Ways to Give Support our mission by making a tax-deductible contribution. Give by mail Donations may be sent to: 7161-A Columbia Gateway Drive Columbia, MD 21046 Please make checks payable to: Building Families for Children. Give online Visit our website at: www.buildingfamiliesforchildren.org/donate. Give where you work We participate in the Combined Federal Campaign for the National Capital Area (agency number 7010). You may also give through the Maryland Charity Campaign (agency number 5287) and the Combined Charity Campaign (agency number 4166). Wishlist Stories from the Field 1. Audio-Visual Equipment ($1,000-$2,000): For our Training Room and KidsZone, so parents and kids can learn with state-of-the-art tools Youth entering foster care experience TRAUMA. The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) frame the concept of trauma around three “E’s”: event(s), experience of the event, and effect. The experience of trauma has lasting adverse effects on the child’s behavior, mental health, physical health, relationships, and emotional regulation. Despite these negative effects, these children are RESILIENT and there is HOPE for them to persevere, manage, and cope. 2. 2 Desktop and 2 Laptop computers ($400$500): For our growing number of office interns/volunteers and for our staff in the field 3. Over-the-Range Microwave ($300): To replace the one that is broken in our Transitional Home 4. 6 Ft. Artificial, Pre-lit Trees ($100-200): To help us spruce up our office space for the Holidays and replace our broken trees 5. Gas Gift Cards ($25-50 each): For clients working towards stability and in need of transportation assistance 6. K-Cup Coffee Pods ($15-20 each): To treat our office staff and visitors with fresh, delicious coffee Your donations fuel our vision. Thank You! Stay Informed By... Liking Our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ buildingfamiliesforchildren Following Us On Twitter @buildingfam Visiting Our Website www.buildingfamiliesforchildren.org You can view our Annual Report online at: www.buildingfamiliesforchildren.org /financials Contact Us Office Location: 7161-A Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, MD 21046 The following books are not only well-illustrated, but phenomenally helpful to instilling hope for the child and providing a sense of normalcy: A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes and Healing Days: a Guide for Kids who have Experienced Trauma by Susan Faber Straus. Although a concrete trauma is never named in either book, the narration is open for readers to relate their own experiences. These books touch on the confusing experiences for children with trauma that are emotional (angry, anxious, sad, etc.), behavioral (hitting others, crying, running away, etc.), and physical (stomachache, sweating, trouble breathing, etc.) The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is another inspiring book. The story reassures children that even though they cannot always be with a loved one, their hearts will always be connected by an invisible string. This delicate story can help the child deal with separation from their family, as well as other losses in their lives. Fax: (410) 872-1047 As a therapist and child welfare worker, I have found it essential to join with the youth in talking about their experience. No matter how scary and complex their history is, it is important to offer these children a safe environment to express their feelings and to develop a healthier way to cope. Email: info@buildingfamiliesforchildren By Jackie Boualavong, LGSW, CHOSEN Family Treatment Manager Phone: (800) 621-8834 or (410) 872-1050 Fall Newsletter 2014 From Debbie’s Desk... “And though we consider certain parts of the body to be less noble, we surround these with more abundant dignity, and so, those parts which are less presentable end up with more abundant respect...And so if one part suffers anything, all the parts suffer with it. Or, if one part finds glory, all parts rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:23 & 26 For this first edition of our Newsletter our staff wanted you to “get to know” the kids and parents we serve. We believe in the dignity of each and every child, parent, and individual who comes to us. It is this belief in their God-given worth and potential that motivates and inspires us. We hope you will be inspired to share in the lifting up of these individuals and families. We are blessed because of the support we receive from so many through prayers, financial donations, volunteer hours, and committed service. One thing we have recognized is that we cannot do it alone. As the scripture above helps us to understand, there are many parts of the body and we are each needed to accomplish something special, suffering and rejoicing together. We have organized our newsletter in such a way that you will have the opportunity to hear about our professional services in the “News From CHOSEN” section. These services provide expertise in addressing the most challenging problems faced by children and families. In the “News From GSN” section, you will hear about our volunteer-driven services that address the social gaps that the families we work with often face, such as isolation. You will read stories about families in the “Family Stories” section, and get tips and words of wisdom from our professional staff in the “Stories from the Field” section. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and our work! Warmly, News from CHOSEN I am so grateful for the CHOSEN Treatment Foster Care Parents at Building Families for Children. I am impressed with the way they seamlessly integrate a youth into their family. Most recently, a parent welcomed a youth into her home with a welcome basket that provided toiletries, personal items, and a journal to help with the transition. These acts of kindness, along with therapeutic parenting, heal the broken heart and spirit of a child. This foster mom’s commitment to providing a safety net that her foster daughter may have never known requires the endurance and tenacity of a spirit-filled saint. Oftentimes, as is the case with any parenting, CHOSEN parents receive little recognition for their efforts. However, written on the tablets of the children’s hearts are the hours and daily lessons poured out by our CHOSEN Parents that demonstrate a commitment to a child’s stability and growth. Our CHOSEN youth are the most vulnerable within the foster care system. Theirs are the stories of neglect and abuse. These experiences forever impact their worldview. Because of trauma, they have trouble trusting adults, even those who genuinely want to help them. In their own quest to self-preserve and protect, they may be perceived as defiant or unattached. With time, predictability, and reliability they begin to allow themselves to heal. Today we have 38 children in our CHOSEN Therapeutic Foster Care program. They are all at different stages of this process. We have been called and “CHOSEN” to help, and our team of staff and foster parents do whatever it takes to help them heal. By Lizette Ubides, LCSW-C, CHOSEN Clinical Director News from GSN About a year ago, the Good Samaritan Network became the recipient of a profound act of generosity. A gentleman donated his townhome to our agency for use in our Transitional Home Program. He stated that he wanted his house to be “an oasis” for someone who needed healing and time to restabilize. Situated in a quiet, wooded section of Laurel, the lovely home represents a second chance. The woman who was selected into this Program has a story that reminds us how quickly problems can mount, especially with a small support system. She was an executive, earning a six-figure salary. After her layoff Bonnie’s confidence plummeted, as she was unable to find a job for over 18 months. With her savings depleted and debts growing, Bonnie was faced with impossible choices for herself and her teenage daughter. Her move into the Transitional Home gave her an opportunity to reverse the downward spiral. She worked with staff to build a wraparound team and plan her next steps. Soon, a temporary job became permanent. She was able to tackle her debt. Many donated cleaning supplies, food, and money to help her get back on her feet. Not only does she have a thankful heart, which has led her to “pay it forward” with her own volunteer work, but smiles are returning to her daughter’s face. She and her daughter are on their way to becoming independent. More importantly, they have had time to heal from the painful period of homelessness and desperation. GSN is continuously seeking ways to restore and stabilize families, relying on the strength and love of Jesus Christ and His church. “I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 Debbie Marini, LCSW-C Executive Director By Kate Macdonald, LGSW, GSN Cinical Coordinator Family Stories On a quiet evening in May 2010, an orientation for the CHOSEN Treatment Foster Care Program was being held at Redland Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland. We had many referrals for children in need of homes from Montgomery County Department of Social Services that year and were making an effort to recruit interested families from the faith community to help. As we began the session with one couple in attendance, anticipating more to arrive late, we ended with the one couple just the same! This has taught us to always be thankful for who is in attendance and ready to hear and respond. This young couple, who did not have children at the time, were certified as foster parents in September of 2010. Since that time, they have fostered 10 children. Of these 10 kids, they adopted 2 (a brother and sister), 3 were reunified with their families, 3 are now placed in other foster homes, and 2 remain in their home. Oh, and they gave birth to their baby girl in April 2014. It has been a true joy to see this family grow. They have told us many times that their calling is to open up their homes to children in need. They have forever changed these young lives in answering “the call,” and have contributed to the long legacy of care in the history books of this Agency! By Debbie Marini, LCSW-C, Executive Director