SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 1 THE STORY OF WILLIAM AND JAY This is the story of William and Jay.* They are brothers who share a deep and loving bond together. At six years old, William is the big brother to five-year-old Jay. They are the youngest of six children. Their biological parents both struggled with drug addiction, developmental delays and mental illness. The boys were placed in foster care due to their parents’ inability to provide adequate care. Both of the boys have special needs that must be met in order for them to reach their full potential. William has been diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Jay was diagnosed with Autism and Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder. These issues cause challenges for the boys in different ways. William has some difficulty with fine motor skills, and, at time of placement, Jay spoke only 2-3 words clearly and had displayed some aggressive behaviors. Both brothers have struggled in school and have been in a total of five foster placements, due in part to the foster parents’ inability to meet the children’s needs. THE NEWSLETTER OF SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES SUMMER 2009 …continued on page 3
Transcript
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 1
THE STORY OF WILLIAM AND JAYThis is the story of William and Jay.* They are brothers who share a deep and loving bond together.
At six years old, William is the big brother to five-year-old Jay. They are the youngest of six children. Their biological parents both struggled with drug addiction, developmental delays and mental illness. The boys were placed in foster care due to their parents’ inability to provide adequate care. Both of the boys have special needs that must be met in order for them to reach their full potential. William has been diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Jay was diagnosed with Autism and Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder. These issues cause challenges for the boys in different ways. William has some difficulty with fine motor skills, and, at time of placement, Jay spoke only 2-3 words clearly and had displayed some aggressive behaviors. Both brothers have struggled in school and have been in a total of five foster placements, due in part to the foster parents’ inability to meet the children’s needs.
T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F S I E R R A F O R E V E R F A M I L I E S
SUMMER 2009
…continued on page 3
2 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The More You Know 3
SFF Calendar 4
Welcome Home 5
Kids Are Waiting 6
The Art of Adoption 7
Champions for Children 11
Thank You 12
Expressive Giving 15
MISSION STATEMENT We transform the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families.
Sacramento Center 8928 Volunteer Lane, Suite 240 Sacramento, CA 95826 Tel: (916) 368-5114 Fax: (916) 368-5157 E-mail: [email protected]
Nevada City Center 138 New Mohawk Road, Suite 200 Nevada City, CA 95959 Tel: (530) 478-0900 Fax: (530) 478-0970 E-mail: [email protected]
Auburn Center (Placer Kids) 11990 Heritage Oak Place, Suite 3 Auburn, CA 95603 Tel: (530) 887-9982 Fax: (530) 887-9994 Toll free: 1-888-387-9982 E-mail: [email protected]
Chico Adoptive Family Resource Center 520 Cohasset Road, Suite 140 Chico, CA 95926 Tel: (530) 879-3861 Fax: (530) 896-1792 E-mail: [email protected]
California Department of Social Services/Adoptive Family Resource Center Warm Line: (800) 268-2967 Fax: (916) 484-0430 E-mail: [email protected]
Chuck Horton, President Eric Ratinoff, President Elect Jerri Hunt, Secretary Sarah Krevans, Treasurer Elfrena Foord, Immediate Past President
Debra Panattoni Jeanne Reaves Kate Renwick-Espinosa R.W. “Skip” Reynolds Dan Root Kathy Van Osten Alan Wolf
Bob Herne* Bobby Cobbs*
S A C R A M E N T O
A U B U R N
N E V A D A C IT Y
C H IC O
Center Locations
SFF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Fran Barker Bob Earl Greg Finch Debbie Hesse John Kay Chuck Nicholson Debra Panattoni John Winters David Zorn
*Sierra Forever Families Staff
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 3
whAT’S In A nAME?
Did it come as a surprise when you received this issue of Homecoming? The familiar teal green color has been replaced with a brilliant blue and the name Sierra Forever Families greets the reader. Yes, after 26 years the agency has a new name while keeping the same urgent mission of building and nurturing permanent, loving families for children in foster care.
This has been a long journey with many partners: the board, staff, families, donors, youth and community members. Some questioned why we would change a name that is well known and respected in the community. Others were concerned that we might be changing our focus. The first question was always ‘Why?’
By changing the name to Sierra Forever Families, we have an opportunity to build and nurture a forever home for children and youth earlier in the system; before they have been moved to several homes and suffered additional losses in their life. We changed the name to serve our children and youth! I cannot think of a better reason to have a new name.
Over the next year, you will continue to hear how our name is creating a difference in the lives of children and youth living in foster care. I want to express my ongoing appreciation of you as families, donors, volunteers and community advocates in keeping the promise of family for all children!
Lori is a single mother who had adopted six children with severe mental and physical diagnoses. One day, while browsing on the internet, she noticed William and Jay listed on Fox 40’s A Place Called Home, a website which features children in need of permanent families. Lori contacted Sierra and asked for more information on the adorable siblings she saw online. At the time of her inquiry, it had just been decided to place William and Jay separately. Since the boys were so attached to each other, their worker tried very hard to find a family willing to take both children. Numerous families had expressed interest in the boys, but upon learning more information regarding their extensive needs, families felt they would be unable to provide the care the boys required. Since Lori had previously adopted six children with special needs, she was confident she could care for both of them. When she heard about William and Jay being separated, she immediately said she wanted to adopt the children together.
