Defender Newsletter Issue 29

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defender MAGAZINE

Stories made possible by your impact inside!

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yo u r mo n t h ly gi f t g i ve s...

HOPE

Homes

HEaling

Your generosity supports young mothers at 4KIDS His Caring Place and youth that have aged out of foster care and are learning life skills in our Independent Living homes.

When a child, teen, or sibling group in crisis is placed in a loving 4KIDS Foster or Specialized Home, your gift provides the essential supplies they need to thrive.

Through your faithful giving, kids and families in our community can access trauma-informed training and clinical services based on our EPIC Therapeutic Approach.

exciting news!

Being a bridge to families who are struggling and kids who are at-risk of entering foster care is at the heart of our mission to provide hope for kids in crisis.

According to the Department of Children and Families, the number of children removed in South Florida due to inadequate housing had tripled since April, and the number of children removed due to substance abuse had doubled since Janurary 2020. Many parents and caregivers lost their jobs, living arrangements and/or began coping with the added stresses of COVID-19 in damaging ways. I believe we can and we must do more to be a light to the hurting and most vulnerable, and together we can reignite hope in the children and families in our communities.

In an effort to bring greater prevention and restoration to children and families before kids enter the foster care system, 4KIDS is now partnering with local churches, businesses, and community partners through CarePortal. CarePortal is a platform that allows child welfare workers to post the tangible needs of families in the community who are hurting.

Participating churches and partners can then view those needs and meet them on behalf of these families.

The mission behind CarePortal aligns with our heart to provide hope, homes, and healing to our community's most vulnerable kids and families. None of this would be possible without you! We can’t wait to share even more amazing stories and outcomes with you.

Thank You!

kevin j. enders 4KIDS PRESIDENT

For more information on this initiative, please visit: 4KIDS.us/CarePortal

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S ay i n g " y e s " t o teen s One of the biggest misconceptions within the realm of foster care is how difficult it is to connect with teens. The main reason for this thought process is that since teens who haven’t experienced trauma are already hard to reach, a teen that has been through hard times must be even more guarded. The truth, however, is that while building relationship with a teenager in foster care may take more time and perseverance, it is deeply rewarding.

Last year, Carla* was volunteering at MercyPlace, a 4KIDS Specialized Home for teenage girls in foster care. A few times a week, she would assist the house mom by driving the girls to and from their extracurricular activities. It was during these commutes that she developed a bond with 15-year-old Ashley*.

At first, Ashley would have her headphones in and spent most of the drive listening to music.

As Carla became a familiar face, however, in time Ashley began to reveal small pieces of her heart and personality.

Soon Carla learned that Ashley was an honors student, played the tuba in the school band, and dreamt of going to college and becoming an entrepreneur.

“On one of our drives we were talking about what kind of parttime job she could get. I gave her the kind of advice I would give my daughter or niece. I wanted her to know she was capable of anything she put her mind to,” Carla shared. Over the next few months, Carla and Ashley became incredibly close, so much so that Ashley spent the Christmas break with Carla and her husband.

“I tell her constantly— I’m here for you in the long run. Even if you don’t want me I’m still going to be there,” Carla added. Their relationship is not without its ups and downs, but Carla knows that she is one of the few positive influences in Ashley’s life. Most recently, they celebrated Ashley's sweet sixteen together, a monumental birthday!

We're thankful for individuals like Carla who choose to say "yes" to something as easy as volunteering, and then decide to welcome a young woman into their family! *Names and photo were changed to protect the idenity of the kids we serve

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let's celebrate new baby born at hcp A young mother at 4KIDS His Caring Place welcomed a healthy and beautiful 5 lbs, 15 oz. tiny bundle of joy into the world on February 9th. Congratulations!

a christmas full of cheer 6

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88 volunteers served at our 4KIDS Foster & Adoptive Family Christmas Parties and Gift of Hope Shopping Days. We couldn't have done it without them!

second gym meet Ariel was adopted by her mom, Kim, as a baby. Now age six, she has started competing in gymnastics.

Last month at her second meet, she maintained her joy and had great sportsmanship. Way to go!

career goals Elijah came to 4KIDS Independent Living after completing high school. He is now reunited with his sister in California and is in a 3-year apprenticeship to become an electrician! | 7

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425 lives forever changed From January to December 2020, we were able to make a difference in the lives of 425 children, teens, and young adults in need of a home.

Whether they stayed in a 4KIDS Home for one night, or for the entire year, their lives will never be the same.

Thank you for partnering with us in this beautiful work!

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defen der s p ot l i g h t "Over the years we have had the privilege of seeing so many children find life, hope, and families through this ministry. I [Laura] have had the honor of having personal relationships with girls at 4KIDS His Caring Place through Bible study and teaching, and have watched first hand the Lord rescue and restore the most vulnerable in our community."

- Laura & David Quinn

o th er ways t o ge t invo lv e d champions 4kids

young advocates 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 Joel at JoelC@4KIDS.us.

This group is made up of young professionals and college students that host fundraisers, organize service projects, and put on social events to benefit 4KIDS. To learn more about YA4K, reach out to Katelynn at KatelynnV@4KIDS.us.

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EPIC Training & resources

vision tours

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.

There’s also an array of parenting videos, blogs, and tip sheets created by our 4KIDS Clinical Team available at 4KIDS.us/EPIC/ParentResources.

Experience a walk-through of our main headquarters, hear stories of transformed lives, and learn all about what makes 4KIDS unique. Tours are held virtually twice a month, and in-person once a quarter. To sign up for the next one, visit 4KIDS.us/VisionTour.

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2717 West Cyp ress Creek Road For t Lauderdale, FL 33309