Issue 38 | May 2023
TM DEFENDER
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Foster and ADoptive Family Picnics 4KIDS Families enjoyed a carnival-themed picnic full of laughter and fun! 4-5 A Love that lasts forever A young man’s life changed for the better with the support and guidance of his 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Family and others. 6-7
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Take your next step with 4KIDS by participating in Gift Planning, Champions 4KIDS, EPIC Trainings, and/or a Vision Tour. 10 In This Issue: Opening New doors See what’s happening with 4KIDS’ expansion into Southwest Florida and Miami-Dade County! 8 3
more ways
get involved
Foster and Adoptive Family Picnics
When you mix together kids of all ages, funnel cake, and carnival games, you’ve got the recipe for one stellar day! Over the past few months, 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Families came together in each region that we serve to enjoy some fun in the sun, carnival-style!
All the kiddos began the day with a ring toss, pony ride, or face painting session before heading over for a sugar rush at the snow cone station. The park was filled with laughter and joy as these boys and girls danced together, raced each other on an inflatable obstacle course, and developed friendships. Meanwhile, 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Parents were able to find community and connect with each other over their shared experiences.
For one little boy, his birthday fell on the day of the Broward Family Picnic. Before wrapping up the day, several families, staff, and volunteers surprised him with a joyous rendition of the ‘Happy Birthday” song! It was so special for this kiddo to feel celebrated and loved on his big day.
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“It was a great event. It was nice to meet people from 4KIDS that we had previously only ‘met’ via Zoom and see some familiar faces.”
- 4KIDS Foster Parent
- 4KIDS Child
“I really like the butterly she painted on my face.”
- 4KIDS Child
These picnics are only possible with the help of our generous partners and faithful donors. Serving as much more than just a playdate for our families— each picnic offers a brief escape from the day-to-day checklists, doctor’s appointments, chores, and homework help, and are a true delight for everyone involved. We are so thankful to be able to set the stage for them to create meaningful memories.
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“Cornhole was my favorite part!”
“So great to see old friends and meet new friends on the same journey. The love, support, friendship, and advice from these events is so needed and appreciated. Thank you!”
- 4KIDS Adoptive Mom
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A Love That Lasts Forever
Jason* is a young man who spent the majority of his life in and out of foster homes, with the weight of caring for his younger siblings on his shoulders. Now fifteen years old, he shared with us an essay he wrote for school explaining his hardships in life, and how through the help of his 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Family and others, he learned to be brave, trust others, and find happiness through it all.
Having moved so many times, Jason experienced a lot of trauma in his life. When he and his siblings first came to his 4KIDS Foster Parents, Jason shared how difficult it was for him to trust his new caregivers. With the help of his 4KIDS EPIC Therapist and key people pouring into his life, however, he began to open up and push past the fear of getting close to people.
Whenever Jason became overwhelmed, his support system helped him find coping mechanisms like music, sports, and participating in his church’s youth group in order to boost his mental health and find joy in life. After over 300 days in foster care, Jason and his siblings were adopted by their loving foster parents, and don’t ever have to worry about saying “goodbye” again. Today, Jason is active in his church, has a part-time job, and excels in high school.
Jason’s story is just one example of a life transformed by unconditional love. No matter how big or small your involvement is in foster care, from making a financial gift, to volunteering, or being a foster parent, all of these things come together to make a huge difference for kids like Jason.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the kids we serve.
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“Having friends and family that care about you unconditionally helps tremendously, because their love lasts through trials and tribulations.”
- Jason, 4KIDS Teen
“In a nutshell, this exasperating journey taught me how to be brave, trust others, and how to experience true happiness.”
Opening New Doors
Southwest Florida
March 2nd was the official Grand Opening of the 4KIDS Southwest Florida Office! With the attendance and support of State Representative Spencer Roach and other civic officials, it was an incredible way to kick-off the impact that will come as we strive to find a home for every child in Southwest Florida!
www.4KIDSSWFL.org
Miami
As we continue to Grow Beyond, 4KIDS is setting roots in MiamiDade County! Through our church partner, Vous Church, foster parent training classes have begun in the area, with multiple families interested and ready to welcome children in need into their homes. Doors are opening for new opportunities in this region, and it’s inspiring to see partners and volunteers stepping up to serve. We’re excited to see what the future holds for 4KIDS Miami!
www.4KIDSMiami.org
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“It is such an honor to connect churches and families to the heart of God and work together to serve His children.” - Shelley Baker, 4KIDS VP of Expansion
May is National Foster Care Month!
Did you know? On average in the United States, a child in foster care moves 5.26 times per 1,000 days. That’s a striking number! Although the state of Florida’s goal is 4.12 moves, at 4KIDS, a child only moves 1.45 times per 1,000 days in care. The circumstances happening to these children are beyond their control, so it is our goal to bring stability to every child in foster care. This is the “4KIDS difference!”
Additionally, the average length that a foster home in the U.S. is open is 14 months. When a family opens their home through 4KIDS with the assistance of a FAM team and EPIC services, however, that number jumps to 38 months! Because of our wrap-around services, kids are in safe, loving homes, and able to be cared for by the same family for a longer period of time.
Last year, nearly 400 children were served in foster care across Broward, Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast, and Southwest Florida!
Join us this month as we advocate for more foster homes and therapeutic services for vulnerable children. Thank you for your generosity and passion to provide more hope, homes, and healing to kids across all the regions we serve.
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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 both virtually and 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
Epic 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
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
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Thank You
4KIDS DEFENDERS!
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2717 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
