Family Care Network Newsletter_fall07

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Family Care Connection Fall 2007

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‘07

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA PERMIT NO.361

Family Care Connection Fall 2007

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i N ly C et are c work, In

Family Care Network, Inc. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

THE

Thank You

Taste of the Central Coast

Coming Attractions Annual Sponsor a Child for Christmas Fundraising Event

Every year the agency works in partnership with our community to provide gifts for every child, youth and family we serve. To learn more about this special fundraising effort, please see page 6 inside.

Sponsor a Child for Christmas

The Polar Express Night—December 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sylvester Winery

Family Care Network kids are invited to take a magical trip to the North Pole and back via restored train cars at Sylvester Winery in Paso Robles. Children will truly experience a magical Christmas moment as they listen to the award-winning book, The Polar Express, read out loud to them. To reserve a spot or for more information, please call Lauren Burleson at 781-3535.

Annual Christmas Open House

December 7th from 6:00-9:00pm for Santa Barbara County clients at the Foursquare Church in Santa Maria December 13th from 3:00-6:30pm for San Luis Obispo County clients at the SLO Nazarene Church The community is welcomed to participate in our annual Christmas Open House events! Every year, the agency constructs a winter wonderland for our clients, hosting a variety of Christmastime activities, serving delicious holiday treats and plays Santa to the over 600 children, youth and families we serve. We provide separate events to serve San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. For more information on how you can help get involved with this special event, please refer to page 6 inside!

A Thought or Two

Jim Roberts, CEO

2006/2007 Annual Report

Available Soon! The agency’s Annual Report will give you an insider’s view of the agency’s outstanding outcomes, success stories and fun facts—for example, did you know that the over 770,000 miles that Family Care Network volunteers and staff members drove last year to deliver services is equal to circling the earth 30 times?!

Help out FCNI’s printing and posting cost by receiving the newsletter via email. Please email us at [email protected] and let us know your email address. Thank you.

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Family Care Network, Inc.

‘07

i N ly C et are c work, In

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FCNI SERVICES Therapeutic Foster Care Services • Community-Linked Services Family Support Services • Transitional Housing Services School-Based Mental Health & Delinquency Prevention Services

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The Family Care Connection is a quarterly publication of The Family Care Network, Inc. It is designed as a communications tool to give a snapshot of the programs and services we provide, and to distribute useful information to those who work with children and families.

A Thought or Two

Our Mission: “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.”

Full Steam Ahead

As most of you know, the Family Care Network recently passed its 20th year milestone. Wow, it is not only hard to believe that amount of time has passed; but I was quite humbled and left speechless by the honors and accolades graciously bestowed upon us. This experience can best be summed up by the words of the Family Care Network 2007 Circle of Serving recipient, Jim Brabeck, when he quoted Confucius, “Find something that you love to do—and you’ll never work again!” There is no greater joy than serving others and seeing lives change for the better. I sincerely thank our Central Coast community for giving the Family Care Network the opportunity to help create solutions to serious problems impacting the lives of children and families.

Features 01 Letter from CEO Full Steam Ahead 03 Event Recap Taste of the Central Coast 04 Caring for Clients Wraparound Success & National Adoption Month 06 Events Sponsor a Child for Christmas & Annual Christmas Open House 08 Community Connection Quota International 09 Inside Family Care Network New Hires & Board of Directors Spotlight

Contact Information Administrative Headquarters 3765 S. Higuera Street, Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, California 93401 805.781.3535 Website www.fcni.org

by CEO, Jim Roberts

Toll Free 1.866.781.3535

Santa Maria Office 222 West Carmen Lane, Suite 102 Santa Maria, California 93458 805.349.9600 Email [email protected]

Jobs [email protected]

ons and ambassadors of hope, but to mobilize the community to help those in need conquer adversity. For too long, there has been a mindset that it is the government’s job to fix social ills, take care of the poor, provide for foster children...you get the picture. But these are members of our community. When they hurt, we all hurt. As public resources diminish and the government continues to demonstrate its ineptness and inabilities, it will be incumbent on all of us, community by community, to take care of our own. At the Family Care Network, it is our dream to serve as a conduit of opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to bring time, talent, resources, creativity and energy to create solutions and improve the standard of living for everyone on the Central Coast.

“Now is not the time to pause and reflect; it is the time to…gather our resources and thrust forward full steam ahead.”

Hoopla aside, there is still a job to do. Unfortunately, there exists too many children, youth and families with tremendous needs. God forbid our agency become distracted by our accomplishments and forgets why we exist—“to enhance the wellbeing of children, youth and families in partnership with our community.” Now is not the time to pause and reflect; it is the time to harden our resolve, focus intensely on our vision, gather our resources and thrust forward full steam ahead. Alexander Graham Bell wrote “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” More than ever, I desire to see this agency so intensely focused on fulfilling our mission that we create a tremendous beacon of light to draw multitudes to join our efforts. As the Family Care Network steps through the door into our next season of serving, we have big dreams and lofty goals to pursue. I confess, the Family Care Network has always been a “pie in the sky”, forward thinking, planning organization. This has given us a clear sense of direction, excitement and motivation, and a benchmark for self-evaluation. Grandiose or not, let me share a few of our dreams for the next 20 years. The amazing Helen Keller wrote “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” The Family Care Network embodies this principle. There is always hope! People do overcome adversity, and it is our goal to not only be champi-

I’m sure no one will argue with our entrenched belief—children are best served in families, especially their own. The Family Care Network’s vision is for every child to have a permanent, healthy family. We will continue working to strengthen families, promote adoption, conduct family finding and do whatever it takes towards this end. Similarly, our organization began with the goal to provide a family-based alternative to the institutional care of children. We call this “therapeutic foster care”. It is our goal to continue to expand our capacity to help troubled children and youth through partnerships with foster parents working hand-in-hand with us to bring stability and emotional healing. A huge black spot on the foster care picture of the past 20 years has been the miserable failure to help foster children successfully leave the system. More than any other youth in their age group, former foster youth struggle to make it in early adulthood. The Family Care Network has made a huge commitment to serve these young adults, being the only transitional services provider for foster or former foster youth in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. It is our dream to increase our capacity to help these young adults get the education and training they need to secure meaningful employment; find and secure housing, especially permanent, affordable housing; to become connected to the community for support and resources,

The Family Care Connection

01

A Thought or Two

Our Mission: “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.”

Full Steam Ahead

As most of you know, the Family Care Network recently passed its 20th year milestone. Wow, it is not only hard to believe that amount of time has passed; but I was quite humbled and left speechless by the honors and accolades graciously bestowed upon us. This experience can best be summed up by the words of the Family Care Network 2007 Circle of Serving recipient, Jim Brabeck, when he quoted Confucius, “Find something that you love to do—and you’ll never work again!” There is no greater joy than serving others and seeing lives change for the better. I sincerely thank our Central Coast community for giving the Family Care Network the opportunity to help create solutions to serious problems impacting the lives of children and families.

