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| FOSTER CARE AUXILIARY NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2007 |
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| Board Member Focus |
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David Reger- Past President and Grievance/Allegation Support
David has been on our board for many years, serving in several capasities including president. David presently takes on the responsibility of helping those who find themselves with allegation questions, many times while he is traveling with his wife, Nan. Enjoy their story~
We have been foster parents since 1967 (wow, that’s 40 years!). Nan was working in Licensing and we were about to have our first child. She took maternity leave and shortly after our son was born, the newly formed Adoptions Agency called and said that one more child wouldn’t be any more difficult. So, we got our first foster child, an LSD baby. We were given the baby and the license at the same time, no training required. We, and they, knew nothing about drug babies, but we all survived.
Since then we have primarily taken infants, and we were part of the Special Medical Unit from its’ beginning. We were also part of the very confidential HIV Unit. We have always been strictly foster parents. In the beginning we might have adopted, but it was strictly forbidden for foster parents to do so. By the time we were considered for an adoption, we felt we were too old.
For several years we concurrently worked with a private group called the Teenage Resource Center, presently known as Western Youth Services. We took in teenagers for short periods of time while they and their parents were getting intense counseling. This ended when our children didn't want to share their rooms anymore.
Speaking of our own children, we have two boys and a girl (all grown), along with five grandchildren, ages 8 months to 16 years. All live in California. If any of you are familiar with a line of adolescent girls clothing, books, accessories for “Emily the Strange”, our son Rob is the creator/owner. Our daughter was adopted, but she was not one of our foster children. She is Native American and came to us at six weeks old. That was 36 years ago; today it would be near impossible for a child to be adopted outside the tribe.
We have been involved in the Auxiliary almost from the beginning. It started as an outgrowth of the Special Medical Unit. Nan was treasurer when, because of misdeeds by the president, the board wanted to disband the Auxiliary. We literally saved it from destruction by saying no, refusing to turn over the books, and instead electing a new board to move forward. Jerry and Joanne Noyes were a part of that group. There is quite a story behind all of this, but that is for another day!
In addition to Nan being our first treasurer, she/we have had other jobs as well. Most of you know that David was president for four years preceding Kathy. He was, and still is, working with foster parents who have allegations and grievances. He also has been on the foster care advisory board for many years.
We have very much enjoyed foster parenting, but consider ourselves in our “twilight” years. After David’s retirement from teaching math, we began to do a LOT of traveling. We weren’t able to take long-term placements anymore. ESH allowed us to take short term infants but soon even that became difficult since we were gone so much. We have been on all seven continents and toured in over 70 countries around the world. So, we still keep our license, but mainly we do respite for foster parents. Give us a call if you are in need of infant/toddler respite.
Much has changed within the agency since we started, most of it for the better. Foster parents, relatives, and birth parents are more involved now; they have the chance to get excellent training, and that is good. There are still problems because it is a bureaucracy, but one hopes that with communication and participation things will continue to get better.
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| President's Letter |
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When I think about the tremendous growth of the Foster Care Auxiliary recently, several things come to mind. One is a supportive board and participation by all makes a difference and two is how the Thrift Store makes it all possible.
That we can run a successful business that envelops and supports the Auxiliary in its mission with so few employees is astounding to me. We (the Auxiliary) are only here because of the revenue of the Thrift Store, which pays all expenses for the thrift store operations plus our truck to pick up donations and the rent and utilities of the entire building we are housed in. The employees are wonderful and they couldn't do their jobs without the help of volunteers. When you think that a few employees and a handful of volunteers are responsible for sorting through the mountains of donations that come in - it's pretty awesome. They start by unloading the truck, organizing and pricing the donations, and stocking the thrift store with them, then cleaning up and maintaining the store so the customers have a pleasant place to shop...then doing it all again the next day. There is so much more to it than that, of course as evidenced by the following statistics gathered from sales in December 2006.
5,030 in adult clothes and 1,612 in children's clothes were sold in December '06.
A daily average of 230 pieces of adult clothing sold each day, 76 pieces of children’s clothing each day and 100 toys sold each day to make the income the Foster Care Auxiliary needs to survive.
Remember that for each piece of clothing sold, probably two are pulled from hangers that need to be hung again when customers change their minds, and an additional amount will have to be taken from the rack unsold to make room for new stock. The volunteers and staff are constantly picking up dropped hangers, trash, and items that customers have taken from the shelves and decided not to buy, but not bothered to put back. You wouldn't believe the trash we pick up from this little store!
The Foster Care Auxiliary is the owner of the Thrift Store...that's why it's important for our board to be involved and participate in overseeing the Operations of the Thrift Store. It is really YOUR Thrift Store, so I encourage you to take some time on your next visit at the thrift store to thank the employees and volunteers you see working for providing this resource for us all.
Kathy Harvey, President
Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County
Interesting quote by artist, Chuck Close from Los Angeles Times...
"I don't have to wait for inspiration. I always say that inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. Work kicks open doors. In the process of doing something, other things occur to you, and you end up where you didn't plan to be."
