Child Crisis Center http://www.childcrisis.org strong families. safe kids. Wed, 22 May 2013 23:26:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Do as I say, not as I do http://www.childcrisis.org/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/ http://www.childcrisis.org/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 19:10:37 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2337 There is no shortage of information available to parents on how to keep kids safe, as well as sane, with modern technology.  (If you’re looking for info, here’s a start http://bit.ly/YTN8Ok)  But as parents, how often do we step back and review our own technology use?  Sherry Turkle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor and technology and life expert, studied how people use and view technology.  In her book, Alone Together, one of the most surprising findings was that children felt their parents’ technology use was interfering with their relationship.  To help combat the compulsion to gravitate toward the red blinking light on your device (and to role model appropriate behavior for your kids as well), create “sacred spaces” where technology gets shut off.  Some ideas are the kitchen, especially at meal times, or in the car.  These are prime times to engage in conversations (with eye contact) with your kids.  And just so you aren’t left feeling like the “worst parent in the world”, check out local writer Karina Bland’s experience negotiating terms of new iPhone use with her teenage son. http://bit.ly/18INEAw

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/feed/ 0 Can We Talk? http://www.childcrisis.org/can-we-talk/ http://www.childcrisis.org/can-we-talk/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 16:44:21 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2295 Talking with our kids can be one of the most rewarding and, at times, frustrating events in parenting. One day our I-can’t-wait-to-tell-you-everything kid morphs into an adolescent with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” communication policy. Keeping the lines of communication open is critically important as our kids navigate the sometimes choppy waters into adulthood. Start early and communicate often. Use words that are at your child’s age and developmental level. Answer questions honestly, even if you’re uncomfortable with the topic. You don’t have to tell them every detail but you do have to answer their questions, even if the answer is “I don’t know.” The first, best step in communication is LISTENING! As parents we are conditioned to advise, coach, direct, and in many other ways “tell” our kids things. Being an effective listener is as important, if not more important, that talking. If you’re at a loss for what to say to start a conversation, try some of these conversation starters from iMom.com http://bit.ly/Zsvw7f. Then, pull up a chair and listen!!

Versión en Español

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/can-we-talk/feed/ 0 Make a lasting impact on a child in foster care http://www.childcrisis.org/make-a-lasting-impact-on-a-child-in-foster-care/ http://www.childcrisis.org/make-a-lasting-impact-on-a-child-in-foster-care/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:49:32 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2275 fostercareAll children in foster care deserve to live a safe happy life in a stable loving home – including the 14,300 children and teenagers in Arizona who are in foster care. Many are cared for by foster families and relative care givers; others live in group homes and shelters.

Each May, we honor the compassionate people who make a difference in the lives of Arizona’s children and youth by serving as foster parents, relative care givers, mentors, advocates, social workers and volunteers. Thanks to the commitment of these everyday heroes, many children who were at one time abused or neglected will either safely return to their parents, remain with relatives, or be adopted by loving families.

Regrettably, some children in foster care are less fortunate. Communities throughout Arizona are urgently seeking more everyday people to help these youth overcome by the trauma and loss they’ve experienced and realize their full potential. No matter what their age, every young person in foster care benefits from a meaningful connection to a caring adult who can become a supportive and lasting presence in his or her life.

No matter how much you have to give, you have the power to make a lasting impact on a child in foster care. For more information and a list of upcoming orientation dates, visit www.aafcaz.org.

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/make-a-lasting-impact-on-a-child-in-foster-care/feed/ 0 Our Volunteers are MAGICAL http://www.childcrisis.org/our-volunteers-are-magical/ http://www.childcrisis.org/our-volunteers-are-magical/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:46:48 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2234 magicalvolunteers Why do we think that? Because they are the…

Most
Awesome
Givers, who are
Incredible,
Caring and
Always
Loving!

You really don’t need to be a magician to volunteer. Many of our volunteers have never volunteered before, don’t have experience with kids, and just wanted to find a way to do a little good in the world. The magic comes through sharing some time with kids who haven’t had the most positive adult role models. Our volunteers simply read books, play board games, even color! Time is all that is asked of you – no experience required.

We truly couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. Currently, our volunteers contribute enough hours to equal 4 full-time staff. This is a great asset to a non-profit and a wonderful way for our kids to interact with trusting, positive adult role models.

This past week was National Volunteer Appreciation Week. We hope our volunteers feel appreciated throughout the year, but during this special week, we like to take it up a notch. We kicked off the celebration with a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, where all things were MAGICAL! Our Big Kids did magic tricks while our Tiny Tots colored paper rabbits that “jumped” out of hats for our centerpieces. Both the Middlers and Big Kids shared their magical singing talents. We also gave away a few awards and raffle prizes. This brunch had it all! We shared laughs, tears, and everything in between. The emotion expressed from our kids that morning was the kind that only comes from true appreciation. All in all it was a great morning, our kids were able to share their fantastic talents to show their gratefulness. We hope our volunteers know how special they are to us! Check out the pictures by clicking here.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alicia at 480-969-2308 or click here. If you would like to read one Volunteer’s experience at the Child Crisis Center, check out Madonna’s journal: Went to see my kids tonight.