Features 01 Letter from CEO Full Steam Ahead 03 Event Recap Taste of the Central Coast 04 Caring for Clients Wraparound Success & National Adoption Month 06 Events Sponsor a Child for Christmas & Annual Christmas Open House 08 Community Connection Quota International 09 Inside Family Care Network New Hires & Board of Directors Spotlight

Contact Information Administrative Headquarters 3765 S. Higuera Street, Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, California 93401 805.781.3535 Website www.fcni.org

by CEO, Jim Roberts

Toll Free 1.866.781.3535

Santa Maria Office 222 West Carmen Lane, Suite 102 Santa Maria, California 93458 805.349.9600 Email [email protected]

Jobs [email protected]

ons and ambassadors of hope, but to mobilize the community to help those in need conquer adversity. For too long, there has been a mindset that it is the government’s job to fix social ills, take care of the poor, provide for foster children...you get the picture. But these are members of our community. When they hurt, we all hurt. As public resources diminish and the government continues to demonstrate its ineptness and inabilities, it will be incumbent on all of us, community by community, to take care of our own. At the Family Care Network, it is our dream to serve as a conduit of opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to bring time, talent, resources, creativity and energy to create solutions and improve the standard of living for everyone on the Central Coast.

“Now is not the time to pause and reflect; it is the time to…gather our resources and thrust forward full steam ahead.”

Hoopla aside, there is still a job to do. Unfortunately, there exists too many children, youth and families with tremendous needs. God forbid our agency become distracted by our accomplishments and forgets why we exist—“to enhance the wellbeing of children, youth and families in partnership with our community.” Now is not the time to pause and reflect; it is the time to harden our resolve, focus intensely on our vision, gather our resources and thrust forward full steam ahead. Alexander Graham Bell wrote “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” More than ever, I desire to see this agency so intensely focused on fulfilling our mission that we create a tremendous beacon of light to draw multitudes to join our efforts. As the Family Care Network steps through the door into our next season of serving, we have big dreams and lofty goals to pursue. I confess, the Family Care Network has always been a “pie in the sky”, forward thinking, planning organization. This has given us a clear sense of direction, excitement and motivation, and a benchmark for self-evaluation. Grandiose or not, let me share a few of our dreams for the next 20 years. The amazing Helen Keller wrote “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” The Family Care Network embodies this principle. There is always hope! People do overcome adversity, and it is our goal to not only be champi-

I’m sure no one will argue with our entrenched belief—children are best served in families, especially their own. The Family Care Network’s vision is for every child to have a permanent, healthy family. We will continue working to strengthen families, promote adoption, conduct family finding and do whatever it takes towards this end. Similarly, our organization began with the goal to provide a family-based alternative to the institutional care of children. We call this “therapeutic foster care”. It is our goal to continue to expand our capacity to help troubled children and youth through partnerships with foster parents working hand-in-hand with us to bring stability and emotional healing. A huge black spot on the foster care picture of the past 20 years has been the miserable failure to help foster children successfully leave the system. More than any other youth in their age group, former foster youth struggle to make it in early adulthood. The Family Care Network has made a huge commitment to serve these young adults, being the only transitional services provider for foster or former foster youth in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. It is our dream to increase our capacity to help these young adults get the education and training they need to secure meaningful employment; find and secure housing, especially permanent, affordable housing; to become connected to the community for support and resources,

The Family Care Connection

01

A Thought or Two

Event Recap

especially mentors and permanent relationships; to obtain the services they need to overcome personal and emotional problems; and to achieve their hopes and dreams. In our 20 years of experience, it goes without saying: we have learned a few lessons. We have also been blessed to experience some amazing outcomes in our programs. It is our goal to be able to draw upon our experiences and successes to help other organizations in other communities become successful community servants and achieve excellent outcomes as well. Finally, though we have successfully helped thousands of children, youth and families, we will continue to seek ways to do a better job. Growing up in Southern California, I became a major Walt Disney fan and had the opportunity to speak with

Board of Directors The Family Care Network is governed by a Board of Directors who meet monthly to focus on broad policy, vision and general oversight. Our esteemed Board is made up of the following volunteers and our CEO.

him on several occasions. A favorite quote of Walt’s is “Get a good idea and stay with it, dog-it and work at it until it’s done right.” I believe we have great ideas, but in the human services business we need to ‘stay with it, dog-it and work at it’ continuously. At the Family Care Network we are committed to “getting it right”; to performing at the highest level of excellence, achievement and integrity. Yes, we have passed the mark, 20 very blessed, amazing and wonderful years of serving the Central Coast community. But now we are moving full steam ahead on the next leg of our journey, with expectations that the best is yet to come!

Carol & Jim Allen Sandra Purdy Co-Chairs Former Employee Dan Rowe Victor Silva-Palacios Vice-Chair State Hospital Representative Terri Giacomantonio Lisa Figg Secretary of the Board Foster Parent Liaison Richard Foster Jim Roberts Treasurer CEO/Executive Director Mike Sparrow Community Representative

Thank you to our Community Partners Program Participants! It is the Family Care Network’s mission “to enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.” The agency’s Community Partners Program works to establish long term relationships with local businesses and organizations who commit to provide in-kind gifts and services to our agency through a mutually agreed upon “memorandum of understanding.” The gift of these partners’ involvement with our agency directly helps us to fulfill our mission. We thank the following Central Coast businesses and organizations for serving alongside of us as we work to help those in need in our community. Your continued support, commitment and compassion is greatly appreciated and needed.

Access Foundation • Central Coast Autohaus • Continental Motor Works • Discovery Dining Exploration Station • Food Bank Coalition • Idler’s Appliance • Jiffy Lube • Lyons Auto Repair Mark’s Plumbing • Mike’s Shoes • New Tyes • Old Mission School Thrift Shop • Pickle Auto Repair RDE Mortgage Company • Salvation Army • VTC Enterprises • Wayne’s Tire

02

The Family Care Connection

The 4th Annual

Sept. 23rd 2007

At the 4th annual Taste of the Central Coast, the Family Care Network celebrated 20 years of serving the community. Held on September 23rd, this year’s event was truly remarkable, bringing together almost 300 community members, over 100 volunteers, and numerous restaurants, wineries, sponsors and donors, all working together to enhance the wellbeing of children, youth and families in our community. This year’s Taste of the Central Coast featured twenty-five top savory and pastry chefs as well as fifteen vintners from local wineries. Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande, guests enjoyed beautiful and lush surroundings while listening to the live music of Wholly Jazz. The event also included a silent and live auction, featuring once-in-alifetime experiences such as making your own barrel of wine, in addition to luxurious trips to Mexico and the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas. This year’s emcees were again local radio personalities, Chad and Andy from Cat Country 96.1. The auction was presented by the auctioneering team of Maximum Benefit Auctions, featuring Dr. J Scott Vernon and William Phelps. By combining fine food, wine, music and the community, the Taste of the Central Coast once again proved itself to be a premier event supporting local foster and high-needs children and families. A main focus of this year’s Taste of the Central Coast was the Family Care Network’s 20th anniversary celebration. In honor of this milestone, Jim Roberts, the CEO of the Family Care Network, was awarded a Resolution by the SLO County Board of Supervisors. The agency also honored community leader and CEO of the Farm Supply Company, Jim Brabeck, with the 2007 “Circle of Serving” award. Mr. Brabeck was honored for his ongoing dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of children and families in our community. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this special event and those who worked behind the scenes to improve the lives of those in need in our community. You have truly impacted the lives of children and families for the better. The Family Care Network also extends a big thank you to this year’s Taste of the Central Coast sponsors—Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority, Noor Jewelry and Central Coast Magazine.

