News & Library
Keep up with the latest news about Firefly Children and Family Alliance, from recent announcements to new programs and services
TIPS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
Back to school season 2020 looms only weeks away and represents for many families their most uncertain schooling experience to date. Sitting with that uncertainty can allow sprouts of stress and anxiety to pop up in our kids. Though we’re equally unsure of what school will look like this fall, Families First would like to offer some ideas and strategies to help your children cope with the stress of going back to school during a global pandemic.
Kris’ Corner – What is a CASA?
Before we became foster parents, my friends who had fostered would talk about their CASAs and apparently I just didn’t fully absorb what a CASA does. Or who a CASA is in a case. Or what an involved CASA can mean in the life of a child. I realize that some (or many) of...
ANTIRACISM RESOURCES FOR THE FAMILY
Families First believes in helping our community through life’s challenges and changes. We believe in helping people deal with issues that are too tough to tackle alone. For us, standing with the Black community in the fight against racial injustice means sharing resources that can help your family start or further conversations about race, racism, and anti-racism.
Kris’ Corner – It is expensive to foster
It costs money to raise children…regardless of how they come into your home. Food, clothing, medication, toiletries, toys, and the list goes on, depending on their age. The cost of fostering is something that most people want to ask me about but are reluctant…so I try...
WATER SAFETY & THE IMPORTANCE OF SUNSCREEN
It’s summer, and it’s hot and we know there is no better way to cool down than swimming. Families First wants everyone to have fun, but most importantly be safe!
Playing in water provides a lot of benefits to children. Here are some of the benefits of water play and what caregivers can do to ensure the safety of everyone in the water.
Kris’ Corner – The ABC’s of Foster Care
So I wanted to take a few minutes to give you the 411 on the ABCs of FC. For some reason, these seem to be on the DL, so oftentimes you have to guess what they *might* mean. But they don’t need to be on the QT…so here’s is your starter list for talking to those...
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS SUMMER
It’s summertime which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Although Summer 2020 will be a summer like no other with the stress and modifications due to COVID19, there are still plenty of things to do to make lasting memories.
Kris’ Corner – You don’t have to be a parent to be a foster parent
Over the years, I’ve had people tell me that they’re just not sure they could foster because they don’t have any other children, and they’ve never parented. So I typically respond with something like this, “At some point, we were all in the same position…we weren’t...
JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH AND FATHER’S DAY IS THIS WEEKEND!
There is no better time of year to support the men in your life by encouraging them to focus on their health. When it comes to a healthier body and mind, prevention is critical. Many of the risk factors for disease are preventable. Learning what to look for and what changes to make, can help lower those risks.
SUMMER PLANS: CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH KIDS!
IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!
Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth takes place on June 19th every year to commemorate the 1865 federal orders read in Galveston, Texas stated that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863! While Juneteenth celebrations have been canceled, or moved online due to COVID-19, you can still learn and celebrate with your family! Below are some ideas to celebrate the day.