So many good things continue to unfold on behalf of our 13,000 Michigan children, youth and families involved in foster care!
For example, the dynamic Fostering Success program that originated at Western Michigan University is now organized through Karie Ward of The New Foster Care Organization! Please check out their web site for all of their activities, resources and ways we can connect together to make positive impacts on the lives of our kids: Karie Ward, MSW, karie@thenewfostercare.org
Director, Fostering Success Michigan, www.FosteringSuccessMichigan.com; Cell: (269)823-4104
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Thanks to this network, we've also heard about another organization devoted to our kids, "Overcoming Odds. " Here's a link to their website: https://www.overcomingodds.today On March 16th, Overcoming Odds will be hosting a conference, "Seeing is Believing" to elevate the voices of local adoptees and foster youth. Says founder and director, Oleg Lougheed, "Come join us at this day long conference to help you unleash your unique abilities to surpass your own limitations and create the quality of life you desire. Take the next step and reserve your seat today." For more information, please check out the fact sheet below.
HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT TO ONE OF THESE UPCOMING FAITH COMMUNITIES COALITION MEETINGS IN MARCH AND APRIL.
YOU WILL MEET SOME AMAZING AND DEDICATED PEOPLE
WHO SHARE THEIR PASSION TO SUPPORT OUR KIDS IN CARE:
Faith Communities Coalition on Foster Care-
Western Wayne Oakland Region
March 4th, 2019, 6:15 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 701 Church St., Plymouth
The Honorable Frank Szymanski, Juvenile Court of the Third Circuit Court explains a new model to work together to support children and families at risk:
"The 3rd Circuit Court Juvenile Division is flooded with traumatized children and families facing extreme challenges brought on by poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence and substance abuse on a daily basis. Repeated traumatic events make the concept of a "normal" childhood impossible for children in these families and research indicates that experiencing these events in childhood leads to increased rates of teen pregnancy, substance abuse, illiteracy, chronic absenteeism and school dropouts, which in turn leads to higher rates of crime, poverty and homelessness, the ultimate plagues to our communities.
The Juvenile Division handles cases of parental neglect and abuse, and juvenile crime. While there are Department of Health and Human Services caseworkers, and probation officers, assigned to provide assistance and guidance in these cases, but they can only do so much and much more needs to be done to give these children and families a fighting chance. The best way to help these families is to be face to face in the neighborhoods where they live. To that end the Juvenile Division Judicial Engagement Team led by Judge Frank Szymanski and Deputy Court Administrator Richard Smart is working to develop a network to allow volunteers to help in cases where a family needs assistance with moving, or clothing, or furniture, or housing, or other needs. Mentors for youth and parents can be especially helpful because many of these cases are the result of generational neglect. It can make a world of difference to these families to know there is someone nearby who cares and is willing to help."
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN SUPPORT
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES!!!
As always representatives from agencies serving children and families in the foster care system will be with us to update us about needs and ideas.
Any Questions contact:Sheila Henderson 248-756-4721 (rjsah@sbc.global.net) Peggy Fisher-Kmieciak at 734-953-1044 (pfk75@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, March 5 at 5:00-7:00 PM, Heart of Detroit FCC held in conjunction with The Michigan Children's Law Center and the Adoption and Foster Care Outreach of Fellowship Chapel, 7707 West Outer Drive, Detroit, Mi, 48219. Berlinda Good, coordinator, bgood20@aol.com . The Hon Judge Deborah Thomas will present on Expungements for our Aging Out Youths and Adults.
Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 pm Macomb County FCC Region,
Renewal Church 11174 E. Thirteen Mile Rd., Warren, 48088. Meets the third Tuesday every other month. Contacts: Pastor Wayne Stapleton, wstapleton@renewalwarren.com, Susan Foster, lily503@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 21, 2019 5:30 PM Northern Michigan FCC, First Presbyterian Church of Gaylord, 513 Charles Brink Road, Gaylord, 49735. 5:30-6:00 PM Potluck theme: Cold cuts and finger foods, followed by a 6:00-7:30 PM Parent Meeting/Training. Children gather separately from 6:00-7:30 PM with activities and games sponsored by the church. PLEASE RSVP at least 7 days prior to each monthly meeting/event. Contact Lori Hunt 989-370-6831, Marc Morrell 989-395-2144, or Donna Mooney 989-798-4762 to complete your RSVP. DHHS may also complete phone call/emails/and-or text message as a reminder. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Meets third Thursdays of every month.
TOPIC: OPEN FORMAT-Come prepared to discuss a current challenge.
Tuesday, April 2, 5:00-7:00 PM, Heart of Detroit FCC held in conjunction with The Michigan Children's Law Center and the Adoption and Foster Care Outreach of Fellowship Chapel, 7707 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI, 48219. Berlinda Good, coordinator, bgood20@aol.com. All Wayne County child welfare organizations are invited to display their materials and share information. Free Prom or Homecoming gowns for our girls in Foster Care. Theme: National Prevent Child Abuse Month. Keynote Jurist, The Hon Judge Vonda Evans (retired) will present on Felony Child Abuse Cases n preventive measures. Panel includes Attorney Wyatt Harris and Attorney Janice Burns....both represented the Freezer Mom case...Free prom/homecoming dresses will be available for our young ladies in foster care.
Thursday April 18, 2019 5:30 PM Northern Michigan FCC, First Presbyterian Church of Gaylord, 513 Charles Brink Road, Gaylord, 49735. 5:30-6:00 PM Potluck theme: Luau followed by a 6:00-7:30 PM Parent Meeting / Training. Children gather separately from 6:00-7:30 PM with activities and games sponsored by the church. PLEASE RSVP at least 7 days prior to each monthly meeting / event. Contact Lori Hunt 989-370-6831, Marc Morrell 989-395-2144, or Donna Mooney 989-798-4762 to complete your RSVP. DHHS may also complete phone call / emails / and-or text message as a reminder. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Meets third Thursdays of every month.
TOPIC: Prime For Life is an Evidence-based experience helping people making high-risk Alcohol or drug choices to accept the need to change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing and cognitive-behavior methods are woven into the program. Every element is designed to promote change and reduce problems.
Presenter: Lynda Rutkowski, Catholic Human Services