HomeAid Northern Virginia and Women Giving Back (WGB) announced today that WGB, a program started by the HomeAid Northern Virginia Board of Directors in 2007, is now officially a separate 501(c)3 charity. This new status will enable the organization to help more women who are in crisis due to homelessness, domestic violence, job loss and more. WGB provides free clothing and accessories to women and children and aims to expand its services throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. WGB’s impact on the community has been significant: over the past eight years, the organization has distributed more than 300,000 items of free clothing to more than 23,000 women and 15,300 children from 100+ nonprofit shelter partners in Northern Virginia. WGB is in the process of preparing for a Fall capital campaign to expand its facilities and services. “This is an outstanding opportunity for us to expand our services—something that we couldn’t do it without the support of HomeAid Northern Virginia,” said Terri Stagi, president, WGB. “Not only will we be able to assist more women, we will be able to increase fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It’s a win/win for all, especially for the women and children who need a lot of support when rebuilding their lives.” “I am grateful for all the help that WGB has given to Artemis House residents like me,” said one woman who has benefited from WGB’s services. “I feel a lot more optimistic about building a healthier future and hope to be able to be in the position to give back to struggling women as WGB does.” ...read more

Sun Safety Tips For Kids Kids are more vulnerable to sun damage. A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person's lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer. The best sunscreen is a hat and shirt. After that, protect kids with a sunscreen that's effective and safe. Take these special precautions with infants and children: Infants Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. So when you take your baby outside : •Cover up with protective clothing, tightly woven but loose-fitting, and a sun hat. •Make shade with a stroller's canopy or hood. If you can't sit in a shady spot, put up an umbrella. •Avoid midday sun - take walks in the early morning or late afternoon. •Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants under 6 months old - Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants or urge parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that small amounts of sunscreen can be used on infants as a last resort when shade can't be found. Toddlers and Children Sunscreen plays an essential part of any day in the sun. However, young children's skin is especially sensitive to chemical allergens as well as the sun's UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, keep these tips in mind: •Test the sunscreen by applying a small amount on the inside of your child's wrist the day before you plan to use it. If an irritation or rash develops, try another product. Ask your child's doctor to suggest a product less likely to irritate a child's skin. •Slop on sunscreen and reapply often, especially if your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot. •Choose your own sunscreen for daycare and school. Some childcare facilities provide sunscreen for the kids, but you can bring your own if you prefer a safer, more effective brand. Share EWG's safe sunscreen tips and product suggestions with your child's caregiver. Sun Safety at School Sometimes school and daycare policies interfere with children's sun safety. Many schools treat sunscreen as a medicine and require the child have written permission to use it. Some insist that the school nurse apply it. Other schools ban hats and sunglasses on campus. Here are a few questions to ask your school: •What is the policy on sun safety? •Is there shade on the playground? •Are outdoor activities scheduled to avoid midday sun? Teens Teenagers coveting bronzed skin are likely to sunbathe, patronize tanning salons or buy self-tanning products. Not good ideas. Researchers believe increasing UV exposure may have caused the marked increase in melanoma incidence among women born after 1965. Tanning parlors expose the skin to as much as 15 times the UV radiation of the sun and likely contributed to melanoma increases. Many chemicals in self-tanning products have not been tested for safety; the major self-tanning chemical, dihydroxyacetone, is not approved by FDA for use in cosmetics around the eyes. Tan does not mean healthy. Here are a few more tips for teens: •Make sunscreen a habit for every outdoor sport and activity. •Find sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses that you like to wear. •To parents of teens: Be good role models - let your teen see you protecting yourself from the sun Jennifer Frueh Local Childcare Coordinator Cultural Care Au Pair http://jfrueh.aupairnews.com/ www.culturalcare.com Jennifer Frueh, local childcare coordinator providing families with affordable childcare solutions and extending quality and personalized service to both families and Au pairs. ...read more

CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR ANNOUNCES NEW WAYS FOR FAMILIES TO FIND IDEAL CHILDCARE PROVIDER FOR LIMITED TIME, FAMILIES NEW TO PROGRAM CAN SEARCH FOR AN AU PAIR FOR FREE    Ã¢€”Cultural Care Au Pair, the leading provider of au pair childcare and a U.S. State Department-designated program, announces enhancements to its system for helping families find the ideal childcare provider. Local families in search of an au pair to provide live-in childcare now have three ways to find their "perfect" au pair. In addition to the company's trademark "one to one" matching of host families and prospective au pair candidates, the organization is now also offering families a personal consultation with a Placement Manager and the option of reviewing multiple candidates online. The three options enable host families to search for an international au pair candidate in the way that best suits their needs.  For over 20 years, Cultural Care Au Pair has offered families "one to one" matching, where an experienced Placement Managerselects carefully screened au pair applications for the families to review based on their unique needs. Now, host families can also choose toreview au pair candidates during a consultative matching appointment by phone with a Placement Manager. Families can also search independently online for candidates via their online account received after registering with the program. Only one family will be matched with an au pair candidate at a time, and families can request up to three applications be reserved exclusively for them. "We know that searching for the right person to care for their children is one of the most important and stressful decisions parents have to make, and even more so when the provider will be living in the home," said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President. "We feel that by offering families three different ways to find suitable au pair candidates, parents will feel more comfortable and assured they are finding the right person for their family."     Please contact Jennifer Frueh, local childcare coordinator jennifer.frueh@lcc.culturalcare.com 703-798-6059 www.jfrueh.aupairnews.com http://www.culturalcare.com ...read more