Once Lori decided the children were going to be a part of her family, she went into action. She called regularly to check on the status of the boys and submitted her home study to be considered as an adoptive parent. She was adamant that William and Jay were a perfect fit for her family.
Three months later, William and Jay went to live with Lori’s family. They have been members of her loving family for the
last six months. Once the adoption is final, Lori will become the mother of eight amazing children through adoption. Because of Lori, two adorable and well deserving little boys will grow up in a loving family together and never again face the fear that they will be separated.
The boys are thriving in their new family. William has improved drastically in school and loves interacting with his new siblings. Because of his cheerful personality and winning smile, Lori is considering involving William in modeling along with two of her other children who currently model. Jay has made major improvements in speech and language. In just six months, he is now up to 75 words and 3-4 word sentences. Lori is thrilled at how well all the children have adjusted to the newly expanded family. She is anxious to have her adoption of William and Jay finalized. She and her children feel as if the boys have always been a part of the family and can not imagine their lives without them.
The story of William and Jay is a great example of how loving families who provide stability and permanence can change the course of a child’s life forever. * names of youth have been changed for use until after adoption is finalized.
photo is for representation only.
The story of William and Jay is a great example of how loving
families providing stability and permanence can change the
course of a child’s life forever.
4 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
SFF CALENDAR: EVENTS AND CLASSES
EVENTS: For more information or to volunteer,w please call 916-368-5114 ext. 237.jUly 1 SIERRA ADOpTIOn SERvICES BECOMES SIERRA FOREvER FAMIlIES.
AUgUST 2 A RACE TO gIvE A plACE TO lIvE. Hosted by Dr. Kevin Chang. Local children living in foster care will experience the excitement of indoor go-kart racing. This sponsored event provides a day of fun for youth in foster care as well it serves as a fundraiser to assist in finding families for children.
AUgUST 23 TAkE ME OUT TO ThE BAllgAME! Join Sierra Forever Families, Placer Kids and the River Cats for Youth Permanency Night! To learn how you can attend the game, visit: SIERRAFF.org (Events).
SEpTEMBER 12 vInO DE ART hOSTED By CARIng hEARTS SOCIETy. Auburn.
SEpTEMBER 21 5Th AnnUAl SIERRA FOREvER FAMIlIES gOlF ClASSIC FOR kIDS. Serrano Country Club. Registration: 7:30am. Shotgun: 9:30am. Enjoy a day of golf and help children find the love of a permanent familiy. You will experience the VIP treatment, when you join us for a full day of golf followed by hors d’oeuvres, award ceremony, and an exciting raffle and live auction.
CLASSES: Classes, trainings, workshops and support groups require a reservation.Wednesday* pRE-SERvICE. 6:00pm-8:30pm. Classes 1-9 beginning October 8-December 10. Placer County Children’s System of Care. Call Donna (530) 887-9982. Call (530) 886-2893 to arrange for child care.
First Tuesday* k.S.S.p. SUppORT gROUp. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Roseville Family Resource Center. Call (916) 774-6802.
Second Monday EXplORIng pERMAnEnCy I (Orientation). 6:00pm-9:00pm. Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 221.
Second Wednesday* SInglE & gAy/lESBIAn ADOpTIvE pAREnT SUppORT gROUpS. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 262.
Second Thursday* ADOpTIvE pAREnT SUppORT gROUp. 6:30pm-8:00pm. Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 484-0410.
Second Thursday* FOSTER/ADOpTIvE SUppORT gROUp. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Group beginning October 9, 2008. Placer County Children’s System of Care. Call Donna (530) 886-2893. Call (530) 886-2893 to arrange for child care.
Second Thursday* FOSTER/ADOpTIvE SUppORT gROUp. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Group beginning October 23, 2008. South Placer @ Cirby Hills. Call Donna (530) 886-2893. Call (530) 886-2893 to arrange for child care.
Third Tuesday* k.S.S.p. SUppORT gROUp. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Placer County Children’s System of Care. Call (530) 887-3536.
Third Thursday* pk ORIEnTATIOn FOR FOSTER CARE & ADOpTIOn. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Auburn Placer Kids office. Call Donna (530) 887-9982. Call (530) 886-2893 to arrange for child care.
July 22 (Part 1of2)* ADOpTIOn MODUlE. 6:00pm-9:00pm. & July 29 (Part 2of2)* Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 221.
Oct 21 (Part 1of2)* ADOpTIOn MODUlE. 6:00pm-9:00pm. Oct 28 (Part 2of2)* Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 221.
July 15, Aug 19 COnCURREnT plAnnIng wORkShOp. 6:00pm-9:00pm. Sacramento SFF office. Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 221.
