Bester Community of Hope releases “Just Call”, an important video to educate the general public to see the signs of child abuse & neglect, and a call to action for families to get the supportive services they need to prevent child abuse. Originally intended to premiere at the now postponed April 9th event “Breaking the Cycle” due to COVID-19, the short film and supplemental video is now available on the Bester Community of Hope website www.besterhope.org and their corresponding YouTube channel. Developed with HighRock and Authentic Community Theatre, as well as other important stakeholders and funders, is released during the month of April in concert with Child Abuse Prevention Month. Learn more about this effort and our work at www.besterhope.org.
Tickets now on sale for “Breaking the Cycle”
Bester Community of Hope is proud to announce our annual community training focused on catalyzing creative new ideas and community collaborations for families. This year the event will take place at the Maryland Theatre on April 9th, 2020, with a slate of national speakers with concepts for diverse audiences. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-the-cycle-tickets-87801858723 . Don’t miss the signature training event of the year in our region!
4th Annual Babypalooza Promotes Strong Families in Washington County
On Saturday, November 4, 2019, over 600 people came to Bester Elementary School for the fourth annual Babypalooza! Designed to support families with young children and those who are expecting, the event offers a fun atmosphere to connect with local resources such as medical professionals, social supports, early learning programs, and more.
Access to local resources promotes Protective Factors for Strong Families, a goal of this annual event. Parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports in times of need, social-emotional growth of children and knowledge of parenting and child development each work together and independently and are the key to strong, healthy family development. Often, families cannot access these resources because they may not be aware of them, may not have transportation to get to them or may not qualify for the service. Babypalooza brings providers and experts directly to the community to lessen the barriers and create connections.
While children had their face painted with emoji’s and superheroes, expectant mothers had their belly painted by local artist and parent, Sandy Gilmer. One attendee shared, “I saw this done last year and I wasn’t pregnant then so I was hoping you were doing it this year, too!”
Parents and children shared play time together at the Early Learning Carnival, a new addition to Babypalooza organized by the Early Childhood Advisory Council. Several partners manned stations focused on various elements of developmental play. The Pediatric Movement Center offered an obstacle course while Discovery Station offered building and stacking with cups and giant blocks. Brittany Wedd, Executive Director, commented, “It was pure chaos and so much fun!” Parents received a booklet showing how to replicate each activity with everyday items they may at home.
The line for the “Take What You Need” section was constant as people found diapers, wipes, infant and toddler clothing, baby blankets and hats, family games, books and more as part of the offerings. Donations are received often at Bester Community of Hope and Babypalooza provides the right atmosphere to get these items to families who may be in need. Chelsea Breton said, “we don’t have a lot of family around, don’t qualify for a lot of assistance and today we got connected to so many resources”. Her husband, Brandon, added, “and as a Dad I now get really excited about baby wipes!”
Each year, lunch is provided at no cost and this year featured pizza, fresh vegetables and dip and cupcakes. “Oh wow…veggies! I’m pregnant and I know he isn’t getting the right nutrition” was the comment of one mother who explained she was financially strained and struggling to make ends meet. After enjoying lunch, the crowd anxiously awaited to hear the winners of the large lot of door prizes. A brand new crib, pack and play, travel system, safety set including video monitor, and baby bath set were a few of the grand prizes. A “Mom’s Self-Care” and “Dad’s Self-Care” set were also part of the prizes and each included a massage, shampoos and lotions, and something for fun, too!
Babypalooza is held each year on the first Saturday of November at Bester Elementary School. Planning for the 2020 event is already underway. Contact us if you have an idea for next year’s event or would like to participate as a resource vendor, donor or volunteer.
South Side Community Block Party Celebrates Neighborhood Life
For the 4th consecutive year, the South Side Community Block Party celebrated families and residents living in the City of Hagerstown, with well over 2,000 community members in attendance. This year, Bester Community of Hope, a San Mar initiative, partnered with the City of Hagerstown to support their Fall Fest activity, as well as the annual tradition Porch Fest, making for a full day celebration in the City Park area of the South End.
The event was highlighted by diverse musical performances and audiences entertained by ACM Nominee The Swon Brothers from Oklahoma, and Washington D.C. favorites The Chuck Brown Band. Forty community resource vendors were onsite to provide important information and linkages to local opportunities, including a free clothing giveaway, and free food tasting plates. There were endless free games and activities for families including paddle boat rides from River & Trail Outfitters, laser tag from XP Laser Sport, an obstacle course from Tiger Rock Martial Arts Academy, with games by the United States Army; but the center of activity at City Park was the brand new playground opened by the City of Hagerstown just in time for the day.
This event was made possible due to the support and commitment to strong families and supportive communities by the Washington County Department of Social Services, Alice Virginia & David W. Fletcher Foundation, and Casey Family Programs.
For media coverage of the event see more here: Herald Mail Article
Photography courtesy of Kevin Gilbert
Casey Family Programs Video Highlights Collective Impact of BCOH Initiative
Casey Family Programs recognizes the work of the Bester Community of Hope, a San Mar Initiative, with a video highlighting our efforts, as well as a story in it’s signature annual report, read more here: https://www.casey.org/hope/
Celebrating connections at Family Day
Pouring rain didn’t stop countless families from attending Family Day on this Good Friday at the new Bester Community of Hope offices in Hagerstown, Maryland. This year’s theme “Wild About Families” transformed the community office into a jungle of activities centered around family photographs and activities about thriving families. “Our goal every year is to have fun, make connections and celebrate all the things that make families strong by promoting the protective factors,” explained Bester Community of Hope Director Jennifer Younker. The protective factors encompass five priorities for families: social & emotional competence of children, concrete supports in times of need, social connections, parental resilience and knowledge of parenting & child development.
Upstairs in the social connections station, families took a quote about belonging from author Jane Howard and created unique posters with hand prints comprising of all members of the family. Neighborhood Partnership Coordinator Kerry Fair explained, “Social connections matter because we are all part of the same community and when we know each other we can help each other.” As one parent completed her poster she shared, “Before I got involved here, I wasn’t very social because I have social anxiety. But now it’s easy because I know people.”
At the social and emotional competence of children station, children built mindfulness kits and took home the book “Greedy Steve” to learn all about making healthy choices. Local Community Resource Officer Alex Routhier was at the event helping at the concrete resources in times of need station, and noted, “It’s great to see how families worked through all of the activities together. Kids are really honest, they know what they need and what they don’t need.” Routhier wasn’t able to finish his thought as a child, Kimaya, ran into him for a bear hug from their past positive connections in the neighborhood. Knowledge of parenting & child development was demonstrated through a variety of games families attempted that highlighted exploration, discovery and strategy. Lead Family Support Worker Teri Conrad explained, “Kids learn through play and it can help build the relationships between parent and child.”
Parental resilience was showcased in two different stations, parents identified the strengths in their family system, and then took a moment to receive a massage from licensed massage therapist Ola Jones. San Mar volunteer Tim Harrison noted, “I’m seeing a lot of smiling faces and happy people. I also see that a lot of love went into preparing for this day.” As one family was leaving for the day, a mother noted, “We were in a rush, so I didn’t get a chance to get a massage.” Her daughter interrupted, “Don’t worry mom, I’ll give you one when we get home, that’s why I’m here. I’m here to help!”
Bester Community of Hope and activities like Family Day are made possible by the generosity of our core partners: the Washington County Department of Social Services, the Alice Virginia & David W. Fletcher Foundation and Casey Family Programs. To learn more about how you can get involved in the work to improve well-being for families, school and neighborhoods in the South End of Hagerstown, Maryland, get in touch at connect@besterhope.org or 240-513-6370.
