Dental Assistance for Uninsured Adults

Osceola Christian Ministries offers free extractions/fillings to uninsured adults who are less than 200% of federal poverty level.

Call their central number to get the dental and medical schedule for the month: 407-944-9968

Due to high demand, at the first visit, application will be completed and a future appointment date will be given.

Substance Abuse Screenings for Seniors

The BRITE program, run by the Center for Drug Free Living, offers free substance abuse assessments to people age 55 and older. They are able to provide in-home assessments and other help for seniors with possible substance abuse.

Call 407-245-0010 x267 or 407-846-5440 for more information. Clients and/or families can self-refer.

Parent Workshops

Press Release (English and Spanish)

December 3, 2010 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dana Schafer, Director of Community Relations - Osceola School District -- 407-870-4007 or 407-908-8811 (cell)

Free Workshop For All Osceola Parents By Nationally-Known Psychologist And Author  

Dr. David Walsh, one of the most sought after speakers in America on child and teen psychology, parenting, and the media's effect on children, will give a free workshop for all Osceola parents on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Celebration K-8 School, located at 510 Campus Street in Celebration.  The workshop titled "Nurturing Students Intelligence: What Brain Science Tells Us About Raising Smart, Happy Kids" will explain how using new discoveries from brain science can help educators and parents prepare children to be more successful in school and in life, as well as improve concentration, memory, emotional stability, self-discipline and more.

Dr. Walsh is an award-winning psychologist and the author of Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide To The Adolescent Brain For You and Your Teen and No - Why Kids Of All Ages Need To Hear It And Ways Parents Can Say It.  He is the president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family based in Minneapolis, MN.  He received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota, where he is currently on faculty as well as a consultant to the World Health Organization. He has been the recipient of many awards including the 1999 "Friend of the Family Award" presented by the Minnesota Council on Family Relations.

Dr. Walsh will be one of the keynote speakers at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference being held in December at Walt Disney World.

Please call the school at 407-566-2300 to reserve your spot for the workshop.

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Taller Gratis para Todos los Padres de Osceola Conducido por un Autor y Psicólogo Reconocido Nacionalmente

El Doctor David Walsh, uno de los oradores más solicitados en América por su conocimiento en Psicología infantil y adolescente, la crianza de los hijos y el efecto de los medios sobre los niños, ofrecerá  un taller gratis para todos los padres de Osceola el 9 de diciembre a las 6:30p.m. en la Escuela  Celebration  K-8, localizada en el 510 Campus Street en Celebration.  En el taller titulado Nurturing Students Intelligence: What Brain Science Tells Us About Raising Smart, Happy Kids  se explicará cómo los nuevos descubrimientos de la ciencia del cerebro  pueden ayudar a los educadores y a los padres  a preparar a  los niños a ser más exitosos en la escuela y en la vida. Además,  se explicará cómo mejorar su concentración, la memoria, la estabilidad emocional, la auto-disciplina y mucho más.

El Dr. Walsh es un galardonado psicólogo y autor de Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide To The Adolescent Brain For You and Your Teen y No - Why Kids Of All Ages Need To Hear It And Ways Parents Can Say It.  Él es el presidente y fundador del  Instituto Nacional sobre Medios y Familia con sede en Minneapolis, MN.  Recibió su Doctorado en Psicología de la Universidad de Minnesota, donde actualmente es miembro de la facultad, así como consultor de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.  Ha sido el destinatario de numerosos premios incluyendo el de 1999 Friend of the Family Award, otorgado por el Consejo de Minnesota de  Relaciones Familiares.

El Dr. Walsh será uno de los oradores principales en la Conferencia de Blue Ribbon Schools of  Excellence que se celebrará en diciembre en Walt Disney World.

Si desea asistir al taller, favor de llamar a la escuela al 407-566-2300 para hacer su reservación.

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UCP programs and enrollment information

UCP of Central Florida Now Enrolling Infants to Age 21!

Academic excellence is waiting for you at UCP of Central Florida. Enroll today in one of UCP’s classrooms specially designed for infants through 2nd grade as well as middle, high school and college transition programs. Combine our education with access to some of the best physical, speech and occupational therapists and you have a unique place for your child to grow, develop and excel. Program highlights include:

Support

• Individual and family counseling

• Support groups for parents and siblings

Education

• Free for eligible children through a variety of funding sources

• Infant, toddler and preschool programs

• Pre-K through third grade charter schools

• Free voluntary prekindergarten (VPK)

• Transitional Learning Academy for middle and high school students with disabilities

• College Transition Program for young adults ages 18 to 21 with disabilities

• Low student-teacher ratios

• Each class is taught by a certified teacher and teacher’s assistant

• Before and after-school care available

• Summer enrichment and camp programs

• Inclusion programs available at all six locations

Therapy

• Occupational, speech and physical therapy available on site with most insurances, Medicaid, and private pay accepted.

