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Paula Oakes becomes new CCDI!
 ESC staff member Paula Oakes recently became a Certified Conscious Discipline Instructor (CCDI). The designation allows her to serve as an independent consultant who provides training, coaching and consulting about implementing the Conscious Discipline program.
Paula has been working in the early childhood field for 30 years. Her background includes an Associate of Arts degree in Volcal Music Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Elementary Education. Paula received special training in working with children with various needs, including autism.
Paula has worked for ESC for seven years, holding positions as a Child Care Specialist, Coordinator of Child Care and has served as a Certified Trainer for Infant Toddler Caregivers. She currently serves as the Head Start Coordinator of Behavior Intervention.
Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and a social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information and developmentally appropriate practices. The program has been specifically designed to make changes in the lives of adults first. The adults, in turn, change the lives of children. For more information about the program, visit their website at www.lovingguidance.com |
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Project Homeless Connect
 Did you know that currently in Joplin and the surrounding areas, over 400 people have been reported as homeless? Did you know every two minutes a child becomes homeless in America? Did you know that due to the current state of the economy more people are becoming homeless? Did you know YOU can make a difference? Here is how:
Get involved with Project Homeless Connect!
The event is being hosted by the Homeless Coalition of the Southwest Area. It will be held on March 17, 2010 at Joplin Memorial Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As the number of homeless persons rises, the needs become greater. Currently, the Project Homeless Connect Committee is asking members of the community to volunteer their time, goods or services to assist those in need. Socks, sunscreen, chapstick, hats, gloves, scarves, coats, clothing, toiletry items, sleeping bags, blankets and can openers are a few of the requested items. All items donated are tax deductible.
Service providers are also welcome to sign up for the event. Service providers are a vital link between concerned community members and the homeless in our community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that will help the homeless connect with services that will bring them one step closer to becoming stable and housed. All service providers will have the opportunity to talk with participants and welcome them into our community as well as educate them about the goods and services the agency provides. Booth space is filling up fast. Please contact Jennifer at (417)623-0059 for more information.
Volunteers are also welcome! Volunteering at an event such as this could be life changing. A person can really make a difference in the life of others. Ask yourself, if I could make someone's life better in just one day, would I? If the answer is yes, contact Jennifer at (417)623-0059.
Don't forget to invite any homeless persons you may know to the event!
To donate items, set up a booth, volunteer, or for more information, contact Jennifer Pliler at (417)623-0059 or jpliler@escswa.org
Together we can make a difference!!!
Article by Jennifer Pliler
Chair of Project Homeless Connect
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2010 Homeless Street Counts
ESC staff members recently completed the 2010 Homeless Street Counts. There are at least 418 homeless individuals in Jasper and Newton counties, according to these totals.
The totals include "unsheltered" homeless who live on the streets, under bridges, in vacant buildings and at makeshift camps. It also counts "sheltered" homeless who are staying at relief agencies or shelters.
302 individuals are considered "sheltered" homeless. Of these, 95 are living in emergency shelters and 207 are living in transitional housing.
- 69 of these individuals are children
- 21 are known to be severely mentally ill
- 19 are known to be chronically homeless
- 52 are known veterans
- 32 are know to be domestic violence victims
- 154 are chronic substance abusers
42 individuals are in permanent supportive housing programs.
- 7 of these individuals are children and 35 are adults
- 19 are known to be severely mentally ill
- 1 is a known veteran
- 4 are chronic substance abusers
- 1 is a domestic violence victim
- 6 are chronically homeless
According to unconfirmed and unduplicated counts based on camp visits and surveys completed at provider locations, there are 74 unsheltered homeless in the service area.
These homeless counts were conducted on January 28, 2010 and are used by the organization when applying for grants.
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Life Skills Classes Available...
ESC's Life Skills Training continues to be successful and the Community Development division is excited to offer several more opportunities to join the class this month.
These classes help clients with skills such as budgeting, conserving energy and finding employment. Anyone can attend the trainings, but those wishing to attend must enroll in advance by contacting one of the following staff members: Sharon Havens or Sally McAffrey (Neosho) at 417-451-2206, Marcia Denny (Anderson) at 417-845-6011 or Wes Barbee (Lamar) at 417-682-5591.
March 10th-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
March 11th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting and Energy Savings from 9:00-3:00
March 17th-
LAMAR: Budgeting from 9:00-1:00
March 24th-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
March 25th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting and Energy Savings from 9:00-3:00
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Need Home Repair?
Homeowners in Webb City, McDonald and Barton Counties...
Need home repair but don't have the money to afford it?
We can help with repairs to your home!
Please contact Mary Beth Yeakey at 417-781-0352 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday for more information. Applications are also available at ESC outreach offices. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2010... so don't delay! |
Rental Unit Available in Noel!
ESC is now accepting applications for its rental housing unit in Noel, which will be available February 18, 2010. The duplex, which was built last year, has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a single car garage. Rent is $425 per month with a $480 security deposit. Applicants must meet income qualifications.
For more information or to apply, please call 417-781-0352 ext. 222. |
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Celebration of Success!!!
The Carl Junction Schoolview Estates project was monitored by the Missouri Housing Development Commission on January 13, 2010. ESC received the monitoring evaluation this month and we are happy to report that we were given an excellent rating in all three areas that were reviewed.
A big congratulations goes out to everyone involved in this effort!
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Health Hint: Maintain A Healthy Weight
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 33 percent of American adults (age 20 and older) are overweight, while 34 percent are considered obese. Overweight and obesity can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, breathing problems, and arthritis. Given these alarming statistics, it's no suprise that, with a new year, many Americans resolve to lose weight.
Following a few simple guidelines can make weight loss goals more attainable.
- Identify your motivation for losing weight, such as a family history of heart attacks.
- Set specific goals. For example, vow to lose 10 pounds by May 1.
- Take 2,000 extra steps each day and eliminate 100 calories from your daily food intake.
- Seek assistance and stay on track. Ask a personal trainer, friend, or relative to hold you accountable.
- Plan for potential obstacles and have a back-up plan in place if they occur.
- Don't let setbacks keep you from moving forward. Everyone goes off track at times. Regroup and keep going.
Maintaining a healthy weight not only decreases your risk of serious medical conditions, it can also increase your confidence, energy level and overall well-being. | |
| Is there anything interesting going on in your department that you would like to share with our staff, board members and supporters? To have your information included in an upcoming issue of News from ESC, please contact Andrea Osiek at aosiek@escswa.org. |
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