Everyday HOPE

"Gladvocacy"

We're starting a new feature here at Everyday HOPE called "Gladvocacy." In my job, I'm blessed to hear some wonderful success stories of parents who advocate for their kids with great results. And it makes me...well...GLAD! I want to share those ideas with you from time to time to add to your bag of tricks.

Recently, I worked with a mom who was concerned about her child's safety during unstructured times of the school day. The child's medical needs are complicated, and this mom wanted to be sure that all staff--not just the child's teacher--were fully aware of the issues, particularly for recess time.

To increase awareness, this savvy mom created an ID card with her child's name and picture on the front, and the medical issues and safety procedures on the back. She laminated this card and put it on a lanyard. She gave permission for any recess attendant (including substitutes!) to read this. The lanyard is kept with the recess aide's whistle and clipboard, so that the recess staff is fully in-the-know...This is a great example of solution-oriented advocacy!

Anyone else have a great idea to share? Email me, or leave a comment here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

We have a WINNER!

Congratulations to MARIA...winner of a $10 gift certificate to Dinners by the Dozen!!
ENJOY!!

LUXURY~ and a treat for YOU!

Sometimes the fast pace life...from housework to homework to carpooling to deadlines just plain gets to me, and I crave a little bit of luxury...some peace and quiet. A chance to get away from it all. Any parent can relate to this, especially if you're coping with your child's special needs.

I read an article recently that talked about the effect of stress on the body. The researchers were measuring the relationship between stress and inflammation. Can you guess the group of people  being studied? Moms of kids with chronic disabilities!

I find that a little luxury can go a long way in helping my stress level. Please understand... it doesn't remove the stressors from my life. But a bit of luxury can certainly make me feel refreshed.

I think luxury comes in many forms. For me, the simplest luxuries are the best! Yesterday, my mom sent her cleaning lady to my house. My WHOLE HOUSE was clean! That's a wonderful feeling. Today, my kids and I are enjoying a day off. They're still in their jammies, and we've all had yummy lunches and a chance to chat and read the comics together. That's a luxury to me, too...uninterrupted down time.

We'd like to throw a little luxury your way, and help you simplify your life a bit. Cooking dinner can be a hassle, especially when you have hungry kids asking, "Moooooom! What's for dinner?!?!?!?!" I've been going to a great little shop called Dinners by the Dozen.  In the span of two hours, you make 12 great dinners, which you then take home and put in your freezer. No grocery shopping, no dirty dishes, no chopping or prep work. It's easy, fast and FUN! Rather like spending time cooking with a good friend.

Carolyn Ritchie, the owner of Dinners by the Dozen, is offering a special discount to HOPE clients and friends. For the next three months (March, April, and May), you can receive $1 off per meal, or 50 cents off per half-meal that you make at Dinners by the Dozen. Simply call or email Carolyn and mention that you read about her on the HOPE blog, and she'll explain how to place your order.

But wait! That's not all, folks! If you leave me a comment here on the HOPEful blog that tells me your idea of luxury, I'll put your name in a drawing for $10 off your next visit to Dinners by the Dozen, compliments of HOPE. The drawing will be on Wednesday, February 20, and I'll announce the winner here.

To reach Dinners by the Dozen, visit the website at www.dinnersbythedozen.com. You can email Carolyn at info@dinnersbythedozen.com or call her at 330-995-6512.

Please note: HOPE doesn't receive any additional discounts from Dinners by the Dozen...I just think this is such a great thing, so I'm happy to promote it. I can't wait for you to enjoy this luxury!

HOPEful workshops this week!

It's a busy month here at HOPE...we're having a great time teaching workshops. Please come and join us on Thursday, February 7 in Chagrin Falls for "Coffee with Katie." We'll be discussing educational planning and learning about the laws that govern special education. The Open Parent Education Network of Chagrin Falls is hosting this lecture.

Later that evening, come on over to Aurora Schools, where we will be presenting "Planning for Progress." Participants will write a vision statement for their child's education and create a notebook for educational record keeping. This is a great workshop for anyone interested in organizing--and making sense of-- all of those documents!  The Aurora Partners for Full Potential is hosting this workshop.

For times and locations, and for more information, please email me at katie@hopeforlearning.com Both of these workshops are free and open to the public. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!