Learning & Resources

Kale might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of food at a child care center, but the green vegetable was the theme of the week during a visit to Raleigh’s Childcare Network #61. The center was recognized for its urban agriculture efforts when awarded a Raleigh Environmental Award in 2016.

We are thrilled to announce that the John Rex Endowment can now be found on Facebook! We'll use this platform to promote the work of our grantees and others whose work aligns with our funding interests.  Plus, we’ll share resources that support the efforts of children and families of Wake County to live healthier lives.  We can't wait to continue the conversation about the great work being done in our community on this new platform and hope to "see" you there!

Nature is good for children. That was the theme of NC State University's Dr. Nilda Cosco's talk at the 2016 TEDxRaleigh. In her role at NCSU’s Natural Learning Initiative, Dr. Cosco takes her expertise in children’s outdoor environments directly to local child care centers. Dr. Cosco makes the case that a child’s development will enhance in countless ways when a child is engaged with outdoor spaces that are intentionally designed for play and learning.

Anyone working with youth can benefit from education and assistance in understanding effective approaches to reduce childhood injury. Is this you? The Skills & Knowledge for Injury Prevention Partners (SKIPP) Project provides networking and no-cost training opportunities to increase knowledge of injury prevention and to ensure that efforts are effective in creating safe environments for children. Read the perspectives of recent SKIPP training participants, Theresa Flynn MD, Colisha Gilbert and Tyeshia Hill.

Individuals from 34 organizations engaged with colleagues at the June 16 event “Improving the Conditions in which Children, Youth and Families Live” hosted by the Skills & Knowledge for Injury Prevention Partners (SKIPP) Project.  Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Morris set the stage as he spoke of the conditions that may influence a child’s life. Six local initiatives highlighted their work and experience in preventing childhood injury.

Harm inflicted upon a child, whether intentional or unintentional, is never acceptable. The prevention of childhood injury is a goal of the John Rex Endowment. An early step in this work was the publication of A Profile of Wake County Childhood Injury & Injury Prevention which informed the foundation's decision to focus on Wake County’s five leading causes of childhood injury: (1) Motor Vehicle Crash - child is an occupant, (2) Assault (i.e., physical/sexual violence, child abuse), (3) Motor Vehicle Crash - child is a pedestrian, (4) Self-inflicted/Self-harm (i.e., suicide, cutting) and (5) Falls (e.g., playgrounds, homes). Guided by knowledge and promising actions, there are opportunities to actively and effectively contribute to the prevention of childhood injury.

Throughout Wake County, shelters provide clients with many of life’s necessities.  At the same time, shelter staff and volunteers have varying expertise and capability to provide the necessary supports essential for nurturing a child’s emotional well-being - in other words, to have the foundation to live a healthy life and be able to form positive relationships, express and regulate emotions, and learn. To provide increased opportunities to support the emotional well-being of our vulnerable children several Wake County organizations are working together.

Over the years the poem “Children Learn What They Live” by Dorothy Law Nolte has guided many adults in how they relate to and nurture children. Her wisdom is thoughtful yet simple offering advice such as “If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn” and “If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.” But, knowing what is best for children does not always come naturally or easily.

Walking or biking to school is a healthy way for children to start a day of learning, and communities in Wake County are making significant changes to prevent injuries for children who are traveling to and from school.  Laura Sandt, senior research associate at the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center and member of the Wake County Child Pedestrian Safety Action Network grant project shared three examples of good work done at the community level to address child safety.

In today’s fast paced world, the ability to access information online is vital. To make that happen many nonprofit organizations engage an information technology (IT) consultant to support their technology and data needs. We welcomed the opportunity to share this grantee’s guidance when selecting an IT consultant and hope others will benefit from the story.