Resources, Referrals, and Support / Recursos, Referencias, y Apoyo

FEBRUARY/FEBRERO2015MARCH/MARZO2015

Nuestra misión es cultivar el desarrollo saludable de los niños y familias en nuestra comunidad. Ofrecemos recursos, referencias, apoyo y oportunidades a los proveedores de cuidado de niños, familias y comunidades en el Oeste de Condado de Sonoma

“Our mission is to nurture the healthy development of children and families in our community. We offer resources, referrals, support and opportunities to child care providers, families and communities in western Sonoma County”.

Sponsorship Information for The Human Race: May 9, 2015__________________________________________________________

(Your business, individual or organization name)

Is donating a sponsorship fee of:

$100.00 OR,

$_______ (write in your own level of sponsorship amount)

As acknowledgement of your sponsorship donation, RCCS will have your business logo on signs and banners (carried by race participants), on the RCCS website, Face book page and in the RCCS newsletter. Please provide your business card and logo (in an .ai, .pdf, .jpg, or .eps format) after your payment. You may email them to eboyce@rccservices.org or mail a high quality scan-able graphic before April 30, 2015 if you wish to have your business logo displayed.

____________________________ _______________Name of Sponsor Date

__________________________________________________ ___________________________Address and contact phone number of sponsor Email address of sponsor

Completed form to may be mailed to:

River to Coast Children’s ServicesAttention: Elaina BoycePO Box 16Guerneville, CA 95446http://www.rccservices.org

Donation Methods:

Donate ONLINE at http://www.rccservices.org by clicking on any DONATE button at the top of each page. To donate by check (make check out to RCCS) include this filled out form and mail to:

RCCSPO Box 16

Guerneville, CA 95446

Please provide your business card and/or logo (in an .ai, .pdf, .jpg or .eps format) with payment OR email these files to eboyce@rccservices.org.

RCCS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your sponsorship/donation is tax-deductible. Our EIN is 94-2378459. A copy of this contract will be mailed to you for your records.

Your sponsorship allows RCCS to continue to provide crucial counseling and basic-human-needs services to children and their families in our West

County communities. Thank You!

River to Coast Children’s Services

Staff and their phone number extensions.

(707) 869-3613:

• Soledad Cardona (Executive Director) 111• Agnese Daniel (Fiscal Director) 106• Paige Allen (Fiscal Specialist) 110• Ana Martinez (Family Case Manager) 109• Faviola Ledezma (Family Case Manager) 114• Julian Villarreal-Kirby (Family Case Manager)

155• Julie Feingold (Child Development Program

Director) 105• Kari Wilson (Child Development Resource

Specialist) 112• Lupita Dominguez (Child Development

Resource Specialist) 118• Elaina Boyce (Community Resources & Referral

Coordinator, Newsltter Editor) 104• Anahi Flores (R&R Counselor, Office Manager)

101• Sabrina Dannels, Psy.D., Registered

Psychologist RPS2012411 (Counseling Intern) Call 869-3613 for appointment information

ALGUNOS PUNTOS DE NUESTRA POLIZA DE REFERENCIAS

La poliza de referencias de RIVER TO COAST CHILDREN’S SERVICES respeta la preferencia de los padres. La responsabilidad de escoger el cuidado de niños es de los padres. Asistimos a los padres a encontrar la variedad más amplia de cuidado de niños que se ofrece y ofrecemos información para evaluar el cuidado de niños. Una recomendación de RCCS no significa una garantía de calidad. Les pedimos a los padres que hagan una entrevista cuidadosa y que examinen las recomendaciones antes de que dejen un niño al cuidado de otra persona.

Padres que están buscando información acerca de quejas previas de una casa o centro con licencia para cuidar niños, pueden llamar a Community Care Licensing tel. 588-5026.

Para registrar una queja llamen al mismo numero al River to Coast Children’s Services. 707.869-3613.

