Monday, March 4, 2013

March Overview



Greetings Families, Partners, and LTI Community


It’s March, and Spring is everywhere we look. It’s time to think about the birth of new ideas, and new opportunities for growth. A perfect time to join one of our parenting classes at our Family Resource Center. We hope you are also taking time to unplug and head outside with friends and family.


Here is news from across the region:


Mercy Street FRC Partners with ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) Community Worker Ana Moreno is leading a training for members of Landel School’s ELAC in Abriendo Puertas. Abriendo Puertas is designed to help educate Latino parents about basic concepts that will allow them to participate more fully in their child’s success in school. Expectations and the educational system are different in other countries, and Abriendo Puertas empowers parents to know how they can collaborate with their child’s school to support their children here in our area. Parent involvement in school has been shown to be a predictor of child success, and ELAC is in the perfect position to coach parents on how to get more involved. If you have a parent group and would like to be included in a future training, please be in touch.


FIRST 5 Families take field trip to Full Circle Farm– FIRST 5 families enrolled in our Cooking Matters class took a field trip to visit our partners, Full Circle Farm in Sunnyvale on February 18. If you haven’t been to the farm, it’s a great place to visit, and you can often find great deals on fresh produce. http://www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org/
Cooking Matters co-teacher, Community Worker Julia Zhu, connects with one of the Full Circle chickens


Children’s Health Insurance Sign Up Day- Mark your calendar for Saturday March 16 from 10:00am-12:00pm for help signing up for Medi-Cal and other health insurance plans for children. Location is Escuela FRC at 260 Escuela, in the Community Room in the CCLC, next to Rengstorff Park. Appointments are first come, first served, so come early. Remember to bring proof of income for one month, proof of residence, and the child’s birth certificate. We can also help with questions and renewals. Please spread the word.

            Note: Did you know we have weekly assistance with Medi-Cal and other children’s health insurance? Tuesdays at Mercy Street. Check our calendar, appointments recommended.


Like us on Facebook! Did you know we have a Facebook page? We post interesting tips, videos, information on local events, and more. Please “like” us and help our online community grow. Find us by typing “Mercy Street Family Resource Center” in the search bar or click HERE

Feedback: Do you have comments that you would like to send the staff?   Please send us a note to:mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

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Coming Soon 

How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children Book Group (Spanish) March 4 from 10:30am-12pm. Childcare available with registration. Want one in English? Contact the office to start one. Next month’s group will be on April 1 (first Monday of every month).

Cafecito Mom’s Group (for Spanish speakers) is on Friday, March 1 at Mercy Street from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Childcare available (please register). Want one in your own language? Volunteer and start one! Mark your calendar for April 5, for next month’s group.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety Friday March 8, 10:00-11:30am, by Hadas Keppel, MA Developmental Psychology. Hear about the cognitive development that causes separation anxiety, and how to help your child feel secure. Free, with childcare, registration required. At Mercy Street FRC.

Managing Tantrums – Friday March 15, 10:00-11:30am, by Hadas Keppel, MA in developmental psychology. Find out why tantrums are important, and learn strategies to prevent and manage them. Free, with childcare provided, registration required. At Mercy Street FRC.

Family Day is Saturday, March 16 – 11:30am-1:00pm at Mercy Street. Please register at mercystreetfrc@gmail.com

5 Keys to Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater – A parenting class on eating challenges with young children. Learn how to avoid power struggles around food and discover how children’s natural self-regulation is a great help in preventing future obesity. Free class led by nutritionist Luisa Linares from Choices for Children. Registration required, childcare available, snacks provided.

                Choose Mountain View or Cupertino:
    • Mountain View: Monday, March 18 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at Mercy Street FRC. Childcare provided and snacks will be available for adults and children. Registration Required. 650-967-4813 or mercystreetfrc@gmail.com
    • Cupertino: Wednesday, March 27 from 6:00-8:00pm at New World Child Development Center. Contact New World to register at 408-255-5330 or info@newworldcdc.com