Friday, August 10, 2012

CHOR’s Night at Texas Roadhouse


Please join us at CHOR’s Night at Texas Roadhouse, 2803 Papermill Road, Wyomissing.  Tuesday, August 14th from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm.  The Children's Home of Reading will receive 10% of all sales that night.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Summer Parrot Daze


The Parrot Head Club of Berks County's summer party with a purpose is benefitting the Children’s Home of Reading. The Summer Parrot Daze is on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Reading Liederkranz.  The Doors open at 2pm on Saturday and there will be a band playing from 4pm to 6pm and from 8pm to 10PM.  There will be a live auction at 7pm.  Tickets are $20 if you are not a member of the Parrot Head Club ($15 if you are) For more information or tickets, please contact the development office at the Children's Home of Reading 610-478-8266

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Sorrelli Jewelers is hosting a donation drive to benefit The Children's Home of Reading

Sorrelli Jewelers, located at 125 West Main Street in Kutztown, PA is hosting a donation drive to benefit The Children's Home of Reading. Customers who donate items from CHOR’s wish list will receive a 15% off voucher for each item donated from June 23 - June 30. The vouchers can be used for any in-stock item.
For a list of CHOR’s wish list items, please visit our website at www.childrenshomeofrdg.org  A CHOR Representative will be at Sorrelli Jewelers from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm this Saturday, June 23 with information about our programs and services.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

CHOR Got Talent

CHOR held its first CHOR got Talent show, and our residential boys did a great job in the competition displaying their talent.  We hope to have many more in the future.   A special thanks to Kenny Mitchell a case manager at CHOR who organized the event and help the boys prepare for the event

Friday, June 1, 2012

Annual Academic Awards Ceremony

We had our annual Academic Awards Ceremony for our residential clients yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Reading.  Congratulations to all of our award winners. You have all worked so hard and your academic achievements show it. Everyone at CHOR is so proud of you all!

A great thank you to Craig Poole and the staff of the Crowne Plaza Reading for giving our students a wonderful banquet. As always, the food and service was outstanding. Your generosity and support truly make our residents feel extra special!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Intro to The Work Place CHOR preparing students for the workforce

 CHOR is planning to visit the Crown Plaza again on the 11th, 18th, and 25th of May for our program Intro Into the Work Place. Overall our first visit went very well. The students took a tour of the Crown Plaza and its different departments and participated in mock interviews with various department heads. The students were prepared with completed application in hand, well dressed, polite, and respectful and presented themselves as mature young adults. I was very proud of them.

Our next visit will consist of meeting with their HR person to review the many pre-employment documents (tax forms, code of conduct, and policies, etc.) they supplied us with earlier. Students will also have some time to observe and assist with some of the entry level jobs.

Thanks to all of you who have supported this opportunity to enrich our students experience here at CHOR.

Mike Progansky
Teacher, Children's Home of Reading

CHOR Holds Mock Primary

On Tuesday, April 24th, students and staff participated in a mock
 rimary election. Several weeks prior, students began studying our electoral system and how they can participate.  Students filled out a practice voter registration form, learned the difference between a primary election and the general election, and followed the news as Pennsylvania's Rick Santorum dropped out of the race a week before the election. On Election Day, students manned the polling place (the library conference room) where a voting booth was set up.  The students manned the different stations, helping people sign in to vote, checking their IDs, informing them how to get behind the curtained off voting area, and collecting the paper ballots afterwards.  Virtually all students voted, including one who knew he was to be away on an appt that day that left an absentee ballot to be counted with the others. Many staff, teachers, clinicians, and other CHOR employees also voted with us.
The next day, students counted the ballots and analyzed them according to class and overall, and comparing them with the election results as reported in the Reading Eagle. This is always one of the most popular and engaging of the social studies units each year.

By Jim Vogelgesang
Teacher, Children's Home of Reading

Centre Avenue Academy Update


Education continues working positively at the main campus' Centre Avenue Academy as the school year enters the final marking period. As with all PA schools, CHOR students in grades 6-8 and 11 participated in the PSSA's. Results received in the summer will be forwarded to the home school districts.

