Community Collaboration sponsors free summer kickoff pool party

     The Community Partnerships for Protecting Children (CPPC), in collaboration with three local agencies, is sponsoring a Summer Kickoff Pool Party for kids under the age of 12 and their families. The event will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center at 120 8th Ave. in Grinnell.  The event is open to families that reside in Poweshiek County and there is no fee to attend.
     CPPC is a community-based framework for child protection that aims to prevent child abuse and neglect and create safer communities in which children can thrive. A key strategy for CPPC is enhancing community and neighborhood networking by promoting cooperation and alliances among key service providers and families.  “Each year the CPPC committee invests funding in a variety of initiatives to support families and children,” noted Amy Blanchard, a committee member representing Poweshiek County in her role as the Early Childhood Iowa Director.  “Each county works collaboratively to meet needs and bring agencies and families together. This is the first time we’ve tried a pool party in Poweshiek County and we’re pleased to be able to offer the opportunity with CPPC support.”
     Three local agencies are partnering with the CPPC committee to make the event possible. In addition to the local JMP Early Childhood Iowa organization, Poweshiek County Public Health and MICA Family Connections are also sponsoring the event. “We’re focusing on sun safety and connecting families to needed resources as our theme,” added Brook Holder, a registered nurse with Poweshiek County Public Health.  “Each family will receive a bag with snacks, sun safety gear, educational items, and information about local resources such as community gardens, child care, mental health resources, and more.”
    Families are invited to enjoy an evening at the pool together to make friends and get a safe start to summer. The pool will be staffed by Aquatic Center lifeguards and the concession stand will be open to purchase snacks. Resource bags will be available for the first 85 families.