June 2026 Family and Community Liaison Newsletter

Posted Date: 06/01/26 (10:00 AM)

Please enjoy the latest Homer Central School District Family and Community Liaison Newsletter for June, 2026.

Four women smile in a photo, with text for Homer Central School District.

A bright, colorful banner with the text 'June 2026' surrounded by various ice cream cones and popsicles.

Summer Literacy Resources for Families

Summer can be fun, relaxing, and educational. Don't let your kids experience the summer slump. Browse this extensive list of resources to help maintain or improve your child's literacy this summer. You will find Digital Libraries & E-Books, Video Read-Alouds & Lessons, Interactive Games & Apps, as well as Family Activities. Click HERE to learn more!

The words 'DID YOU KNOW?' are written in red on a white background.

Summer Food Programs

With summer break on the horizon, many families will need additional food assistance. If your family receives SNAP benefits you can expect a letter by early Summer outlining your child's eligibility for Summer EBT benefits which will begin being issued in June.

The Summer EBT benefit will only be issued once, in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used anywhere SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted. Some children are automatically enrolled and some need to apply. Visit www.otda.ny.gov for more information on the program.

If you do not currently receive SNAP benefits visit www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap to see if you qualify and to apply.

Catholic Charities Summer Lunch Program also offers free lunches Monday - Friday throughout the summer at various locations throughout Cortland County. Children can receive a free lunch at any site, regardless of home address. Summer lunch menus and site locations will be available at the Catholic Charities of Cortland County website. For information on food pantry and other meal programs throughout Cortland County see the list below.

A map of Cortland County shows colored pins indicating food pantry and meal program locations, with a list of addresses and phone numbers.

NAMI Provider of the Month

NAMI New York State is proud to recognize exceptional mental health professionals who go above and beyond to support individuals and families impacted by mental illness. This monthly recognition highlights providers whose compassion, dedication, and impact make a meaningful difference in communities across the state.

Nominees may serve in a wide range of settings, including clinical, community-based, school, hospital, crisis, or integrated care environments.

Eligible nominees include:

Mental Health Counselors
Crisis Counselors
Social Workers
Prevention Specialists
Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Other mental health professionals

Selected providers will be featured in NAMI NYS’s E-News and will receive a certificate of recognition. Help us shine a light on those whose work too often goes unrecognized, but whose impact is truly life-changing.

Submit a nomination form here: https://form.jotform.com/260535139355054

A tan building with large windows and a wooden ramp stands in the snow.

Grace Space

The Grace Space facility located at 64 Pendleton St. is designed to meet immediate physical needs while connecting individuals to long-term support. Current amenities include:

Showers and laundry facilities
Phone charging stations
Daytime storage for personal belongings
Complimentary coffee, water, and essential supplies

The Grace Space is currently open Monday through Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The facility is staffed by three full-time employees.

A modern lounge area with colorful walls, comfortable seating, and abstract art.

Cortland Rec Center

Located in downtown Cortland at 35 Port Watson Street, the Rec Center offers a huge variety of programs and events for young people: Field trips, game tournaments, tutoring, guest speakers, music lessons, artwork, craft projects, cooking classes, free dinners, job-search assistance, volunteer opportunities, and more. The facility itself is equipped with pool, ping-pong, air hockey, and foosball tables; a full kitchen; a music room with guitars, amps, and a full drum-kit; a sound stage and DJ booth; and closets full of board games and craft supplies. There are always responsible, caring staff members on the premises to play games with you, help with your homework, or connect you with other service agencies if you need them. For more information, give the Center staff a call at 753-3580 or click HERE for more information.

Text on a white background reads: CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING.

Poster for the Triple P Positive Parenting Program's Summer Discussion Series, held virtually on Zoom.

Poster for Cortland County Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) 2026, offering paid summer work experience.

Flyer for the Playmakers Healthcare Academy, a program for student athletes exploring healthcare careers.

A virtual support group for parents and caregivers titled 'Safe, Strong, and Supported' to help children heal from sexual abuse.

A community networking event poster for LIFEPlan CCO NY, featuring the event title 'COMMUNITY NETWORKING EVENT 2026'.

Children with backpacks run through a sunlit forest, advertising "Summer 2026 Kids' Summer Camp Opportunities."

Thank you for enjoying the past four years of Family and Community Liaison newsletters. Having a wonderful summer!