Our busy 🐝 “Bee Lady” Program Coordinator, Tiffany,  buzzes around implementing comprehensive medically-accurate, age & developmentally appropriate, & evidence-based/informed programming in schools & alternative settings. Additionally, provides presentations, tips, tools, & resources to parents/caregivers and other adults in Franklin, Hamilton, Humboldt, & Wright Counties.

There are a variety of materials & resources that are available for you or any other parents/caregivers, schools, community partners, or individuals/groups that may be interested (while supplies last):

🐝books
🐝decks of cards
🐝posters & bookmarks
🐝magnets
🐝dice (pre-print, pdf, & electronic options)
Notice: the electronic dice game works on laptops and non-apple phones. https://pcaiowa.itch.io. We tested it out & it works on an android as long as click on “desktop browser view”.
🐝workshops, presentations, “House Party” Options, & tabled-outreach events/health fairs
🐝other “Let’s TALK” focused content

Note: Some items are for youth, while some are geared for parents/caregivers & other trusted adults. Some items are in both English & Spanish.

As we empower ALL youth to make healthy informed decisions through education, prevention, community awareness, & connections to resources we want to encourage open & honest communication between youth & adults—making it an 18-year, ongoing conversation!

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa (whom oversees our CAPP Grant) also has the following websites available with more resources:
a. Youth Focused
pcaiowa.org/lets-talk-teens/
b. Adult Focused
pcaiowa.org/lets-talk-adults/
pcaiowa.org/imperfectparent/

EyesOpenIowa is another hub of information, with tips & tools available at: eyesopeniowa.org/news//october-is-lets-talk-month-1.

There’s no one right way to talk about changing bodies, puberty, relationships, consent, online/digital safety, & other sexual health topics like STIs/STDs or pregnancy. The best thing is to Get the FACTS, START Early, START Talking, & TALK Often. We are here to help navigate through these vital convos…together!
#BeeIntheKnow #BeeAskable #BeeApproachable
YouTube video highlighting our resources can be found HERE.

We strive to help support parents/caregivers, schools, community partners, & other individuals in the community with FREE resources & programming. If we’re unable to answer a question or assist, we’ll do our best to help connect you with reliable, accurate information and resources from books, websites, resources, & refererrals. Below are some Tips For Talking To Teens from Answer:

Got Questions? Contact Us!

Anonymous Question/Comment Virtual Space
We also offer an anonymous, bilingual virtual space. This is where youth AND adults may ask questions or provide feedback/content ideas VIRTUALLY.  We use this in the classroom in addition to a “question box”. If outside of the classroom, we can tailor social media content to highlight topics (i.e. what is puberty, what does a healthy relationship look like, where does someone go to get STI testing, how can I start a conversation with my child/my parent). The link guides an individual through in English or Spanish.  It allows a connection to medically-accurate, age-appropriate, developmentally-appropriate, & evidence-based/informed information and resources when in/outside the classroom or alternative settings. Please note it is NOT checked daily, so please practice patience. Direct link HERE or scan the QR code.

Building Families is housed in Clarion at the Wright County Professional Building. Thus, the Bee Inspired Program and other Building Families services have been following protocol for ALL Wright County Offices since mid-March. The offices (as of May 27, 2020) still remain CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC!  However, our services have not stopped. Effective March 17th, until further notice, Building Families programming staff (including the Bee Inspired Program Coordinator) have been working remotely from home.  Individuals/Clients are asked to make arrangements in advance, or schedule an appointment; for the safety of employees, clients, & the public.

To get in contact with programming/services that are funded by Building Families:
Phone: 515.602.6371 (follow extension prompts)
Visit our website at buildingfamilies.net
Or contact via social media/email:
Building Families Early Childhood Area
Executive Director-
McKinley Bailey at mbailey@co.wright.ia.us

Parent Connection HHW-
Angela Wesselink at awesselink@co.wright.ia.us

Bee Inspired CAPP Program-
Tiffany Larson at tlarson@co.wright.ia.us
(Bee Inspired Program serves Franklin, Hamilton, & Wright Counties)

Early Childhood Education Advisor through Building Families & Family Resource Center-
Amy Shannon at ashannon@carrollfrc.org

There are additional programs that are funded through Building Families that are following their own individual agency/county protocols.You can contact each HOPES Program at each offfice—
Hamilton County Public Health, Wright County Public Health, Humboldt County Public Health.