The Family Care Connection

03

A Thought or Two

Event Recap

especially mentors and permanent relationships; to obtain the services they need to overcome personal and emotional problems; and to achieve their hopes and dreams. In our 20 years of experience, it goes without saying: we have learned a few lessons. We have also been blessed to experience some amazing outcomes in our programs. It is our goal to be able to draw upon our experiences and successes to help other organizations in other communities become successful community servants and achieve excellent outcomes as well. Finally, though we have successfully helped thousands of children, youth and families, we will continue to seek ways to do a better job. Growing up in Southern California, I became a major Walt Disney fan and had the opportunity to speak with

Board of Directors The Family Care Network is governed by a Board of Directors who meet monthly to focus on broad policy, vision and general oversight. Our esteemed Board is made up of the following volunteers and our CEO.

him on several occasions. A favorite quote of Walt’s is “Get a good idea and stay with it, dog-it and work at it until it’s done right.” I believe we have great ideas, but in the human services business we need to ‘stay with it, dog-it and work at it’ continuously. At the Family Care Network we are committed to “getting it right”; to performing at the highest level of excellence, achievement and integrity. Yes, we have passed the mark, 20 very blessed, amazing and wonderful years of serving the Central Coast community. But now we are moving full steam ahead on the next leg of our journey, with expectations that the best is yet to come!

Carol & Jim Allen Sandra Purdy Co-Chairs Former Employee Dan Rowe Victor Silva-Palacios Vice-Chair State Hospital Representative Terri Giacomantonio Lisa Figg Secretary of the Board Foster Parent Liaison Richard Foster Jim Roberts Treasurer CEO/Executive Director Mike Sparrow Community Representative

Thank you to our Community Partners Program Participants! It is the Family Care Network’s mission “to enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.” The agency’s Community Partners Program works to establish long term relationships with local businesses and organizations who commit to provide in-kind gifts and services to our agency through a mutually agreed upon “memorandum of understanding.” The gift of these partners’ involvement with our agency directly helps us to fulfill our mission. We thank the following Central Coast businesses and organizations for serving alongside of us as we work to help those in need in our community. Your continued support, commitment and compassion is greatly appreciated and needed.

Access Foundation • Central Coast Autohaus • Continental Motor Works • Discovery Dining Exploration Station • Food Bank Coalition • Idler’s Appliance • Jiffy Lube • Lyons Auto Repair Mark’s Plumbing • Mike’s Shoes • New Tyes • Old Mission School Thrift Shop • Pickle Auto Repair RDE Mortgage Company • Salvation Army • VTC Enterprises • Wayne’s Tire

02

The Family Care Connection

The 4th Annual

Sept. 23rd 2007

At the 4th annual Taste of the Central Coast, the Family Care Network celebrated 20 years of serving the community. Held on September 23rd, this year’s event was truly remarkable, bringing together almost 300 community members, over 100 volunteers, and numerous restaurants, wineries, sponsors and donors, all working together to enhance the wellbeing of children, youth and families in our community. This year’s Taste of the Central Coast featured twenty-five top savory and pastry chefs as well as fifteen vintners from local wineries. Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande, guests enjoyed beautiful and lush surroundings while listening to the live music of Wholly Jazz. The event also included a silent and live auction, featuring once-in-alifetime experiences such as making your own barrel of wine, in addition to luxurious trips to Mexico and the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas. This year’s emcees were again local radio personalities, Chad and Andy from Cat Country 96.1. The auction was presented by the auctioneering team of Maximum Benefit Auctions, featuring Dr. J Scott Vernon and William Phelps. By combining fine food, wine, music and the community, the Taste of the Central Coast once again proved itself to be a premier event supporting local foster and high-needs children and families. A main focus of this year’s Taste of the Central Coast was the Family Care Network’s 20th anniversary celebration. In honor of this milestone, Jim Roberts, the CEO of the Family Care Network, was awarded a Resolution by the SLO County Board of Supervisors. The agency also honored community leader and CEO of the Farm Supply Company, Jim Brabeck, with the 2007 “Circle of Serving” award. Mr. Brabeck was honored for his ongoing dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of children and families in our community. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this special event and those who worked behind the scenes to improve the lives of those in need in our community. You have truly impacted the lives of children and families for the better. The Family Care Network also extends a big thank you to this year’s Taste of the Central Coast sponsors—Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority, Noor Jewelry and Central Coast Magazine.

The Family Care Connection

03

Caring for Clients

Caring for Clients

National Adoption Month

Success Through the Eyes of Wraparound — By Manuel Barba, Wraparound and In-Home Support Counselor Coordinator

When discussing the process of the Family Care Network’s Wraparound program (Familia de Novo), it is important to remember the principles the program was built upon. These principles include: respect for families’ unique cultures; giving families the voice to govern progress towards their own goals; linking families to resources within their respective community; and employing an objective, non-judgmental and strength-based approach in providing services. These foundational principles help the Wraparound team support families in achieving their respective goals. So how do we measure success? For some, success is measured by wealth, status or material possessions, while for others it might be more spiritual goals, and yet for others, success might be just getting through the day in one piece. The greatest lesson that I’ve learned while working in Wraparound is that my definition of what success is should never define what success will be for a family I am serving. The measuring stick of success should only be determined by the family, because when it comes to their family, they are the experts.

“For some…success might be just getting through the day in one piece.”

Several years ago, the Lopez* family was referred to the Family Care Network’s Wraparound program for services. The family consisted of a single mother attempting to stabilize her three children through a difficult period. The family struggled with drug use and gang violence, and was labeled “dangerous” by some. It was even suggested that Wraparound team members not enter the home alone or at night. After reviewing the file that often accompanies the families when they are referred to Wraparound, it became clear that this situation was going to be challenging and would pose safety concerns to staff. As fate would have it, I was selected as one of the In-Home Support Counselors (IHC) who would support the Lopez family. I have always known that individuals and families, especially children, can be misrepresented on paper, but working with this family really helped me to remove any preconceived notions I had regarding families that are in similar situations. It didn’t take long to discover the strengths that kept this family together despite their obstacles. Everything I expected turned out to be untrue. In essence, this family taught me to check myself and my baggage at the door, which wasn’t hard to do since this family was personable and engaging from the inception of Wraparound services.

