December Update: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

December has arrived and with it comes cozy nights filled with Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and good times with loved ones. However, Christmas also brings cold weather and extra expenses. This blog update gives helpful information on how to recieve $1 eye exams, go on a children's shopping spree, save costs on groceries, and much more. The staff at the FRC wishes you peace and joy this season, and we offer you our helping hand if needed. May you be blessed abundantly and Merry Christmas!


$1.00 Eye Exam:
Dr. Bizer's ValuVision is conducting routine eye exams for the public for only $1. this promotion begins November 28th and runs through December 24th. To schedule an appointment for the $1 eye exam, call the Nicholasville Road office at 237.4443 or the Hamburg Pavilion office at 543.8383.

Children's Shopping Spree
Little shoppers can shop by themselves for mommy and/or daddy assisted by volunteers, then have their gifts wrapped and ready to put under the tree!
Where: Attic Treasures Thrift Store (Located above Wilmore City Hall
When: Saturday, December 10th
Time: 9am-3pm

Free Bread
St. Athanasius Orthodox Church at 926 South Main Street (next to the Prescription Pad) gives free packages of bread and bagels away on Sundays from 1pm to 2 PM.
Call: 881-8188

Salvation Army at 205 1st Street (South) gives free bread away each Wednesday beginning at 10 AM.
Call: 881-4241

Holiday Assistance
The deadline for applying for the JELV Holiday Assistance program has now passed. If you are in need of assistance you can call the Salvation Army at 881-4241. They will be accepting applicants for Holiday Assistance through Friday, December 16th.

Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a Federal housing program which provides housing assistance to low-income renters and homeowners.
The list is only open for new applications during the months of July and January. Don't miss this opportunity to see if you qualify and sign up for this program.
For more information about the application process call (502) 564-9946, ext. 774 or go online at kyhousing.org.

FRC Staff
Joe Brannen, MSW: Director
Debbie Cumbie, MSW: Asst. Dir.
Connie Bandy, RN: Nurse
Karen Workman: FRC Assistant
Lindsey Marler, MSW Graduate Student: Intern

Phone Number: 887-0567

November Update: Bless and Be Blessed

Sometimes the demands of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season run us ragged and we forget to pause, remember our blessings, and give thanks. This time of year presents many opportunities to serve our neighbors in need; however, we also recognize that it is becoming increasingly difficult for many of our families to put food on the table and gas in the car. Below is useful information of how to get connected to helpful resources, and information on how to serve fellow community members who may need some extra assistance this Holiday season.

Ways to be a Blessing:
1. Sponsor a Family at Christmas: If you would like more information about sponsoring a family that has applied to receive Christmas Assistance, please call the FRC at 887.0567 and ak to speak to Debbie Cumbie or Lindsey Marler.
2. Donate Clothing: Did you know that your donated clothing to Goodwill can turn into clothing vouchers for Jessamine County School students? Any time you drop off clothing at the Goodwill in Nicholasville you can request the donation be credited to Jessamine County Schools. They will complete an Agency Assistance Program receipt and give you the white copy. Send the receipt in your child's folder addressed tot he FRC at the Village. Your donated clothing is then turned into vouchers for our families in need.

Resources that Bless:
1. God's Hands Food Pantry: God's Hands Food Pantry opened officially on Monday, Oct. 3rd, 2011 and will be open on Mondays (10am to 1pm), Wednesdays (4pm-7pm), and Fridays (10am-1pm) and then one Saturday a month. Bring an ID with you to pick up food.
2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Apply for the LIHEAP at Bluegrass Community Action located at 213 South Main Street, Suite 103 in Nicholasville. Their phone number is 885.3512. There are specific days to apply based on the last name ofthe head of the household. The LIHEAP flyer has the dates when you should go to apply and has gone out in your child's folder. If you are unable to locate the flyer please call the FRC so we can send you a new flyer.
3. Nicholasville Presbyterian Church:
101 North 1st Street, Nicholasville (Behind the courthouse)
Church office phone number: 885.5391
Free meal is provided at 6pm on the last Monday of each month (except in December). On occasion the day of the meal is changed so call the church office to verify.
4. St. Athanasius Orthodox Church:
926 South Main Street
Free bread available every Sunday from 1pm-2pm
5. Salvation Army:
205 1st Street (south)
Free bread available every Wednesday beginning at 10am