Call us today and lead your child to success!

Six locations to choose from:

Downtown Orlando, East Orlando near UCF,

Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Pine Hills, Winter Garden

Visit www.ucpcfl.org or

call (407) 852-3300 to enroll

Rent/mortgage, utilities, and food assistance

Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. has funds available for rent/mortgage, utility assistance, and also has a food pantry.

1771 N. Semoran Blvd.

Orlando, Fl 32807

Phone: 407-658-0999

Criteria for fianancial assistance

One time assistance

Families or individuals facing financial difficulties with an unexpected emeregency situation

Demonstrate ability to pay bills in the future

Find Youth Info

Looking for best practices around youth programs?
Check out http://findyouthinfo.gov, where you can search programs by risk/protective factor to see what's working. This might also be helpful when you're writing grant applications and are looking for program models or if you just want to confirm that your current program IS a best practice.

Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives (MODEL)

 

Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives

Do you have four hours a month to make a difference in the life of a child?

The CHS MODEL Mentoring Program is a one-to-one community-based mentoring program for children who have a parental figure incarcerated in a federal or state prison. Each youth is matched with a mentor who can provide guidance and support to help each child develop to their fullest potential.

Spend at least four hours a month with a child going to the library, park, movies, arts and crafts, museums, bowling, or other fun and inspiring activities. Each youth is matched with a trained adult mentor with the goal of building trust and communication that will help the child perform better in school, have stronger family relationships, and be more equipped to avoid negative activities or peer relationships.  We accept children ages 4-18. 

Mentors need to be 21 years of age or older, complete an application, interview and background screening, attend an orientation session, and commit to an average of four hours a month for one year.  No experience is needed.  Just spend time with a child and you can make a world of difference in their lives.

Please contact me to hear more about this great opportunity to embrace children and inspire lives!   

Sincerely,  

Caren Olson

Volunteer Coordinator for Osceola County

MODEL Mentoring Program

Children’s Home Society of Florida.

http://www.chsfl.org/mentoring.php

321-397-3096

caren.olson@chsfl.org

Osceola Resources Wants You!

The Osceola Resources Blog wants to get to know you. Soon the Osceola Resources Blog will start recruiting authors to post blogs about available resources offered by their organization. Until that starts we want to know more about what your organization does for the community. Type up a quick description about your organization or program and send it to us at osceolaresources@gmail.com. Remember to check your spelling and grammar because we will post it just as it is. Also, include detailed eligibility requirements and contact information so your blog will be useful. You can send it in an email or attach a Word document, whatever you feel most comfortable with.
If you have a co-worker or know of someone who would find this blog helpful have them subscribe today by going to http://osceolaresources.blogspot.com/. They will click on the link "subscribe via email" on the left hand side of the blog, wait for their email confirmation from feedburner and soon they will be recieving all the updates.
Hope to hear from you soon!

Osceola Resources Blog Administrator

Energy Assistance Day

The Osceola Council on Aging will be taking calls for Energy Assistance this Tuesday 11/16/2010 starting a 2pm. To call for assistance, use the new direct number for energy assistance by dialing 407-933-9540. This number skips the main menu and goes directly to the energy assistance department. You can still call the main number (407-846-8532) to access assistance however using the direct number is easier and more convenient.

Osceola residents needing utility assistance must call to be screened for eligibility. Osceola County residents household income can not exceed 150% of poverty.

Poverty Income Guidelines (150%)

1 Person $16,245.

2 Persons $21,855.

3 Persons $27,465.

4 Persons $33,075.

5 Persons $38,685.

6 Persons $44,295.

7 Persons $49,905.

8 Persons $55,515

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered “most in need” and will be given priority to be served. Applicants who do not fit within the “vulnerable population” guidelines will be served after, if appointments are available.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

• 60 years of age or older
• Disabled (must be recieving disability)
• Families with children age 12 yrs old and under

http://www.osceolagenerations.org/

Computers available free of charge!

