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HELP Center > Newsletter > February 24, 2009

 

Newsletter for February 24, 2009

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."

Rachel Carson

 

HELP Center Announcements

 

AccountAbility Minnesota Taxpayer Assistance Program

It's Tax Season Again! The Taxpayer Assistance Program was established with the belief that a taxpayer's access to tax assistance should not depend solely on his or her ability to pay for such services. TAP operates annually from February through April. Volunteers help low-income individuals complete their federal and state tax returns at sites throughout the Twin Cities area, St. Cloud and Duluth. Free tax preparation assistance is available to individuals with an annual income of $27,000 or less per year and families with an annual income of $37,000 or less.

The Taxpayer Assistance Program is accepting appointments and walk-ins beginning January 30, 2007. To schedule an appointment, obtain locations, or for more information you can contact AccountAbility Minnesota at 651-287-0187.

 

Upcoming Career Fairs

*The SPHC has a limited number of adult interview and career clothing available.  Please call the front desk line at 612-626-6015 to schedule an appointment to "shop" the in the clothing closet if you are in need of career clothing.

Careers in Law Forum
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
12:00 pm -3:00 pm
Wiley Hall Atrium

All students thinking about law are welcome to attend this free event. Stop by to learn about law schools or law-related career options. You can talk with representatives from law schools, paralegal organizations, corrections and law enforcement organizations, and test prep services. Some representatives will also have information on volunteer or internship opportunities.

Stop by anytime during the event. You do not need to register in advance to attend. More information is available at www.cclc.umn.edu/events

Exploring Interests and Majors
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Coffman Union, Great Hall

Are you a U of M student wondering what to do at the U of M, and what is has to offer?  Stop by this big event for advice and info. All students are welcome, and you do not need to register in advance to attend. Don't miss this chance to find your own path and interests at the U of M!

http://www.cclc.umn.edu/EIM/index.html

Architecture Career Fair
Thursday, March 5, 2009
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Coffman Great Hall

Join us at the annual Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture Career and Networking Fair, sponsored by the College of Design and the College of Design Student and Alumni Board. Students attending will be undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Design.

For more information and to register, please go to www.design.umn.edu/careerfair

2009 Minnesota Education Job Fair
Monday, April 6, 2009
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Minneapolis Convention Center

Visit http://www.mcucsa.org/mnedfair/ for more information about participating districts and districts that interview on-site.

To attend the job fair, students/alumni must: Be educated at a Minnesota college or university and licensed to teach or be qualified for an educational service area such as: counselor, speech therapist, or social worker, etc. by January 2010. All other candidates are prohibited from attending.

Registration: University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) students and alumni should pre-register through CEHD Exploratory, Transition, and Career (ETC) Services at http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/JobFair/, by Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 4:30pm.

Idealist Non-Profit Career Fair
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Coffman Great Hall

The Idealist.org Minneapolis Nonprofit Career Fair is generously co-hosted by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, Minnesota's Private Colleges Career Consortium (MPCCC), the Minnesota College and University Career Services Association (MCUCSA), a consortium of 30 career offices from across the state of Minnesota, and the The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. This year, the Minneapolis Idealist.org Nonprofit Career Fair is joining with the Working for Change conference. This collaborative event will provide the opportunity to explore careers with a focus on social justice - with particular focus on jobs in the nonprofit sector. There will be speakers, workshops, and panels to attend throughout the day offering information about working for change.

The nonprofit career fair will consist of:

  • An informal networking period for nonprofit recruiters and representatives from local colleges and university Offices of Career Services.
  • The fair itself, where job seekers can distribute resumes and speak with nonprofit recruiters about current and future employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Free information sessions offering nonprofit career advice to all job seekers.

http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/CareerFair/Viewer/default?career-fair-id=210

*Check out this website for other upcoming U of M Career Events: http://www.career.umn.edu/campusevents.htm

 

Save the Dates:

Student Parent Visibility Day
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 10 am-2 pm

We need volunteers badly and any time people can commit is welcome.  Grab a volunteer form in the SPHC and sign up today.  Sponsored by the Student Parent HELP Center and the Student Parent Association.  This is our largest venue event we do all year and it is specifically designed to raise awareness of student parents in higher education and our U of M student parents specifically. We will also be hosting over 100 teen parents from across the metro area to encourage their continued educational development.  Please join us for this inspiring, parent focused event.

 


PASS Group (Parenting as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

 The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall.

