Best practices

July 2008

"The children (7-10 yrs old) created 'feelings' journals out of construction paper, lined paper, and markers. Inside, they complete a feelings recipe including prompts such as 'I feel' ... 'I wish'...; they fill in the journals over several weeks' time."
    – Casie, Primary Care Health Services

"During one of the youth counseling groups, our mothers met with Carlin who exposed them to the online educational opportunities available. Our mothers were extremely receptive to the resources and requested follow up. At the same time, the youth met with me to process the guilt associated with separation and divorce. Activities chosen for this group focused on expressing feelings related to the family change, communicating difficult feelings to parents, and "How I Think, Feel, and Behave." These activities came from the resource Creative Interventions for Children of Divorce, by Liana Lowenstein. In the last session of the group series, youth were encouraged to talk about coping with their changing family. Youth were supported as they identified all the changes that they experienced since their parents split apart. An activity aimed to help them identify positive aspects of their lives was used. These activies also came from the resource mentioned above."
    – Amy Crisis Center North

"We're adding books to our library to serve the parents' desire to read more."
    – Judy, Salvation Army Family Center

June 2008

"Ready, Set, R.E.L.A.X by Jeffery Allen and Roger Klein provided me guided imagery examples that were incorporated into my "R & R PJ Day" group session. The group intended to stress the benefit of rest and relaxation in a life of great change. During this group, youth were encouraged to wear their newly donated pj's and a sleepover scene was created for their enjoyment. We popped popcorn and engaged in an imagination exercise from this resource entitled, "Popcorn Fun." During another group this month, I used the stress inventory and signs of stess research from Ready, Set, R.E.L.A.X. and The Handbook for Helping Kids with Anxiety and Stress to facilitate the scrapbooking session. A guest community member came in with her supplies to teach the art of scrapbooking as a tool for coping with stress." [See Resources for further information about both books.
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

May 2008

"In my preschool program we did several lessons on Charlie Checkfirst. A reinforcement activity that I came up with is a Charlie Checkfirst hunt. I colored and laminated Charlie and his friends. Then I hid them throughout the room and the kids had to find Charlie and his friends."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"We gave each child some bubble wrap to paint on. They liked the texture of the bubbles and the way they had to paint over and around the bumps to cover the area. When they were done painting, we laid a sheet of paper on top and gently rubbed to get a print of the "bubbles". The prints turned out really cool. We cut the paper into the shape of a fish tank and added fish and plants on top of the bubbles. It turned out pretty neat – all the kids (ages 3-6) enjoyed doing it. The adults thought it was fun, too."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"We gave our guests (three families of 3 moms and 5 children) a cooler, a small grill, and grocery vouchers and took them grocery shopping and then dropped them off at a local park. The park had a community day celebration, and the guests were able to cook out, play, and listen to a band all afternoon. They had a great time and were able to be on their own and feel independent."
    – Tina, AVAC

April 2008

"In counseling with two siblings, I incorporated a communication card game designed to help families with separation and divorce. The cards were specifically written to help children focus on solutions to the problems created by the divorce rather than to complain or blame others. The name of the game is Let's Talk About Separation and Divorce." [See Resources below]
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

"The children made a Springtime bingo game using Spring-related words: flowers, birds, bugs, sun, rain, etc. Everyone enjoyed playing the game and winning prizes."
    – Anita, Bridge to Independence

"We had the kids make birdfeeders out of pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. With the kids help, we hung the pinecones on the tree next to our front porch. The birds quickly found the pinecones and the kids really enjoyed watching the birds for several days."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"We used the clay given by HCEF to make hand prints that looked like flowers in a flower pot for Mother's Day. Once the clay dried the kids were able to color or paint it."
    – Jolie, Womansplace

"Ms. Wadsworth, a theater professor and acting coach, came once a week during the month to hold a workshop with our children. Emphasis was placed on role playing, imagination, creativity, and monologues. All the children who attended had a wonderful time and kept asking when Ms. Jill was coming back!"
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

