Children First of Buncombe County

April 2009

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County

eNewsletter April 2009

We know that with the current economy, times are tough and unpredictable right now. Please remember that the strength of a community can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. There are many ways to lend a helping hand such as making a contribution to Children First/CIS, volunteering to work with children at our Project MARCH Learning Centers, helping with food boxes and the clothing closet at our Family Resource Center at Emma, or working in our community garden at Emma. Remember, together we can make a difference and put children first in Buncombe County.

Jennifer Hampton
Director of Development and Marketing

In This Issue

Allison Jordan Receives TWIN Honor

The Triumphant Child

Motheread Participants Visit YMI

Welcome New Employees

Allison Jordan Honored as TWIN

Children First/CIS Executive Director, Allison Jordan, was among 24 women honored at the 18th Annual Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) Awards Banquet. The YWCA honors the professional achievements of women and companies who support the advancement of women. Pictured from left to right are Allen Johnson, Asheville City Schools superintendent; Allison Jordan; Jennie Eblen, Children First/CIS board chair; Shanon Fagan, Children First/CIS board chair elect; Bill Christy, Children First/CIS board member; and Patricia Harrison, Director of CIS. Congratulations Allison!

Relief to your parenting challenges create donations to Children First/CIS

We are excited to announce that Children First/CIS has partnered with Sixty Second Parent to launch their first book - The Triumphant Child: A Practical Guide to Raising Two, Three and Four Year Olds.

This book provides a great resource for our regions' parents and helps to support Children First/CIS. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this practical book will go towards supporting the programs and services of Children First/CIS.

The book has been collated by leading Pediatrician Dr Olson Huff and his child development specialist daughter-in-law, Nicole Rawson-Huff. It provides practical parenting tips, expert advice and parent's stories.

By purchasing the book you will not only receive a proven practical parenting guide but you will also support a very worthy cause.

To find out more about the book and/or to purchase a copy go to www.thetriumphantchild.com/childrenfirst

Motheread Participants Visit YMI Exhibit

Participants from the Children First/CIS Motheread program recently visited the YMI Cultural Center to see the current exhibit "Nuestras Historias, Nuestros Suenos: Our Stories, Our Dreams Latino Immigrants in North America." The exhibit shares the experiences of Latino immigrants, describing their reasons for coming to the country and the obstacles that have faced. For some of the Motheread participants, this is the first time visiting a cultural arts gallery, thanks to the YMI.

The Motheread program teaches literacy skills that include child development and family empowerment issues. Parents and children learn to use the power of language to discover more about themselves, their families and their communities. Motheread YMI

Welcome New Employees

We would like to introduce and welcome the following people to the Children First/CIS staff:

Jane Exner is the new Office Manager/ Assistant to the Executive Director. Jane has over 20 years experience in office management. She brings a no nonsense approach to detail and will keep all of us very organized! Jane started working with Children First/CIS in December 2008.

Lisa Barlow is the new Family Resource Center at Emma Coordinator. Lisa has worked in the human service field for 14 years. Her role as corodinator will continue to strengthen the current programs and eventually start new programs such as "grandparents raising grandchildren." Lisa will also be working with school social workers to advocate for strengthening the family and academic support needed for children to succeed.

Crystal Davis and Juanita Jackson will be co-site leaders/activities specialists at th

e Project MARCH Learning Center Deaverview and Pisgah View sites, respectively. Their roles will include parent involvement and volunteer opportunities, academic assistance with the students, and serve as a link for the students, parents and community. In addition, Davis and Jackson will receive additional training in Basic School Aged Care, CPR and First Aid, and soft skills training to enhance their employability skills. These two-year positions are made possible through a partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville and Children First/CIS.

The mission of Children First/CIS is to improve the lives of children, youth and their families through community collaborations, advocacy and programs.

As a not-for-profit organization,

Children First/CIS advocates for

Buncombe County's children while providing innovative programs for vulnerable children, and engaging the community in creating a better future for all children.

Advocacy Corner: