Awesome News!

 Several of our children have been doing very well.

One of our children scored above the school, district, and state average in ALL areas of her MCAP (English Language Arts/Literacy, reading, writing, math, science). She has also received several A's and B's and is doing very well

at school. She is engaging more and becoming more social and interactive. She is showing interest in more extracurricular activities and is excited about what her future will bring.

Another one of our children just purchased a new car! She is very excited, not only about the car but what it means for her independence. She is learning more about budgeting and how to pay her own bills as well.

Last month, we gained 5 loving homes as well as 2 more homes this month!

We also have 7 new children who entered our program last month and 1 new child this month.

Compliance

We know that you work very hard and life gets very busy. It is important to maintain a balance and at the same time take care of your well-being. We appreciate all that you do for our children. We ask that you remain compliant each month; this helps us keep everything in order not only for our quarterly audits, but for our children.

If you need help with any of the documents, trainings, etc. please reach out to the TFC department so that we can assist you. We thank you again for your dedication.

Family Fun This Weekend

Are you looking for some fun things to do as a family? Check out the cool events happening this weekend!

Please note that some events may require a fee and/or registration. Be sure to visit the websites for the most up-to-date information.

Harford County

Harford Community College is hosting a children’s play entitled ‘Harriet’s Happiest Halloween’ at The Chesapeake Theater.

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 12:00 pm

Location:

Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD 21015-1627

Contact: 443-412-2211

For more information, visit:

https://harford.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1457&r=258bc004a5ff4f82a4017b97aebe8fb9



This Saturday there will be a Fall Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge.

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: 

Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge 
136 E. Gordon Street
Bel Air, MD

Contact: Sue Nickerson at 443-617-3938

For more information, visit:

https://visitharford.com/event/Fall-Holiday-Craft-and-Vendor-Fair/2018-10-20

Check out the website below for more awesome events in Harford County (including a Halloween Party)!:

https://visitharford.com/harford-county-maryland-events



Cecil County

Check out the Cecil County Farm Museum Apple Butter Festival. There will be live demonstrations, crafts, and homemade goods available for purchase.

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location:

912 Appleton Rd
Elkton, Maryland 21921

Contact: (see website below)

For more information, visit:

http://www.ccgov.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3269/1652


Are you feeling outdoorsy? Check out Turkey Point by Moonlight! This is an evening hike by moonlight near the Turkey Point Lighthouse.

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location:

Elk Neck State Park - Turkey Point Lighthouse Parking Area
Turkey Point Rd
North East, Maryland 21901

Contact: (see website below)

For more information, visit:

http://www.ccgov.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3329/1652

Check out the website below for more awesome events in Cecil County!:

http://www.ccgov.org/government/tourism/events

With so many events going on throughout upper Maryland, you are sure to find lots of family fun!


Baltimore County


Check out Team CASA for Children at the 2018 Baltimore Running Festival! This event will benefit CASA’s efforts to advocate and raise awareness for abused and neglected children in Maryland.

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location:

401 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21202

Contact: 410-828-6761

For more information, visit:

http://www.enjoybaltimorecounty.com/Events/Find/team-casa-for-children-at-the-2018-baltimore-running-festival?sessionID=1FA7A53AFC71A1AC954B69940432750C


Baltimore County is hosting a Hike to the Patapsco River. The hike promises to be scenic and informative as there will be a guided tour detailing the history of the Patapsco River and the Old Mill. Be sure to bring food and water for the long trek (4.5 miles).

Date: October 20, 2018

Time: 10:30 am- 12:00 pm

Location:

6553 Belmont Woods Rd
Western Baltimore County, MD 21075

Contact: 410-465-8877 or send an email to lauren.nelson@hcconservancy.org

For more information, visit:

http://www.enjoybaltimorecounty.com/Events/Find/hike-to-the-patapsco-river?sessionID=1FA7A53AFC71A1AC954B69940432750C


If you are up for a game of SCAP, check out Games in the Meadows.

