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Kinship Connections of Wyoming Newsletter
August 2021
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August is here and summer is coming to an end. Kinship Connections of Wyoming is excited you have continued with us through our journey. Enjoy our August Newsletter and as always, if you are or know of a kinship caregiver in need of support and resources, simply call 2-1-1 and get connected to a Kinship Navigator today.
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Back to School 2021
As we approach the return to school, there are still uncertainties about what the school year will look like. Heading back to school can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. School schedules need to be set, school supplies need to be purchased, and kids need to get rested up.
Th easiest way to see what school supplies your child needs or to find out specific school schedules is to visit your school districts website at:
https://edu.wyoming.gov/communications/school-links/
Let's get our kids excited to be back in learning mode and remember that there are so many resources on the the Wyoming Department of Education website. And as always, you can always reach out to your Kinship Navigator or Wyoming 2-1-1 for additional resource information.
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Understanding IEP and 504 Plans
With kids heading back to school, you should know that your child may qualify for an IEP or 504 plan. They can be complicated to understand.
IEP plans cover students who qualify for Special Education. Section 504 covers students who don't meet the criteria for special education but who still require some accommodations. A student is eligible for a 504 plan if he/she currently has a physical or mental impairment that disrupts normal learning, such as ADHD, if it "substantially limits" their ability to learn. Both plans ensure that students with disabilities have access to free and suitable public education.
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Meet the new Kinship Connections of Wyoming Program Manager: Chandra Ortiz
We are so excited to welcome Chandra Ortiz as the new Program Manager for Kinship Connections of Wyoming!
She grew up in Eastern Montana and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Montana State University-Billings. She has over 18 years’ experience working with children and families. Chandra has fulfilled her passion for children and families by serving as Executive Director for CASA of Natrona County for 10 ½ years where she was responsible for providing the organization with a strategic vision and leadership to increase funding and program awareness.
Prior to her position at CASA of Natrona County, she was the Associate Director of the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation, cultivating relationships and fundraising, and prior to had eight years’ experience in the Social Service field. She has dedicated her professional career to working with vulnerable children and families.
In her free time, she enjoys golf, yoga, traveling and spending time with her husband, two daughters and two stepdaughters. Chandra is on the Children’s Justice Task Force, was a CASA advocate, has volunteered at Meals on Wheels and was the Board President for Casper Family Connections.
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If you haven't joined already, and you are a kinship caregiver in Wyoming, please consider joining our Facebook support group. The Kinship Connections of Wyoming Facebook Support Group, is a peer support group designed to provide an ongoing conversation by and between kinship caregivers in the state of Wyoming with one another. You can share your story, ask questions, or just listen and understand others are going through some of the same struggles you may be going through.
If you are a kinship caregiver or you know a kinship caregiver who may benefit from this opportunity please encourage them to request to join the group by clicking the join now button below.
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