Each generation needs each other.

3.       Appreciate your commonalities. Each generation is more alike than different.

4.       Assume responsibility for making relationships better. We don’t get to choose the people we work with. We do, however, get to choose how we respond to those co-workers.

5.       Adopt the Platinum Rule – treat people the way they want to be treated. 

 For more information on generational leadership, read The Generational Imperative by Chuck Underwood and Generations Working Together by Laura E. Bernstein.

 Jan S. Astani
Speaker . trainer . writer
405.476.9138
Enjoy my blog at http://janastani.wordpress.com      

The gift of summer smiles

Neighborhood Centers aquarium field trip!

Remember your childhood summers? Loading up the car for a family vacation, packing for church camp, spending hours at the pool, riding your bike to your friend’s house... Unfortunately, many of the children we serve at CCFI do not have memories of such carefree summers. Each child we serve deserves a chance to enjoy the summer and it is you — our generous supporters — who help make that possible through your gifts.

Your contributions allowed CCFI’s Neighborhood Centers to provide an enriching six-week camp for more than 100 kids this summer. There were lots of field trips in June and July, from the Oklahoma Aquarium to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum. Kids cooled off each week at Westwood swimming pool and visited area water parks. The older youth had the chance to give back by volunteering at the Humane Society and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma while our middle school kids learned new skills such as cooking with the Food for Thought Learning Institute.

Thank you for helping to make the summer what it should be for our kids — fun and enriching!

Summer Smiles Photo Album »

Check out pictures, adventure and smiles from our 2012 Nighborhood Centers summer enrichment services!

Bringing “April” to June and July

Kristi McClatchy during Neighborhood Centers field trip

I am the daughter of a preacher and a coach. It’s little wonder that my childhood summers were devoted to sports camps and vacation Bible school.  I recall one vacation Bible school I attended in Orlando, Florida when I was 9-years-old; it was the ultimate Bible school experience. The camp was located in a five star hotel with pool-side devotionals, catered meals, and a full day at Disney World. These were events that we believe children dream of having. Interestingly enough, I have almost no recollection of such “impressionable” events.  I have a vague memory of seeing Cinderella’s castle, but that’s about it. What I remember most about this Bible school was the time I spent with my counselor.  Her name was April, and she had three major interests: staring at the male chaperones, talking about how “dreamy” the male chaperones were and hanging out with me.

April made me feel like I was the coolest kid on the face of the planet. She had a genuine interest in who I was. I vividly remember her introducing herself to me the first day of camp. She shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and told me that she was so excited that I had decided to come to the camp. Throughout the week she took extra time to make sure I felt comfortable and included – I was incredibly shy. Looking back, I realize that she coached me through several social interactions with my peers. Without her help, I honestly doubt I would have made as many friends as I did.

Neighborhood Centers 2011 Summer Youth Enrichment Program

On the last day of Bible school, April gave me a letter telling me that I could do anything, that I was special, and that I was of great value. It is a letter I still have to this day. She was one of the first grownups in my life other than my parents or my teachers who took the time to get to know me.  She made an everlasting impression on the person I am today.

Now I am working at the Center for Children and Families, Inc.(CCFI) Neighborhood Centers’ program. As we begin our Summer Youth Enrichment Program this week, I find myself often thinking, “We have to take the children to the Natural History Museum because Sam loves dinosaurs,” or “I need to schedule a rock climbing trip because Trey asked to go again this Summer.” Sometimes I feel myself primarily focusing on providing the children I serve with the most fantastic field trips, the most delicious and nutritious food, and the most educational opportunities.

Indeed, most of the children I serve have had limited experiences such as these.  We all want nothing but the absolute best for the children in Neighborhood Centers. They are so precious.  They deserve to have the same wonderful opportunities I, and most others, had growing up. However, while I recognize these types of experiences are central to enriching the lives of children, I hope that I never lose sight of how significant building a positive relationship really is.

I only hope that I will be some child’s April during the course of our Summer Youth Enrichment Program.

- Kristi McClatchy, Neighborhood Centers AmeriCorps Member

The Power of Dad

I guess it is fitting, as we approach Father’s Day, that I am reminded of the power of Daddy in my children’s lives.  A few days ago my husband and son left for some male bonding at Boy Scout camp – a great father/son activity in and of itself.  This left me and the girls alone for a few days of girl-oriented fun!  Surely the girls would be as excited as I was - painting nails, endless chick flicks (Rapunzel-style) and games of dress-up!  Little did I know that Gigi’s (who is my four-year-old) attachment with her Daddy is so strong that this was not a welcome change of pace for her. 

