The Area Agency on Aging wants to connect with seniors 55 and up that are providing custodial care for grandchildren or other family members. Help may be available for seasonal needs to make the holidays brighter for your family! Please contact them or send friends and neighbors providing kinship care. Get all the details in the flyer below.
Kinship-Christmas-FlyerAll posts by OFFKM
Family Support for Kinship Care
Our Area Agency on Aging is offering holiday help for kinship families. If you are (or know someone who is) raising children and are past the age of 55, they may be able to offer one-time financial assistance for holiday and seasonal needs such as warm outerwear, gifts, and more. Please check out the flyer below for complete details.
Calvin Center SDA Church Holiday Basket Give-a-Way
Please help us spread the word! Calvin Center SDA Church is holding a holiday basket Give-A-Way on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 2-4 PM (First Come, First Serve, while supplies last.
Complete details are in the flyer, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
DHHS Announces HOLIDAY PROJECT 2021!
DHHS is kicking off the annual Holiday Project, where low income families and seniors in Cass and St. Joseph County, Michigan can apply for Holiday food and assistance. Families in need can return this application to be considered:
2021-HOLIDAY-PROJECT-HOW-TO-APPLY 2021-HOLIDAY-PROJECT-APPLICATIONProject organizers are also seeking donors to make this project happen. If you or your organization can help by adopting a family or making other donations, please check out these links:
2021-HOLIDAY-PROJECT_COMMUNITY-PARTNER-DONOR-INTEREST-EXPLANATION 2021-COMMUNITY-PARTNER-DONOR-INTEREST-FORMA Giving Tree
We’ve just become aware of a tree-mendous resource in Edwardsburg! The Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church has a Giving Tree in the alley behind the building (near the Post Office). Donors have provided clothing, and it is hanging on the tree for anyone to use. What a great idea! If you have gently-used clothing items, you can donate. If you need clothing, you can take what you need, any day or any time. You can see the flyer with full details by clicking HERE.
Summer’s almost here: Ready . . . set . . . read!
The arrival of Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer! Yaaay!!
For some children, it’s the time to enjoy some leisurely days and time away from daily rigors of school . . . but not completely!
Educational studies say students can lose two to more months of reading and math skills over the summer if efforts are not made to engage in some things educational and stimulating.
So, between the long, lazy days of summer, go to your local library, and if your child does not have a library card, sign up for one. Find out what reading programs and games your local library has.
Take time out to visit a museum . . . or take a nature hike, identifying the flowers, plants and birds and animals as you go.
Enjoy your summer, but dare to be deliberate with your child’s summer reading!
Ready . . . set . . . READ!!
- Preschool story time @ Cass District Library, Cassopolis
- Teen time @ Cass District Library, Cassopolis
OFFKM supports our community
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries is committed to supporting and helping to improve our community.
Collectively, members of the community can make a difference by:
1. Attending a board of education meeting to share your concerns;
2. Get information how your school is meeting your child’s needs;
3. Offer solutions versus rehashing circumstances that created low performing students;
4. Volunteer to work with students.
Given the low achieving number of 3rd through 8th grade students, request that the administration support community programs that supplement classroom instructions. It is not possible for our youth to receive too much support/reinforcement.
I invite comments directly to me from the community at 269-476-1257, or email address [email protected] or by mail, P.O. Box 9, Vandalia, MI 49095.
Community, Let’s ‘Wake Up’!
SAES 2013-2014 MEAP RESULTS ONLY 31.6 PERCENT GRADES 3-6 AT READING & MATH LEVEL
This is an open letter to the parents and other stakeholders in the Cassopolis Community School District and a plea to take action by asking questions and sharing your concerns with your Board of Education:
- Did you know that 68 percent of our 3rd to 6th graders are “BELOW“ grade level in both Math and English?
- Did you know that 80 percent of our 7th – 8th graders are “BELOW“ grade level in both Math and English?
- Did you know that our student-athletes are allowed to continue participating in sports and extracurricular activities, even if they have one or more failing grades, instead of being required to attend a Study Table session (until that grade improves)?
- Visit the Cassopolis School District website and share your concerns with the Schools Superintendent, Mr. Tracy Hertsel, “for improving education for our children and our leaders of tomorrow.” He can be reached at (269) 445-0503.
- It is your right and responsibility to share how you feel about these scores: Share your concerns at the next Board of Education meetings: April 11, 2016, and April 25, 2016 (the board meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month).
Make a change with financial literacy classes
It’s Spring, but you still haven’t forgotten the New Year’s promise you made to yourself to understand your money better . . . and that was do more with it than save it.
You’re just in time for the “Making Changes” classes on Financial Literacy coming soon to the Cass District Library in Cassopolis. The classes run on Monday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 to 8 p.m., May 16 to June 2, 2016.
For more information, contact the Cass District Library at (269) 357-7822.
Pre-registration is suggested; the classes are free and a small meal will be served before the sessions start.
Looking to buy a home?
Are you wondering whether now is the time or if you’re even financially able yet to buy a home?
Have no fear ~ the Cass District Library plans to clear up any questions you may have through a Homeownership Class planned to help you better understand and prepare for the home-buying process.
The three classes run in June 2016 and are free; a small meal will be served before each session. They run 5 to 8 p.m. on June 6, June 9 and June 13, 2016.
These classes are part of the “Making Changes” financial literacy classes planned by Cass District Library.
To participate, interested people must pre-register: Contact Clarise Murphy or Jennifer Ray at the Cass District Library at (269) 357-7822.