News

August 14, 2023

Social Policy Study Reveals Vital Role of SNAP for Children and Families

A recent report from the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) has provided new insight on the critical role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the health and well-being of children and families.

About the Report

Entitled, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A Vital Resource for Children, Youth, and Families,” the report combined data from existing research with insights from interviews between CSSP staff and SNAP-assisted families to build a complete picture of SNAP’s impact.

Key Findings

Key findings from the report show:

  • In 2021, SNAP reached 41.5 million people in an average month.
  • SNAP plays a critical role fighting hunger and malnutrition, and promoting economic wellbeing.
  • For families, SNAP can help lift some of the weight off parents and caregivers as they struggle to feed growing children.
  • For youth and young adults, SNAP provides some security and stability as they transition to adulthood and pursue their goals.
    • This support is especially critical for young people who age out of foster care and are disproportionately likely to struggle to afford food, as they often lose access to social services and economic supports when they leave foster care.
  • SNAP can be a critical resource for young people, helping them buy food and meet their needs as they set out on their own, further their education, embark on their careers, and form their own families.

CSSP Policy Recommendations

Though SNAP provides an enormous, essential benefit to families and youth, CSSP shared in the report that SNAP can do more to help people meet their needs and pursue their goals, offering a number recommendations. They encourage policymakers to:

  • increase benefit levels,
  • repeal the three-month time limit for adults,
  • restore access to immigrant families, and
  • lift the ban on hot food.

Learn More

To learn more, read the full report or visit the CSSP website.

Source

Information for this post was taken directly from the CSSP SNAP report. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension.

Related Content & Resources

News

July 11, 2023

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Prevention Tactics

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Fortunately, agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide strategies and resources to help define ACEs and to help caregivers and child care providers prevent traumatic experiences as much as possible before they happen, identify children whom have experienced ACEs, and respond to these experiences using trauma-informed approaches.

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

ACEs are traumatic events or circumstances that occur during childhood. These experiences can range from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household substance abuse, domestic violence, and parental separation or divorce, among others.

Through research conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, it has been revealed that traumatic experiences have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.

ACEs can vary depending on the child and environment in which the child grows and learns. Some experiences can be witnessed directly, such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect or witnessing violence in the home or community. These experiences can also include aspects of the child’s environment that take away from a child’s sense of safety, stability, and bonding.

ACEs and associated social determinants of health, such as living in under-resourced or racially segregated neighborhoods, can cause toxic stress (extended or prolonged stress). Toxic stress from ACEs can negatively affect children’s brain development, immune systems, and stress-response systems.

Recognizing and addressing ACEs is important for promoting individual and societal well-being. Creating safe and nurturing environments for children, ensuring access to quality healthcare and mental health services, and implementing trauma-informed approaches in various settings are vital steps in preventing and addressing ACEs.

Risk Protective Factors

Risk factors are defined as things that increase the likelihood of experiencing ACEs. Protective factors are defined as things that protect people and decrease the possibility of experiencing ACEs. Individual, family, and community factors can affect the likelihood of these experiences, but they may or may not be direct causes of ACEs. Because ACEs include many different types of experiences and traumatic events, there are many risk and protective factors that apply to the range of different ACEs.

Learn more about Individual, Family, Community Risk and Protective Factors from the CDC.

Prevention Strategies for Children

CDC has developed a resource to help states and communities take advantage of the best available evidence to prevent ACEs. It features six strategies from the CDC Technical Packages to Prevent Violence.

  • Strengthen Economic Supports to Families: Community organizations such as faith-based and youth-serving organizations can promote policies that support families facing financial problems or help parents balance work and family responsibilities, which reduce stress and allow parents to meet children’s basic needs.
  • Promote Social Norms That Protect Against Violence and Adversity: Encourage community organizations such as youth-serving and faith-based organizations, coaches, and caregivers to promote non-violent attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
  • Ensure a Strong Start for Children: Involved parents, strong preschool programs, and good quality childcare get children started on the right foot and help them succeed later in life. Youth-serving and faith-based organizations can contribute to this as well.
  • Teach Healthy Relationship Skills: Children and caregivers can both learn how to create healthy relationships and manage their emotions.
  • Connect Children to Caring Adults and Activities: Community organizations connect young people with positive role models and provide activities for young people to learn leadership and other new skills. Communities can help young people grow and succeed at school and in life, such as getting children involved in after-school activities.
  • Intervene to Lessen Immediate and Long-Term Harms: When ACEs occur, community organizations, can offer services and support to reduce harms and help break the cycle of adversity, including providing therapy to reduce symptoms of depression, fear or anxiety, and behavior problems.