Last night’s discussion with Gigi while putting her to bed:

Gigi:    “I want my Daddy, I want my Daddy (with big whiny voice)…I don’t want you.”

Katie:  “I know, honey.  I’m sorry.  Daddy will be home tomorrow.  How about I get a picture of him for your nightstand?”  I proceed to find a picture of me and him to put on her night stand.

Gigi:  “I want a picture of Daddy.  I want a picture of Daddy…alone…I don’t want you.”

Katie: (now laughing)  “Oh…you want just a picture of Daddy.” 

Gigi:  Yes, Daddy is strong.  [long pause] You are weak.”  Then, she repeats with a smile on her face (because she is teasing at this point) “You are weak.” She then asks me to show her my muscle, which I do.

Gigi:  “Flabby muscle, flabby muscle,” as she bats at my deltoid pointing out my full 40 years to me (with a teasing smile on her face).

Gigi and her Dad

So.  What are the lessons here? 

Number one:  With age and multiple children comes humility.  It’s a good thing that I know my daughter loves and needs me – a mom with less experience could easily get her feelings hurt :o) 

Number Two:  She loves and adores her Daddy - he is irreplaceable!  Daddy is her “buddy” in a different way than Mommy.  She helps him mow the lawn, wash the cars, plant and keep the garden, and carry the “cycling” out with him for trash day.  He is also her favorite playmate.  He is the one that wrestles with them, plays soccer in the backyard – he is way more fun than I could ever be.  He doesn’t just have her walk up the stairs for bedtime (like I do) – he gives her a piggy-back ride or carries her upside down – always!  He will play for hours in the pool with her and her siblings while I get lazy and want to rest and sit in the sun.  They bake together and he never cares about the mess.  The two of them giggle and play WAY past bedtime.  And, he ALWAYS reads her an extra book. 

Research on parenthood is clear that Dads play a critical and irreplaceable role in the lives of their children. 

Fathers tend to do more stimulating play which is associated with children having greater regulation of their emotions and self-control.  Dads tend to promote achievement, independence and an orientation to the outside world, whereas moms tend to emphasize nurturing – all of which are important for healthy child development.  It is also the case that children are positively influenced when Dad has a good relationship with Mom (even if they are not married or in a romantic relationship).  The good news is that research suggests Dads are spending more time with their children than ever before and are more likely - than ever before - to hug them and tell them they love them.  The bad news is that too many children in Oklahoma and in our community are growing up without an involved Dad in their life.

This Father’s Day I hope you will celebrate all the wonderful, unique, and important things Dads bring to the lives of our children.  And, for those children needing more of a Dad figure in their lives, I hope families and our community will continue to come together to make sure those kiddos get what they need from other “father-figures” in their lives.   Happy Father’s Day!    

-Katie Fitzgerald, MSW, Executive Director

What I've learned from volunteering

Mollie pictured on right

I began volunteering for the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) just a few short months ago, and oh has it been a ride! I came into the children’s play group on Tuesday night’s not having a clue what to expect. I was a little apprehensive, but felt immediately comfortable when I met the other volunteers. Everyone was so nice and seemed genuinely passionate about what they were doing. That is when I knew CCFI was special.

I quickly learned that CCFI is an organization that cares so fervently about making a real difference in the community. The entire staff and volunteers love what they do, and it reads so clearly in the manner with which they go about their work. Having the opportunity to contribute just a small portion of my time to the unique mission of CCFI has really humbled me.

I love watching how excited the kiddos are to see us every Tuesday night, and how equally excited we are to see them. These kids remember us and depend on us to be there, and that is why I keep coming back. I know that just the little amount of time I spend with them each week helps bring stability and consistency into their lives, which is something I can be proud of. I learn as much from these kids as I hope they learn from me, and I will continue to volunteer with CCFI for as long as I am able.

I am more than honored to be part of this special organization, and to help support their compassionate mission to improve the lives of children. I feel extremely blessed to have stumbled across CCFI because of the perspective it has brought to my life. 

I encourage every person to support the mission of CCFI in any way that they can. I have no doubt it will enrich and touch your life in the way that it has done so to mine.