Teachers continue to use Compass Learning for standards based computerized educational lessons. In addition, CHOR has purchased 6 Promethean Active Boards for interactive academic work in the classrooms.  The students have responded enthusiastically to being able to get up and use these.
In addition, students continue to be admitted to CHOR, and placed in the proper educational class based on records received, diagnostic testing upon admission, and teacher observation. Teachers also make recommendations to home school districts as to the best placement for students approaching discharge.
      
This year we do not have any graduating seniors for the end of the year, though for one senior student, we were able to work with the home school district and assemble enough credits for the student to receive his diploma during the summer.

Students have appreciated having a rotating schedule throughout the year of art, music, tech ed, and gym.  They have also been able to choose from such electives as Horticulture, Japanese Mythology, Song writing, and Entomology.

By Jim Vogelgesang
Teacher, Children's Home of Reading

Friday, April 27, 2012

Full time Job Opening

If you are a person who enjoys working with children and making a difference in the life of a child, then we might have a position for you.  The residential program at CHOR has openings for full time Youth Care staff.  The position works directly with our male residential clients who range in age from 12 to 18.  For more information, including job requirements and how to apply, please click on the following link:  http://www.childrenshomeofrdg.org/employment.html
 

Murals on the King House at CHOR

The murals were designed by CHOR staff member Ray Camacho-Torres  and painted by him and the clients on King House.





Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Open House at the new Centre Avenue Academy

CHOR is very proud of our newest recourse to help child the Centre Avenue Academy.

20th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

Combine Your Love of Golf With Your Support For Kids!  Join us at the Moselem Springs Golf Club OR Berkshire Country Club on Monday, April 30, 2012

Click on the link before for more information http://www.childrenshomeofrdg.org/files/Golf%20Reg%202012%20Flyer.pdf

Monday, April 2, 2012

Texas Roadhouse supports CHOR

Texas Roadhouse in Reading would like to invite you to join them this April to help support The Children's Home of Reading. 

Just come in from April 2nd - April 16th, bring in a pack of diapers in any size and receive a free appetizer*!
We're honored to support such a worthwhile cause and look forward to seeing you here!

*Offer valid April 2nd-April 16th only. Valid for one free appetizer with purchase of an entrĂ©e and with donation of a pack of diapers. Combo appetizer excluded. Not valid with any other offer. One per table. Dine-in only. No cash value. No substitutions. Redeem at the Reading, PA location only. 2803 Papermill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610   610-373-9600

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Reading Hospital and Medical Center employees volunteering at CHOR




The Children’s Home would like to thank the Reading Hospital and Medical Center employees for volunteering their time to help paint a large mural on the 2nd Floor of our residential building (Carole and Ray Neag Center). Special thank you to Dave Hartranft for designing the mural.

Monday, February 27, 2012

CHOR takes part in African Mask painting

Kenny Mitchell , as part of a Case Manager’s group last week, took his clients to Alvernia College for African Mask painting as part of Alvernia's multicultural initiatives in celebration of Black History Month. The trip and activity were mentioned in the Reading Eagle to read the full article please click on the link below:

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

New Boy Scout Mural at CHOR

Here is the latest addition to the Boy Scout room at The Children’s Home of Reading where Troop 125 of the Hawk Mountain Council meets each week. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Thank you to the Berks Karma Yoga Club

The Children’s Home of Reading would like to thank Rachel Sammon and the Berks Karma Yoga Club for offering free yoga classes for our residential boys.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Children’s Home of Reading has part time positions

If you are a person who enjoys working with children and making a difference in the life of a child, and only need to work a few hours a week then we might have a position for you. 
The residential program at CHOR has openings for part time on call Youth Care Workers for 1st shift, 2nd shift and 3rd shift.  The position works directly with our male residential clients who range in age from 12 to 18.  Veterans are encourage to apply.   For more information, including job requirements and how to apply, please click on the following link:  http://www.childrenshomeofrdg.org/employment.html

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Boy Scout Troop 125 Prepares to Re-charter

Our Boy Scout Troop 125 is preparing to re-charter for its 3rd year as a part of the Boy Scouts of America's Hawk Mountain Council. Troop 125 (established in the CHOR's 125th year) has been blending the ideals of the Scouting movement with the targeted clinical outcomes of our programs. The boys in our troop are expected to not only know the Scout Law ("A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent), but to practice it at all times while at CHOR. In addition, our Scouts have learned proper flag etiquette, and have worked on the Public Speaking, Railroad and Woodworking Badges. Many of our clients, when they hear of our Scout Troop, want to be a part of it. Because our troop size is limited (we may have only 12 boys in it a one time), there is always a waiting list to join. According to Dennis O'Brien, a CHOR Board Member and person who has had a long and close affiliation with the Hawk Mountain Council, "I am very pleased to see the troop continuing and give all of the credit for its success to CHOR staff members Jason Raines, our Troop Committee Chairperson and Carrie Hehn, our Troop Scoutmaster."