By recognizing and addressing ACEs, parents and child care providers can create a bright future for children and promote resilience, healing, and well-being.

Visit the CDC website for more information about childhood trauma prevention and ACEs Resources.

News

January 12, 2022

Apply: PA Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Awards

Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Awards.

The awards recognize individuals or programs that have demonstrated support to children and their families through: embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and/or working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities.

About the Awards

The awards bring awareness to and highlight the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings, and by child care, evidence-based home visiting and early intervention professionals, as it aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Equity and Inclusion Toolkit, and with the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement.

Eligibility

The following are categories of eligible entities. All must be physically located and operating within Pennsylvania, and providing services to Pennsylvania’s children.

  • Individuals: Individuals, employed at a Pennsylvania certified/licensed child care, afterschool, Early Intervention, or an Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) funded Family Support program. Individuals must be employed at the eligible program at the time of submission.

  • Early Childhood Education/Child Care and Afterschool: Programs must be certified/licensed by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), and in good standing with DHS at time of submission. In addition, a Federal Head Start/Early Head Start grantee that operates a program that is certified/licensed by DHS may submit a nomination for the DHS certified/licensed program. Nomination categories include:

    • Child Care Center

    • Group Child Care Home

    • Family Child Care Home

    • Afterschool Program

  • Early Intervention: Programs providing Early Intervention services and supports are eligible to submit a nomination as it relates to early intervention services and equity.

  • OCDEL funded Family Support programs

 Apply

Submissions can be an application (apply on your own or a program/organization’s behalf), or nomination (submit another individual or program/organization) to be acknowledged for their work around equity in the early childhood education or afterschool setting. Self-applications are accepted.

Applications/nominations and any supporting documentation will be submitted via electronic online submission process only. Applications may be submitted in English or in Spanish. All applications must be submitted by 5 pm, February 7, 2022.

Each completed submission will receive an official signed and framed certificate of placement level (Gold, Silver, Bronze) from OCDEL, appropriate for display. Completed submissions will also receive electronic copy and supporting images for their own digital use on websites, social media, electronic communications, etc.

Completed submissions will be promoted during April 2022 Month of the Young Child, with promotion by OCDEL.

More Information

Visit the Pennsylvania Key website for more information.

News

January 11, 2021

Virtual Vitality Cafés

If your family receives Early Intervention and/or Family Support services in Pennsylvania, join other families virtually for conversations focused on self-care, health, and wellness.

About

Café sessions are intended for family members of children enrolled in Early Intervention Services or Family Support Services. To support participation, a stipend of $40 will be offered. A child care reimbursement will be offered if needed to participate in the Cafes. Information on how to access the stipend/reimbursement will be provided after registration. Forms to be submitted for the stipend will be provided at the end of each Café.

Virtual Vitality Café Dates

Virtual Vitality Cafés will be held on the following dates:

Receiving Support

Support for families of children who are deaf/heard of hearing is provided from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. For other families of children receiving EI services that do not have diagnosed hearing loss and children receiving Family Support Services, support is provided by The Office of Child Development and Early Learning. This will require ALL participants to pre-register and indicate what program(s) your child is receiving services and whether or not your child has a diagnosis of hearing loss.

Registration

To register, complete the online registration form. Any accommodations (language or ADA) must be requested at least two weeks in advance of each cafe, during the registration process. Families are encouraged to join as many sessions as they would like to attend.

More Information

For questions, call The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at 412.885.6000.

News

October 30, 2019

OCDEL Announces New Community Survey

About

Every five years, states have the opportunity to learn about the well-being of families of young children in local communities. Pennsylvania is asking any individual living in the state to complete this short survey. Through the data collected, Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will better understand the resources for families living in your community. Survey responses will be used statewide and locally to inform Family Support Services, such as parenting classes and home visiting services.

Hearing from everyone is important! Whether you’re a parent or a provider of family and early childhood services, please complete and share this survey.

Take the OCDEL Community Survey

In English

Please take about five to ten minutes to complete the survey. Your input is critical to informing stakeholders about the factors that may affect the well-being of young children and families in communities across Pennsylvania.

If you wish to complete the OCDEL Community Survey in English, enter the following link into your web browser: is.gd/surveypa

En Español

Le pedimos que pase entre 5 a 10 minutos para contestar la encuesta. Sus aportes son muy importantes para nosotros ya que nos ayudarán a identificar y comprender los factores que pueden afectar la salud dentro de su familia y su comunidad en Pennsylvania.

Si desea completar la encuesta en español, meter el enlace siguiente en su navegador de internet: is.gd/encuestapa

More Information

To learn more, read the full announcement.

*Information provided by OCDEL

News

February 22, 2019

Community Check-Up Staff Interview

Every Monday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Lydia Strickhouser performs a wide array of services for children and young adults ages birth to 21 years old at the Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center as part of Community Check-Up.

Service Examples
    • Asthma and Allergy Care
    • Check-Ups
    • Driver Permit Physicals
    • Hearing and Vision Screens
    • Lead and Anemia Screens
    • School and Flu Shots
    • Sports Physicals
    • WIC Forms
Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment, contact Lisa Drake at 412.310.7114.

Share this flyer with your network.

Interview

We interviewed Lisa and Lydia to learn more about their experience working Community Check-Up as far as what they do, how they’ve grown, and what it’s like building relationships with the families.

First, tell us more about Community Check-Up and your roles within it.
    • Lydia: Community Check-Up has been going on since October 2017. On average, we see five to seven patients each Monday afternoon, and eight is the maximum. Technically, children only need to be seen once per year for check-ups, but families can come as often as needed. We offer follow-up appointments for specific concerns like weight or blood pressure checks. It’s really about the needs of the patient. In addition to seeing patients for all the different types of appointments, I also work with them in social and behavioral health as well. A lot of research shows how the social disparities a person faces significantly influence people’s physical and mental health, so it’s important that I assess each family’s needs in a comprehensive way. This includes making sure they have adequate food and asking about other concerns like employment and child care. All of these factors affect their outcomes.
    • Lisa: Having this clinic in the heart of Homewood helps minimize transportation as a potential barrier. Some of our families who come in live within walking distance, and the Center provides transportation services for those who need help getting to the appointments. My goal at the Center is to support the parents in bringing their children to appointments. Community Check-Up started as an initiative to decrease the no-show rate of Homewood children at doctor’s appointments by bringing services closer to them, and it has been much more convenient for the families. On top of scheduling the appointments and doing outreach in the community, my job is to look out for certain things. Parents and children both have needs, and I work to assess them and connect families with the necessary resources.
What was your first impression of the Center?
    • Lydia: I hadn’t realized that the Center would be a house. I assumed the building would be more square and colder, but because it’s a house, it’s like you’re walking into someone’s home. The environment is open, warm, and inviting, and it’s helpful to be able to give patients care in this type of environment. I got into this position because of my work in community health. The previous doctor moved out of state, so I was approached about working here, and I fell in love.
    • Lisa: I found out about Community Check-Up when I was called about my son’s doctor’s appointment and asked if it would be helpful to bring him here instead of the Oakland location. My uncle used to live in this house before it became a family support center. I was excited to take this position because as a parent, I know how much of a difference having these services in Homewood has made for me, and I want to share that with other families here in the community. Getting to the Oakland location was difficult to manage with my son’s school schedule and transportation difficulties. I had to take two buses to get there. I understand how hard it can be to get your children to their doctor’s appointments and how easy it can be to fall behind on immunizations. Working here at the center as a community peer advocate gave me the ability to help parents with the same areas that were difficult for me.
What can caregivers and children expect when coming to Community Check-Up?
    • Lisa: Respect, comfortability, and a warm environment. We are interested in the parents’ and their children’s wellbeing, so we work with them to uncover their needs and any things that may hinder them from getting to the appointments, such as issues with housing, food, and water. We ask what we can do to help, and we are genuinely concerned about them. It’s more than just a check-up.
    • Lydia: In addition to asking social questions about each family and getting the forms and consents we need, we also have normal conversations with the parents. We are careful to not be accusatory, but instead, we are supportive in gauging situations so that families get the best help.
How have the families impacted you?
    • Lydia: Working with the families has changed how I ask questions and encouraged me to show more understanding when parents don’t get their children to appointments. Also, I have become more realistic in my tests and referrals, and my approach to medicine in general. I can order 50 tests and make 10 referrals, but maybe this patient can only do one of each. Again, social disparities are so important in determining health and behavioral outcomes. Through this role, I’ve learned to be sensitive while still getting an honest answer.
    • Lisa: Working here has helped me learn how to approach families, especially those headed by single parents. As we mentioned before, it’s important not to be accusatory towards parents who need support. People are so quick to judge situations they know nothing about, and we shouldn’t be one of those people. I’ve learned that you never know what a person is dealing with, so I have made it a point to be more understanding, more patient, and more helpful. This role has made me want to help people as much as I can.
What do you find most satisfying about your interactions with families? What is most challenging?
    • Lisa: The most satisfying part of my job is seeing results and seeing them show up. Nothing makes me happier than them showing up. There are chaotic days when everyone is here at once, and there are children everywhere, but I love that. We have really mannerable kids here. The most challenging part is wanting to satisfy the parents and families, and making sure they have everything they need. The most important part of getting to know the families is building trust and comfortability. We have to establish communication that is open and long. When I call parents, I do more than just remind them of their appointment I feel good when they open up to me and feel safe enough to tell me what’s going on, and I am proud of being available to help them and give them feedback.
    • Lydia: Watching the children’s growth and development is the reason I got into pediatrics in the first place. It’s neat to see how much the kids progress, especially the little ones three and under, who come in more often, every two to three months. I love getting to talk to the kids individually, finding out their goals, seeing them get taller, and asking them about school. The most challenging part for me is the amount of paperwork and charting that I have to do. It’s important to me to maintain relationships with the families and not focus solely on the computer. Usually, I will put in four hours of work before coming in and three to four hours afterward. It’s a full day, but it allows me to focus on the parents and kids while they are here.
Are there any changes you see in the parents as they come back with their kids for appointments?
    • Lydia: Sometimes parents get more relaxed after a while. It’s nice to see their comfort and familiarity with Lisa and me. The kids love the toys, and it’s a very friendly environment.
    • Lisa: I noticed that a couple of parents who used to miss appointments with their child are on it now. The consistency has grown.
Is there anything else that you want the families to know?
    • Lydia: Just that we’re here, 1:00-5:00 p.m. You can show up just to talk if you need to. Though we need to know ahead of time to prepare for appointments, I am able to talk to you about any concerns you have or to look up immunization records if needed.

News

February 15, 2019

Homewood Block Party

Young children and their families are invited to join an afternoon of free activities, food, performances, and information from Trying Together and our community partners on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Kelly Street in front of The Homewood Early Learning Hub.

Tablers for the block party include:

  • Pittsburgh Public Schools
  • MAYA Organization
  • Richard’s Imagine Center of Hope, Inc (RICH)
  • Homewood Concerned Citizens Council (HCCC), The Oasis Project
  • The Maker’s Clubhouse
  • Allegheny Land Trust
  • The University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engagement Center (CEC)
  • Homewood-Brushton YWCA
  • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
  • Trying Together, Buzzword/Pgh Cultural Trust
  • Allegheny County Health Department – Housing and Community Environment
  • ALCOSAN
  • Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)
  • Kenny’s Homewood
  • Homewood Children’s Village (HCV)
  • C.C. Busy, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
  • Fund My Future
  • Science Tots
  • Childcare Alliance.

Activities include face painting, balloons, free library, Imagination Playground, a science show, and a Zumba presentation!

More details coming soon. Share this PDF flyer with your networks.

News

January 17, 2019

Community Check-Up

Community Check-Up is a satellite clinic of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Every second and fourth Wednesday, an advanced practice provider and pediatrician see children and young adults ages birth–26 years old (birthday). Services include:

  • Asthma and Allergy Care Check-Ups
  • Driver Permit Physicals
  • Hearing and Vision Screenings
  • Immunizations and Flu Shots
  • Lead and Anemia Screenings
  • Mental Health Services and Resources
  • Needs-Based Resources
  • Sports Physicals
  • WIC Forms

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment, call 412.310.7114. The last appointment begins at 3:30 p.m.

Share this flyer with your networks.

News

December 10, 2018

Family Celebration

Celebrate the holidays with Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center!

Join us for activities for the whole family, and enjoy finger foods, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa.

Schedule:

  • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.  

    Families arrive at the center

  • 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.

    Arts & crafts for parents and children in the basement area

  • 5:20 – 6:00 p.m.

    Finger foods, pictures with Santa, and card signing in the basement area

  • 6:10 – 7:00 p.m.

    Disbursements of toys and pictures in the common living area and café

 

News