The Caudill Family

CARSON, GREGORY, VERONICA, LEAH, GRANDPA AARON

Inside the Caudill Family

The Caudills are a Caucasian family who live on the South side of Indianapolis in a quiet, middle class neighborhood. Carson 36, is a recently widowed father of 9 months to Gregory 13, Veronica 10 and Leah 4. Carson is a firefighter and fixes cars on the side. It has been hard dealing with the challenges of being a single dad, but Carson receives his support from his dad and brother, and his wifes side of the family. Carson has had some difficulty managing the finances with the loss of a second income and taking on the responsibility of paying the bills, which his wife normally did. Their nice 3 bedroom ranch style home is in decent condition and meets the familys needs for now. Carsons Dad volunteered to move in, but there is not enough room in their three bedroom house. He still would like to help out by taking the kids to extra curricular activities. Carson and Aaron have finally gotten it down on how to get everyone to school in the morning without being late. With the children going to three different locations it took some planning. Carson takes Gregory and Veronica to school before work and Aaron takes Leah to school, the Fundamental Development Academy. The teachers there are super nice. They have really understood if Carson is late on a payment or two. His only gripe is that the school is on the other side of town but it is the best pre-school the city has to offer and the prices are reasonable. He is happiest that is his daughter is learning a lot and will be well-prepared for kindergarten. In their free time the Caudills likes going bowling and visiting their local library for good books and movies. Gregory plays softball for the local pizza joint and basketball ball during the school year. Veronica loves her gymnastics class at the YMCA and Leah loves animals. The family is in therapy to deal with the loss of their mother and to help Carson be emotionally available for his family.

Carson Caudill
Carson is a 36-year-old Caucasian male. He lives on the south side of Indianapolis, Indiana . He is a recent widow and has three children, Gregory, Veronica and Leah. He has a two-year degree in Auto Repair and is currently employed full-time with the Indianapolis Fire Department. He also repairs cars on the side for extra income. Since the passing of his wife, he has been struggling financially. He is very close with his family, and his in-laws. His father, Aaron has volunteered to live with him, but the family does not have room in their three bedroom house. In his free time, he enjoys bowling, and visiting the library for good books and renting movies. He has a collection of over 250 horror books and over 50 horror films at home.

Gregory Caudill
Gregory Caudill is a 13-yearold boy. He is a 7th grader at Stony Brook Middle School in Indianapolis. He was on AB honor roll last semester. He enjoys playing basketball and baseball. Gregory recently tried out for the 7th grade basketball team and made it. He plans to try out for the baseball team in the spring. Gregory doesnt really like to read books, but does have 10 suspense books on his shelf. He does like to read magazines on cars and sports. He also likes to watch horror movies and owns about 15 DVDs. Gregory also likes to play video games, mainly sports and action games. He spends 1-2 hours a day gaming.

Veronica Caudill
Veronica is a vivacious 10year-old girl. She is always keeping everyone on their toes! She loves going to gymnastics at the YMCA, and is doing very well in her class. Since the death of her mother, however, she has become a less active and vivacious. She is struggling in school, she tends to stay in her room more, and is not as excited about gymnastics practice. The family has been in therapy and it seems to really be helping Veronica. Veronica loves spending time with her daddy, brother and sister. She enjoys drawing, singing, and playing with her sister.

Leah Caudill
Leah Caudill is four years old. She lives with her daddy, big brother, Greg, and big sis, Veronica. Her mommy is in Heaven with Max, her pet guinea pig. She misses how mommy used to brush her hair every night before bed. Leahs favorite colors are pink and purple. She loves horses, and is hoping that one day daddy will let her have her own unicorn. She goes to preschool, and loves her teacher and classmates. She especially loves the class pet, Mr. Fancy Pants, because he is a guinea pig who looks just like Max. Leah wants to join a dance class, but daddy says money is tight right now. She is really excited because she heard daddy say that her papaw might be able to help. She hopes papaw can take her to dance class.

Grandpa Aaron
Aaron loves being a grandpa or PawPaw as the children affectionately call him. His most favorite thing to do with them is go fishing down by the creek on the weekends. Since the death of his daughter-inlaw, Aaron has wanted to move in with his son and grandchildren to help out with the bills and give support, but the house is too small for all of them. Instead, Aaron visits daily, cooks, and helps out by taking the kids to school. He loves his son and wants him to know he has his back.

Resources to help the Caudill family

http://griefnet.org/index.shtml

Greifnet is an online 24/7 grief support group. Each group is broken down to what the individual is looking for. Since I was looking for Gregory, his support group was called K2K teens. K2K teen support is done through email. You would write an email on what is going on or how you are feeling. The email is generated to all the other teens that are in-group. Then the other group members would respond.

Resources to help the Caudill family

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/

death.html# Is an article that gives parents tips to help their children cope with death. It answers a lot of questions children may have about death and how it may affect their life afterward. It is very informative and gives great advice on where to go for help.

Resources to help the Caudill Family

Robin Novicki-Family Therapist

6286 W. State Rd 144 Greenwood, Indiana 46143 317-697-0868 Robin specializes in helping families sort through what's happening in their life. Her work involves individuals, couples, families, children, and teens who are experiencing life challenges of all kinds. She has a particular interest in working with families who have children with developmental disabilities.

Resources to help the Caudill Family

Franciscan VNS Hospice

421 N. Emerson Ave Greenwood, IN 1-800-390-9915 Free, six week educational support group for adults that have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. This class is offered quarterly. Registration is required.

Resources to help the Caudill Family

Todd Casbon Ph.D. HSPP

301 E. Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032 Todd is a licensed therapist that deals with a variety of issues ranging from marital to psychological to grief. He works with all ages. I think he would be great to help the family deal with the loss of their wife and mom.

