FW: If you have older youth in care, please read and share

 

Attached is a newsletter that provides information, benefits and supports for older teens/young adults in DCF care and custody.

Please feel free to review and share with your youth.

Thank you,

 

Jennifer Hubbard

Adolescent Outreach Worker

Cape Ann/Lynn DCF

978-825-3918

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

 

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From: O'Brien, Timothy (DCF)
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2011 12:43 PM
To: Adams, Lisa (DCF); Banks, Michelle (DCF); Cassano, Stephanie (DCF); Ciullo, Lisa (DCF); Cronin, Mark (DCF); Cruz, Bernadette (DCF); Frauton, Christine (DCF); Gates, Heather (DCF); Haber, Madlynn (DCF); Holdsworth, Dawn (DCF); Howard, Susan (DCF); Hubbard, Jennifer (DCF); Lopez, Lynne (DCF); Marchand, Nicole (DCF); Martin, Kathy (DCF); Messeder, Maureen (DCF); Morgan, Mercy (DCF); O'Brien, Timothy (DCF); Penney, Cheryl (DCF); Quinlan, Kristen (DCF); Rogato, Francesca (DCF); Sutton, Eyma (DCF)
Subject: Newsletter - Nov. 2011

November 2011	Fall Issue
In This Issue   ·     Network of Foster Care Alumni ·    DCF Grant and Scholarship Update ·    Adolescent Services Training Update ·    College Advising Schedule – Fall 2011 Helpful Links   To Register for a PAYA training staff must log onto PACE. (Click on logo.) U.S. Dept of Education www.college.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov www.edpubs.ed.gov       Contact Us Maureen Fallon Messeder Director 617-748-2231   Michelle Banks Program Supervisor 617-748-2430   Timothy O’Brien Education and Training 617-748-2309                         Next Issue:   ·  FAFSA Updates · DCF Internship Program ·  National Youth in Transition Database ·  PAYA Incentive Program ·  DCF Area Office Educational Open Houses	DCF Adolescent Support Services E-Newsletter   The DCF Adolescent Support Services Unit continues to seek ways to enhance communication across the state to all who are working with adolescents in DCF care.  In order to support the work of caring for adolescents we hope to use this newsletter as a means to inform the field of updates within the Adolescent Support Services Unit.    Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni   “Lifetime community. Lifetime support”       Join us on Thursday, November 17th 2011 in celebrating the launch of the Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni (MassNFCA)!  MassNFCA’s vision is to ensure all alumni of foster care are well-supported and well-connected throughout all phases of life.   We will gather at the New England Dream Center in Worcester from 6-8:30 PM to share an evening of discussion, discovery, dinner and dessert.  You will hear about the mission of MassNFCA, meet its Board, and network with alumni and their allies. You’ll also learn how you can make a difference by assisting with the development and success of the Network. This is the first of a series of events MassNFCA will be hosting to help build and strengthen the ties of foster care alumni across Massachusetts.    To register, you may email Anthony Barrows at abarrows@jbcc.harvard.edu.  You may also register for the event by making an optional $10 donation online through the Events Registration link at www.judgebaker.org.    You can find more information about MassNFCA at www.massnfca.org, or by calling 877.624.3440.   The New England Dream Center is conveniently located downtown at 5 Chestnut Street, Worcester, MA 01609 and has ample free parking and nearby street parking.     DCF Financial Support Programs for Post-Secondary Education         Grants and Scholarships Numerous financial assistance programs are currently assisting foster and adoptive youth across the Commonwealth for the 2011-2012 academic year. 2011-2012 applications for the DCF Education Assistance programs are now available on the DCF website. www.mass.gov/dcf.  Link to Adolescent Services then Education/Tuition Assistance. ·        Massachusetts Foster and Adoptive Tuition and Fee Waiver Program ·        Education and Training Voucher Program ·        Mass Foster Child Grant Program ·        William Warren Scholarship To be eligible for any of the above listed programs all students MUST file the 2011-2012 FAFSA at: www.fafsa.ed.gov For further information or questions about eligibility, please call the DCF Adolescent Services Division at: 617-748-2309.       2011 Adolescent Services Training Schedule Training Updates         Upcoming PAYA Trainings   Van Wart Area Office – Nov. 8th, 10-3. North Central Area Office – Nov. 9th, 10-3.   Foster Youth and Higher Education Trainings   Framingham Area Office – Dec. 12th, 10-1. Springfield Area Office – Dec. 13th, 10-1. Plymouth Area Office – Dec. 14th, 10-1.   To register for a specific training, please log into PACE.  You can link directly to PACE on the Helpful Links section of this newsletter.   Fall Semester 2011 – College Advising Schedule         Each academic semester DCF Education and Training Social Workers visit many of the Massachusetts Public College campuses.  Students are able to meet and discuss academic and financial planning, as well as other student support services.  Mailings and e-mails are sent to students to remind them of times and locations.  Please share this information with your youth and encourage them to take part in this important service.  Advising days are also a great opportunity for DCF students to connect with one another. Upcoming days at four year state universities and community colleges:     Holyoke C.C. – 11/9, 10-12. Frost Bldg. Presidents Library Springfield Tech. C.C. – 11/9, 1-3. Bldg. 27 - Meeting         Room 1 Westfield State – 11/10, 11-2. Ely Room 112 Bridgewater State – 11/14, 11-2. Library MDR Room Salem State – 11/17, 12-3. Campus Center Room 207 Worcester State – 11/22, 11-2. Student Center Rm. 202