Defender Newsletter Issue 39

DEFENDER

Issue 39 | August 2023

In This Issue:

A young mom feels encouraged to move past negativity in her life and reconnect with her mother.

Joy Passed down

Ana and her peers raise at VBS raise funds for more kids to know the love of a family, just as Ana found with 4KIDS.

Back To School bashes

We asked a few of our kiddos what they want to be when they grow up as they enjoyed our Back to School Bashes.

more ways to get involved

Take your next step with 4KIDS by participating in Gift Planning, Champions 4KIDS, EPIC Training, and more.

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A Bright Future

TIL 2:25 Alumni, Genesis, Graduates From College Alongside Our TIL 2:25 Director And Dreams Big

In 4KIDS Transitional Independent Living program, TIL 2:25, our young adult residents work hard to set educational, vocational, and spiritual goals. Throughout this two-year residential program, it’s not uncommon for the residents, resident advisors, and staff to become like family and stay in touch for years to come. Genesis is a great example of an alumni who set goals while in TIL 2:25 and is now seeing those dreams become reality!

This May, Genesis graduated from college with her bachelor’s in psychology and even got to share the stage with 4KIDS TIL 2:25 Director, Ken Lacy, who was earning his master’s degree from the same school. Receiving her diploma was a surreal moment, as she reminisced on all the love and support her family and friends had given to her throughout her undergrad journey. Now with a bachelor’s under her belt, she is one step closer to her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist for kids and families in need. Read on to learn a little bit more about Genesis!

1) What are some hobbies you have?

I would consider myself a dancer, writer, poetry writer, and my new hobby is graphic designing.

2) What were two of your biggest life lessons when you were a resident at TIL 2:25?

A lesson I learned was to meet and love others where they are because our stories may differ, but it does not make us less important or valuable. TIL 2:25 challenged me to improve, and I will always be grateful for the values of this organization and my experiences there, including the people who made an impact on my life, such as Ken, Adrianne, De, Barbara, and Michele.

3.) If you could have a conversation over dinner with any person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

When reflecting on the person I would like to have dinner with, it would be my mother if I could. Sometimes I have wondered how life would be with her alive, and as I live and thrive, there is a level of happiness that comes with the thought of having her by my side, hearing all of my stories and accomplishments, as written now.

4.) Would your younger self be proud of where you are today, and why?

Just as I know in my heart that my mom would be proud, the younger version of myself would be too because of everything she had to overcome. Now, she is strong, bold, courageous, and has hope to reach a dark world.

Genesis credits her experience in TIL 2:25 as part of the reason she has been able to succeed as a young adult. Through the lessons she learned, Genesis is now confident in her ability to make a difference for others. During our interview with her, she went on to express thankfulness for the guidance and path God established for her through 4KIDS and looks forward to growing in her faith even more. Genesis has worked hard to get to where she is, and we are proud to see the fruits of her labor. We can’t wait to see where the next few years take her!

His Caring Place Empowers

4KIDS His Caring Place (HCP) is a residential program that prepares and equips women facing unplanned pregnancies and/or parenting young children to be successful moms. Through life skills classes, maternity care, individual therapy, and more, these young moms are given muchneeded support as they navigate an important chapter of life and prepare for what’s ahead.

At just 19 years old, *Olivia came to HCP with a newborn looking for support and stability. She had a very estranged relationship with her mother and wasn’t certain what her future would look like. At the time, she was in a long-term relationship, but when things started to become toxic, she received advice from her HCP resident advisors and case manager to leave her boyfriend. Although this decision was very difficult for Olivia, because she trusted and valued the opinions of the HCP team, she was able to take a step out in confidence and start over. Eventually, Olivia felt empowered by her decision and could clearly envision a better life for herself and her baby!

