MARCH 2023 • ISSUE 3 • VOLUME 3
Happy month of March to you!
Our Child Welfare community partners are diverse people from non-profits, businesses, service groups, crafters, and the faith community. Some of our partners have volunteered their time and talents in various ways. This month, Weld County DHS and Child Welfare celebrated some of our community partners with breakfast and a message of appreciation from Commissioner Scott James and Director of DHS Jamie Ulrich.
We have a generous community, and we are grateful. As you may know, last year, we had community partners rally around our kinship and foster youth and families through events meant to support and appreciate them (you!) and to provide opportunities to connect. Some examples of this were the Summer BBQ and the holiday parties, KindConnect, summer camp, backpacks, emotional toolkits, quilts, bags of love, coats, birthday cakes, gift cards, Christmas gifts, and more.
Sometimes you’ve just got to take a moment from all the busyness and celebrate!
What can you celebrate this month?
-Kristy
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Commissioner Scott James and Director of DHS Jamie Ulrich thank community partners at our breakfast celebration.
Are you interested in learning more about foster care? Register for orientation to learn more about foster care and the certification process.
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Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 4:30-6 p.m., at the Weld County Department of Human Services Bldg. A. (315 N. 11th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634).
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Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 4:30-6 p.m., virtual via MS Teams.
You’ve already attended orientation? Register for pre-certification training by contacting Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming meetings! In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions. For more information and to register for an orientation, please visit www.weldgov.com/go/fostercare or email Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (Source: NTDC)
By understanding how children experience traumatic events and how these children express their lingering distress over the experience, parents, physicians, communities, and schools can respond to their children and help them through this challenging time. The goal is to restore balance to these children’s lives and the lives of their families.
Read more to understand how children experience trauma by age and how to help by clicking here.
Monthly Adoption Support Group
Join us to connect with other foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive parents, childcare providers, and family childcare (FCC) home providers. This support group provides participants the opportunity to share parenting strategies, successes and struggles with those who can relate!
We focus on support around parenting and caregiving issues using a nationally recognized, research-based framework for keeping children safe and families strong.
Upcoming dates:
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March 16, 2023
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April 20, 2023
- May 18, 2023
Please go to Foster, Adoption, and Kinship Support Group – Weld County and complete the form to RSVP for the support group.
Groups will be held on the third Thursday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Weld County Department of Human Services located at 315 N. 11th Ave. Bldg. A. Greeley, CO 80631. Childcare and dinner will be provided. For more information or questions, contact John at (970) 400-6239.
Spring Booster Trainings via Zoom
Colorado Kids Belong is hosting online trainings for Weld County foster care providers.
Upcoming dates:
- April 17, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- May 15, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Click here for more information and how to register.
Parent’s Night Out
Saturday, April 22, 2023
4-7 p.m.
reBALANCE, Youth for Christ
134 11th Ave, Greeley, CO
Save the date for this parents night out! Youth will enjoy obstacles, skate games, pool tables, gaming, music studio, instruments, and a ninja course. Dinner is included. Click here for more information.
Hope for the Journey Conference (formerly Empowered to Connect)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
8-4 p.m.
Timberline Windsor Church
360 Crossroads Blvd., Windsor, CO
Hope for the Journey is coming to northern Colorado to encourage and equip parents and caregivers to meet the everyday needs of children impacted by adoption and/or foster care. This one-day event is a great way for foster, adoptive, kinship families, and professionals who work or volunteer with vulnerable youth to be refreshed, trained, and connected with others who share the same experiences. Continued education hours are available. Only $20/person or $30/couple.
Childcare will be provided through Finally Home’s Superhero Academy. Superhero Academy is $10/child.
Scholarships are available for families in need. For more information, click here.
Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Event – Save the Date!
Del Camino (South County): April 26, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.
4209 County Road 24 1/2 Firestone, CO
Greeley: April 27, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.
822 7th Street Greeley, CO
Hosted by Department of Human Services in conjunction with Child Abuse Awareness Month, the annual sidewalk chalk art event aims to celebrate families, while also providing resources and education on child abuse prevention. There will be a balloon artist and face painting available as well as light refreshments. Click here for more information!
Summer Voucher Program
Be sure to look for information about the Summer Voucher Program coming soon! This program is designed as a way for eligible youth to receive up to $175 vouchers they can use for a variety of summer recreation and educational activities and programs through partnering vendors. Eligible youth are under age 18 and families with youth receiving TANF or food assistance, are in foster care, or have been adopted. This is a great way that Weld County supports our county-certified foster and adoptive parents!
After School Homework Club
Who: Milliken and Johnstown middle and high schoolers.
What: After school homework club for those who are needing a little extra help getting their homework completed or just have questions. Snacks are provided!
When: Every Tuesday; school hours: 2:45 - 4 p.m.; summer hours: 2 - 4 p.m.
Where: Milliken Police Station: 1201 Broad St. Milliken, CO 80543
For more information, please contact Silvia Martinez at (970) 660-5021.
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Weld County is proud to partner with Realities for Children, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, to collect monetary and item donations for our children and teens in foster care. Your gift provides emergency funding to Weld County youth who have been abused, neglected or are
at-risk. All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes directly to help our children and teens in foster care. Click here for more information.
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