The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.


The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!). See below for upcoming group topics.

 

February 25, 2009: Nimo Yusuf, nutrition expert through the U of MN Extension Service and former student parent, will be joining us for this group. She will be talking about ways to shop and eat well, while also saving money in this economy. We will be serving minestrone soup and homemade bread for lunch.        

March 4, 2009: Join us for a mid-semester check-in activity and open discussion. Bring thoughts to share on how your semester has been going thus far and what you are looking forward to during the rest of the school year. Lunch TBD.

March 11 , 2009: This week we have a special group as we gear up toward spring break and student's applying for summer jobs or getting ready for that first job out of undergrad upon graduating. Kristin Morris, a former undergraduate student parent/now graduate student in the HRD program/working mother of two, will be joining us to give great resume and job interviewing tips. Coupled with Kristin is (drum roll, please!) the fabulous Sally McGraw, employee at the U of MN/expert local fashion consultant, who can help us all with fashion tips that will meet budgeting constraints and help us pinch pennies when we shop (while still looking fabulous)! You will not want to miss this awesome double header group! Come one, come all with your resume and fashion questions and learn ways to celebrate the upcoming spring break in style! We will be ordering food in for lunch today.

 

Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings.  Academics are considered student parents' priority at the U.  If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you after the group meets.

If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner or Melanie Opay at sphc@umn.edu.

Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 for all other computer use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 PM and we will re-open the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.



We Need You…

The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their web site under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.

We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their web site to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/

 

Economic Recession Survival Guide, Part III

Getting Through the Tough Times

Offered through the University of Minnesota Extension Service, this series of 17 fact sheets has been adapted to Minnesota by Sharon M. Danes, Professor in the Department of Family Social Science—College of Education and Human Development. These fact sheets cover five content areas for people experiencing trauma, including:

  • Getting Help
  • Financial Decisions with Less
  • Dealing with Stress
  • Figuring Out How to Do More with Less
  • Children and Tough Times

http://www.extension.umn.edu/ResourceManagement/toughtimes.html

 

Money Saving Tips and Resources

*Compilation from PASS Group 02/04/2009*

Family Activities

Groceries

*Note: Sam’s Club also offers a special discounted membership to college students and is also giving away a $15 gift card when you sign up for a membership

Furniture/Household Goods

*Tip from a student parent: the best time to get furniture is when people are moving out of a building- look for great deals around moving time!

Clothing

Personal Services/Miscellaneous

 

Other Money Saving Tips and Frugal Luxuries

Getting Free Stuff on the Internet

Online Printable Coupon Websites

*offers links to a variety of coupon websites

Homemade Bath & Body Products

Natural and Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Family Friendly Activities

  • Museum Adventure Pass- The Museum Adventure Pass offers library users free admission for up to 4 people at participating museums and other organizations. Passes are available for check-out with a library card at all metro area public libraries. http://www.melsa.org/museumadventurePass/
  • Science Museum of Minnesota- Families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum           for the following prices: Exhibits- $1.00 or Exhibits + Omni Theater- $3.00. www.smm.org
  • Wild Rumpus Books- Wild Rumpus Books is a great children's bookstore in south Minneapolis where they have a bunch of live animals for the kids to pet - birds, chinchillas, lizards, even a tarantula. They also let     cats & 2 chickens roam around the store freely. There are lots of comfy spots to sit & read stories to the       kids & they have a great selection of used books for purchase between $0.25 & $1.00. www.wildrumpusbooks.com

Books on Frugal Living

  • Frugal Luxuries by Tracey McBride- The SPHC purchased two copies of the book Frugal Luxuries to add to our library collection, which will be available for check out to any student parent registered with the SPHC.

 

 

BeCentsAble: Awaken Your Shopping CentsAbilities

BeCentsAble began just over one year ago to create a one-stop resource for families learning to save money and cut their household expense budget. At BeCentsAble our goal is to feature relevant, mainstream ideas. We realize that being frugal takes commitment and it needs to be simple to employ and simple to maintain.

Our Most Popular Features

Our #1 FEATURE! The Grocery Gathering: Our primary focus each week. Here we host a "gathering spot" for other blogs to bring you all the great drugstore and grocery deals from across the country as well as resources and coupons. This is continually evolving so check back if your store isn't on the list (or maybe you'd like to be featured??)!