Questions on child care? You can contact McKinley and Amy, or we are referring to CCR&R at https://iowaccrr.org/families/ or
Child Care Resource & Referral of Northwest Iowa.

Building Families is a non-profit that provides funding & supports to quality programs and services in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright County that develop healthy, independent and successful children and families. If we aren’t able to assist, people can reach out to additional services offered in the surrounding counties. Some are listed in the RESOURCE DIRECTORY, which can be found at communitylinksforfamilies.org. In addition, the Bee Inspired Program Coordinator serves Franklin County.

Remember to stay connected, while practicing social distancing. We are working remotely, but are here to help children, families, & communities however we can. Please reach out if you need resources & information, or support. There is so much uncertainty right now, including how the summer activities will take place or how the school year may look for schools, educators, students, & communities as a whole in the Fall.  We are doing our best to share buzzworthy tidbits, tips, tools, & other resources on our social media platforms (Building Families is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram; Bee Inspired Program is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram; and Parent Connection is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram) to help individuals stay connected. We will be working on our continued updates to the Building Families and Bee Inspired websites.

We have shared health and service-related and youth development info, ACES/trauma-informed care/social and emotional support info, adolescent sexual health topics, awareness months, and more ideas/topics from our collaborative partners in the serving area.

In addition, below are some local, state, & national resources that may be useful to YOU, a friend, a family member, a youth, or someone else in your community regarding community, health, & mental health resources.  They include the CICS 24/7 Crisis Line & Warm Line information, as well as info on yourlifeiowa.org. Here is that info for you:

1. CICS (serving 11 counties in North/Central Iowa) offers the Warm Line, which is now available 7 days per week from 2-10pm. The 24/7 Crisis line & mobile crisis unit are still available. It utilizes the statewide crisis line (Your Life Iowa) for crisis calls, & to dispatch their Eyerly Ball mobile crisis teams. Please use or share with others!
Call: (855) 581-8111
Text: (855) 895-8398
Chat online: https://yourlifeiowa.org/
Note: Foundation2 does have interpreting capabilities

2. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach also offers a free service connecting Iowans with information to better navigate through life circumstances. Individuals can call 1-800-447-1985 (interpretation services available), visit their website to live-chat with a stress counselor, or email an expert regarding their issues. www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/.

Local ISU Extension & Outreach offices may be closed to the public in all counties.  However, they are still available remotely.  Below is their contact information.  They are all posting useful resources & ideas on their social media.

Hamilton County ISU Extension & Outreach is available by phone (515-832-9597), email (xhamilton@iastate.edu), online (extension.iastate.edu/hamilton) or on Facebook messenger.

Franklin County is able to take your calls and respond to email. Many of their resources can be found online at their website www.extension.iastate.edu/franklin. They can be reached at 641-456-4811.

Wright County can be reached by phone at (515-532-3453) or email (xwright@iastate.edu).

Humboldt County can call 515-332-2201 or email Kim Axne: kaxne@iastate.edu Kiersten Beilke: kbeilk@iastate.edu Lexi Seuntjens: seuntjen@iastate.edu.

3. Building Families created a Google Drive with Mental Health & Community Service Resources shared by providers in multiple counties. (CICS for Hamilton & Franklin Counties, and County Social Services for Wright & Humboldt Counties. During this time, please call your local county office for assistance, and any other up-to-date information. Some locations are gradually opening to appointment only.
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1tt8yXPz29Vn_TO6wRh-aFY3yhm7Nt9NA?fbclid=IwAR0rZjLqe2ZpQ9j2rek9hkVE2RXcnSUr_0HQInR3ik7Ds1Xg0_OLdmxSnGk.
We want to highlight some of the Hamilton County resources specifically. Listed on the sheet are several programs/services available at the Hamilton County Community Services Building (including CICS and General Assistance), YSS of Hamilton County, Van Diest Medical Center (including Senior Life Solutions), Berryhill Center for Mental Health and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare through UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, Children & Families of Iowa, Families First, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. of Hamilton County, & Hamilton County Public Health, & Community & Family Resources. Additional resources available that serve Hamilton County and the surrounding area are Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa.