March 2008

"We had a Family Fun Night to celebrate the first day of Spring. All the kids painted with watercolors on coffee filters. The colors spread out and blended with each other. We made a vase with stems out of construction paper and hung it on the wall. After the coffee filters dried, we hung them on the stems and made a beautiful Spring bouquet. Everyone (moms included) enjoyed the project and it was age appropriate for toddlers through school agers." (See the beautiful result of the kids' and Moms' joint efforts.)
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Sisters Place is getting used to the Accelrated Reader Program. The children are enjoying the read alouds and also silent reading. They are very excited about the incentives as well... our children are actually asking to read now!!"
    – Stacy, Sisters Place

"Staff finished utilizing the life skills workbooks we had purchased through the HCEF educational mini-grant. We will begin the series again when a new group of children enter our program. The children enjoyed the series and are looking forward to getting more. Staff incorporated arts and crafts into the second half of each group during the week and the kids are having so much fun engaging in the activities. Now that the weather is getting warmer, we will be incorporating outside games and activities for the children to enjoy."
    – Traci, HOPE Center

"In my spring groups, I have integrated art projects (i.e. Easter egg dying, food color icing of cupcakes, etc) to illustrate the concept of change. Our youth are experience the dymanics of the changing family that are the result of divorce and separtion. Using concrete metaphors, like these, fosters youth understanding and coping with life transitions. My favorite resource on divorce is Divorce Is Not the End of the World [see Resources below]"
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

"We did a couple of presentations on bullying with the children in the after school program. During these presentations we used the DVD Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain [see Resources below]. Discussions were conducted on who is a bully, what is bullying, and how to deal with a bully."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"Just having the art supplies handy that HCEF supplied is a great tool when doing art therapy. Having a child show you what color their anger is or what color would sad look like, sometimes just letting a child have a blank piece of paper and crayons and telling them to just scribble can tell you a lot about their anger or frustration."
   – Jolie, Womansplace

February 2008

"We are in the process of working with you to get the Accelerated Reader Program launched at our site. So far are children are very excited and all of the children in the ASP are tested. We are in the process of picking out books for the level that they are reading.
    – Stacy, Sisters Place

"I was able to create photo albums for the three families that are in our homeless program right now. All three families said that they had no pictures of their children or had a few pictures and nowhere to put them. With the equipment and supplies that I received from HCEF I am able to help parents create wonderful photo albums and scrapbooks that they can continue to build on even after they leave our shelter. It really helps them to cope with the serious issues that they are dealing with and it gives the parents and the children a positive aspect of their present situation."
    – Tina, Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

" A staff member used the life skills workbooks we had purchased through the HCEF mini-grant. She began with one on Feelings and also incorporated some other materials we have at the agency such as a video and reading books. The chidlren loved the activities and participated whole-heartedly."
    – Tracie, HOPE Center

"We had Reading Is Fundamental come out to Healthy Start House once again to distribute books to the kids. (see Resources below) They did a really nice storytime with the moms and kids using pop-up books and engaging stories, and then each family did a craft to make their own puppets and chose a book to keep. We do a lot with literacy and giving out books so that each family begins their own library here to take with them with they move."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

January 2008

"I have a 7 year old who worries a lot and we are making a worry box to put her worries in. This goes along with a curriculum that i am using that I purchased with the mini-grant. We are using the art supplies from HCEF to decorate her box."
    – Jolie, Womsnsplace

"One of our staff members entertained our children while their moms were in a meeting by singing and playing instruments with them. Through our mini-grant last year we did a music program and purchased many child-friendly instruments. The kids love to play the instruments and dance to the music that they make. This is their favorite activity in the playroom."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"We used lots of our art supplies donated by HCEF to make sock puppets. Each child was able to create their own puppet and then they put on their own puppet show."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"Children cut fabric into their favorite characters, stuffed them, sewed them and made pillows."
    – Anita, Bridge to Independence

