BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Family Strengths Network has released its list of fall programs and executive director Carie Fanning says staff is excited to have the doors open again.
“We have missed seeing our families face to face! It’s been especially fun meeting all the new babies. And we can’t wait to meet the many new families that moved into our community over the last year or so,” Fanning said. “Please drop by and say hi! We’ve missed you.”
The programs listed below will be held at the FSN Family Resource Center, 3540 Orange Street, Los Alamos. Phont (505) 662-4515 for more information. Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chit-Chat Discussion Group: Join these facilitated group discussions focused on caring for your infants and toddlers on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30
4th Friday Play Dates: Games, activities and time to relax with friends. 4th Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Adventures in STEM: Join us for kid friendly STEM (science, technology, engineering, and Math) activities hosted by STEAM Lab. 2nd Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2nd Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (all ages are welcome)
Speaker Series: Local experts share their wisdom, advice and knowledge on a variety of topics. Presentations will be announced as scheduled.
Toddler Craft: FSN’s monthly crafts and hands-on activities are a pleasure for grown-ups and kids. 3rd Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Toddler Tunes: Children and parents sing and dance together, while Lauren Marcus shares simple ways to engage children in music and movement. 1st Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Classes, Workshops, and Support Groups
Birth Talk: A community talk circle for pregnant women and mothers, a safe place to learn about options in pregnancy and childbirth. 1st Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: This kinship care group meets monthly via Zoom to discuss the many challenges associated with kinship. This support group is open to all individuals in a kinship or fictive kin situation.
2nd Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., email fsn@lafsn.org to register.
Trans+ Nonbinary Family Support Group: Are you a parent, caregiver or family member of someone who is trans/genderqueer/gender nonconforming? Do you want a space to connect with others? Join us in person! Last Mondays of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parenting the Love and Logic Way: This parenting series is an evidence-based course designed to help you raise self-reliant children. Cost: Free Classes are presented in a virtual format.
- Parents of Grade K-6: Raise children who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the real world with this win-win approach to parenting. Tuesdays, October 5 -19 or Nov. 2 -16 (3 sessions each) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Michelangelo Lobato via Google Meet. Register Here
- Parents of Teens: Discuss specific answers to common challenges, including how to determine when teens are ready for more responsibility and how to set appropriate limits regarding school, parties, driving and other issues. Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 to 11:00 with Michelangelo Lobato via Google Meet. Register Here
Trauma & Parenting: Join facilitator Ali Harper for this 6-week class for individuals parenting children who have experienced trauma. We will discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the impact they have on development; then some ways to parent, as well as ways to care for yourself as a parent of a child that has experienced trauma. Thursdays, Sept. 30 – Nov. 4 (6 sessions) from 6:00 to 7:30 via Zoom. Registration required; register here
Special Events
Clothing and Small Item Swap: Bring gently used clothing and items that you no longer need to swap for items you do need. Tuesday – Saturday, Nov 2 – 6, starts 10:00 Tuesday, ends 12:00 Saturday. Drop off- Tuesday & Wednesday ONLY.
Fire Safety Day: Children practice basic safety; try the obstacle course and watch fire fighters dress in gear. LAFD will teach kids to recognize the helpers under their gear. Tentatively scheduled for Friday, Oct 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lucky Ducky Day: It’s time to celebrate! Join us for Rubber Duck races and a fun day of activities for the whole family. Saturday, Sept 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Gingerbread House Building Take & Make Kits: We will provide EVERYTHING you need to make a Gingerbread House at home! Toddlers will be provided with graham crackers, decorating materials and royal icing mix for $10/kit. School age kids, teens and adults will be provided with a house building kit, decorating materials and a royal icing mix for $20/kit. Registration details TBA.
Libraries (available Tues – Sat from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wed until 3:00 p.m.)
Beth Ladino Family Resource Library: Houses books on topics related to family well-being. The library includes a children’s section that addresses emotions, coping, and anxiety.
Education Resource Library: With consideration for the challenges we see our community facing, and help from an amazingly generous donation, FSN has a new resource designed to help lighten your loads and expand your child’s opportunities for learning! This library includes resources ranging from brain models, to books, to fraction blocks, and everything above, beyond, and in between.
Toy Lending Library: The Toy Library circulates toys that promote education. Toys are targeted towards developing fine and gross motor skills, math skills and reading literacy. Families can vary play without buying new toys, great for families with little ones visiting, too.
Reading Adventure Backpacks: Check out backpacks with books and corresponding activities for early readers.