Stories made possible by your inside!impact TM DEFENDER Issue 35 | August 2022
4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Families enjoyed a day of fun while picking out new backpacks and supplies for the upcoming school year. Back to school bashes 4 Adopted at 3 years old and now a young adult, see how Danny's impact changed the lives of not just one, but two more lives. The ripple effect 6 Mike's time at 4KIDS Independent Living led him to develop a passion for investing in other young adults who share his story. From resident to advisor 8 Information about Gift Planning, Champions 4KIDS, EPIC Trainings, and Vision Tours. more ways to get involved 10 in this issue... The Jones Family are one of our many 4KIDS Foster Families that support safe reunifications for children with their biological families whenever possible. foster family highlight 7
Back schooltobashes
Every summer, individuals and organizations come together to collect backpacks and school supplies for children in foster care. Between June and July, hundreds of backpacks were donated full of pens, paper, markers, folders and more! For many foster and adoptive parents, this means a savings of at least $50 per child in school supplies.
Following these collections, three separate Back to School Bashes were held in Broward, Palm Beach, and the Treasure Coast for our 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Families to connect, their kids to play, and most importantly— get the chance to pick out a backpack for the new school year! Between all three regions, more than 150 families came out for a fun-filled Saturday morning. The Treasure Coast Bash featured a splash pad, delicious ice cream from Whit’s Custard, and plenty of dancing and high-energy activities for the kids. Journey Church, long-standing host of our Palm Beach Bash, took their experience to the next level with bounce houses and giveaways. Finally, the Broward Bash was complete with balloon artists, jugglers, magicians, and frozen treats from W.O.W Ice. Despite all the added entertainment that makes each Bash unique, the main event for many of our kiddos each year remains the excitement of shopping for brand-new backpacks and school supplies, all free of charge.
“I love being able to go and choose my own backpack. There’s so many beautiful ones to pick from of all different colors, brands, and styles. I feel like I’m walking to my own special store just for me.” – Brittany, 4KIDS Adoptive Child Time and time again, our community of Defenders, churches, businesses, and more show up and show out to donate generously towards this backpack collection, and it means so much to our children and families!
more than 500 backpacks yeardonatedgenerouslywerethisacrossalltheregionsweserve! 5
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There’s a ripple effect that often happens after one life is changed, transforming countless more lives in the process. Danny's story is just that! Danny* was only three years old when he first entered foster care, and due to unique circumstances surrounding his case, he was adopted by his 4KIDS Foster Family later that year. In light of this, he described his upbringing as stable, full of love and positive experiences at both at home and with his family's church, which made an impact on his character and views of the world.
As a young adult, Danny met Malia*, and soon their relationship began. Danny shared his faith with Malia and for the first time, she began to desire a deeper purpose for her life. When Malia and Danny found themselves in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, Malia was very fearful. Scared for her future, and with little confidence in her ability to parent, the idea of having a child at this stage in her life was overwhelming.DannyandMaliaholdingtheirbeautifulbabygirl
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Through one family’s decision to open their home to fostering, Danny's life turned out radically different. In introducing her to His Caring Place, Danny then changed Malia's life, which led her to change the life of her child. Legacies like this show us how one powerful act of love can continue to have an impact generations later.
Since Danny grew up in the 4KIDS community, he recalled that 4KIDS had a home for mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy and/or parenting young children, His Caring Place (HCP). Danny drove Malia to an interview at His Caring Place, hopeful that after the meeting her decision would be clear. The 4KIDS His Caring Place Team was encouraging and welcoming, but after the interview, Malia was still feeling uncertain. She went outside to get some air, and looked up in the sky. She saw a plane creating sky writing, and as she watched, the plane had written behind it the words, “Jesus Loves You.” In that moment, a wave of peace washed over her, and she decided to choose life for her Onbaby.June 16, Malia gave birth to a beautiful daughter and is making great strides at His Caring Place, with Danny's continued love and support.
"Malia is doing amazing. She has really embraced being a mother, and is a very loving mom. She is constantly wanting to learn and grow."
*Names were changed to protect the identity of the children and families we serve
The Ripple effect
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Tia Harris, HCP Program Manager
Charles and Dorane Jones
Dorane and Charles Jones, for example, are a wonderful couple that cared for two little boys, ages 6 and 12, for almost a year. The biological father of these boys worked hard to get his children back, and the Jones’ did everything in their power to help make that happen. They invited the boys’ father to church, facilitated visits between them, and supported him on his journey to become a stronger father. Eventually, the two young boys were reunified with their dad, and Dorane and Charles continued to support him! They offered to take care of the boys while the father was at work during the summer, and allow pool days at their house for the whole family. Through their love and dedication to the boys and their father, the Jones’ are helping create a seamless transition and safe reunification.
4KIDS Foster Families are passionate about co-parenting and maintaining relationship with the kids that have come through their foster home, long after they are reunified.
Every June, we get the opportunity to celebrate National Reunification Month! It’s a beautiful time of recognizing all the work both our foster and biological parents do to safely bridge the gap for children transitioning out of foster care and returning home to their families. So many of our
Last fiscal year, 68 children were safely reunified with their biological families in Broward, Treasure Coast, and Palm Beach!
foster Family Highlight: the jones Family
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From resident to advisor
"Because I was shown love, I now know how to give love."
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At just 16 years old, Mike found himself living in a youth homeless shelter and at 18, he had little options going into adulthood. Scared and unsure of his future, Mike turned to 4KIDS Independent Living in hopes of turning his life around. While being part of this supportive community, he developed many life skills and values that helped him discover what healthy relationships and a good work ethic looked like. During his time with 4KIDS, he was able to complete his GED, land a job, and gain new friendships with several of the other residents and Resident Advisors that lived in his home. A few years after graduating the program, Mike realized that his true passion was to show love to young people in need of the same support that was shown to him at 4KIDS. Now 22 years old, Mike is on track to become a Resident Advisor for the same home that he once lived in! Mike's desire to love, care, and encourage young adults with a similar story as him is both inspirational and powerful. We are beyond proud of this next generation leader! Mikealldressedupandonhiswaytothe20184KIDSIndependentLivingProm!
10 your gift makes a difference Take a look at the lives being transformed each day through our continuum of care. These numbers represent more than just one single life...they represent lives impacted for generations to come!
EPIC Training
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more ways to get involved
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 vision tours 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 champions 4kids
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 4KIDS.us/WillsandTrustsat: GIft planning
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 4KIDS.us/EPIC/ParentResourcesat: & resources
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