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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kids and Families Together
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TZID:America/Los_Angeles
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230117
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230110T192952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T192952Z
UID:17921-1673827200-1673913599@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Martin Luther King Jr. Day
DESCRIPTION:Martin Luther King Jr.\, \nIncrease your own knowledge \nWhen talking to kids about MLK\, it is important to include that he is not just a historical figure; his legacy is kept alive by the many people continuing his fight for justice and equality today. Each year on Martin Luthor King Jr day we see lots of quotes and posts praising him. An important part of his legacy is recognizing that he was not universally accepted at the time and how hard he had to work to make a difference. As Ijeoma Oluo said; “This holiday has turned into talking about how peaceful he was\, how loving he was\, how kind he was in a way to encourage black Americans to be more passive in their activism\,” Oluo said. “I think we need to remember who he actually was and what he actually said instead of just what suits the powers that be for us to talk about.” she sees parallels between criticisms of King in his day and criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement these days: that King “was too demanding\, that he was inciting violence\, that he was asking for too much.” \n  \nPlease see our Jedi page to learn more!
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/martin-luther-king-jr-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230116T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230116T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T230813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T231644Z
UID:17871-1673883000-1673888400@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-83/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230117
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230118
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230119T204236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230119T204426Z
UID:17983-1673913600-1673999999@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:National Day of Racial Healing
DESCRIPTION:Click here to learn more about National Day of Racial Healing
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/national-day-of-racial-healing/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230118T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230118T180000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230105T202451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230105T202451Z
UID:17902-1674064800-1674064800@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Life After High School: The 2 Year System
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop\, participants will learn all about the Community College System.\n100’s of Associates Degrees\, Associate Degrees for Transfer\, Certificates\, Licenses\, courses that lead to Careers and most recently 15 Bachelor’s Degrees are now offered!
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/life-after-high-school-the-2-year-system/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230122
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230123
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230110T193038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T193038Z
UID:17923-1674345600-1674431999@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-year-of-the-rabbit/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230123T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230123T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T230955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T231805Z
UID:17873-1674487800-1674493200@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-90/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230124
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230125
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230119T203715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230119T203715Z
UID:17981-1674518400-1674604799@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:International Day of Education
DESCRIPTION:Click here to learn more about International Day of Education
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/international-day-of-education/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230126T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230126T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230105T202557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230105T202557Z
UID:17904-1674729000-1674752400@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Drug Exposed Infants- Review Part 1/Explore Part 2
DESCRIPTION:Maternal substance use may consist of any combination of drug\, chemical\, alcohol\, and tobacco use during the pregnancy. \nWhile in the womb\, a fetus grows and develops due to nourishment from the mother via the placenta. However\, along with nutrients\, any toxins in the mother’s system may be delivered to the fetus. These toxins may cause damage to the developing fetal organs. A baby also may become dependent on substances used by the mother.
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/drug-exposed-infants-review-part-1-explore-part-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230128
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230110T193119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T193119Z
UID:17925-1674777600-1674863999@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:International Holocaust Remembrance Day
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/international-holocaust-remembrance-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230130T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T231033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T231922Z
UID:17875-1675092600-1675098000@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-91/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230223
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230202T181619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230202T200824Z
UID:18083-1675209600-1677110399@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Donation Drive & Volunteer for Share the Love Event
DESCRIPTION:Donation Drive for our Share the Love Event\nFebruary 25th in Ventura \nFree event for foster/resource\, kinship\, adoptive\, & birth families served by Kids & Families Together. Caregiver appreciation event providing a gift card\, treats\, donations\, music\, & more! \n The donation deadline is Wednesday\, February 22\, 2023. \nDonations Needed for 100: \n\nSelf-care items for treat bags:\nshower steamers\nlip balm\nhand lotion\nherbal tea\n\nTo Donate: \n\nClick here to purchase from our Amazon wishlist\nDrop items at our office by making an appointment\n\nFor more information on donation or volunteering\, please contact: \nJeni Futvoye or Carrie McAuliffe Sandoval at (805) 643-1446 ext. 108/131. jfutvoye@kidsandfamilies.org/cmcauliffe@kidsandfamlies.org or visit www.kidsandfamilies.org/giftaway-events \n  \nPlease click images to enlarge
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/donation-drive-for-share-the-love-event/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230301
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010119Z
UID:18116-1675209600-1677628799@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Black History Month
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/black-history-month/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230206
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010231Z
UID:18118-1675555200-1675641599@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Rosa Parks Day
DESCRIPTION:To learn more about Rosa Parks\, please visit our JEDI page!
