It can be overwhelming to witness/experience/take in all the injustices of the moment; the good news is that "they're all connected." So if your little corner of work involved pulling at one of the threads, you're helping to unravel the whole cloth.
Julie Wasilewski's Page (District Social Worker)
Thank you for visiting my page. It is my great pleasure and honor to serve our BCSD families as a District Social Worker.
The Family and Community Engagement Center and Community Closet
The Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) is at our Community
Schools location ( Robert Morris site-80 Union St.). Within the FACE, the
Community Closet was created to serve all families in our District. This full
service community resource is a one stop for school supplies, new/gently used
clothing, bedding, household items, books, food, toys, hygiene and cleaning
items. All items come from donations so there is never a cost to you. The
closet is here so that all individuals have access to clean and comfortable
clothing. All items in the closet reflect the respect and care we have for all who
enter the FACE.
I also offer advocacy and referral services. I am here to help any way I can. If
together we can’t solve whatever problems you are facing we will then partner
with a local agency. I am available to connect you with whatever agencies and
organizations you would like to access. If you are having trouble accessing
insurance, healthcare, dental, mental health or any other type of treatment, I can
help. If you are not sure where to turn, I am here to assist. From food insecurity
to the right person to connect with at school - I can help you navigate.
One thing you can be certain of is that when you come to the community closet
you will be treated with respect and dignity. The Engagement Center is designed
to provide a comfortable and welcoming setting for families to come to for
support. Some of the features are laundry facilities, computers, and a sitting
area. There is even a play area for children. Do not let lack of child care keep
you away.
Further goals are that FACE will be open to offer instruction, parenting groups
and a variety of enriching and engaging opportunities for all ages. We believe
that by assisting our students and their families and by removing barriers that all
will be able to fully engage and take advantage of what BCSD has to offer. By
using schools as a hub for connecting families to practical services within the
community, families can concentrate on school success rather than focusing on
how they are going to meet their basic needs like shelter, food, and clothing.
I welcome all interactions at 585-409-9508 to make an appointment for a visit,
assistance or to donate. I assure you the greatest respect and confidentiality in
any communication. Don't hesitate to leave a private message.
The Community Closet plays a key role in Batavia City School District’s
Community Schools. Our Community School is a coordination of essential
services that helps students and families prevent crises and manage stress
factors in order to strengthen a focus on all BCSD has to offer. Our goal is to
increase school attendance, academic engagement, and provide our community
with a comprehensive system of support.
Community Resources
Kid Resources
Something to remember...
Here's a Daily Reminder:
You are beautiful
You are worth it
You are strong
You deserve to be happy
You can fight whatever you're going through
One day you'll be able to say "I made it"
Shout out to everyone trying to get their life together. Working on yourself is the hardest part of life. Keep going, no matter where you are.
Red Cross Babysitting Course-The babysitter's training courses are ideally for 5th-7th graders. As far as training options, we have a babysitting basics online class that covers basic care for infants and children, safety and emergency preparedness, working with different age groups, and how to start a babysitting business. The course is interactive and includes a final exam for a completion certificate. It's about 4 hours to complete. It's $45/participant, but with coupon code NYHY020621, you can save 50%. You can register at www.redcross.org/take-a-class.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
The Imagination Library is a program that gifts books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family's income. Richmond Memorial Library is participating in the program. Paper applications are available at Richmond and in the Jackson Primary library. In addition, children can be enrolled directly at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/). Contact district social worker Julie Wasilewski (jwasilewski@bataviacsd.org) or Richmond library for more information.
Postpartum Support International (PSI)- Helps moms all over the world with their knowledge and advocacy for parents with Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
What is Infant Mental Health?
The importance of infant mental health isn't always recognized in the same way as it is for older children and adults.
Babies develop positive mental health through receiving consistently responsive and loving care which teaches them that the world is a safe place.
This helps them to better manage their emotions and form positive relationships as they grow and develop.
When babies learn how to do this early on they grow into toddlers and children who are better prepared for exploration and learning.
Child Care Resources
The most profound thing we can offer our children is our own healing
-Anne Lamott
QLink Wireless- FREE Government Cellphone Service
Find Help-Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connect 2-1-1 - Call 2-1-1 or 888-696-9211 or text your zip code to 898-211 or at www.211wny.org 24 hours a day 7 days a week, confidential, multi lingual. Your personal access to local health and human services concerning food, shelter, clothing, disabilities, pregnancy, employment, substance use, developmental disabilities, and mental health.
Genesee Orleans County Health Department this site will provide updated information, clinic schedules (when they are back), forms and data.
