Conference moira::parenting

1106.0. "Parenting Resources" by OBSESS::COUGHLIN (Kathy Coughlin-Horvath) Tue Mar 12 1996 12:50

    I looked through the file and couldn't find another string for
    parenting resources.  I think it would be a good idea share community
    resources we are aware of.  If this type note is already in the file,
    my apologies.
    
    To start I've become somewhat active with "First Connections" it is a
    community service for families with children birth through 3 and who
    live or work in the following towns: Acton, Bedford, Boxboro, Carlisle, 
    Concord, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury. (I also
    have vague recollections they mentioned Westford but Westford is not
    mentioned in their literature.)
    
    This information is copied from their resource guide: "First
    Connections is part of the Massachusetts Family Network and funded by a
    grant from the Department of Education. Locally, our program is
    sponsored by The Concord Area Special Education (C.A.S.E.)
    Collaborative and Concord Family Service.  We invite parents with young
    children to stop by our office or call us when you have a parenting
    question, need to identify a local resource, wish to join a parenting
    workshop or group, or simply talk with someone about parenting issues."
    
    They created a Family Resource Guide "to link families with young
    children to community resources or other families sharing similar
    experiences."  They publish a community newsletter and sponsor free 
    parenting seminars which they advertise in their newsletter and in
    community newspapers.
    
    I became aware of them when they started a "Parents' Council" in my
    town - which they have done or are doing in the 11 towns.  The purpose
    of the councils are to meet and work with other parents to plan family
    events, seminars and programs in our town.
    
    So far in Carlisle we have had 1 seminar on potty training and will
    have another this Thursday evening on positive discipline for toddlers
    and preschoolers. We are also planning a Sunday afternoon family 
    entertainment event in April in order to get more activity and interest
    from the local families. The goal is to get people active and plan more
    events like potluck dinners, babysitting co-op, drop-in center, skating 
    parties, etc.  First Connections has $500 annually they can spend on each 
    towns Parents' Council so our first few events will be free. Once, and if, 
    we get going people will have to pay a few dollars for events. For a town 
    like Carlisle where everyone is so spread out, people are sometimes more 
    isolated and aren't connecting with other like families.  Once kids get to 
    school people become more connected socially.
    
    According to First Connections, some towns like Stow and Littleton are
    now fairly active while most others have taken awhile to get going.
    
    Anyway for those interested in getting on their mailing list in order
    to hear about activities and get a resource guide, the number is 508-
    287-0221 or 800-348-0221. They are located in the Community Agencies
    Building, Suite 1009 (I think this is part of Emerson Hospital), 111
    Old Road to 9 Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742.  The director is Ronna
    Cohen.

    A former Digital employee, Judy Ryde, has put together a mail order
    catalog guide,that is now available. I asked the moderators if I could
    post a notice here, of general interest to parents or caregivers.
    
    This is not an endorsement or solicitation - simply FYI.
    (I make no money off this).
     
             *************************************************8
    Great Stuff for Kids and Parents
      Educators, Caregivers, Grandparents and other Relatives too
    
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        ----------------------------------------------------------------
    	Please send the indicated number of RYDE'S GUIDES(tm) to Kids'
    	Mail Order:
    	Volume 1 - Playing & Learning __copies
    	Volume 2 - Clothing & Furnishing __copies
         Enclosed is my check for $______ (total number of copies x
    	$12.95, or $13.60 to Massachusetts addresses, to include state
    	sales tax)
    
    	Name
    	Street Address
    	City, State, Zip
    
    	Please tell us where you got this flyer
    
    	SEND TO: RYDE & COMPANY, PO BOX 88-F, BOSTON  MA  02258