January 27, 2022 Universal Early Childhood Education: What Could This Mean for Our Jewish Community? President Biden’s Build Back Better Framework would provide the most transformative investment in children and caregiving in generations. The Build Back Better framework would enable states to expand access to free early childhood education for more than 6 million children per year and increase the quality of early childhood education for many more children already enrolled. Additionally, the Build Back Better framework would ensure that middle-class families pay no more than 7 percent of their income on child care and will help states expand access to high-quality, affordable child care to about 20 million children per year – covering 9 out of 10 families across the country with young children. What could this mean for our Jewish community? Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh on March 10 for their virtual event, “Universal Early Childhood Education: What Could This Mean for Our Jewish Community?” Registration is available on the Jewish Federation website. Panelists Cara Ciminillo is the Executive Director of Trying Together, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit supporting the work of early childhood through advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Education, Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Anna Hartman is the Director of Early Childhood Excellence at the Jewish United Fund and the Director of the Paradigm Project, a national network that nurtures emerging leadership in Jewish early childhood education. Anna holds a master’s in Jewish educational leadership from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is a doctoral candidate in Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has participated in three study tours of the renowned municipal early childhood centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy. A recipient of the Pomegranate Prize, JUF’s Samuel A. Goldsmith Young Professional Award, and the Covenant Award, Anna lives in the Chicago neighborhood of Roscoe Village. Additional Information The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh seeks to cultivate resources, connect people, and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values. Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh on their website.
October 29, 2018 Trauma Resources for Families On Saturday, October 27, 2018, 11 members of the Tree of Life Synagogue congregation lost their lives to an anti-semitic hate crime in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Trying Together extends our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and thanks to the public health and safety professionals who responded and are continuing to provide service to the community. In response to this tragedy, our friends and neighbors from The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh have shared the following resources to help families and children cope; these resources have been curated by experts from the Israel Trauma Coalition, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and others. If you are local and need additional support, The Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) is working to provide counselors and may be contacted at 412.422.7200. Additionally, resources have been shared by the following organizations: YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, and the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning. These resources have been curated by experts from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Resources Israel Trauma Coalition: Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child Following a Trauma Anti-Defamation League: Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and En Espanol) 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 University of Pittsburgh Book Drive: Support Children in Squirrel Hill & Surrounding Areas with books about processing fear and embracing diversity Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s list of information and resources The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: How to talk to children about hate crimes and anti-semitism Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh: Counseling & Other Services Donate to the Fund for Victims of Terror
