My name is Jackie Morgan MacDougall. You may know me as the co-founder of SCVMomsBlog.com (later changed to SCV-Family.com). Since launching the site in 2009, I have spent the last few years learning the ins and outs of our community, searching for my place to make a difference.

I found that place — serving on the board of directors for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project. You, like others in our community, might be saying “Who is the SCV Youth Project?” Well, keep reading and I’ll give you a quick overview as well as my ideas for working together, supporting teens in our valley who so desperately need our help, and even provide you the opportunity to promote your business.

The Youth Project provides free, on-campus counseling (one-on-one and support groups), crisis intervention, outreach and education to junior and high school students (ages 12-18) in the Santa Clarita Valley who are dealing with a range of life-challenging issues ranging from grief/loss, difficult relationships, drugs/alcohol, depression, and peer pressure.  SCVYP provides the tools needed to build better communication, increase coping abilities and make healthy decisions, to help teens create a more successful and fulfilling life.

Stats: From October-December, over 200 students benefited from more than 800 hours of service (from direct service: one-on-one counseling or support groups) and more than 1200 students were impacted through outreach and education. Some of the issues we see:  depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, STD’s, bullying, grief/loss, family issues, body image, self esteem, cutting, lack of motivation, goal setting, violence in the home or with a boyfriend, neglect/abuse in the home, sexual assault, etc.

The Youth Project is looking to grow our services to reach more kids, on more campuses and eventually expand to the elementary levels.  Much like all other non-profits, we need community support and awareness to accomplish this goal.  Currently, the Youth Project relies on grants, a few small contracts with the City, and special events.  We receive NO government money and lost our contract with the Hart District due to budgetary issues.  The lack of contract is NOT an indication of a lack of support from the school district, strictly a financial crisis.  We are welcome and supported on all campuses.

How you can help:
-  • One time donation …
- •  Monthly donation …
-  • Multiple Year Commitment
- •  Employee Giving Campaigns – let us come and speak to your staff about teen issues, family  support, etc – create a matching gift campaign
-   •Sponsor an event (our popular 4th annual Cake Event is next up on April 21st)
-   • Introduce us to other potential supporters
-   • Become a board member
-   •  Direct us to a foundation your company may be affiliated with
-   • Do a fundraising event and assign the Youth Project as a benefactor
-   • Put up a jar at your retail business – for your patrons to donate
-   • Ask your clients/patrons to add $$ to their tab/bill

We’re happy to work directly with each business to find a way to make this happen. In return, we will also add your business to our Website, Facebook page and have individuals (like me) using this opportunity to sing your praises as a business that has the drive and passion to put our community first. You can comment below with your contact information or call me at 661 600-1667 to discuss further.

If you’re still reading this, thank you! From the bottom of my heart, I am asking you to find a way to help local teens TODAY. We can’t let these services be taken from the hundreds of kids who have the strength to step forward and ask for help, and the determination to create a better life. Please feel free to forward this email on to other local business owners who may be so inclined to make a huge difference in our community.

Best,
Jackie

Here are some guidelines to help you (and your child) decide if the time is right and to help them feel safe and protected (and help you stay calm!) while they are holding down the fort.

What to Consider Before Leaving Your Child Home Alone
When deciding whether to leave a child home alone, you will want to consider your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as laws and policies in your State regarding this issue.

Legal Guidelines
Some parents look to the law for help in deciding when it is appropriate to leave a child home alone. Depending on the laws and child protective policies in your area, leaving a young child unsupervised may be considered neglect, especially if doing so places the child in danger.   States that do not have laws may still offer guidelines for parents.  If you are unsure, consult your local law enforcement agencies.

Age and Maturity
There is no agreed-upon age when all children are able to stay home alone safely. Because children mature at different rates, you should not base your decision on age alone. You may want to evaluate your child’s maturity and how he or she has demonstrated responsible behavior in the past. The following questions may help:

• Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him- or herself?

• Does your child obey rules and make good decisions?

• Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?

