The Bair Foundation Special Edition Newsletter - Graduates and Independent Living 2012

Building Futures Since 1967

Love is...

an Open Door

Bair Graduate Cederic Gamble:

“I prayed to God that I wouldn’t get arrested.” bair.org

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t The Bair Foundation, we give our teens “roots” - a solid foundation based on biblical principles, a family that loves them, educational opportunities,

and a strong sense of who they are. Establishing these roots enables them to leave foster care with a confidence knowing they have the capability to live on their own and the ability to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road that all of us must survive in order to fully take flight.

From our Executive Director

Great effort is put forth to help equip our young people by giving them the tools they need to make right choices and to be successful as they age out of care and transition into adulthood. We teach them independent living skills while increasing personal responsibility that builds character and gives them a sense of competence.

Knowing that one day they will be on their own, we give them “wings.” It’s always difficult to say goodbye, although many foster youth come back for visits and some stay deeply connected to Bair & our foster families. By giving them “wings,” we allow them to be who they really are, to be independent, to grow and to reach their full, God-given potential and purpose.

In Christ,

Sue Miklos MSSA, MSW Executive Director

Establishing Roots...

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ello! My name is Becca and in 1999 I moved to yet another foster home. This time it was a Bair Foundation foster home. I thought to myself, “Yay, one more foster home... I wonder how long will it be until this foster mom gets tired of me and I have to move again.” I told myself that I was going to make it easier for her...

I admit I was not the best kid in the world.

Well foster mom Maudie Beatty didn’t give up on me, and neither did my Bair Foundation case worker. I graduated from New Wilmington High School and went off to college. Everything that other foster parents said I would never be able to do! I did it and more... because of Maudie not giving up on me and pushing me to be a better person.

I am so grateful for everything that God has given me. Maudie is still a big part of my life. Thank you Bair Foundation for being there for kids and not giving up! We need you and pray that God blesses you as much as he has blessed me!!! -Becca S. Seyler

Former foster child & Bair Scholarship Recipient Becca Seyler and her son, Austin

& Giving them Wings.

Responding to the challenges that older foster children in foster care face, Bair has implemented innovative programs that teach independence, promote education, and establish adult connections before our teens turn 18 and “age-out” of the state system.

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ot many things in life are as memorable as purchasing your first car. That feeling of independence is something every one of us can remember. It didn’t matter if the car was brand new or ten years old, what mattered was that it was ours… and it gave us great freedom. By providing the matching funds to purchase a vehicle, Bair gives its teens the freedom to visit friends, to drive to work, to run an errand, or to get to school without depending on others.

This passport to freedom also comes with responsibility; something we instill in our teens who receive matching funds from the Paul Smith Independent Living Fund to purchase a vehicle. By learning to drive, securing a driver’s license, and working to pay for gasoline and insurance, our foster youth become more competent and capable as they prepare to become functional adults.

Latest recipients Terry Fortune from Oklahoma City, OK (above) and Elboni Slaughter from Kent, OH (below) pose with the vehicles they were able to purchase with the assistance of Bair’s Paul Smith Independent Living Fund.

“Love is...

Approximately 20,000 foster care youth will “age-out” of the foster care system or become emancipated this year without the critical support of a family foundation.

While some states are working to change the “aging-out” age from 18 to 21, many foster teens still lack the required skills and resources to survive. Congress attempted to address the needs of aging out foster youth through the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 which doubled federal funding under the John H.

an Open Door.”

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-Bill Bair

Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. This gives states funding to assist foster youth with skills training, education, employment support, health care, mentoring, counseling, permanency and housing assistance. Many states have stepped up their efforts in attempt to meet the needs of foster youth

t age 18, most teenagers are ready to conquer the world. With a graduation cake, a set of car keys, and higher education on the horizon, the future is bright, filled with endless possibilities and opportunity. This

is America, after all.

by extending foster care beyond the age of 18, expanding the duration of services and allowing foster youth to sign themselves back into care after they have chosen to leave the system.

Research and proven practices show that youth aging out of foster care fare better with a lifelong commitment with a loving adult or family, a place to live, a high school diploma,

The average young adult still relies on their parents for good advice, living skills, and financial help. But “aged-out” foster youth have no one to turn to. They have no one to call when there are financial aid questions, taxes to be filed or when they break down on the side of the road. There is no one to call when they mess up their checkbook or break up with their girlfriend. There is no one to support them through their first job, first semester at college, and for the first time they are living completely on their own.

access to higher education and employment; all the things The Bair Foundation strives to have in place before they leave our care. Through our Independent Living curriculum, scholarship and vehicle grant programs, we are succeeding. Proving the difference a loving foster parent and supportive staff can make, one of our students graduated as the valedictorian and another as the salutatorian of her class last year. Additionally, 9 Bair youth received scholarships (everyone that applied) to help ease their financial burden as they pursue a college degree.