OUR REFERRAL POLICY

River to coast children’s services’ referral policy is based on respecting parental choice. Responsibility for selecting child care rests with each parent. RCCS assists parents in finding the widest range of available child care and offers information to help families evaluate available child care options. A RIVER TO COAST CHILDREN’S SERVICES referral is not a recommendation or a guarantee of quality care. Parents should carefully interview and check references of potential child care providers before leaving a child in their care.

For Information on all licensed family child care homes and centers call Community Care Licensing at 707.588.5026 River to Coast Children’s Services. 707.869-3613. info@rccservices.org

/ www.rccservices.org

PRODUCT SAFETY UPDATES:CRIB RECALL

Federal regulators are recalling more than 1.5 million Delta cribs following the deaths of two infants. The recall is being conducted in coop-eration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safe-ty Commission ( CPSC). For specific informa-tion regarding this recall, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls/2009/infant-death-prompts-recall-to-repair-985000-delta-enter-prise-drop-side-cribs-missing-safety-pegs-can-cause-entrapment-and-suffocation-hazards/and the Delta Enterprise crib recall web site at http://www.cribrecallcenter.com/.

HIGH CHAIR AND STROLLER RECALL Nearly 100,000 Majestic high chairs made by Evenflo have been recalled after reports of dozens of injuries to children when the seat backs fell off. For specific information regard-ing this recall, please visit the U.S. Consumer

Product Safety Commission, Office of Informa-tion and Public Affairs at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls/2009/evenflo-recalls-majestic-high-chairs-due-to-fall-and-choking-hazards/.

Also, some 1,600 Phil & Teds Dash Buggy stroll-ers , made in China and imported by Regal La-ger, Inc. have been recalled because the frame handle could fail to latch properly and break, posing a fall hazard to small children. For de-tails, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs. You may also call 1-800-593-5522, or visit their website at http://www.regallager.com/recalls/default.aspx.

It is important to stay current on consumer recalls. All too of-ten, consumers don’t learn of a recall until it’s too late. For up-to-date recall information, visit the California State Department of Consumer Affairs website at http://www.consumeraffairs.com/ and click on “Recalls” at the top of the webpage.

Servicios de preparación de impuestos GRATIS para las personas que califiquen!Ahora, más que nunca, usted merece que le regresen su dinero, especialmente durante la temporada de impuestos. Gánalo! Guárdalo! Ahórralo! A PARTIR SÁBADO, 24 DE ENERO 2015, RCCS OFRECE GRATIS, LA PREPARACIÓN DE LA DECLARACION DE IMPUESTOS DE CALIDAD A INDIVIDUOS Y FAMILIAS. Para calificar para esta ayuda GRATUITA y poder aplicar para posibles créditos de cuidado infantil por ingreso del trabajo, el ingreso familiar debe ser menos de $54,000. Ser un ciudadano de los EE.UU. no es un requisito. Los lugares que ofrecen estos servicios también garantizaran a los contribuyentes elegibles que reclaman el Crédito Tributario por Ingreso del Trabajo (EITC), uno de los mayores recursos del gobierno federal para los residentes de bajos ingresos. Se reduce la cantidad de impuestos que las familias de bajos a moderados ingresos estén obligados a pagar, y ofrece un suplemento salarial para algunas familias. De acuerdo con la New American Foundation, miles de californianos no reclaman el EITC. Las familias y la economía local sufre cuando estos reembolsos no son reclamados.

Que debe traer a RCCS donde prepararan sus impuestos Gánelo! Guárdelo! Ahórralo! :• Tarjeta de identificación con foto• Tarjeta de seguro social o ITIN para el contribuyente • Fechas de nacimiento de todos los miembros de la familia• Documentación de ingresos• W-2 de todos los puestos de trabajo• Forma de 1099 y otras formas de ingresos (ex. Trabajo por su cuenta propia

-1099; Ingresos de intereses acumulados – 1099-INT; Desempleo – 1099-G; Seguro social)

• Cheque en blanco para deposito directo• Declaración de impuestos del año anterior• Otros documentos:• Nombre, dirección y numero de teléfono del propietario (si renta)• Gastos de cuidado infantil- documentación de gastos y nombre de proveedor, dirección y identificación fiscal • Gastos de educación – matricula y libros; intereses de prestamos estudiantiles • Costos médicos• Gastos de negocio • Información de hipoteca y impuestos de propiedad