Iowa Specialty Hospital has posted tips and resources on their social media. In addition, individuals can connect with the Mental Health/Counseling Team at:  https://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/services/counseling-and-therapy-services?fbclid=IwAR3fe3a164RItA94JQKSI7hFcfuzO09KgwBcnicI8k_KKJMLX8138Y0E2N

Additional resources can be found in the Community Resource Directory (for Hamilton, Humboldt, Wright, & Webster Counties), offered by Building Families (buildingfamilies.net). It is available in English & Spanish, & will be updated this summer. The link is communitylinksforfamilies.org. The resource directory for the Franklin County service area is being updated, & will be shared by the Franklin County Family Focus Group.

Iowa & National Resources:
NAMI Central Iowa
Mental Health First Aid USA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ‘1-800-273-TALK (8255)’

4. Here is some food pantry info for Hamilton, Humboldt, Wright, & Franklin Counties. Note that some locations may have new safety proceduresfor distribution in place, or have changed their days/times. You may want to call ahead. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1ZDG6qYIDlt4D1I1yHV042QNNYVs4nW5I?fbclid=IwAR0T5iBHu-xRaiWjpVR-QEsabzKNIIshOiPo6z6NeE3Ep0o0NOAao4NvksA

5. An article for supporting a child’s well-being:  https://www.childtrends.org/publications/resources-for-supporting-childrens-emotional-well-being-during-the-covid-19-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR15QX40uMv1_rRKfnNFt0GroeTlXysvZMy6lbw_rctQv3fgtosmcSmcScE

6. CCR&R (Child Care Resource & Referral was kind enough to provide this resource for all things child care! The flyer contains contact numbers & links to current resources for families, businesses and the community as a whole to be aware of child care needs. https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1ZLpwQB3DJ7V9nFDspEHIyYNeZQ0ELR6d&fbclid=IwAR2KZTIHrxtZtKgpsW37p7ngOtQ-8pZ3wvqc2ztdFv-LLw04UApS3f-aUC8

Additional Resources/Updates from local services, agencies, & other providers:

7. Power Up YOUth (in Hamilton County) is sharing mindfulness and other resources on their Facebook Page.  If you need any other ACES/Trauma-Informed Care Resources, touch base with Kathy Getting.  She has connections to some individuals with resources to share.

If there are additional resources you are looking for, let us know.  Building Families helps to coordinate a group of providers (serving prenatal to geriatrics) in a multi-county area.  We have the 4-county resource directory that will be updated this summer (so some things might not be 100% up-to-date).  In the meantime, please refer to: communitylinksforfamilies.org.  It is available in English & Spanish.

Schools are starting to wrap up their online/distance learning. Which means, summer “vacay”…& time to play! No matter what you do, play it safe. Get the Facts, Start Early, and Talk openly and often (with youth, parents/caregivers, your partner, your peers, your healthcare providers, & other supports). Although it may not be typical break,  and have some new safety adaptations…Make it a happy, fun, safe, & healthy summer to remember! The Bee Inspired Program & Building Families are here to offer programming and services, including Parent Cafés, Let’s Talk House Parties, & other activities via virtual/online formats. #education #prevention #awareness #access #beeinspiredFHW

Dodge For A Cause 2020:  SHIFT Happens to Sponsor Annual Dodgeball Tournament

Are you ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge? Students in 5th-12th grades, as well as families and/or community members, are invited to participate in the Annual Dodge For A Cause Dodgeball Tournament, sponsored by SHIFT Happens (Students Helping Impact Future Teens). The event is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2020 (with a back-up date set for March 7, in case of inclement weather). Check-in starts at 5:30pm, with the “first throw” following at approximately 6:00pm. The event will be returning to Jeff Gym, located at the Webster City Middle School (1101 Des Moines Street) in Webster City. Teams of 8-10 members per team are welcome, and registration is $50 per team (that’s only $5 per player!).  Registration & T-shirt Forms can be found here.

