Childbirth Connection Foundation

Randi’s Corner – Back to School

rsteckel — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:15 +0000

September means back to school. Assisting children with backpacks and school supplies is a priority. Working along side of Centre Clothes Corner which is run by The Volunteer League of The San Fernando Valley, we assist underprivileged children with getting new shoes, uniforms, underware, socks and new jacket. Taking some of the financial pressure off of families on a limited budget really helps and the children like getting the new clothes throughout the year!

Celebrations make an impact for kids

rsteckel — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:00:29 +0000

Celebration time…graduations and birthdays all need to be celebrated to mark each child’s special occasion and create meaningful memories Special needs parents need to find easy ways to celebrate. Getting ready for our annual beach trip. Several children have never seen the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for pics from that day!

Randi’s Corner – Summer is here!

rsteckel — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:30:54 +0000

Keeping kids busy during summer means happy children. Assisting parents with summer activities…signing kids up for camp, dance and art classes seems to be what is most popular. Transportation is an issue. Not driving means locating activities that are not too far from home so they can get there by bus. Thankfully volunteers make these activities a reality.

CCF to Attend Annenberg Foundation training seminar

rsteckel — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:47:34 +0000

This spring the Childbirth Connection Foundation’s president and board will attend a training through The Annenberg Foundation. This training comes under the heading of Alchemy which means to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. The training will commence Feb 12, 14th and May 16th and is designed to maximize the potential of our organization by promoting leadership and developing teamwork. We are very excited to participate in this inspiring program.

More information on the Annenberg Foundation can be found here:

http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/about/

Possible Impacts from Governor Brown’s Budget Proposal

rsteckel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:09:55 +0000

With deep cuts threatening our funding and many of the other health and safety programs that provide a safety net and health care to person’s with developmental disabilities, it is important to stay informed and to make our voices heard. Each one of us should be contacting our local legislators to voice our concerns. Governor Brown’s website posted a press release regarding the budget proposals. For more information, visit:
http://gov.cagov/news.php?id=16872

Supporting Young Dreams and The Arts

rsteckel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:40:16 +0000

The generosity of our donor community has enabled the Foundation to provide scholarships to two talented young kids who have expressed strong desires and abilities to explore the performing arts. Alicia, age 15 is an aspiring flutist and has performed at school concerts and church services in her community. Alicia’s goal is to be the first in her family to attend college and she wants to be a band director. Her half brother, 8-year-old Ralphy, who has special needs, has found great joy in dance and he seems to have a genuine talent. He has also performed at school and dance recitals in the community.

We are happy that we were able to provide 6 months worth of dance and flute lessons.

Your donations have helped to make their dreams more attainable.

Randi’s Corner – Back to School

rsteckel — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:25:32 +0000

As the new school year is under way and we begin working with the families we support, I am reminded of the underlying structure necessary for the children to be successful. For these children to have a somewhat equal playing field, it is essential to re-teach special needs parents every year. Basic routines that come naturally to many of us, such as ensuring a child gets a good night’s sleep along with a healthy breakfast need to be re-introduced at the beginning of each school year.

Some children rely on school breakfast programs. Our staff is working to make sure the paperwork is completed so that all of our children can begin their day without being hungry. Advocating for these families is an important part of our work. It begins with building trust between our staff and the parent. We assist children with their homework, support our parents by attending parent/teacher conferences with them and generally act as a liaison between the families and the school. Again this year, we look forward to purchasing at least one computer for a family as the school year progresses. When parents are open to receiving help, the children do better in school and are overall happier and more successful.

The Board Thanks Cara Moyer Duncan

rsteckel — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:37:48 +0000

Cara was a charter member of the Foundation’s board of directors, serving five years. She was an invaluable asset contributing as our secretary, mentor and assisting in several special projects.

While finishing her doctoral dissertation on South African film, she was accepted as a Scholar in Residence at Emerson College in Boston and will be teaching two classes this coming year. We already miss you Cara. Good Luck!

Randi’s Corner – Thinking About Summer

rsteckel — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:08:06 +0000

It is hard to believe that summer time is here once again but as the weather has warmed up, I find myself looking forward to the longer days filled with fun activities for all of us. This summer we have already set our calendar with activities such as going to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert and art workshop to follow for children and their parents. In August we are planning our annual beach trip for a fun filled day at Zuma beach. The staff is busy planning trips for individual families who want to participate in going on outings with their children while they are off for summer vacation.

The foundation is also sending a number of children to day camp to keep children busy and thriving as well as giving their parents a break from the rigors of parenting now that school is out for several weeks and there is no summer school. Summer is truly a time for creating memories for both children and their parents and we are very happy to be part of making this happen.

The Childbirth Connection welcomes John Wilson as our new Santa

rsteckel — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:47:32 +0000

This is the first year John volunteers at our annual Holiday party and we look forward to many more…

“ When the Childbirth Connection asked me to be Santa, I was honored because I had the privilege to witness and be part of making the children smile and laugh. This is my first time volunteering so seeing the children enjoying themselves was very rewarding.”