From: Kinmail, Flkin Kinfo Flkin

From: Kinmail, Flkin [[email protected]] Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 9:12 AM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Florida Kinship Center e-newsletter

FLORIDA KINSHIP CENTER

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 9th – October 13th

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Annual USF Collaborative conference features results of community-based research

TAMPA, Fla. – (Sept. 28, 2006) - The University of South Florida Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities’ annual conference, “Touching Lives and Improving Our Community,” to be held Oct. 12, 2006, will present results of recent community-based research on topics ranging from student conducted oral histories in East Tampa to family engagement in education and the value of workforce mentors.

The conference takes place 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 East Palm Avenue, in Ybor City. Educators, child welfare professionals, community activists and the general public are invited to attend. The conference is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required by October 6. Call the USF Collaborative at 813-974-7318 for more information and to RSVP.

The keynote address will cover the benefits of university-community engagement and relationships. Speakers are Robert Friedman, Ph.D., professor and interim dean of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and Luanne Panacek, executive director of the Children’s Board of Tampa.

Following the opening session, research results will be featured in a “world café” format, where professors give a 15-minute presentation of their findings and then participants discuss the importance of the research to the community, potential applications and the need for additional study and follow up.

“Our research at USF is just as varied as the needs and interests of the wide variety of children, families and communities calling Tampa Bay their home,” said Judith Jetson, director, USF Collaborative. “People attending the conference have the opportunity to develop a closer relationship with our faculty and community partners – one which encourages innovation, experimentation, evaluation and review – and ultimately more positive outcomes for our kids and families.”

The conference’s research topics include: • “Easing the impact of relocation: A university-community collaboration,” presented by Susan Greenbaum, professor, anthropology

• “Listening to caregivers: family involvement in education,” presented by David Allsopp, associate professor special education.

• “Coping strategies used by children in international baccalaureate programs,” presented by Shannon Suldo, assistant professor, psychological and social foundations.

• “Student conducted oral histories in East Tampa,” presented by Barbara Shircliffe, associate professor, psychological and social foundations.

• “Creating social support among Latino parents of children with mental heath needs,” presented by Linda Callejas, assistant instructor, training, research, evaluation and demographics.

• “A study of gay-straight student alliances in Pinellas County high schools,” presented by Maralee Mayberry, professor, sociology.

• “The value of workforce mentors in early adolescence,” presented by Lisa Rapp-Paglicci, associate professor, School of Social Work.

• “The use of pedometers to increase student physical activity,” presented by Allison Edmonds, instructor, College of Nursing.

- USF –

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Top Ten Reasons to Vote on November 7th

Jack Levine, Founder 4Generations Institute [email protected]

With the Tuesday, November 7th General Election approaching, I'm eager to share my thoughts about the importance of voting. I believe that voting in a democracy is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. My advocate spirit impels me to inform, inspire, and empower others to participate in this, the most basic of all democracy’s actions.

There are few more influential actions than voting. It’s an activity that takes a few minutes but has meaning for years to come. When I think of the many who struggled, suffered, fought and died for our right to vote, I’m motivated all the more to have my voice be heard.

My Grandma Minnie picketed for suffrage as an immigrant teenage girl in New York. Her daughter, my mother, took me by the hand to watch her and my father vote. My Dad was blind so had to have a poll-watcher vote with him, but he always voted. They listened to the election results at the edge of their seats. Everyone in my family took their civic responsibilities so seriously that it was impossible for me to grow up without that same set of values.

Election Day is a national day of empowerment. It’s a time when all of us, as adult citizens, are truly equal. Irrespective of educational attainment, income, ethnic or racial heritage, gender or political persuasion, we are all able to exercise the single most basic act in a democracy: voting.

How wonderful. How important. How could anyone purposefully miss the opportunity to do the right thing in determining our future?

The pollsters are busy making their case for where voters are leaning. The advertisers are unleashing the flood of commercials, mail fliers and phone calls. The pundits are sharpening their sound bites.

When all the words are said and all the money spent, it's the individual voter who holds the power to decide who will lead our nation, our states, and communities into the future.

I urge you take these words to heart and pledge to make your voice heard. I hope you will take the step to ask another one, ten, or one hundred others to join you as voters.

And you would please honor me by sharing this message with others. Feel free to reply to me with your thoughts about the importance of voting from your vantage point.

TOP TEN REASONS TO VOTE

- In honor of those in our military who courageously fight wars and our law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency workers who respond to our needs and defend the peace at home. Those who sacrifice their personal well- being in the name of our safety and security deserve our respect. Voting is a way of giving them and their families our vote of confidence in their heroism.

