In This Issue

Impact of Children's Futures

• Reducing Racially-Driven Health Care Disparities in Premature Birth and Infant Mortality
• Enhancing the Quality of Child Care Practitioners and Programs
• Bidding a Fond Farewell to CF Vice President Melinda Green

Links to Print/Web Articles

• Fathering in America: What's a Dad to Do?
• Intervention Negates Drug Toll on Pregnancy, Study Shows
• Pregnancy May Help Against Bladder Cancer

Upcoming Community Calendar Events

• Documentary Film Screening on Gangs/Prison Reentry
• Seminar offers Guidance in Understanding an Easily Frustrated Child
• Annual Golf Classic to Benefit UIH Family Partners' Clients

Ongoing Community Activities

• CF Center-Based Programs Empower Families
• Pre-School Registration for 2008-2009 School Year
• Pre-School Openings at Greater Trenton YMCA

Impact Of Children's Futures

Reducing Racially-Driven Health Care Disparities in Premature Birth and Infant Mortality

Children's Futures is assisting in an effort to eliminate racially-driven health care disparities in premature birth and infant mortality. Coordinated by the March of Dimes, the Black Infant Mortality Resource Center/Northern New Jersey Child Health Consortium and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the statewide Social Equity in Birth Outcomes Committee also includes representatives from each regional perinatal consortium, local Black Infant Mortality Reduction programs, the New Jersey Chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, insurance providers, pharmaceutical companies, UMDNJ Medical School and others to make real change.

"We are excited about bringing our direct experience working in Trenton on the issues of reducing disparities to help this select group of individuals research evidence-based interventions, collect and disseminate best practices and evaluate programs for efficacy," said

June Gray, CF's Healthy Start Grant Project Director and Nurse Family Partnership Administrator. The Social Equity in Birth Outcomes Committee is examining such areas as mental health, safety, adolescent and women's health, the role of males, nutrition, infections, preconception health, stress reduction, cultural competency, and environmental factors.

"We are also evaluating New Jersey residents' access to government-sponsored healthcare, investigating how we can help connect various State initiatives addressing racial health disparities and determining the best ways to advocate for funding to research root causes contributing to disparities," added Committee Chair Laurie Navin of the March of Dimes. For more information about this effort, please contact Laurie Navin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Social Equity Committee in Birth Outcomes Co-Chair Laurie Navin of the March of Dimes (standing) poses with Dr. Linda Jones-Hicks of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at last Thursday's meeting at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton.

Enhancing the Quality of Child Care Practitioners and Programs

Children's Futures' Board of Directors' Secretary Suzanne Williamson and outgoing CF Vice President Melinda Green were two key players who worked with others to develop an Infant/Toddler Credential that will enhance the knowledge, skills and practice of infant/toddler professionals and para-professionals in center-based and family child care programs.

The need to increase professionalism in the infant/toddler field has been noted in many national studies. Focusing on infant mental health, child development and families, the credential offers infant/toddler professionals an opportunity to take their studies to the next level. According to Ms. Williamson, former President of the Coalition of Infant/Toddler Educators (CITE),

"It was exciting to see our work with a core team of infant/toddler professionals in New Jersey come to fruition. As a result, we have created this credential and engaged in other advocacy efforts to improve the quality of care in New Jersey through the Campaign New Jersey-Better Baby Care program".

Kristy Sugg, immediate Past President of CITE, hugs one of her students at Trenton's Carolyn Stokes Day Care Center (Photo Credit: Don Addison)

Bidding a Fond Farewell to CF Vice President Melinda Green

Friends and colleagues honored Children's Futures' Vice President Melinda W. Green Friday evening during a reception at the Trenton Marriott. A host of well-wishers, led by Children's Futures' President Floyd K. Morris, Jr., lauded the guest of honor for her personal and professi onal commitment to Trenton's children and families

Melinda is leaving Children's Futures to begin an early childhood consulting business based in the Boston area. A proclamation from Mayor Douglas H. Palmer honored Melinda on behalf of the City of Trenton. A resolution from the New Jersey Legislature honoring Melinda was presented by surprise guest Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. An article providing more details about Melinda Green's contributions appeared in a recent edition of Weekly Briefing.

Below are some photos of Melinda Green at Children's Futures' events through the years, including two from Friday evening.

Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Children's Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and Melinda meet at the first Trenton Parent Summit;

Former Congressman Bob Franks poses with Melinda during a Reach Out and Read press conference;

Alethia Deans of Child Care Connection and Melinda prepare for a reception honoring Trent on's Home Child Care operators;

Melinda welcomes Congressman Rush Holt to the Home Avenue South Ward Center at Catholic Charities;

Pictured at Friday evening's reception flanked by Catholic Charities' Service Area Director for Children and Family Service Ron Gering and John Monahan, President of Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare;

in the last photo, with Thomas Edison State College of New Jersey President Dr. George Pruitt, Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Children's Futures' Board Vice Chair Ana Berdecia and Children's Futures' President Floyd K. Morris, Jr.

Links To Print/Web Articles

Intervention Negates Drug Toll on Pregnancy, Study Shows
An article in USA Today describes research on drug and alcohol users who have healthy pregnancies by being treated early in the pregnancy.

Pregnancy May Help Protect Against Bladder Cancer
According to Science Daily, research has found that pregnancy seems to confer some protection against bladder cancer in mice

Upcoming Community Calendar Events

July 2008

Wednesday, July 9: Screening of documentary film on gangs and prisoner reentry, MORAL PANIC, followed by panel discussion: free and open to the public; 2 p.m.; New Jersey State Museum, 225 West State Street, Trenton, NJ; presented by the Mercer County (NJ) Ex-Offender Reentry Partnership, Capital Corridor Community Development Corporation and The Watson Institute for Public Policy in collaboration with The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (www.njisj.org). The film is based on a 2007 report on gangs and prisoner reentry, "Do No Harm" (njisj.org/publications.html#reports), which highlights evidence-based strategies that could be used to make gang activity less violent and pervasive. The Mercer County (NJ) Ex-Offender Reentry Partnership is a collaboration of civic organizations including Children's Futures representing the faith community, social and health service providers, police, probation, parole, schools and others that have come together under the mission of maximizing the successful community integration of previously incarcerated persons. For more information and to RSVP, contact Ed Gittens at (609) 695-3663 ext. 215 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it MORAL PANIC will screen throughout 2008-09 at a variety of venues. To inquire about arranging a screening or obtaining a copy of the film, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (973) 624-9400 ext. 26.

Saturday, July 12: Isles hosts its 21st Annual House and Garden Tour: $50 for adults and $12 for children; ; 3 to 7 p.m.; Tour gardens that are part of the most extensive community gardening program in New Jersey. Tickets are $50 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Meet at 10 Wood Street in Trenton to board the bus. Contact: Robin Miller, 609-341-4739.

Tuesday, July 15: Explosive Child: free (includes free child care); 6-8 p.m.; IBIS Plaza Office Suites 400; 3535 Quakerbridge Road; Hamilton, NJ. Sessions on consecutive Tuesdays will teach a sensitive approach to understanding and helping an easily frustrated and explosive child. For information, please call 609-586-1200.

Tuesday, July 22: Explosive Child: free (includes free child care); 6-8 p.m.; IBIS Plaza Office Suites 400; 3535 Quakerbridge Road; Hamilton, NJ. For information, please call 609-586-1200.

August 2008

Sunday, August 3: The 31st Puerto Rican Day Parade: free; 12 noon; begins at Trenton Central High School; for sponsorship information please call Isabel Garcia at 347-837-6509 or 609-577-3569 or go to www.trentonprparade.com

Monday, August 11: UIH Family Partners Annual Golf Classic: $150 per person. Lunch/Registration 11 a.m. Shotgun start 1 p.m.; Mercer Oaks West Country Club in Princeton Junction, NJ; proceeds support programs for more than 600 families. For sponsorship information or to register to golf, just dinner ($55) or for early-bird discounted rates for foursomes, please call Ed Gittens at (609) 695-3663 (ext. 215).