 Circumstances
When and how a child is left home alone can make a difference to his or her safety and success. You may want to consider the following questions:

• How long will your child be left home alone at one time? Will it be during the day, evening, or night? Will the child need to fix a meal?

• How often will the child be expected to care for him- or herself?

• How many children are being left home alone? Children who seem ready to stay home alone may not necessarily be ready to care for younger siblings.

• Is your home safe and free of hazards?

• How safe is your neighborhood?

Safety Skills
In addition to age and maturity, your child will need to master some specific skills before being able to stay home alone safely. In particular, your child needs to know what to do and whom to contact in an emergency situation. Knowledge of basic first aid is also useful. You may want to consider enrolling your child in a safety course such as one offered by the Red Cross.   The following questions may also help:

• Does your family have a safety plan for emergencies? Can your child follow this plan?

• Does your child know his or her full name, address, and phone number?

• Does your child know where you are and how to contact you at all times?

• Does your child know the full names and contact information of other trusted adults, in case of emergency?

Tips for Parents
Once you have determined that your child is ready to stay home alone, the following suggestions may help you to prepare your child and to feel more comfortable about leaving him or her home alone:

• Have a trial period. Leave the child home alone for a short time while staying close to home. This is a good way to see how he or she will manage.

• Role play. Act out possible situations to help your child learn what to do.

• Establish rules. Make sure your child knows what is (and is not) allowed when you are not home. Some experts suggest making a list of chores or other tasks to keep children busy while you are gone. Limit the kind of cooking that can be done absent adult supervision.

• Create a safe environment. Make sure there are working smoke detectors on every floor of the house and teach your child what to do in case of fire. Practice fire evacuation routes with your children. Keep a flashlight and batteries in an easily accessible place in case of power outage. Show your child where to find it. Make sure they know where the first aid kit is located and that 911 is just a phone call away.

• Check in. Call your child while you are away to see how it’s going, or have a trusted neighbor or friend check in. Make sure that your child has a way to contact you as well; check your messages often and promptly return your child’s calls.

• Talk about it. Encourage your child to share his or her feelings with you about staying home alone.

• Don’t overdo it. Even a mature, responsible child shouldn’t be home alone too much. Consider other options, such as programs offered by schools, community centers, or youth organizations to help keep your child busy and involved.

 Safety tips for children: Always call 911 in an emergency.

• Use caller id or an answering machine to screen calls. When answering the phone, never tell callers you are home alone. Tell them your mom/dad is busy and will call them back. Don’t post that you are home alone on any social network sites (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc)

• Never let anyone into the house. Do not open the door to strangers.

• Keep all doors and windows locked.

• If coming home to an empty house – never enter the house if there are open or broken windows or doors, or other signs of forced entry. Leave and get help from a trusted neighbor.

• Stay in the house until parents return home.

• Tell parents of any fears or concerns.

Authors Note:  The information in this article was compiled from multiple sources, including these listed below:

KidsHealth

Child Safety Guide For Parents

Child Help

National Network of Child Care

If you are concerned about a child who appears to be neglected or inadequately supervised, contact your local child protective services (CPS) agency. If you need help contacting your local CPS agency, call the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline at 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453). Find more information on their website: www.childhelp.org

This disturbing news and several key discussions with a few of the school sites we service has served as a catalyst for a critical program that will soon be offered by the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project. We are diligently working on a presentation that will not only address this important and timely topic, but provide teens with information to arm and empower themselves when facing choices that could ultimately impact the rest of their lives. Discussions about the dangers of Facebook and social media as a whole, as well as texting, online chat rooms, the use of cameras/video and other technologies need to happen now. With more teens receiving phones, computers, tablets and other means of technology over the holidays, it will open them up more than ever for potential online bullying, sexual promiscuity and even increase the chances of being targeted by predators.

Our unique access to teens and their thoughts and feelings gives us a rare opportunity to talk openly about these topics. More and more, we have heard about how technology is used as a way to engage in risky behavior. We are confident that our presentation will enlighten teens about the risk, consequences and life-long repercussions and that being armed with this information could mean the difference between engaging and thinking twice about who they communicate with as well as what information they share, whether they choose to or feel coerced into doing so.