- In honor of those who struggled for civil rights, women’s suffrage, immigrant rights and the ideals of justice for all whose diverse voices are essential for our nation’s moral health and community vitality. Freedom needs affirmation. Voting is a way to assure that our rights are protected by strengthening the voices of those for whom rights are sacred and need to be defended.

- To be a good example to our children and grandchildren by exercising the right to vote as a symbol of our faith in democracy. By voting we send a signal of the importance of the choices we as adults make to secure a better future for ourselves, for our children, and generations who will follow.

- Voting is our society’s great equalizer. No matter our station in life, income, or social status, every citizen over age 18 has the same power of one vote.

- Pollsters do not determine who wins elections; voters do. Predicting the outcome of elections, especially close ones, is at best an inexact science. Pollsters and political pundits have their roles, but like each of us, they only have one vote.

- Elections should not be about negative ads, it should be about the options we all have to promote positive policy actions. Voting for candidates in whom we believe, and for or against ballot initiatives we know will affect our future, is a perfect counterbalance to the flood of negativity polluting the airwaves and mailboxes.

- Voting is now more convenient than ever. Early voting and mail-in balloting are options which can avoid the frustration of lines on November 7th. Florida voters may visit http://election.dos.state.fl.us/index.html and click to learn more about the options for voting available this year. Voters in other states have similar access to elections information to facilitate efficient and effective voting practices.

- It's important to be an informed voter. Pay attention to news reports and editorials about the campaigns. Voting gives all us the chance to make our opinions known in the public policy arena. While how we vote is confidential, the fact that we have voted, or failed to vote, is public record. Elected officials know which individuals and demographic groups are voting, and we who vote are therefore more likely to be influential in policy debates. Non- voters are voiceless and by not participating can become victims of their neglect.

- Regret is preventable. November 8th is one day too late, and "could have, should have" are sorry alternatives to acting. Have a “no excuses” attitude by committing to vote, ask others to join us in voting, and promote a positive approach to making a difference among family, friends and colleagues.

- Be part of making history. Because every indicator points to the prospect that the 2006 election will suffer from an extremely low turnout, every vote is even more important. As a Floridian, I know how close elections can be. Being a participant in affecting history gives each of us a sense of pride in democracy and the power to touch the future.

Democracy is a team sport….and spectators don’t count.

Please join me in sharing this message by forwarding it to your contacts. I implore you to assist the effort to make 2006 a year when powerful voices make a significant difference in the life of our nation and our communities.

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.

In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

--- Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

______

Jack Levine, Founder of 4Generations Institute, has been a professional family policy advocate for 28 years. He may be reached at [email protected].

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“The Many Hats We Wear”

It’s not too late to register for The Florida Network of Victim Witness Services Conference, Nov. 1-3, 2006 in Clearwater, Florida. Deadline for hotel reservations at the Belleview Biltmore Golf, Beach & Spa Resort has been extended to Wednesday, October 4th.

Advanced Training for: Victim Advocates, Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Service Providers, Prosecutor-based program Staff, Victim/Witness Program Staff, Law Enforcement Personnel, Medical Providers, Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals.

This training is for all professionals that assist crime victims. The training goal is to “Increase awareness and education on both fundamental training skills and emerging issues for the field of victim cervices.”

2006 Registration The Florida Network of Victim Witness Services, Inc.

Statewide Training Institute

November 1-3, 2006

Register Early! Help us get ready for your arrival!

(Duplicate this form as needed.)

NAME ______TITLE ______

AGENCY ______

ADDRESS ______

CITY, STATE, ZIP ______

PHONE WORK # (______)______FAX # (______)______

E-MAIL ______

(Please make sure that all of the contact information is accurate)

�Check Appropriate Registration Category (Full conference registration includes all workshops and notebook handouts, Thursday Awards Dinner, and all breaks)

Full Conference Fees: If received by October 1 On Site*

FNVWS Member Discount $160 $180

Non FNVWS Member $210 $260

One Day Registration: (training only) If received by October 1 On site*

Wednesday, November 1

Thursday, November 2

Make checks payable to “FNVWS”

� FNVWS Membership enclosed ($30 individual, $100 Agency) $ ______

� Total Registration Amount enclosed $ ______

� Purchase Order* # ______

� Payment by Visa/MasterCard* # ______

� Credit Card Expiration* Date ______

*(This information is required if check is not enclosed).

Registrations received after October 1 will be charged the “On site” Rate

FNVWS Federal ID # is: 59-2422188

Don’t forget to make hotel reservations by October 1 in order to get the exceptionally low $84 (single or double) hotel room rate!