Resources to help the Caudill Family

http://www.rainbows.org/

This is an organization that helps you set up a support group in your area based upon your needs. It is nonprofit organization that focuses on helping teens and children cope with a death of a loved one. It has served more than 2.7 million people since 1983.

Financial Assistance

Since the passing of his wife, Carson is having a hard time affording the necessities for his family. He is having a hard time with child care costs and paying his monthly utility bills. The children want to be involved in extra-curricular activities, but Carson has not had enough money to pay for them after he pays his monthly bills. The children are hoping that if their Dad get some financial help, he will be able to afford their activities. Aaron has agreed to transport the children to their activities if Carson can pay for them.

Childcare & Development Fund for Childcare Assistance:

Andrea Massey amassey@childrensbureau.org

317-545-5281 or 866-287-2420
Andrea is the coordinator in the Caudills county for childcare assistance.

Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

www.benefits.gov This website is for information on receiving assistance with your energy bill.
Susan Caudill

Community Involvement

The Caudills started volunteering at a local food pantry three years ago, before Ashley became sick. Carson and his children have been trying to get involved in one again, since Ashley was passionate in helping those in need. Carson wants to help the family continue to do some of the things they used to do when his wife, Ashley was alive. The children are excited to help out at the food pantry because it brings back fond memories of their mom. Aaron has agreed to help if Carson has to work.

Vineyard Community Church Food Pantry

512 S. Madison Ave Greenwood, Indiana 46142

317-882-8463

*The food pantry is open the last Saturday of the month from 10AM-Noon* Since Ashley died of Cervical Cancer, Carson wants to be in charge of getting a group together to walk in The Relay for Life in honor of his wife. The children are excited to help support this cause. They are hoping to raise enough money to help find a cure for cancer so that no other children have to be without a Mom because of cancer. Aaron is very supportive in helping the family for this event.

Relay for Life Event at Butler University:

April 18-19 2014 6PM-6AM Event Co-chair: Samantha May (1-800-227-2345)

Susan Caudill

Politics

Carson was born and raised as a Democrat. Aaron instilled in Carson at a very young age the importance of politics and standing by the Democratic standpoint. Carson is teaching his children Democratic views and standpoints. Gregory and Veronica are starting to understand politics but Veronica is still too young to understand them. Marion County Democratic Party http://www.marioncountydemocrats.org/home Has upcoming events and volunteer information on what the democrats are doing around Indianapolis. Chairmans club- brings together a diverse group of working democrats in the community to discuss the key issues facing our city and county. Indiana Democratic Party http://indems.org This group is created to bring together democrats throughout Indiana. This group also has social media that can be followed as well. It has an active blog. The website has volunteer opportunities such as: phone bank, fundraising, event planning and absentee ballots

Kellie Rahr

Parenting

In the Caudill home everyone works together as a team. The children understand that Carson is in charge, but they do have a voice and are allowed to make positive choices that benefit the family. There are rules set into place and if one does not follow the rules there have consequences. Carson does not believe in spanking or negative reinforcement but he promotes redirecting and helping each child take accountability for his or her actions. Carson wants to foster self-esteem and a sense of fulfillment towards his children. He wants his children to come to him for love, support and guidance. Even if they make mistakes he wants them to know they are still loved, and that he is here for them. Although it has been hard without his wife, Carson wants to follow the same guidelines him and Ashley put in place when they started their family. Parenting Classes 1040 E. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Free assessmentCall (317) 633-8240 for appointment Noblesville, IN (317) 776-3478 Local Parenting classes that provide a free assessment and low costs per class. Held the second Tuesday night of the month. www.pricelessparenting.com This is an online parent help source on How to Parent, they also provide Online Parenting Classes, access to Parenting Books , online Parenting Classes and Parenting Presentations

Karen Coleman

Technology

We love technology in the Caudill home. However, we realize that there is more to life, and more to enjoying life than being on the computer or in front of the TV. After school and evening activities, there is a limited amount of time in which the children of the household can watch TV, play on the computer, or the tablet. All homework must be done! There is however an exception to the rule. You may use the computer or tablet to help with your homework. I try to teach my children that technology is not just something we use for fun, but we can use it as a resource in our daily lives. When the children do get time in front of the TV or at the computer or tablet, the time is limited. I stress the importance of being active and being outside. I try to teach my children there is more to life than being entertained by a machine! Children and TV: Limiting your childs screen time This article describes the effects of too much TV time on a child. This is a good article for parents to read to help them understand the effects of too much screen time. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/MY00522

Should Young Children use iPads? This article explains that yes, there are some educational apps on the iPads for children, but they are not getting the real and full experience through an iPads. They do not get to feel the paint squish between their fingers, or get the praise when they do something correctly like they would in real life. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/michael-rich-tots-ipads/ Emily Cmar

Children and TV: Limiting your childs screen time http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/MY00522

Childcare & Development Fund for Childcare Assistance: Andrea Massey 317-545-5281 or 866-287-2420 amassey@childrensbureau.org

MESOSYSTEM
www.pricelessparenting.com

Indiana Democra tic Party http://ind ems.org

Vineyard Community Church Food Pantry 512 S. Madison Ave Greenwood, Indiana 46142 317-882-8463

Caudill Family
MICROSYSTEM

Relay for Life Event at Butler University: April 18-19 2014 6PM-6AM Event Co-chair: Samantha May (1-800-2272345)

Marion County Democra tic Party http://ww w.marion countyde mocrats. org/home

Parenting Classes 1040 E. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Free assessmentCall (317) 633-8240 Noblesville, IN (317) 776-3478

EXOSYSTEM

Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program www.benefits.gov

Should Young Children use iPads?

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsphin-the-news/michael-rich-tots-ipads