As always, it is a pleasure and a joy to serve our community. Please feel welcome to contact the FRC for more information, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe Brannen: MSW, Director
Debbie Cumbie: MSW, Assistant Director
Connie Bandy, RN: Nurse
Karen Workman: FRC Assistant
Lindsey Marler: MSW Intern
Phone Number: 887.0567

Fun Fall Updates

Fall is a beautiful season filled with vibrant colors and fun fall activities. Here at the JELV, our students, parents and teachers have been able to enjoy field trips to pumpkin patches! Thank you parents for volunteering time to learn, experience and have fun with your child(ren). If your child's class has not gone on their field trip and you would like to join, please stop by the FRC to fill out a volunteer form and have a copy of your drivers license copied. This is required in order to go with your child's class. We thank you for your cooperation.

Christmas Assistance: The village is pleased to offer the JELV Holiday Assistance Program again this year. This program was created to be an addition to a child's Christmas, based on financial need. After fall break you will receive a letter about this program in your child's folder. If you need Christmas assistance, the letter will give detailed information about how you can sign up.
Sponsors are needed! We are looking for sponsors for this program. Do you belong to a civic club, a Sunday School class, or a Girl Scout troops that would be interested in sponsoring a family? Sponsors can be clubs, church small groups, a group of caring friends, or your family. If you would like more information about sponsorship please call Debbie Cumbie or Lindsey Marler at 887-0567.

New Support Group for Single Moms: A time to share your story, receive encouragement, find out about resources and more! The first gathering will be Friday, October 28th from 1pm-2pm at the JELV. Please contact Debbie Cumbie at 887-0567 for more information.

Heating Assistance Program: After fall break we will be sending home information about the Low income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Thank you for allowing us to serve our community. Please feel welcome to contact the FRC at anytime.

Joe Brannen- FRC Director
Debbie Cumbie- FRC Assistant Director
Lindsey Marler- FRC Masters level intern
Karen Workman- FRC Assistant
Connie Bandy- RN

Back To School!

Welcome back JELV Families! We are excited to bring to you the first FRC blog of the 2011/2012 school year. The JELV Family Resource Center (FRC) is committed to keeping our Village families informed of helpful local and state resources. Check our blog for upcoming workshops, important dates, and helpful community agency information, and again, welcome!

Change of Clothing Needed
All children attending the JELV need to have a change of clothing at the school for when accidents occur. Please include a top, pants/shorts, underwear, and socks.

Would you like to Volunteer?
Volunteers are needed at the Village in many different areas including classroom support, assisting children in the cafeteria, filing books in the Library, picture day and more. If you would be interested in volunteering during the school day please come to the Family Resource Center where you will complete a background check and a 10 minute training on expectations and confidentiality. Call Debbie Cumbie at 887-0567 with any questions.

Fluoride Varnish Program at JELV!
JELV, in partnership with the Jessamine County Health Department, will be offering fluoride varnish to students for $2 (free if your child has the Medical Card). This will provide for the dental screening now required for all Kindergarten students. If you want your child to participate please read and complete the consent form that will be sent home in your child’s folder.
Benefits of Fluoride Varnish at JELV:
*Prevents tooth decay
*Saves money on dental bills
*Done at school during the school day
*Fast, Easy, and Safe


The FRC has a wonderful team who looks forward to assisting you throughout the school year. Please feel free to contact us! Phone: (859) 885-0567

Joe Brannen, MSW: Coordinator
Debbie Cumbie, MSW: Asst. Coor.
Connie Bandy, RN: Nurse
Karen Workman: FRC Assistant
Lindsey Marler, MSW: Asbury University Graduate Student

Summer Information

Summer in the FRC

Remember that the Family Resource Center is available to help families during the summer. If we can help you in any way call and leave a message. Joe Brannen will return your phone call as soon as possible. Call 887-0567.