FREE tax preparation services for those who qualify!Now, more than ever, you deserve to keep your money, especially during tax season. Earn It! Keep It! Save It! STARTING SATURDAY, JAN 24, 2015, RCCS IS PROVIDING FREE, QUALITY TAX RETURN PREPARATION TO INDIVIDUALS, AND FAMILIES. To qualify for FREE tax help and possible earned income tax and child care credits, your household income must be less than $54,000. Being a U.S. citizen is NOT a requirement.

The tax sites also ensure eligible taxpayers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), one of the federal government’s largest resources for low-income residents. It reduces the amount of income tax low-to-moderate income families are required to pay, and provides a wage supplement to some families. According to the New America Foundation, thousands of Californians fail to claim EITC. Families and local economies suffer when these refunds go unclaimed.

What to bring to RCCS Earn It! Keept It! Save It!:• Photo ID• Social Security cards or ITIN for tax payer, spouse and all dependents• Dates of birth for family members• Documentation of income:• W-2 forms for all jobs• 1099 forms and other income forms (Ex. Self Employment – 1099-Misc; Interest

Income – 1099-INT; Unemployment – 1099-G; Social Security)• Voided check for direct deposit• Previous year’s tax return if available• Other documents:• Name, address and phone number of landlord (if you rent)• Child care expenses – documentation of expenses and provider name, address, tax ID• Education expenses – tuition and books; student loan interest• Medical costs• Business expenses• Mortgage and Property Tax information

For more information / Para más información: (707) 869-3613

Pilares del Desarrollo

Early Intervention For Young Children With Developmental Delays

Mientras más rápido empezamos,

Llegarán más lejos.

Sitioweb para IntervenciónTemprana del Departamento deServicios Humanos: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ei

Este cuadro le guiará en el crecimiento y desarrollo de un niño durante las edades críticas desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de tres años. Los pilares del desarrollo anotados a continuación son típicos en los niños de edad temprana. Por favor recuerde que cada niño es único -- crece y se desarrolla a diferentes ritmos. La mayoría del tiempo las diferencias entre niños de la misma edad no son para preocuparse.Pero en un niño de cada diez, la diferencia puede ser relacionada a un retrazo en el desarrollo.

Si usted tiene preguntas o preocupaciones acerca del crecimiento y desarrollo de un niño, llame gratis al 1-800-323-4769 (voz / TTY).Podemos darle respuestas a sus preguntas y ayudar a los niños a que alcancen las estrellas.

Para pedir materiales para el público llame al 1-800-851-6197.

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3

6

12

A la edad de un mes, la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Levantar la cabeza algo cuando está echado de barriga

Observar objetos brevemente

Hacer sonidos "ruidos en la garganta"

Quitarse las coberturas de la cara

A la edad de tres meses, la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Levantar la cabeza y el pecho cuando están echados de barriga

Demostrar movimientos de cuerpo con vigor

Seguir el movimiento de las personas con los ojos

Reconocer el biberón o seno

Sonreir cuando alguien les habla

A la edad de seis meses, la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Sentarse con mínimo apoyo

Voltearse de espalda a barriga

Voltear para ubicar e identificar sonidos

Transferir objetos de una mano a otra y de la mano a la boca

Responder a voces conocidas sonriendo

A la edad de 12 meses, la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Pararse y dar pasos con apoyo

Recoger cosas con un dedo

Señalar que sí con la cabeza

Dar cariño

Decir dos o tres palabras

3

2A la edad de 2,

la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Dar juguetes cuando se los piden

Patear una pelota grande

Voltear páginas de un libro (dos o tres a la vez)

Pedir cosas por su nombre

Reconocer un retrato familiar y saber si está boca arriba

Usar dos o tres palabras juntas, tal como "más jugo"

A la edad de 3, la mayoría de los niños pueden...

