April 2010
Volume 3, Number 7
Kayla’s Village 
The Newsletter
Tonya M. Logan, (202) 608-1266, [email protected], www.kaylasvillage.org
$5.00 Exxon Gas Card Recipient
03/31/1996  09/06/1996
Trainings
“Parenting”
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
April 15, 2010
“Stewards of Children”
June 17, 2010
“Stress Management”
Child Care Provided!
HSC Pediatric Center
1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE
Washington, D.C.
“Professionals”
9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
NASW CEUs approved!
Please be sure to pre-register
in order to save $10.00.
April 9, 2010
“Mandatory Reporting”
3 CEUs approved
May 7, 2010
“Social Work Ethics”
6 CEUs approved
June 4, 2010
“Calgon…Please take ME
away!”
3 CEUs pending
Trinity AME Zion Church
th
3505 16 Street, NW
Washington, D.C.

For additional trainings, visit
www.dcrptc.org
From our March newsletter, Melinda Cagle of Birthmothers, Inc. received the prize for correctly answering the five newsletter questions at 10:53:49 a.m. Congratulations! Door Prize Winners
During the March 5, 2010 training, “Adoption Options,” Clarissa Parrish of P.G. County Health Department won the Mary Kay travel bag. Congratulations! Kayla’s Village Blog!
We recently completed a blogging class and HOPE to launch ours on May 3, 2010. We would LOVE to hear from you regularly once we are live! C.A.S.E. and VisArts of Rockville
The Center for Adoption Support and Education and Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts need support. Saturday, May 1, 2010, 8:00 p.m. VisArts, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD Only $50 per person Hors dʹoeuvres, beverages, and desserts sponsored and catered by Through the Kitchen Door; live jazz and swing music, performed by Just the Two of Us; silent auction; remarks by Carol Trawick, President of The Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation; performance by The Finest: IMPACT Dance Troupe; and artwork by foster and adopted youth on display. www.adoptionsupport.org Restore for Life
RFL is a non‐profit organization created as a training and counseling resource center designed to educate, develop, and strengthen the self‐esteem and confidence of young adults, primarily to restore the lives of pregnant and parenting teen mothers. Saturday, April 17, 2010, 10:00 a.m. Distribution of Joy Baskets which may include food (including baby food), new and gently worn clothes, toiletries (including baby products). Must have at least one child or expecting, have high school diploma or GED, and complete RFL training. http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeid
k=a07e2r2vr716c6cec6f&oseq=a014jg5yc2g1h DC Campaign Walk and Rally
May 8, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
Samuel Gomperʹs Park Eleventh St and Massachusetts Ave, WDC The walk will be led by the DC Campaign Youth Leadership Task Force and Anwon ʺBig Gʺ Glover from The Wire. Event will include community leaders, local celebrities, and concerned citizens. [email protected] Fashion and Talent Show
Barstow Acres Childrenʹs Center, a non‐profit agency providing mental health services, parent education, and therapeutic summer camp to Southern Maryland children and families. Saturday, April 24, 2010 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Calvert High School 600 Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 VIP Reception! Silent Auction! Vendor tables! Erin Ursiny, (410) 414‐9901 [email protected] Help us raise funds
by registering at
https://secure.escrip
.com/jsp/supporter/r
egistration/step1.jsp
Group ID#
500017420

Advisory
Committee
Fay Allen
Margie Chalofsky*
Tamitha Christian*
Kenya Coleman
Tawana Holland
Vera Johnson
Tonya Logan*
Nicole Mellonas*
Tabitha Temple
Samuel Tramel
*charter members