FREE summer meals are available

to all kids age 18 and younger

NO FEE

NO REGISTRATION

DAYS: Monday - Friday

DATES: June 6 - July 29, 2011

Places and Times

Ashgrove

Bus/Young Drive, Nicholasville • 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.

City County Par k

402 Park Drive • 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Tates Creek Estates

Bus/Ethel Dr., Nicholasville • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Wilmore Elementary

150 Campground Lane, Wilmore • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.

Nicholasville Elementary

414 West Maple St., Nicholasville • 12:00 -– 12:30 p.m.

Hayden Park

Jefferson Street, Nicholasville • 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Brookside Elementary

199 Brookside Dr., Nicholasville • 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.

* June 13-24, 2011 (only dates open)

Warner Elementary

821 Wilmore Rd., Nicholasville • 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

The Providence School

210 South Lexington Ave., Wilmore 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.

For more

information call :

Jessamine County Schools

Karen Barden

885-4891, ext. 224

Summer Camps and More!

YMCA

Camps offered June 6 through August 5
Monday through Friday
7 AM to 6 PM
Ages 5 to 12
Financial assistance available to families that qualify
Call Jennifer at 885-5013 for more information

Wilmore Parks and Recreation
Camps offered June 6 through July 29
9 AM to 4 PM
Monday through Friday
Ages 5 to 13
Call 858-9031 for more information

Special Needs Summer Camps
Call Vickie Shearer
Parent Resource Center
887-2421 Ext. 3728

GED Testing
Kentuckians wanting to take the GED test will be able to do so for free through June, 30, 2011. To be eligible to take the GED, student must first successfully complete the GED official practice test to make sure they are prepared for the actual test. Anyone interested in taking advantage of free classes and the free GED testing should contact Adult Education at 887-9052.

Free Summer Feeding Program
Free lunches served Monday through Friday will be available again this summer to any child 18 years old and younger. Program sites along with times will be announced in May. Call the FRC with any questions at 887-0567.

Upcoming Events

Each new day brings us one day closer to spring break! But before everyone leaves on vacation there are a couple of events taking place. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GAP) Conference is coming March 24, 2011. Charlie Appelstein will be the featured speaker in addition to workshops and exhibits on topics related to caring for children. Advance registration requested and the fee for grandparents, relatives, and caregivers is only $5. For more information please call (859) 257-5582.

The spring dental varnishings at JELV will be March 29-31. Children who had a form completed in the fall do not need to fill it out again. Any child who enrolled in JELV following the fall varnishings should receive a form in his or her backpack. Please contact the Family Resource Center with any questions (859) 887-0567.

Welcome, Spring

The last remnants of snow have melted away and we eagerly look forward to leaving home each day without needing to bundle up in a coat. Unfortunately the winter weather that forced the rescheduling of the Winter Family Fun Night struck again on the new date. The Winter Family Fun Night has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.

We are looking ahead towards our spring musical presentation by the kindergarten classes. On March 10th parents, relatives, and friends of Village children will converge to enjoy the wonderful musical selections prepared by these little friends.

Bluegrass Community Action is offering LIHEAP energy assistance for low-income families who have received a disconnect notice. Applications are received Monday – Thursday from 8:00am to 12pm. Bring disconnect notice, proof of income, and Social Security cards for everyone in the house. Program runs as long as funding is available.

A New Year

The holiday season has ended but winter weather is here to stay-at least for awhile. Come inside and get warm with the Winter Family Fun Night! Parent's corner workshop, story time, fun with Jazzercise, and a make and take project are some activities families can participate in. Representatives from the Health Department, YMCA, KCHIP, Jessamine County Public Library, Title I, and others will be available to answer questions and provide information.

LIHEAP Crisis Program
This program provides heating assistance for low-income families. To apply take disconnect notice, Social Security Card, and proof of income for everyone in the house to Bluegrass Community Action. They are accepting applications Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. until funding runs out.