Mollie Rischard 

CCFI Children's Group Volunteer

Infographic: Preventing Costly Child Abuse

This is from the PEW Center on the States post (http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=85899375913)
Some of our nation’s costliest social problems—like child abuse and neglect—are rooted in early childhood. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the proven policies that help break the cycle of abuse and that promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

Voluntary home visiting matches parents with trained professionals to provide information and support during pregnancy and throughout their child’s early years—a critical developmental period. Increasingly, states are turning to evidence-based home visiting programs in an effort to prevent abuse and neglect.

Learn more about how home visiting gives families a solid foundation and helps states save money.

Healing Fields

Since the 1980s, millions of people across the country have participated in National Child Abuse Prevention Month activities including the Blue Ribbon Campaign by wearing and distributing blue ribbons, organizing community activities, and showing support for organizations, like the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), that help keep kids safe and families together. 

CCFI Healing Field

This year, CCFI launched the first annual Healing Field campaign. Intended to sprout awareness, two Healing Fields are located in Norman, OKand both serve as a reminder that each of us can and does have a hand in protecting children throughout our communities. 

The larger Healing Field is located in the front of CCFI, at the corner of 12^th and Main Street, and consists of over 800 blue ribbon flags. Each flag represents100 Oklahoma victims of child abuse and neglect from 2011. The second Healing Field surrounds the fountain at Sooner Mall with planted pinwheels. Each pinwheel represents two Cleveland County victims of child abuse and neglect. Cleveland County’s number of victims of child abuse and neglect increased from 240 in 2010 to 293 in 2011.

Sooner Mall Healing Field

Last year 8,110 children were confirmed as being abused or neglected in Oklahoma and most of the children in Cleveland County in this situation would be referred to CCFI to find healing. It then becomes our job to try to mitigate the impact of this often unspeakable trauma and give those children the best possible shot at a happy and productive life. But we also work to stop the abuse before it happens, providing counseling and family support services through our programs and services.

Prevention begins with awareness.

Here are some ways you can help:

Donate Now
By making a donation to CCFI today, you’ll be investing in programs that are proven to stop the cycle of abuse and help provide support to children who have already become victims.

Virtual Blue Ribbon
A blue ribbon is the international symbol for Child Abuse Prevention. Show your support by sharing status updates posted on CCFI’s timeline on Facebook or changing your Profile Picture to a Blue Ribbon for the month of April. Go to www.facebook.com/ccfinorman to download.

Tweet about it
On Twitter? Follow @ccfinorman and retweet the messages we’ll be posting about National Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April.

Host a Blue Ribbon Event
Organize your own event with a blue ribbon or healing field them during the month of April to benefit the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), or attend one of our upcoming events.

Expand our Circle of Support
Share this page with family and friends via email, facebook, twitter, or any other social media site!

For more information about child abuse prevention visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth

More than 2,000 expected to attend Block Party Saturday

Official CCFI News Release
The Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) is gearing up for its 12th annual “I Love My Neighborhood Block Party” this Saturday near Wilson Elementary School.

2011 Block Party

Jessica Hutchinson, senior program specialist for CCFI’s Neighborhood Centers after school and summer youth program, said the party will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Trinity Baptist Church, 801 N. Peters Ave. Families can expect live music, games, free food, and crafts. 

We’ve received so much support for this event from the community and it has really grown over the last few years, Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said nearly 2,000 people attended last year’s party and they expect the number to exceed that this Saturday.

2011 Block Party

“We’re just trying to reach out to the community and neighborhood to get everyone together,” she said. “It gives families an opportunity to spend some quality time together without having to worry about finances.”

Families who attend can visit booths hosted by local businesses and also can learn more about CCFI’s Neighborhood Centers program.

Hutchinson said the Neighborhood Centers after school and summer services are available at Kennedy and Wilson elementary schools and Irving and Longfellow middle schools and operate after school until 8:00 pm through out the week.

“We operate every day that they have school and over the summer months,” she said. “Our program is completely free and we offer every child a unique experience through a number of enriching activities from service learning projects and homework help to weekly gender-specific mentoring groups for the older, middle school age groups.”

For information about CCFI’s Neighborhood Centers youth program visit www.ccfinorman.org. To get involved with this years block party visit www.ccfinorman.org/blockparty.

 ###

The Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) is private, non-profit located in Norman, OK specializing in healing children, empowering youth, and strengthening families.

Bottoms up.



CCFI Baby Pantry



Imagine everything it takes to be a parent.
Now imagine it without diapers.

