Family STEM Night and VPK Prom
One of our goals is to create opportunities for families to come together. This is a consistent theme in our community outreach programs, Banner Lake Academy, and Banner Lake Early Learning Center. Recently we hosted our first ever Family STEM Night and VPK Prom. Both events were held in the evening so more parents could have quality time with their child.
Family STEM Night gave families a chance to see and experience what our students learn and do in our new STEM program. The students showcased some of their engineering work. Parents also viewed displays for some of the units that have been covered so far this year, including microbiology, states of matter, and birds. These displays included photos, examples of the children’s work, their notes/plans, and even a live bird! Families also experienced STEM challenge stations. Including a STEM snack zone, creativity challenge, and a sink or float station. Parents also left with information and activities to extend STEM learning into the home!
Our VPK students experienced a magical evening with their friends, families, and teachers during Prom. Some of our youngest students showed up with BIG style and fun dance moves. Each child brought at least 1 parent to be their date. The VPK class will be graduating in a couple of weeks, meaning that they will be leaving Banner Lake Early Learning Center. This is always a very bittersweet time of year as we see our little preschoolers become elementary students. Prom was such a special way to bring everyone together before graduation to celebrate this milestone.
Organizing events like these is important to our staff. We are fortunate to be able to have events for our community and families thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. Banner Lake Inc is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. If you are interested in getting more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteer, please contact our office at 772-545-0953.
#25by2025 Campaign to Recruit Foster Homes Kicks Off with a Story Stroll
Stuart – Communities Connected for Kids launched a community-wide foster-home recruitment campaign Saturday at its Third Annual 1K for Kids and Story Stroll.
Called #25by2025, the campaign's goal is to recruit and license a minimum of 25 foster homes by January 1, 2025 - homes that will help reverse a downward trend in the number of foster homes being licensed since the COVID pandemic.
Since 2020, the community has experienced a 58 percent decrease in homes in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, said Christina Kaiser, CCKids community relations director.
"We have many wonderful homes and nurturing caregivers, but it's not enough to keep up with the number of children coming into care or the number of homes closing," said Kaiser, adding that many caregivers close their homes after adopting or for related family reasons.
"We have too many children and teens in group care or placed in other parts of the state,” she said. "Twenty five new homes will be enough to start bringing them home.”
A more robust network of foster homes also makes it possible to keep siblings together and to keep children closer to their homes and schools while in foster care.
The #25by2025 campaign offers the community many opportunities to get involved in advocating for and recruiting homes, Kaiser said.
“We created a list of 25 ways to help – from sharing campaign information on social media to selecting foster-care themes for Book Club,” she said “Some of it might seem small, but one small act can make a huge difference—one connection can change the life of a child.”
That was the message Saturday morning at Port St. Lucie’s Hillmoor Lake Park, where CCKids launched the campaign as part of its 1K for Kids & Story Stroll.
Nearly 200 people registered for the event, which included a 1K interactive trail where walkers could use QR codes to learn more about the foster-care community.
Also at the event were several foster-parent licensing agencies and a series of celebration stations where participants could join the #ManicureMovement to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse or record a 3-second video to celebrate families being reunified this summer.
Walkers also had the opportunity to join the Starfish Society, a special tier of giving for those who elevate their commitment to the #25by2025 campaign.
For a complete list of ways to help, or to join the campaign’s Starfish Society. visit our campaign site at cckids.net and then click the #25by2025 banner.
Martin Artisans Guild Tropical Temptations: Celebrates the Beauty of the Treasure Coast
By Jackie Holfelder
Join the talented members of Martin Artisans Guild at their next show -Tropical Temptations – which will celebrate the natural beauty of the area.
It launches May 1 with a delightful opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. If you’re a regular attendee of these popular events, you know there will be live music, luscious liquid libations at a cash bar, and delectable appetizers.
Mallo
There will be a second opportunity to mingle with Guild members at the “Meet the Artists” event on June 5 from 4-6 p.m.
Both events take place at The Palm Room Art Gallery and Artisans Boutique, 3746 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart’s Harbour Bay Plaza.
The exhibit closes June 29.
Mickey Rudolph
May and June bring a host of events that necessitate gift-giving: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, weddings, bridal showers and more. Take the opportunity to check out the very special and one-of-a-kind items in the Artisans Boutique while attending Tropical Temptations.
Artists exhibiting include:
· Michaelann Bellerjeau
· Glen Allen
· Mickey Rudolph
· Mark Stall
· Caryl Pomales
· Kimberly Beltrame
· Jane Lawton Baldridge
· Curt Whiticar
· Mallo Bisset
· Dot Galfond
· James J. DeMartis
Jane Baldridge Photos Provided By Martin Artisan Guild
The Palm Room Gallery is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from noon - 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.martinartisansguild.org.
