Select bowling centers around the country are participating in the first ever “Kids Bowl Free” program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.
Children whose age does not exceed a limit set by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with affiliated schools and organizations.

For More Information Visit: 

 http://www.kidsbowlfree.com

Mi Casa hosts a Legal Night on the third Tuesday of each month. Attorneys from the Colorado Lawyers Committee and the Denver Bar Association Young Lawyers Division give free legal advice to people on a first come, first served basis. Spanish-speaking attorneys are available.

Legal Night at Mi Casa begins at 5:30 p.m., and it pays to get there early. The attorneys leave at 7:30 p.m.

2009 Legal Night Dates: June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15

Location: 360 Acoma St. Denver, CO 80223

Link for More Information:  Mi Casa

For some reason, I can not upload our monthly newsletter to this wordpress blog.  So, if you are interested in receiving our newsletter, please email us at fejh@ccdenver.org and we would be happy to add you to our list.

In preparation for our Alumni Focus Group next week, we have designed a poll to begin the discussion:

The Father Ed Judy House has made a deliberate effort in the past six months to improve how we help families become job-ready. For example, we try to help every family create or update their resume.

A program graduate recently shared her resume with us because her work-study position at college is ending and she is looking for a summer job. I have been given permission to share a piece of this resume:

OBJECTIVE :

I am looking for a permanent part-time or full time job. I would also like to gain experience in the social work field to compliment my education plans.

I am an optimistic, compassionate, driven, professional person. I won’t settle for less on anything and always try to be the best I can be. I love helping people, especially those in need. I believe everyone should be given a chance and everyone, no matter how forgotten, has something to contribute. I believe that anything and everything is possible. I have a great son who inspires and encourages me. I have always been kind to homeless people, but my son follows after me, so I want to inspire him to get a good education when he gets older and to never forget to help others.”

I wish the wider community truly understood what amazing women we have the privilege of working with!

Too bad, but it turns out that the eyeglasses promotion at Target was just for a few stores in Kansas City. Sorry to pass along information that was incorrect, and hopefully none of you ran all over town to try for the too-good-to-be-true deal!

The Changing Landscape of Homelessness: Creative Solutions in Challenging Times
“A one-day conference exploring how community stakeholders can continue to create lasting solutions to homelessness in the midst of economic uncertainties and growing levels of need, particularly among newly homeless persons and families.”
June 3, 2009 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This would be a wonderful place for alumni to come share your experience and input. There are scholarships available.
Also, for those of you in the community that are advocates for people and families experiencing homelessness, this should be a fantastic conference.
Here is the link for more information:
http://www.coloradocoalition.org/what_we_do/education_programs.aspx

Saturday May 9 from 2:00-5:00pm
Teaming up with Family Tree House of Hope, we are throwing a Mother’s Day Luncheon for Alumni from both House of Hope and the FEJH. In addition to honoring the hard work and struggles of the women who have successfully graduated our programs, we hope to gather insight and suggestions that will help improve our services. Lunch and child care will be provided. Call us or email us at fejh@ccdenver.org for more information. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Ed’s Top Eight Our Wish List February 2009

1. Diapers (size 4,5,6)

2. Battery operated alarm clocks (with batteries)

3. Air Mattresses for families moving out without beds

4. A Sunday Subscription to the Newspaper (for the classified section)

5. Bus Tokens

6. Stamps and Greeting Cards

7. New Pillows

8. Printing/ Copying (or Printer toner cartridge type HP 12-A and Fax/ Copier toner cartridge TN 540 )

BIG WISH: We are looking for a volunteer with a pick up truck to help us deliver donated furniture one Saturday a month.

Stress is something everyone faces.  As the economy struggles, many of us face an increase in stress.  Here is a list of the 10 top Foods to Beat Stress:

10 foods to help beat the stress

1. Berries especially blueberries and raspberries because they contain antioxidants.  Antioxidants help to prevent chronic diseases and signs of aging.

2. Dairy  yogurt and cheeses.  Dairy products contain calcium and magnesium that help relax muscle fibers. 

3. Citrus contains Vitamin C which helps in the production of adrenaline.  Deprivation of Vitamin C often leads to fatigue and irritability.

4. Herbs like oregano, dill, thyme and rosemary also contain antioxidants.  The herbs make you food more flavorful and should mean that you can use less salt.

5. Lean Beef contains protein which helps to stabilize your blood sugar.  Beef is also an excellent source of  B vitamins (B6 and B12) which are energizing vitamins.

6. Nori (dried or roasted seaweed)  This is the richest source of iodine, which is used to make thyroid hormones which are often associated with moods, and weight loss and gain.

7.  Shellfish (Crab, lobster and shrimp) contain protein, B12 and B6, Selenium (antioxidant) and zinc. 

8. Spinach is full of iron and magnesium.

9. Turkey contains protein for its calming Tryptophan.  Turkey is much leaner than beef and has fewer calories

10.  Whole grains positively effect your serotonin levels in the same way that exercise and some kinds of antidepressants do.  The fiber in whole grains help to regulate your blood sugar.

Taken from Natural Health Magazine January 2009.