Many families struggle to provide basic needs for their children. In fact, one in three mothers will struggle to provide clean, dry diapers for their babies. Contrary to popular belief, government programs do not assist with paper products, including diapers, and many daycare and child care agencies will only accept disposable diapers. With that said it becomes a difficult situation, and often times a choice, for parents struggling to make ends meet.

However, the Center for Children and Families, Inc.’s (CCFI) Baby Pantry assists parents in being able to meet these essential needs. One of our core organizational beliefs here at CCFI is that all parents need help and should never be ashamed to ask for advice, diapers or support. We see caregivers that seek help in raising their children every day at CCFI and know it is a sign of maturity and hope – never failure.
Anytime you can help lessen stress and assist families in being successful parents you are teaching them valuable skills.  Stressed parents do not always make positive decisions. By offering support and hope we are providing the opportunity for parents to have one less stressor in their lives.  Sometimes it helps just knowing that someone cares…and is there when you need them the most. Our Baby Pantry serves that role and is there for when parents need it the most.

At CCFI we’ve been fortunate to stock our Baby Pantry entirely on community donations and provided thousands of parents with nearly 40,000 diapers and hundreds of essential items (baby wipes, formula and cereal) in 2011. If we can provide support, encouragement and hope to families by allowing them to focus on the more important areas of parenting, like the relationship with their little ones, then it’s truly a benefit for the parent, child and the family as a whole, all of which transcends into a healthier community.

This April...

Promote Happier Childhoods

Across our neighborhoods, community and state we want to see love in place of the abuse that shatters the lives of more than 8,000 children in Oklahoma annually.

Abuse is an epidemic affecting our entire state — taking the lives of too many children — yet no one wants to talk about the topic of child abuse. Moreover many people are just not aware of child abuse, its signs or that they can and must speak up – because it may save a child’s life.

Starting today, we want to inspire you to begin conversations and attract attention to the cause and join CCFI in promoting happier childhoods across our community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month during Apri

Show your support. Help us prevent child abuse.

Host a diaper drive

Donate/collect diapers of all sizes for our Baby Pantry at CCFI. Help us keep little bottoms covered, clean and dry. Tell your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers to join you or do the same!

Go BLUE

Since 1989, thousands of people nationwide wear the blue ribbon to create awareness of the need to keep kids safe and families strong. Get all the information for blue ribbon and children abuse prevention awareness initiatives here.  

Join Us

Join us at the Capitol as we meet with legislators and showcase prevention efforts in our community. Please come by and visit our booth, we'd be glad to answer any questions or to have your help! For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Day at the Capitol click here.

Lend Your Voice

Get involved as an individual by:

Write your state or federal elected officials to advocate for greater healthy child development and child abuse prevention funding. After all, child development is a building block for community development and economic development, things we all believe in.

Get involved as a local organization by:

·         Joining Child Abuse Prevention Month activities in April.

·         Incorporating child abuse prevention into your work.

·         Discussing child abuse prevention at your conferences and meetings.

·         Contacting us to explore the possibilities.

Get involved as a company by:

·         Having change canisters, pinups, or electronic donation opportunities for customers.

·         Sponsoring awareness activities in the community.  

·         Printing messages on your bags or insert bill-stuffers to bring attention to this issue.

·         Inviting your employees to show their support by building a blue ribbon tree.

·         Creating a pinwheel garden on your company's premises in April to show your support during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

·         Contributing your company's professional expertise to help us advance this campaign and our organization's mission.

·         Donating or supporting the purchase of advertising space to help continue getting the word out.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about the content above, contact Stacy Hawthorne at shawthorne@ccfinorman.org or call 405-364-1420.

Seuss inspired ways to connect with children through reading

It's the National Education Association's Read Across America Day. How can you get kids to love reading? Dr. Seuss, whose birthday is today, may have some answers.

Sylvan Learning is offering some "Seuss-inspired" suggestions on how to make reading fun and how to inspire children to develop a lifelong friendship with books while connecting with caring adults.

Oh say can you say? Read aloud with children. Reading aloud is right up there with eating chocolate in terms of pleasures. In fact, we could argue it's even better than chocolate: It's never too early for it, and there's no such thing as "too much." Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words, and communication. And strengthens parent-child relationships. For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. As reading aloud becomes a routine, it will not only help develop your children's reading skills, but will also create a basis for ongoing discussion.