Subir escaleras agarrándose de la baranda

Pararse momentáneamente en un pie

Abrir puertas

Desabotonar botones grandes

Expresar sus necesidades para ir al baño

Acomodar objetos de diferentes tamaños

Estado de IllinoisDepartamento de Servicios Humanos

Los programas, actividades y oportunidades de empleo con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Illinois están disponibles y sonaccesibles a cualquier individuo o grupo sin considerar la edad, sexo, raza, orientación sexual, discapacidad, origen étnico o religión. El departamento es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidad de empleo, practica acción afirmativa y tiene programas para acomodarrazonablemente sus necesidades.

Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual orgroup without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employerand practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4389 (R-09-12) EI - MilestonesPrinted by the Authority of the State of Illinois. P.O.# 13-0236 100,000 copies

Developmental Milestones

1

3

6Early Intervention For Young Children With Developmental Delays

3

2

12The Sooner We Start,

The Farther They'll Go.

Department of Human Services Early Intervention web site:http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ei

This chart will guide you through the growth and development of an average child during the critical ages from birth to three years. The

milestones listed below are typical for young children. Please remember that every child is unique -- growing and developing at

different rates. Most of the time differences between children of the same age are nothing to worry about. But for one child in 10, the

difference can be related to a developmental delay.

If you have questions or concerns about a child's growth and development, call 1-800-323-4769 (voice/TTY). We can provide you with

answers and help you keep children reaching for the stars.

To order Public Awareness materials call 1-800-851-6197.

At age one month, most children can...

Raise their heads slightly when lying on their stomachs

Briefly watch objects

Make "noise in throat" sounds

Pull away from a cloth or blanket on their faces

At age three months, most children can...

Lift their heads and chests when lying on their stomachs

Show vigorous body movement

Follow a moving person with their eyes

Recognize a bottle or breast

Smile when someone speaks to them

At age six months, most children can...

Sit with minimal support

Roll from their backs to their stomachs

Turn to locate and identify sounds

Transfer objects from hand to hand and from hand to mouth

Respond to friendly speech with a smile or coo

At age 12 months, most children can...

Pull themselves up to stand and may step with support

Pick things up with a thumb and one finger

Nod their heads to signal "yes"

Give affection

Say two or three words

At age 2, most children can...

Hand over toys upon request

Kick a large ball

Turn pages in a book (two or three at a time)

Ask for items by name

Recognize a familiar picture and know if it is upside down

Use two or three words together, such as "more juice"

At age 3, most children can...

Walk up stairs while holding the railing

Stand momentarily on one foot

Open doors

Unbutton large buttons

Verbalize toilet needs

Stack objects of different sizes

State of IllinoisDepartment of Human Services

CHILD CARE UPDATE FALL 2014

Page 4 of 9

Assembly Bill (AB) 1819: Family day care home: Smoking Prohibition. AB 1819 prohibits the smoking of tobacco in a Family Child Care Home, and in the areas where children are present. Assembly Bill (AB) 2236: Care Facilities: Civil Penalties. AB 2236 increases the amount of civil penalties that may be imposed for a violation that results in the death of, or serious bodily injury or physical injury to, a resident or client. Assembly Bill (AB) 2386: Care Facilities: Carbon Monoxide Detectors. AB 2386 requires community care facilities; residential care facilities for the elderly; residential care facilities for persons with chronic, life-threatening illnesses; and child care facilities to have one or more functioning carbon monoxide detectors that meet specified statutory requirements in the facility and requires the Department to account for the presence of the detectors during inspections. Assembly Bill (AB) 2621: Child Day Care Facilities: Licensing Information. AB 2621 requires the California Department of Social Services to post licensing information on its website, to be updated at least monthly. This information must include: the name of the facility and the address (exception: family day care home addresses will not be posted); the status of the license and its capacity; the number of site visits, including noncomplaint inspections; the number of substantiated and inconclusive complaint inspections; and the number of citations assessed during the preceding five-year period.

A summary and implementation plan for these chaptered bills will be forthcoming and will be available on the community care licensing website. Unless otherwise noted in the implementation plan, these bills are effective January 1, 2015. Licensees are encouraged to review the plans to ensure

compliance with the provisions of these bills. If you have any questions you are encouraged to contact your local licensing office.