After 4 months at HCP, and a reconnection with her mother, Olivia moved to Seattle to live with her family. Through the unconditional love and concern for her well-being that she experienced while at HCP, Olivia learned the importance of healthy relationships. She was able to leave one negative relationship and mend another one, and as a result, we believe her child’s story will have a different outcome.

*Namesandphotoshavebeenchangedtoprotecttheidentityofthechildrenandfamiliesweserve

Joy Passed Down

In 2018, Ana and her older brother were adopted together after 2 years in foster care. Fast forward to today, 5 years later, and Ana is now an advocate for other children to be able to find the same comfort and safety she’s experienced. Gracepoint Community Church recently hosted a VBS that Ana attended along with 40 other kiddos from the community. There were games, Bible lessons, and so many ways to have fun, but there was also a great cause to raise money for children and families in need! On one of the VBS days, a 4KIDS representative spoke to the children and parents about the importance of finding a home for every child and the need in our community to provide hope and healing to those in crisis.

Ana, alongside her peers, was able to raise $450 during this VBS! Through her experiences and her recognition of what a loving family did for her, Ana is reaching kiddos that need the same love she received and passing down the joy she found in her forever family.

After the incredible week, Ana wrote a note to our 4KIDS representative, and it read “Dear 4KIDS, I will send more money ($10) when I can! Thank you for giving me a family, I am so happy...” Through this at of kindness, Ana is inspiring not only the younger generation, but her parents and teachers with her compassion and generosity.

“When I went to VBS I felt helpful because I wanted to help the kids in 4KIDS just the way 4KIDS helped me get a family.”Ana

VBS Crew

Back To School Bashes

As summer ends, our foster and adoptive kiddos get ready for the next school year, and there’s no better way to prepare than at our Back To School Bashes! Events took place in Broward, Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast, and Southwest Florida as over 220 families got to pick out new backpacks and school supplies donated by the community. We are incredibly thankful for all the businesses, churches, and individuals that gave generously to make sure our kiddos feel ready to return to the classroom.

For kids that have experienced trauma, going back to school can often cause mixed emotions, but our goal at every Bash was to create a sense of fun and excitement before the first day of school arrives. Parents were able to catch up with one another to plan carpooling schedules and extracurricular activities, and kids had the chance to shop and play with new and old friends alike. Now that every child in our care is set up for academic success, take a look at what a few of our adoptive kiddos aspire to be when they grow up!

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

“When I grow up I want to be a doctor so I can help people.” - Danielle

“When

“When

“When I grow up I want to be a police officer so that I can put away all the bad people and protect the good ones.”

- Alejandra

I grow up I want to be Pikachu, because I want to be able to catch all the Pokémons with him!”

- Emmett

I grow up I want to be a singer because I love worshipping, or a lawyer because I want to help people. I feel like I can share my testimony with people and encourage them.”

- Sophia

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 quarterly in-person at 4KIDS Headquarters in Broward. To sign up for the next one, visit: 4KIDS.us/VisionTour

Champions 4KIDS

Get together with other Christian business executives monthly to collaborate on different 4KIDS initiatives! Meetings occur in Broward, Palm Beach, and the Treasure Coast. For more information, contact Deanna at: DeannaP@4KIDS.us

smarter Giving

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

Training & 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/EPICTraining

We also have various parenting videos, blogs, and tip sheets created by our 4KIDS Clinical Team available at: 4KIDS.us/EPIC/DigitalResources

Visit HopeConnect.us for dozens of fun, everyday activities to do with any child in your life to instill a Biblical sense of hope and healing.

YourChange App

We’ve partnered with the YourChange App to make it easier than ever to impact the lives of children in need. The YourChange™ App gives people the ability to round up their purchases to donate and the option to give one-time donations instantly. You’re always one click away from making a difference. Visit YourChange.app to download the app,

Thank You 4KIDS DEFENDERS!

Because of your gift, between the months of April and June:

526 children found hope through CarePortal 210 children were served in loving foster homes

2923 hours of therapy helped kids and families discover healing