Village Collaborative Early Learning Experience

My heart hurts, for one of our families tragically lost their person. Kristopher was a loving and dedicated father to our Maddex. If you are able, please donate and share this gofundme for Jessica, Mason, and Maddex.

Donate to Support Jessica, Mason & Maddex After The Loss of Kristopher, organized by Dawn Hinton Support Jessica, Mason & Maddex After The Sudden Loss of Kris… Dawn Hinton needs your support for Support Jessica, Mason & Maddex After The Loss of Kristopher

We have slots available for Before and After school care! please feel free to share with those who may be looking!

Right here in Middletown's North End on Main Street! (old North End Action Team office.)

Stay calm, cool, and collected with the little ones in Middletown!

As many of you know, I temporarily closed the daycare last year, but we are now enrolling again! I am asking my friends to pass along my contact info to anyone that may be looking...I have one (coveted) infant slot available! Three 18+month slots. Call (860)343-0707 today!

Building blanket forts...Fri-yea!

Happy 4th birthday Maddex! 🎂

I love ❤ watching all my little friends grow! Calvin was with me from infancy through preschool! This year he graduated from kindergarten.

Digging in the dirt!

INFANT
FORMULA SHORTAGE:
The recent infant formula shortage has created an extremely challenging situation for families who
rely on formula to feed their children. The Biden-Harris Administration is working with manufacturers
to ramp up production; and with retailers to ensure that infant formula is safe and available for families
across the country. However, we know that this will take time, and currently many Connecticut families
are feeling the stress and pressure of this situation. In an eort to support families, the OEC has
compiled resources that may help those struggling to find formulas.
For manufacturer hotlines and more information,
visit: https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html
TIPS FOR FINDING FORMULA:
● Check smaller stores and drug stores.
● Check online distributors and pharmacies (only buy from well-recognized names).
● Search for and join local social media groups dedicated to formula support; members often share tips on
where formula is available in your town.
● Call your OB/GYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-oce samples or can suggest an alternative.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY HELP:
● Locate your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) – CAA may be able to provide you with formula or
connect you with local agencies that have formula in stock.
● United Way’s 2-1-1 – Dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist who may be able to help
you identify food pantries, and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
● Feeding America – Call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.
● Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) – Certain HMBANA-accredited milk
banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a
prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited milk bank.
● For WIC-eligible families – Your local WIC oce may be able to identify or obtain additional sources of infant
formula nearby. Check out the Temporary Formula Substitutions list which provides substitutes that you may
find available in stores. This list is updated regularly.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
● It is never safe to water down formula; it may seem like it would make it last longer, but it is not safe and can
be dangerous. Always follow the label instructions or your health care provider’s guidance.
● Do not try to make formula at home or use toddler formula to feed infants. If you are in dire need, review
guidance by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
● Talk to your pediatrician about options of what may be nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula as
you may be able to substitute in a pinch.
● Don’t discard formula unless it is expired or part of the recall. Check your formula’s lot code to see whether
or not it was aected by the recall.
● For individuals currently combining breastfeeding and infant formula feeding, you can try to increase milk
supply by breastfeeding or pumping more often. The more milk that is removed, the more milk will be produced.
Visit USDA WIC Breastfeeding for more information.
● For specialty formulas, ask your OB/GYN or infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request;
Information can be found at The Abbott’s Urgent Product Request.
5.18.22
TIPS AND SUPPORT FOR CT FAMILIES
We understand this is hard. You are doing the best you can in this challenging time and you are not alone!

Fact Sheet: Helping Families Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage Find resources to assist families during the infant formula shortage in the wake of Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas.

Artists for World Peace is happy to announce our 3rd Annual 2022 BUCKETS OF LOVE event this Saturday, May 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. Location is on Middletown’s South Green, on Main Street. This year's BUCKETS OF LOVE features Friendzworldmusic, whose mission is to pay homage, and pay forward, the legacy of their ancestors; sharing music, dance, song and story from the African diaspora. So parents and guardians, please bring your children and enjoy an afternoon of painting, African dance and drumming, face painting, healthy snacks, and take home a FREE BUCKET full of art supplies! ALL CITY BUSES WILL GET YOU TO OUR EVENT FOR FREE!