Summer 2020

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SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ORGANIZATION VALUES

FROM PATRICE

OFFICERS

I am a white leader of a beautifully diverse workforce.

Over half of my 90 colleagues and the majority of the 580 families we serve identify as people of color.

Rich Schultz, Chair Cherry City Metals

I have heard many of my co-workers share their stories growing up in an underrepresented group, overcoming every obstacle to immigrate to the United States, ensuring their children know their culture and, at the same time, be “American.” In relation to their stories, mine is definitely a story of privilege. It is a distinct honor to be able to expand my own world by sharing the experience of “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together” with this team - the whole team.

R. Taylor, Chair-Elect Chemeketa Community College Jeff Moore, Vice Chair Saalfeld Griggs, PC Brian Johnston, Past Chair Dallas Glass & Window Jody Rowell, Secretary Community Service Mike Blanchard, Treasurer Johnson, Glaze & Co.

BOARD MEMBERS Dave Alcorn | PGE Jacob Bailey | Sea Legs Media Troy Blum | Blum Real Estate Ross Carey | U.S. Bank Wally Carson | Retired, OR Supreme Court Brent DeMoe | Polk County Family and Community Outreach Walt Edmonds | Retired, OR Court of Appeals

As our team has learned though Outward Mindset training, “You Matter as I Matter.” In times like these, and always, it is important to remember that some in our community, those who have had repeated, marginalizing experiences demonstrating that some think they do not matter, need those who value diversity, equity, and inclusion, to be very specific when we say who matters to us. Black lives, the lives of Indigenous People, and the lives of people of color, matter.

As Executive Director of Family Building Blocks, and as a member of our community, I have a humbling sense of responsibility to move beyond being “not racist” to being actively anti-racist by working against the multifaceted and deeply ingrained ways racism disrupts the lives of those we serve and those with whom we serve. I do not always get things right and can at times act in culturally insensitive ways. My hope - my promise - is that I remember to listen, pay attention, be considerate and thoughtful, be curious, repair any rupture I have caused, and change my behavior when necessary.

Adrienne Fischer | Legislative Commission on Indian Services Hannah Fouts | HomeSmart Realty Group Deana Freres | Community Service Pedro Gomez | Representing Partnering Families Levi Herrera-Lopez | Mano a Mano Danae Johnson | Capital Financial Planners Rob Kansky | Green Acres Landscape Lillian Kay | HomeSmart Realty Group Nancy MacMorris-Adix | Legacy Silverton Midwives Diane McLaran | Center for Business and Industry Wes McWhorter | Premier Remodeling & Design Jerry Moore | Salem Chief of Police Christy Perry | Salem-Keizer Public Schools Marni Redding | Mother Tree Olive Grove and The Arbor Leilani Slama | Salem Health Ernesto Toskovic | KeyBank Conrad Venti | Venti’s Restaurants Patrice Altenhofen | FBB Executive Director

ORGANIZATION VALUES • We respect the unique personhood of each child.

• We believe in the power of a securely attached family.

• We are family-centered, caring and supportive.

• We strive for equity and celebrate diversity.

• We are collaborative and ambitious.

As an organization, one of the strongest underpinnings of Family Building Blocks is the diverse nature of the Family Building Blocks family – the children and families who partner with us, our staff, our board of directors, our donors and volunteers, and our community.

This family of people shares a singular, narrow focus on partnering with young children and their families, and this has consistently invited us to transcend polarizing forces that emerge around us.

The Family Building Blocks Board has reached out directly to our staff and the families we partner with to reconfirm our values of striving for equity and celebrating diversity and to ensuring we continue to grow in our understanding of how racism impacts our mission.

The Board’s sentiments are consistent with those written here.

Family Building Blocks has always valued and advocated for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our society, without judgment. We are devoted to protecting and enhancing the dignity of humanity, most particularly in its smallest forms. We see you. We invite you to share your stories. We will listen. We will learn. We will act with intention to ensure that our policies and practices reflect this commitment.

• We emphasize strengths and assume positive intent.

• We honor vulnerability and courage.

• We offer optimism and hope.

• We express gratitude for our community’s generosity.