December 2007

"The 11th grader who currently resides in our shelter assists the younger children in doing their homework. She serves as a positive older role model for the other children."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

November 2007

"We had a family fun night and had the kids and their moms make cinnamon ornaments for our Christmas tree. This has become a tradition at Healthy Start House and each year we decorate the tree with ornaments that were made by kids who lived here in the past. When the dough was dry, we glued a photo of each child on their ornament to hang on our tree. Everyone enjoys this project and the ornaments still smell good the next year!" [See recipe below under resources.]
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"The children made cards and a Christmas banner for an Air Force Unit currently stationed in Iraq. We then sent the cards, a group photo of the children, and care packages to the soldiers. At this time of year the children are given a lot of Christmas presents, and this was their way of giving to others."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"We have started using our grant from HCEF and started yoga with our women and children. The women and children really enjoy it and the facilitator from Three RIvers Yoga is really great. I highly recommend them. We have also used the grant to implement Sue Franke's Hug Therapy program. She comes once a month and works with our moms and children and, as always, she is a breath of fresh air." [see links under Resources]
    – Stephanie, Women's Center and Shelter

October 2007

"We made some fall leaves out of construction paper, contact paper, and tissue paper. This project is simple for young children, but older children also enjoy it. It can be adapted to other shapes as well. I cut a leaf shape out of construction paper leaving the frame of the leaf intact on the construction paper. I stuck the frame of the leaf on contact paper so that the frame created a leaf shape with sticky contact paper in the middle. We ripped pieces of tissue paper in fall colors and the kids decorated their leaves by sticking the tissue paper to the contact paper in the middle of the leaf. We hung them in the windows like stained glass."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Four of our students created artwork for an art show at Carlow College. The artwork displayed at this show is all created by individuals who are homeless. Our students used acrylic paints and canvas. They will receive the money their pictures were purchased for."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"A staff member while making Halloween decorations with very young children used the decorations to teach the children about pronunciation of words. The children enjoyed making decorations and coloring without even realizing they were learning."
    – Rachel, Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center

September 2007

"Our staff led an art workshop that incorporated HCEF supplied art materials to enhance the exploration of clay and drawing art forms." [based on ideas from Stacy de las Alas's "Art Projects for Kids" shelter staff workshop]
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

"At the end of the month the children in the after-school program each received their own journal. Each week they create 1-2 entires in their journal. This activity is used as tool for the children to learn more about themselves and for free expression."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"We made a fall leaf collage. We cut leaf shapes out of coffee filters, colored them with markers, and then painted a water/glue mixture on the leaves. When the colored filters were saturated with the mixture, we pressed them down on a large sheet of paper to make prints. We also kept the coffee filter leaves to hang in the windows after we made the prints. They looked pretty when they were dry. It was a messy project, but was lots of fun."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"This past month the kids and I did a science project called Oobleck. It is a very simple project that calls for equal parts cornstarch and water. The resulting mixture has both the properties of a solid and liquid. The kids loved the experiment because they got be messy and learn something in the process. This activity held the children's attention for about 40 minutes." [Oobleck was named after a Dr. Seuss character. Here's one source of instructions for making Oobleck--including a YouTube demonstration that will let you know why children love this substance. This second site is a step-by-step "teacher's guide."]
    – Ashley, YWCA Bridge Housing

"It is always good to have all the art supplies handy for counseling the kids. I used the long butcher block paper in one of my sessions to outline the body of one of my children, and she loved it because it allowed her to see herself on paper. She was able to decorate it but the whole concept was around each session adding to her self image something positive about herself – to increase her self esteem and for her to see all the different aspects of who she is."
    – Jolie, Womansplace

"Children used popsicle sticks and Woodsies (wood pieces) to make "I love Football" magnets."
    – Anita, Bridge to Independence