Thanks to our dedicated foster families, staff and donors, we are able to reach out to these resilient teenagers, ensuring that they have the tools necessary to thrive. Our families are stepping

Former foster child and Bair Scholarship recipient Mariel Zuchniak and Bair Staff Joan Arrow and Dorie Alcaro continue to keep in contact after Mariel “aged out” of foster care in 1999.

forward and saying YES to teens… opening their hearts, their homes, and sharing their love with these impressionable young people who might otherwise have to go out into the world lost and alone. Their success begins with the “Open Door.”

“I am a Success!”

Cederic was heading down a selfdefeating, self-destructive path until he was placed with Bair foster parents, Warren & Debra Roberts… an intervention that changed his life & his destiny - forever.

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hen children are anxious, sad or suffering from traumatic experiences, it is natural for them to respond outwardly in order to express how they are feeling. This

sometimes is displayed as anger, aggression and the inability to control one’s actions.

As a very angry child, Cederic would often curse, fight, disrespect his biological parents, and literally explode if he did not get his way. Desperate and afraid for their own safety, Cederic’s biological parents contacted CPS when he threw a chair through the front window of their home.

After 5 foster homes and a period of time in a residential treatment facility, Cederic was placed with Bair Foundation foster parents, Warren and Debra Roberts. This Christian couple was totally committed to Cederic and they gave him the tools to channel his anger in a more positive way. Cederic states,

“Although I gave them a very hard time in the beginning, they understood my problems, they stuck by me from the time I was 14 years old and since I’ve had their support, I have graduated from high school, am on the A-B honor roll, have won awards for football, and I am the captain on my baseball team.”

“Thanks to my foster parents, I am not in jail. I used to pray to God that I wouldn’t get arrested; instead, I am working to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice, my outcome is positive and I am not only surviving, I am thriving... I AM A SUCCESS!” - Cederic Gamble

Cederic Gamble, Houston, Texas Cederic graduated from Sterling High School where he was an honor roll student and excelled in sports.

He was captain of the baseball team and earned the First Team All District Award in football. Cederic is attending Blinn College to major in Criminal Justice.

Cederic’s foster parents are Warren and Debra Roberts, who are extremely proud of his success.

Thomas Dill, Kent, Ohio Tom graduated from Canton McKinley High School where he lettered in football, swimming and track.

Thomas plans to attend the University of Akron where he will work towards his business degree in hospitality management and minor in culinary arts. Tom’s foster mother is Christine DeStefano.

Nisheayr Lewis, Columbus, Ohio Nisheayr graduated from Focus North High School.

She plans to continue her education at the University of Cincinnati where she plans to study journalism or counseling. Nisheayr’s foster mom is Diana Simmond.

Eulabell Williams, Richmond, Virginia Eulabell graduated from Matoaca High School where she was involved in the show choir, soccer, best buddy club, leadership and honors courses. Eulabell is also very involved in church choir and singing. She plans to attend John Tyler Community College to become a high school teacher. Eulabell’s foster parents are Alex and Yasmin Johnson.

Jamary McDougald, Columbus, Ohio Jamary graduated from Watkins Memorial High School, and plans to attend Columbus State University where he plans to major in either business, accounting or marketing. Jamary’s foster parents are Greg & Latrice Sheppard.

Kerra Toler, Charleston, South Carolina Kerra graduated from West Ashley High School in North Charleston. Kerra plans to join the Job Corps in Georgia, where she will be learning culinary arts skills.

Kerra’s foster mother is Carolyn Heyward.

Mirrissa Fleming, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania Mirrissa graduated from Seneca Valley High School, with the support of her Bair foster parents Jim & Terri Santisteven. Mirrissa is attending college and majoring in Criminal Justice. Her future career goal is to become a juvenile probation officer and help at-risk youth.

Terry Fortune, II, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Terry graduated from Piedmont High School, and is majoring in Graphic Design at the Canadian Valley Technology Center and is transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma. Terry also belongs to the Business Professionals of America and served as the Canadian Valley Technology Center’s Ambassador.

Terry’s foster parents are George & Betty Mason.

Conrad Reid, Houston, Texas Conrad Reid earned his G.E.D. with the support and encouragement of his foster father, Paul Nedd. Conrad is enrolled at Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas to pursue his degree in Graphics, Gaming & Simulation Programming.