  • Printable Coupon Updates: we keep your savings high with updated lists of coupons available on sites around the web as well as via postal mail.
  • Menu Planning resources -- the best from across the web!
  • Grocery Store Website Highlight Series: Grocery stores are finding many new ways to get your business and keep it! One quickly growing trend is in the development of website tools. Grocery stores are giving their shoppers access to tools and information to provide nutritional and organizational (as well as money-saving) help!

Other Weekly Features

  • Free Movie Monday Redbox Codes: Redbox offers FREE movie rentals each Monday with a special code. Check in each week to get yours!
  • Tuesday's "Green Space" (formerly Tipster Tuesday): This is a special series highlighting organic, all-natural, green living and eco-friendly things!
  • Product Reviews and Giveaways: With so many companies and stores vying for your hard-earned (and saved!) money, we'll tell you what we think about a product or place -- this usually entails a giveaway, too!
  • Family Tip Friday: This regular feature highlights a great family tip we have either found or use in our own homes! We invite everyone to join in and share their family tips!
  • Centsable Savings Stories (and Struggles!): We feature families like yours each weekend, telling their story of success and struggles in their frugal journey. Share your frugal challenges and successes and hold yourself accountable!

http://www.becentsable.net/

 

Career Resources

On-Campus Career Centers

College of Education and Human Development

Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services

Our mission to prepare and support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to make well thought out and informed decisions about their present and future academic, experiential learning, and occupational choices.

http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/

College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center

CCLC connects U of M students to community involvement and service-learning opportunities and exchanges to other U.S. campuses. CCLC also offers resources and services to help undergraduate College of Liberal Arts students choose a major, get an internship or volunteer opportunity, choose a career, find a job, apply to graduate/professional school, and prepare for the world of work.
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/

CLA career services http://careerservices.class.umn.edu/

St. Paul Campus Career Center

We provide comprehensive career development assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through individual appointments, workshops, courses, as well as through online and print resources.

http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/

 

Career Search Preparation Tools

Online Career Workshops

Do you need help writing a resume or cover letter, effectively job searching and networking, or practicing your interview skills, but don’t have time to attend a workshop?  Check out these online career workshops, which are a great way to gather basic career information at a time that is convenient to you!

http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/career/workshops.html

http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/img/assets/13502/istream%20logo.JPG

Practice Interviews Online With InterviewStream!

What is InterviewStream?

A webcam based virtual mock interviewing tool.

Why use InterviewStream?

Because when it comes to interviewing – practice and preparation are key!

You can choose your questions and immediately view your answers online.

It’s convenient, easy to use, and free for U of M students!

How do I start?

Click on the link: http://campus.interviewstream.com/login/?schoolid=323

Create an account, set up your webcam, pick your questions, and start interviewing.

Don’t have a web cam? Students served by our office can check one out from the St. Paul Campus Career Center in 198 McNeal Hall.

What if I want feedback on my interview video from a career adviser?

We’re happy to help! Feedback sessions are appointment based, to set up a time with a career adviser call 612-624-2170

 

Employment databases and search engines

University of Minnesota

link: GoldPASSGoldPASS — University of Minnesota Internship/Job Database
Students are able to post and store their profile and up to five different résumés in GoldPASS’s database. A student can choose to make that information available to employers, who are able to search the database for candidates.

Student Employment at the University

Opportunities for working while attending the University are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are usually more job vacancies than applicants.

Minnesota

link: LandIt!LandIt!
Students — View job and internship postings from hundreds of employers in Minnesota, research employers, and search postings by your field of interest.

ISEEK.ORG
Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information

Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center was designed for Minnesota school districts to fill open teaching positions and to assist teacher candidates locate current teaching vacancies in Minnesota.

Minnesota Council of Non-Profits

Search for job openings in non-profit and governmental agencies throughout Minnesota.

National

Academic Employment Network — If you are looking for a teaching job or other academic position, a successful national employment search is but a click away!

Job Source searches through millions of jobs from thousands of Web sites including Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs, Net-temps, Dice, and Craigslist. Find jobs from all job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages at one site.