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/our-volunteers-are-magical/feed/ 0 Safari http://www.childcrisis.org/safari/ http://www.childcrisis.org/safari/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:45:47 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2243 On Saturday, April 20th, we hosted our 12th annual gala event “Evening in the Tropics” – Safari 2013, presented by Go Daddy. Over 300 people joined us where the savannahs of Africa meet a jungle oasis on the beautiful Palm Grove at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. The guests enjoyed this outdoor evening under the stars filled with live entertainment, cocktails and many surprises.

One of these surprises was Vanessa Elese, an Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert, who returned home to give back to the organization that fostered her and her two sisters almost 30 years ago. Vanessa Elese credits her growth and success in part to the Child Crisis Center and the staff who helped her feel safe during such an unsettling time in her life. Using her talents to give back, she honored three grandmothers with a makeover: Linda Pease, Dawn McDonald, Oralia Garcia; all who participate in the RAP (Relatives as Parents) program. This makeover was a much needed break for these grandmothers who do so much for their families. They were able to relax, get dressed up, and really enjoy their night at the Safari.

Another inspiring person that was introduced this magical night, was our very own Madonna Radeff. Madonna is a long-standing Volunteer and is truly an amazing person. Please click below to see her video and hear her living journal of the stories from the Child Crisis Center units.

Proceeds from this evening went to support the vital and necessary needs of the Child Crisis Center’s programs. We couldn’t have had such a successful evening without the help of our sponsors:
Accenture, Arizona Lottery, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brown and Brown Insurance, Chris Glover, Classic Car Spa, Dignity Health, DMB, General Dynamics, Gila River Casino, Go Daddy, Inflections HR, Macy’s, Point B, Renee and Chris Scherzer, Snapbooth, Sonoran Studios, SRP, SRP Telecom, The Arizona Republic, and Wells Fargo.

Thank you to everyone who sported the khaki clothing, animal prints and helped in our efforts to improve “childhood” for many of Arizona’s children. This night was an important step on the journey to preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. We’re so grateful for everyone who was able to be a part of it with us. Please click here to see pictures from the night!

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/safari/feed/ 0 Child abuse prevention starts with all of us http://www.childcrisis.org/child-abuse-prevention-starts-with-all-of-us/ http://www.childcrisis.org/child-abuse-prevention-starts-with-all-of-us/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:44:57 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2223 In recent months there have been multiple incidents in our community involving children suffering from child abuse. Some have resulted in the loss of a child’s life. At Child Crisis Center, we know even one child’s suffering is too much. We can all do our part to help prevent further tragedies. Please look at the links below for helpful information on the prevention of child abuse.

April was child abuse prevention month, but child abuse prevention and awareness doesn’t stop with the conclusion of April. You can do your part to help prevent child abuse. Spread the word, know the programs, and work to strengthen families in our community.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent child abuse:

1. Download the Child Abuse Reference Guide – you can put this up at your workplace and can pass it along to others such as your school or your church.

2. Save the Child Abuse Reporting number into your phone – 1.888.767.2445, fears about reporting? Click here for information about reporting.

3. Check out our Family Resource Center – we have classes and workshops for every family and every phase of a child’s life. Click here to like our Family Resource Center Facebook Page.

4. Think about becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent – we have orientations scheduled monthly for any interested individual or couple. Click here to like our Arizona Adoption & Foster Care Facebook Page.

5. Stay in touch with Child Crisis Center – by liking our Facebook Page, following us on twitter, or joining our e-newsletter.

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/child-abuse-prevention-starts-with-all-of-us/feed/ 0 The Minefield of Step Parenting http://www.childcrisis.org/the-minefield-of-step-parenting/ http://www.childcrisis.org/the-minefield-of-step-parenting/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:35:12 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2199 shutterstock_93795940Blending families is a little like making a chocolate shake.  Even in the best of circumstances, the right balance of ingredients, speed, and patience play a crucial role in the creamy goodness poured out of the blender.  In step parenting, balance, patience and speed play an equally critical role.  First, the critical balance between respecting the children’s relationship with their biological parents and the relationship between the children and step-parent.  One does not necessarily supersede the other and the well-being of the children should always be the focus.  A step parent must be patient in the developing their relationship with the step children.  Biological families start out with a 40-week “adjustment period” (aka pregnancy), followed by minutes, hours, and days of consistent contact that allow bonds to form.  Finally, the speed and velocity with which a step parent may try to “make it work” can unintentionally undermine relationships from the start.  Desperate to create harmony, step parents may over step boundaries.  Take it slow, have patience and create balance.  For more information on step parenting visit the National Stepfamily Resource Center at www.stepfamilies.info.

