Jennifer Cabán, MPA’s Post

While the "Are the Children Well?" report may not be more than three years old it is still part of United Way of Waco-McLennan County's 100-year history. In 2021, the McLennan County Child Well-being Movement released "Are the Children Well?". This report highlighted challenges facing children and families in certain neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community support. The findings stressed the importance of a holistic, two-generational approach to child well-being, where family success is integral to children's thriving. In response, the McLennan County Child Well-being Community Action Plan has been developed, outlining strategies to improve local systems and policies. This plan aims to enhance outcomes for children and families across the county, requiring collaboration across sectors. It signals the beginning of a concerted effort to ensure all local families receive the support they need for children to flourish. Continued community engagement, strategizing, and action will drive lasting change for generations to come.

It's Family Day and we're highlighting things that Connecticut families need to thrive: 👨🏽👩🏽👦🏽👦🏽 Affordable Housing: Increased access to affordable housing options, rent assistance programs, and initiatives to prevent homelessness can help families maintain stable living conditions. 👨🏽👩🏽👦🏽👦🏽 Quality education: Equitable funding for public schools, access to early childhood education, and programs to support students with special needs can ensure all children receive a high-quality education. 👨🏽👩🏽👦🏽👦🏽 Youth Programs and Opportunities: Investment in youth programs, community centers, and summer activities can help young people stay engaged, learn new skills, and build positive futures. 👨🏽👩🏽👦🏽👦🏽 Family Support Services: Access to family support services, including parenting classes, respite care for caregivers, and family counseling, can provide critical assistance in managing these challenges. By addressing these needs through community engagement, policy changes, and targeted support programs, Connecticut can help ensure that all families have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish.

We contacted the 220 participants of the Middle Years project yesterday with exciting news: we now have $100,000 in funding to turn their ideas into reality! Last year, Communities for Children Burnie and Burnie Works explored how families of primary school-aged children access and navigate supports in Burnie. The aim: to co-design a product or service to meet community needs. We call it the Middle Years project. It is for families with children aged 5 to 12 years (Prep to Year 6). Burnie Works Chair Jacqueline de Jonge said, “It is exciting to have this funding which will be used to design, implement, and test a solution based on the work community did last year. We heard from lots of families. Burnie Works has never had such a large response to a project. People wanted to tell us what was happening for them, and they wanted to be part of the solution. Families need more than what is available to them. Families and children are struggling.” We need community to continue to guide us as we implement this part of the project. Burnie Works will be hosting a one-off workshop to design an Action Group – a group of people to tell us how we can make things happen. Read the Media Release. https://lnkd.in/gaq4D27e Find out about the action group. https://lnkd.in/g9qsZebz #middleyears #burniefamilies #codesign #knowledgecollection

Strengthening our community starts with enhancing the well-being of our children. That's why we are strong supporters of Courtenay Elementary's hot lunch and breakfast programs. Our support, along with contributions from other community members, helps ensure that no child goes hungry and they have the energy to focus, learn, and grow. Together, we can help make sure that every child at Courtenay Elementary has the opportunity to succeed, starting with a healthy meal. Find out how you can get involved https://lnkd.in/gYy2Sk2c #richardsonwealth #morsoncarsonwealthcounsel #familyfirst #intergenerationwealth #financialplanning #financialgoals #integratedwealth #empoweredwealth #taxsavings #taxstrategies #wealthstrategies #financialfuture #secureyourfuture #investwisely #retirementplanning #financialfreedom #comoxvalley

Strengthening our community starts with enhancing the well-being of our children. That's why we are strong supporters of Courtenay Elementary's hot lunch and breakfast programs. Our support, along with contributions from other community members, helps ensure that no child goes hungry and they have the energy to focus, learn, and grow. Together, we can help make sure that every child at Courtenay Elementary has the opportunity to succeed, starting with a healthy meal. Find out how you can get involved https://lnkd.in/gRSKmHzF #richardsonwealth #morsoncarsonwealthcounsel #familyfirst #intergenerationwealth #financialplanning #financialgoals #integratedwealth #empoweredwealth #taxsavings #taxstrategies #wealthstrategies #financialfuture #secureyourfuture #investwisely #retirementplanning #financialfreedom #comoxvalley

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services represents over 165 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable children, youth, and families. We are deeply concerned about the CDSS Rate Reform proposal outlined in the May budget Trailer Bill. Without proper review and adjustments, this proposal could negatively impact foster youth and the organizations that support them. We urge our lawmakers to: -Require a comprehensive review of the proposal and gather feedback from stakeholders in January 2025. -Analyze and adjust funding within the Tiers to meet the true costs of Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs). -Develop a process to optimize Medi-Cal funding for foster youth services. -Reduce administrative burdens on service providers. -Include an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on the administrative component of the rate. Our children and families deserve better. Let's work together to ensure their needs are met. #FosterCare #ProtectOurYouth

Strengthening our community starts with enhancing the well-being of our children. That's why we are strong supporters of Courtenay Elementary's hot lunch and breakfast programs. Our support, along with contributions from other community members, helps ensure that no child goes hungry and they have the energy to focus, learn, and grow. Together, we can help make sure that every child at Courtenay Elementary has the opportunity to succeed, starting with a healthy meal. Find out how you can get involved https://lnkd.in/gD4buUvV #richardsonwealth #morsoncarsonwealthcounsel #familyfirst #intergenerationwealth #financialplanning #financialgoals #integratedwealth #empoweredwealth #taxsavings #taxstrategies #wealthstrategies #financialfuture #secureyourfuture #investwisely #retirementplanning #financialfreedom #comoxvalley

Clearly, high-quality child care is a key component in any family's personal economy - but it's also a key factor in a statewide economy, neighborhood success, community sustainability and wealth equity. LISC Rhode Island provides specialized technical assistance and funding to child care providers -- both family-based and center-based -- so that children have a good educational foundation and parents are supported in their workplace needs. LISC has developed a new resource for Business Development Organizations (BDOs) to provide important background on child care industry and the challenges that many programs face. This resource will help BDOs, partners and funders understand the child care industry, the challenges, and how providers can become more financially sustainable. https://lnkd.in/eJ2EaTBz

Day 22 of Literacy Awareness Month! 📅 Nonprofits are crucial to advancing literacy in our communities. They're making a difference every day! 💡 Did you know? Low literacy costs Delaware millions in tax revenue. Let's support their efforts and improve literacy together! #Literacy #LiteracyMatters #EarlyLiteracy #LiteracyForAll #AdultLiteracy #DEReads

Check out our first of many webinars supporting Family Engagement!