I can lick 30 tigers today! Wrangling children's schedules can feel like wrestling tigers. But making the time to read every day—even for just 10 to 15 minutes—is worth taming a tiger or two. It establishes reading as a regular, daily habit.

One book, two books, red books, blue books. From baseball cards to comic books, children have always been natural collectors. Encourage your children to create their own treasure trove of books. By encouraging the creation of a personal library, you invite your children to create a magical kingdom that's right at their fingertips. Turn book collecting into a treasure hunt: Look for books at yard sales, in the book section at bargain stores, at the grocery store, and wherever else you can find them. Here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), we offer a book barn that is stocked with free books for the children and families that come into our doors each day.

This just in: Horton heard a who. But then what happened? Children need to understand that there is more to a news event than the 30-second sound bite they hear on the television. Weekly and monthly general interest magazines can fill this gap. Kids like to be "plugged in," and these publications give them in-depth details to satisfy their curiosity. Plus, the vivid photographs appeal to children of all ages. Read an article together, and help your children with difficult words or abstract concepts.

Why did the Cat in the Hat cross the road? To get to the riddle book on the other side! Children enjoy riddles and jokes that rely on wordplay. Laughing together at clever jokes and riddles can make a Saturday trip to soccer or hockey practice more enjoyable and memorable. Next time you're at the library or bookstore, bring home some giggles to read together.

Oh, the thinks you can think! As anyone who has read a Dr. Seuss book knows, words can be fun. Turn vocabulary from a grind to a giggle by creating word games. Compile a word list, or ask your children's teacher for a word list, and make daily or weekly vocabulary games.

And to think that you saw that word on Mulberry Street. As you zip about town, learn new words on the road. Every trip, regardless of the distance, presents creative opportunities to introduce new words to your children. From bulletin boards to street signs, words are hanging out on every street corner, just waiting for you to drop by.

My Book...By Me Myself. Encourage your children to write original stories and illustrate them with their own drawings. It's a great way to increase comfort and familiarity with words.

Oh, the places you'll go! The Internet is a goldmine of great websites that provide reading lists for children. Visit Book Adventure, a free Sylvan-created interactive, reading, motivational program that can be found online at www.BookAdventure.com . Another great resource is a local library, Pioneer Library System here in Oklahoma offersgreat programs and resources to get kiddos reading.

Encouraging children to read helps transform reading from a chore to a treat. Then, this basic skill becomes a learned behavior and an intellectual habit. Among reading's benefits, many research studies have found that children who are read to or who read on their own at home do better in school.

10 Compliments Kids Need to Hear

Children look to adults for encouragement and compliments go a long way in giving kids the boost they need, especially during adolescent years.

1. Compliment their character.
We live in a world where integrity is neither consistently taught nor widely expected. When children and youth demonstrate honesty, kindness, trustworthiness and reliability, that’s a great time to take them aside and offer a sincere compliment.

2. Compliment obedience and respect.
It’s too easy to fall into patterns of disapproval, where the only time we notice is when kids do wrong. Rather than waiting for disobedience or disrespect (then coming down like a ton of bricks) try noticing obedience and respect: “You are an awesome young man, and I appreciate the way you are behaving”.


3. Compliment them for simply being part of the family and/or group.
“Every time I see you, I’m thankful that I’m your Mom.” Kids need to understand that they are valued simply because they are.


4. Compliment contributions
“Clearing the table (sweeping the porch… putting out the trash) makes a real difference. I appreciate your contribution.” Kids need to understand that what they do makes a difference, that the adults notice, and that pitching in is a good part of togetherness.


5. Compliment the quality of their work.
“Way to go!  I’m so glad you take this job so seriously, it shows.” Doing a job at a high standard is always worth noting.


6. Compliment the effort, even when the result is not the best.
“Your willingness to help makes me happy! Now we need to take a look at how you can get the trash to the curb without leaving a trail.” Compliments can be an important part of our role as role models and mentors.


7. Compliment when they achieve something new.
“Wow! That’s a huge leap forward for you there in math, pal.” “Awesome! I’m not at all surprised after you worked so hard.” A well-placed compliment can keep a positive ball rolling.


8. Compliment their sense of style even if we don’t exactly share their taste.
Encourage individuality. “When it comes to putting together an outfit, you certainly have some flair!” “I’ve never seen a table set quite like that before – you have an amazing imagination!” It’s not useful to limit compliments to the narrow range of our own taste.