Dates To Be EXplORIng pERMAnEnCy II. 9:00am-5:30pm. Sacramento SFF office. Announced Call (916) 368-5114, ext. 252. Tuesday evening series begins October/November
Dates To Be COnCURREnT plAnnIng wORkShOp. 6:00pm-8:30pm. Announced* Classes beginning December. Placer County Children’s System of Care. Call Donna (530) 886-2893.
Dates & Times ADOpTIOn MODUlE. To Be Announced Placer County. Call Theresa Bardakjian (530) 889-6758
*Childcare available, please make childcare reservations when calling in to sign-up for class.
REGISTER ONLINE AT SIERRAFF.ORG
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 5
WELCOME HOME: RECENT FINALIZATIONSThE MACk FAMIlyFrank and Pam Mack celebrated the adoptions of Reggie Thomas Mack, age one and a half, on June 2, 2008 and Peyton Tyrell Mack, age one, on October 1, 2008 with friends and family.
ThE CAFFEy FAMIlyLochlin, Donna, Sean, and Brandy Caffey are proud to announce the adoption of their new son and brother, Christopher James, age seven, on October 13, 2008.
ThE STARkS FAMIlyOn May 12, 2009, Warren Starks finalized the adoption of his fourth son, Zachary Isaac, age nine.
ThE lESEMAnn-hUDSOn FAMIly Anne Lesemann and Laura Hudson are excited to announce the adoption finalization of their new son, Cody Lesemann Hudson, age eleven, on February 27, 2009.
ThE wEllIngTOn FAMIlyCleon, Cynthia, Phoebe, and Nathan Wellington are pleased to announce the adoption of their new little son and brother, Tyler Robert, age one, on October 29, 2008.
ThE lAyTOn FAMIlyJoline and Dale Layton were overjoyed when they adopted Michael, age two, and his brother, Syrus, age seven, on National Adoption Day, November 15, 2008.
ThE BAIlEy-gARDnER FAMIlyOn November 19, 2008, Stephanie Bailey and Denise Gardner celebrated with family and friends the adoption of their daughter, Savannah Harper Bailey-Gardner, age one.
ThE AlAnIZ FAMIlyCassie Alaniz is excited to announce the adoption finalization of her darling new daughter, Julianna, age eight months, on December 3, 2008.
ThE SCRIBnER-jORDAn FAMIlyOn March 9, 2009, Ann Jordan Isaacson was pleased to finalize the adoption of her new daughter, Carly Marie Scribner-Jordan, age seventeen.
ThE SIllAS FAMIlyRobert, Yolanda, Robert Isaac, and Serina Sillas are excited to announce the adoption finalizations of their two new sons and brothers, Marcus, age eleven, and Jackson, age seven, on May 20, 2009.
ThE STyREn FAMIlyTodd and Sue Styren were overjoyed when they adopted their handsome son, Colton, age ten months, on Sue’s birthday, June 2, 2009.
ThE FISChER FAMIlyPauline and Tim Fischer ended their long adoption journey on June 1, 2009 when they finalized their daughter Izza Mae Fischer’s adoption. Izza, who is now 12, came to them from the Philippines in May 2008.
6 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
KIDS ARE WAITING*
FOR MORE InFORMATIOn, CAll SIERRA FOREvER FAMIlIES AT (916) 368-5114 OR vISIT US AT SIERRAFF.ORg.*Information current at time of newsletter production.
WILLIAM, top leftANGELA, bottom leftCHRISTINA, top rightMARLIN, middle rightJAIRUS, bottom right
wIllIAM (13) is a loveable guy who enjoys all kinds of sports. He has mild Cerebral Palsy and some developmental delays but he does not let them slow him down. He recently tried out for the school basketball team and made it. He is a great big brother to his foster mother’s three-year-old but admits that sometimes babies can get on his nerves.
AngElA (13) is a typical 13-year-old girl. She loves to talk on the phone, text message her friends and hang out at the mall. She has some mild cognitive delays and attends a school program designed to meet her needs. She would like a family that likes to go places and have fun.
ChRISTInA (7) just turned seven and feels all grown up. She is finishing first grade and can’t wait to start second. She was born with a form of albinism that affects her vision and makes her slightly more sensitive to the sun. But she doesn’t let anything deter her. She does everything any other little girl does and sometimes better than her peers. Slap on a little sunscreen and make sure she has her glasses and she will be ready, willing and able to do what kids her age do, have fun!
MARlIn (13) is Christina’s big brother and that relationship is important to him. He takes being the big brother seriously and is never long out of touch with lil’ sis. Even though they are look-ing for separate homes, they will want to stay in contact. He is a mild mannered, well spoken young man. He has some learning disabilities and needs a family who can advocate for his edu-cational needs. He is small for his age but that doesn’t stop him from playing football. He can’t wait for the season to begin!
jAIRUS (12) is a performer. He can’t decide if he will be a co-median or a serious actor but one thing is for sure he loves the limelight. He does well in school and has lots of friends. He also likes to play basketball as much as ballroom dancing. He has lots of brothers and sisters that are already in forever families who he will want to remain in contact with.
