On Saturday August 28, the Delta First 5 Center in Brentwood, CA hosted its first “Daddy & Me Dino Dig” from 10 am - 12 pm. This free event was designed to encourage more father participation at the Center, which regularly provides a place for families with infants and young children ages 0-5 to collectively receive services and support. Fathers were encouraged to dig for fossils and create “dino” inspired art projects with their children. Mothers also visited the Center with their children, and were encouraged to participate in this event. Rhea Hodges, Delta First 5 Center Program Assistant, played a key role in designing the “Daddy & Me Dino Dig” event.
Since first opening in 2004, the Delta First 5 Center has offered programs, support groups, parent participation classes, and activities that promote Early Literacy and Learning, as well as Parent Education, Prenatal/Postpartum and Transition to Kindergarten Support.
Families that visit the center live primarily in the Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay and outlying areas. First 5 recognizes that children learn and grown more during the first 5 years than at any other time in their lives. In partnership with parents, caregivers, and public and private organizations, the center supports a comprehensive integrated set of sustainable programs, services and activities designed to improve the health and well-being of children, prenatal to five years of age; advance their potential to succeed in school; and strengthen the ability of their families and caregivers to provide for their physical, mental and emotional growth.
In addition to providing an opportunity specifically for fathers to engage with their children, the “Daddy & Me Dino Dig” event gave families and children, new to the Center, a chance to enjoy its warm staff, family-centered atmosphere and early learning focus, firsthand. In attendance were a total of 12 families with 25 children. Three new families registered to begin receiving regular services, including enrollment in early learning classes with their children.
The event had multiple positive outcomes. Children enjoyed the benefits of self-directed play while digging for fossils in a toddler pool filled with sand; exercising both problem solving and interpreting skills. Many parents expressed their delight at having the opportunity to spend quality time with their children on the weekend. Families unfamiliar with the Center were registered to begin participating in upcoming classes and activities, and fathers realized that the Center is a place where they can come with their children to participate in numerous age appropriate activities.
The Center looks forward to providing fathers with future opportunities to engage in making a difference in their children’s lives. Fathers at the event now realize that the Center is a place where classes, support and encouragement are offered to help them grow with their children.
Aspiranet's Feet for Families and Paws for Families invite you to bring your family and friends to a Family Fun Dog Event! Help Aspiranet celebrate our 35 years of service to children and families throughout California at Aspiranet Paws for Families! Adults, kids and dogs all welcome! With over 25 years serving Stanislaus County and the community of Turlock, we are looking forward to your joining us for this special event.
Enjoy beautiful fun family- and pet-friendly events as well as lunch, vendor booths and demonstrations from local community agencies. Fun for everyone!
Benefitting three signature programs of Aspiranet’s Central Valley location: the newly created service dog program at the Excell Center, emergency needs for local families in crisis at the Turlock Family Resource Center, and scholarships for foster youth through the Turlock Aspiranet office.
Featuring: Fun walk around the park, dog agility event, doggy costume contest and much more.
Where: Donnelly Park, Turlock
When: Saturday, October 23, 2010, 10am - 2pm
Registration Fee: $15-$40 (see online registration form for details); includes event t-shirt and lunch
For more information or to register: http://www.aspiranet.org/feetforfamilies/turlock.aspx
SNBC's afterschool program at A.P. Giannini Middle School is one of only a handful of finalists for a MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award, a highly prestigious and competitive national award in conjunction with the Afterschool Alliance. More than 300 afterschool programs serving middle school youth from across the country applied, and SNBC's program was identified as one of the best examples of an afterschool program that brings multiple benefits to the unique needs of middle school students.
Though SNBC has learned that we are not the ultimate winner of the award, we are honored to have our innovative work recognized in this way. SNBC's program has also been highlighted in an issue brief produced by the Afterschool Alliance. Check it out here.
We're privileged to have made it this far in the selection process. Becoming a finalist for this national award is further evidence that SNBC is a national model right here in the Sunset District!
Aspiranet invites you to help us celebrate 35 years of service to children and families by participating in our October Feet For Families Fun Walk/Run. Races will be hosted in San Jose, Fresno, Ventura and Turlock and are designed to raise awareness of and funding for area foster children, teens and families.
“There are over 60,000 children and teens in foster care in California,” said Vernon Brown, CEO of Aspiranet. “Feet for Families is a fun, family-friendly way to support foster children and their families. The funding will go a long way toward ensuring that our foster kids are safe, stable and supported throughout the year.”
Proceeds from the races will benefit families, children and various programs, further extending Aspiranet’s innovative solutions to strengthen communities in need.
Walkers and runners, of every age and ability level, are invited to choose from several varied length Feet for Families courses. Participants will enjoy a fun run/walk and the opportunity to support local foster care programs. Every step runners and walkers take is a step closer to providing loving homes to foster children, teens and siblings. Register to participate in a Feet for Families near you by visiting http://www.aspiranet.org/feetforfamilies.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Superhero Sponsors
Cupertino Electric
Los Angeles Family Magazine
Hero Sponsor
Xilinx
Champion Sponsor
Kiwanis Club
Medalist Sponsors
MoGo BBQ
Ian Moore
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS:
* Hobee's California Restaurants - http://www.hobees.com/
* San Jose Improv - http://www.improv.com/
* Balloonatics - http://www.balloonaticsevents.com/
* Photography by Wehaveus - http://www.wehaveus.com/
* High Risk - band
*Whole Foods - http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
Aspiranet is seeking sponsors for each race event as well as community support in the form of donors, volunteers and participants. For more information, contact Aspiranet at 800.439.1905 or go to: http://www.aspiranet.org/feetforfamilies/supporters.aspx.