9. Compliment steps toward a long-term goal.
“The improvement you’re showing is commendable. Thanks for trying.” Waiting for perfection before we’re willing to dish out a compliment is inefficient, may dampen enthusiasm, and does little to help the process of growth.

10. Compliment their friends.
But only do this when you can do it honestly! “Your friends are the greatest!” “That Jake is such a good kid.”

Kindness... Pass it on.

Today is Valentine's Day...Which automatically causes us to think of: chocolates, flowers, and sharing heartfelt expressions from, well...our hearts! 

But, did you also know that it is:  

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week?

Yep. And here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) we are no strangers to kindness. We see it every day from every corner of our community. It is contagious and inspirational. It keeps our staff going and then, in turn, is passed on to the children, youth and families we serve. These benefits ripple out from the lives of individual women, men, girls, and boys to their families, their neighborhoods, the community... and ultimately, to the entire world. 

Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives through acts of kindness. And when we see these acts or hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us. Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week is an opportunity for each of us to reflect upon and stimulate even more kindness in our lives. So, whether it's at CCFI, in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or even at the grocery store we hope you will continue to pass it on. 

More about Random Act of Kindness Week »

Will you be my... Volunteer?

Here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), we offer rewarding volunteer experiences for people of all ages who want to make a difference in 2012!

As a leading resource for families in Norman and surrounding areas, we depend on our strong volunteer network to help mentor youth, staff therapeutic play groups, help with daily administrative tasks, and more. Fortunately for our services at CCFI, a popular New Year’s resolution for many is to focus on others and make time in the new year to volunteer.

As 2012 unfolds we expect to see an increase of children and families in need of the support and tools our programs offer. Serving roughly 2,000 members of the community during 2011 - nearly 300 more than the previous year - the need for more volunteers remains a primary concern for CCFI.

Volunteers support everything we do in our efforts to heal children, empower youth, and strengthen families. We want to thank the hundreds of individuals who help shape our work in a variety of ways every day, and encourage others to join them in impacting the lives of children and youth in our community.

In 2011, 435 volunteers gave a combined 8,000 hours of their time to our mission. Without volunteers, many of the services we provide would not be viable. With 250 children and youth served each week in our Neighborhood Centers after-school programs, volunteers are crucial for making sure that the children and youth have a safe, enriching environment with positive, adult mentors during their out-of-school time.

Neighborhood Centers

Applying to volunteer at CCFI is fast and simple- sign up online here

No matter if it’s an hour, day, week or year-long commitment, we are interested in providing meaningful opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others.  Potential volunteers and all community members and groups are also invited to tour the agency during one of our regularly scheduled monthly tours.  For more information or tour dates visit www.ccfinorman.org.

Laura & Kayleigh: Girl Power Members

Photographers Kayleigh and Laura Talk about their experience with the Girl Power PhotoVoice Project

With the Girl Power PhotoVoice exhibit fast approaching, the girls involved are growing more excited to share with the community their Visions of Health. As we sat down with Girl Power members Kayleigh (9th grade) and Laura (8th grade) to talk about their experience with the project, it was then that we quickly realized that these young ladies have been completely empowered by their involvement with PhotoVoice.

“I think PhotoVoice really taught these girls a new way to tell their story,” said Jessica Hutchinson, Neighborhood Centers Program Director. “Instead of using social media or texting they learned how to use photography.

“Each week we met and shared our pictures with the other 10 girls,” said Laura. “We would talk about pictures together but we were allowed to be ourselves because each picture meant something different to everyone.”

Not only did the project give the girls a social outlet with positive adult influences but it also allowed them to learn more about themselves and gave them a voice.

“I hope to someday work in public service for a career and do what Jessica does,” said Kayleigh. “I mean, you see things like world hunger and it doesn’t seem like anyone is doing anything- I want to do something.”

And she will be this Friday, not only will Kayleigh and Laura talk at the event but they will be honored with ten of their peers by Mayor Cindy Rosenthal during the exhibit.

We hope you will join us this Friday, August 26th from 5-7p.m. at the University of Oklahoma Zarrow Hall.

More information about PhotoVoice»

The University of Oklahoma

Zarrow Hall Community Room

700 Elm Ave. |  Norman, OK

A second exhibit will be on September 9th, 6-10 p.m.:

Studio 360

109 N. Crawford  |  Norman, OK

In conjunction with the Norman Art Council's 2nd Friday Art Circuit.