Date: October 21, 2018

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location:

10520 Old Frederick Rd
Western Baltimore County, MD 21163

Contact: 410-465-8877 or send an email to lauren.nelson@hcconservancy.org


Check out the website below for more awesome events in Baltimore County (including haunted houses)!:

http://www.enjoybaltimorecounty.com/Events/Find#mainContent

Our Kids Rock!

One of our children received a special certificate from his school for being respectful, safe, and responsible toward staff and students. This child continues to do very well in school and has become an inspiration to others.

It is important to acknowledge our children’s victories whether it is getting on the Honor Roll or helping set the table for dinner. Something as simple as helping to set the table is huge for some children…especially shy ones.

Thank you Mt. Zion Church

 

 Thank you to Kathy Pitrat and Mount Zion Church in Bel Air, MD for all the wonderful donations!

We appreciate all the work that you put into making the blankets and the gift bags. Our children will be comforted by your thoughtful gifts.

Foster Family Surveys

We received great overall feedback on our Foster Child Surveys and our Foster Child Surveys. While there is always room for improvement, we received valuable and positive feedback and have already started implementing some of the suggestions mentioned in the surveys. We are always open to suggestions and welcome feedback at any time. If there is anything that you would like to suggest, please reach out to anyone in the TFC department at any time.

Summertime Recipes

Are you looking for some kid-friendly recipes that will wow even the pickiest eater? Check out these websites for some cool recipes!

https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Kid-Friendly-Summer-Recipes-30833417

http://www.momjunction.com/articles/healthy-easy-summer-recipes-your-kids-will-love_0083315/#gref

https://www.superhealthykids.com/15-easy-and-fresh-summer-lunch-ideas/

https://www.parents.com/recipes/cooking/family-favorites/easy-no-cook-suppers/

http://www.momables.com/10-fun-summer-recipes-kids-will-love/

Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner

We are very excited about our upcoming Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner! The dinner will be held at The Greene Turtle in Aberdeen, MD on June 27th from 6:00-8:30 PM. There will be no childcare provided so please plan accordingly. This will be a fun evening of food, games, prizes, awards, and lots of laughs!

If you have not already done so, please RSVP clicking on the link below:

RSVP Here!

Surveys

Dear parents, please remember to complete your surveys and have your foster children complete theirs. If you have not received your survey please contact your worker so that you may receive it. Please allow your children to complete their surveys in privacy. Feel free to contact your worker or anyone in the TFC department with any questions.

Mother’s Day Ideas

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. If you haven’t made any plans yet, check out these cool spots and grab a bite afterwards:

http://dnr.maryland.gov/parkquest/Pages/Home.aspx

https://www.visitmaryland.org/article/great-places-to-eat-maryland-blue-crab

http://www.captainscrabs.com/

By Location

Havre De Grace

..to do

There is a nice lighthouse and a large boardwalk/promenade that is right by the water; providing awesome views and a nice ocean breeze!

https://concordpointlighthouse.org/

http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/susquehannahistory.aspx

..to eat

http://the-promenade-grille.business.site/

https://lacucinahavredegrace.com/

http://www.vintagecafehdg.com/

http://www.backfinbluesgroup.com/home.html

http://coakleyspub.com/

http://www.thecgrill.com/

Aberdeen

..to do

http://harfordlanes.com/

..to eat

http://places.singleplatform.com/olive-tree-2/menu?ref=google

http://www.mamiescafewithlove.com/

https://placeweb.site/lees-hunan-chinese-restaurant-1?opentab=1

Bel Air

..to do

http://www.belairartsandentertainment.org/event/national-pride-art-show/2018-05-12/

http://www.belairartsandentertainment.org/events/2018-05-13/

..to eat

http://steelefishgrille.com/

https://silverspringminingco.com/

http://theorientmd.com/

http://greekvillagebelair.com/

http://doubletdiner.com/

http://www.bbdairy.com/

http://www.liberatores.com/

White Marsh Area

..to do

http://www.sherwoodgardens.org/

http://vitarevive.com/

https://www.iflyworld.com/baltimore/

https://www.getacluegames.com/

http://monsterminigolf.com/locations/towson/

..to eat

https://bythedocks.com/

http://www.kobejs.com/

http://www.bombaynightsperryhall.com/

https://www.texasroadhouse.com/restaurant-locations/maryland/white-marsh

http://www.gobrownrice.com/

On a Budget? Try these fun Mother’s Day ideas!:

DIY

• Make dinner, bake cupcakes, and make a nice Mother’s Day card. Give mom a little “me” time.
• Host a Mother’s Day game night with all her favorite games and food.
• Make mom breakfast in bed and bring her a magazine or her favorite book.

..And the winners are

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Truzy. They are our 1^st Quarter Compliance Rewards Winners. They will receive a $25 gift card to Target. Thank you for your challenging work and dedication to our foster children.

Awesome Treats and Recipes for your Family

Looking for a few easy recipes for your munchkins? Check these recipes out:

Waffle Pops

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a57147/waffle-pops-recipe/

S’mores Stuffed Waffles

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a57813/smores-stuffed-waffles-recipe/

Banana Pancake Dippers

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a51901/banana-pancake-dippers-recipe/

Homemade Granola

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a41910/best-granola-recipe/

Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a28/peanut-butter-banana-cream-pie-smoothie-recipe-del0115/

Easy Meals for the whole week:

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a57446/pizza-frittata-spaghetti-with-turkey-ragu-slow-cooker-buffalo-ranch-wings-honey-garlic-chicken-spinach-artichoke-steak-roll-ups/

Diversity

Recently, we had a workshop on diversity. Everyone had a great time while learning about differences and acceptance. 

Was there ever a time that you did not feel accepted because of your background? How did you cope with it? What are some things we can do to foster diversity and embrace inclusion? 

Check out some of our pictures from our diversity icebreaker!

Compliance Rewards

Several of our families are in the running for Compliance Reward gifts including the $25 gift card and our grand prize! Make sure that you remain compliant with parent and child items and come to training whenever possible.

You can earn up to 3 tickets per month. This means that most families can earn a maximum of 9 tickets, dramatically increasing their odds.

Good News!

We are pleased to announce that several of our children had awesome progress reports this quarter. 

We know that all of our children work very hard in school and we appreciate their efforts.

National Social Work Month

It’s National Social Work Month! Be sure to thank a social worker for all their hard work.

Check out some statistics on social work:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week we had a wonderful workshop on Diversity. The turnout was great and the activities were lots of fun! We are looking forward to the next training in March.

We have officially announced ‘Compliance Rewards’! We are excited about the new program and hope that our parents will take advantage. Who wouldn’t want to win a gift card and a chance at a yearly grand prize? 

If you would like to know more about the program, please contact Wendy Kelly in the Treatment Foster Care department at 410-836-7177.

Valentine’s Day is only a week away. However, it is not just for your significant other, it can also be for your children. Here are some great ideas for crafts to do with the family for Valentine’s Day.:

Valentine’s Day Ispy Printable

https://livelaughrowe.com/valentines-day-i-spy-printable/

Valentine’s Day Card

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-23/

Love Bug Fruit Cups

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-34/

52 Reasons Why I Love You

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-35/

Looking for scrumptious recipes?

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/199/holidays-and-events/valentines-day/

Announcements

Are you one of our Treatment Foster Care parents? Earn gift cards and a grand prize by participating in our new ‘Compliance Rewards’ program! See anyone the TFC department for details.

Valentines Day is just around the corner. There is no greater love than the love we have for our children. You can open your heart and home to a child who needs love and compassion.

We just welcomed a new foster parent and are excited to have her on board. We are thankful for her commitment to our foster children and know that she will be a wonderful addition to our TFC family!

PRIDE Class Tomorrow @ The Arc

We are excited to  announce that our first PRIDE class of the year will be held at The Arc this Saturday January 20th at 10:00 AM. There is still space available if you are interested. For more details please contact anyone in the Treatment Foster Care department at 410-836-7177.