MAx (10), JOEY (12), and AMBER (16) have each been waiting for a Forever Family for quite awhile…and, we have GREAT NEWS to share with you; Each child has a family identified for them and will join their Forever Family very soon!
All three of these youth will now have the love and stability that only a family can provide.
GREAT NEWS!
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 7
FOR MORE InFORMATIOn, CAll SIERRA FOREvER FAMIlIES AT (916) 368-5114 OR vISIT US AT SIERRAFF.ORg.
THE ART OF ADOPTION
Do you know an adopted child with a flair for art or poetry? HOMECOMING wants to hear from you! To submit artwork or poems by adopted children, contact Sierra Forever Families at (916) 368-5114.
SEE MORE ARTWORK ON OUR WEBSITE AT SIERRAFF.ORG
8 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
Families are as diverse as the people that construct them. Aleyah and Dorothy are no exception to the various forms a loving family can take. In April 2007, Dorothy, a mature woman with love and compassion in her heart, may have looked like an unlikely candidate to become a new parent but she opened her home to six-year-old Aleyah who had recently been placed in the foster care system.
During this time, Aleyah had concurrent visits with her birth family which caused emotional ups and downs for everyone involved. Dorothy was not sure if she would have the opportunity to be the proud parent of Aleyah. She watched and was challenged to see the young girl struggle as Aleyah learned to open her little heart to both her birth family as well as her new home. She went from excitement and disappointment as her birth family came and went. She also struggled to allow Dorothy to love her.
Today, nine-year-old Aleyah and Dorothy have grown into yet another unique family that Sierra is proud to have been able to assist. The two have become a happy family with a finalized adoption that took place on April 28, 2009. That afternoon, they stood on the steps of the Auburn Courthouse excited to have signed the necessary paperwork that permanently named Aleyah as Dorothy’s daughter. “It’s all about the family and that is what we are,” said Dorothy smiling at the sight of Aleyah.
UNLIKELY DUO BECOMES FOREVER FAMILY
THE JOURNEY HOMEThe story to a happy ending is not always an easy road. For brothers Eric and Dustin, it was a long turbulent road. These young boys were made dependents of the court after their birth parents’ history of drug abuse was discovered. The parents were charged with child endangerment in December 2002, as the home the boys lived in had drug paraphernalia as well as methamphetamines.
On December 13, 2006, Eric and Dustin were referred to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a newly established program funded through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The young boys had some major transitions during the past three years. First they had a brief stay in foster care, then an unsuccessful stay with their maternal grandmother until they were placed in the home of their maternal second cousins, Robert and Yolanda Sillas. They had two children, yet welcomed the challenge of integrating the boys into their home.
As the boys began the journey of their new home setting, they demonstrated symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, behavioral problems, ADHD, and Learning Problems. The Sillas’ lived in Yuba City and found it difficult to access support services for the children until our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids’ Recruiter, Sandy Sertyn, got involved and began helping the family receive support services to meet the boys’ specific needs. Eric, the elder brother, appeared to adjust easier to overcoming the early abuse and neglect from his childhood. Dustin however, had a much more difficult time adjusting. Yolanda and Sandy were able to talk to the school system and get him involved in the best academic program for his needs. The entire Sillas family continued to patiently love their new additions while aiding Dustin in the proper medical and academic needs to help him face life positively.
Today, the Sillas family is a happy family of six with both Eric and Dustin adopted on May 21, 2009. This tough road paved with patience, love, and understanding has led Eric and Dustin into a forever family. Their journey is not over as the security and affirmation that a forever family brings will continue to guide them into happy futures.
“It’s all about the family and that is what we are…”
This tough road paved with patience,
love and understanding has led Eric
and Dustin into a forever family.
Aleyah and Dorothy become a family
The Sillas Family
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 9
MANY THANKS TO KTxL FOx40 for continuing to be a strong
supporter and advocate for local children. On the first Monday and
Tuesday of each month, they profile a different waiting child on A Place Called Home,
and each month we receive many calls from prospective adoptive parents. Watch the
first Monday of the month at 10pm or the following morning at 7am to receive more
information regarding local waiting children. To view monthly segments, visit sierraff.org
or http://www.fox40.com/community/aplacecalledhome.
SFF STAFF STORIES: Postive Changes
Sierra Forever Families (Sierra) warmly welcomes ELIZABETH (LIZ) AZEVEDO as our newest team member! Sierra is extremely fortunate to have Liz on board as a Destination Family Social Worker. Liz joined our staff in January 2009, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Destination Family program.
Liz recently graduated from California State University, Sacramento with her Masters Degree in Social Work. Her desire to help others began in high school, where she volunteered as a Peer Counselor. Her natural talent and passion for working with people continued to grow while attending the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology. While there, she further developed her social work skills as a Sexual Assault Peer Educator.