Online
Supports
Send questions to kaylasvillage [email protected] and expect a response within 48 hours. Note in the subject line the professional to whom the question is addressed. Dr. Lorelle Bradley, pediatrician Nicole Mellonas, educator Chandricka Mose, clinical social worker Kayla’s Village  The Newsletter
April Themes
Page 2 of 6
Monthly Highlights: 911, Sarcoidosis, & Smile
Alcohol Awareness Month April Fools’ Day Arab American Heritage Month Autism Awareness Month Cancer Control Month Car Care Month Child Abuse Prevention Month Donate Life Month Easter Facial Protection Month Family Strengthening Month Financial Literacy Month Foot Health Awareness Month Good Friday Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month Humor Month Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Jazz Appreciation Month Keep America Beautiful Month Kite Month Math Education Month Maundy Thursday Minority Health Month Month of the Young Child 911 Education Month Occupational Therapy Month Passover Poetry Month Sarcoidosis Awareness Month Sexual Assault Awareness Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Smile Month Social Networking Month Sports Eye Safety Stress Awareness Month Women’s Eye Health and Safety Youth Sports Safety Month Zoo and Aquarium Month For forty years, 911 has served as the vital link between the American public and emergency services. Public education and awareness initiatives throughout the years have contributed in large measure to the incredible and ongoing success of the emergency communications system as a whole. It is imperative that 911 professionals, teachers, government officials, media representatives, and industry leaders are equipped with the tools necessary to continue these efforts in the face of an ever‐changing telecommunications landscape, and that citizens of all ages are well versed in the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response for themselves and their fellow citizens. 
Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the bodyʹs tissues by producing small lumps (nodules or granulomas). Although the lungs are affected in more than 90% of people, the disease often attacks the heart, eyes, central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Once thought rare, sarcoidosis is now known to be common and affects people worldwide. 
National Smile Month highlights the systemic links between oral health and overall body health. Scientific research links gum disease to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and premature and low birth weight babies. Three key messages of National Smile campaigns are: 1. brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; 2. visit the dentist regularly and as often as recommended; and 3. cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks. Frequently Asked Question
My children LIVE on the computer! Do you have a suggestion that would be of interest to them AND fun for the family? Consider a visit to the great outdoors. Many campsites and manufacturers of camping gear are bumping up the amenities to make camping easier (and in some cases cushier) than ever before. For $25 a night (plus site fee), Montgomery Countyʹs Little Bennett Regional Park will set up a fully furnished campsite with a tent that sleeps four, chairs, propane stove, and lantern. For more ideas of ʺcamper‐readyʺ sites, check out Lori Arataniʹs report at washingtonpost.com. Lindsay Minnema, Health section, The Washington Post
Page 3 of 6 Kayla’s Village  The Newsletter
Consider adding the Did You Know?
Kayla’s Village
A health team went to a local mall and took samples from the bottom of 50 womenʹs purses. The purses website link to yours.
were swabbed with cotton which was then processed at a local laboratory. The report showed where Thank you!
women place their purses (and men place their briefcases) – public restrooms (on the floor beside the www.kaylasvillage.org

How to weigh yourself
toilet), kitchen counters and tables, on tables and chairs in restaurants, etc. – 1 out of 4 purses contained E COLI and hepatitis. It is recommended daily that women wipe their purses (particularly the bottom) with a disinfectant wipe and to be extremely careful where you set your purse. Do not place your purse anywhere you will eat or on a kitchen counter and do not put it anywhere close to a toilet. When you flush a toilet, the spray goes a distance that is unrecognizable by the human eye which is why you should close the lid prior to flushing. Defining Myself by Morgan Mullens-Landis
I can't believe I was doing
it wrong all these years.
We must get the word out.