The City of Kissimmee has ten computer CPUs (keyboards and mice are included, but no monitors) that they would like to give to local nonprofit agencies. Th computers are available on a first-come first-served basis. Please contact Desiree Matthews at (407) 518-2302 for more information.

Targeted Case Management

Children’s Home Society of Florida

Targeted Case Management

The Targeted Case Management program offered through the Children’s Home Society of Florida is a voluntary program, which targets children in need of mental health services.  The objective of the program is to provide a combination of services and assistance to children and their families in order to keep children in the least restrictive, most appropriate environment, and to maintain them in school.  Targeted Case Managers provide assessment, service planning, linkage with community resources, monitoring of services, and advocating to meet clients’ needs.  Targeted Case Managers make visits to see their clients at home, school, day care, etc, a minimum of once every 30 days.  They develop service plans with the client, parents and other parties to the case, and they ensure all parties comply with the service plan goals.

In order for a child to be eligible for the Targeted Case Management program, he or she must have a mental health disability and the need for coordination of mental health services.  A child must be experiencing difficulties at home, school, or in the community, and/or must be the victim of abuse.  To be eligible for services, a family must lack the resources to pay for treatment, having no health insurance or limited private insurance that does not cover mental health services.  A child can also be eligible for services if he or she has straight Medicaid fee-for-service coverage, or if enrolled in one of several Medicaid HMO’s. The following Medicaid plans are accepted by Children’s Home Society's Targeted Case Management Program:  Amerigroup, Staywell, Healthease, United Behavioral Healthcare, and the CWPMHP (Child Welfare Prepaid Mental Health Plan through Magellan). Children’s Home Society is also able to provide Targeted Case Management Services for children who have private insurance with limited or no mental health coverage, for children with no insurance coverage at all, and for undocumented children. 

Referrals can be made by the guardian, educator or other involved professionals by contacting Catherine Long at (321) 397-3015, or Catherine.Long@chsfl.org.

Central Florida Job Fair

Meet your next employer at the

Central Florida’s Job Fair

“Hundreds of upper, mid, and entry level career openings in all types of Central Florida Industries as well as job seeker and educational resources on hand to assist you with your job search!”

Hosted by: Central Florida Employment Council / Christian HELP

November 10, 2010 • 12Noon - 4:00pm

Central Florida Fair Expo Park • 4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando

(located on W. Colonial Dr. (SR 50) between Kirkman Rd. & John Young Parkway)

Attire: Professional / Business Required

Open to all Central Florida Job Seekers. Free Admission & Parking. Register online by visiting

http://www.cfec.org/ to ensure quicker entry to this event, view job fair tips, research companies, get directions, or to search Central Florida’s Online Job Board. PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS ATTIRE IS REQUIRED; bring some copies of your résumé, no children admitted. Questions? Call Christian HELP at 407-834-4022. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/CFECorg

Job fairs give you face to face contact with companies who are hiring. They are also a great way for Job Seekers to network with key people in the local employment community. You never know who you will meet and how soon it will lead to employment. Our Job Fairs help keep the human element in anyone’s job search!

 

First Time Homebuyer Classes

First-time Homebuyer Classes

A Home of Your Own is a first-time homebuyer class open to all individuals interested in buying a home. If you are seeking to apply for the Osceola County S.H.I.P. Downpayment Assistance program or Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), this class is a pre-requisite to qualifying for assistance. All applicants, co-signers and spouses will need to receive a class certificate. 

2010 A Home of Your Own Class Schedule

All classes are offered as a 4-part series from 6:00pm - 9:00pm unless otherwise specified.*  The cost of the class is $5.00.** To Receive a class certificate, YOU MUST ATTEND ALL 4 CLASSES. There are NO EXCUSED absences or exceptions made.

 

October 5, 12, 19, 26

Online & In-person Registration begins September 7 at 8:00 am

October 5, 12, 19, 26 (Spanish only) **new dates**

Online & In-person Registration begins September 7 at 8:00 am

Please Note: This class does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive funds towards purchasing a home, but rather helps you meet one of the requirements to apply for NSP.

Class Registation

There are 2 ways to register:

1. In-person Registration - UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Services, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, 34744. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please do not come until the day specified for registration.
2. Online Registration,Click Here for more information.

Registration for this class fills up quickly!

* The Osceola County Extension Services reserves the right to change dates/time at any time.

** Additional fees are charged for online registration. Click here for more information.

For more information, please call (321) 697-3000.