 

Resources for Career Clothing

Ready for Success

Sponsored by Episcopal Community Services

2 locations:

1831 E Minnehaha

St. Paul, MN

651-731-6400

 

425 Oak Grove

Minneapolis, MN

612-872-1509

Martha’s Closet

500 Cedar St

St. Paul, MN

651-224-4728

Elbethel Baptist Church

3953 4th Ave S

Minneapolis, MN

612-825-6469

 

Hot Tip

Scholarships

Carol E. Macpherson Memorial Scholarship

The Carol E. Macpherson Memorial Scholarship was established in the late 1970s in Carol’s memory to assist “non-traditional” women in completing their education at the University and continues to be sustained through the generosity of Carol’s family. Six to eight one-time scholarships (from $1000 - 4,000) are awarded annually. Scholarship winners are recognized at the annual spring “Celebrating University Women Awards Program.” The applicant MUST fulfill each of the following requirements to be considered eligible:

  • Women students (28 years or older)
  • Have had a five-year or longer break in post-secondary education
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Admission or pending admission to an undergraduate or graduate/professional degree or credit certificate program at any U of M campus
  • Good academic standing at the University of Minnesota
  • Meet half-time enrollment status minimum

In addition to the above, applicant selection is “weighted” by the following characteristics: strength of candidate’s personal statement, reference letters indication of educational goals and academic promise, first generation in family to attend college, first undergraduate degree, student parent status, evidence of academic achievement, other special circumstances

Appointed by Women's Center, the selection committee includes University staff and faculty with particular interest and expertise in assisting non-traditional women students.

http://www1.umn.edu/women/awardsMacpherson.html  Deadline: April 30, 2009

Sir John M. Templeton Fellowships Essay Contest

The Sir John M. Templeton Fellowships Essay Contest encourages college students and young college professors around the world to study the meaning and significance of economic and personal liberty.  Co-sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation and the Independent Institute, the essay contest honors Sir John M. Templeton and is held annually with a different topic each year.  Created in 1974 by Olive W. Garvey, the Fellowship contest has drawn essay submissions from more than 75 countries on 5 continents. Garvey winners have since become some of the finest of scholars, business and civic leaders, and journalists, applying and advancing public knowledge and appreciation around the world for the ideas of individual liberty and personal responsibility.  The Independent Institute will publish the winning essays on the website and seek to have them published elsewhere in major magazines and journals. All winning entries become the property of and are copyrighted by The Independent Institute.  Contest prizes range from $1,000-$2,500.

http://www.independent.org/students/essay/   Deadline: May 1, 2009

Alvin James Cox Memorial Scholarship

The Alvin J. Cox memorial fund was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to those attending a college or university. Alvin Cox spent more than 40 years as a public school teacher and advisor to students going through the college admissions process. Mr. Cox dedicated a large portion of his career to finding financial assistance for those who were unable to afford college tuition. After his passing in 2006 his family decided to continue on with Mr. Cox's mission through the creation of the Alvin J. Cox Memorial Scholarship. Since 2006 we've awarded 53 scholarship awards to students in six countries.

For the 2009 scholarship competition we are offering 17 individual scholarships, each worth $550. Several smaller awards will also be issued. This number is determined by the number of applicants. To be eligible for the scholarship you must either be enrolled in college (minimum of 3 hours / one class), or have been accepted for admission to a university and will begin classes prior to 09/01/2009. High school seniors who are enrolled in dual credit courses are also eligible to apply. Those who are not yet enrolled, but have applied for admission will need to provide us with their acceptance letter prior to being issued a scholarship.

All students may apply regardless of their race, nationality or parents' financial status. We ask that each student who wishes to apply write a brief essay. The essay should be sized 12 font, and no longer than two pages single-spaced (four pages double). The essay must be based on the following topic: Your reason for deciding to pursue a college degree - Discuss any factors that influenced your decision to pursue a college degree. Has anybody played a role in influencing your decision? You may also discuss how and why you selected your major (if declared). We encourage you to be creative with your submission. You're welcome to include any photos, art or website links that will support material found in your essay. Anything that helps us understand you and your need for our scholarship is appreciated. Example: Last year we awarded one scholarship to a young woman who wrote an essay about her decision to major in music. The essay wasn't unusual, but she included a link to a YouTube video of one of her performances. The video showcased talents that are impossible to see through a written essay.

For more information and how to apply, please visit the website.

http://www.alvincoxmemorial.com  Deadline: May 31, 2009

The AORN Foundation Scholarship Program

The AORN Scholarship Program’s purpose is to provide scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in perioperative nursing and to registered nurses who are interested in and committed to perioperative nursing to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or a complementary field.