August 2007

"The children made 'Talking Sun Puppets' using paper plates, construction paper, yarn, and paint. They put on a puppet show with their talking puppets. The children had creative responses to 'what does your sun puppet want to say?'"
    – Kim, Bridge to Independence

"We made a big wall mural remembering our trip to the zoo that we took mid-month. We used photos that we took of the animals and embellished the mural with art supplies to make habitats for the animals. The kids and staff enjoyed it."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

July 2007

"A couple of times during the week the children have the opportunity to bake/cook their own snacks (cupcakes, brownies, cookies, etc). This allows them to practice reading and following directions while also learning how to measure ingredients. The kids love it!"
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"We have really been enjoying BookFlix." When moms are meeting with staff or making phone calls, etc., I often have children sit at my computer in the office and I put on a book for them. They are loving it. They keep returning to the office asking to 'watch another book.' Pretty cool. "
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

June 2007

The following is based on Jolie's presentation at the June Mini-grant Kickoff meeting at the Spaghetti Warehouse:

"I am using the books from Scholastic when I do counseling with my kids. There are a lot of great books within the collection we all received that kids can really relate to. I was reading When Sophie Gets Angry, Really Really Angry with an 8-year-old boy whose mom is angry much of the time. I turned the page to a picture showing fire coming out of Sophie's mouth. 'Oh, That's me!' he said."

"I've also been using a series from Hunter House Publishers called Growth and Recovey Workbooks, written for children 9-12 years old. The one I've found most useful is Living with My Family. Children can check off the problems that their family has. There are spaces for drawings and writing."

[See hunterhouse.com for a complete listing of available titles. The Growth and Recovery Workbooks are described by the publisher as "A creative, child-friendly program designed for use with elementary school children, filled with original exercises to foster healing, self-understanding, and optimal growth. These popular workbooks are designed for helping children who have experienced trauma. Each has friendly but neutral artwork and plenty of space to write and draw."]
    – Jolie, Womansplace

"One of our volunteers, on a Sunday afternoon, had the kids paint on small flowerpots and plant flower seeds in them. We also had a good talk with members of the local fire department. They came and talked to 12 kids who were in the Learning Center. One firefighter put on most of his fire clothing. Several of the kids were very frightened, but most were eventually able to touch his clothes and boots and understand that he was still the same person."
    – Elizabeth, YWCA Bridge Housing

Successes

July 2008

"I have a child who is 12 years old and weighs about 210 lbs. Because of the books that we now have and access to V-Street she can share her situation either in her journal or with someone who is going though the same thing. She seems more comfortable in her own skin and a lot happier. I let her know that big is beautiful, but maybe not healthy. I feel that with the books and V-Street I can help her share a situation with someone just like her."
    – Judy, Salvation Army Family Center

June 2008

"There was a 5- year- old little boy who was always using V-Smile but would get frustrated and want to quit or to switch the cartridges to something that would be easier. I began to encourage him to not be afraid to try new things and that it is okay if he doesn't know everything. Most importantly, I told him never to give up on himself. I shared this because ENCOURAGEMENT is the best resource that we all have, and we can give freely of this gift to the children. He didnt give up and he did make it out of level 1– all the way to level 3. And he said, 'Miss, Miss, I didnt give up, I'm smart!' That's good stuff!!!
  – Jolie, Womansplace

May 2008

"Our student who is in 11th grade was selected to be part of a Duquesne University research project. She will work there throughout the entire summer."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"For a Mother's Day celebration, we took our current and former families on a trip to the Zoo. We scheduled it on a Saturday since so many moms are working. We rented a bus and packed a lunch. It was perfect weather and we had a really good turn-out. The Zoo has always been very generous to give us tickets and we are very thankful for that."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"My 4-year-old girl learned for the first time how to work a computer. Her face was something that I never ever want to forget. And about a year ago I had a young lady here whose passon was the computer. Because of the computers that H.C.E.F supplied, she was able to practice every day. On Saturday, June 14, 2008, she graduated from the 12th grade. She called and invited me to attend. She got a certificate of excellence for her computer skills. She said to me, 'Thank you so much for being there for me.' I couldn't say anything so I just cried. I was so proud to be a part of that day. THANK YOU, HCEF!"
    – Judy, Salvation Army Family Center

