Defender Newsletter Issue 36

In this Issue:

Making Epic moves

4KIDS EPIC Therapeutic Approach is reaching new ground, and continues to encourage healing.

A REstored future

Evans Jean-Charles finds his home and happiness in community.

little moments with a lifelong impact

Celebrate big and small wins across our 4KIDS Foster Homes.

more ways to get involved

Take your next step with 4KIDS by participating in Gift Planning, Champions 4KIDS, EPIC Trainings, and/or Vision Tours.

EPIC in peru

Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be the result of bullying, medical challenges, a natural disaster, early childhood struggles, and the list can go on. Many individuals experience some form of trauma in their life, but for children in foster care, the trauma can be early and oftentimes, these children don’t know how to process what is happening to them.

Healing is so important, which is why 4KIDS launched a unique EPIC Therapeutic Approach in 2014. When a child has experienced trauma, their pain can manifest into behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, issues with attachment, and more. Navigating the past hurts and present difficulties can be overwhelming for both a child and their caregiver. The heart of EPIC is to teach those working with kids how to see beyond the behaviors and get to the root of what lies underneath. Since 2014, more than 2,185 lives have been impacted through EPIC, and we are just getting started.

A few months ago, two of our EPIC Therapists journeyed to Peru to share TBRI, or Trust-Based Relational Intervention, with government officials and other members of the community. Over 120 individuals learned about healing through connection, correction, and empowerment. These valuable lessons excited the people of Peru immensely and they were eager to spread the knowledge to teachers and healthcare workers. Children and families will be touched on their healing journey as they implement tools like eye contact, behavioral matching, and incorporating choices. It was an incredible success and our EPIC Clinicians, Betsy and Evelyn are eager to spread TBRI across Peru, and beyond.

Evans Story

TIL 2:25, otherwise known as Transitional Independent Living, is a place of restoration and growth. It consists of homes where young adults who are aging out of foster care can learn to thrive as they take on adulthood. Evans Jean-Charles is one of over 292 young adults who have been supported through a challenging time of life.

At just 12 years old, Evans’ mother passed away, and through a difficult relationship dynamic with his father, Evans lived with his grandmother for a few years. Shortly after that chapter ended, Evan’s struggled to find other relatives or friends to live with, leaving him at the face of homelessness. His cousin Gene invited Evans to a Bible study one night, and they began to chat about 4KIDS TIL 2:25, as Gene was a resident a year prior. Seeing where Gene was in his life, successful and happy, Evans decided it was the best option for him to join TIL 2:25.

Although not always an easy journey, his experience at TIL 2:25 made Evans feel supported and cared for, knowing the Resident Advisors always wanted the best for him. He was guided to focus on his school work, and set goals for his future. Evans made great friends during his time at TIL 2:25 and even spent some time as a “house lead,” being an example for other young men in his house and creating a safe environment for other boys in the neighborhood to play basketball or have dinner. He then became an RA (Resident Advisor) and became a mentor for 10 years!

Evans’ story is one of growth and success through a strong community. Out of his childhood filled with uncertainty and no place to truly call home, he now is happily married with a job at a Law Firm, Greenspoon Marder and also owns his own photography and videography company called PhotoMovement.

LITTLE MOMENTS, WITH LIFELONG IMPACT

The Hererra Family

When The Herrera Family opened their home to a little girl, it was amazing to see the physical and emotional changes that followed, simply from showing love and attention. At 2 years old, this little girl entered the Herrera’s home extremely shy, keeping to herself most days, and speaking very little. The Herreras showed her warmth, and showed her what it means to be in a family who cares for her. In a short amount of time, this little girl started to come out of her shell. Her daycare teachers noticed she was beginning to blossom since being with the Herreras, showing signs of less anxiety and growing her social interactions with other children. Thanks to the support and intentionality of the Herrera family, she is now smiling, speaking in full sentences, and is truly happy. It is such a beautiful example of how the proper love, care, and attention correlates to the emotional well-being of children, and it’s amazing to see how God has guided this family through a previous emotional closure to a beautiful symbol of growth!

Scholarship Success

Juana came into foster care with a little daughter and she spoke very little English. Her 4KIDS foster parents, Tamara and Gary Simmons, loved her, giving her stability and support, and eventually giving her a forever home. She has now graduated from high school, and speaks fluent English! Juana desires to pursue a nursing degree so that she can provide loving medical care to others, and she was recently awarded with a $1,000 scholarship that she plans to put towards her education and reach her goals with the confidence to know she can succeed! With the help of the Simmons Family, Juana and her daughter are breaking cycles of abuse and neglect and instead get to grow up with a loving community behind them every step of the way.

This year marks 25 years and serving over 30,000 lives through 4KIDS. We are so thankful for all the support throughout the last 25 years, your generosity has allowed children and families to experience hope, homes, and healing. Because of your faithful partnership and advocacy, your impact is reaching generations to come. Take a look at your impact!

These numbers are just the start, as we move toward the next 30,000 lives and beyond through 4KIDS’ expansion to Southwest Florida and soon Miami-Dade, and through equipping communities across the world with EPIC. Thank YOU for reaching new heights and continuing to Grow Beyond.

More Ways to Get Involved

Vision Tours

Come and hear stories of transformed lives made possible by your generosity! During a 4KIDS Vision Tour, you’ll learn all about what makes 4KIDS unique and discover other ways that you can make a difference for kids and families in need. Vision Tours are offered once a month, both virtually and in-person at each of our regional offices. To sign up for the next one, visit 4KIDS.us/ VisionTour

Gift Planning

Make a transformational gift that protects your family and creates more hope, homes, and healing through 4KIDS. Design your first estate plan or update an existing one with our trusted partner Financial Planning Ministry (FPM), a service available at no cost to you when you include a bequest to 4KIDS. Sign up for the next informational webinar at 4KIDS.us/ WillsandTrusts.

Epic Training & Parent Resources

Gain fresh insight on how to work with kids who have experienced trauma, and how to be more effective as a parent or leader in any child’s life. EPIC training is free and occurs online over two days. To register for an upcoming training, visit 4KIDS.us/EPIC/Training. We also have various parenting videos, blogs, and tip sheets created by our 4KIDS Clinical Team available at 4KIDS.us/EPIC/ParentResources.

Champions 4KIDS

Get together with other Christian business executives monthly to collaborate on different 4KIDS initiatives!MeetingsoccurinBroward, Palm Beach, and the Treasure Coast. For more information, contact Joel at JoelC@4KIDS.us.