WNY Family Magazine October 2018 | Page 41

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 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. For information about services and assistance programs visit: www.nys- navigator.org - The NYS Kinship Navi- gator’s website offers legal fact sheets, state and local kinship resources, and other information. In addition, the Navi- gator operates a 24 hour toll free phone line at 1-877-454- 6463. Kinship Spe- cialists are available from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. 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 M edicaid 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 Chautauqua 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 eligibility, 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 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) www.mops.org MOPS is an international organiza- – continued next page COMING UP IN DECEMBER 2018 Exploring Educa tion A Special Pull-Out Section Want to reach local parents who VALUE the EDUCATION of their children? We reach nearly 60,000 of them each month! Showcase your school, orga- nization or education-related business to tens of thousands of WNY parents in this annual pull-out section. Editorial con- tent focuses on various aspects of education in WNY, targeted to elementary grades and higher, including college. DEADLINES: Space Reservation: Thursday, November 8, 2018 Copy & Materials: Friday, November 9, 2018 For more information, call your account rep directly or call our Advertising Department at 716-836-3486 ext. 104  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  41