"Our Accelerated Reading program has recently started at Womanspace East. So far 2 students have been tested, and both are above grade level. We have a rising 12th grader reading on a college level, and a rising 7th grader reading on a college level. This second student has already read 5 book and passed 2 quizzes (earning 100% on one!) "
    – Carlin speaking of Andrea's work at Womanspace East

April 2008

"We have had a lot of struggle with the Duquense School District to get the needed services for a 2nd grader who has a lot of behavioral concerns. She was accepted to Wesley School in April. Through a month of intensive therapy in a school setting, she returned to Duquesne. We were nervous about her transition back to her old classroom, but they paired her with a 'Guardian Angel' to be with her all day. The improvement in her behavior is amazing and is helping her to finish the school year well."

Two previous "Challenges" posts:
"We have had some difficulties with the Duquesne school district. Our school-age child has been repeatedly suspended from school for fighting. Her mom has requested special services, but it has been a very slow process to have anything implemented. In the meantime, she has been missing a lot of school and her education is definitely being affected."

After persistent effort on the mom's part: "Duquesne has finally made a referral for this student to go to Wesley for a full day therapeutic program in a school setting. Hopefully this will help her to change some of her behaviors so she will be more successful in Duquesne when she returns."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Our computers have not been connecting to the Internet for a good portion of the month so staff has had to be creative with our older children who want to do nothing but get on the Internet. The older children have been doing a lot of helping out with the younger children, helping staff around the children's program, facilitating art projects with the younger ones, etc. Staff have been giving them incentives and they are really enjoying it. They are finding that there is more to do than getting on the Internet!"
    – Stephanie, Women's Center and Shelter

February 2008

"We have a 12- year-old girl who loves to read. She checks out 4-5 books a week. With HCEF's help she is able to continue her love of reading while in shelter. She was ecstatic when she was given the last book in the Harry Potter series."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

January 2008

"During the arts and crafts project that local high school honor students did with the children in our shelter, a four year old boy who was very shy and quiet opened up and laughed and talked the whole time they were working on the project. After that he was much more comfortable with everyone at our agency and in our shelter and with the situation all together."
    – Tina, Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

"The new child that came in this month is enjoying our program's weekly life skills groups and is eager to attend them on the group days."
    – Tracie, Hope Center

December 2007

"Reading Is Fundamental sent a volunteer to our site to do a reading and a related activity with our families. She read The Gingerbread Boy, and we had prepared gingerbread houses for the families to work on together. They used graham crackers and a mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar (1/4 cup cream cheese with 1 1/2 tsp powdered sugar). The moms really enjoyed it and the kids loved working with their moms on a project. Every child also got a new book from Reading Is Fundamental."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Children were given clear Christmas bulbs to fill and decorate to put on their Christmas trees for their parents. They were excited to give their parents a gift and also to have an ornament that they had made themselves."
    – Anita, Bridge to Independence

"The children were able to come together as a group and using craft supplies from HCEF made thank you cards for all of the wonderful Christmas gifts that they received."
    – Tina, Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

November 2007

"With the music room that we a started and the keyboard that HCEF donated to us, we are able to help and encourage one of our kids to practice. As a result he was asked to play in a concert at school. That was a proud moment for us all."
    – Judy, Salvation Army Family Center

