April 16, 2008
Child Guidance at the Library
Today, Susan Jasko, clinical coordinator of Darien's Child Guidance will be visiting the Library again from 1pm to 2pm in the Children's Room. She'll be available to answer any questions you may have about services provided to Darien children and their familiies. See you then!
Posted by EricaB at 09:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 08, 2008
Creating Connections
Please help spread the word. The Community Fund of Darien has updated its incredible resource directory called Creating Connections - it's where you'll find contact information for mental health and support services for the entire Darien community. Click here to access the directory through The Community Fund, or visit Town Hall's website.
And remember that you can always dial 2-1-1, toll-free, 24-hours a day for information on community services and contact information for human services.
Posted by EricaB at 09:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 21, 2008
Something for the entire family
Within the past few months, I've have the fortunate opportunity to become more familiar with some of the non-profit organizations in town, and I have to say that I'm constantly blown away by all of the great things that are going on here.
A few weeks ago, I made a visit to Family Centers, which is located at 590 Post Road, in the building we typically associate with the Center for HOPE. It's a wonderfully warm space filled with materials that encourage hope, empowerment, and brighter futures - incredibly impressive in and of itself, I thought. Little did I know that Family Centers is not just a brilliant place to be, but also offers over thirty programs and services that are available to make all of our lives a little easier each day. WOW!
Just some of the programs for children and their families include Head Start, Homework Club, The Den for Grieving Kids, parenting workshops, and mental health and crisis counseling. Family Centers also offers senior health insurance counseling, friendly visitors and support groups, employment assistance, and housing resources, among others.
Perhaps there is a program available that could benefit you or someone you know. We could all use a little bit of help from time to time, right? Luckily, on Tuesday, March 25th, from 4 to 5 p.m., Gil Consolini, director of behavioral health at Family Centers, will be visiting Darien Library's Children's Room to discuss the programs and services available to Darien residents.
Why not stop by and find out about some of the great things going on in Darien? I hope to see you there!
Posted by EricaB at 03:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 19, 2008
Darien Boy Scouts need your help!
On May 4th, the Darien Boy Scouts troops 53 and 35 will be holding their 35th annual tag sale, and they are looking for donations of the following:
Lawnmowers • Furniture • Lawn Furniture • Pictures • Children’s Furniture • Lamps and shades • Computers & TV’s (purchased after 2006) • Sporting Equipment • Lawn and garden tools • Household items • Dishes and decorative items • Knick knacks and jewelry • Games and toys • Bikes, tricycles and scooters • Holiday Items
The Darien Boy Scouts will pick up donations from Darien residents on April 12th and 26th between 9am and 12pm, so be sure to call early to be added to the schedule. 656-1830 ext. 3
Drop-offs will be accepted on April 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 26th from 9am to 12pm at Scout's Cabin, 140 West Avenue.
For small BOAT donations call Steve Bennett 655-9299 or Sbennet3@optonline.net
The following items cannot be accepted for the tag sale: soft goods such as clothing or mattresses, exercise equipment, Xmas trees, construction materials such as sinks and window frames, swing sets, office desks, skis and boots, sofa beds, typewriters, air conditioners, or items with toxic materials such as paints or propane tanks.
Posted by EricaB at 04:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 07, 2008
You've got questions? We've got answers!
There are so many pressures on kids today - from school, family, friends, and teammates - that it can be difficult for them to simply get through the day without stress or anxiety. As a community, we want nothing but the best experiences for the children in our lives, and when we know of a child who could benefit from a little guidance, we want to ask for help. We just might not know who to ask.
Beginning Wednesday, March 19th, from 1pm to 2pm, we're going to do something new and very exciting at Darien Library. On every third Wednesday of the month, Susan Jasko, clinical coordinator of Darien's Child Guidance office, will be available in the Children's Room to answer any questions you may have about mental health and related services available to Darien children and their families. Child Guidance is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides assistance with child, adolescent, and family therapy, educational workshops, and parenting consultations, among other services.
So in between browsing for books or checking out the dvds at the Library, stop by the Children's Room to talk to Susan. If you've got questions, we've certainly got answers!
Posted by EricaB at 09:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 29, 2008
Family & Children's Agency of Norwalk
Family & Children's Agency (FCA), a non-profit, family-serving organization based in Norwalk, has been serving lower Fairfield County for over 65 years. FCA currently provides support to residents in Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, and Wilton, with a mission to help individuals, families, and organizations meet life's challenges successfully. By implementing over 30 programs in areas such as youth development and mentoring, family counseling with licensed clinical staff, and adoption assistance, FCA makes tremendous strides daily in supporting the entire community in all stages of life.
One of FCA's goals is to provide quality services to seniors who wish to live independently and safely in their own homes. The following services are offered:
-Home Health Aides assist with bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.
-Homemakers handle laundry, light housekeeping, and shopping.
-Companions socialize with seniors and provide transportation for running errands.
-Carpenters and handymen assist with house maintenance issues, such as snow removal, repairs, and heavy lifting.
-Live-In Services provide 24/7 caregiver service. All caregivers are screened by a registered nurse.