For more information about PhotoVoice Project or Exhibit please contact Stacy Hawthorne at shawthorne@ccfinorman.org or call (405) 364-1420.

Photovoice support and contributions received from:
University of Oklahoma School of Medicine-Tulsa, Knee Center for Strong Families, Krystyn Bramlett, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Irving Middle School, Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Paul Mitchell Hair Salon, Chris Porter, and Sonic Drive In.

The Center for Children & Families, Inc. and the University of Oklahoma School of Social Work invite you and your friends to attend remarkable, multi-media photography exhibits:

www.ccfinorman.org/photovoice

PhotoVoice: Visions of Health

What happens when you take eleven of Norman's middle school girls, teach them photography, ask them about 'health,' and then give them free rein to shoot?

---

- You're Invited! -

Girl Power PhotoVoice Project

On May 6, 2011, nearly a dozen middle school girls served by the Center’s Neighborhood Centers program shuffled into the cafeteria at Irving Middle School to begin the Girl Power PhotoVoice Project. A project in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma's Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work and the Center for Children and Families, gave the girls cameras and a mission to document their lives and their community’s health over the next six weeks.

PhotoVoice allows young people to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm. The girls walked through their lives, homes and streets behind the lens of a camera and each week they came together, viewed their photographs and voiced what their photographs exposed about their health and their community.

The project provided hands-on opportunities for the girls to practice life skills such as action research, photography, writing, marketing, and activism. It gives young people, whose voices are often ignored, a hands-on experience with making a difference in their community.

With the Girl Power PhotoVoice project, the girls hope to provide their communities with a valuable perspective on its problems and resources, both healthy and unhealthy. Their photographs and narratives may open the eyes of adults to problems and resources they see every day but tend to ignore.

More information about PhotoVoice»

The University of Oklahoma
Zarrow Hall Community Room

700 Elm Ave. |  Norman, OK
August 26, 2011, 5-8 p.m.*

*Forum/Ethics Panel 7-8 p.m.Continuing Education Units available.

Click here for more information on the CEU’s and a schedule of events for the evening.


Studio 360
109 N. Crawford |  Norman, OK
September, 9 2011, 6-10 p.m. 
In Conjunction with the Norman Arts Council's 2nd Friday Art Circuit.

Admission is free, donations accepted. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information about PhotoVoice Project or Exhibit please contact Stacy Hawthorne at shawthorne@ccfinorman.org or call (405) 364-1420.

Calling ALL Caring Adults

We need YOUR help!
Our Neighborhood Centers Summer Youth Enrichment Program is underway and ready start to this Monday! We have the kids enrolled, the activities planned, the staff rested, the vans gassed and ready to take the kiddos on lots of adventures but we seem to be missing something ... Volunteers!   

If you or someone you know can dedicate one morning or afternoon per week for at least 4 weeks this summer, we would be set for another successful summer youth program!

So, tell your friends, babysitter, neighbors, paper boy, coaches, or even your co-workers that we are looking for several community members to step forward and make a difference in the coming weeks for the 100 plus children and youth in our program! We are especially seeking help on Fridays from 12:30-4:00 for pool outings, which is a win-win situation- sun, fun and slides! Plus, it's a great resume builder for recent high school graduates and college students! 

  

To answer the call, please contact:
Christi at cmackey@ccfinorman.org  or call (405) 364-1420,

Background checks are required for all volunteers, who must be 18 years or older!

Visit www.ccfinorman.org/get-involved for more information!

Outstanding Service to Children Award

CCFI's Fran Roberson recognized for over 25 years of dedication to children in our community

The Norman Children's Right Commission Award for Outstanding Service to Children is presented to individuals or organizations in Norman who have shown outstanding effort, achievement and/or leadership in the service of children. This year our very own Clinical Director, Fran Roberson, LCSW, LMFT, was selected by the Commission and honored at the Norman City Council meeting on April 26th.

Fran has been a dynamic leader for the last 26 years both within the organization and the community and has significantly contributed to services that address child abuse and neglect. Her years of hard work and dedication to serve the community in the capacity she does today make her worthy of this honor. Fran truly is a role model to advocates of and service providers for children and families across the state.

Congrats Fran! We are so proud of you!!