University of Florida IFAS Extension October Calendar of Events

Osceola County Events Calendar - 2010

For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the respective Faculty Agent at (321) 697-3000 (voice) or at the Osceola County Extension Office, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Ln, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.

For more information about the Osceola's County Extension Service's programs, please contact the Osceola County Extension Office at 321/697-3000 (Voice), 321/697-3010 (FAX)

Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at the Osceola County Extension Office.

October   2010

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration required. Call 321-697-3000 or register at http://saveonelectric.eventbright.com    

Learn no cost, low cost and some cost actions to save money every month on your electric bill at home.  Find out about the Osceola Energy Initiative (OEI) and other incentives to lower cost of energy saving options.

PLANNING AND TEACHING SKILL DEVELOPMENT AS A 4-H CLUB

PROJECT LEADER

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration required. Call 321-697-3000.

 Do you have a special skill to share? Are you interested in teaching a young person about photography, fishing, gardening, sewing, woodworking or another of the 67 different 4-H project areas? In this training you will learn how to share your skills and interests as a 4-H Project Leader.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

9:00 am - noon

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration required. Call 321-697-3000 or register at http://saveonelectric.eventbright.com

Learn no cost, low cost and some cost actions to save money every month on your electric bill at home.  Find out about the Osceola Energy Initiative (OEI) and other incentives to lower cost of energy saving options.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY

Thursday, October 7, 2010

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Stop wondering where money went and letting it control you. Instead establish financial goals, discover your financial potential and develop a plan to make your money work for you.

HOME CITRUS CULTURE

Thursday, October 7, 2010

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Learn how to care for your backyard citrus.  Topics include variety selection, maintenance, and pest management.

NATURE WALK AT HARMONY

Friday, October 8, 2010

9:00 am

To register please call Bill Fife or Liza Lantz at 407-891-2606

Meet at Sales & Information Gallery

3500 Harmony Square Drive West

If you enjoy the out of doors, like sharing adventures with others and learning about nature, wildlife and our local surroundings then join us on a Guided Woods Walk! 

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS - SMALL FARMS

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Price Discovery, Accountability, Basic Merchandising

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Live video trainings on topics relevant to growing your small farm business.

WOODS WALK - LAKE LIZZIE SOUTH LOOP

Friday, October 15, 2010

9:00 am – noon

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

If you enjoy the out of doors, like sharing adventures with others and learning about nature, wildlife and our local surroundings then join us on a Guided Woods Walk! 

HOME CITRUS CULTURE

Thursday, October 18, 2010

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Learn how to care for your backyard citrus.  Topics include variety selection, maintenance, and pest management.

SAVE ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration required. Call 321-697-3000 or register at http://saveonelectric.eventbright.com

Learn no cost, low cost and some cost actions to save money every month on your electric bill at home.  Find out about the Osceola Energy Initiative (OEI) and other incentives to lower cost of energy saving options.

SAVE ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Save Money on Your Electric Bill

9:00 am - noon

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration required. Call 321-697-3000 or register at http://saveonelectric.eventbright.com

Learn no cost, low cost and some cost actions to save money every month on your electric bill at home.  Find out about the Osceola Energy Initiative (OEI) and other incentives to lower cost of energy saving options.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Stop wondering where money went and letting it control you. Instead establish financial goals, discover your financial potential and develop a plan to make your money work for you.

HOMEOWNER IRRIGATION WORKSHOP

Thursday, October 21, 2010

10:00 am - noon

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd.  US 192.

Registration is required call 407-944-5000 or http://www.tohowater.com/events.aspx

Learn to: Save on your water bill, operate your irrigation controller, keep your landscape healthy, check your system for leaks.

THE ART OF SELLING - SMALL FARMS

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Live video trainings on topics relevant to growing your small farm business.

CHOLESTEROL & FAT CONTROL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Cholesterol & Fat Control

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Registration required.  Call 321-697-3000.

Learn the facts and methods to control your diet and work to lower your cholesterol & fat intake.

MASTER GARDENER FALL PLANT SALE

Friday & Saturday, October 29 & 30, 2010

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

KVLS Building, Osceola Heritage Park

1911 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee

Located at Bill Beck Blvd. & US 192.

Annual, perennials, herbs, landscape plants, plus Melaleuca mulch.  Proceeds benefit the Master Gardener’s educational programming and scholarship fund.