Late in 2005, Liz landed a position at the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) as a Training Specialist, eventually becoming a Training Manager. Her responsibilities included: facilitating training sessions, developing and updating training curricula, collaborating with government and community partners, and supervising other training specialists. Although she excelled in her role at CAPC, Liz missed working in a direct service position. She completed her graduate program in Social Work while fulfilling her full-time responsibilities at CAPC and is now working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This will allow her to offer therapy, perform clinical supervision
and have a greater influence when dealing with policy and advocacy issues.
Five months into her position as a Destination Family Social Worker, Liz is delighted to be working directly with youth again. As Liz explains, “I love the age group I work with. This is such a time of transition for them. As they approach adulthood, they are maturing and able to grasp deeper concepts, yet they still have lots of room to grow and develop.” The position at Sierra is also challenging. Because of the impressionable nature of the teens Liz works with, she makes an extra effort to be more “self-aware” and “mindful of my own behaviors and actions.” She also faces challenges with stereotypes. “Youth in the foster care system already deal with being labeled and it’s hard to convince others that there is a human being underneath all those stereotypes who is worth supporting,” she says. We are proud to have Liz on staff at Sierra where she can help youth in foster care make positive changes in their lives.
Away from work, Liz has a love for Hula dancing that comes from her Hawaiian heritage. Welcome Liz!
Liz Azevedo
DID YOU KNOW…the Homecoming Newsletter is available to you online and can be provided via email as well? To view the newsletter online, simply visit sierraff.org and you will find the newsletter under About Us. To receive the newsletter electronically, please complete the donor survey available at the sierraff.org Ways To Give page.
10 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
WE ARE CHANGING OUR NAME! Beginning July 1 Sierra Adoption Services becomes Sierra Forever Families. New name – same great mission! Our new name more accurately reflects our mission to transform the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families – forever families.
For 26 years Sierra has worked to transform children’s lives. Thanks to your support, over 2,000 children have found their forever family and no longer face the uncertainty of foster care. Yet the need is greater than ever. Thousands of children languish in the foster care system due to no fault of their own. They are victims who face an even more uncertain future when they emancipate from foster care. Within 2-4 years, over half of them will be homeless, in prison or dead. Sierra is committed to breaking the cycle of uncertainty by providing those children with their very own forever family.
We recognize it is a challenging time for everyone as we face the most uncertain economic climate in recent memory. We all have been affected in some way. Sierra is no exception. Declining value of our endowment has resulted in lost revenue. California’s state budget concerns have had impact as well resulting in late and deferred payments for services, and anticipation of budget cuts. Gift support also has been affected as longstanding friends have been forced to reduce or temporarily suspend that support.
The uneasiness of our economy is not deterring us from our mission. Our focus is, and always will be, providing children with a family they can call their very own.
We welcome your support. It is needed now more than ever. With your help, Sierra Forever Families will transform children’s lives by providing permanency. Please give today!
Bobby Cobbs, Development & Public Relations Officer, MSW, CFRE [email protected]
Recently, Sierra launched a new customer-focused, interactive website. The site, SIERRAFF.ORG is a key tool to the agency and is meant to meet the needs of our resource families, stake-holders, and youth living in foster care.
“The agency was definitely in need of a new website,” said Bob Herne, Executive Director for Sierra Forever Families. “Created by a volunteer over 10 years ago, the site had become outdated, limiting how we update and maintain important communication to our prospective families and stakeholders.”
A WHOLE NEW (WEB) WORLD
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE…FROM THE DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Sierra Forever Families worked with Circle Design, a local design and marketing firm, to guide the agency through the process and to create and implement a modern, user-friendly website to support efforts in recruitment and fundraising.
Visitors to the site will easily access current information on the agency’s programs and services, requirements for becoming a resource family, classes and support groups, profiles on available youth, online donation opportunities, upcoming special events and much more.
You can help Sierra gain visibility on the web by visiting the site for updates on our programs, referring friends and colleagues to the site to learn more about Sierra and our services, view our newsletter online, or by making SIERRAFF.ORG your homepage when accessing the internet.
wE wAnT TO hEAR FROM yOU
As we move toward electronic communications, we encourage you to let us know how you would like to be reached in the future. A donor survey is available on our website and can be found under Ways to Give. By completing the survey, you can let us know how you would like us to send you the Homecoming Newsletter and other valuable updates in the future.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! For updates on our programs, details on upcoming events and stories on the children and families we serve, follow Sierra Forever Families online on Facebook and Twitter. See you on the web!
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 11
INTRODUCING CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
CHAIR REPORTIt has been an exciting year for this program under the leadership of Alan Wolf of Harbison Mahony Higgins Builders, Inc. Alan is a member of our Board of Directors and is an active member of the Fund Development & Public Relations Committee. He recruited two new companies and renewed the commitment from his employer. Thank you, Alan!
