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Community Newsletter | August 2023

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Facilitator Training for Strengthening Families Program 10-14

Learn how to deliver the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 this summer! Join us for a free, three-day facilitator training. Walk away with new skills and all tools needed to deliver the seven-week program in teams of three that helps families and teens thrive. Register by August 24


WHEN: Wednesday, August 30 - September 1, 8:30 am to 5 pm each day 

WHERE: Cedarwood Center (2100 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley)

COST: Free

AUDIENCE: Caring adults interested in facilitating the seven-week SFP 10-14 program

Learn more and register here

Overdose Response

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember the more than 100,000 people who died across America in 2022 from overdose and to share ways we can all help prevent future loss of life. Learn how to recognize and respond effectively in an overdose emergency and use naloxone to help save a life. Free, online training for people aged 16+.


WHEN:

  • Thursday, Aug 31 @ 12 pm
  • Wednesday, Sept 6 @ 11 am
  • Friday, Sept 29 @ 2 pm

COST: Free

Learn more and register here

Facilitation Fundamentals Training

Increase your overall confidence and competence in facilitation. In this interactive workshop with trainer Mike Beebe, you will learn to facilitate discussions and meetings that help groups make decisions together, engaging all participants and differing points of view. Register by August 28.


WHEN: Tuesday, Sept 5 | 9 am - 4 pm | lunch provided

WHERE: Cedarwood Center (2100 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley)

COST: $20 (scholarships available)

AUDIENCE: Community members 18+ who want to improve their meeting facilitation skills

Learn more and register here

Mental Health First Aid

We can all be more aware and more informed when it comes to issues around mental health and substance use. MHFA is built on practical steps for adults to support other adults in their family and community while practicing self-care. The hybrid course format allows you to learn the basics online at your own pace, and then attend an in-person session with a certified facilitator (must be 18+ to attend). Each attendee must complete two hours of online independent study prior to the class


WHEN: Fri, Sept 8 | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | lunch provided

WHERE: Cedarwood Center (2100 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley)

COST: $35 (scholarships available)

Learn more and register here

Suicide Prevention: QPR

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the theme this year is Hope through Action. Act now by learning the warning signs for suicide and how to apply QPR to save a life in our free, online training for people aged 16+.


WHEN:

  • September 12 |11:30am – 1pm
  • September 28 | 3 – 4:30pm
  • October 9 | 4 – 5:30pm

COST: Free

Learn more and register here

CPR/AED/First Aid

With a half-million cardiac arrests each year, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help save a life when someone’s breathing or heart stops. In fact, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. We use the American Red Cross curriculum to train adults so they are prepared for the minutes that matter most. Trainings are offered in person (traditional) format or hybrid online.


WHEN: our next class is Sept 15 | 9 am - 1 pm

WHERE: Cedarwood Center (2100 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley WA)

COST: $100 (discount available for income-eligible households)

Find additional classes and register here

Breastfeeding Class

You don’t need to be a client of WIC to access our breastfeeding support resources. For all new or expecting parents, United General WIC clinic offers online classes in English and Spanish at no cost to help families address common concerns and get feeding off to a good start!


WHEN:

  • Classes in English: Thursday, Sept 21 or Oct 19 at 1pm
  • Classes in Spanish: Thursday, Sept 21 and Oct 19 at 2:15

COST: Free

Learn more and register here

Motivational Interviewing Training

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. This course, led by experienced trainer Dr. Jonnae Tillman, provides the knowledge, spirit, and skills needed to start using MI in your professional and everyday conversations.


WHEN: Friday, Sept 22, 8 am – 4:30 pm | lunch provided

WHERE: Cedarwood Center (2100 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley)

COST: $20

Learn more and register here

Make a Difference Through Service

AmeriCorps members join our team for 10-12 months to enrich our community through service while developing valuable professional skills. Hosting AmeriCorps has been part of the fabric of our organization for more than 10 years and we currently have four open positions where people 18+ can find and develop their passions and leave a lasting impact. Click on the document for more information, or view our AmeriCorps opportunities online.


Visit the AmeriCorps website to learn more about the program.