04

Over the next eight months, I had the pleasure of watching this family thrive with support and encouragement from the Wraparound team. During this time, however, there were many bumps in the road. The children that this mother loved so dearly began to show poor judgment as indicated by a lack of progress in school, drug use, gang involvement and an utter disregard for their mother’s authority. On numerous occasions, both of the older children were in and out of juvenile detention while the youngest family member watched over and over again as her older siblings were arrested and detained. Each one of the above mentioned set backs allowed the family opportunities to grow. More specifically, every challenge that mom faced with the Wraparound team around her, was an opportunity for her to learn new methods and strategies for handling her children’s difficult behavior. To put it plainly, mom was becoming a better parent. She demonstrated new skills to the team, made tough decisions to keep her children safe and began to trust the community around her. From the outside, it appeared that all hope was lost and that this family would fall victim to the perils of gang involvement and drug use. However, from the inside, a new breed of mom was flourishing and showing immense strength and dedication to keeping her children secure. The style of parenting that was once enabling had now turned to a level of empowerment she never knew she could have.

The Family Care Connection

So again I ask you, how do we measure success? The truth is that there isn’t one right answer. The families we have the privilege of serving determine their own success. For this family, success was in the fact that mom was able to achieve her goals, secure the future of her youngest child and move her family out of an impoverished area and into a safe neighborhood. For her, success was about the future, not the present or the past. And this story does not end here. As with all families, the Lopez’ are still growing and moving forward with their lives. The only difference is that this time around they know they’re not alone. They can take solace in the fact that their community supports them and that their neighbors are always around if they need someone. In my opinion, that is the greatest success of all. *Names of clients and photos are fictitious to protect their identity.

Since 1990, November has been proclaimed National Adoption Month by presidential proclimation and is recognized each year throughout the nation. The purpose of celebrating adoption is to provide a national awareness for the ongoing need for adoptive families, to celebrate adopted children and families, and to call our nation to action to ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of all of our children. Here at the Family Care Network, we work everyday to assist the foster and high-needs children and youth that we serve in securing permanency, including recruiting and providing adoptive foster homes. The following story depicts one of our recent adoption successes. For us, this story represents a treasured event—a child and a family forever changed by love.

Katie’s New Family Ben and Susan had always wanted to adopt a child, the trick was in figuring out how and through what agency. When they learned that through the Family Care Network they could become foster parents then adopt, they got very excited. Once the paperwork was complete, the screening done and the home study finished, Ben and Susan became happy fost-adopt parents awaiting their first placement. To the couple’s happy surprise, six months later they were asked if they would be interested in fostering a baby girl. Her name was Katie and she was only a month old. While Katie was said to have some health issues, as her biological parents had been abusive, the couple quickly agreed to the placement. Ben and Susan, strong in their faith and their commitment to become adoptive parents, saw Katie as an unexpected blessing. Regardless of what obstacles may lay ahead of them, the couple was optimistic. Ben and Susan quickly put together a nursery and awaited little Katie’s arrival. When Katie was first placed with the family, the plan was to see how the baby would adjust in her new environment and if she could bond to Ben and Susan as parents. Parental rights had been severed, so Ben and Susan were hopeful that an adop-

tion was possible. Katie’s Family Care Network Social Worker helped counsel the couple on ways to connect with Katie. With the proper training, Ben and Susan provided Katie with very stable and consistent care, monitoring her health, as she was considered medically fragile. Ten months into her placement, Katie was attached and bonded to her foster parents. In her short life, she recognized Ben and Susan as the only people to give her consistent love and care. Katie has continued to grow at a healthy rate, learning how to crawl and play with toys. While it was a concern that Katie’s early abuse would affect her development, Ben and Susan have seen no signs of this, and Katie seems to be right-on-track for every developmental milestone. Ben and Susan adopted Katie officially last month. The family celebrated the adoption and Katie’s first birthday with a huge party. Katie was the hit of the party, giggling and smiling at her new extended family and friends. Ben and Susan remain as foster parents with the Family Care Network, hopeful of adopting more children in the future. After seeing the love that Katie has brought into their life, they couldn’t be more excited to see what else the future might bring.

The Family Care Connection

05

Caring for Clients

Caring for Clients

National Adoption Month

Success Through the Eyes of Wraparound — By Manuel Barba, Wraparound and In-Home Support Counselor Coordinator

When discussing the process of the Family Care Network’s Wraparound program (Familia de Novo), it is important to remember the principles the program was built upon. These principles include: respect for families’ unique cultures; giving families the voice to govern progress towards their own goals; linking families to resources within their respective community; and employing an objective, non-judgmental and strength-based approach in providing services. These foundational principles help the Wraparound team support families in achieving their respective goals. So how do we measure success? For some, success is measured by wealth, status or material possessions, while for others it might be more spiritual goals, and yet for others, success might be just getting through the day in one piece. The greatest lesson that I’ve learned while working in Wraparound is that my definition of what success is should never define what success will be for a family I am serving. The measuring stick of success should only be determined by the family, because when it comes to their family, they are the experts.

“For some…success might be just getting through the day in one piece.”

Several years ago, the Lopez* family was referred to the Family Care Network’s Wraparound program for services. The family consisted of a single mother attempting to stabilize her three children through a difficult period. The family struggled with drug use and gang violence, and was labeled “dangerous” by some. It was even suggested that Wraparound team members not enter the home alone or at night. After reviewing the file that often accompanies the families when they are referred to Wraparound, it became clear that this situation was going to be challenging and would pose safety concerns to staff. As fate would have it, I was selected as one of the In-Home Support Counselors (IHC) who would support the Lopez family. I have always known that individuals and families, especially children, can be misrepresented on paper, but working with this family really helped me to remove any preconceived notions I had regarding families that are in similar situations. It didn’t take long to discover the strengths that kept this family together despite their obstacles. Everything I expected turned out to be untrue. In essence, this family taught me to check myself and my baggage at the door, which wasn’t hard to do since this family was personable and engaging from the inception of Wraparound services.

04

Over the next eight months, I had the pleasure of watching this family thrive with support and encouragement from the Wraparound team. During this time, however, there were many bumps in the road. The children that this mother loved so dearly began to show poor judgment as indicated by a lack of progress in school, drug use, gang involvement and an utter disregard for their mother’s authority. On numerous occasions, both of the older children were in and out of juvenile detention while the youngest family member watched over and over again as her older siblings were arrested and detained. Each one of the above mentioned set backs allowed the family opportunities to grow. More specifically, every challenge that mom faced with the Wraparound team around her, was an opportunity for her to learn new methods and strategies for handling her children’s difficult behavior. To put it plainly, mom was becoming a better parent. She demonstrated new skills to the team, made tough decisions to keep her children safe and began to trust the community around her. From the outside, it appeared that all hope was lost and that this family would fall victim to the perils of gang involvement and drug use. However, from the inside, a new breed of mom was flourishing and showing immense strength and dedication to keeping her children secure. The style of parenting that was once enabling had now turned to a level of empowerment she never knew she could have.