Chaptered Legislation

CHILD CARE UPDATE FALL 2014

Page 3 of 9

Contagious Illness Procedures & Requirements

Contagious outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been reported at child care facilities in Southern California. Providers should follow these procedures for outbreaks:

Requirements for Child Care Centers

Training: All personnel must have on-the-job training in the recognition of early signs of illness.

Attendance and Record Keeping Procedures: Centers should have clearly written inspection and record keeping procedures for illnesses involving staff and children. This is to ensure previously ill children are inspected and children with obvious symptoms are not admitted.

Requirements for Child Care Centers & Family Child Care Homes

Observe and Isolate: The behavior and health of the children should be continually observed. It is especially important that once a child appears ill that they are properly isolated away from direct contact with the other children and common play areas. Child Care Centers are responsible for establishing an “isolation area”, for children who appear ill, that meets the specific requirements found in Title 22 Regulations, Section 101226.2.

Record and Contact: Any unusual behavior and/or signs of illness requiring assessment or

first aid shall be recorded in the child’s records with the date of occurrence. Centers are to immediately notify the child’s guardian and request their ill child be picked up. Family Child Care Homes have more discretion in continuing care of ill children whose illness is not due to a contagious outbreak, but they must immediately notify the child’s guardian and safely isolate the ill child from common use areas and away from the other children in care.

Assess and Notify: Centers and Homes must follow-up with an ill child’s guardian or

physician to assess the cause of their illness. If it is determined to be caused by a communicable disease (like HFMD) providers must contact the authorized guardians for all children enrolled at that facility to notify them of their child’s exposure to contagious illness.

Outbreak Reporting: If you experience signs of a potential or suspected contagious

outbreak involving two or more children, you must report it to your Local Health Department. You must also complete an “Unusual Incident/Injury Report” using the Licensing Form LIC 624B for Homes and LIC 624 for Centers and submit that form to your local Child Care Licensing Regional Office on the next business day either by fax or by mail.

Follow-up and Prevention: Do not readmit previously ill children until it is fully determined

they are no longer contagious. Clean all common areas and surfaces that may have been contaminated with non-toxic/safe cleaners and disinfectants. Prevention Tips

Licensing Requirements

� 2/2 & 3: Kindergym in Guerneville � 2/4: Kindergym in Forestville � 2/5: Attendance sheets due in RCCS by 5 PM Hoy es el día límite de las Hojas de Asistencia a las 5 PM � 2/9 & 10: Kindergym in Guerneville � 2/10: Padres Abriendo Caminos (PAC) se reúne a las 6:00 PM en RCCS. Por favor llamar a Soledad al

707-869-3613 x 107 � 2/11: Kindergym in Forestville � 2/16: OFFICE CLOSED / OFICINA CERRADA � 2/16 & 17: NO KINDERGYM GUERNEVILLE � 2/18: Kindergym in Forestville � 2/18: Provider payday Dia de pago de los proveedores � 2/23 & 24: Kindergym in Guerneville � 2/25: Kindergym in Forestville

Calendar February 2015 Febrero Calendario

� 3/2 & 3: Kindergym in Guerneville � 3/4: Kindergym in Forestville � 3/5: Attendance sheets due in RCCS by 5 PM Hoy es el día límite de las

Hojas de Asistencia a las 5 PM � 3/9 &10: Kindergym in Guerneville � 3/10: Padres Abriendo Caminos (PAC) se reúne a las 6:00 PM en RCCS. Por favor llamar a Soledad al

707-869-3613 x 107 � 3/11: Kindergym in Forestville � 3/16 & 17: Kindergym in Guerneville � 3/18: Kindergym in Forestville � 3/18: Provider payday Dia de pago de los proveedores � 3/23 & 24: Kindergym in Guerneville � 3/25: Kindergym in Forestville � 3/25: Board of Directors meetingMesa Directiva de RCCS se reúne, 6:00 PM at RCCS � 3/30 & 31: Kindergym in Guerneville

