http://fscogden.org/

FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER 

& CRISIS NURSERY

3340 S Harrison Blvd, Suite 110 | Ogden, Utah 84403
Phone: 801-393-3113 

For all of you that had no idea what they were or what they do, I will fill you in.   Located on Harrison Blvd. near Weber State Univ. they are a support and counseling center that has a solid background.  I first visited with Tami who operates the Crisis Center.  She was very informative as to how they help the community.  Then I later met with a counselor who filled me with all the great counseling classes they offer.  The friendliness of the staff and variety of state approved counseling was something other places did not provide.  Family Support Center stands alone when it comes to their unique programs.

CRISIS NURSERY:  The crisis nursery is a need of anyone with a child who either has an emergency to attend to or maybe just needs some alone time.  The nursery accepts children from 1 month to 11 years.  Children cannot be sick, and they will take your child free of charge for up to 4 hours a week in two hour blocks.  The nursery can only accept up to 8 children at one time.  The nursery is very clean, and large, with a bedroom complete for babies and children.  When you bring you child in , they can provide everything, such as; diapers/wipes/clean clothing if a child soils theirs/meals/snacks/crafts.

72 HOUR CRISIS NURSERY:  This is a unique resource offered to anyone who may need or have a dire emergency situation.  You can safely leave your child for 72 hours and the child will be fully taken care of, so you won't need to worry.  However, if you leave your child more than 72 hours, Department of Child and Family Services will be notified to pick up the child.  They have a crisis hotline number if its middle of the night and  you need to bring a child in.

NOTE: to use the nursery you must have a phone on you at all times so you can be contacted.

COUNSELING: Here you will find state licensed and knowledgeable counselors for certain situations.  For example there are classes on Step Families, Peer Parenting, Foster Child Counseling, Grandparent Counseling, and many more.

Cottages of Hope

http://www.cottagesofhope.org/

2724 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401

(801) 393-4011

COTTAGES OF HOPE

When I walked into this place, I was in awe.  This place, first of all, I had no idea it existed.  Then when I was greeted by their enthusiastic staff, I knew there was something extraordinary about what they offer the public.  This place has a specialty in assisting those with criminal pasts overcome re-entry into society.  This means that they support them in job coaching, resume writing, helping felons find work, good career work, not just jobs.  They have a Department of Workforce Services Job Board at the front door.  They offer expungment services, for little or no cost.  They have a multitude of  flyers and brochures that further helps to assist those needing legal help (non-criminal).  They can apply for the HEAT program, which helps those struggling to pay gas and power bills during winter months.  They teach everyone to type, even those who have never used a computer.  What is fun about that is they use a Space Invaders typing game.  

There are way to many things to mention here.  I encourage you to either visit their office or call.  They are working to become a "one stop shop" for the public and to help re-entry offenders.  Anything you may be in need of ...........call them........ maybe you don't know where to start.......call them.  They are all very friendly, encouraging, non-judgmental folks who want to see you succeed.

Also this is not just for the re-entry population.  This can also be a good resource for older retired folks who need or want to get back into the workforce.

Their philosophy is simple "Teach a man to fish"

Do you have a criminal record, that you would like to clear up?

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ 

OGDEN UTAH LOCAL RESOURCES

This week was one of great discovery.  On Thursday I went out into the community to see what local resources were available to those in need.  Now, I am not talking just homeless, or those in poverty.....but those who just want to take that next step in life to better themselves or their situation.  I was overwhelmed by the good hearts that are in our community that help others, and at times are taken for granted.  I was only able to visit 4 places, but here is a review of my experience.  I will start with the Salvation Army

SALVATION ARMY

2615 Grant Ave. Ogden UT (corner of Grant & 26th)

Having known of the good deeds of the Salvation Army since I was a kid, I never knew entirely what they did and offered the public. I encourage you to read their history at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/history-of-the-salvation-army   As I entered their offices, I encountered a couple gentleman who had been working that morning in order to receive some jeans that were not stained or torn.  I was greeted by Bob, who was kind and patient with the homeless volunteers.  He then introduced me to Angelica, the Volunteer Coordinator.  She was very sweet, dedicated, the god loving toward her work and those who volunteer and need help.  She also attends church service there each Sunday.  I asked her what they do with volunteers who break the law on their property.  She simply said that "We talk with them, and sometimes I find myself praying with and for them".  I love that!  There is so much benefit for someone seeking change and help if you have someone spirit filled to encourage you along that path.  

I was very happy to hear of the background checks they do.  Anyone who wants to work over 8 hours, must pass a thorough background check and watch training videos.  This is to ensure safety of the youth that volunteer there from local organizations.  Bob stated that all volunteers are monitored carefully at all times.  

What They Offer

Thrift Store:  Many may be familiar with their thrift store.  Well, this thrift store is one charity that deserves our support.  On any given day you may find that perfect item, from furniture to a new outfit or nicnac.  The store is how the Salvation Army supports it's other services for the needy.  So if you are in the giving spirit, go look for a bargain.

Free Breakfast:  Each morning they offer a free cold breakfast to the public, all are welcome.  This is something the thrift store helps to provide.