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Cancellation requests must be received in writing on or before October 15, 2006, to qualify for a refund. A $20 processing fee will be assessed on all cancellations. “No shows” will not receive a refund; however a substitute attendee is permitted.

Register by mail: Mail to: FNVWS Registration Committee

State Attorney’s Office, 411 S. Second St.

Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 or fax to (772) 462-1214

Questions on registration?

Please call Barbara Griffin (772) 462-1306

Online Registration form at the website: www.fnvws.org

Training Breakout Sessions:

(Visit www.fnvws.org for detailed descriptions and information about conference scholarships)

Wednesday, November 1 (please indicate which session you plan to attend):

Session I (I plan to attend _____ )

A. Responding To Families After An Abduction – Don & Claudine Ryce

B. Providing Culturally Competent Advocacy – Stacie Blake, Janet Blair & Nikki Kelly

C. Learning About Disabilities The Hard Way / Can You Hear Me Now? – Bob Laurino

Session II (I plan to attend _____ )

D. Missing Children / Child Abduction Response Teams (CART) – Lee Condon

E. Transgender and Victimization: It’s Not Easy Being Green – Ricki Liff

F. Through The Back Door / Trying The ‘Untriable’ Case – Bob Laurino

Thursday, November 2 (please indicate which session you plan to attend):

Session III (I plan to attend _____ )

G. Darker Side of Later Life – Wendy Lustbader H. The Batterer as Parent: Assessing the impact of domestic violence on family dynamics, and supporting child and adult victims – Lundy Bancroft

I. Internet and Victimization – Kurt Romanosky

Session IV (I plan to attend _____ )

J. Flashing Back / Moving Forward – Wendy Lustbader

K. The critical Issues of Re-victimization vs. Support: Helping children to heal / Improving court and civil response to

DV: Battered mothers, Custody courts and civil response – Lundy Bancroft

L. Stressed Desserts –Alyce Dewitt

Dinner Choice on November 2 Award Banquet

Chicken Steak Salmon ( ) I have special dietary needs: ______

( ) I plan to register my kids for the free Children’s Banquet, # of children____; Age(s) of children______

Please send me information about Mental Health CEUs

Please send me information about Attorney CLEs

Make hotel reservations directly through the hotel by calling (800) 237-8947 and request the FNVWS room rate!

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TNC Family Support & Resource Center October 2006 Information

Greetings on this second day of October 2006, happy Fall (Autumn) to everyone!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Also in October: Town 'N Country Family Support & Resource Center's Meet & Greet Fall Festival event on Friday, October 27th, 5-8PM.

Want to learn more on the Centers' Programs, activities, events, and meet other local TNC residents?

Join the TNC Team for an evening of fun for the entire family! (No registration required, walk-ins encouraged).

What's happening in TNC during October?

Childbirth Education Class: Starts October 5th, 6:30PM

Food Pantry: October 7th, 9AM-1PM

MomCare: October 11, 10-12PM (Insurance for expecting moms).

Breastfeeding Class: October 18, 6:30PM

Car Seat Safety Classes: October 19, 11:45AM & 2PM

Family Community Advisory Council: October 19, 5:30PM

* WIC Focus Group: October 25, 6:30PM

Mobile Clinic: October 26, 4PM (appointment required-please call the Center).

For more information on any Center Programs, please call your TNC Center at 813.356.1703 and ask to speak to a Center Specialist. Group and individual tours also welcomed. More information may also be obtained on line at www.familysupporthc.org!

Hope you are enjoying the nice Fall weather!

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Medicare Releases Data on 2007 Drug Plan Options: More Plans with Coverage in the Gap

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that seniors and people with disabilities who are satisfied with their current Medicare prescription drug coverage will not have to take any action when the Medicare Open Enrollment period begins November 15th, but those who wish to make a change will find new options with lower costs and more comprehensive coverage available for 2007. They will also find new tools from Medicare to help them make a choice. Surveys consistently show over 80 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their current coverage and drug plans. As a result of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, more than 38 million seniors and people with disabilities now have some form of drug coverage.

“With next year’s drug coverage, we want to build on the high level of beneficiary satisfaction in 2006 by strengthening the drug benefit in key ways,” said CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan. M.D., Ph.D. “As a result of robust competition and smart choices by seniors, plans are adding drugs, removing options that were not popular, and providing more options with enhanced coverage.” Across the country, nearly all beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans will be able to remain in the plan in which they enrolled for 2006 since almost all Part D sponsors are either continuing their current plans in 2007 or streamlining and consolidating their 2006 plans. They will be able to choose from plans that offer enhanced benefits or services, such as coverage in the gap and little or no deductible. Beneficiaries will have a wide range of plans that have zero deductibles, some of which also offer other enhanced benefits. There are also options that cover generics and preferred brand name drugs through the coverage gap for as low as $38.70, and generally for under $50.