Eligibility

  • Nursing Student— At the time of application the applicant must be enrolled in an accredited program as a nursing major for the 2009-10 academic year (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010). Acceptance into a pre-nursing program only does not qualify; applicant must have completed program pre-requisites. The applicant must be in a program leading to initial licensure as an RN. The applicant must be pursuing a career in the field of perioperative/surgical nursing. This interest and/or experience must be clearly demonstrated in the personal statement.
  • Bachelors— At the time of application the applicant must be enrolled in an accredited bachelors degree program in nursing for the 2009-10 academic year (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010). The applicant must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse and must have a commitment to perioperative nursing. The applicant must have a current AORN membership by application deadline date (June 15, 2009)

For further instructions and application materials, visit the website.

http://www.aorn.org/AORNFoundation/Scholarships/  Deadline: June 15, 2009

Scholarships.com Resolve to Evolve Essay Scholarship

The Resolve to Evolve Scholarship is about more than just making resolutions—it’s about creating change and furthering our evolution as individuals and a society. We must resolve to proactively and progressively confront challenges, however daunting. The “R2E” essay scholarship is an opportunity to move beyond finger-pointing and offer constructive criticism and workable solutions for problems facing an administration or an organization. Winners will not only receive a $1,000 college scholarship, but will also have their essays forwarded to officials who have the power to potentially act upon each essay’s suggestions. Only printed (not handwritten) essays of no fewer than 300 and no more than 800 words will be accepted.
Eligibility:
The Scholarships.com "Resolve to Evolve" Essay Scholarship is open to all United States citizens who are registered users of the Scholarships.com website and meet the following criteria:
• Applicant must be a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student, aged 19-24 years old, who will be in their sophomore, junior or senior year at the time the prize is awarded. Applicants must attend a U.S. Department of Education accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university or vocational school. Proof of enrollment required.
OR
• Applicant must be a non-traditional/returning student, aged 30 years or older, who will be enrolling in a U.S. Department of Education accredited 2-year, 4-year, or vocational school at the time the prize is awarded. Proof of enrollment required.
The top five essays will be awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.
http://scholarships.com/R2E  Deadline: July 31, 2009


Opportunities to Share

Student Parent Success Stories

We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.

Photo Gallery

Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.

 

Community Resources

Crock Talk

Beginning Thursday, January 22, and continuing for 12 weeks, receive a Pioneer Press-tested-and-approved crock pot recipe delivered to your e-mail inbox. No grey glop here, these recipes will make you want to use your CrockPot more often. Now's the time to enjoy learning just how tasty Crock Pot cooking can be! Sponsored by the Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com and MinnMoms.com.

Sign up at http://www.twincities.com/ci_11460899?nclick_check=1

Tubman

Please note that Tubman Family Alliance and Chrysalis, A Center for Women, have merged their operations and are now known as Tubman. The merge unites the complementary strengths of Chrysalis' chemical dependency and mental health programs with Tubman Family Alliance's domestic violence prevention work. If you are interested in more information on the programs available through Tubman, or would like to download any of their program guides, please visit their website at www.tubman.org.

Fare For All

Big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – that’s what Fare For All is all about!  As food prices continue to rise, more Minnesotans are experiencing significant difficulties affording basic expenses each month. Fare For All is open to anyone who wants to save money on their groceries. Participants have the opportunity to save 40-50% off their monthly food budgets and access fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats of all kinds, and a variety of non-perishable staple items.

For more information visit www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880 or 1-800-582-4291 (outside Metro area).

MinnesotaHelp.info

MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people. http://www.minnesotahelp.org/public/

211, First Call for Help

Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.

Energy Assistance

Whether we like it or not the cold is coming!  Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay.  The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need.  Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881374&contentid=

Are you looking for specific information for your County?                               
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:

 

Parenting Information

Minnesota Parents Know

Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school. 

This website features special sections for newborns, children ages 1-2, children ages 3-5, grades K-8, and grades 9-12.  Links to other parenting resources are also available.

http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us/

Parent Zone

Welcome to the most comprehensive resource for Twin Cities parents. This site proves that the area has far more to offer families than the Mall of America! This over-flowing directory of local resources includes free things to do around town, great classes for kids, the most family-friendly of the 10,000 lakes, and more! Plus, the local events calendar features family fun on both sides of the river. It's Minnesota nice! http://twincities.parentzone.com/