"We worked with Toys for Tots this year to provide gifts to the children involved in our program. As an agency working with Toys for Tots, we had to open up our gift distribution to the entire community. It was difficult to handle calls from the community and take toy requests while we had a lot going on here. But, overall, we were glad we were able to provide a better Christmas for kids beyond the ones that we work with daily." [See resources below.]
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Sharing client stories helps at Christmas. Donors have been more inclined to empathize and give to our clients after they hear personalized, while anonymous, accounts of the trials and tribulations they face. Quoting our adult counselor about telling client stories to advocate on their behalf: 'Just telling my little stories paid off twice today. Melissa's heart was touched by T. B's story, and she went out and bought clothing items for T.B.'s 2 year-old daughter. [While Melissa waited for her receipts to be recorded], I told her a few [of our women's] stories. Ended up with $500 in the Client Relief Fund. I think it made a difference that we related stories about the families the Xxxxx's adopted. They will talk about it and want to know more. Then, when these people talk about CCN, they will talk about who we help and what kinds of things we deal with. That is the only way the community gets to know us and what we are doing. Bland presentations with facts just don't cut it.'"
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

"Our census has been low in shelter over the last month, and we have had to be creative with our programming. We have invited a lot of single women (either women without children or women who have children but do not have their children with them) down to the children's program to participate in programming. I thought that they would not be interested but they are! They have participated in drumming, yoga, and hug therapy programs and are really enjoying it. They come back every week."
    – Stephanie, Women's Center and Shelter

October 2007

I have 3 and 5-year-old sisters that I am working with and in my effort to educate about domestic violence I have taught them a simple song that we have put to a congo-like beat and it simply says, " Hands are not for hitting. Feet are not for kicking. Words are not for hurting." But they sing it and it makes sense to them because this is what their dad used to do when he lived at home. I combine all this with reading them the books from Scholastic entitles Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi and Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick."
    – Jolie, Womansplace

"When I asked the moms to volunteer twice a week to help their kids with homework it worked out very well – brought the family closer together and the moms more involved with the kids' schoolwork."
    – Judy, Salvation Army Family Center

The children created a Halloween bingo game. They really enjoyed creating and playing their own game. They enjoyed drawing the pictures for the squares on the bingo game and were very excited to share the game with their parents."
    – Anita and Kim, Bridge to Independence

September 2007

"We originally had a student chosen to speak at our annual breakfast, but at the last minute she was unable to. One of our wonderful children stepped up and wrote his speech, practiced it, and did an awesome job delivering it. He only had two days to pull all of this together!"
    – Stacy, Sisters Place

"It's a continual challenge to both get the kids to use the computers for productive/educational purposes and to find engaging software, websites, or projects which accomplish these ends. Lego Chess has been a lot of fun for different aged kids in the learning center. The software creates a whole drama to accompany the chess moves and helps the user out by indicating which moves are available. It provides an unintimidating, fun introduction to chess, a game which helps to sharpen memory, anticipation, imagination – the list goes on."
    – Casie, Open Arms

"We were able to partner two of our families with the Pittsburgh Public Early Intervention Program, so their children could get enrolled in a local HeadStart program."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

August 2007

"I love the educational software that was purchased through the mini-grant (Dora, Sesame Street, Blues Clues) because I have a child who is 14 but has some learning difficulties. I worked with her on the computer and she used the above mentioned software. It helped her reinforce colors, matching and counting skills. The software is such fun and so kid friendly that they learn without even knowing it. Awesome!!"
    – Jolie, Womansplace

"The children started journals: What I Want to be When I Grow Up! Most of them wanted to be professionals: i.e. doctors, dentists, lawyers as opposed to wanting to be movie stars or cowboys."
    – Anita, Bridge to Independence

"My client was chosen to receive the award for his entry in the One Book – One Community essay contest on homelessness."
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

"There was a child who likes to draw but not talk much. It was great to have lots of construction paper around for her to draw how she felt about her family and her feelings."
    – Jolie, Womansplace

July 2007

"I have begun to reorganize our playroom to be more useful as a learning center. The families are using the room more often, and I can see the learning that is happening through play, especially with matching games or board games, etc."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

"Getting the children in the afternoon programming to read every day while in programming."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