“Being the Chair has been, and continues to be, a wonderful and rewarding effort. We all know that the true champions are the many parents who adopt and nurture these children. But it’s the efforts of hundreds whose collective donations have produced and funded many new champions. Even in these challenging economic times, collectively with your generosity, we continue to have a great impact on so many young lives.” says Alan.
A record number of participants this fiscal year include teams made up of company employees raising funds at various events, others that include receiving donations from company vendors, and some that involve neighboring companies in special events like BBQs and White Elephant Sales. Each $5,000 gift helps place one child or sibling group from foster care with a forever family.
Champions for Adoption becomes Champions for Children with the new fiscal year starting on July 1, 2009. Current participants are encouraged to renew their support for the next year and new teams are being sought. If your company would like to participate in Champions for Children, contact Juli Kramer, Development Specialist, at 916.368.5114 x 222 or email her at [email protected].
Abbott & Kindermann LLP
Air Systems
Julia Amaral and Mark Strate
American Building Supply
James and Jacquelyn Anderson
Arata Brothers Trust
Donna Benner and Roger Ramseier
Frank M. Booth Inc.
California Backyard
Capital Christian Center
Caring Hearts Society of Auburn
Carrera-Joffe Foundation
The Frank and Delma Carson Foundation for Others
Ben and Gail Catlin
CB Richard Ellis
Dr. Kevin Chang’s Race to Give a Place
Collins Electrical Co., Inc.
Consolidated Fabricators Corp.
Delegata
Gary and Sally Doupnik
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation
Norm and Arlayne Fifer
Elfrena Foord and Bruce Hester
Larry Gilzean
Harbison Mahony Higgins Builders, Inc.
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
Irwin Union Bank
J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation
Kelly Foundation
Loveall Foundation for Children
Drs. William and Christine Newsom
Nicholson & Olsen CPAs
The Marvin “Buzz” Oates Charitable Foundation
The Parker Family Foundation
Placer Electric Inc.
Eric and Patrice Ratinoff
Kate Renwick-Espinosa
Retec, Inc.
Cathy Rodriguez
Barbara and Lou Riggs
The Root Family
S.D. Deacon Corp of California
Sacramento Metropolitian Air Quality Management
Safeway Foundation
Sierra Health Foundation
Carol Stensrud
SureWest Foundation
Target Stores
Christopher Thompson and Katherine Carlyon
U.S. Bank
Waste Connections Inc.
WF Hayward Company
Whole Foods
Williams + Paddon, Architects + Planners
Alan G. Wolf, CFC Chair
Our heart-felt ThAnkS AnD AppRECIATIOn are extended to the following teams, companies and individuals whose generous gifts of $5,000 to $24,999 have helped to transform the lives of over 58 children this year:
12 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to the individuals, companies and foundations
WASTE CONNECTIONS AND LIVINGSTON’S CONCRETE ARE GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT PARTNERSLivingston’s Concrete said “yes” to join Waste Connections as a Tournament Partner for the 5th Annual Golf Classic for Kids coming up September 21 at Serrano Country Club. Ron Mittlesteadt, CEO with Waste Connections offered to match the first company to come forward at the $10,000 Tournament Partner level. Patti Henley, President with Livingston’s Concrete, accepted the challenge.
Jerri Hunt, Corporate Vice President with Waste Connections is committee chair for the Golf Classic and promises another fun tournament…all in the name of helping harder-to-place foster children find forever families. Last year, the tournament raised over $100,000 and helped place over 20 children with permanent families.
It is companies like WASTE CONNECTIONS and LIVINGSTON’S CONCRETE that make it possible for Sierra to place some of the over 2,000 foster children waiting in the Sacramento region for forever families. BOTH COMPANIES INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM AS SPONSORS AND PLAYERS AT THE GOLF CLASSIC FOR KIDS THIS SEPTEMBER.
Other sponsors for the tournament are: Barefoot Winery, Setzer Foundation, Union Bank, US Bank, Visionary Integration Professionals, and WF Hayward Company.
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top: Ron Mittlesteadt, Waste Connections CEO with fellow golfer. bottom: 2008 Tournament Golfers awaiting shotgun start.
INTRODUCING AMBASSADORS FOR CHILDRENElFREnA FOORD InvITES yOU TO BECOME An AMBASSADOR FOR ChIlDREn
Sierra Forever Families is proud to introduce its newest annual giving circle: Ambassadors for Children for donors making gifts of $1,000 to $4,999. “We want to recognize our generous supporters who help make a significant difference in a child’s life,” said Elfrena Foord, Past President of Sierra’s Board of Directors. Foord is leading this effort and has opened her home for a special reception for current and prospective Ambassadors.
This donor program is based on the success of the Champions for Adoption program where individuals and corporate teams pledge to raise $5,000 or more to place one child or sibling set during Sierra’s fiscal year. This year, a record-breaking 32 teams raised funds through employee events, company matching gifts, or outright donations of $5,000. On July 1st, Champions for Adoption will be renamed Champions for Children – new name, same great mission to transform the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families.