Enjoy some photos of some of those who 'just show up and get to work' here at the thrift store.
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Martin Harvey 3rd vice president, thrift store operations and membership |
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We are looking forward to more members signing up for the New Year. As our numbers grow it allows us to expand our service to more members of the community of foster parents and families.
It is thrilling to see the families who appreciate the items and goods available on a changing pallet.
Some times we get a parent who is unsatisfied because we don’t have whatever they are looking for. All I can say is come in and help or come back next month. Remember we are all volunteers.
Do you know anyone you could improve the products available. Do you work for a company that would like to donate to our good cause? That’s what we try to do and we are happy to have a president and vice presidents that are actively searching grants and donations from the community.
We love to see volunteers come into the store and share the satisfaction of helping this experience grow for everyone.
The board has worked hard this year, special thanks to all. remember ”many hands make little work”.
Martin Harvey, 3rd vice president, thrift store operations and membership |
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| Reminders And Important Notices!! |
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Members Only Distribution Days
Distribution days for February are:
Friday the 2nd 11-2,
Saturday the 3rd 9-12, and
Monday the 5th 9-12
**Shoppers, Bring your own Bags on Member Shopping Days! **
Every member can shop one time per month choosing between
the 1st Monday, 1st Saturday, or 1st Friday of most months.
We have Krispy Kreme Cards for only $10. These cards are good for a free dozen original glazed doughnuts (usually $6.99 each) each time you buy a dozen ...10 times! .............................................................................................
Thrift Store Special
On Member Shopping Days- February 2, 3, and 5...
Buy 3 of the hanging clothing items and recieve the 4th clothing item of equal or lesser value for free.
Thrift Store Hours:
Mon. & Sat. 9am-4pm Tues
Thurs, & Fri. 11-6
Closed: Sun. & Wed.
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Help the Environment - Help the Auxiliary!
We are collecting ink cartridges and cell phones for recycling.
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Nature’s Cradle
The Foster Care Auxiliary has a Nature’s Cradle they would like to loan to a member who needs it. Please contact an Auxiliary Board Member to arrange to pick it up. If you don’t know what a Nature’s Cradle is, come by the store to see it in action…a reproduction of what the infant should feel like in its mother’s womb. Soothing and comforting to those newborns that are colicky or experiencing traumas like drug withdrawal.
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Meetings and Events Upcoming events:
Upcoming events: Visit our on-line calendar for the latest information
http://calendar.yahoo.com/fostercareaux
February 22nd – Board Meeting – 7pm
February 2nd – Spring Fest Committee Meeting 9am at the Distribution Center
March 15th - Board Meeting - 7pm
March 18th – Spring Fest at Kiwanis Land (see information below)
September 29th – Foster Family Picnic
Monthly Board Meetings are generally the 3rd Thursday evenings of each month…location will be announced. Contact any board member or check the web site for current information. .
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WISH FROM THE AUXILIARY
We are in need of a CPA to audit our books. Do you know someone who might be willing to donate their time or work at a reduced rate?
Please contact me. We are a 501c3 so any donation would be tax deductible.
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BUNK BED, ANYONE?
A newly licensed foster parent would like to know if there is a bunk bed out there for placements she is going to recieve next week. Contact yamasaki5@aol.com if you have one available.
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| Operation Santa Claus Store is Open for Birthday Shopping |
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Foster parents are invited to shop for their foster children at the Operation Santa Claus store within a month prior to or after the child’s birthday. This opportunity is a year round event. The store is located at 1505 E. Warner Avenue in Santa Ana, CA 92705. To set up an appointment, please contact Mona Gustafson at 714-679-2438.
Girl Scouts: Building girls of courage, confidence, & character who make the world a better place.
My name is Susan Krupa and I work for the Girl Scout Council of Orange County. This year, due to generous grants afforded to us, we are able to offer many of our programs at reduced or no cost to girls who are in foster care or low-income families. Currently, we have opportunities for girls ages 6-17 to attend overnight camps this summer in the San Jacinto Mountains at no cost to the girls or their foster parents. If you would like to find out more information about our camp program, please contact me and I will be happy to provide more information.
Sincerely,
Susan Krupa
Program Sales Specialist
Girl Scout Council of Orange County
(714) 979-7900 ext. 341 (714) 850-1299
I have the application from Susan as a pdf if anyone would like me to forward it to them via email let me know kharvey@socal.rr.com |
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| Spring Fest |
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Please join the Foster Care Auxiliary
on March 18, Sunday 11am-3pm
Kiwanis Land, 9840 Larson Ave, Garden Grove, CA
(Main Cross Streets; Brookhurst St & Garden Grove Blvd)
Off Garden Grove Blvd. take Kerry to Larson Ave.
If you an FCAOC member or an invited guest of FCAOC - you and your family are invited!