Our goal is to bridge the gap between teens and the parents/faculty who work so hard to protect them by educating both the youth as well as parents. Providing teens and parents information on the dangers and warning signs, helping them find ways to prevent unsafe situations to begin with and understanding and utilizing online security are just a few ways we can reach families and keep our teens educated and safe from potential devastation.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The SCV Youth Project is an innovative and community-based venture that teaches youth to successfully deal with the concerns they face daily and to avoid high risk behavior such as drug use, violence, dropping out of school and running away. Our aim is to intervene early and often, offering effective prevention to all local students grades, 7 – 12 and their parents.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Some of the services SCV Youth Project provides:

Peer Mentoring One-to-one, confidential support, as it relates to ANY issue (anger, grief, depression, school, family, etc).  Mentors meet with students on campus, as often as they request.

Crisis Intervention Peer Mentors are available to respond to crisis calls, within a reasonable time frame, no matter what the issue.

Classroom Presentations These presentations provide information that help students on all levels, from communication, to life skills, to college prep to goal setting.  We can tailor presentations, to fit the needs of each campus.

Lunchtime Madness An informal pizza and game party, to help kids become more social on their campus.

Teen 411 Outreach campaign, in alignment with National Awareness Campaigns to educate students about obesity, anti-smoking, suicide prevention, child abuse/neglect prevention, etc.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Support Groups, including but not limited to:

Teenage Grief Group Designed to equip students who have faced the loss of a loved one in their life, whether family or friend, with the skills to deal with their grief, and with a safe place to talk about their loss.

Life Skills Group The goal of this group is to prepare students for the transition to living independently, and covers such topics as moving from the family home, finances, college and career goals, time management and car ownership.

Male Issues Group This group deals specifically with the challenges that young men face today, including: peer pressure, dealing with emotions, respect, handling anger, family relationships, decision making, violence and drugs and alcohol education.

Conflict Resolution Group The goal of this group is to give students the skills they need to effectively and positively deal with conflict in their lives.  Anger management, communication, listening and respect are key topics.

Families in Transition Our Families in Transitions Group is very effective in helping students learn to live peacefully within their own family.  This group focuses on issues surrounding a change in the family environment, (divorce, blended families, etc.). Teens will be given a chance to talk about family dynamics, roles in the home, healthy communication and how to cope with change and loss. It is currently offered as a bilingual group.

Family Issues The focus of the Family Issues Group is similar to that of that of the Families in Transition, but is not specific to families that are in transition, but applies to all families. Discussion topics will include: how to live peacefully within your family, how to communicate effectively with your family, respect, setting family specific goals, and how to cope with family rules while developing a sense of independence.

Teen Issues Anything goes in this group … co-ed group to discuss all issues that a teen may be facing, from relationships to bullying, drugs/alcohol abuse, sex, grades, family ….

Girls Issues Group This group is designed to guide and support young women through education and mentoring in order to empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices.  Topics include relationships, body image, goal setting, decision making, respect, anger management and drugs and alcohol education.

Pregnant Teens Group for pregnant or parenting teens and their partners.  The groups focus is to ensure students have the resources they need, gain support from others in their same situation, help with emotional stress around pregnancy or parenting, and a focus on keeping students in school and educated.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Parenting education & support It is our goal to expand our program to include parent education; our staff will provide parenting education and support services to parents.  Topics include: communicating with your teen, drug & alcohol use, gang affiliation, how to help your child succeed in school and other relevant issues.

Employment Assistance Do you need help finding a job? We can help you fill out job applications, write a resume, learn interview skills and provide you with tips to get that job you’re looking for.

Educational Assistance Our staff is available to help students and families navigate through the school system, fill out college applications and assist with tutoring on a case by case basis, if staffing permits.

