Connecting for Kids Expands Programming to Euclid in 2020
Connecting for Kids, a local nonprofit that provides education and support to families with concerns about their child, will be expanding to Euclid in 2020 offering its popular Music Therapy & MoreSM and Coffee and Chat programs in partnership with Euclid Public Library starting in January.
“We know the need for our programs is great as we’ve had more than 10,000 participants during the last eight years. In addition, we field 10 contacts each day from worried parents,” said Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director. “We started on the west side offering programming at libraries in Elyria, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights and Westlake. Two years ago, we expanded east to Solon, but still had families driving an hour to attend one of our programs who were asking for options closer to home. With this latest expansion, we are able to reach into Euclid and the surrounding areas on Cleveland northeast side.”
The first program that will be offered is Music Therapy & More on Saturday, January 11 at 2:30 pm. This hands-on family training program is for children, ages 0-6 years, who are struggling in an area of development. It is designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. The program is led by a Board Certified Music Therapist from Music Therapy Enrichment Center, Inc. (MTEC) and is offered free of charge. Because of limited space, all families must register at www.connectingforkids.org/music or by calling/texting 440-570-5908, para español 440-907-9130. Music Therapy & More will be offered on a monthly basis throughout the school year at Euclid Public Library.
In addition, Connecting for Kids will hold a Coffee and Chat Support Group entitled “Reaching Out for Support” on Saturday, January 25 at 2:30 pm at the Euclid Public Library.
The goal of the program is to allow families of children who struggle to meet others on a similar journey. Attendees will have an informal discussion about ways to find support. Those interested can register at www.connectingforkids.org/support or by calling/texting 440-570-5908, para español 440-907-9130.
Connecting for Kids serves all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. Through its website, Service Provider Directory and local resource fairs, the organization provides resources for a number of concerns including anxiety, attention issues, developmental delays, epilepsy, and sensory issues. The organization also helps families whose children are having difficulty making friends, struggling academically or facing a major life change such as parents divorcing. A Parent Match Program connects those facing similar struggles.
For more information about Connecting for Kids, visit: www.connectingforkids.org, email: info@connectingforkids.org or call: 440-570-5908, para español 440-907-9130.
Lorilynn Wolf
Lorilynn Wolf is the Communications Director for Connecting for Kids.