---

Letter of Recommendation

 from Denilyn Jordan, LCSW: 

Dear Commissioners,

I am honored to call your attention to an outstanding advocate for and service provider to children, Fran Roberson.  She has improved the lives of children in this community for 26 years.  Her contributions include: program initiation, program development, training of students, advocating in the court system and other organizations serving children, and educating and nurturing professionals new to the field.

Fran Roberson was instrumental in visioning and forming the collaborative effort that resulted in the creation of the Mary Abbott House and the Child Abuse Response Team.  She recognized the need to reduce the stress for children being interviewed concerning possible victimization by child abuse.  She convened representatives from the concerned entities including:  law enforcement officers, Child Welfare workers, mental health counselors, medical professionals, and juvenile court representatives.  With Fran’s guidance the group developed a plan with the Mary Abbott House as the product.  In addition to the streamlining of the investigative process, the collaboration encouraged the team addressing child abuse issues to develop a better productive working relationship

Observing the needs of children experiencing trauma due to child abuse, Fran Roberson sought to educate the staff at the Center for Children and Families to better serve this population.  She recognized the innovative work being done by Dr. Bruce Perry, a Neuro-Psychiatrist and trauma expert.  She sought funding and invited Dr. Perry to come to Norman to train the CCFI staff as well as other professionals in the community.  She then initiated within the Center for Children and Families a Trauma Focused Services.  The program offers intensive services to traumatized children and their families and has served close to 40 families since 2007.

Fran Roberson was the Director of the Parent’s Assistance Program at CCFI for 16 years.  She built the program from offering one group a week to offering 5 adult group and 8 children’s groups each week.  The groups addressed the healing needs of families experiencing abuse and neglect.  Whether the issues were addiction, neglect, lack of skills for infant care or lack of parenting skills, the groups were tailored for the parents.  The children were seen in simultaneous therapeutic play groups fostering their healing.  Fran developed the curriculum and trained the group leaders.

Fran has served as the Clinical Director at CCFI since 2001.  In this role she has trained professionals, volunteers and students.  She has been instrumental in the visioning and growth of every program including, Parents Assistance, Teenage Parenting, Divorce Visitation Arbitration and Neighborhood Centers.  She supervises the directors of these programs and as an inspirational leader has helped them develop caring programs responsive to the needs of the children and parents they serve.

Fran’s caring and dedications have served as a model to the CCFI staff for 26 years.  She has been a dynamic leader both within CCFI and in the community.  But these words do not capture the profound compassion Fran has for children and families.  In addition to her many accomplishment, her legacy will include creating an agency environment with the belief by all staff that children and families deserve to be safe, respected and offered opportunities to grow.

Respectfully submitted,

Denilyn Jordan LCSW

Children’s Program Director, Retired

Community spirit on the block

‘I Love My Neighborhood’ block party expected to be biggest yet

2010 Block Party

The 11th annual block party, hosted by the Center for Children & Families, Inc. (CCFI) Neighborhood Centers program, will take place this Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., rain or shine, on Peters Street- in and around Trinity Baptist Church’s parking lot.  

“This free community event has been a decade long tradition,” said CCFI Senior Program Specialist, Jessica Hutchinson. “Having support from the community is important for Norman’s youth and every year we host the event we see more and more people coming to celebrate and create neighborhood connections.” 

Involvement for the block party is at an all-time high with more than 35 local businesses and organizations participating and hosting activities and booths for all ages. Kids will be able to bounce from moonwalks to slides, make crafts, have their faces painted, enjoy free food, treats, and live music from the Katie Tracy Band.  The Wilson Elementary and Trinity Baptist Childrens’ Choir will also perform. There will also be an opportunity to win more than a dozen gift certificates and other prizes.


This event is free and open to all residents, for more information go to www.ccfinorman.org/blockparty or call (405) 364-1420.

'I Love My Neighborhood' block party made possible by:
CCFI’s Neighborhood Centers Program, Wilson Elementary School, Trinity Baptist Church, Norman Regional Hospital, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Moore Norman Technology Center, Journey Church, Chick-fil-A of Norman, Sonic on Alameda, Maggie Moo’s, Hiland Dairy, Sonder Music & Art, Pink Elephant Café, Downtown Fitness, Forward Foods, Native Roots Market, YMCA of Cleveland County, Rainbow Feet, Success by Six, Norman Emergency Services, Wilson Elementary Parent Teacher Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cleveland County, IBC, Norman Parks and Recreation Department, Johnson Controls, Norman Exchange Club, and other community friends.