For information on the Ambassadors for Children or Champions for Children, please contact Juli Kramer, Development Specialist, at 916.368.5114 x 222, or [email protected].
Elfrena Foord
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 13
that make it possible for us to find permanent homes for the children who wait
CAPITAL CHRISTIAN CENTER BLESSES SIERRAOn Mother’s Day, May 10th, the Capital Christian Center (CCC) featured Sierra at each of their three morning worship services. Special time was allowed during each service to bring a Sierra representative up on the stage. A presentation was given informing the congregation of Sierra’s mission and the children being assisted through the various programs offered through the agency. CCC was also generous enough to allow Sierra to show a film featuring one special family brought together through adoption. They collected a special offering to benefit the agency and asked their congregation to consider opening their hearts and becoming forever families to local children in foster care.
It proved to be a very touching tribute on Mother’s Day to celebrate with a congregation so committed to ensuring
happy, healthy families. Capital Christian Center’s commitment to the future of all children is evident in the families of their congregation and the wide array of children’s programs they offer. The potential for us to create new families together is limitless. Over 5,000 members of the church attended the services that day and learned about Sierra and the harder-to-place foster children we serve. Several CCC members signed up for a special Exploring Permanence Orientation held at the church the following Sunday.
Thank you to Pastor Cole and Pastor Reid and their incredible team for their support of Sierra and the kids we serve. CCC says that what we do at Sierra – helping special needs children – is part of their mission also and they are happy to offer their continued support.
left: Executive Pastor Doug Reid. center: Sierra’s presentation on Mother’s Day. right: Senior Pastor Rick Cole.
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU…A tremendous Thank you to the following companies, foundations, and individuals whose collective contributions have transformed the lives of nearly 100 children this year:
GuARDiANS FOR CHilDREN $150,000 to $249,999.99
Pacific Coast Building Products
HEROES FOR CHilDREN $100,000 to $149,999.99
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores
$50,000 to $99,999.99
Ralph Andersen
Sutter Health
$25,000 to $49,999.99
Bob and Nancy Earl
Dr. Bradley and Donna R. Chipps
Massie Family Foundation
JB Jones
United Way California Capital Region
14 | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES | HOMECOMING | SUMMER 2009
We are pleased to announce that Sierra Forever Families has renewed an EPSDT (Medi-Cal) contract with Nevada County Behavioral Health to provide comprehensive, specialty mental health services.
Providing for the mental health needs of children as well as the families that care for them is an integral part of the foster/adoption process. Nevada County Behavioral Health has recognized that a large majority of the children being adopted from foster care have experienced traumatizing maltreatment, neglect and loss and may need specialty mental health services. These services are primarily targeted to serve pre- and post-adoptive, foster and guardianship children and families, with specialty focus on issues related to trauma and permanency for youth who have been removed from their birth families.
Additional good news is that these services are available to all children and families in Nevada County regardless of where their Medi-Cal originates. We now offer services in the Truckee region. Both of these factors will greatly increase the number of children in need of mental health services being served. The California Department of Mental Health has recognized the difficulty that families have when attempting to access services for their children whose Medi-Cal originates from a different county than they reside and has recommended counties to coordinate the fiscal arrangement so that children can receive mental health care in their home community. This is a significant change which will have beneficial impact for the children.
Arranging for foster and adoption situations with families living in a county other than the one the child is from can be hampered if the family feels they will not be able to obtain the necessary coverage to provide for the child’s needs. Changing the previous Medi-Cal processing restrictions will extend the boundaries to seek potential family options for every child, regardless of where the child currently resides. This contract serves all children who reside in Nevada County and are 0 to 21 years of age.
Individual, family, group, PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) and psychological services are all available. These services are often an essential element for the transition of the child. Children who have been the victims of abuse and/or neglect often require therapeutic services to learn to feel safe and develop trust with their new family and adjust to what are often new and appropriate boundaries of child rearing. It is a much needed service for the members of the families caring for the children as well. In many cases, the families have never encountered the situations of abuse and neglect that their new children have endured. It is equally as important to their mental health that they have an outlet to learn to cope with the history of the child and the impact it has had on the development of the child. These resources allow the family and the child to develop expectations for the child’s transition that are appropriate for everyone involved.
If your child and/or your family is in need of therapeutic services, please contact Debra Dworaczyk, LCSW at (530) 478-0900 for more information.
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES UPDATE
Where there’s a Will, there’s a Way.
Make a miracle, today and tomorrow.
help ensure that waiting children in the future are placed into permanent, loving homes. remember sierra Forever Families in your will.
in doing so, you will join a growing number of our friends who, over and above their regular support, have taken steps to help sierra Forever Families remain strong
and successful. Call Bobby Cobbs with questions at (916) 368-5114 ext. 234.
When the next generation of children don’t have to move from home to home, they’ll have you to thank!