As always we are in need of uniforms, handbooks and other scouting materials. So, if you happen to have some laying around at home, don't just throw them out. Contact Carrie at 610.478.8266 ext. 447 or by email at chehn@childrenshomeofrdg.org. We all appreciate your help!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Internships at the Children’s Home of Reading

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) can help fulfill your college requirements.  We offer a variety of UNPAID internships in areas such as clinical, administrative, and support staff.  If you are interested in applying for an internship, please complete the attached Internship Profile Form (pdf) and mail it to the following address:

The Children’s Home of Reading
1010 Centre Ave.
Reading, PA  19601

Upon receipt of your Internship Profile Form, a CHOR representative will contact you to set up an interview if an appropriate match has been determined.

Please note that if you are offered an internship at CHOR, you will need to provide the following information before you begin:

  • Internship Profile Form (provided by CHOR)
  • Copy of your school procedures and requirements governing internships
  • Intern Disclosure Statement (provided by CHOR)
  • Confidentiality Agreement (provided by CHOR)
  • Code of Ethics Agreement (provided by CHOR)
  • Proof of age *
  • Criminal History & Child Abuse Clearance
  • FBI Clearance - for interns who have not lived in PA within the past 5 years.
  • Physical and TB test results along with a letter or note from your physician
    indicating you are free of communicable diseases.

* Some programs require you must be at least 21 years of age prior to start    date.

** Additional requirements may exist for certain internships.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Children’s Home of Reading writer’s group

Here is the link to an article in the Reading Eagle about The Children’s Home of Reading’s writers group where clients learn how to express their feelings through writing. 

Monday, January 9, 2012

Book drive for the Children’s Home of Reading

The Children’s Home of Reading as a need for new and used books appropriate for boys ages 10-18 to help grow our client library.  If you are willing to donate any books, please contact Debbie Acker at 610-478-8266 ext. 429

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Volunteering at The Children’s Home of Reading

Current Volunteer Opportunities Available
The Children's Home of Reading is currently looking for volunteers to serve as:

  • Tutors in our on-ground classrooms during the school day
  • Clerical support in our Development Office.

Volunteer Qualifications
All of our volunteers need to be 21 years of age or older. All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application Form as well as a criminal record check and child abuse clearance form. These forms can be requested from our Development Office. 

If you would like more information on our volunteer program or to obtain the necessary clearance forms, please call Mindy McIntosh at (610) 478-8266, ext. 468.

Ways of Giving To The Children’s Home of Reading

Your contribution is a thoughtful and effective way to make a significant difference in the quality of life for the children within our community.

General Contributions
Received throughout the year, these gifts in any amount are unrestricted and vital to the ongoing work of The Children's Home. All donations can be mailed to:

The Children's Home of Reading
Attn: Development Office
1010 Centre Ave
Reading, PA  19601

To make a VISA or MasterCard contribution, please contact Debbie Acker in the Development Office at (610) 478-8266, ext. 429.

In-Kind Gifts
In-kind gifts provide us with needed items that would otherwise be purchased with Children's Home dollars. These contributions allow us to use more of our operating dollars for programs rather than having to purchase them.

Corporate Matching Gifts
If you are employed by or retired from a company with a matching gift program, you may be able to double or triple your gift dollars to The Children's Home. Contact your company's personnel or community relations office and they will provide a form for you to complete and send to us.

Honorary Tributes
Honorary Tributes will mark any special occasion, a birth, anniversary, retirement or birthday. An appropriate message indicating your thoughtfulness is sent to the person being honored.

Memorial Gifts
A special way to provide a memorial to a loved one or friend is through a gift to The Children's Home, whose caring programs touch the lives of many suffering children. Families of the person designated by the donor are notified of the memorial.