Calendar March 2015 Marzo Calendario

March 20th, Spring begins

Ongoing Children's Activities from RCCS: Kindergym: ; River to Coast Children's Services brings Kindergym to Forestville on Wednesday 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Held at the Forestville

United Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Road in downtown Forestville, features activities for children 0 to 6 years (accompanied by their care givers)

; River to Coast Children’s Services offers Kindergym Monday and Tuesday mornings 9:45 AM to 12:20 PM in Guerneville at the Guerneville Vets’ Hall, located on the corner of 1st and Church Streets in downtown Guerneville. Features activities for children 0 to 6 years (accompanied by their care givers).

Kindergyms are FREE, but donations are accepted, Call 707.869.3613 for current schedule, or check the current RCCS newsletter online at www.rccservices.org

Serving west Sonoma County with:• Helppayingforchildcareforeligiblefamilies• Referralsforchildcare&communityresources• Supportandresourcesforchildcareproviders• Kindergymprogram• Lowcostcarsafetyseats• Emergencyresourcesprogram

Sirviendo el oeste del Condado de Sonoma con:• ReferenciasparaelCuidadodeNiños• RecursosparalosNiñosysusFamilias• ApoyoparalosProveedoresdelCuidadodeNiños• AyudaMonetariaparaelCuidadodeNiños• ProgramadeMaterialesdeEmergencia• GimnasioparaNiños• ProgramadeAsientosdeSeguridad

Resources, Referrals, and Support / Recursos, Referencias, y Apoyo

707.869.3613info@rccservices.org/www.rccservices.org

Know how much money you have to spend on food. Make a shopping list based on the money you have

to spend. Buy only the amounts of fresh foods you can use

before it spoils.

Consider frozen or shelf stable items that last longer.

Use foods you already have to plan menus.

Add missing foods to your shopping list.

Now More Than Ever, USDA’s Nutrition Assistance Programs Can Help

Resources: Available For Food

USDA’s Nutrition Assistance Programs:

Eat Right When Money’s Tight J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 F O O D A N D N U T R I T I O N S E R V I C E

Planning: Making Meals With Foods On Hand Before going to the grocery store, check what foods you already have. Once you know what foods you have, ask these questions: What meals and

recipes can I make using the foods I have?

Can I mix foods together to make a tasty and nutritious meal?

Which foods do my family need for good health?

Then:

Plan what recipes you will make using your list of foods.

Use other foods on your list such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to complete the menu.

Once you plan your

menus, make a new list for missing foods you need to buy.

~Turn the page for more tips on low-cost, healthy shopping.

CHECK OUT

MyPlate at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov Features practical informa-tion and tips to help Ameri-cans build healthier diets. MyPlate is designed to re-mind Americans to eat healthfully.

Community Corner on the SNAP-Ed Connection at

www.snap.nal.usda.gov Find information, tips, and tools for making healthy life-style choices.

Recipe Finder at http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov Contains over 600 low cost, nutritious, and delicious reci-pes in both English and Spanish.

The SNAP pre-screening

tool at www.snap-step1.usda.gov See if you qualify for SNAP

benefits and how much you might receive.

Find the location of your

nearest SNAP office at www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/default.htm

Many families are concerned about the rising cost of food. Read on for tips on how to stretch your food dollars through budgeting, food selection, and low-cost recipes. If you are struggling to put food on the table, USDA’s nutrition assistance programs may help.

P A G E 2

Look for bargains

on day old bread.

It costs less but is

still nutritious.

Fruits and vegetables are

usually less expensive when

they are in season. Farmer’s Markets

always carry what is in season.

Tips: Best Buys for Cost and Nutrition

Shopping: Before, During, and After Before Shopping

Make a shopping list. This helps you stick to your budget.

Plan your meals. Planning helps put leftovers to good use.

Look for coupons, sales, and store specials.

For added savings sign up for the store discount card.

During Shopping

Don’t shop when you are hungry. It’s easier to stick to your shop-ping list.

Try store brands. They usually cost less.

Compare products for the best deal.

