S.O.S. Care Inbox
Supporting Our Supporters- Community Appreciation & Support
Spring, A Time of Hope!
Spring is a time for hope! We hope you enjoy this SOS newsletter and the hopeful reminders herein. As the days grow warmer and longer, we encourage you to “bathe” in nature and enjoy the blooms, croaks of frogs, scents of the warming earth, and other signs of spring. Spread the joy -- consider ways you can share hope with others!
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SOS Committee Share: Favorite Spring Activities & Photos
Become an SOS Contributor!
You can be an SOS contributor! Planning is underway for our Summer edition, “Embracing the joys of summer!” Please share a favorite summer recipe or a photo of what brings you joy in the summer! You can also contribute by submitting a kudos!
Literature & Poetry to Inspire Hope
To Kill a Mocking Bird, By: Harper Lee
To Kill a Mocking Bird is a classic piece of American Literature.
Atticus is the positive character, who believes in the good of everything. He brings hope into the story and tries to pass it on to others, especially to his children. No matter how hard life becomes Atticus does not give up. The Finch family becomes hopeful, as Atticus educates the children to accept everyone.
“Sunflowers”, By: Rupi Kaur
despite knowing
they won’t be here for long
they still choose to live
their brightest lives
Kaur is hands down on of my favorite poets of her generation. The beauty of her work is that it’s simple, straightforward, and incredibly relatable. She’s become the pioneer of accessible poetry and she is especially empowering for women. Personally, reading her poetry always makes me feel seen and a little less alone in a world where I am increasingly less connected to others. Her poem “Sunflowers” serves as a reminder to us all to live each day to the fullest. This poem helps others to stay hopeful because it illustrates that we have the power to choose to live our lives in a way that spreads light and positivity.
After reading this poem, how does it make you feel?
“'Hope' is the Thing with Feathers", By: Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Hope is bravery
“The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” — National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
Resources to Support Your Hope & Growth
What does being around flowers really do for you? To cut to the chase, a lot! But before we dive into it, learn more about what we do and why we are so passionate about it.
Hope Blooms repurposes donated flowers by rearranging them into beautiful bedside bouquets with the help of many amazing volunteers. The bedside bouquets are delivered to individuals who need them most, such as those living at nursing homes, long-term care facilities, shelters and more.
We do all of this with a mission to inspire hope, happiness and emotional healing.
Recipients of our bouquets feel joy when they receive them, but are there actual scientific benefits of being around flowers?
Yes!
Be a Mr. Jensen
“When we help team members, students, and co-workers to become more of who they already are – retention improves, sales increase, academic success soars and your people win...Be a Mr. Jensen!" Emmy Award-winning Keynote Speaker Clint Pulver helps organizations that want to retain, engage and inspire their younger workforce. As the President and founder of The Center for Employee Retention, Clint has transformed how corporations like Keller Williams, AT&T and Hewlett Packard create lasting loyalty through his work and research as “The Undercover Millennial”.
For over a decade, Clint has helped leadership teams diminish turnover, increase engagement and create an organization their people never want to leave. With a blend of humor, unforgettable stories, and actionable takeaways that stick, Clint convinces audiences on the power of “The Mentorship Effect,” and why some leaders create lasting loyalty and others don’t.
🌱 How to Help Your Child Find Hope 🌱
Kudos Note Subissions
Please consider supporting your fellow community members by using the attached Kudos form to create a note for those who deserve encouragement, acknowledgement and thanks. The S.O.S Committee will hold a drawing for a gift card prize for a Kudos submission. Please send your kudos nomination to Kelsey.weisenstein@jfs.ohio.gov.
Misty Edwards and the Fiscal Team at Licking County JFS, Kendal Kirkbride & Olivia Meade.
Kudos Note
Misty Edwards and the Fiscal Team at Licking County JFS, Kendal Kirkbride & Olivia Meade.
Licking County JFS
Misty Edwards and the Fiscal Team at Licking County JFS, Kendal Kirkbride and Olivia Meade, are always so helpful! When I needed to collect documents for our recent audit, need information for reports, or need guidance in fiscal matters-- whatever I ask-- you and your team are gracious, helpful and quick to respond. You all go above and beyond making the Families Helping Families holiday assistance program a success, bringing so much joy to so many children and families in our community. It is a pleasure working with your team. I have to add that you all are fun to be around as well! I feel lucky to know you and work with you!
Nominated by: Sylvia Friel
Allison Riley, Regional Licking ESC
Kudos Note
Allison Riley
Regional Licking ESC
Allison is a source of tremendous care and positivity at the Licking Regional ESC. Her continual dedication, resilience, and support ensures the promotion of life-changing supports and resources for families in Licking County. Personally, she is a loving mother and wife who often puts her friends and family before herself. Thank you for all you do for your friends, family and community, Allison!
Spring into Spring with some Laughs
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What do bees wear in the rain?
Their yellow jackets.
If spring is all about cleaning, what season is dedicated to making a mess?
What did the chipper spring breaker say to his beach buddies?
Seas the day!
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A robber entered my home in the hopes of finding money...
I joined the search with him.
An Irish botanist was trying to cross a four leaf clover with poison ivy...
He was hoping for a rash of good luck.
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Brainteaser Time
Think you can solve this Brainteaser? Please click on the Licking County Children and Family First Council logo for the answer!
Question:
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Good Luck!!
- Members: Sylvia Friel, Kay Spergel, Kelsey Weisenstein, Ronni Bowyer, Ashley Washburn, Tiffany Myers, Kathleen Burkhard, Jennifer Hampton, Courtney Stires and Brittany Collins.
Committee Email Contact: Sylvia.friel@jfs.ohio.gov