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

FEATURED STORY MEET JAYLEE AND JEREMY

As we continue prioritizing the needs of children and families in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also want to share and celebrate families who have had major breakthroughs that began well before COVID-19 hit our world and community. One of these families continues to work hard to stay safe and together and we are proud to celebrate them today. Jaylee and Jeremy are parents partnering with Family Building Blocks. Upon learning that Jaylee was pregnant, they knew they were going to need support.

While Jeremy had two children from a previous relationship, this was Jaylee’s first child. As the couple prepared to welcome their new baby, Jaylee was living in adult foster care and Jeremy was homeless. Jeremy was also facing some medical challenges and living with a hearing condition. Even with their overwhelming circumstances, Jaylee and Jeremy were determined to stay together and give their child the best possible start in life.

They began attending our weekly Nurturing Parenting classes.

Our staff shared that they were eager to join, engage in learning, and participate in class with their peers. Jeremy quickly advocated for himself by identifying his strengths and committing to learning despite his challenges. Both Jaylee and Jeremy were passionate about learning everything they possibly could to support their child’s development and establish positive routines.

While attending community birthing classes, they would bring that new knowledge to our parenting classes to share with other parents. This helped them build a strong network and community of support in their parenting journey. They also started receiving Home Visits through our Healthy Families program. Prior to sheltering in place and offering virtual services, our Home Visitors would meet families where they were, often in the home, and support them in learning to strengthen their bond and attachment. Once children are born, our Home Visitors bring information and activities to engage the family while also providing referrals to ensure access to medical services and resources for meeting basic needs. Home Visitors also help parents identify and accomplish goals supporting confidence and self-sufficiency. Today, Home Visitors partner with families virtually and deliver weekly emergency food boxes with other essential supplies.

With support from Family Building Blocks staff and encouragement from their peers, Jaylee and Jeremy completed the 12-week Nurturing Parenting course without missing a single class. Jeremy is proud that, because of what he learned and experienced at Family Building Blocks, his relationships with his other two children have improved as well. Jaylee and Jeremy welcomed their beautiful baby, Kyle, to the world with new knowledge, experience, confidence, and the same determination they had during Jaylee’s pregnancy. Soon after, Jeremy was able to move in to adult foster care with Jaylee and Kyle and was no longer experiencing homelessness. Today, they are proud to say they are living safely together as a family in their own apartment!

Jaylee shared that “Being a Mom is challenging. I am still learning. For Jeremy, it’s a little easier because he’s done it before. But this isn’t a job for just one person, it’s a job where two parents become partners. We are ‘Ohana’ and family doesn’t get left behind. If Jeremy and I disagree about something, instead of arguing like before, now we calmly talk through it. There are times that I still feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but it’s because I am a new mom. Motherhood can be hard but with Jeremy and Family Building Blocks, I know I am not alone!”

“There are times that I still feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but it’s because I am a new mom. Motherhood can be hard but with Jeremy and Family Building Blocks, I know I am not alone!” - Jaylee, Parent

HIGHLIGHTS ITS NEVER TOO EARLY TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT ANTI-RACISM

Because it’s never too early to talk to children about anti-racism, we recently shared helpful developmental information on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. These graphics are from @theconciouskid on Instagram with images by @pretty_good_design adapted from work by the Children’s Community School. To find additional helpful resources and learn more, visit The Children’s Community School online. www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/

MY FAMILY WEARS MASKS TO PROTECT OUR LOVED ONES AND OTHERS. “Keep Children Safe and Families Together” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STAY HOME. STAY HEALTHY. STAY SAFE. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY? • Wear a mask • Stand six feet apart in public • Wash your hands often

• Disinfect surfaces often • Avoid touching your face • Avoid touching others

MEET PEDRO AND HIS FAMILY!

To feature your family wearing masks in our materials, send photos to Meaghan Levy at mlevy@familybuildingblocks.org.