Bequests, Trusts, & Gift Annuities
Bequests, trusts, and gift annuities are planned gifts which may be arranged in whatever way accords with the donor's own estate plan and/or wishes for the gift's use. Many forms of bequests or planned gifts are available.

Please note: In planning such tax-deductible contributions, speak to your attorney, accountant, and/or the Development Office at (610) 478-8266, ext. 469.

The Children's Home of Reading has an ongoing need for various miscellaneous items. 

If you are interested in donating any new or gently-used items, please contact our Development Office at (610) 478-8266.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

CHOR has part time and full time positions available!

If you are a person who enjoys working with children and making a difference in the life of a child, then we might have a position for you.  The residential program at CHOR has openings for part time on call or full time Youth Care Worker.  The position works directly with our male residential clients who range in age from 12 to 18.  For more information, including job requirements and how to apply, please click on the following link:  http://www.childrenshomeofrdg.org/employment.html

Monday, November 28, 2011

Flapjack Fundraiser at the Wyomissing Applebee's

Our Adoption Program is having a Flapjack Fundraiser at the Wyomissing Applebee's on Saturday, December 3rd from 8:00 am - 10:0 am. We would love to have you join us. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children 12 & under. For more info please comment here for call us at 610-478-8266 ext. 468.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

CHOR wishes to thank the Red Knights

The Children's Home of Reading  wants to thanks the Red Knights for taking part in the toy run and for their generous donates to the clients at the Children’s Home.   
Please click on the link below for the full story and photos of the event  on chesterfire.com
http://chesterfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=3886

Holiday wish list

CHOR wishes to thank the BROS for thier toy run

The Children's Home of Reading had some special visitors who came with gifts Thank you to the BROS for their generosity and support this past weekend. We hope it was as rewarding for you as it was for us

Please click on the link below to read more about the event on the wfmz website.

Congratulations to our Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care

Congratulations to our Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program in Bethlehem for recently becoming the only certified MTFC program in PA!

MTFC was introduced in PA a few years ago and there are currently five sites throughout the state. We manages two of the site; one in Mechanicsburg, PA, serving Dauphin and Cumberland Counties, and one in Bethlehem, PA, serving Lehigh and Northampton counties.

We are very proud of the MTFC staff in achieving this important acknowledgment! If you would like more information on our MTFC or any other programs we offer, please contact us

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

CHOR Celebrates First Anniversary as a Certified Agency

On Friday, October 7th, The Children's Home of Reading hosted an event to mark the first anniversary of our Sanctuary Certification. 

To commemorate the occasion, State Senator Judy Schwank presented a Certificate of Recognition to our President and CEO, Dr. Vince J. LaSorsa.  Senator Schwank commented on the progress.  The Children's Home of Reading has made since her last visit eight years ago.  
 
 
 

The Children's Home Of Reading helps kids get creative


Author: Dwayne Parker, Reporter, dwayne.parker@wfmz.com
Posted On Oct 17 2011 11:52:04 PM EDT

For some students at The Children's Home of Reading, poetry is like a life line. 
Every week they get together around a table and recite poetic lines that allow them to cope with their emotions.Some have been victims of abuse, or suffer from behavior challenges.
The program is called Pen to Paper. It was created by writer, Nancy Kauffman.
"Sometimes the young boys that I think, this is really going to be a struggle, they end up writing things that are just simply profound," said Kauffman.
A few students were willing to read their poetry for 69 News. Due to the trauma that some have sustained 69 News is protecting their identities.
"I'm waiting to be lit, to be alive, to be in the world, to be helping someone see in the dark," read one student.
"Me and myself, what do you think about me?" read another student. "That's all people see is the outside of me."
"Have I gone crazy? I see people flying in mid air at the school play," reading another student.
Since the program began, the staff at The Children's Home of Reading say they have also noticed a change in the writing students.
"Their self-esteem is much higher. There's much more of a positive outlook. It helps them overcome some of the childhood traumas they have," said Jason Rains, Director of Residential Services and Admissions.
"The things that come from their heart, I don't know if it surprises them as much as it surprises me," said Kauffman.
Below is the link to the video news thread.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/Childrens-Home-Of-Reading-helps-kids-get-creative/-/121458/3917300/-/2e32hqz/-/index.html
Source:  WFMZ, Reading, PA

Monday, May 9, 2011

Wells Fargo gives Children's Home coach rides and grant

The Children's Home of Reading accepted a $15,000 grant from Wells Fargo.  The Children's Home will use the grant to enhance its services, which are offered to about 500 children. Programs include foster care, residential treatment programs for teen boys, a school and a mental health program for children.