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/rosa-parks-day-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230207
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010300Z
UID:18120-1675555200-1675727999@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Tu BiShvat
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/tu-bishvat/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230206T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230206T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T231150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T231150Z
UID:17877-1675697400-1675702800@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-92/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230208T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230208T183000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20221202T202843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T230158Z
UID:17652-1675875600-1675881000@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Nurturing Connections: Support and Training in Becoming a Therapeutic Parent
DESCRIPTION:Nurturing Connections: Support and Training in Becoming a Therapeutic Parent\nWho Should Attend: Foster/kinship resource parents\, adoptive parents\, legal guardians \nDescription: Support and training\, led by a therapist\, in a safe and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences as a foster or adoptive caregiver. Participants have a chance to explore their own attachment histories and strengthen their therapeutic parenting skills. Learn about attachment\, trauma\, development\, self-care\, and more. Resource parents can earn training hours! \n2023 Training Dates/Topics: \n\nJan. 11th: Staying Connected with\nBirth Families\nFeb. 8th: Making Sense of Your\nAttachment History\nMarch 8th: Ambiguous Loss\nApril 12th: Transracial Adoptive\nFamilies\nMay 10th: Vicarious Trauma and\nSelf-Care\nJune 14th: Building Resilience in\n\nWhen & Where: Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5-6:30pm\, Currently offered via Zoom. \nEnglish/Spanish: Group is in English with live Spanish interpretation! \nCost: Free for foster/kinship resource\, adoptive\, and legal guardian caregivers within the Ventura County Child Welfare System. \nRegister: Click Here to Register \nContact: Please contact us at 805-643-1446 Ext. 180 or referrals@kidsandfamilies.org with questions. \n \nPlease click images to expand
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/nurturing-connections-17/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230213
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010343Z
UID:18124-1676160000-1676246399@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/abraham-lincolns-birthday/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230213T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230213T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T231230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T232202Z
UID:17879-1676302200-1676307600@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-93/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230215
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010320Z
UID:18122-1676332800-1676419199@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Valentine's Day
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/valentines-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230215
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230216
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010454Z
UID:18126-1676419200-1676505599@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Susan B. Anthony's Birthday
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/presidents-day-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230215T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230215T200000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230202T180929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230202T180929Z
UID:18079-1676480400-1676491200@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Happy Birthday\, Charles!
DESCRIPTION:Kids & Families Together’s beloved therapy dog and favorite staff member is turning 7 years old! Come celebrate with us! \nJoin us on Wednesday\, February 15th from 5pm-8pm at Bright Spark Brewing- 4561 Market Street\, Ventura! \n \nPlease click image to expand
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/happy-birthday-charles/
LOCATION:Bright Spark Brewing\, 4561 Market Street\, Ventura\, CA\, 93003\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230219
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010515Z
UID:18129-1676678400-1676764799@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Maha Shivaratri
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/maha-shivaratri/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230220
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230221
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230128T012847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T013804Z
UID:18035-1676851200-1676937599@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:President's Day- K&FT Offices Closed
DESCRIPTION:Kids & Families Together will be closed on Monday\, February 20th in observance of President’s Day.