Check sell by dates. Buy the freshest food possible. It lasts longer.

After Shopping

Store food right away to preserve freshness.

Freeze food to prevent spoiling.

Divide foods into small portions for children and elderly to prevent waste.

Use foods with the earliest expiration dates first.

Fruits Buy fresh fruits in season

when they generally cost less.

Frozen and canned fruits are a smart choice all year round.

Low-Fat Milk Products

Buy fresh, low-fat milk, yo-gurt, and cheese in the largest size that can be used before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes.

Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer expiration date and won’t spoil as fast.

Meat and Beans Dried beans and peas are

a good source of protein and fiber. They last a long time without spoiling.

Chuck or bottom round roast has less fat and is cheaper than sirloin.

Look for specials at the meat counter. Buy meat on sale for big savings.

Buy meat in large bulk packages to save money. Freeze portions you might not use right away to prevent spoiling.

Breads and Grains Look for bargains on day

old bread. It costs less but is still nutritious.

Buy regular rice, oatmeal, and grits instead of instant to save on money, sugar, and calories.

Vegetables and Salad

Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly in the freezer between uses.

Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. They are usually more expensive and spoil faster.

P A G E 3

USDA’s nutrition

assistance programs provide

assistance to millions of American

households struggling to balance their

budgets.

Resources for SNAP Partners, Educators, and the Community

USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs Can Help Make Ends Meet You may qualify for more than Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. If you get SNAP benefits and have children in school, they qualify for free lunch and breakfast. If you are low-income and pregnant, breastfeeding, a new mom or have children under five years old, you might qualify for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program that provides food to low-income persons. For more information on these programs, contact:

The SNAP-Ed Connection is an online resource center which contains informa-

tion on healthy eating, using your food dollar wisely, and over 600 low cost reci-

pes in English and Spanish. Visit the SNAP-Ed Connection at:

For more information, visit the SNAP-Ed Connection Web site.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C.

20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program For: Eligible low-income people and their families Call 1-800-221-5689 To find your nearest SNAP office visit: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/default.htm

WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

For: Eligible low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, new moms, and children under age 5

Visit: www.fns.usda.gov/wic/contacts/tollfreenumbers.htm

School Nutrition Programs For: Eligible low-income school-aged children Contact your local school or school district

TEFAP - The Emergency Food Assistance Program

For: Eligible low-income persons Visit: www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/tefap/

tefap_eligibility.htm

http://snap.nal.usda.gov

P.O. Box 16Guerneville, CA 95446

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U.S. POSTAGENON-PROFIT

GUERNEVILLE, CA 95446PERMIT #18

Printed with funds provided by the California Department of Education/EESD

OUR THANKS TO ALL THE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO MADE SURE OVER 350 WEST COUNTY CHILDREN IN NEED HAD FOOD, WARM CLOTHES AND A TOY THIS LAST HOLIDAY SEASON:• Welfare League of Santa Rosa: Christmas Unlimited• U.S.M.C. Reserves Sonoma County: Toys for Tots • Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwoods• Congregants of St Elizabeth, St Colman and St

Catherine Catholic Churches• WestAmerica Bank, Guerneville• Community First Credit Union, Guerneville• Russian River Rotary Club• Russian River Chamber of Commerce business

members• Jose Alvarez/Robert Flett "Barbers' Garage" , Rohnert

Park• Mr. Ross Bickford• Mr. Jerry D'elia• Ms. Maria Reyes• Ms.Lorena Chanxool• Ms. Soledad Cardona• AND all the West County community members who

adopted gift wishes from children.

Grateful Thank Yous to:R3, Guerneville for their donation of $2,000, The

Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their donation of $4000,

Barabara McNallyDara Peloquin

The RCCS Emergency Resources Program is funded by grants from:

Russian River Rotary Club, WestAmerica Bank, Guerneville, and Speedway Children Charities Somoma

County.

Our fabulous GIFT ELVES: Jennell Parr, Vesta Griffith, Carissa Allen, Mendy Behrens, Thanks!

LIKE US! ..... Visit us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/River-to-Coast-Childrens-Services/229456943781488