Tony Smith, Lufkin, Texas Tony graduated from Groveton High School where he excelled at track and football. Tony was nominated as “most competitive” by his senior class, was varsity football captain, regional qualifier in the 4 x 100, 4 x 200 relay, district finalist in the 100 and 200. Tony will attend Angelina College to major in Kinesiology.

Tony’s foster parents are Emmit & Frances Horace.

David Sauceda, Dallas, Texas David graduated from Midlothian High School, and jokes that his plans after high school include “taking the place of center fielder Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers.”  David plays for the Midlothian Special Olympics team and scored 40 points in a tournament basketball game. David’s greatest attribute is his tender heart. His foster parents, Jeff and Diane Stanley said, “David has been a tremendous blessing and great addition to our family. We look forward to seeing how the Lord uses him.”

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hile doing a little research for a past class, I happened to come across some very alarming information regarding foster care youth. The research explained

that while about 3% of foster care youth enter college and or a professional training school, only 1% of them actually graduate with a degree. This information struck me because I am one of those foster care youth who have completed college.

Although my journey has not been easy along the way; and I have had my moments where I felt like giving up. This journey has been a true blessing to me. The reason why I say this is because I will be among the 1% that will graduate this year with my degree. I am so grateful for the foster care system and The Bair Foundation. They have both supported me and allowed me to chase after a dream that many others

“Yes, I Made It!” Nakiba Quarles aged-out of the foster care system in 2008. She is a Bair scholarship recipient, new mom, wife, and survivor. Nakiba will soon add the title “college graduate” to that list - she has persevered despite the odds stacked against her. She will be graduating in June with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from The University of Phoenix.

in my same exact shoes either pass up or never get the opportunity to explore. I am grateful because now that I am a wife and new mother to my beautiful son Davi’, I have something to share with him.

Having this opportunity to achieve a college degree, not only allows me to experience a life unlike what I was born into; but it now allows me to be able to provide and support my son in the way I never had. I will be able to make a life for my son and myself.

With this degree I will not only be able to provide for my son and me, but I will also be able to be a blessing to other children in the foster care system. A way to show my appreciation for what has been done for me is to give back into the foster care system and The Bair Foundation just as they have given to me. I want to pay it forward! - Nakiba Quarles

“I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

Mahogany Harrington, a former foster child and Bair scholarship recipient who “aged-out” in 2009, is pursuing her dreams while breaking the cycle of abuse. Mahogany is currently a junior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she majoring in finance and minoring in pre-law.

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oster Care has affected my life in almost too

I am currently a junior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

many ways to count. For starters, I know for a

majoring in Finance and minoring in Pre-Law. Education is

fact that I would not have gone to college without

important to me because I’ve seen how lack of education has

the encouragement from my former foster

affected my biological family (most of them are high school

families. My biological family doesn’t really

drop-outs). The majority of the members in my family are

offer any words of inspiration when it comes to doing anything

unemployed and sit at home all day long. If they aren’t sitting at

after high school, so until I moved into my last foster home in

home, they’re either at the bar, in jail, or selling drugs.

2009, I didn’t think too much about going to college.

My foster family and caseworkers would always talk to me about my plans after high school, and I never had a clue what I wanted to do until the spring of my senior year. Before then, all of the talk about college was just so overwhelming with school and

I’ve witnessed what I would consider to be the worst possible scenario for people who failed to get an education, and I’ve basically had it in my mind for a while that I wouldn’t end up like that.

sports, so I didn’t really start taking anything into consideration until I realized how close the end of the school year was. With

Being in foster care may not have been the ideal situation for me,

the help of foster care, I was able to visit the schools I was

but in the end, it turned out to be a hundred percent better than

interested in and I was also able to get my tuition fees waived.

the life I would have lived if it hadn’t been for foster care. Foster

There is absolutely no way that I would have done any of this

care has helped me with books, tuition, and basically everything

without foster care, because I simply would not have had the

I needed while in school and I am so grateful to have been given

motivation to research schools and visit them.

this opportunity. - Mahogany Harrington

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have been in foster care with The Bair Foundation for approximately 3 years. I have been through a lot in my entire life from being suspended from school, to getting removed from my home and separated from my siblings that I love dearly. Although it was a rough start,

I have come a long way from being the kid who always had his nose in trouble.

Today, I am looking into things to better myself and better benefit my situation as a foster child, such as staying in school, working, and saving money. Foster care has helped me tremendously in ways which have shaped who I am today.

“I Look forward to Who I will Become...”