Are you looking for a position that makes a difference in the community? We're hiring! Please visit our website to see our open full-time, part-time, and on-call positions.

Thank You to Our Wonderful Interns!

Teaching and learning positions like AmeriCorps and Interns are vital to the success of our programs and help to establish the next generation of professionals. This summer, four interns from Western Washington University shared their strengths and talents across all six pillars of health at United General District 304 while gaining experience working directly with community members and partners. Thank you and best wishes on your continued success to:

Calling All Dads!

Fathering in 15 is a free online learning experience made just for dads! It’s an interactive, online tool that helps men build the knowledge and skills they need to be the best dads they can be anytime, anywhere. 


Fifteen topics, fifteen minutes each. Topics include work-family balance, fathering skills, co-parenting, child development, child discipline, and more.

Nature-Based Learning

In July, 12 parents and caregivers of young children joined us virtually for a fantastic class on Outdoor Nature-Based Early Learning. Matt Flower and Alexandra LaBounte from the Urban Ecology Center helped us explore practical and engaging outdoor experiences for preschoolers. Check out the recording on our YouTube channel.

Skagit County Leaders Recognize National Breastfeeding Month

Our Registered Dietician, Sydney Costello (pictured at far right), along with others from the Skagit Lactation Coalition, provided a presentation to the Skagit County Commissioners as they proclaimed August 2023 as Breastfeeding Month. Skagit Lactation Coalition members want Skagit County employers to know that supporting breastfeeding employees is good for business and breastfeeding families. 

Evidence overwhelmingly shows that the powerful boost to an infant’s immune system through breastfeeding helps lower the baby’s risk of many common childhood infections and diseases. This is especially important for working parents whose infants are likely in childcare centers, where babies are at greater risk for illness. Research also shows that the longer a parent can breastfeed, the more she reduces her risk of diseases such as breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Sydney Costello says: “I’m proud to work for an employer who not only follows WA State laws to provide reasonable accommodations for lactating parents who are back to work but goes above and beyond with an Infant-At-Work Program to allow flexibility for new parents to return to work with their little one.” 

Come See us at The Market!

Our Farm to School programs will be at the Concrete Saturday Market through Labor Day. Stop by for a fun activity for kids and pick up some delicious student-grown produce!

It’s Zucchini Season! 

Are you growing zucchini in your garden? If you’re not, chances are a neighbor is and they have enough to share! Zucchini is delicious, nutritious, and good for the whole family. Check out our recipes (including yummy zucchini fritters), and how to prepare zucchini for toddlers and infants 6 months and older. Download the recipes in English or Spanish.

Strong Communities

Coalitions help establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies; as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of people working together to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.


The substance use prevention coalitions we coordinate have joined together to provide professional development opportunities this September. Facilitation Fundamentals and Motivational Interviewing (learn more and register on our website) are available to build the capacity of adults working together with youth to create conditions where young people can thrive. 

The start of the school year is a great time to get involved with your local Coalition! Upcoming meetings are listed below. For questions, contact Supervisor Jill Sprouse at Jill.Sprouse@UnitedGeneral.org.

Sedro-Woolley RISE

·      Tuesday, September 12 from 3 - 4:30 pm

·      Sedro-Woolley High School Library

Burlington Healthy Community Coalition

·      Tuesday, September 19 from 3 - 4:30 pm

·      Burlington Public Library

Concrete Resource Coalition

·      Thursday, September 21 from 2:30-4 pm

·      Concrete High School Library

Finish the Summer Strong!

Take charge of your health in a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere at United Fitness Center! Finish the summer by taking advantage of this great deal: Purchase a two-month membership and get the third month free!


At United Fitness Center, we know our members like we know our community. Come join us and see our bright, clean spaces, consult with our expert staff, and enjoy a friendly positive exercise atmosphere.

Did you know you can use your Fred Meyer card to help make our programs possible? Through Fred Meyer Community Rewards, you can link your card to Foundation of District 304. Link your card in person on your next visit, or click here to do it online. Funds support classes, trainings, and programs for Foundation of District 304 at no cost to you!

Thank You!

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