(You may join our membership at this event)
Please bring $5 per family or a crock-pot of chili
Chili will be judged by appointed judges
$50 prize will be awarded to best Chili
:: Games with prizes for all
:: Entertainment
:: Back Packs for the kids
:: Lunch
:: Opportunity Drawing…
Bring dollars to purchase tickets for chances to win
Come and find out more about the Auxiliary while enjoying the day with us
Be on time !
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| California State Care Providers Association |
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FCAOC is now Chapter Charter 30 of the California State Care Providers Association who has members representing foster care issues in legislation. Members of the Auxiliary may join this State organization for a fee of $10. Visit the web site www.fosterparents.com to find information.
Fred Leiner, a major advocate for foster parents and the President of our state Association passed away in January.
Donations may be made to CSCPA Scholarship Fund. The Orange County Foster Parents who were lucky enough to attend CSCPA conferences knew how much Fred cared about and respected all foster parents, making the conferences into retreats. Fred was passionate about the rights, respect, value and training of foster parents...
The entire foster care community has suffered a tremendous loss.
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| Thanks to those who make our mission possible |
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To the following who have contributed $2500. or more:
- R.C. Baker Foundation
- Boeing Employees Community Fund
- Orangewood Children’s Foundation
- National Charity League, Pacific Coast Chapter
- Clippers Foundation
To the following who have contributed $100 or more:
- Jim, Pam and Emily Preib
- Gene Noonan
- First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana
- Wal-Mart #2546
- Dr. Richard Mungo
- Ellis G. Evans
- Wiechelman & Associates, CPA
- Stantec Consulting (The Keith Companies)
- Debra Bosch
- Alpine Home Medical
- Viola Harvey
- Barbara and Don Newport
- Lorin and Carol Ferrell
- Jon and Carol Howerton
- James and Louise P. Shamblen
- James and Mary J. Donato
- Margaret Rice
- Paul Wallace
- To Orange Grove Quilters Guild who has made hundreds of pillowcases for our children.
- To Pullman & Miller, Attorneys at Law for their sponsorship of our May 2006 newsletter.
- To our 2006 ‘Friends of Foster Family’ award recipients, National Charity League, Pacific Coast Chapter and Vicki Andis
- To Orangewood Children’s Home whose ongoing support contributes to the success of the Auxiliary
- To Miguel Cuebas and Hometown Buffet for their contribution of food at special events
- To Costco of Garden Grove for the donation of back packs
…And to YOU for being a member and participating. |
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| Foster Care Auxiliary Can Make Money-Here's How! |
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Please make www.GoodSearch.com your home page. What if Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County earned a penny every time you searched the internet? Well, now we can! GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And, be sure to spread the word! |
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| Your Space: Robin Workman |
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Robin Workman was originally diagnosed at a stage 4 which means the cancer has spread to 1 or more distant organs through the blood and/or bones over one year ago. Her cancer is a rare uterine cancer that has spread all over. There is no cure or remission for a stage 4, only a tumor free-state can be obtained which Robin had been enjoying for 14 months. She is asking us to pass on the following information to whoever may want to know. Robin’s email is jokerswild71960@yahoo.com
Unfortunately my cancer has returned with a lot more spunk to it. The scans showed 5 new tumors and also showed that the cancer has spread further and is building painful tumors in both wings of my pelvis bone.
So can I Please count on all of you to include me and our family in your prayers? I pray every day for strength and courage to get us all through this with love, grace and humor. I pray for pain relief and continued faith that all of this will soon be far behind us...with valuable lessons learned. I pray for a cure for all cancer patients or at least a more humane treatment than chemotherapy.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and I will try to keep you all updated as things progress. I know I am not in this alone and that all of you are a big part of my life and my survival.
Thank you all so much! |
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| 2006 Achievements |
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Doubled Net Worth of what the Auxiliary ever was
Highest ever previous was under $40,000 (average approx $20,000)
2006 was near $80,000
Expanded Services to families in need
Continued with Kinship and NREFM SW Referral Program
Started OWF Referral Kinship Program
Started OWF Voucher Program
Social Worker and ILC Memberships
SW’s join to obtain product for foster children, families or selves
OWF ILC’s join to obtain product for youth in IL Program
Expanded Membership Benefits
5 new stores agreed to give us regular donations for DC in 2007
Wal-Mart has starting donating again
We continue getting C&B donations
OWF & OW continue with donations
We anticipate additional stock from community sources
Improved Thrift Store (supplies 75% FCAOC Income)
Obtained Clippers Foundation Grant for “Operation Clean Up”
Allowed new system of sorting clothes & better use of storage
Allowed reorganization of thrift store
Obtained permission to leave truck parked at OW
Allowed for more organized sorting and stocking
2nd Truck donated to FCAOC
Obtained Boeing Grant for needed repairs to 2nd Truck
Statistical analysis created better floor plan
Organized store for more efficient sales
Created an atmosphere of goodwill with employees & volunteers
Happy and safe environment for customers
Increased volunteerism |
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| Newsleter Sponsor |
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| Our Board |
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http://www.hbdigital.com