MinnMoms.com

Welcome to MinnMoms.com -- a Web community designed for busy moms just like you. This new venture, from the folks at the Pioneer Press and twincities.com, was created to meet a need we kept hearing about in the community. Moms wanted local solutions to their everyday dilemmas (What's for dinner?), they wanted help making important decisions (What school should I choose?) and they wanted the latest information on issues that matter to them (bispheynol-A in kids products). They also wanted a way to connect and share with other local moms. And they wanted it all in one easy-to-use place available at a time that was convenient to them. MinnMoms.com does just that and we hope you'll enjoy MinnMoms.com. More than that, we hope you will make the site your own by participating in discussions, commenting on our Daily Juggle blog and sending your feedback. If you can't find something you need, let us know. MinnMoms.com is here for you.

http://www.minnmoms.com/

Mommy Savers

Money Saving Ideas for Frugal Moms

Welcome to Mommysavers! This is the site for all moms who want the best for their families, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get it. Here you'll find the best internet bargains, money saving ideas, arts and crafts activities, work at home resources, and support from other moms on the internet.

http://mommysavers.com/money-saving-ideas/index.shtml

Mom Talk!

Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.

Dads Today!

Welcome, Dads! Here's a place just for you to get the answers you're looking for, make new friends and be a part of an active community. Visit http://www.dadstoday.com/.  Have fun! 

University of Minnesota Extension Service

The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu

Learn to Swim

Learn to Swim focuses on providing safety and fun in and around the water. Participants learn a solid base of swimming skills and build upon them throughout the program. The classes are taught following American Red Cross Learn to Swim Guidelines.

Learn to Swim is a program through the University of Minnesota Recreational Sports and classes are offered at St. Paul and Minneapolis. Classes are offered for parents and children (6 months to 5 years old), children lessons (age 4 and older), and for adults.

Rates for University students is: $50 per participant.

For more information visit www.recsports.umn.edu, call 612-625-3794, or email lts@umn.edu

Parent Warmline 612-813-6336

The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.

 

Community Events and Activities

Family Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities!

Twin Cities Family Event Calendars

Looking for local outings for you and your family? Check out these websites for Twin Cities area event calendars. Enjoy!

http://www.minneapolis.org/page/1/events-search-results.jsp?keyword=Keyword&category=2003&venue=&date=2%2F1%2F2009-2%2F28%2F2009&page=0

http://www.twincitiesmom.com/calendar.aspx

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/region/minneapolis-st-paul-mn-usa

Get $8 Disney On Ice Tickets

Metro Transit riders can get $8 tickets to Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Magic at the Target Center in Minneapolis on March 5-8, 2009.

Join the celebration as 65 Disney characters from 18 stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. You’ll see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney princesses in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments.

To receive your savings, bring a valid transit pass, bus transfer or rail ticket to the Target Center Box Office. You also can use the code METRO to buy your tickets here or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply.

http://www.metrotransit.org/news/stories/02_09_DisneyOnIce.asp

http://weisman.umn.edu/exhibits/ChangingIdentity/images/poong.jpg

Dinh Thi Tham Poong
Gardens of Eden, 2004
watercolor on do paper

Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam

Presented at the Weisman Art Museum, Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam is the first major touring exhibition to feature Vietnamese women artists in the U.S. The exhibition explores the roles of women in Vietnamese society and challenges the stereotypes they face. By tracing the trajectories and life stories of ten artists working in a variety of media - painting, ink drawing, video performance, photography, and multimedia installations - Changing Identity reveals these women in their historical and social contexts as artists, as Vietnamese, and as individuals.

http://weisman.umn.edu/exhibits/ChangingIdentity/home.html

Wild Rumpus Books

Wild Rumpus Books is a great children's bookstore in south Minneapolis where they
have a bunch of live animals for the kids to pet - birds, chinchillas, lizards, even a tarantula. They also let cats & 2 chickens roam around the store freely. There are lots of comfy spots to sit & read stories to the kids & they have a great selection of used books for purchase between $0.25 & $1.00.

Wild Rumpus also offers Tale Time! Stories for the wee....every Monday at 10:30 AM...guaranteed NOT to put you to sleep! Babies through preschoolers welcome! (oh, parents too).
www.wildrumpusbooks.com

Free Third Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Check out this great museum just for kids of all ages, free on the third Sunday of every month!

Saint Paul, MN 651-225-6034 http://www.mcm.org/

Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Center
Admission is free every Thursday at the Walker Art Center.

