Community Connections for Children | ELRC

Written By: Stacie Shurock, Barb Green, Mariann Burton, Carol Heagy, Mariann Vargas, Megan Runk, Lauren Brenneman, and Christy S. Renjilian Community Services is an umbrella term for the programs offered here at Community Connections for Children, Inc.—the services that support (and fuel!) the entire community.  Each program ensures that all families and children have what they need to be successful in school and life. These programs connect families to needed services, provide supportive and nurturing relationships to promote family wellbeing, and make our communities a better place. And they are responsive to individual questions and needs.  Community services are much-needed,… read more »

February is National Library Lovers Month. And if you’re like me, you love libraries. Like a lot. Some of our first family outings centered around our local library. When I moved to York, over 20 years ago, my husband and I had two young children, aged 3 and 5. Before transitioning to a new city and role, we had a weekly habit of attending storytimes at our library, and we continued that routine even after we moved.  The children quickly developed relationships with the librarians and created their own nicknames for the branches we would visit regularly.  Kreutz Creek was… read more »

Written By: Erica Heller, Alyssa Hahn, Sara Copeland, Sally Melder, Lisa Young, and Christy S. Renjilian When you think of continuous improvement, what comes to mind? An automotive assembly line circa 1940? Or your latest meal-prepping session, your countertop organized with food in various stages of completion, ready to be set strategically in your fridge for the upcoming week? Or in your business, maybe it’s process improvement, logistics, or up-leveling your client’s experience. Have you ever thought about continuous improvement in the childcare industry?  Children are, after all, the most important thing in our lives. But did you know that… read more »

Written by: Karen Bell, Michele Salsgiver, and Christy S. Renjilian Have you ever struggled financially? Maybe you were in between jobs. Maybe you lost a job due to attendance or layoff. Or maybe your health was suffering, and you were simply unable to keep up with your career. If so, you’re not alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate in the US reached 14.8% in April 2020 after federal and local governments shut down the economy. The highest rates since the Great Depression.  And since then, it’s down. The latest reports show December 2021’s unemployment rate… read more »

Written by: Christy S. Renjilian Support. Meaningful support. What does it look like for you? In 2022, it’s an absolute necessity. For me, for you, for everyone in your life, particularly those who are caregivers, nurturers, and teachers. Meaningful support lets you know you are seen and valued. It aligns with your needs. Specific needs, because there is no one size fits all.  When things are hard and the struggle is real, that’s when you need it most. Don’t know how to start providing meaningful support? Well, step one is to listen.   And listen deep.  When it comes to educators,… read more »

Eleven years ago, a new face appeared at our CCC staff meeting!  When Gretchen was introduced as the new Administrative Assistant and gave us a smile and a few comments, we could tell what a kind and gentle person she was.  As we all had passing conversations with her through the years, she was always polite, genuinely interested in what we were talking about, and would share a spark of her humor from time to time.  Among her responsibilities as Administrative Assistant, one gave time back to the STARS staff by creating, mailing certificates and letters to providers for which… read more »

ELRC Region 9 (Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon and Perry Counties) currently does not have a waiting list. ELRC Region 10 (Adams, Lancaster and York Counties) currently does not have a waiting list.

And a New Perspective and Meaning of Gratitude Gratitude. It’s talked about and referenced a lot this time of year.  But it isn’t simply ‘being thankful.’ Or ‘counting your blessings.’ Gratitude is both a mindset and an action.  It’s knowing that what you have and who you are is enough.  It’s the belief that no matter what comes, there is always something to be thankful for, even though it might be hard to identify at first.  It’s foundational to how we treat ourselves and each other.   As an action, gratitude is how we give of our time, treasure, and talents… read more »

And What Employers Can Do About Burnout and Fatigue The American workforce is exhausted, discouraged, anxious, and overwhelmed. It’s clear. Maybe you’re even feeling that way. And certainly, you know a handful of people who have expressed those emotions this fall.  Headline after headline captures those sentiments. And yet… Your people are still showing up. Your people still care about their jobs and do their best. And they continue to make a difference for those they serve. But when more than 750,000 people die from COVID in your country in a year and a half, it’s going to impact your… read more »