Sheri Watkins

Putting Kids First: helping at-risk children worldwide
 
As part of Cultural Care Au Pair’s mission to break down barriers of culture and language through educational exchange, a group of local childcare coordinators and staff recently visited South Africa to see firsthand the difference the donations from the Cultural Care community have made through our charitable organization Kids First.

Since it’s inception in 2004, Kids First has supported many worldwide organizations that work with at-risk youth. From the daycare center in Brazil to the school library in New Orleans to an orphanage in Russia, Kids First has supported a wide range of global organizations. Our most recent work at an orphanage and daycare center in a poverty-stricken township outside Capetown, South Africa is another great example of the work we are doing worldwide.

Cultural Care staff and LCCs had an opportunity to visit several projects funded through CHOSA, an organization that Kids First supports. CHOSA provides support to programs that work with at-risk children and their families to provide nutrition, medication, clothing, food, shelter and an education.

During the service visit, those who participated had a chance to visit the Ubuhle Babantwana Care Center, which helps 150 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Donations received from au pairs, host families and Cultural Care LCCs and staff have provided funds for the building of a new structure for the infants and toddlers in the center. The group from Cultural Care Au Pair had an opportunity to see the new structure, meet the inspirational director and dedicated teachers and had some time to play with the children.

In addition, the group visited the Ilitha-Labantwana Place of Safety, the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project, the Emasithandane Children’s Project and the Baphumulele Children’s Home. The Cultural Care team is now bringing their experience back to the U.S. to raise awareness, and additional funds for even more projects that Kids First supports.

“Our Kids First trip to Cape Town was truly amazing and inspiring,” says Local Childcare Coordinator Trudy Mar. “The work, effort, love and sacrifice the women heading up these projects give to all of the kids goes well beyond what most of us could imagine. If one little body sleeps better, eats better and smiles more, we’ve helped to change their future and make the world a better place. Every dollar we raise for Kids First definitely does make a difference.”

For information about how you can make a contribution to Kids First, or raise awareness for the programs it supports, visit http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/kidsfirst/ or contact your Local Childcare Coordinator.

The Phoenix Theatre for Children presents Madeline’s Christmas

http://www.phoenix4kids.org/madeline.php

The Columbus Children’s Theater presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

http://www.colschildrenstheatre.org/2009-10_Season/upcoming09-3.html

Worthington Square PJs with Santa

http://www.worthingtonsquare.com/pjs/

Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

http://www.columbuszoo.org/default.aspx

Holidays in Powell

http://www.cityofpowell.us/event-holiday-tree.php

Have a wonderful holiday season!

NW Columbus Au Pairs participated in the Sights and Sounds Shopping Extravaganza, sponsored by Like Minded Moms and Columbus Ballet Met!

Au Pairs helped children at the craft and children’s area while their parents shopped from over 40 vendors. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ballet Met Scholarship Fund!

LOCAL CHILDCARE COORDINATOR, SHERI WATKINS, ATTENDS CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT IN BERLIN, GERMANY

In honor of the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

 Columbus, OH, Nov. 18, 2009 - Dublin resident Sheri Watkins was recently invited to join more than 75 of her peers at an international summit in Berlin, Germany, hosted by Cultural Care Au Pair.  Watkins is a Cultural Care Au Pair local childcare coordinator for NW Columbus and surrounding suburbs.

As a local childcare coordinator, Sheri Watkins supports area families who are currently hosting an international au pair in their home, as well as the au pairs themselves. Watkins earned her invitation to the summit by expanding the program in Ohio in the previous year, as well as for her role as a local community resource for parents interested in intercultural childcare.

The group was in Berlin for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a fitting venue for the celebration of Cultural Care Au Pair’s 20 years of providing a childcare and cultural exchange program for American families. “It was fascinating to be part of the celebrations and hear from Berliners about what it was like before the wall came down,” says Watkins. “It’s incredible to think that just 20 years ago, it would not have been possible for some of my German au pairs to come to the United States. The dismantling of the wall shattered cultural and travel barriers for them. ”

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, also in Berlin for the celebration, spoke at the U.S. Embassy. “It is such a great personal privilege to be joining with the German people, and people throughout Europe and the world, to celebrate this occasion…to commemorate that day 20 years ago when the Berlin Wall gave way to a new era of peace in a united Germany, in a united Europe…We’re celebrating the triumph of democracy and freedom, and the important role of the German-U.S. relationship.”

Sheri Watkins is a member of a nationwide network of more than 600 local childcare coordinators dedicated to promoting global understanding through intercultural childcare.  In addition to supporting a local group of host families and their au pairs, she organizes social activities throughout the program year, advises au pairs on educational opportunities in the community and provides advice on intercultural exchange. Watkins and her colleagues use the conference as an opportunity to network with other coordinators and collaborate on the most effective means to support their families and au pairs locally, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved with the program. 

Watkins is currently matching area parents who are interested in hosting an au pair with available au pairs from around the world.  She can be contacted at 614-204-5693 for additional information on the Cultural Care Au Pair program. Interested families may also visit Watkins’s web site at swatkins.aupairnews.com. 

Cultural Care Au Pair is the leading provider of intercultural childcare and educational exchange. Since 1989, Cultural Care Au Pair has placed more than 70,000 au pairs in welcoming American homes. A U.S. Department of State regulated program, Cultural Care Au Pair is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with an extensive network of recruitment, screening and orientation offices worldwide. For more information about hosting an au pair, visit www.culturalcare.com or call 800-333-6056.

Everyone had a Spooktacular time at our Halloween party on Oct. 31, 2009! The costumes were awesome and everyone enjoyed yummy treats and fun games and crafts!

Lovely Ladies!

Catherine's steaming brew was a big hit!

Northwest Columbus Au Pairs enjoyed a great afternoon on Sat., Sept. 26 at Zone 71! Roller Skating, Laser Tag, Pizza, and Fun with Friends; what more can you ask for?

COLUMBUS CULTURAL CARE AU PAIRS ATTEND A COLUMBUS CLIPPERS BASEBALL GAME!

Our Au Pairs cheered on the Columbus Clippers on August 22, in beautiful, new Huntington Park in Downtown Columbus. For some this was the first time to an American Baseball Game! Many tried to catch a foul ball “prize!”

We enjoyed lots of stadium food and enjoyed the great weather!

Easton Town Center 6/7/09

Central Ohio Cultural Care Au Pairs enjoyed a great afternoon at Easton Town Center for the annual scavenger hunt! Each team searched high and low to find the items on their list. The winning team received Old Navy Flag Ts.

Fun with Friends!