Challenges

June 2008

"A challenge that we have had so far is with the Accelerated Reader – figuring out the incentive program. But the children are learning to save their money to buy things from the 'Reading Shop.' The children are really trying to focus on their reading abilities, and they really want to read better!"
    – Stacy Sisters Place

May 2008

"The only thing that has fallen through for us this summer is that we were planning one of our biggest field trips to Idlewild, but were denied the tickets though Tickets for Kids. We were offered tickets at a discounted rate but cannot afford them even at this price. We are currently looking for somewhere else to go."
    – Stephanie, Womens Center and Shelter

April 2008

"We faced the challenge of getting in touch with the principal at one of the schools a child attended. Communication between school and shelter wasn't able to be established."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

March 2008

"When our children were first tested to see what grade level they were reading at, one child was able to see his grade level of reading. He was very upset and embarrassed about it. He acted out and was very angry. He dismissed himself from the ASP. I talked with his mom and informed her on what was going on. The child took a few days off, and came back more eager to read. He has been doing well since then."
    – Stacy, Sisters Place

"I welcome shelter provider dialogue about how we can motivate clients' participation in counseling services that may be available at our sites. How can we help clients to understand the value and importance of the process of therapy?"
    – Amy, Crisis Center North

February 2008

"Getting teenagers motivated to learn and getting their parents motivated to teach and encourage them is a constant challenge."
    – Cacie, Primary Care

December 2007

"We have several very pregnant women living in our program right now. They all also have other children. One woman is on bed rest and has a very active toddler. Overall tensions have been running high and our pregnant moms have been very tired and frustrated with low patience. It's been a challenge to keep the peace in group living and also to help the moms who are pregnant to be patient with their kids, even when they are tired."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

November 2007

"Our biggest challenge lately is getting the children to bring their homework home. Many times they will leave it at school, on the bus, or hide it somewhere. It is also a challenge knowing what homework the children have each night. Some students have packets or workbooks, and I can't confirm that they only have to do one page or don't have to do a certain page."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"Dealing with shy/backward children. Getting them to trust me and play games and make crafts with me."
    – Tina, Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

"Half of our students are arriving home from school at 4 p.m. or later. This makes it difficult to find enough time to help them with their homework."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

October 2007

"We have been providing a lot of childcare lately for all the children in the house as their moms are involved in classes or other activities. It has been difficult to get some staff to do childcare well (knowing that it's a lot of work). It is hard to keep 10 kids ranging in age from 5 months to 7 years old entertained and happy. But we had a staff meeting and discussed the concerns, and I gave a lot of examples of activities to try. The staff seem to be more comfortable now that they have the tools to use."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

September 2007

"It has been difficult for me this past month to get the mothers involved with the activities. I ask them to participate as do the children but it hasn't worked thus far. I will have to think of alternative and more creative ways to get them involved."
    – Ashley, YWCA Bridge Housing

August 2007

"The biggest challenge this month [August] was that we had 28 kids in shelter, and it was difficult to keep them entertained. All of our older children love to get on the computers, and it was challenging for them to take turns. Our kids are used to having a lot of time on the computers, and we are not used to having so many children."
    – Stephanie, Women's Center and Shelter

July 2007

"Our biggest challenge is parental involvement. HCEF and AIU provide a vast array of wonderful workshops and educational field trips for our shelter. However, getting the mothers to show up with their children and take advantage of these wonderful opportunities is difficult."
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

"It's hard to find things for the few older kids to do besides computer games. But they are often helpful with the younger kids."
    – Elizabeth, YWCA Bridge Housing

June 2007

"We have had an ongoing challenge getting parents to take their children to our playroom. Parents often choose to sit in front of the TV rather than play with their kids. We are in the process of re-creating our playroom into a space that is more inviting for families to use."
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

Resources

July 2008

Creative Interventions for Children of Divorce "An innovative collection of therapeutic games, art techniques, and stories to help children of divorce express feelings, understand marriage and divorce, deal with loyalty binds, parental conflict, and reunification fantasies, address self-blame, and learn coping strategies. Includes tips for parents, and a ten-week group counseling curriculum. For ages 7-12 in individual, group, and family therapy."