Council on Aging Martin Starts New Mobile Service with Impact100 Martin Grant
STUART, FL - The Council on Aging’s Elder Care Mobile Outreach program will soon be available to help seniors throughout Martin County neighborhoods who need assistance with the challenges of aging.
Thanks to a $100,000 Impact Grant from the generous members of Impact100 Martin, Council on Aging will be able to hire a second Case Manager Navigator to go directly to underserved seniors throughout Martin County who face social isolation and loneliness, and then connect them with essential services.
“The pandemic taught us that there is a reluctance among seniors to contact us to ask for help,” said Council on Aging Martin County CEO Karen Ripper. “Yet there are seniors in our affluent county who live in the shadows, possibly even in our own neighborhoods, who would benefit from our services. Now we will be able to go directly into the community to find them and offer the assistance they need.”
Funds from the Impact 100 grant will help to purchase a new high-top van, which will ultimately be converted into a mobile office. A Case Manager Navigator will use this office to go into mobile home parks and various neighborhoods throughout Martin County to help seniors find ways to minimize expenses so they can better afford to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible. The navigator will help with securing affordable housing, make referrals to Meals on Wheels or the Adult Day Club located at the Kane Center, offer assistance with utility bills, link seniors for medical consultation and screening with the Day Medical primary care office, and provide support to caregivers.
Council on Aging President & CEO Karen Ripper, Chief Philanthropic Officer Michele Jacobs, Board Chair Nicki Schoonover, Case Manager Navigator Brian Sullivan, and Director of Case Management & Meal Services Annette Lopez received the check from Impact100 Martin that will help to fund a mobile office to take elder services directly to seniors in their own neighborhoods.
“By meeting people in their own neighborhoods,” Ripper said, “we will relieve some of the stigma of asking for help and overcome any transportation challenges. Our community will be healthier as we address problems before they become catastrophes for seniors and their families.” The Elder Care Mobile Outreach program will be operational by later this summer.
Impact100 Martin is a membership driven nonprofit organization that enables women to leverage their individual philanthropy and create positive, lasting change in the community. Each member contributes $1,000 a year and participates in choosing nonprofit projects to receive a $100,000 grant that will have true impact and sustainability. With 422 members in 2024, Impact100 Martin was able to award four $100,000 grants in April.
“The Council on Aging Martin and all of those we serve are grateful to Impact100 Martin,” Ripper said. “Everyone deserves a quality life at every age, and we’re eager to continue our mission to make this a reality for seniors in our community.”
About the Council on Aging of Martin County
The Council on Aging of Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include: Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging of Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. The Council on Aging of Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.
Project Graduation of Martin County, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a safe environment on the night of graduation to all seniors in Martin County. Graduation Night is a special night in the life of a teenager but sometimes a night of celebration can have tragic results. PGMCInc creates a lock-in at the YMCA for these students giving them entertainment, food, and social time with their friends from many years in school together.
After the night of each high school’s graduation, between 225 and 300 graduates from that high school will descend upon the YMCA on Monterey Road. The excitement is notable so we need VOLUNTEERS to assist. The big push occurs at 8:30 PM and continues until around 10:30 PM so we need most of the VOLUNTEERS then. The rest of the night is assisting and monitoring.
PLEASE go to our website and sign up to assist with this worthwhile event. Feel free to email or call with any questions
May 16th (South Fork High School)
May 17th (Martin County High School)
May 20th (Jensen Beach High School)
Where needed/floater
ALL three nights
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (unloading/receiving items)
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
9:00 pm - 12:00 am
12:00 am - 3:00 am
3:00 am - 4:00 am (cleaning)
Call for more information 772-261-0779
Visit website https://www.projectgraduationmc.org/
Email projgradmcinc@gmail.com for more information.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO!
The Project Graduation of Martin County, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 that is a locally operated, nationally designed for graduating seniors which encourages them to stay off the streets on the evening of their high school graduation.
During prom and graduation weekends, teen deaths from crashes and poor choices are higher than any other time of year. When a graduating senior attends Project Graduation, we can ensure a safe environment with no alcoholic beverages or illegal substances that could cause a child to harm themselves or others. With county, school, and parental support, this program is highly anticipated and successful with over 12,000 graduating seniors attending over the last 23 years. That accounts for nearly 75% of the graduating class at each school.