The Family Care Connection

So again I ask you, how do we measure success? The truth is that there isn’t one right answer. The families we have the privilege of serving determine their own success. For this family, success was in the fact that mom was able to achieve her goals, secure the future of her youngest child and move her family out of an impoverished area and into a safe neighborhood. For her, success was about the future, not the present or the past. And this story does not end here. As with all families, the Lopez’ are still growing and moving forward with their lives. The only difference is that this time around they know they’re not alone. They can take solace in the fact that their community supports them and that their neighbors are always around if they need someone. In my opinion, that is the greatest success of all. *Names of clients and photos are fictitious to protect their identity.

Since 1990, November has been proclaimed National Adoption Month by presidential proclimation and is recognized each year throughout the nation. The purpose of celebrating adoption is to provide a national awareness for the ongoing need for adoptive families, to celebrate adopted children and families, and to call our nation to action to ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of all of our children. Here at the Family Care Network, we work everyday to assist the foster and high-needs children and youth that we serve in securing permanency, including recruiting and providing adoptive foster homes. The following story depicts one of our recent adoption successes. For us, this story represents a treasured event—a child and a family forever changed by love.

Katie’s New Family Ben and Susan had always wanted to adopt a child, the trick was in figuring out how and through what agency. When they learned that through the Family Care Network they could become foster parents then adopt, they got very excited. Once the paperwork was complete, the screening done and the home study finished, Ben and Susan became happy fost-adopt parents awaiting their first placement. To the couple’s happy surprise, six months later they were asked if they would be interested in fostering a baby girl. Her name was Katie and she was only a month old. While Katie was said to have some health issues, as her biological parents had been abusive, the couple quickly agreed to the placement. Ben and Susan, strong in their faith and their commitment to become adoptive parents, saw Katie as an unexpected blessing. Regardless of what obstacles may lay ahead of them, the couple was optimistic. Ben and Susan quickly put together a nursery and awaited little Katie’s arrival. When Katie was first placed with the family, the plan was to see how the baby would adjust in her new environment and if she could bond to Ben and Susan as parents. Parental rights had been severed, so Ben and Susan were hopeful that an adop-

tion was possible. Katie’s Family Care Network Social Worker helped counsel the couple on ways to connect with Katie. With the proper training, Ben and Susan provided Katie with very stable and consistent care, monitoring her health, as she was considered medically fragile. Ten months into her placement, Katie was attached and bonded to her foster parents. In her short life, she recognized Ben and Susan as the only people to give her consistent love and care. Katie has continued to grow at a healthy rate, learning how to crawl and play with toys. While it was a concern that Katie’s early abuse would affect her development, Ben and Susan have seen no signs of this, and Katie seems to be right-on-track for every developmental milestone. Ben and Susan adopted Katie officially last month. The family celebrated the adoption and Katie’s first birthday with a huge party. Katie was the hit of the party, giggling and smiling at her new extended family and friends. Ben and Susan remain as foster parents with the Family Care Network, hopeful of adopting more children in the future. After seeing the love that Katie has brought into their life, they couldn’t be more excited to see what else the future might bring.

The Family Care Connection

05

Events

Events

Sponsor a Child this Christmas

from 6:00-9:00pm at the Foursquare Church in Santa Maria. For more information on these two events, please contact Lauren Burleson at 781-3535.

event. By partnering with our agency, you can touch the lives of children, youth and families in need, reminding hundreds that Christmas really is a season of miracles.

The Family Care Network urges you to remember the true meaning of Christmas this year by helping us fulfill every child’s Christmas wish by Sponsoring a Child for Christmas or by volunteering your efforts at our Annual Christmas Open House

For information on how you can participate in Sponsor a Child for Christmas or how you can volunteer for the annual Christmas Open House, please contact Lauren Burleson at 7813535 or visit our website at FCNI.org.

Photos by Susan Pyburn

What can you do to make Christmas special for hundreds in need? It’s Christmastime again…time to gather around the tree with family and friends…time to open presents and eat holiday treats…time to enjoy all of your family traditions and create lasting memories. All of these things represent what Christmastime means to me and what it probably means to a lot of you too. For hundreds of children and families living in our community, this Christmas may not be a time to enjoy and of these traditions. Christmas may be a time of uncertainty for foster children wondering whether they’ll get to celebrate Christmas at all. Or Christmas may be a time of hopelessness for parents struggling to provide for their children.

Christmastime at the Family Care Network is a season when our mission, “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community,” directly guides our efforts to bring the miracle of Christmas into the lives of those in need. Every year, our agency puts on the Sponsor a Child for Christmas fundraising effort, partnering with our Central Coast community to make the Christmas wishes of those we serve come true. Since late September, staff and generous volunteers have been busy working on this annual event, mobilizing the community to fulfill the Christmas wish lists for the over 600 children, youth and families the agency will serve this December. As a completely community-sponsored event, Sponsor a Child for Christmas is a unique way for our community to remind children, youth and families that Christmas is about love and generosity. It is also a wonderful way to remind those we serve that they belong to a community who truly cares about them and their needs. The Sponsor a Child for Christmas effort works like this: each Family Care Network child and family writes out their Christmas

06

The Family Care Connection

wishes on a card. That card is then presented to the community in order for an individual to select it and commit to fulfilling the wishes. This is a great opportunity for individuals to team up with friends or family members to complete wish cards. Every unwrapped gift is then dropped off at the Family Care Network (by December 3rd) where teams of elves (made up of staff and volunteers) wrap everything up, and put the finishing touches on each child’s, teen’s or family’s gift. Any excess gifts that the agency receives are either given to the Department of Social Services for their use at Christmas or are given to Family Care Network clients at other times of the year to help celebrate a birthday or a special occasion. In an effort to offer those we serve with a truly memorable Christmas experience, the Family Care Network also holds an Annual Christmas Open House event in which every child, youth and families served by the agency is invited to receive their Christmas presents and participate in a truly magical Christmas celebration. At the Christmas Open House, staff and the community again partner together to provide holiday-inspired treats, as well as child-friendly activities like face painting, cookie decorating and getting a picture taken with Santa Claus. This year’s event will welcome back the Claddagh School of Irish Dance, who will again delight guests with an amazing performance. The Christmas Open House is open to the public and is a great way for the community to personally connect and impact a child’s Christmas experience, helping to spread genuine joy. The Family Care Network’s Christmas Open House in San Luis Obispo will be held on December 13th from 3:00-6:30pm at the SLO Nazarene Church and the Santa Maria Christmas Open House will be held on December 7th

