Susan Gorin has faithfully served as an engaged, active, and visible member of the Children's Institute Board of Directors since her appointment in 2002. After she retired from the Board she has continued to be available to offer guidance and support building on her 25 years as an executive director. Throughout her tenure, Susan has lifted up the work of Children’s Institute to a variety of audiences and to support the mission whenever, however, and wherever she is journeying.
Welcome
On behalf of the
This past January, Children’s Institute hosted their bi-annual Community Update with a theme of ‘Coming Together.’
When working to support your child's social and emotional development, one of the most powerful things you can do is to help them understand the connection between cause and effect. Books are an excellent way to support this skill because we can look at the actions and emotions of characters to understand these connections, in a way that is safe, flexible, and objective for young people.
1. Get good information. It’s easy to let our minds run with the latest rumors popping up on social media, or listen to the talking heads speculate on cable news. Between video clips, memes, photo captions, and personal posts, we might see inaccurate information where ever we look. However, its most important during times of increased anxiety to make sure the information you are internalizing is high quality, timely, and well-informed. The same technology that enables rumors also empowers us with the ability to go right to the source for our updates, and although it may not be as fun as looking at memes on Facebook, it’s certainly more useful. We recommend following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal Department of Health, and your state Department of Health for the best information. Subscribe to updates and check in with official sources.
We are excited to share news about the new TRANSFORM Research Center at Mount Hope Family Center, one of Children’s Institute’s longstanding partners and community neighbors. Dr. Jody Todd Manly, Clinical Director at Mt Hope Family Center, explained that the new Center will provide guidance to providers around ensuring child wellness, provide the latest research to lawmakers, and support education structures for parents. While the TRANSFORM Center focuses primarily on preventing child abuse and neglect, this research also informs childcare for all young people.
January is National Mentoring Month in the US, and with the new year comes an excellent opportunity to begin, build, or grow positive mentoring relationships for youth in your schools and programs. For those who have read Homer’s Greek epic The Odyssey (possibly not since your own school days), Mentor is known as the close friend of Odysseus who is responsible for Telemachus, Odyssesus’ son, during his long voyage and the Trojan War. Perhaps a bit closer to our modern applications, a mentor is simply an experienced and trusted advisor, guide, or friend.
In the spirit of reflecting on culture and the upcoming winter holiday season, our staff had fun chatting about our own families’ customs and cultural practices. We found a lot in common with each other and we heard some fun stories about unique traditions.
By Elizabeth Devaney
Director, Whole Child Connection
By Caitlin Orbanek
When schools and districts start to explore culturally responsive education, the first thought may be “where do we even begin?” While intentionally developing, growing, and embracing a culturally responsive environment for youth and adults in any setting is deeply important work, there is no one right way to get started.