Family Mediation Sometimes sitting down and working out problems as a family can be difficult. Our staff is available to help families find solutions to their current circumstances and begin to understand each other’s point of view.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Presents the 4th Annual

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

April 21, 2012

Tournament Player Club (TPC), Valencia

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS AVAILABLE

REGISTER NOW

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS:

And extra special Thank You to our event chairs, Gregg Goodman, Scott Schauer, Jerry Citarella and Dave Toneman, for all of your extra assistance …. Deanna Small for your design expertise, and to Jamie Bennett, Serena Schaffer, Amy Padovich and Jena Minassian for running registration …. your help was in invaluable.

Photos courtesy of John Diego Photography (more pictures to come)

Congratulations to our top winners:

1st Place Winner: Dana Kellstrom

2nd Place Winner: James Leighton

3rd Place Winner: Curt Kravitz

It’s difficult for most parents to talk to children about this emotionally laden subject. How can we warn children of potential dangers without destroying their basic trust of people or upsetting their view that this is a good world? We may shy away from the topic because we don’t think it’s possible to discuss the negative aspects of sexuality, such as adult exploitation of children, without giving disapproving messages about healthy physical affection or sex in general.

But children are bombarded every day with media events and stories involving murders, burglaries, kidnappings, rapes and molestations. We need to help interpret these events for children and put them into perspective. We must talk to our children about precautions they can take to thwart a potential molester. It may be easier for you to use news reports as a way of leading into this uncomfortable topic.

Child molestation can occur in any neighborhood. The offender can be of any age, race or economic level. In most cases, the offender is not a stranger, but a relative or an acquaintance of the family. The victim can be either male or female. Molestations very seldom take place in a child care program. They occur much more frequently in a home or neighborhood setting.

To help your children protect themselves, consider the following suggestions, adapting them to your own personal style.

• Teach children their full names, addresses and phone numbers as well as your workplace and neighbors’ phone numbers. They should also know how to use the 911 emergency phone number and how to call the operator.

• Talk to your children about their bodies, including vagina, penis and breasts. Teach them that these parts are private.

• Tell your child that if anyone tries to touch or look at his/her private parts, shows them pictures of private parts, or tries to photograph their private parts, then the child needs to tell you, a teacher, guardian or caregiver as soon as they can.

• Children should also tell you if an adult wants them to keep secrets. Emphasize that these kinds of secrets are never allowed.

• Let them know that people who want to do “secret touching” might try tricks to get children to do what they want, like giving them candy or gifts, or threatening them with punishment or separation from their family. Tell children that this is wrong and that people who do this will get in trouble for their behavior.

• Children need specific ideas of what behaviors to watch for, and permission from you to say NO and to leave a situation which makes them uncomfortable.

• Below are some conversational examples to help you:

“There are some people who may want to touch your body in ways you don’t like. Sometimes they may want to touch your private parts such as your penis, vagina, breasts, or have you touch their bodies. You have the right to tell someone they can’t touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable.”

“They may want to show you pictures of naked people or try to convince you to go along with them.
These people can be strangers or even people you know. You may never meet such a person but, then again, you may.”

“Talk to me if you have any concerns or if you are confused by things that happen to you or your
friends. I’m here for you. Don’t be afraid to tell or ask me anything.”

• Throughout the year, play a “what if…” scenario with your children. For example, ask your child, “What if someone offered you a video game in exchange for something you were uncomfortable doing?”

• Encourage children to stay with their friends, especially on outings or in deserted areas, such as public restrooms.

• Never leave children alone in your car. Instruct children never to get into a car with a stranger or accept rides or gifts from acquaintances without your prior permission. Tell your children that you will never send a stranger to pick them up without first letting them know.

• Children should know that just because someone knows their name, it doesn’t mean that person can be trusted or
  knows you. They could have learned a child’s name by eavesdropping or from a personalized jacket or lunch box. Tell your children to get away from a suspicious situation — run, shout, seek help from neighbors, storekeepers, police, etc.

• Get to know your neighbors. You can form a neighborhood watch group and/or invite a member of local law enforcement or child abuse prevention program to a neighborhood discussion group to learn more about this issue.

• Monitor your child’s Internet activities. Use a screening device to keep pornography off your compute. Explain that chat rooms are places where some adults try to meet children to take advantage of them. Tell your children never to give out personal information online, such as their full name, address, phone number, etc.

• Take children’s stories seriously. They rarely make up tales of sexual abuse. Check out the information and take action when necessary. Call an agency for help if you’re unsure and want help in evaluating a situation.

Please join the The City of Santa Clarita and the Blue Ribbon Task Force for the
11^th Annual Teen Scene Unplugged on
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Golden Valley High School.
6:00pm – 7:00pm – Resource Fair
7:00pm – Presentation

Stacy Kaiser, nationally known speaker, author, and psychotherapist will provide strategies and tips on facing the realities and challenges of parenting teens head on.

Ms. Kaiser will discuss ten things every parent needs to know to raise a successful adult.

This event is FREE and open to the public

Tuesday, August 30

6:30-7:00 p.m. and 8:30-9:00 p.m. Resource Fair

Santa Clarita Activities Center

In recent months, Santa Clarita has experienced a dramatic increase in heroin use, arrests, and fatal overdoses. Many are unaware of the prevalence of heroin in Santa Clarita schools and among teenagers in our valley.  The Heroin symposium will feature valuable information and a diverse group of speakers to help parents protect their children. This event is for parents and teens and the symposium will also include a resource fair.

Spanish translation will be provided

For more information call the Community Service Division at (661) 250-3708 or go to heroinkills.org.

Download Flier

Parents, are your kids struggling with summertime cabin fever?  Are you?  Do you listen to daily rants of “we’re so bored”? Well, you are not alone.

We found a helpful list of activities to help you and your family survive the last weeks of summer, before school starts again.  Check it out and let us know if it helps!

 

 

 

50 Fun Things To Do This Summer!
By Jillian Bietz

During the summer it is so easy to say, “I have nothing to do!” No more excuses-here is a list of 50 things to do the next time you are bored!

1. Gather up a few friends, and have a picnic in your back .
2. Go on a walk and take pictures of trees, flowers, dogs, etc.
3. Buy some fashion magazines, pick out a couple of really cute outfits, and try to recreate them for less!
4. Bead some bracelets and sell them for charity.
5. Volunteer at the local animal or homeless shelter.
6. Clean your room!
7. Bake some cupcakes and deliver them to friends and family.
8. Play some childhood games like “Sorry”, “Candyland”, or “Pretty Pretty Princess”.
9. Take your dog for a walk.
10. E-mail a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
11. Do 25 jumping jacks!
12. Look through old family scrapbooks, photo books, and yearbooks.
13. Make a root beer float.
14. Go to the movies with your siblings.
15. Go window-shopping with a friend.
16. Write a poem.
17. Make fresh, homemade fruit juice.
18. Give your dog a bath.
19. Make dinner for your family.
20. Baby-sit for a neighbor. 21. Have a sleepover party and watch scary movies.
22. Plan a vacation you want to take next summer.
23. Plant flowers in your yard.
24. Sign up for a class.
25. Have a bubble bath.
26. Make a mixed CD of your favorite songs and title it “The soundtrack of my life”.
27. Order a pizza.
28. Splash around in a plastic kiddy pool.
29. Buy some crayons and a coloring book.
30. Read a book based on a movie you have seen.
31. Make a scrapbook of your baby pictures.
32. Get a job or an internship.
33. Start a diary and write in it everyday.
34. Spend the day at the library.
35. Draw a self-portrait.
36. Make a collage out of old magazines.
37. Run around in the sprinklers.
38. Go to a museum.
39. Go out for lunch with one of your parents.
40. Jump in the pool with your clothes on.
41. Eat last night’s leftovers for breakfast.
42. Learn to sew or knit.
43. Invite friends over and have a tea party.
44. Swing on the swings at the park.
45. Tie-Dye a t-shirt or bed sheets with Kool-Aid!
46. Make a smoothie.
47. Learn how to define and spell 5 new words from the dictionary.
48. Make popsicles in your freezer.
49. Put on the radio and dance.
50. Go camping in your backyard!

FOR MORE INFORMATION