We rely completely on donations and items collected through fundraising efforts in our community to operate. We have no paid positions-- every dollar donated goes to the event. The Board collects and manages all Project Graduation funds for the three traditional public high schools in the county: Martin County, South Fork, and Jensen Beach, plus the others that include Spectrum Academy, Willoughby Learning Center, and Clark Advanced Learning Center
Parents and teachers chaperone the event for safety purposes. Martin County has not had one alcohol or drug related death, car accident, injury or significant police stop for our graduates since the program’s inception 23 years ago.
Events, prizes, and entertainment keep seniors busy throughout the night which allows them to celebrate graduation in a safe environment.
Please feel free to contact us at projgradmcinc@gmail.com for more information or details on how to donate.
Hibiscus Children’s Center Helping Families Heal
Through Mental Health Services
Treasure Coast - May is “Mental Health Awareness Month”. Hibiscus Children’s Center provides Mental Health Services to over 550 children and families annually and specializes in the treatment of trauma-based disorders, behavioral health, and healing victims of sexual abuse.
Hibiscus provides these critical services to children living at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter and Hibiscus Village and to community children. Master-licensed therapists provide services focused on decreasing emotional and behavioral issues and are trained in a variety of age appropriate and best practice treatment interventions. Hibiscus has a dedicated Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, only one of thirteen programs in the state.
Hibiscus Community Mental Health provides multi-dimensional services to help children heal and strengthen families. Counselors are flexible and go where the need is, meeting in offices or the family’s home so they feel comfortable in their own environment. Therapists also provide intervention at school to help communicate the needs of the child and advocate for them by assisting with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and mental health treatment plans. Low self-esteem and trauma affects how kids think and focus and oftentimes causes failing grades and challenging behavior. Therapists may suggest extra support needed such as a ‘time out’ so the child is removed from a situation and given a chance to calm down. By providing this extra support, children learn coping skills and how to overcome the obstacles they are experiencing.
Therapists also testify for children in abuse court cases and engage in the adoption process by meeting with the new family to evaluate family dynamics, help the child adjust and anticipate any future issues that may arise. Additionally, support for parents is offered by linking them to community resources and providing family therapy.
One of the most important tools Hibiscus uses is the Sanctuary Model – an evidenced-based trauma-informed care model that addresses the health and well-being of children and caregivers, including staff and volunteers. One of the key elements to help minimize trauma symptoms is how we respond by asking, “What has happened to this person?” instead of “What’s wrong with this person?”.
Hibiscus therapists promote safety, build treatment plans and teach coping skills to children and families. Teaching kids how to advocate for themselves is an essential tool in helping them heal. Therapists also promote safety and trust in our community so they know Hibiscus is here when they need us. Robin Dankyi, LMHC, Sanctuary Training Specialist, shared, “Our therapists have had discharged families return for services when new issues arise. This is a testament that they believe in what we are doing and evidence that what we do matters. Families trust us with the most private matters in their lives. It is rewarding to know we have helped them through some of these most difficult times. Hibiscus clients have shared that we go above and beyond in providing mental health services.”
For more information, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org or call the Hibiscus Community Mental Health Program at (772) 340-5750, ext. 435.
MARTIN COUNTY POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT INTRODUCING ITS FIRST JUNIOR OLYMPICS STATE CHAMPION
Stuart, FL. – The Martin County Police Athletic League is proud to announce its first Florida State Junior Olympian, Fernando Gutierrez. Gutierrez, a 15-year-old freshman at Martin County High School, joined the Martin County PAL program in May 2023. Within a year, his unwavering dedication has propelled him to the national stage for the 2024 National Junior Olympics Tournament.
Fernando’s journey began with sparring sessions in the gym, ultimately leading him to join the Martin County Police Athletic League. Under the coaching of Tony Cardinale and John Ruiz, Gutierrez has developed his winning skills through guidance, hard work, and exceptional mentorship.
“This is the reason behind Martin County PAL to inspire young people through sports and encourage them to become the best they can be,” said Noel DelValle, Executive Director of Martin County Police Athletic League. “PAL provides them with the skills to improve their lives today and set attainable goals for the future.”
The 2024 National Junior Olympics Tournament is a steppingstone toward the ultimate dream, participating in the Olympic Games as a member of team USA. This year’s tournament will take place in June. Congratulations to the champions, both in and out of the ring.
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About Martin County PAL: Martin County Police Athletic League is a 501 c3 charitable organization and crime prevention community program designed to provide alternatives to drugs, crime, delinquency and violence through sports and mentoring. PAL inspires local youth and develops the bond between kids and the Sheriff’s Department of Martin County through fitness, friendly competition, and good sportsmanship.