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/presidents-day-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230220
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230221
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230218T012755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T012818Z
UID:18194-1676851200-1676937599@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:World Day of Social Justice
DESCRIPTION:World Day of Social Justice \nThe World Day of Social Justice is an annual observance established by the United Nations in 2007 to promote and raise awareness of issues related to social justice\, including poverty\, inequality\, and discrimination. The day is celebrated on February 20th each year\, and is an opportunity to governments\, organizations\, and individuals to take-action and work towards a more just and equitable society.  \nOne of the main focuses of the World Day of Social Justice is addressing poverty and inequality. According to the United Nations Development Program\, over 700 million people still live in extreme poverty\, and the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen globally. This is not only a moral issue\, but also a hindrance to sustainable development and economic growth. In addition\, discrimination and marginalization of certain groups\, such as women\, minorities\, and people with disabilities\, also contribute to poverty and inequality.  \nIn order to address these issues\, the United Nations has called for the implementation of policies and programs that promote social inclusion and empowerment\, such as access to education\, healthcare\, and decent work. Additionally\, it is important to address the structural causes of poverty and inequality\, such as lack of access to land\, credit\, and technology\, as well as discrimination and marginalization.  \nOn the World Day of Social Justice\, governments\, organizations\, and individuals are encouraged to take-action and make a commitment to promoting social justice. This can include raising awareness about issues\, volunteering\, or supporting organizations that work towards social justice.  \nIn conclusion\, the World Day of Social Justice is an important observance that raises awareness about the ongoing issues of poverty\, inequality\, and discrimination. In order to address these issues\, it is crucial to implement policies and programs that promote social  \ninclusion and empowerment\, and to address the structural causes of poverty and inequality. 
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/world-day-of-social-justice/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230220T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230220T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T231317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T232109Z
UID:17881-1676907000-1676912400@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-94/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230222
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230223
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230203T010530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230203T010530Z
UID:18131-1677024000-1677110399@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/ash-wednesday/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230223T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230223T193000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230214T183309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T183531Z
UID:18175-1677175200-1677180600@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Conexión Padre-Hijo Positiva / Positive-Parent Child Connection - Spanish Training
DESCRIPTION:Kids & Families Together en colaboración con los Servicios para Niños y Familias del Condado de Ventura\, presenta una nueva capacitación: Conexión positiva entre padres e hijos: capacitación en español. \nEsta capacitación es una capacitación en español y la interpretación en vivo en inglés estará disponible a través de Zoom. \nPor favor haz click aquí para registrarte. \n\nKids & Families Together in collaboration with Ventura County Children & Family Services\, presents a new training- Positive-Parent Child Connection – Spanish Training \nThis training is a Spanish Training and live English interpretation will be available via Zoom. \nPlease click here to register.
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/18175/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230227T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230227T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230104T231401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T231421Z
UID:17883-1677511800-1677517200@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Parent Support Group
DESCRIPTION:What: Support and resource group led by para professionals with lived experience being involved with CFS and successfully reunifying with their children. \nWhen: Mondays\, 3:30-5pm \nWhere: Held virtually via Zoom \nRSVP: Please contact Janel\, (805) 978-2073
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/parent-support-group-95/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230401
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230301T202421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230301T202421Z
UID:18247-1677628800-1680307199@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Women's History Month
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/womens-history-month/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230401
DTSTAMP:20260418T083137
CREATED:20230302T215757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230302T220450Z
UID:18256-1677628800-1680307199@www.kidsandfamilies.org
SUMMARY:Irish American Heritage Month
