Parents and caregivers are invited to a free workshop Monday, Jan. 30, to explore ways to manage common behavior problems in a loving yet firm way. Childcare and transportation will be available.
Dr David Brown, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialist, will review information for solving discipline problems or preventing them before they even occur in a workshop titled “Love and Limits.”
The goals of the program are to identify stresses and problems in youth, to think about the qualities that parents want in their youth, and to learn the value of parental love and limits in helping their youth develop these qualities.
This program is free and open to all residents of Greene County at a “Get Connected!” community gathering Jan. 30 at the Grand Junction Community Center. Brown will speak from 7 to 8 pm. From 8 to 8:30, participants can choose one of two presentations: Sue Richardson from ISU Extension: “Programs and Resources for Families” “or Laura Ballard from ISU Extension: Greene County Mentoring Program – How to Get Involved.” They can also browse the displays and enjoy free refreshments. There will be drawings for several door prizes, including a gift certificate for a meat bundle from Fareway.
Representatives from New Opportunities and ACCESS will be on site to answer questions and to assist people with all types of resources, including applications for heat assistance, Head Start applications, resources for families with young children, and county resources for people of all ages.
Child care is being provided free of charge for people who sign up in advance. Children ages 3-12 will be involved in literacy activities and arts/crafts at the Grand Junction library while toddlers under the age of 3 will have a staffed room at the Grand Junction Community Center.
Parents are asked to contact Julie Neal at 515-386-3178 or Pat Heinrichs at 515-386-2188 by Wednesday, January 25, to pre-register children for these events to ensure plenty of supplies are on hand.
Transportation from the Greene County High School to the Grand Junction Community Center is also available for those who pre-register. To sign up for transportation for the event, contact Heinrichs before January 25.
In conjunction with these activities, there will be a “Teen Input Night” at the Webb House with two topics for conversation. Laura Ballard from ISU Extension will facilitate a discussion on the idea of starting up some type of “Big Brother, Big Sister” program in our county. Following this discussion and refreshments, Wendy Pittman will lead a discussion on the effects of social media on relationships and on teen stress levels. Students from age 13-18 can give input, enjoy free food, and sign up for door prizes.
The gathering is being funded by a Community 4 Children “Get Together!” mini-grant. Participating agencies include the Greene County Community School District, ISU Extension and Outreach, Greene County Early Learning Center, New Opportunities, and ACCESS. Local sponsors include Fareway and Peoples Trust & Savings Bank.
The goals of the “Get Together!” grant are to improve access to community resources for residents of Greene County; and to increase involvement in activities that promote healthy families and that strengthen community ties.
Other “Get Together!” events are scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Scranton Community Center with wellness as the topic; and March 6 at Greene County Elementary School with workplace skills and balancing work/family obligations as the topic.
