Did you know that the Howe Community Resource Center in Green Bay has lots of great offerings for parents and kids for FREE? Their programs are for all families regardless of race or income. The only requirement is that you live in Brown County and have a school-age child. I sat down with the program director yesterday and she filled me in on all of their offerings and I was very surprised & impressed. Some people may use and know about this great resource in our community, but I think many will be just as surprised as I was. This may be one of the best-kept secrets in the area!
They have some great FREE classes for kids this summer. Many are starting soon, so hurry and get signed up! To pre-register, you can call 920.448.7340 (ext 2 or 1), email hcrcinformation@gmail.com or stop by their office at 526 Monroe Avenue in Green Bay. Their summer classes are:
Start Smart
A 6-week sports development program focused on developing basic gross motor skills through fun and age-appropriate activities. They will learn about kicking, hitting, catching and throwing balls of all kinds. The classes are for kids ages 3-5 years old AND their parent/caregiver. (Parent/Caregiver needs to attend class with child.) There are two different locations and dates/times this class is offered:
HOWE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
525 S Madison St, Green Bay
Dates: Mondays: 6/20-8/1 (no class 7/4)
Times: 1-3PM (The second hour will include nutrition info/tips from UW-extension)
YWCA*
230 S Madison St, Green Bay
Dates: Tuesdays: 6/21-8/2 (no class 7/5)
Times: 5:30-6:30PM
(*Note: for this class there is a $7 total fee, this is for all six weeks of classes and is just for the use of the YWCA facility. If this is a problem for families, contact the Howe Community Resource Center and they may be able to waive the fee.)
Money Madness
Presented by the UW extension, this is a four-day class with fun activities and games designed to teach kids about money. This is for kids entering 1st-8th grade. Parents/caregivers do NOT need to attend class with their child.
HOWE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
526 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay
Dates:
June 20-23 for 3rd-4th grade
June 27-30 for 1st-2nd grade
July 18-21 for 5th-6th grade
July 25-28 for 7th-8th grade
Times: 3-3:45PM for all sessions
READ: Read, Explore And Discover
A parent/child literacy based playgroup followed by parents participating in a support group and kids in school-readiness activities. This is for kids ages 3-6 and their parent/caregiver. The first class was 6/15, but it’s not too late to register and you are not required to attend all sessions!
HOWE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
526 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay
Dates: Wednesdays June 15-August 24
Times: 1-3PM
Sailing Clinic
This is a 3-hour, on-the-water instructional session for beginner sailors and/or those interested in learning to sail. This is for middle school kids ages 11-14 years old.
SOUTH BAY MARINA
101 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay
Date: Friday, August 12
Times: 1-4PM
In addition to these great classes, they also have classes and resources that are available throughout the year. Those include:
Weekly Playgroup
This is a fun playgroup for kids of all ages and their parent/caregiver. In the summer, the playgroup meets bi-weekly (the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month) but starting in September it meets every Friday. On the 2nd Friday the group is focused on infants and toddlers and on the 4th Friday it is focused on preschoolers ages 2-5. No registration is needed–just drop in!
HOWE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
526 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay
Dates: Fridays June 24, July 8, July 22, August 12 & August 26
Times: 10-11:30AM
Drop-In & Create
Spend time with your family creating art projects each month in a relaxed and fun environment. This is for all ages. A parent/caregiver is required to attend with children. No registration is needed–just drop in!
HOWE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
526 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay
Dates: Saturdays, July 2, August 6, September 3
Times: 10-11:30AM
Parenting Classes
Free childcare is provided for all parenting classes! Simply call and pre-register if childcare is needed. Classes are free but registration is needed; call 920-448-7340 ext 1 to register and to confirm class schedules and locations.
Personal Home Visits
Home visits are designed for families with at least one child from 0-5 years old. A certified Parent Educator will come to your home (or other location) at a convenient time for the family and act as a resource, providing helpful information, new ideas and support to parents. Each visit also includes a pre-planned parent-child activity that fosters a strong parent-child bond. The Parent Educator will never judge, lecture or try to change your family. All families can benefit from home visits–even the most experienced parents need support!
1,2,3,4 Parenting
This class is for parents and caregivers of kids ages 0-5 years old. The classes consist of three different sessions and cover many topics important to parents just like you. This class will give you information about your child’s development and the tools to become a more effective parent.
Active Parenting Now
This class uses an evidence based curriculum. Each session is designed to use video, activities and discussion to provide parents with strategies to help raise responsible, cooperative children. The classes consist of three different sessions and will demonstrate how parents can engage with their elementary aged kids to teach effective discipline, positive communication and supportive encouragement.
Parent Cafe
Parent Cafe engages parents in meaningful conversations about family and how to strengthen their family by building protective factors. A location/space is provided where parents and caregivers have an opportunity to meet others in a social, child-friendly environment. Each session includes a family meal, childcare with age-appropriate activities and a parent group discussion time. Parents can talk with each other and share ideas, resources and frustrations and will receive quality information, suggestions and new ideas in an open environment.