To read the full story from the Reading Eagle please click on the link http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=305853

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Children's Home Boys Stand Firm Against Bullying(as seen in the Reading Eagle)

Wearing lime green T-shirts, the 50 or so boys living at the Children's Home of Reading stood side by side and read an anti-bullying pledge during a recent pep rally.

In booming voices, they vowed to "stand up" against bullying, not simply stand by.

Part of the pledge reads: "I think being mean stinks. I won't watch someone get picked on. Because I am a do-something person, not a do-nothing person. I care. I can help change things. I can be a leader. In my world there are no bullies allowed."

The Children's Home has not had an increase in bullying reports. However, administrators said they believed that creating an anti-bullying campaign was a proactive way to address the issue and its effects, which have garnered national attention in recent months.

"As an organization, we take bullying seriously," said Vincent J. LaSorsa, president and chief executive officer of the Children's Home. "It's a critical issue that affects the kids."

Interest in the issue began when clinician Phyllis Lawler showed the video "Bullied," which is part of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance program, to a group of boys this past fall. The boys then discussed bullying: whether they had been the aggressor, victim or bystander.

Noticing an interest, administrators decided to address bullying in an educational and entertaining way.

The first step was hosting a kickoff pep rally in December that included talks from staff members and community members, as well as the pledge. The boys all wore the anti-bullying T-shirt, which features the words "Stand Up" in blue print, to represent unity, said Mindy McIntosh, development coordinator at the Children's Home.

In the coming months, the Children's Home will have monthly discussion groups that focus on bullying, additional pep rallies to keep morale high and special T-shirt days. The main goal is for the boys to break the cycle of bullying, make speaking up a habit and seek positive resolutions to bullying.

"The crux is we want them to be a do-something person and say 'I will not stand by.' We're focused on that," said clinician Kristin Huntzinger. "When they live here, it's our own little community, but we hope that they take this with them wherever they go next."

Boy Scout Troop 125 Update

Being a Boy Scout teaches camaraderie, loyalty, and success; therefore, it is no surprise that Troop 125, CHOR's Boy Scout troop, has inspired the boys. The Boy Scouts continue to work on earning merit badges, in order to obtain more of the 122 merit badges needed to become an Eagle Scout. Troop 125 is currently working hard toward earning three new badges: Public Speaking, Woodworking, and Disability for Awareness. Jason Raines, Residential Service Director, and Carrie Hehn, Scout Master, aid the boys in accomplishing their goals.  Earning these badges allows the boys to work hard individually and together. They actually get to see their completed projects which is rewarding.

Troop 125 is a club that is open to all the clients at CHOR. The Boy Scouts meet throughout the week to work toward their merit badges. The highest rank that is currently represented in the troop is a Star, which is only three ranks away from an Eagle Scout

CHOR Educational Update

Well, we have managed to get through the holiday season and are now looking forward to the second half of the school year.  The CHOR education programs have some exciting initiatives during the upcoming months geared to expand and improve the quality of educational services provided as well as meet State educational standards. 
First, we have applied for a license to be a private school for both special education and regular education students.  Currently we are operating as a private provider of educational services but do not meet certain requirements to be a licensed school.  In order to comply with regulatory standards, one of the areas to be addressed is our physical building characteristics, needing to comply with ADA standards.  We have renovations scheduled for the spring of 2011 and anticipate completion by mid- summer.   With these renovations, we will secure an E-Occupancy required for an educational institution which will allow us to provide services not only to our residential students, but also to the community.
In addition to the building renovations, the education department is looking to introduce technology to the classrooms which will enable the teachers to individualize the student experience and to more effectively educate the residential clients.  With the use of laptops and new educational software, the education staff will be more effective at determining the educational needs of our students, measuring and monitoring student progress toward state standards,  and ultimately making education a rewarding experience for the children we serve.  
We hope that you share in our excitement as we are continuously attempting to improve the services we provide to children and families.  If you have any questions about the education programs or initiatives, please contact Ron Spitz, Vice President of Programs at 610-478-8266, X: 433 or via email at rspitz@childrenshomeofrdg.org.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