A Christmastime Tradition

Polar Express Night for the Children of the Family Care Network —A Reflection from Jac Jacobs Our relationship with the Family Care Network was born out of our involvement with the 2004 Taste of the Central Coast. As the winemaker for Sylvester winery, we were asked to pour at the event and we quickly became impressed with the Family Care Network. What we saw demonstrated at the event was the most remarkable agency doing incredible work to help kids and families. It was inspiring. As the Taste of the Central Coast was held in September, Christmastime was just around the corner. A family tradition of ours is to read The Polar Express, one of my son’s favorite stories. That year, The Polar Express movie was released and we enjoyed watching it as a family. After seeing the movie, my 15 year old son was struck with the idea of hosting a “Polar Express Night” at Sylvester Winery, utilizing the winery’s three train cars. For guests, my son immediately thought of the Family Care Network, saying “I know that there are some kids who may not have the best of Christmas seasons. We could bring those kids to the train and bring The Polar Express to them!” Plans developed quickly and soon the evening arrived. My wife made the hot chocolate and cookies, Family Care Network staff brought the kids, and Jim Roberts did a great job as the train conductor, complete with a conductor’s hat and all. All of the kids loaded into the train cars and Jim’s wife, Meg, read The Polar Express. As she read, parents and counselors rocked the train, bringing the journey of traveling to the North Pole to life.

All of the kids were captivated. When the story was over, the sound of sleigh bells announced the arrival of none other than Santa Claus himself, and the look of pure joy and rapture on the faces of the kids guaranteed that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, or train as the case may be. Santa’s visit, complete with a gift of silver sleigh bells for each kid, was followed with hot chocolate and cookies all warmed in the embrace of the holiday spirit, tempered only with the wish that what these kids have had to endure in their short lives be enriched with better memories that they can share with their own children in a better future. This year will mark the fourth year that Sylvester Winery and my family will host The Polar Express Night for the children of the Family Care Network. For me, every child that comes to the event is a reminder of how much I owe my parents for all that they gave me. Their love and security was something that all of us should grow up with. The look on the faces of the kids who come here for this one magical night is the best way that I can say thank you to my parents for all that they gave me. I hope that the same is true for all of us who do our part, and that all of you at the Family Care Network will allow us to help in the future. This year’s Polar Express Night is being held on December 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sylvester Winery in Paso Robles. For more information, please contact Lauren Burleson at 781-3535

The Family Care Connection

07

Events

Events

Sponsor a Child this Christmas

from 6:00-9:00pm at the Foursquare Church in Santa Maria. For more information on these two events, please contact Lauren Burleson at 781-3535.

event. By partnering with our agency, you can touch the lives of children, youth and families in need, reminding hundreds that Christmas really is a season of miracles.

The Family Care Network urges you to remember the true meaning of Christmas this year by helping us fulfill every child’s Christmas wish by Sponsoring a Child for Christmas or by volunteering your efforts at our Annual Christmas Open House

For information on how you can participate in Sponsor a Child for Christmas or how you can volunteer for the annual Christmas Open House, please contact Lauren Burleson at 7813535 or visit our website at FCNI.org.

Photos by Susan Pyburn

What can you do to make Christmas special for hundreds in need? It’s Christmastime again…time to gather around the tree with family and friends…time to open presents and eat holiday treats…time to enjoy all of your family traditions and create lasting memories. All of these things represent what Christmastime means to me and what it probably means to a lot of you too. For hundreds of children and families living in our community, this Christmas may not be a time to enjoy and of these traditions. Christmas may be a time of uncertainty for foster children wondering whether they’ll get to celebrate Christmas at all. Or Christmas may be a time of hopelessness for parents struggling to provide for their children.

Christmastime at the Family Care Network is a season when our mission, “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community,” directly guides our efforts to bring the miracle of Christmas into the lives of those in need. Every year, our agency puts on the Sponsor a Child for Christmas fundraising effort, partnering with our Central Coast community to make the Christmas wishes of those we serve come true. Since late September, staff and generous volunteers have been busy working on this annual event, mobilizing the community to fulfill the Christmas wish lists for the over 600 children, youth and families the agency will serve this December. As a completely community-sponsored event, Sponsor a Child for Christmas is a unique way for our community to remind children, youth and families that Christmas is about love and generosity. It is also a wonderful way to remind those we serve that they belong to a community who truly cares about them and their needs. The Sponsor a Child for Christmas effort works like this: each Family Care Network child and family writes out their Christmas

06

The Family Care Connection

wishes on a card. That card is then presented to the community in order for an individual to select it and commit to fulfilling the wishes. This is a great opportunity for individuals to team up with friends or family members to complete wish cards. Every unwrapped gift is then dropped off at the Family Care Network (by December 3rd) where teams of elves (made up of staff and volunteers) wrap everything up, and put the finishing touches on each child’s, teen’s or family’s gift. Any excess gifts that the agency receives are either given to the Department of Social Services for their use at Christmas or are given to Family Care Network clients at other times of the year to help celebrate a birthday or a special occasion. In an effort to offer those we serve with a truly memorable Christmas experience, the Family Care Network also holds an Annual Christmas Open House event in which every child, youth and families served by the agency is invited to receive their Christmas presents and participate in a truly magical Christmas celebration. At the Christmas Open House, staff and the community again partner together to provide holiday-inspired treats, as well as child-friendly activities like face painting, cookie decorating and getting a picture taken with Santa Claus. This year’s event will welcome back the Claddagh School of Irish Dance, who will again delight guests with an amazing performance. The Christmas Open House is open to the public and is a great way for the community to personally connect and impact a child’s Christmas experience, helping to spread genuine joy. The Family Care Network’s Christmas Open House in San Luis Obispo will be held on December 13th from 3:00-6:30pm at the SLO Nazarene Church and the Santa Maria Christmas Open House will be held on December 7th

A Christmastime Tradition

Polar Express Night for the Children of the Family Care Network —A Reflection from Jac Jacobs Our relationship with the Family Care Network was born out of our involvement with the 2004 Taste of the Central Coast. As the winemaker for Sylvester winery, we were asked to pour at the event and we quickly became impressed with the Family Care Network. What we saw demonstrated at the event was the most remarkable agency doing incredible work to help kids and families. It was inspiring. As the Taste of the Central Coast was held in September, Christmastime was just around the corner. A family tradition of ours is to read The Polar Express, one of my son’s favorite stories. That year, The Polar Express movie was released and we enjoyed watching it as a family. After seeing the movie, my 15 year old son was struck with the idea of hosting a “Polar Express Night” at Sylvester Winery, utilizing the winery’s three train cars. For guests, my son immediately thought of the Family Care Network, saying “I know that there are some kids who may not have the best of Christmas seasons. We could bring those kids to the train and bring The Polar Express to them!” Plans developed quickly and soon the evening arrived. My wife made the hot chocolate and cookies, Family Care Network staff brought the kids, and Jim Roberts did a great job as the train conductor, complete with a conductor’s hat and all. All of the kids loaded into the train cars and Jim’s wife, Meg, read The Polar Express. As she read, parents and counselors rocked the train, bringing the journey of traveling to the North Pole to life.

