The Citizens for Citizens Inc. (CFC) Head Start Program is currently enrolling children who are:

Three years old (by September, 2009) through age five, from families who meet income requirements.

The Head Start Program is a free child development program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition and social services. The primary goal of Head Start is to increase a child’s effectiveness in dealing with everyday life and later responsibilities in school and life. Head Start also provides many opportunities for parents to become involved in the program, and to improve their own education and employment potential. The Head Start Program welcomes children with disabilities and accepts Child Care vouchers. The CFC Head Start Program serves the city of Fall River, and the towns of Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Freetown, Dighton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Berkley, and Lakeville.

If you wish to enroll your child in Head Start, please call 508-675-2151, Ext. 204. An appointment must be made with a Head Start family worker for an interview. The interview will discuss documentation of income, health concerns, developmental and social concerns, family history, and other relevant matters.

See our flyer for Head Start locations and additional information.

Tags: Uncategorized by amello
Comments Off

On August 7, 2009, the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program, now in its 30th year of serving the Greater Taunton Area, began its 18th Annual Celebration of Parenthood. This activity took place in downtown Taunton, at Liberty Union Park, in conjunction with World Breast Feeding Week.

The setting at Liberty Union Park resembled a Ringling Brothers Circus location, with magic shows; face painting, balloons tethered to strings, and plenty of fun-filled games for the families who attended the celebration. An early part of the event found many of the children dancing to the music of DJ Al Martinez from Spinn Productions. Dancing and keeping fit was highlighted as being a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.

D J Al Martinez from Spinn Productions

Organizers of the Celebration of Parenthood program also made sure that vital nutrition information was disseminated to the gathering of WIC parents and other visitors to the park.

Samples of the new WIC food packages, which now emphasize whole grain bread, brown rice, canned fish and other healthy foods, were distributed. Read WIC Director: Karen Swass Welcome Letter

Several awards were presented for three categories:

Breastfeeding Awards presented to:
Andrea Beuttel and Kelly Murray

Parenting Awards presented to:
Yvette Antonelli and William Cameron

Sponsor Awards
Platinum Sponsor: Future Graphics
Gold Sponsor: BMC HealthNet Plan
Gold Sponsor: Percy, Tedeschi & Associates, PC
Community Service Award: Future Graphics
Community Project Award: Taunton Home Depot & Community Care Services’ Crossroads Program

Elected officials were on hand to commemorate the occasion. Presentations of official commendations were made by State Representative James H. Fagan, and Traci Herrick, who represented State Senator Marc R. Pacheco. Taunton Mayor Charles Crawley also sent a representative to the event.

State-Representatives James H. Fagan Pat Haddad presenting-greetings from the House of Representatives

The WIC Program provides valuable nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who meet the qualification guidelines.

To obtain more information on the WIC program and learn how to apply for assistance, please visit the Massachusetts WIC website here.

Program eligibility is determined by household income. To see if you qualify please check the income guidelines here.

[Read more →]

Tags: WIC by amello
Comments Off

Receipt of grant funding from the Fall River Women’s Union made a summer wish become a reality for 75 children enrolled in the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) After School Day Care Program. On August 6, 2009, two school busloads of After School Day Care Program children and staff left Fall River and headed for Water Wizz , a water theme park located in Wareham.

Eloise Carrier, the CFC Director of the After School Day Care Program, described the day’s activities. “While riding to Water Wizz, the children were curious about their new adventure. Most of the children had never been to a water park and had no idea what to expect. When the buses pulled up to the gate of the park, there was an explosion of excitement as the children saw the slides and other fun activities waiting for them. The staff was busy preparing the children for the park activities as the children excitedly discussed which of the water stations would be the most fun or require the most bravery. After a morning snack, the children were divided into groups and the rules were reviewed. It was then off to the water slides and playgrounds for a fabulous day of wet and crazy fun for everyone! On the ride home, the children kept asking if they would be making a return trip to Water Wizz next year. This field trip was a wonderful treat, thanks to the bighearted support of the Fall River Women’s Union.”

The photographs shown below capture the fun and excitement of the children as they enjoyed a special summer outing at Water Wizz.

[Read more →]

Tags: familychildcare by amello
Comments Off

Webster Bank, N.A. once again will lend a hand to the CFC Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with a $5000 donation for the 2009 – 2010 program year.

Elizabeth Berube, LIHEAP Program Director, has noted that the Webster Bank funding will be used to assist low/moderate income Southeastern Massachusetts families with heating or electric utility bills in situations where their regular fuel grant aid was not sufficient to cover the winter months and help with the restoration of utility connections. These households are made up of many elderly/handicapped individuals and working families with children. Eligibility for the LIHEAP Program is based on gross household income, family size, and annual heat consumption. The income guidelines for the program are established by the federal government.

Citizens for Citizens, Inc. is pleased to partner with Webster Bank, N.A. in an effort to ease the burdens of poverty for low-income residents of our service area.

For income eligibility information about the Fuel Assistance Program please see our Fuel Assistance 2009-2010 Income Guidelines.

Liz Berube accepting 5,000 dollar donation from Webter Bank officials

Tags: Uncategorized by amello
Comments Off