-Lifeline allows for easy access to emergency services simply by pressing a button.
On Saturday, April 5th, FCA will host its annual fundraising gala, "Soaring to New Heights," at Darien's Woodway Country Club. A silent and live auction will be held. To find out more about FCA's programs, the spring gala, or volunteer opportunities, please call 855-8765 or visit the website.
Posted by EricaB at 03:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 20, 2008
Do you know about 2-1-1?
If you dial 2-1-1 on your phone, anywhere in the state of Connecticut, you will be connected with a professional call specialist that will be able provide you with information about the network of community and social services available in your local area.
Accessible 24/7/365, the call specialists at 2-1-1 will help answer your questions about a variety of topics, including where to seek child counseling, transportation means for disabled residents, where to find reliable, affordable child and elderly care, how to obtain a passport, and what types of addictive behavior support groups are conducted nearby. (Remember to continue dialing 9-1-1 for police, fire, and EMS response service, and 4-1-1 for the telephone directory). The online 2-1-1 Navigator also provides questionnaires that determine whether you may qualify for state or federal programs that assist in paying for food, health insurance, and child care.
2-1-1 began in 1976 as an initiative by the United Way of Connecticut to provide easy access to a comprehensive database of health and human services, and since 2001, the FCC has used Connecticut's 2-1-1 as a model for the entire country. What innovation!
So help spread the word about 2-1-1. Perhaps you or someone you know could benefit from it, and there are many, many organizations and agencies wanting to lend a hand.
Posted by EricaB at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2008
Monday Nights Are Study Nights @ The Depot
Hey, Darien HS students!
Looking for a place to cram for that killer math test you have tomorrow? Head over to The Depot between 6pm and 9pm, because Monday nights are now study nights. You'll have access to the Depot's wireless Internet, computer terminals, and comfy couches in case you want to settle in for few hours of reading that novel for your English Lit class.
IMHO, with a snack bar, Wii games, DVDs, board games, and a huge flat-screen tv, you'll have lots of excuses to take a mid-study break, all without that guilt-inducing "get back to your books" glare from the 'rents! Sounds pretty good, right?
Posted by EricaB at 04:32 PM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2008
February is American Heart Month
Did you know that February is American Heart Month? The American Heart Association has begun an initiative called Go Red For Women, a site dedicated to women's heart health. Visit the website to share stories of how your life has been affected by heart disease and stroke, take the heart health checkup test, and learn ways to protect your heart at any age.
The community of Darien will be celebrating American Heart Month in a variety of ways. Here are some events so far:
Free Heart Health Seminar:
Friday, February 22nd, 12pm-1pm
Darien Health Department and Stamford Hospital will join together to present a seminar on cardiovascular health for women and their families. Admission is free, and the program will be held at Darien Town Hall Auditorium, 2 Renshaw Road.
Cholesterol Screenings:
Friday, February 29th, 9am-1:30pm
Nursing & Home Care and Darien Health Department will join together to conduct community cholesterol screenings, which will be held in Room 206 at Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road. Allow one half-hour for the appointment, and for more information, call Nursing & Home Care at 203-762-8958 x221.
Posted by EricaB at 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2008
Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut
Our children are our future.
It’s a cliché...I know. You’ve heard it a thousand times and possibly more. It bears repeating, however, because it allows us to take a moment and consider the responsibilities this mantra suggests. It is so easy for us, as adults, to become wrapped up in our own lives…our own situations …our own worries…yet, it can be even easier for the experiences, concerns, and issues of the children in our lives to seem unapparent or to be dismissed as trivial in comparison. Without proper acknowledgement and treatment, these issues can grow to become psychological, behavioral, developmental, social, or family problems; they not only interfere with daily functions, but they also threaten long-term development.
In such instances, can our children really have a fair shot at a promising future?
Of course, we’d all like to believe that every child we encounter in our daily routine is carefree and has a perfect, blissful childhood. We know, however, that this is not the case, and that there are youngsters in every community that need the guidance of professionally-trained adults to make it through tough circumstances, achieve personal happiness, and reach optimum potential.
Luckily for the residents of Darien, Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan, Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC) is reaching out with helping hands and is committed to providing the support necessary to assist our children to rise above troubled times and thrive.
The CGC is an outpatient mental health center for children and adolescents, birth to age 18, and cares for youngsters experiencing depression, anxiety, eating or sleep disorders, hallucinations, promiscuity, risky behavior, child abuse or neglect, the death of a parent or loved one, suspension from school, a sudden distressing event, or being a witness to violence in the home, school, or community. Centers are located in Darien at 92 Post Road, as well as in Stamford and Greenwich.
The center’s clinical staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists provides a variety of services that are tailored to the needs of each patient. Here are just a few to be aware of:
Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy:
Obtain individualized mental health assessments, treatments, and evaluations for non-emergency situations such as divorce, peer and academic pressures, self-esteem, depression, and learning disabilities. Appointments are requested, but the center does accept drop-in patients, as well.