Community Garden:  This year they are doing another community garden, where those who are in need of food will get the opportunity to pick fresh vegetables and fruits.

Food Bank:  Each day they recieve donated food items from local stores.  These items are available to those in needs.  The thrift store also has baked breads anyone can go pick up each day.

Church Service:  Each Sunday there is a church service performed on their property.  All are welcome to attend.  They do have a Sunday School for children as well.

Volunteer/Community Service:  This is a very welcoming place for someone to volunteer or accrue community service hours.

Inpatient Treatment:  The Las Vegas, NV location has a recovery program, if interested you can ask about this at the Ogden office.

These are only a few areas they assist with and offer.  I encourage you to visit their website to gain more knowledge on their resources.  http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

"Budgeting"

Okay next to the word "diet", "budget" is the next bad word that nobody likes to say, think about, or do.  I like to call it Money Maintenance.  I like maintenance because you are constantly maintaining what you have available and fine tuning it as you go.  

With recently purchasing our first little home we found that we needed to better maintain our spending.  With a home comes unforeseen expenses/wants/needs.  So, we are going to the old tried and true method of the envelope method.  This is a method that everyone can use.  And there are many people out there that have written and taught how to do it gracefully.

Now, this is how we are choosing to do it.  What we do is each payday is leave just what is needed to pay bills in the bank.  The remainder we cash out and put into our envelopes.  We do this because we live in a world of debit card use.  This gets us all in trouble and broke faster than we realize.  So by starting out in a very simple, non complicated way, I list just four envelopes.

* Food

* Fuel (Gas)

* Misc. (Entertainment, Drinks, Clothes, etc.)

* Savings (reserved for any money left over after this pay period)

This is my simple way of trying this out.  I will say I have done this in the past.  Actually the first time I did this was on our vacation to Nashville.  We had $600 to get there, stay 4 nights, and drive home to Utah.  What we both discovered is that we not only had little money worries, but we had fun, spent freely, and came home with money left over.

I encourage you to try it.  Even if you start with just two envelopes and just $50.  Try it and see how it goes.  And please ask in my comment section if you should have any questions/concerns.  Remember, I am always happy to help!!!

Employed Teens...

There are several reasons why a teen should work and there are reasons why they should hold off or just can't.  I recall my teenage years that you know very little but yet you think you know everything.  Oh the mistakes we have all done and said during those formative years.  While working with youth and adult women, there are many things that teens are not aware of.  Do you ever wonder why a 16 year old teen keeps his fast food job for a decade or more?  It could be because his motivation to go anywhere else or attend college is to intimidating.  Maybe he's had some minor run in's with the law, or maybe it is laziness.  After all if he's still living in the basement playing video games and wearing the same sloppy clothes why should he/she change?

One popular attitude among our young today is entitlement.  This is toxic and usually fault of the parents.  Yes, parents!  We are not living in a society that supports one parent working to support the household while mother stays home and takes care of her brood.  So both parents, who, some are also a bit entitled and trying to keep up with the latest trends.  Rather than spend time with their kids, they turn them into lonely entitled teens and adults.  Parents you cannot buy your kids love, nor should you.  Your time is what they need, not your nagging, but positive time. Also, parents it is not your child's obligation to take care of YOUR kids either.  Now, babysitting once in a while is fine, and normal.  But I see way to many parents who feel it's sibling duty to raise these young children.

So, keep in mind this is my own opinion based on experience and years of personal observation.  I understand certain circumstances and things of that nature that can turn a family upside down.  And tough times require a family unit to help out and support each other.  We as a human race are not perfect.  But for some reason we strive to be.

So, teens, why should you work if you can.  Well, because it will teach you responsibility, accountability, self respect, new knowledge, and you'll make new friends.  Then you can be responsible by paying your own bills, like cell phones, gas, auto insurance, clothing, etc.

TEEN JOB TIPS

DO

-Get your Social Security Card, Driver’s License, State Identification Card, or Passport. 

-Get familiar with common questions on job applications. For your teen job there is no need at this time for a resume.  However, if you do have one it will make you appear more mature and organized.

-Make sure you know your address, phone number, and email address.

-Practice proper grammar

-Use proper language

-Look interviewer in the eye

-Answer questions to the best of your ability

-Have an interview outfit to wear that is clean, with no stains, or tears.

-Good Hygiene is important, you need to shower, brush your teeth,  hair, and wear DEODORANT.   Also clean fingernails are important.

-Thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hand when the interview is over

DON’T

-Come unprepared, without proper identification you cannot legally work.

-Do not speak to the interviewer like he’s your school buddy, he is to be treated with respect.

-Do not speak in slang, vulgar, or bad language.

-Don’t take your phone to an interview

-Do not get distracted by others around you while you are being interviewed.

-Don’t chew gum, candy, or take a drink with you.

-Do not wear sunglasses,, put them in your purse or pocket.

-Do not tell the manager that you should make more than what they offer when you have little or no experience.

-Do NOT show up late, if you think you will be call to let them know.

-Do not treat your job like your high school class.  You are there to do a good job, not goof off with friends or flirt.

GOOD LUCK!!!