All of the kids were captivated. When the story was over, the sound of sleigh bells announced the arrival of none other than Santa Claus himself, and the look of pure joy and rapture on the faces of the kids guaranteed that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, or train as the case may be. Santa’s visit, complete with a gift of silver sleigh bells for each kid, was followed with hot chocolate and cookies all warmed in the embrace of the holiday spirit, tempered only with the wish that what these kids have had to endure in their short lives be enriched with better memories that they can share with their own children in a better future. This year will mark the fourth year that Sylvester Winery and my family will host The Polar Express Night for the children of the Family Care Network. For me, every child that comes to the event is a reminder of how much I owe my parents for all that they gave me. Their love and security was something that all of us should grow up with. The look on the faces of the kids who come here for this one magical night is the best way that I can say thank you to my parents for all that they gave me. I hope that the same is true for all of us who do our part, and that all of you at the Family Care Network will allow us to help in the future. This year’s Polar Express Night is being held on December 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sylvester Winery in Paso Robles. For more information, please contact Lauren Burleson at 781-3535

The Family Care Connection

07

Community Connection

Inside Family Care Network

Board of Directors Spotlight: Sandra Purdy

Quota International Makes Dreams Come True! Quota International of Morro Bay was founded in 1964 with the intent purpose of better serving the community and the world. With the motto “We share”, Quota members provide services to deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech impaired individuals, as well as disadvantaged women and children. When members of the Morro Bay chapter of Quota International learned that many Family Care Network foster children struggle to participate in normal high school activities due to the lack of funds, they offered their assistance to the agency. To the agency’s happy surprise, Quota members awarded a scholarship to a Transitional Housing client named Kristi who needed funding for several senior activities, especially to attend her prom. The Quota International scholarship paid for a prom ticket; a prom dress; shoes and jewelry; dinner on prom night for Kristi and her mom; pictures at prom; and an assortment of other school-related expenses like tickets to her graduation party and necessary repairs for her bike. It was an amazing gift that helped Kristi create some very special memories.

Additionally, two members of Quota International, Rose Marie Krantz and Barbara Ramsdell, agreed to be Kristi’s chauffeurs on her prom night. The two commented on what a special occasion taking Kristi to her prom was for them, Rose Marie saying, “When we picked up [Kristi] she looked so pretty.” Both members admired Kristi’s courage to attend the prom alone and when they dropped her off at the dance they hoped that she would have a wonderful time. When it was time to pick her up, both ladies commented on how happy Kristi looked, sharing, “When we picked her up, she was standing with a nice young man and she had a beautiful smile on her face. We knew then that her evening was a great success! We were two mother hens, feeling so proud and happy for her.” The Family Care Network thanks the Morro Bay Chapter of Quota International and Rose Marie Krantz and Barbara Ramsdell for helping so many of Kristi’s dreams come true! It is unique community partnerships such as this that truly enhance the lives of the children and youth we serve. Thank you!

Community Wish List The following is a list of needed items and open volunteer opportunities that we are asking be filled by community members interested in supporting the Family Care Network’s mission “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families” in need. – Twin bed-sized bedding – Pots and pan sets (new or used) – Bath towels – Apartment-sized television sets (new or used) – Baby accessories, such as: high chairs, cribs, changing tables, etcetera.

– Newborn and infant diapers and baby wipes – Bicycle helmets and locks – Volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping and annual Christmas Open House event – Male mentors – Tutors

If you would like more information on any of the items or volunteers opportunities listed here, or if you would like to know of other ways you can partner with the agency, please contact Ken Miles at (805) 781-3535. Thank you, Central Coast Community!

08

The Family Care Connection

Sandra Purdy’s face is one of the most familiar ones around the Family Care Network halls. Not just because she’s a current Board member, but because Sandra started as an employee with the agency over seven years ago. In 2000, Sandra and her husband, Homer, moved to the Central Coast in order to become Pastors at a small church in Templeton. Needing to supplement their modest income, Sandra applied for a job with the Family Care Network. Sandra had over 20 years of administrative experience, so the agency was happy to hire her as its new receptionist/secretary. While severe health issues would end her employment in 2003, her relationship with the agency was far from over. In 2003, Sandra became a member of the agency’s Board of Directors, and has since applied her ministry experience and knowledge of the agency and its staff to her new role. When Sandra became an employee with the agency she immediately connected with her co-workers and found her relationships with them vital when she began to face health problems. As Sandra states, “During my battle with a serious

New Hires

illness, I appreciated so much the support and prayers of the agency’s administrative team and the Board of Directors.” Sandra especially valued how employees and the Board of Directors continued to pray for her healing, sharing, “the administrative team and the Board of Directors continued to pray and believe for my healing. God was faithful and I have since completely recovered and am totally healed. It’s wonderful to know that the agency believes in the power of prayer.” Since becoming a Board member, Sandra has continued to be a well-known face in the agency’s Community Resource Development department, volunteering many hours to help with administrative tasks. Although Sandra misses being an employee, she recognizes that being a part of the Board is a huge blessing, Sandra sharing, “Being a part of the Board has really broadened my understanding of what it takes to provide care to children who are in unfortunate circumstances.” Sandra has been able to advocate for the agency in her ministry life, referring a family in need to the Family Care Network for services they desperately needed. When asked what her dream is for the Family Care Network, Sandra points to the future and her desire to have the agency purchase or build its own facility as well as expand its current programs. And with the help of people like Sandra, who demonstrate tremendous encouragement and commitment to the agency, this dream could certainly become a reality.

September-October Elizabeth Alvarez Child Development Specialist Shannon Bell Transitional Living Center Supervisor Jeffery Bohre IT & Telecom Coordinator Jennifer Bovee Administrative Assistant Cassy Brezner Youth Development Specialist Genie Cheng In-Home Support Counselor Patricia Doggett In-Home Support Counselor Melissa Huston In-Home Support Counselor Sarah Jackson Youth Development Specialist Tyler Johnston In-Home Support Counselor Walker Newell Facility Manager/Residential Advisor Melissa Ryberg In-Home Support Counselor Anna Sheehan In-Home Support Counselor Kevin Sumner-Eisenbraun In-Home Support Counselor Melissa Wilkins Youth Development Specialist Zebedee Zaitz Facilities Clerk The Family Care Connection

09

Community Connection

Inside Family Care Network

Board of Directors Spotlight: Sandra Purdy

Quota International Makes Dreams Come True! Quota International of Morro Bay was founded in 1964 with the intent purpose of better serving the community and the world. With the motto “We share”, Quota members provide services to deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech impaired individuals, as well as disadvantaged women and children. When members of the Morro Bay chapter of Quota International learned that many Family Care Network foster children struggle to participate in normal high school activities due to the lack of funds, they offered their assistance to the agency. To the agency’s happy surprise, Quota members awarded a scholarship to a Transitional Housing client named Kristi who needed funding for several senior activities, especially to attend her prom. The Quota International scholarship paid for a prom ticket; a prom dress; shoes and jewelry; dinner on prom night for Kristi and her mom; pictures at prom; and an assortment of other school-related expenses like tickets to her graduation party and necessary repairs for her bike. It was an amazing gift that helped Kristi create some very special memories.