Emergency Mobile Crisis Services:
Call 203-323-9797 for immediate mental health assessments and stabilization for children and adolescents who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms as a result of a traumatic event. With a special focus on youth suicide prevention, mobile services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to stabilize emergencies at home, school or in the community.
Community Education:
The center provides workshops and seminars to educate members of the community about mental health issues that youngsters may be experiencing and the avenues that can be taken to help them. Remember, you always have the ability to refer a child to CGC.
CGC is a non-profit organization committed to assuring access to quality mental health services for all children and families in need, regardless of ability to pay. Often, even those patients who have insurance are not covered for all necessary treatment, leading CGC to provide subsidy to 97% of patients. There are several ways to lend support to a center that has and will continue to make critical differences in the lives of our youth. Make a donation! To attend Come Play!...It's Camp, an annual fundraising gala be held on May 10, 2008, contact Jeannine Egdorf at 203-517-3320 or Jeannine.Egdorf@Childguidancect.org. Or to volunteer your time, contact Sherry Perlstein at 203-324-6127.
For more information about CGC of Southern Connecticut, contact Jeannine Egdorf at 203-517-3320 or Jeannine.Egdorf@Childguidancect.org. For information that is specific to the Darien office of CGC, contact Susan Jasko at 203-662-9380.
Now that we know about CGC and the wonderful services it provides, the future looks incredibly bright, doesn't it?
Posted by EricaB at 02:12 PM | Comments (1)
December 20, 2007
Noroton Presbyterian Church in Nationally Televised Christmas Special
Are you planning to stay up late on Monday night to sneak a peek at what Santa has brought you this year?
If so, don't forget to tune in to ABC (channel 7 or 8) at 1:05am on December 25th to see Darien's own Noroton Presbyterian Church partake in some holiday festivities. The one-hour program, The Angels Sing, will feature the church's chamber choir, instrumentalists, and soloists, as well as scripture readings.
If you have a moment, you should definitely check out a short clip of the program, available at the Presbyterian(U.S.A) website. The music is truly wonderful, and if you watch closely, you'll no doubt spot Becky Hoover, a member of Darien Library's staff, among the performers! Congratulations to all...
...and Merry Christmas!
Posted by EricaB at 02:44 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2007
Calling all holiday shoppers
During this festive yet busy time of year, the Depot is here to save the day with lots of holiday cheer! Did you know that you can stop by the Depot (located at 45 Heights Road on the corner of Noroton Avenue) on the following dates to have your Christmas gifts wrapped?
Saturday, December 15th, from 12pm to 6 pm
Sunday, December 16th, from 12pm to 6 pm
Tuesday, December 19th, from 5pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, December 20th, from 5pm to 8pm
Thursday, December 21st, from 5pm to 8pm
Friday, December 22nd, from 5pm to 8pm
Saturday, December 23rd from 12pm to 6pm
The Depot provides the paper and bows while supplies last. All you need to do is bring in your presents, and enjoy the feeling of checking something off of your holiday to-do list! Now if only finding the perfect gift was this easy...
Posted by EricaB at 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2007
'Tis the season of giving & receiving
During a month when greater purposes in life may sometimes elude us amongst the flurry of holiday shopping, baking, and decorating, there is no better time than now to remind you of a remarkable volunteer service that St. Luke's Church is offering to all Darien residents.
Many of you may already be aware of "Caring For Each Other Day," an annual event in which St. Luke's members gather to provide assistance to their fellow parishioners in need through small home repairs and maintenance tasks, such as leaf raking, air conditioning window unit removals, smoke detector battery replacements, minor carpentry repairs, and garbage removal.
But...did you know that St. Luke's has a Small Tasks Force Ministry comprised of about 12 volunteers that offer helping hands to the entire Darien community all throughout the year?!
At the helm of it all is Darien-resident Charlie England, whose own carpentry skills, hard work, and dedication have already made an incredible contribution towards the goals of the Aging in Place with Grace Committee, an effort put forth by the Community Fund of Darien. The committee consists of Darien organizations and community members, and its purpose is to help the town's residents remain in safe living conditions in their homes for as long as they desire.
There is much more to be done to fulfill Aging in Place with Grace's purpose, however, and becoming a part of the St. Luke's Small Tasks Force Ministry will surely bring us all a step closer. Plus, it's the perfect way to get into the spirit of giving & receiving this holiday season. Don't you agree? Volunteers are needed, as are people to use this great service!
Please contact Mr. England to request services or to lend a helping hand. Call 912-8720 or email charlesengland@sbcglobal.net
For more information about the Small Tasks Force Ministry at St. Luke's Church, please read Katharine Lake's wonderful opinion piece published in the November 21st edition of The Darien Times. The article, entitled A Force For Small Tasks, can be accessed online through NewsBank on the Darien Library website. If you're reading from home, just make sure to have your library card handy for log-in.
Don't hesitate to join in on this endeavor, whether by lending a helping hand or by providing tasks for the volunteers to complete. Just think of how a tiny effort can make a huge difference in the lives of both a volunteer and a person in need. As Mr. England stated in the newspaper article, "A care giver is also a care receiver."
Posted by EricaB at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)