In 2007, Jamary McDougald came to The Bair Foundation after being separated from his siblings and placed into foster care. Jamary credits The Bair Foundation and Franklin County Children’s Services with setting him on the path of success. Jamary is enrolled at Columbus State University where he is majoring in Accounting.

Thanks to the help of The Bair Foundation and Franklin County Children’s Services, I was able to pass all parts of the Ohio Graduation Test, continue on to my senior year with great grades, and rebuild the relationship I lost with my mother and family.

What I want for myself in life is to be successful. I want to be able to have the funds to take care of anyone dear to me. I want to be able to provide lifelong knowledge to my children, and for everyone to learn or gain something from being around me. That will define success for me.

The Bair Foundation scholarship is helping me with these goals and dreams because college is expensive. The scholarship is allowing me to put forth my best effort in school by focusing on education instead of work. The scholarship program is also benefiting me by allowing me to look at better schools.

As foster kids, we face problems every day in our life that hold us back from being who we are destined to be. I look back at my past and realize that I have come a long way and I’m proud of myself. I am looking forward to who I will become. I would also like to say that if it wasn’t Franklin County Children’s Services or The Bair Foundation, I honestly don’t know where I would be today. I am thankful to have these outstanding organizations backing me up and helping me with my decisions in life.

-Jamary McDougald

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t the age of fourteen years old I was placed into foster care. My home life was extremely dysfunctional. My mom and her boyfriend were consuming drugs and alcohol. My brother and I

were abused and neglected and subsequently removed from our home. Through all this, I still wanted to be able to get a good education and change my life for the better with accomplishments I had achieved through hard work.

A Reason to Hope Bair scholarship recipient Alexis Rowley was placed into foster care after enduring unspeakable abuse.

With the support of her Bair Foster Parents, Don & Cynthia Rowley, Alexis graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class and is currently studying to be a Physician’s Assistant at Kettering College.

Alexis credits the foster care system with giving her the opportunity and safety she needed to succeed.

When I was put into foster care I was finally given that opportunity to be somebody in life and I was in a safe environment that encouraged me to do so. I did not have to be afraid of being abused or hurt in any way. All the kind adults who worked with me from children services gave me reason to hope and begin to see that I could finally live a normal life.

I have always valued my education but it was not until I was placed into foster care that my education was encouraged. I want to make a difference in the world and help people live their lives in healthier ways. I want to become a Physician Assistant so that I can help people get well physically. I believe that as a Physician Assistant I would be able to give people some hope that their life is valuable and that they are worthwhile.

Becoming a Physician Assistant requires six years of education and more money than I have to pay for the education needed. I am thankful for receiving The Bair Foundation Scholarship. I am extremely grateful for the blessing and being able to continue my education. The Bair Foundation is helping me to fulfill my dreams of serving others. - Alexis Rowley

Hope & a Future

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or a child in foster care, the odds are automatically against you; being a child with self-destructive mentality just makes it worse.

When I was in middle school I had a very big problem with getting my work done on time,

which ruined my chances of graduating with my classmates.

Because of my depression, which is very common for kids in foster care, I could not motivate myself to use the tools I had to be successful. I barely made it through school.

At the end of my junior year, I was in a foster home where there

George & Betty shared their faith with me and my biological parents. They really supported me and encouraged my relationship with my biological dad, who was even baptized at church.

was constant tension. When I turned 18, I called my county caseworker to tell her I wanted to leave. I desperately wanted to

The Mason’s pushed me to want more for myself and showed

sign myself out of care and leave the foster home I was living

me a Godly lifestyle that gave me the drive to do more classes

in. Through her persuasion, I stuck it out for one more week

in my senior year to catch up. Although I didn’t have the best

until she found me a home with The Bair Foundation.

GPA, I did make significant improvements and am proud of my accomplishments. I not only graduated from high school

I didn’t get my hopes up, but I was really surprised when I went

and vo-tech, I was able to purchase a car with the help of The

to live with my Bair foster parents, George and Betty Mason.

Bair Foundation’s Independent Living Fund, and I am attending

They are an older couple who have fostered children for fifteen

college to become a graphic designer. I am a success!

years, and have two adopted foster children.

-Terry Lynn Fortune II

The Bair Foundation National Office 241 High Street New Wilmington, PA 16142 Toll Free: (800) 543-7058 email: info@bair.org

Your Support Makes the Difference!

Your tax-deductible gifts and partnership allow us to provide the highest quality of care to foster children and teens. With your investment, you are promoting real, measurable and lifelong change, empowering our community’s most vulnerable and at-risk young people. By giving to The Bair Foundation, you’re helping kids in foster care have the best opportunities to succeed.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

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www.bair.org/donate