September 2008

Wednesday, September 24: Trenton Board of Education, Office of Early Childhood 2nd Pre-K Fair: free; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trenton Board of Education, Ellis Auditorium, 108 North Clinton Avenue in Trenton. Parents will also be able to register each child for school on the day of the Pre-K Fair if proper documentation is presented. To sign up. please call Denise Holguin at 609 656 4900x5669 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ongoing Community Activities

CF Center-Based Programs for Parents and Children: Free programs at Children's Futures' centers provide families with the support they need to be empowered to succeed in life. Children's Futures' partners offer sessions to improve literacy, enhance employment opportunities, promote health, safety and good nutrition, address behavioral health issues, and encourage parent/child bonding and educational achievement. For more information, please call Tonya Bellamy at 609-695-1977 (ext. 109) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pre-School Registration for 2008-209 School Year: Beginning July 1, 2008, the Trenton Public Schools' Early Childhood Department will begin registering children every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning from 8:30am-11:00am. Children are eligible for free preschool if they turn three or four by September 30th and are Trenton residents. An appointment is needed in order for parents to complete the registration process for each eligible child. For appointments, please call 609 656-5667. Documents needed for registration: Child's Birth Certificate, Vaccination Record, 2 Current Proofs of Address (within 30days of registration date) utility bill, lease, home telephone, or cable bill will be accepted.

CitySmiles Offers Information About Programs Throughout the Year for Children and Families: For more information about fun and educational programs for children and parents contact CitySmiles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <> or link to CitySmiles.org

Millhill Seeks Director of Behavioral Health Services: Child Welfare Agency in Trenton is seeking an experienced professional to direct Millhill's Behavioral Health program. LCSW with at least 5 years Administrative, Supervisory experience and a strong clinical background required with knowledgeable of Medicaid regulations. Candidates should submit resumes and salary requirements by fax to: Personal Department at 609-989-7381 or by email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by regular mail to: MCFDC, 101-A Oakland Street, Trenton, NJ 08618

Pre-School Center Openings at Greater Trenton YMCA: The Trenton "Y" has openings for both its Pre-School Center and the P.A.K. (Pennington Avenue Kids) Camp. The Pre-School Center serves children living in the City of Trenton 3-5 years of age and is an all-day program. The Greater Trenton Area YMCA's P.A.K. Camp serves children from the ages of 5-13 years, Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm. Please call 609-599-9622 for more information

Isles, Inc. is providing dust sampling in 115 homes to determine if hazardous lead levels are present. If high levels are found, Isles will counsel parents about next steps including---protecting their children, speaking to a landlord, working with a city housing inspector, and applying for loans or grants to make a home lead safe. For more information, please call 609 341-4703.

The New Jersey State Parent and Information Resource Center, a program of Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, has valuable services available for schools and community agencies (including FREE workshops for parents to support parental involvement efforts) Workshops are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority given to schools/agencies that can gather more than 30 parents per session. For more information please call 732-246-8060 ext. 110. To receive workshop application forms, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Camp Fire USA of New Jersey: Children's Futures' Community partner in the Trenton Reach Out and Read program is again selling discounted tickets for Six Flags Great Adventure. All proceeds benefit Camp Fire programs for the prevention of violence, child abuse, abduction and substance abuse The $30 ticket is good for any one day admission to the theme park for adult or child. To order tickets: Check or money order should be made payable to Camp Fire USA ($30 per ticket and $3 per order for postage and handling) and sent to Camp Fire USA New Jersey Council, 535 East Franklin Street, Trenton, NJ 08610. For more information, please call: (609) 695-8410.

Womanspace: Womanspace is seeking volunteers to join the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team (DVVRT) & Sexual Assault Support Services Advocate Team (SASS). Team members respond to local police stations or hospitals and meet with victims, providing them with support, information and referral. In the past ten years the teams have gone on 3,785 call-outs and served over 5,000 residents of Mercer County. DVVRT and SASS volunteers support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault when they need it most. Qualifications include the ability to communicate well with others and be a good listener, ability to maintain confidentiality, 18 years of age and resident of or employed in the Mercer County area, valid driver's license and available transportation, no criminal history or prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence or sexual assault related matter, and availability to attend classes and meetings.

Volunteers will receive 80+ hours of extensive, specialized training on topics including the law, sensitivity to the needs of victims and their children, and how to provide appropriate responses at a very critical time. Trained volunteers need to be "on call" (available to respond to call-outs) for two to four shifts a month. Training begins on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Interested persons must submit to a background investigation, including fingerprinting. Bilingual individuals (especially those fluent in Spanish, Polish, and American Sign Language) are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by Monday, August 4, 2008. For more information, please contact Heidi Mueller at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Alison Daks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (609) 394-0136.