Monday, March 17, 2008

For your teens in care - Please read

A few of us in the office have been organizing the Cape Ann DSS Youth Advisory Board, which has met already twice this year. This is a group of 16+ foster youth who want to make changes for themselves and future foster teens. They have a couple of things they are working on:
A formal wear drive for proms and other events for males and females
DSS youth to youth mentoring program

If you have a teen in care who would like to attend our next meeting, it is scheduled for 3/18, Tuesday at 3pm. Because there is only a few of us, we could really use the assistance of the social workers to help out with transportation. Could you please let me know if you have a teen foster youth who is interested?

Thank you for your help!
Jen Hubbard
Adolescent Outreach Worker

DSS College Fair - April 24th

We have scheduled the College Fair again this year with the Mass Public Colleges. The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 24th at the Crowne Plaza Worcester located at 10 Lincoln Square Worcester, MA 01608. Attached is a flyer and a invite letter that you can give out foster youth, social workers, and foster parents.

We had a great turnout last year and are hoping this year will be the same.
Please let me know if you have any questions!

Jennifer Hubbard
Adolescent Outreach
Cape Ann/Lynn DSS
978-825-3918/781-477-1656

Youth Transition Fair

Youth Transition Fair
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A FREE event that offers great direct access to community support agencies & resources. Participants will learn how to begin planning for transition into adulthood, post-secondary education and beyond with informed and empowering options and choice

WHERE IS IT? North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus (Gymnasium)

If you are interested in participating please contact Sandra Efstratiou at (978) 825-7200
Or e-mail at sefstratiou@detma.org

Word of advice on taxes.....

a LOT of you are running into issues with getting ss#'s for children that were in your home that are eligible to use on your taxes.... Maybe a good idea is asking worker to give you SS#'s at placement. Those of you that are having trouble, are the ones that the child has gone home, DSS never got a SS# and now we have trouble getting. This might solve that type of problem.
And if we don't have a number, the worker can work on getting number while child is still in our custody and therefore avoiding the tax season frenzy....

If you are waiting for a foster parent ID....

There was a problem with the printer (it has been MONTHS!) so If you are waiting for one (I have no idea if anyone is) then they are on their way.

iIf you need an ID.... please make an appt with me! the ID is good for using to show ID's at schools etc as well as to prove you are a foster parent for any discounts from local merchants.

Prom Dresses

Northshore Fairy Godmother Project,Inc.

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
General Electric Plant
1000 Western Ave.
Lynn, MA

Call or e-mail for your Appointment NOW to Get Free Stuff You Can Keep!!!
New and Nearly New Gowns & Shoes, Make-up, Jewelry, and Purses….

For An Appointment or Further Information:
Check out our Website: northshorefairygodmother.org
Or call: 781-594-1255
The Northshore Fairy Godmother Project, Inc.
Leave a message and your call will be returned

Or Email: elfunfairygodmotherproject@ae.ge.com

Free computers

I have some computers coming in. They will be a little updated but should work ok. Anyone need one?

Neverland Theatre discounts

Andy is offering a special for foster families and employees. If you are interested, please check out
http://www.neverlandtheatre.com/
When you order tickets let them know you work at DSS or are a foster parent and that Andy has offered the 2 for 1 tix.

Prom Dresses

The 4th Annual Belle of the Ball Boutique will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Simmons College in Boston.

To qualify for the boutique, participants must have a referral form (attached) completed by a guidance counselor, teacher, church leader or social service representative. All forms should be faxed toll free to 1-800-251-7786 no later than Monday, April 14, 2008. All forms will be reviewed and referred candidates will receive notification in mid-April. Participants are expected to RSVP as they will be given a specific time to attend the boutique, find the perfect dress for her special night and have the opportunity to spend time with local make-up specialists and receive personal tips on the latest prom looks. There will be prizes raffled off to attendees.

Please fill out the attached referral form and fax it toll-free 1-800-251-7786 by April 14th.
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Smith at 617-328-0069 or email at ksmith@grahamcomm.com.
For more information, visit http://www.antons.com/belle/images/belle2007.pdf

Dream Dinners

Date: Wednesday March 26, 2008
Time: 7:00
Location: Dream DinnersHathorne Plaza (route 1 Danvers) MA
Carla's Cell: 978-884-4866
Reply to: Carla.King@state.ma.usHosted
By: Family Resource

Join us for a foster family night! 10% off! good conversation! Door prizes!!

Session Password: foster

CoCo Key Water Resort

We are excited to announce that Department of Social Services has been enrolled into the CoCo Key Water Resort E-Club Membership. As a member of this program, you are able to purchase online discounted tickets for the CoCo Key Water Resort.Purchase tickets today by visiting our "Exclusive" CoCo Key Online Ticket Store in one or both of the following ways:#1: Clicking on the following personalized online store web link (URL) on our Intranet site - password: GOL739 https://tickets.CoCoKeyWaterResort.com/affiliate.asp?ID=DA7DCC3A-1F10-4E3C-8894-5B8D66AF8CBD#2: Go direct to our online store 24/7 at https://tickets.cocokeywaterresort.com and enter the following personalized Store Name: DSS SALEM