June 2008

Ready, Set, R.E.L.A.X. A Research-Based Program of Relaxation, Learning and Self-Esteem for Children by Jeffrey Allen and Roger Klein. There's also a CD: Ready . . . Set . . . Release! Music & Relaxation Exercises for Children. One source offers both in a single package for $35.95 This link provides a useful description of the book’s objectives and themes.

The Handbook for Helping Kids with Anxiety and Stress by Kim Frank. "This book provides a collection of practical, easy-to-follow tips and activities to help kids with various types of fears, anxieties and phobias. The first section of the book includes insights, hints and suggestions for helping professionals and parents who are working to help kids learn to cope with their anxiety and stress. The second section is for kids, themselves. It includes stories, activities, and suggestions that can help kids face fears."

May 2008

"We recycle old cell phones and ink cartridges through Cartridges for Kids and get paid for it. I have a box sitting in my office specifically for these items, and then I send in a box full every couple of months. A few weeks ago I sent approximately 10 cell phones, a few phone chargers and about 15 used ink cartridges and received a check today for $21.00." www.cartridgesforkids.com
    – Tina, AVAC

"Keep in mind that if you are looking for agencies to come to your shelter to do fun things with your kids for the summer, a lot of places in your neighborhood are willing to donate their time to help (dance studios, pottery places, libraries, animal shelters, etc.). It doesn't hurt to call and ask."
    – Stephanie, Womens Center and Shelter

Let's Talk About Separation and Divorce – a non-competitive card game available at fathers.com]

"We have been doing yoga with our moms and kids once a week though the HCEF grant. The moms, kids, and facilitator enjoy it so much that the facilitator is coming back for free when the grant is over. It has been a great way for moms and kids to find different ways to relax. I would bet other yoga places would come to other sites for free. It doesn't hurt to ask!"
    – Stephanie, Women's Center and Shelter

April 2008

Divorce Is Not the End of the World by Zoe Stern, Evan Stern, and Ellen Sue Stern

March 2008

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain (DVD) is available from Amazon.com ($12.99) and similar sources.

What Do You Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety, by Dawn Huebner – for ages 6-12, Magination Press

In addition to fears and anxieties, other topics addressed by Magination Press books include disability, emotions, divorce, family matters, school matters, self-esteem, learning disabilities.

February 2008

Reading Is Fundamental

Toys for Tots Pittsburgh

Recipe for cinnamon dough ornaments:
Mix 1 cup of cinnamon with 3/4 cup of applesauce. Stir together to form a thick dough that can be rolled. Figures need to be at least 1/4 inch thick to prevent cracking and breaking. We used cookie cutters and had each child make one star for our tree. The dough dries on wire racks within a couple of days. The ornaments need to be flipped daily to prevent sticking as they dry.
    – Sarah, Healthy Start House

Portrait of Self : An arts curriculum that can be used with middle and highschoolers. It is a journaling project that is expressive and personal. For more information go to www.hughmerrill.com/community-art/pos-intro.html
    – Carlin, HCEF

December 2007

Susan Franke's Hug Therapy – 724- 733-2417 or 412- 855-0599

Three Rivers Yoga – 412-262-5445

Birthday cakes: "We continue to partner with CB Richard Ellis in their birthday cakes program for children who are homeless. Each month they supply cakes to children who have birthdays while residing in the shelter. It continues to be a great success at our shelter and I would recommend it to others." [Contact: Cyra Contractor (412-394-9810)]
    – Andrea, Womanspace East

September 2007

Lego Chess

Making Oobleck
Oobleck teacher's guide.

June 2007

Hunter House Publishers series for children 9 to12: Growth and Recovery Workbooks

Leapfrog Globe – it's interactive and provides different venues for learning about world cultures

Back to Shelter Services page

updated 8/19/08