Additionally, two members of Quota International, Rose Marie Krantz and Barbara Ramsdell, agreed to be Kristi’s chauffeurs on her prom night. The two commented on what a special occasion taking Kristi to her prom was for them, Rose Marie saying, “When we picked up [Kristi] she looked so pretty.” Both members admired Kristi’s courage to attend the prom alone and when they dropped her off at the dance they hoped that she would have a wonderful time. When it was time to pick her up, both ladies commented on how happy Kristi looked, sharing, “When we picked her up, she was standing with a nice young man and she had a beautiful smile on her face. We knew then that her evening was a great success! We were two mother hens, feeling so proud and happy for her.” The Family Care Network thanks the Morro Bay Chapter of Quota International and Rose Marie Krantz and Barbara Ramsdell for helping so many of Kristi’s dreams come true! It is unique community partnerships such as this that truly enhance the lives of the children and youth we serve. Thank you!

Community Wish List The following is a list of needed items and open volunteer opportunities that we are asking be filled by community members interested in supporting the Family Care Network’s mission “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families” in need. – Twin bed-sized bedding – Pots and pan sets (new or used) – Bath towels – Apartment-sized television sets (new or used) – Baby accessories, such as: high chairs, cribs, changing tables, etcetera.

– Newborn and infant diapers and baby wipes – Bicycle helmets and locks – Volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping and annual Christmas Open House event – Male mentors – Tutors

If you would like more information on any of the items or volunteers opportunities listed here, or if you would like to know of other ways you can partner with the agency, please contact Ken Miles at (805) 781-3535. Thank you, Central Coast Community!

08

The Family Care Connection

Sandra Purdy’s face is one of the most familiar ones around the Family Care Network halls. Not just because she’s a current Board member, but because Sandra started as an employee with the agency over seven years ago. In 2000, Sandra and her husband, Homer, moved to the Central Coast in order to become Pastors at a small church in Templeton. Needing to supplement their modest income, Sandra applied for a job with the Family Care Network. Sandra had over 20 years of administrative experience, so the agency was happy to hire her as its new receptionist/secretary. While severe health issues would end her employment in 2003, her relationship with the agency was far from over. In 2003, Sandra became a member of the agency’s Board of Directors, and has since applied her ministry experience and knowledge of the agency and its staff to her new role. When Sandra became an employee with the agency she immediately connected with her co-workers and found her relationships with them vital when she began to face health problems. As Sandra states, “During my battle with a serious

New Hires

illness, I appreciated so much the support and prayers of the agency’s administrative team and the Board of Directors.” Sandra especially valued how employees and the Board of Directors continued to pray for her healing, sharing, “the administrative team and the Board of Directors continued to pray and believe for my healing. God was faithful and I have since completely recovered and am totally healed. It’s wonderful to know that the agency believes in the power of prayer.” Since becoming a Board member, Sandra has continued to be a well-known face in the agency’s Community Resource Development department, volunteering many hours to help with administrative tasks. Although Sandra misses being an employee, she recognizes that being a part of the Board is a huge blessing, Sandra sharing, “Being a part of the Board has really broadened my understanding of what it takes to provide care to children who are in unfortunate circumstances.” Sandra has been able to advocate for the agency in her ministry life, referring a family in need to the Family Care Network for services they desperately needed. When asked what her dream is for the Family Care Network, Sandra points to the future and her desire to have the agency purchase or build its own facility as well as expand its current programs. And with the help of people like Sandra, who demonstrate tremendous encouragement and commitment to the agency, this dream could certainly become a reality.

September-October Elizabeth Alvarez Child Development Specialist Shannon Bell Transitional Living Center Supervisor Jeffery Bohre IT & Telecom Coordinator Jennifer Bovee Administrative Assistant Cassy Brezner Youth Development Specialist Genie Cheng In-Home Support Counselor Patricia Doggett In-Home Support Counselor Melissa Huston In-Home Support Counselor Sarah Jackson Youth Development Specialist Tyler Johnston In-Home Support Counselor Walker Newell Facility Manager/Residential Advisor Melissa Ryberg In-Home Support Counselor Anna Sheehan In-Home Support Counselor Kevin Sumner-Eisenbraun In-Home Support Counselor Melissa Wilkins Youth Development Specialist Zebedee Zaitz Facilities Clerk The Family Care Connection

09

THE

Family Care Connection Fall 2007

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‘07

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA PERMIT NO.361

Family Care Connection Fall 2007

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i N ly C et are c work, In

Family Care Network, Inc. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

THE

Thank You

Taste of the Central Coast

Coming Attractions Annual Sponsor a Child for Christmas Fundraising Event

Every year the agency works in partnership with our community to provide gifts for every child, youth and family we serve. To learn more about this special fundraising effort, please see page 6 inside.

Sponsor a Child for Christmas

The Polar Express Night—December 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sylvester Winery

Family Care Network kids are invited to take a magical trip to the North Pole and back via restored train cars at Sylvester Winery in Paso Robles. Children will truly experience a magical Christmas moment as they listen to the award-winning book, The Polar Express, read out loud to them. To reserve a spot or for more information, please call Lauren Burleson at 781-3535.

Annual Christmas Open House

December 7th from 6:00-9:00pm for Santa Barbara County clients at the Foursquare Church in Santa Maria December 13th from 3:00-6:30pm for San Luis Obispo County clients at the SLO Nazarene Church The community is welcomed to participate in our annual Christmas Open House events! Every year, the agency constructs a winter wonderland for our clients, hosting a variety of Christmastime activities, serving delicious holiday treats and plays Santa to the over 600 children, youth and families we serve. We provide separate events to serve San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. For more information on how you can help get involved with this special event, please refer to page 6 inside!

A Thought or Two

Jim Roberts, CEO

2006/2007 Annual Report

Available Soon! The agency’s Annual Report will give you an insider’s view of the agency’s outstanding outcomes, success stories and fun facts—for example, did you know that the over 770,000 miles that Family Care Network volunteers and staff members drove last year to deliver services is equal to circling the earth 30 times?!

Help out FCNI’s printing and posting cost by receiving the newsletter via email. Please email us at [email protected] and let us know your email address. Thank you.

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Family Care Network, Inc.

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i N ly C et are c work, In

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FCNI SERVICES Therapeutic Foster Care Services • Community-Linked Services Family Support Services • Transitional Housing Services School-Based Mental Health & Delinquency Prevention Services

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The Family Care Connection is a quarterly publication of The Family Care Network, Inc. It is designed as a communications tool to give a snapshot of the programs and services we provide, and to distribute useful information to those who work with children and families.