There will be three (3) tournament brackets again this year; Middle School (5th-8th grades), High School (9th-12th grades), and a Community/Family Combo bracket. Any 5th-12th grade student in Hamilton County, as well as families, businesses, non-profit or civic groups, or community members are invited to pick their team, choose their theme, dress it up, and participate in this fun, substance-free event. Individuals may also support the cause by coming to the tournament, sponsoring a team, purchasing a t-shirt ($15 each, additional charge for plus sizes), or donating bracket/door prizes. Admission for spectators will be free-will-donation. The concession stand will be open, and be staffed by the After-Prom Moms.  All funds raised from the dodgeball tourney & t-shirt sales will go toward the Revitalization of East Twin Park.  Webster City Rotary will be partnering on the SHIFT Happens efforts again this year, as their March Civic Project!

An added perk returning this year is the option to challenge a team. Want to play against your rival on the court? Want to challenge another family, group, or business? We can do our best to make that happen. Send a “Dodgeball Throwdown Challenge” via Social Media or email by following the rules on our Facebook page.

This year the SHIFTers are raising funds to help revitalize the East Twin Park.  All monies raised will be contributed to the account set-up through the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation.  SHIFT Happens encourages the community (and surrounding area) to help rally for this great cause!

Questions? Want to know how to register? Call Tiffany Larson at 515.602.6371 x4 or 515.835.1836 or email shifthappenshamco@gmail.com or tlarson@co.wright.ia.us. Pre-registration for teams & t-shirts is 2/21/2010.  Forms are available in the Middle and High School offices, Mornin’ Glory,  inTANDEM Workspace, Fuller Hall, and additional locations.  Individuals may also may register online at getmeregistered.com/DodgeForACause. Feel free to buzz over to our website, or follow the SHIFT Happens on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for updates and more info!

Bee Inspired Program Encourages Youth-Adult Conversations Throughout October

October 1, 2019 – October is National “Let’s Talk” Month. “Let’s Talk” Month urges adults and adolescents to have open communication regarding relationships, sexuality, and other sexual health-related topics. Advocates believe in healthy, open relationships between children and their trusted adults, such as: parents, guardians, teachers and health care providers. Several organizations, such as the Bee Inspired Program through Building Families, have tips, tools, and resources available to help adults begin the conversation with youth.

This annual importance placed on comprehensive sex education began in 1975 to unify the plethora of organizations that work to help parents become better sex educators for their children. After only 10 years, the national month spread to more than 30 states, and by 1995, “Let’s Talk” Month became a national campaign sponsored by advocates from all 50 states.

In 2019, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa released research findings regarding Iowans’ perceptions of healthy relationships, sex and adolescent pregnancy. Iowa youth ranked healthy relationships as the most important topic among eight other conversations to have with trusted adults. However, the topics of sexually transmitted diseases/infections and child/teen pregnancy were ranked the least important. The research findings also showed that Iowa adolescents desired advice about using contraception/protection, recognizing when they were ready for sex, communicating consent and abstaining.

The mission of the Bee Inspired CAPP Program through Building Families is to empower ALL adolescents to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness in Franklin, Hamilton, and Wright Counties. A big focus of the programming and services includes increasing youth and adult conversations. It is important for parents, caregivers, and other adults to be Askable, Build Bridges with youth by using teachable moments to talk about “tough topics”, and Continue to Learn ways to “bee approachable”. It is so vitally important for youth and adults to increase communication, even on those tricky topics like relationships and sexual health. Parents and youth can start conversations small, and work into the tougher, and a bit more awkward topics. The goal is to get the FACTS, start EARLY, and TALK often; make it an age-appropriate, ongoing conversation. “Let’s Talk” Month encourages adults to be the primary educators that kids want with the accurate information they need. Parents and trusted adults can find communication tips, messages worth repeating, and more, in the materials promoted during “Let’s Talk” month.

Throughout October, the Bee Inspired Program and Advisory Council will be sponsoring several projects and activities, which include:
• “Let’s TALK: Tips & Tools for Being An Approachable Adult” Workshops
• “Let’s TALK” House Parties,
• “You’ve Been Swarmed” Awareness Campaign and FUNdraiser (taking place in Eagle Grove and Webster City October 7th-30th)
• Let’s Talk Month Social Media Campaign (sharing tips, tools, and resources on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook)

Individuals may contact the Program Coordinator for questions or information on the events, the Program, or how to start these conversations. Feel free to buzz over to our social media platforms, our website at bee-inspired.org, or contact the Bee Inspired CAPP Program Coordinator at 515.602.6371 (ext. 4) or tlarson@co.wright.ia.us.