WNY Family Magazine May 2019 | Page 46

 46  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  n Gateway-Longview, Inc. KinCARES Family Support Program 10 Symphony Circle Buffalo, NY 14201 716-270-3104 www.gateway-longview.org The Kinship case manager assists the kinship caregiver and youth by provid- ing in-home support and advocacy, education and resources. caregivers) often have a need for infor- mation and assistance related to food stamps, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), custody, guardian- ship, foster care, adoption, schooling, school enrollment, and other forms of assistance such as child care, social security, respite, case management and service programs. n KFACT: Kinship Families and Chil- dren Together Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth 975 Hertel Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 716-346-6849 KFACT will provide preventive services to bolster kinship family function- ing, prevent placement, or achieve a quicker, successful permanency for those in formal care. n Relatives as Parents/Providers Grandparent Support Group Mental Health Association 36 Pine St. Lockport, NY 14094 Contact: Cheryl Blacklock 716-433-3780 The association provides a variety of services including legal advocacy, sup- port groups, educational services and information and referral. For information about services and assistance programs visit: www.nysnavigator.org - The NYS Kinship Navigator’s website offers legal fact sheets, state and local kinship resources, and other information. In ad- dition, the Navigator operates a 24 hour toll free phone line at 1-877-454- 6463. Kinship Specialists are available from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. n Non-Parent Caregivers: NY State & Erie County Department of Social Services Programs Non-parent caregivers — grandparents, other relatives, friends — who are car- ing for children without a parent living in their home, may be eligible for Tempo- rary Assistance. Temporary Assistance for children not living with a parent is often referred to as “non-parent caregiver” or “child-only” grants, and includes Medical Assis- tance (MA). If the non-parent caregiver wants assistance only for the children, the non-parent caregiver’s income is not used to determine eligibility and there are no Temporary Assistance work requirements for the non-parent caregiver. Non-parent caregivers may apply for temporary assistance at their local social services office. In addition to financial assistance, non- parent caregivers (also called kinship LEAD POISONING SERVICES n Lead Poisoning Prevention Resource Center of WNY 716-768-7624 The center serves eight counties in WNY and was established in 1993. It currently operates through Kaleida Health locations and offers resources and training for childcare providers. MISSING PERSONS n New York State Division of Criminal Justice Missing Persons Clearinghouse 1-800-346-3543 or 1-800-FIND-KID Call local law enforcement first to report a missing child or adult. Call the hotline for case intake or to provide lead infor- mation. Electronically distributes missing child or missing college student alerts statewide and assists in investigation. NUTRITION ASSISTANCE n WIC - Women, Infants & Children https://www.ccwny.org/wic This federal program provides nutrition education and food vouchers for preg- nant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who cannot afford an adequate diet. You may be eligible for WIC if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum OR have an infant or child under 5 years old AND receive SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance (TANF) or Medicaid or meet certain in- come guidelines AND live in New York State. WIC does not require US citizen- ship, social security number, green card or legal residency to receive benefits. Catholic Charities operates the program locally through a variety of locations. To reach any of their sites serving Erie, Niagara, and Chau- tauqua counties, call 716-218-1484. In Niagara County, call 716-285-0975. You can also call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline toll-free at 1-800-522- 5006 for further information about eligi- bility, etc. PARENT ORGANIZATIONS Moms, we know how it is. We manage the house, the schedules, the lunch packing and dinner making. We’re there for homework, the big game, the school play, and we make it happen with a smile. Where’s that little dose of “me” time? Thankfully, there are some helpful organizations in our community just for moms. Whether you’re a new mom or a veteran mom, there’s a special place for you to connect, refresh and relax. n MOMS Club www.momsclub.org The MOMS Club is an international non-profit organization, started by a California mom. Several local chapters have formed which offer monthly meet- ings with speakers and discussions, park play dates, holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, arts ‘n crafts, and a monthly MOMS Night Out. They also do community service projects. Find a local chapter through their web site. n WNY Mothers Of Multiples formerly Mothers of Twins Club of Buffalo www.wnymultiples.org This support group for mothers of twins (and more!) meets on the 2nd Wednesday of most months at 7pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2669 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda. In addition