New MTFC Foster Care program opening in Dauphin and Cumberland counties

New MTFC Foster Care program opening in Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Foster Parents needed; earn $2400 / mo. Stipend. Extensive Training & Full Support Call 888-688-CHOR ext. 517 for more details

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Children’s Home of Reading Receives Sanctuary Certification

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) was recently awarded Sanctuary certification by the Sanctuary Institute for successful implementation of this innovative trauma-informed approach throughout the organization. CHOR is one of the first in PA to be certified by the Institute.  The objective of the Sanctuary Institute is to help organizations, like CHOR, create and implement a trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive culture that promotes healing and recovery.
“The  Sanctuary Certification process took three years and truly brought our entire team together with the common goal of improving the quality of services and care provided to the children and families we serve”, Dr. Vince LaSorsa, CEO and President of CHOR.
The certification is a rigorous process that includes interviews, site observations, document reviews and focus groups.  Certification is contingent upon the agency’s ability to adhere to the standards described in the Sanctuary Implementation Standards Manual.
The Sanctuary Model is a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community.  In an effort to create safe and healing environments for children, families and adults who have experienced chronic stress and adversity, the Sanctuary Model is being used in a wide range of settings, including: child welfare, residential treatment, juvenile justice, drug and alcohol treatment, school and community-based programs, partial hospitals, domestic violence and homeless shelters.
The model was developed by Dr. Sandra Bloom, a psychiatrist and founder of the Sanctuary Institute, which exists to help organizations implement the model’s trauma-informed, whole-system organizational approach.  Its mission is “to teach individuals and organizations the necessary skills for creating and sustaining nonviolent lives and nonviolent systems, and to keep believing in the possibilities of peace.”
The Children’s Home has been a pioneer in helping to restore the shattered lives of youth who have been abused or neglected, coping with behavior or emotional problems.  The Home is a not-for-profit organization that provides several community based, educational and residential programs to nearly 850 children from Berks and surrounding counties each year.  It was established in 1884 and has consistently responded to the ever-changing needs of the community.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Teens Feel Stress during the Holidays, Too

Many adults feel stressed out or get the blues during the winter holidays. But they don’t always realize that teens get these feelings, too. The same things can cause these feelings for teens as they do for adults:
Hectic schedule
Financial stress
Increased family conflict or misunderstanding
Crowds
Changes in diet and routines
Cabin fever
Pressure to find the perfect gifts
Not getting the gifts you wanted
Increased grief about divorce, death, or other family changes (see below)
Shortened amount of daylight (a cause of serious depression for many)
Also, many teens feel empty because holidays are not the same as when they were young kids. All on top of the normal stresses of growing up!
Feeling stressed or getting the blues during the holidays is normal. Some simple steps can help ease the feelings for your teen and get them through the season.
Help your teens manage their feelings. Encourage them…
To talk. Help them express their feelings. Really listen to them. Try not to judge them or overreact. Instead, help them try to solve their problems. Encourage them to talk to other trusted adults or friends, too.
To take a break. Getting away from others can be re­freshing. Encourage them to spend time relaxing or doing an activity for themselves. Just spending a few minutes outside can re-energize them.
To exercise. This is one of the best ways to work off stress.
To eat right. Holidays often come with sugary and high-fat foods. Eating some is fine, but eating too much will only make mood swings worse.
To do something charitable. It can be easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about. Doing something for someone else can help change one’s outlook. For the complete article see the link below

Sanctuary certification

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) was recently awarded Sanctuary certification by the Sanctuary Institute for successful implementation of this innovative trauma-informed approach throughout the organization. CHOR is one of the first in PA to be certified by the Institute. The objective of the Sanctuary Institute is to help organiza­tions, like CHOR, create and implement a trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive culture that promotes healing and recovery.
“The Sanctuary Certification process took three years and truly brought our entire team together with the common goal of improving the quality of services and care provided to the children and families we serve”, Dr. Vince LaSorsa, CEO and President of CHOR.
The certification is a rigorous process that includes in­terviews, site observations, document reviews and focus groups. Certification is contingent upon the agency’s
ability to adhere to the standards described in the Sanctu­ary Implementation Standards Manual.