SUMMER 2009 | HOMECOMING | SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIIES | 15
happy Birthday!Simon Edber Eric and Ann NeuhausKira loutzenhiser Isabelle KellyDick McMillan Andeen Lovett
Merry Christmas!Jodi Barkley and Jean Gifford Michael and Jeanne BarkleyBrian and Mary Jane Boxer O.J. and Tammy VallejoKevin Tourville O.J. and Tammy Vallejo
On Behalf Of…Ron Bistolfo Harry HardenTheresa Ferrini Marie Bezdicek
ExPRESSIVE GIVING
In honor Of…All Adopted Children Ed and Gail QuinnanAndrew and Alexander Ed Bubienko and Lisa Covington BubienkoSteve Ball Donna JamesFran Bogetich Julianne KramerCorky and Gary Brown Dorothy and Judith FriedmanAshley and Haley Bussard Kevin BussardCalifornia Backyard John DecosmoElfrena Foord Tom and Diane Carey WoodruffChelsea and Alissa Gifford Betty FarrellMark and Marilyn O’Brien Sean Cooley and Jennifer O’Brien
Residents and Staff at River’s Edge Dorothy and Judith FriedmanGeoffery Winder Bruce and Ellen WinderCarmen Batistelli Joseph and Yolanda Batistelli Tom and Fran BogetichWilliam A. Berkman Donna KarnofskyDon Bertino Elliot LitzCory Newman and Candace PeeryJack H. Frerechs Robert and Evelyn PoundsBud Kahl Leo and Joyce WarmoltsCatherine lewis Andeen LovettEula McClain Bob and Cyndi Swarthout
Marvin Meek Chris and Carolina Beach Mr. and Mrs. Chambers Everett Butler and Jeannie Labat-Butler Patricia Declercq Peter Dosh and Laura Criss Dosh Franchise Tax Board Staff Gold River Cub Scout Pack 281 Cromwell and Jean Lewis Anne Miller John and Susan Rampa Sara Sheikholislam Jean and Ann YoshizukaKen Pillsbury Shera Pillsburylottie Quinn Christine and Kent ShookBarbara Scott Tom and Fran Bogetich David ScottJoann Shulkin David ShulkinJim Smith Tom and Fran Bogetich
VOLUNTEER PROFILEjEn DUFF
Jen Duff is a committed volunteer and employee at Umpqua Bank. She first heard about Sierra Forever Families through Western Sierra Bank before it became Umpqua Bank. At that time, employees’ donations would be matched by the company.
Currently, Umpqua Bank pays its employees to volunteer 40 hours per year in the community. According to Jen there were “lots of nonprofits to choose from,” but Sierra Forever Families’ mission stood above the rest. Jen believed that it is “really important to find stability for the kids” that we serve.
In addition, Jen had just finished the fictional novel White Oleander by Janet Fitch which profiles the journey of a young girl in foster care. Mirroring the experiences that many of foster youth endure, Jen felt even more compelled to volunteer.
When asked why she volunteers, Jen stated that she “feels blessed to have a great family” and despite “not having a lot of money,” she feels that volunteering is one way that she is able to give back.
Jen can be found stamping envelopes, filling golf tournament bags, taking photos at events – amongst other volunteer activities. No task is too small or too large!
Like Sierra Forever Families, Jen shares ambitious goals for our foster youth in wanting to find permanency for every child in foster care. “I wish there were enough families for every child,” she added.
Sierra Forever Families thanks Jen Duff and our other selfless volunteers and supporters for their roles in helping children in foster care find a permanent family.
Jen Duff
8928 Volunteer lane, #240
Sacramento, CA 95826
RETuRN SERViCE REQuESTED
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Permit #1234
Sierra Adoption Services Sierra Forever Families Sacramento, CA 95826
5th AnnuAl
SpOnSORShIp OppORTUnITIES AvAIlABlE!
On September 21, you can help us celebrate 26 years of finding permanent forever families for
children living in foster care by signing up to be a sponsor and participate in our 5th Annual Golf
Tournament at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. This is a premiere golf tournament at one
of the most beautiful golfing venues in the Sacramento area. As a sponsor, you will be given full
recognition for your support. Sponsorships offer a variety of ways to prominently display your
company’s name and show your support for children while enjoying the day at Serrano with your
friends, business associates, customers or fellow employees.
Tournament Sponsor $20,000
Tournament Partner $10,000
Award Ceremony Sponsor $5,000
Closest to the Pin $4,000
Golf Cart Sponsor $3,500
Eagle Sponsor $3,000
Golf Course Sponsor $2,500
Birdie Sponsor $2,000
Lunch Box Sponsor $2,000
Beverage Sponsor $1,500
Par Sponsor $1,000
Tee Sponsor $500
Hole in One (Contact Sierra)
Individual Golfer $200
Par 3 Opportunities $50
To become a sponsor or to join us as a foursome, please contact:
Bobby Cobbs, Development and public Relations Officer:
