May 20, 2019 Children’s Fund Working Group Community Meetings Join the Allegheny County Children’s Fund Working Group this spring for a series of community meetings to share your views on what works best and what additional support is needed when it comes to early learning and out-of-school time. About Allegheny County’s goal is to make sure that every child can benefit from quality early learning and out-of-school time. A series of six Community Meetings are being held across the County to learn from families, caregivers, and educators what access to quality early learning and out-of-school time looks like today—from your perspective and in your community. Each meeting will include child care, refreshments, and opportunities for community members to voice their input on how Allegheny County can be a leader for kids moving forward. Community Meeting Dates The Allegheny County Children’s Fund Working Group and community members will convene on the following dates: City Meeting – May 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Jeron X Grayson Community Center, Hill District West Meeting – June 3 | 6:30 p.m. | The Landing Community Center, Moon Township South Meeting – June 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Bethel Park Community Center North Meeting – June 5 | 6:00 p.m. | Shaler North Hills Library East Meeting – June 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Founders Hall Middle School, McKeesport Spanish-Language Meeting – June 18 | 6:30 p.m. | YWCA Building, Downtown Pittsburgh Registration & Questions Visit the Community Meeting website to learn more, RSVP, or contact event organizers.
May 9, 2019 Resources for Families in the Wake of Tragedy In response to the violent events happening in communities throughout the United States of America, Trying Together hopes to support young children, their families, and the caregivers who interact with them by recognizing available community-based and online resources. Trying Together extends our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and to those injured or traumatized by such horrific events. Thank you to all of the public health and safety professionals who respond and provide service to affected communities across America, and thank you to the organizations and individuals that extend your hands and services in support. Mental Health Services and Supports resolve Crisis Services A 24-hour, 365-day crisis service, free to all residents of Allegheny County, that provides crisis counseling and support, referrals, and intervention services for adults, teens, and their loved ones: 1-888-796-8226 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline A network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-8255 For Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889 En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454 Be Well Pittsburgh Identifies free or low-cost mental health services in Pittsburgh, including hotlines, warm lines, counseling, support groups, and more. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Counseling & Other Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Low Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Treatment Services Locator Highmark Caring Place Peer Support Group for children, adolescents, and families who have lost a loved one The Compassionate Friends: Pittsburgh Chapter Support Group for those who have lost children, grandchildren, or siblings UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Supportive Care Department Bereaved Parent Support Group Articles and Resources Israel Trauma Coalition Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child Following a Trauma American Counseling Association Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting Fred Rogers Productions Thoughts from Fred Rogers: Tragic Events Anti-Defamation League Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and En Espanol) Fran Sherman in USA Today How to talk to your kids about school shootings Dr. Debi Gilboa in NEXT Pittsburgh How to talk to your kids about the mass shooting in Pittsburgh PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Helping Children and Families Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children After a Traumatic Experience A Caregiver Guide Coping with Grief After Community Violence Helping Children Cope With Trauma At School Talking to Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting Tips for Parents on Media Coverage Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services Child Trends Resources to help children in the wake of a school shooting The National Child Traumatic Stress Network How to talk to children about hate crimes and antisemitism Additional Lists Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s list of information and resources