Minneapolis, MN 612-375-7622 http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac

 Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Ten Sundays each year the MIA hosts Family Days.  These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids.  March’s event is “Birds, Snakes, and Flying Foxes"! Discover the art of the Asmat of New Guinea and other Pacific Island cultures. Learn about animal and nature symbols as you create your own replica of an Asmat shield. Try out the drum on the Pacific Island Art Cart and get your passport stamped while you’re there. Plus, don’t miss great performances and a fun-filled gallery hunt that will take you into the special exhibition “Time and Tide: The Changing Art of the Asmat of New Guinea,” on view in U.S. Bank Gallery. This event is free and takes place on Sunday, March 8th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 5.   


The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404.  Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information. 

The Bell Museum of Natural History

The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus, offers two fun family events.  Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html

Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.

Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.

 Science Museum of Minnesota

Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum.  Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:

Exhibits: $1.00

Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00

Please contact the museum with any further questions: 651.221.9444, www.smm.org

Hours:  Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY

 

Quick and Easy Recipes

Easy Tomato Vegetable Soup

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle tomato juice
  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pinch dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • In a large pot over medium heat combine the tomato juice, water, mixed vegetables, oregano or Italian spices and salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes.

**NOTE: Try adding macaroni, barley, or hamburger for some variety.

 

Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients:

   Fruit Salsa

  • 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
  • 2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
  • 8 ounces raspberries
  • 1 pound strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

   Cinnamon Chips

  • 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
  • butter flavored cooking spray
  • 2 cups cinnamon sugar

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

 

Grants Update

The lists for both the CCAMPIS Grant and the Post Secondary Child Care Grant are closed, there is no other funding available at this time.

 

All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.

 


COOL WEB LINK:

Make-A-Flake: A Snowflake Maker by Barkley Interactive

Check out this website to create your own snowflakes (but without all the mess of the paper kind!). Adults and kids alike will have fun creating and sharing their snowflake creations!

Visit http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/index.html

*Snowflake Created By Melanie Opay, SPHC GTA

Featured Books

*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center

  • Life's Little Miseries: Helping Your Child with the Disasters of Everyday Life by Diane Lynch-Fraser
  • Lonely, Sad, and Angry: A Parent's Guide to Depression in Children and Adolescents by Barbara D. Ingersoll, Ph.D., and Sam Goldstein, Ph.D.
  • Miscarriage: A Shattered Dream by Sherokee Ilse and Linda Hammer Burns
  • 31 Words to Create and Organized Life: Simple Strategies and Expert Advice to Win the Battle Against Chaos and Clutter by Marcia Zina Mager
  • The Working Mother's Guide to Life: Strategies, Secrets, and Solutions by Linda Mason
  • How to Find a Scholarship Online by Shannon R. Turlington
  • Going to Daycare by Fred Rogers
  • Monster Goose by Judy Sierra

 

Who’s Who at SPHC

Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW

As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center, managing our child care grants and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having in the past. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk at 612-626-6015. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Clark Wagner (once she returns), Chanee Rudolf or our Graduate Social Work Intern. I am entering my 9th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. Over the summer and beginning of fall term I have had a chance to step back into the direct service world while our Direct Service Coordinatior is on leave; and will be leading group and completing the largest share of the new student intakes for the 2008-2009 year. It has been fun to get a chance to meet and greet our new students and to hang out with our new and on-going students in group once again. Rest assured that whether acting as the stand in group facilitator, or working on grants and other administrative duties for the center, I am always right next door and will always be working hard to bring you the services and funding needed to assure that each and every SPHC student parent has what they need to succeed at the U!

Jerri Wagner, MSW, LGSW

I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!

Melanie Opay

Hi everyone!  I am the new graduate social work intern this year.  I am a first-year direct practice student in the Master’s of Social Work program and am very excited to be in the program, at the University of Minnesota, and working in the Student Parent HELP Center for the entire year.  I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Augsburg College and since then have been working in St. Paul as an MFIP job counselor.  I’m thrilled to be working with student parents in a different capacity and look forward to getting to know you and your families throughout the school year!

Chanee Rudolph

Hello!! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) here at the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my first year so like many of you I am learning a lot of new and exciting things. My job here is to assist you with anything you need as well as make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so please don't hesitate to ask me for anything if you have questions. I am in my third year here at the University and I am a family and social science major and developing a minor in Family Violence Prevention. So far, I have enjoyed myself more than any of you know and I am looking forward to many more to come!

 

Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Melanie Opay at Sphc@umn.edu.