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Bridges Out of Poverty Update:
High Praise for Summer Resource Calendar
The children's summer activities (storytimes & playtimes) offered at Peace Connections actually grew out of the idea for a community listing of free/low cost activities for kids in Newton. A calendar of daily events that kids could participate in during June & July was put together, along with a list giving more detailed information.
The idea was developed by a number of community persons connected with the Bridges Out of Poverty group that meets monthly. People were asking how to reach children this summer in poverty, how to help. Many activities were mentioned that would be beneficial to children, but the question remained as to how to get the children to come. The group decided that first of all, people in poverty needed to be aware of these free/low cost opportunities. Therefore the plan was born to create a calendar listing what kids could participate in each day during the summer. Information was gathered on what was available and then put into calendar form. This was then given to the school district to send home with students, as well as, posted on their website. Calendars & information were also made available at the library, SRS, Salvation Army, laundry mats, etc.
The plan generated interest in the business community as well. The Gary Franz Team of Remax Assoc., Newton, was initially recruited to underwrite the cost for free family-friendly movies that would be shown at the Fox Theatre on Fridays. Emergency Services of Kansas recently gave additional special funds to help with licensing expenses that have come up. The Fox Theatre offered to be hosts/volunteers and other businesses contributed as well: McDonald's - orange drink; Master Plumbing - popcorn; Provident Bookstore - movies; St. Luke's, First Baptist, & New Life Assembly of God churches - movies; and Roger Erickson & HS friends - volunteering. Between 250-300 children attended this event on a recent Friday!
Besides a free movie, information on activities on the calendar included swimming/wading pools, vacation Bible schools, dance class, storytimes, Peace Connections offerings, Chisholm Trail Festival, camps, library events, and more.
Much praise has been given for the idea of creating such a resource. Many in the community have voiced their affirmation of the project. And best of all, hopefully many children have benefited!
Bridges Group Continues with Work and Dreams:
The Bridges Out of Poverty group, made up of a number of community members, continues to meet monthly to share and discuss ways of implementing the Bridges principals. At the June gathering, a wide variety of organizations were represented including Prairie View, several churches, Chamber of Commerce, District Court, Newton Public Library, Health Ministries Clinic, United Way, Harvey Co. Health Initiative, Communities in Schools of Harvey Co., SRS, etc.
Plans for the July 13 noon meeting involve a number of reports on current projects relating to the Bridges training: housing plan grant that was obtained through Prairie View, progress on the Community Health Initiative, information from aha! Process on implementing Bridges principles in the court systems.
At the August 10 meeting, a Newton Chamber of Commerce representative will speak on Bridges and businesses.
The public is invited to attend all monthly meetings. Meetings are held at Peace Connections unless otherwise listed.
Paul - Please put the following in a box near this article on Bridges:
Ken Grochowsky, Community Outreach Liaison for Newton SRS, has offered his availability to share Bridges information with various groups. The presentation concerns Community Capacity, which is the unit he works in, discussing what is being done to better serve clients, especially in the counties where SRS offices have closed. Information about the Kansas welfare system and from Bridges Out of Poverty is incorporated
Ken is happy to give presentations to any group, but is especially interested in targeting a younger audience--primarily late elementary or early middle school aged children--during the 2005-06 school year. Call Peace Connections for more information.