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/the-minefield-of-step-parenting/feed/ 0 My kids: April 3-10, 2013 http://www.childcrisis.org/my-kids-april-3-10-2013/ http://www.childcrisis.org/my-kids-april-3-10-2013/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:31:38 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2335 I went to go see my kids tonight. My dear friend came back and she is in love with the kids. I got there and the kids were outside and they had a total of 6 volunteers wrapped around their fingers. We were pushing them on their little bikes, pulling them in wagons like it was a big adventure looking for Mr. Volunteer who was tickling them as we went around and each time they came around they waved and said ‘bye bye’. My heart could not melt anymore. There is a new little 1 there and he so dang cute, I changed his diaper and then feed him his bottle and rocked him to sleep. I have not done that for a while and it was such a welcome, wonderful thing after a crazy day. The peace in the room made me close my eyes and listen to his breath. It’s sad because his chest was rattling. He fell asleep pretty fast but continued drinking his milk. When I went to put him in his crib he would not let go of the bottle. He clung to it like a security blanket so I left it with him. He was asleep, clean and with a full belly, worn out from all that play. I was switching out the laundry and my friend came looking for me. All the kids were in bed and it wasn’t even 8. They played hard, laughed a lot, sang songs and were worn out. What a beautiful night. I left there with peace in my heart. Play hard with your kids, laugh out loud with them, love on them and hug them. There is nothing better than the sound of a child’s laughter and then seeing them sleep so peacefully. This is my kind of night full of love and laughter. 4-3-13

I went to go see my kids tonight. Oh my, you talk about wound up; those babies were all wound up. My dear friend and I were the only 2 volunteers tonight and boy our 2 extra set of arms were so appreciated. There were arms reaching up the whole night. I was in my glory as my arms and my lap were not empty the whole night. Same as my dear friend, she even got some of her friends and her daughter to sign up to volunteer. You can’t help but fall in love with the kids and the staff. There are a few kids that need extra attention and I can see it being very difficult for the staff if there were no volunteers. I was really sad but happy when I got there and found out my little Ms. Mom went to a foster home. I will never ever forget that kind child who brought so much joy to the unit as she took care of the other kids and the special things that we did. She made me soup and cookies, she painted my nails and I painted hers, we did each other’s hair. I hope and pray that she is in a better place and that her and her brother safe. At least they are together. There is a new brother team there and the older boy could be Mr. Dad because he too was taking care of the kids and his younger brother. He is an extra special little boy. I got to rub my little Tarzans back tonight. I was humming Silent Night to him because it to me is so soothing. He was humming along instead of counting 123 and he was swinging his Cat in the Hat stuffed animal. As I rubbed his back he fell asleep with the cat as his pillow. I felt his deep breath of sleep and I was happy. Teach your kids how to brush their hair, their teeth, how to dress, put socks on, eat with manners. Take them out in public so they are used to being around people so that they are not afraid of life. Teach your kids about life and love. Let them be kids and make mistakes but guide them when they do make mistakes. Love your babies. 4-10-13

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/my-kids-april-3-10-2013/feed/ 0 Went to see my kids tonight… http://www.childcrisis.org/went-to-see-my-kids-tonight/ http://www.childcrisis.org/went-to-see-my-kids-tonight/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:16:05 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2153 Madonna’s journal will be posted the Monday following Evening in the Tropics

]]> http://www.childcrisis.org/went-to-see-my-kids-tonight/feed/ 0 A Celebration of two Community Leaders http://www.childcrisis.org/a-celebration-of-two-community-leaders/ http://www.childcrisis.org/a-celebration-of-two-community-leaders/#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:41:25 +0000 admin http://www.childcrisis.org/?p=2119 A message from our CEO…

“On Saturday I will be attending two services to celebrate two Community leaders who will be  greatly missed by so many.  Betty Rhodes and Eddie Basha.

In celebrating Betty’s life,  I, along with so many others will remember Betty’s quiet, caring ways, how she loved and was so proud of her family and the way they continue her legacy of community involvement, and  how she was always so generous with her time and support.    A longtime CCC Honorary Board Member, Betty was always interested in updates, and so interested in hearing details about plans for the future and our successes.    I admired her greatly, a wonderful role model for so many.

And as hundreds gather tomorrow to celebrate Eddie’s life, I am sure everyone will learn that Eddie quietly  supported so many more agencies and causes than we ever knew.   How he ever found the time to do so much for so many is a mystery as there are only 24 hours in a day.    I am proud that CCC is one of the agencies he and his family believed  in and continue to do so.   He was there for CCC at the beginning over 32 years ago when others didn’t want to believe that child abuse was a problem.    His support of children, the homeless and education will not easily be surpassed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Betty Rhodes and Eddie Basha.    Thousands of lives have been touched by their kindness and caring.”

Chris Scarpati, CEO

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