Beneficiaries with limited incomes who qualify for the extra help will have a range of options available for comprehensive coverage. Beneficiaries who qualify for the full Medicare subsidy will pay no premiums or deductibles in these plans. Nationally, over 95 percent of low income beneficiaries will not need to change plans to continue to receive this coverage for a zero premium.

There are eight new national organizations offering drug plans to beneficiaries, in addition to the nine national organizations that were available in 2006. The list of national plans, as well as links to the state-level prescription drug plan lists (PDP landscapes) can be found at www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/local-plans-2007.asp.

For state-specific press releases, which provide further plan information at the state level, please visit the following link: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/?media=pressr.

Molly Schild Office of the Administrator Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 202-690-6726

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Fourth Annual Seminole County Child Protection Conference

Please plan to attend the Fourth Annual Seminole County Child Protection Conference at the Orlando-Lake Mary Marriott, November 28th to December 1st, 2006.

This conference is presented in partnership with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Community Based Care of Seminole. Continuing Credits will be offered to mental health professionals, nurses and psychologists; legal credits will be available for attorneys and the conference is certified for Law Enforcement personnel.

For more information contact:

Katie Tricomi

Executive Assistant

5467 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32773

407-324-3036 ext. 234

407-324-3045 (fax)

[email protected]

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Sydney's School for Autism presents Performance Artist: Johnny Seitz with his wife, Chris, in "God Does Not Make Garbage"

Johnny is a performance artist, life coach, personal trainer, and author with autism.

Date: Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 1:00 pm

Location: The Friday Morning Musicale, 809 Horatio Street, Tampa, FL 33606 Admission Fee (in advance) $40.00 At the door $45.00

You can download the flyer for information about the performance as well as for information about options for being a sponsor of the event. The flyer is at http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/SydneysSchoolPerformance.pdf .

For information call 813-835-4591

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2006 University Area Neighborhood Celebration

The University Area Faith-Based Coalition, a group of collaborative partners, cordially invites you to participate in our 2006 University Area Neighborhood Celebration. The University Area Neighborhood Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.

The event is designed to: · Bring a diverse community together for fun activities · Strengthen community spirit and participation · Inform residents about the resources available to them in the University Area · An opportunity to serve the community by sharing resources (food, clothing, etc)

If you have any questions, please call Ronald Bradford at 813-486-6064

University Area Community Faith-Based Coalition Pastor David and Julissa Cantillo, Tampa Para Cristo; Ronald Bradford, Jesus In Dominion Ministries, W. Ward Cox, For the Family, Inc; Denise Richardson, Catholic Charities; William Sanders, U.G.E; Pastor Rodney Frank, UCOCC; Pastor Dwight Ford, Bible-Based Fellowship Church; Kathy Wiggins, Hillsborough County Schools; Melissa Enzor, Mort Elementary; Stephanie Pride, Deeper Life Christian Church; Rev. Dale Felix, UACDC

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USF Collaborative’s Annual Conference

Hello, this is a reminder to RSVP for the USF Collaborative’s Annual Conference, Touching Lives, Improving Our Community: A Conference on Community-based Research. If you have not already done this, please do so by Friday, October 6th.

The conference will be held on Thursday, October 12 th from 8:00a – 12:30p at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

We will be serving breakfast so your RSVP will ensure that we have enough tasty treats for everyone.

See Below for a form to fax or mail with your RSVP.

Pre-registration is required, please fill out this form and fax to 813-974-7571 by Friday, October 6, 2006, or send to:

USF Collaborative for Children, Families & Communities

13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 1129, Tampa, 33612-3807

Agency

Address

E-Mail

Choose one from each Round of World Café Sessions:

Community Families & Organizations Children

Session 1

Easing the Impacts of Relocation: A

University-Community Collaboration

Susan Greenbaum

Listening to Caregivers: Family Involvement in Education

David Allsopp

Coping Strategies Used by Children in

International Baccalaureate Programs

Shannon Suldo

Session 2

Student Conducted Oral Histories in East

Tampa Barbara Shircliffe

Creating Social Support Among Latino

Parents of Children with Mental Health

Linda Callejas

Session 3

The Value of Workforce Mentors in Early

Adolescence

Lisa Rapp-Paglicci

A Study of Gay-Straight Student Alliances in Pinellas County High Schools

Maralee Mayberry

Use of Pedometers to Increase Student

Physical Activity

Allison Edmonds

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Latino Coalition of Tampa Bay 2006 Conference

Wednesday, November 15

To register, please complete the Registration form and e-mail it to [email protected]

2006 Conference Registration Form

Building Our Future through Collaboration

Colaborando para Nuestro Futuro

Name (nombre):

Organization (organización):

Program (Programa):

Job Title (Título de su posición):

Address (Dirección):

Phone Number (Número de teléfono) e-mail address (correo electrónico):

Would you like to become a member (free membership) of the Latino Coalition of Tampa Bay? (¿Le gustaría ser miembro (membresia gratis) de la Coalición Latina de la Bahia de Tampa?) ____ Yes (Si)

_____No

____ I am already a member. (Ya soy miembro)

Would you like that your organization appear in the Latino Coalition of Tampa Bay Network Directory? (¿Le gustaría que su organización aparezca en el Directorio de la Coalición Latina?)

___ Yes. (Si)

___ No.

Do you need language interpretation? (¿Necesita interpretación en español?)

___ Yes (Si) ___ No

E-mail the completed Registration Form to [email protected]. You will receive confirmation by e-mail . Limited space.

Envie via correo electrónico el formulario lleno a [email protected]. Usted recibirá confirmación por correo electrónico. Espacio limitado.

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Kinship Services Network of Pinellas (KSN)

Collaborative Meeting

DATE: October 10, 2006 TIME: 9:30-10:30a.m. LOCATION: CHI Family Support Center of Pinellas County

Physical Address: 2708 Alternate 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 Phone: (727) 785-2762

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Grant Opportunities

Hamburger Helper Announces Grant Program for Local Communities Across America

Deadline: May 2007

Hamburger Helper, a General Mills food brand, is looking to lend a "helping hand" to neighborhoods across the United States with its "My Hometown Helper" grant program. Individuals from communities and organizations across America can visit the program's Web site to submit a written essay describing how the "My Hometown Helper" grant would help improve their community project. Examples of possible community projects include: lights or bleachers for baseball, soccer, or football fields; repairs to a band shell; computers for the local school or library; playground equipment for a park; holiday decorations for Main Street; money for choir, band, or science trips; new uniforms for Little League teams; clean-up projects; and training for volunteer firefighters.

Applicants can request a one-time award of between $500 and $15,000 during any single month. All requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal or civic organization or public school. The program will award "helping hand" grants each month from online applications received through May 2007. Applications will be evaluated monthly.

Funds will be awarded based on the merit of the project, including its impact on and support within the community.

For more information on the "My Hometown Helper" program and complete guidelines, visit the program's Web site.

RFP Link:

http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10004569/myHometownHelper

For additional RFPs in Community Improvement/Development, visit:

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_community.jhtml

Public Relations Grants Available for Nonprofit Organizations

Deadline: December 31, 2006

CyberAlert, Inc. ( http://www.cyberalert.com/ ), an online media monitoring company, has announced that, for the fourth consecutive year, the company will award a minimum of ten public relations grants to not-for-profit organizations.

Each grant consists of one full year of news monitoring/press clipping services, ranging in value from $2,700 to $3,900.

All not-for-profit, educational, and charitable organizations in the United States and Canada are eligible to apply for the grants.

Program information and the grant application form are available at the company's Web site.

RFP Link:

http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10004578/cyberalert

For additional RFPs in Philanthropy and Voluntarism, visit:

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_philanthropy.jhtml

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Children's Summit on October 6 To Forge New Policies to Benefit Florida Children

On October 6, some 1,500 leaders, advocates, and elected officials will gather at the Orlando Convention Center for the full-day 2006 Florida Children's Summit. The Summit aims to create a shared vision of Florida's commitment to its children and families. The Children's Summit also will launch a long-term process to develop and implement strategies, including specific legislative policy recommendations, to improve the lives of children and families.

Among the many issues to be discussed:

 Florida's juvenile justice system  health care and prenatal care  positive youth development  early care and education  before and after-school programs  child abuse prevention and the needs of children in the child welfare system  mental health and substance abuse treatment

The Eckerd Family Foundation is pleased to be a sponsor of this important Summit. "This summit is a historic opportunity for policymakers and others to work together to develop a more comprehensive approach to the challenges facing children and families," said Joe Clark, president of the Eckerd Family Foundation. "That goal is very much in keeping with the mission of the Eckerd Family Foundation."

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The Florida Kinship Center understands that email boxes can become overloaded with announcements. Rather than sending individual announcements as we get them, we’ve created a weekly announcement e-newsletter. This weekly e-newsletter will still have all the information you need, but consolidated into one email.

If you have an event you would like us to include, please email [email protected].

If you have a friend you want us to send this to, please email that person’s email address to: [email protected].

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