DESCRIPTION:March is Irish American Heritage Month! The earliest recorded celebration of Irish Americans in the United States dates back to 1762 with the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. The parade became an annual event\, with President Truman attending in 1948. Irish heritage is strong in America: More than 31.5 million residents claim Irish ancestry\, second only to German (43.0 million). When it comes to U.S. presidents\, including current President Joe Biden\, exactly half (23) trace some of their roots to Ireland.  \nIn October 1990\, Congress passed a public law establishing March 1991 as Irish-American Heritage Month. In 1991\, President George H. W. Bush issued the first proclamation designating March as Irish American Heritage Month. Each year since the president has made a proclamation regarding Irish American Heritage Month. In 2022\, President Biden made a proclamation on March 3rd where he stated\, “The story of Irish Americans has always been one of strength and perseverance through adversity. Many Irish immigrants arrived on America’s shores to escape the Great Famine\, only to face discrimination\, prejudice\, and poverty. Despite these hard times\, they embraced their new homes in every corner of America—from the Atlantic to the Pacific\, across the Midwest and through the Rocky Mountains—and helped build and fortify our Nation into what it is today.” He went on to discuss the ties that Ireland and the United States have to one another and encouraged all Americans to honor the journey and perseverance of the Irish immigrants who have helped shape America. Read President Biden’s full proclamation here.  On February 28\, 2023\, President Biden’s proclamation included an acknowledgment of his great-grandparents’ hopes and dreams upon arriving in this country and the “grit” they showed.  He stated\, “Ireland and the United States are forever bound together by our people and our passion.  Everything between runs deep.”   \nPeople from Ireland started immigrating to America while it was still a colony of Great Britain. The first Irish arrivals in the 1600s were mainly indentured servants or redemptioners\, whose passage was paid in return for a certain number of years of work. By the 1700s\, Protestants\, Catholics\, and Quakers were coming to the United States to start new lives without religious discrimination and the draconian laws against the Celtic heritage of the Irish.   \nWhile many of the Irish immigrants in the early 1800s were skilled workers\, by the middle of the century\, most were simply fleeing the famine and poverty of their homeland. Not enough land and the Great Famine of the 1840s resulted in millions coming to the United States in search of a better life. Instead of finding farms in their new country where they had lived in their former homeland\, many settled in big cities\, including Boston\, New York\, and Philadelphia. These unskilled workers were part of the foundational workforce for increasing industry and manufacturing in the United States. They also helped build roads and canals throughout the country\, such as the Erie Canal in New York.  \nAs conditions in Ireland improved\, the new immigrants tended to be more skilled\, and the schools\, charitable societies\, workers’ organizations\, and social clubs established by earlier Irish immigrants smoothed their entry into American society. While some discrimination against these immigrants lingered\, having the support systems in place allowed the new families to prosper and succeed more quickly in their new homes.   \nAlong with contributing their backbreaking work in building much of the country’s infrastructure and manufacturing plants in the 1800s\, Irish immigrants brought their strong social structures with them to support each other and the Americans around them. America continued to be the country of choice for many young Irish people wanting to improve their lot throughout the 20th century.   \nDid you know that Irish immigrants were involved in the Mexican-American War of the late 1840s? They switched sides during the war as Irish immigrants faced discrimination for their Catholic faith in a mainly Protestant country.  Many chose to support Mexicans who were from a predominantly Catholic country during this war.  Those Irish immigrants were among the captured and died by hanging.  Although Mexico lost this war\, the Irish who fought along with them are perceived as heroes of the St. Patrick’s Battalion (El Batallón de San Patricio).  If you’re interested in reading more about this piece of Irish immigrant history\, click here.    \nAnother part of Irish immigrant history involves how this immigrant group moved up the socioeconomic ladder after experiencing hardship and discrimination in their homeland and in America.  Irish immigrants competed with Black Americans for low-paying jobs\, often refusing to work alongside Blacks\, and at times terrorizing them.  Eventually\, Irish Americans gained privileges that other whites had.  Learn more about this experience here.  \nToday\, it is estimated that 38% of Black Americans have Irish heritage\, including Barack Obama\, Beyoncé\, and Colin Powell. There are organizations recognizing the shared culture and heritage\, such as the African-American Irish Diaspora Network to strengthen identity and connection.  \nMarch 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. Although this holiday originated as a religious holiday\, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish.  \nResources/Events \n\nCounty Ventura St. Patricks Day Parade | (venturastpatricksdayparade.com) \nSmithsonian- Irish American History and Heritage \nThe United States Census Bureau  \nA Grand Celebration of Irish American History and Culture \nDuring the Mexican-American War\, Irish-Americans Fought for Mexico in the ‘Saint Patrick’s Battalion’ | History| Smithsonian Magazine \nHow Irish Immigrants Overcame Discrimination in America (thoughtco.com) \nAfrican American Irish Diaspora Network (aaidnet.org) \n\n \n \n \n 
URL:https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/event/irish-american-heritage-month/
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