Peace Will Come
Peace will come
When we grow quite
tired
Of wearisome strife,
When we fully grasp
The value of life.
Peace will come
When we arrive at
An attitude shift:
When we see our
lives
As a heaven-sent gift.
Peace will come
When we clearly see
We're birds of a
feather,
When it's finally clear
We're in this together.
Joseph L. Campanello
Copyright © 2010
My dad died when I was four. My brother was two and my sister only one. Soon after, our family grew to five children, as I found myself with a half‐sister and then a half‐brother. We lived in the poorest part of the city. My mother, a widow in her twenties with five kids, couldnʹt handle it. She became an alcoholic and a drug user. Her expensive drug habit caused her to use all the money she could get her hands on for drugs. Although we were on welfare, she didnʹt use the money for the food we needed. Instead, she used the money to help support her drug habit. Her routine became a normal occurrence: she sent each one of us kids to the store with a food stamp. Weʹd buy something for a quarter or less, and then give the change to her. We soon began to rely on the food given out by homeless shelters in order to eat. We would receive a bag and walk through a line as donated food, such as TV dinners or canned green beans, was dropped in our bags. Not only were we deprived of a proper diet, but our poverty prevented us from experiencing the normal joys that kids look forward to, such as Christmas. Although we swallowed our pride when we had no choice but to seek food donations, it was hardest during the holidays. Each winter, our thin, hand‐me‐down clothing and holed shoes forced us to accept free clothes and a voucher for new shoes at the local church, which we then exchanged as Christmas gifts. Knowing that our clothes came from this organization made it impossible to believe in Santa, tainting our holiday spirit. Soon, my mom began disappearing for days at a time. In a way, it was better when she wasnʹt around because we didnʹt have to live in fear of her mental and physical abuse, like the beatings and heartless name‐callings. One night, after my mom threw a lamp at me, nailing me on the side of the head, and a plastic vase at my sister, hitting her in the eye, I made the toughest decision that I ever had to make. I called Child Protective Services, while my sisters cried beside me, begging me not to. Although my mom had been reported before for abuse and neglect, we had always been prepared, cleaning the house beforehand and lying about our situation. Since I was a good student and none of us were troublemakers, we were convincing. We made everyone believe that we had a great life. But while we could lie to everyone else, we could no longer lie to ourselves. We were put into foster care. My sister and I were placed with an elderly couple in the country, my brother stayed in the city with another family, and my half‐sister and half‐brother went to live with their dads. We were permitted to visit with my mom once a week, that is if she showed up. When she did come to see us, which averaged about once every two months, she promised us that she was getting an apartment so that we could live together once again. Itʹs been four years now since I made that call. No one has heard from my mom in over two and a half years. We donʹt even know if sheʹs dead or alive. Although my brother walked down the wrong path for a while having stolen a car, he was released from the detention center early for good behavior and vows to turn his life around. My sister has been adopted by a family who lives in a nice neighborhood. Sheʹs on a swim team and finally getting good grades. My half‐sister still lives with her father. Her dad remarried a wonderful woman who treats her like her own daughter. Unfortunately, we lost contact with our little half‐brother, and we havenʹt had any luck finding him. Heʹll be turning six soon. And me? Iʹd like to say that Iʹm doing pretty well. I just turned sixteen, and I have finally found stability in my life, which has helped me excel and succeed in many areas. Iʹve been on the honor roll for five years, and Iʹm involved in way too many school activities. Iʹm even in a volunteer group that promotes the fight against drugs and alcohol. Iʹm a good advocate of the anti‐drug campaign because I know from firsthand experience what happens when drugs run your life: they ruin not only your own life, but the lives of those around you. I tell my story and amaze people with my positive attitude, despite all that Iʹve been through. My adoptive mom says, ʺYouʹve definitely made some sweet lemonade out of all the sour lemons youʹve been handed.ʺ What I went through, all my hardships and pain, theyʹre part of who I am. Iʹll always feel like Iʹm different, and Iʹll always have to fight the feelings that I wasnʹt good enough, not even for my own mom. But Iʹm not going to let those feelings define me. I will only let them make me stronger. And I know that Iʹm going to be somebody. Actually, I already am. A fifth grade, Christian
school teacher asked
her class to look at TV
commercials and use
them to communicate
ideas about God.
God is like…
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.
FORD
He's got a better idea.
COKE
He's the real thing.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to
send His very best.
TIDE
He gets the stains out
that others leave
behind.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things
to life.
SEARS
He has everything.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him
SCOTCH TAPE
You can’t see Him, but
you know He's there.
DELTA AIRLINES
He's ready when you
are.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands
with Him.
VO-5 HAIR SPRAY
He holds through all
kinds of weather.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you
have Him? Don't you
wish everybody did?
U.S.POST OFFICE
Neither rain nor snow
nor sleet nor ice will
keep Him from His
appointed destination.
Kayla’s Village  The Newsletter
Page 4 of 6
Dealing with your Child’s Obesity in a Positive Way
Are you concerned because you know your child is overweight or obese and at risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other weight‐related conditions? You can deal with the problem in a way that protects your child’s self‐esteem while motivating him or her to make healthy lifestyle changes. 1. Do not permit your family members or friends to comment on your child’s weight in front of them, or to call them names like Porky, Fatty, etc. If necessary, take the person aside in private and explain that name calling or commenting on someone’s weight does not motivate them to change, it just makes them feel worse. 2. If your child is upset because someone made fun of him or treated him badly due to his weight, explain that people often do not realize how hurtful their comments can be. They also may have low self‐esteem themselves, and only feel better by making fun of someone else. 3. Tell your child how special he is and how proud you are of him. Mention specific positive qualities that your child has such as intelligence, great sense of humor, compassion for others, creativity, etc. Tell him that you love him and will be proud of him whether he weighs 50 pounds or 500 pounds. 4. Tell your child that you are concerned about her health, because certain health problems are tied to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Ask if she would like your assistance in improving her health, since all family members would benefit from healthier habits. 5. Sit down with the child and make a list of improvements that can be made in health habits. Ask what kind of physical activities she likes best, and agree to participate in some of those activities with her on a daily basis. They might include riding bikes, in‐line skating, jumping rope, shooting hoops, swimming, building a snowman or snow fort, or working out to a dance or exercise video. Make a personal commitment to spend 30‐60 minutes with your child each day in some kind of physical activity. Get all family members involved, since exercise will improve everyone’s health. 6. Make a list of fruits, veggies, and whole grain foods that your child likes. Get his agreement to try one new healthful food each week. Take him grocery shopping with you to help you select healthful foods. 7. If junk foods are not available in your home, family members will be more likely to eat the healthful foods that are available. Get everyone together and “de‐junk” your refrigerator and pantry. You can have occasional “treats” outside the home at birthday parties, family get‐togethers, etc. If your child’s school vending machines have only junk food, give him nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or other healthy foods to take for snacks. 8. Teach your child to cook. Children usually love to help their parents with food preparation and are more likely to eat fruit or vegetable dishes if they have helped prepare them. Children are also more likely to talk to you about their school activities or problems while you are working together. 9. Praise positive lifestyle changes, not weight loss. “I’m really proud of you for eating your vegetables” or “I can tell that your stamina and energy have improved since we started walking every day. You are able to walk farther and faster that you could a month ago.” The goal should be to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, not just lose weight temporarily. 10. Be generous with hugs. We all need them, and even if your family is not usually demonstrative, just open your arms, say “I need a hug!” and see what happens! You may be amazed at the response! By taking the emphasis away from weight and toward better health, your child will be more likely to grow into a healthy, well‐adjusted adult. Advertisements
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(agreeing to advertise is not necessarily an endorsement of the business)
Advertising is merely $25.00 per month. Make checks payable to Kayla’s Village. With three (3) months, fourth (4th) month free!
www.hscpediatricenter.org
Trinity AME Zion Church
www.trinityamez.org/main.asp