MARION COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH: www.co.marion.or.us | POLK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH: www.co.polk.or.us

HIGHLIGHTS NOW OFFERING EMERGENCY RESPITE CARE TO PARTNERING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

With an abrupt increase in overwhelming stressors associated with COVID-19, including social isolation, severely restricted availability of childcare, distance learning, and limited access to resources, families with young children have been struggling to maintain stability. We are witnessing firsthand families at a breaking point – living in or near a space of dangerous volatility. In response to this increased need, Family Building Blocks, along with the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, strongly advocated for Relief Nurseries to be allowed to provide respite care to children during this time and worked with the Early Learning Division to create the necessary guidance and protocols. Respite care gives parents a much-needed break from the demands of parenting, while providing children with a fun and safe social environment with their peers.

Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safest possible respite care environment for children and staff.

We are offering several sessions of respite care to families enrolled in our programs. Sessions last two or three hours and are offered at multiple locations. Parents can use this time to regroup, prioritize self-care, and restore some balance to their weekly routines. Additionally, parents can participate in weekly virtual connections, offered in English and Spanish, through parenting classes or check-ins to chat with our staff and each other. We are also rolling out virtual playgroups for children and families who can benefit from regular community connections and play.

If you haven’t seen our beautiful behind-the-scenes video detailing all the ways we are supporting children and families during this time, head to our YouTube channel and watch! Thank you for your words of encouragement and supporting “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!”

YOU CAN PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

As many communities in Oregon enter phases of reopening, it is more important than ever to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to our friends at Salem Health, you can find valuable information online to help with the management and prevention of COVID-19 symptoms. We continue to take every precaution to keep our staff and children and families we serve in our community as safe and healthy as possible.

FEELING OVERWHELMED EASING TRANSITIONS AT HOME? WE CAN HELP! IN THE CLASSROOMS If you or a family you know are feeling isolated and overwhelmed at home, our dedicated, loving, and qualified parent educators can connect with you virtually. We are here to partner with families with children ages prenatal to five years in Marion and Polk counties.

Whether a phone call check in or a virtual playgroup, we are here to help!

To connect with us, please call our Intake Team at 971.301.1003 today! www.familybuildingblocks.org/parents

The Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries recently provided a Circle of Security Parenting training for our staff to help families transition easily to and from Therapeutic Classrooms.

By observing and analyzing classroom interactions, the team is now better able to identify specific needs and create more individualized care. This foundational curriculum is part of our “wrap around” Relief Nursery services designed to support the entire family.

HIGHLIGHTS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE BASIC NEEDS MET DURING COVID-19

Our families, who are often experiencing overwhelming life circumstances, are courageous and look to us for hope. They are learning to navigate new and multiplying stressors arising from the COVID-19 crisis including ongoing limited access to public transportation, food, and essential supplies. Families are relying on us more than ever to be their lifeline. Our dedicated and loving Therapeutic Classroom Teachers, Home Visitors, and support staff are conducting home visits remotely and reaching out to families on our unserved list.

We are delivering food, diapers, wipes, and other essential supplies like cleaning and hygiene products.

If you’d like to donate needed items for our emergency food boxes, please visit our AmazonSmile wish list to ship items from http://a.co/9CEMFRS. Staff are also available at our main location, Chelsea’s Place, to accept food and diaper donations Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Our community TRULY is our strength. Thank you!

“As I delivered a few of our boxes to families recently, all families called out a thank you and children waved from their windows. One child also shouted, ‘TEACHER, I LOVE YOU!’ This filled my cup and energized me. I am not so thankful for this virus hitting our community; however, I am thankful that we are not bound powerless to its grip and can continue to empower families and shine hope during this time of difficulty, thus creating a stronger community and team!”

- Belinda, Supervisor at Gracie’s Place (Pictured)

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SUPPORTED BY EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES IN MARION AND POLK COUNTIES

TOTAL PEOPLE

TOTAL ADULTS

TOTAL CHILDREN

TOTAL DELIVERIES

EVENTS

ORIGINALLY ON JUNE 25, 2020

ORIGINALLY ON AUGUST 1, 2020

ORIGINALLY ON AUGUST 6, 2020

ORIGINALLY ON SEPT 16, 2020

2020 SUMMER EVENTS CANCELED

As we look ahead to all of the exciting things summer brings to Marion and Polk counties, we are also determined to do what is safest for our families and our community. Because of this, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the summer events above including the Polk County Luncheon in September. We appreciate your support and words of encouragement as we continue to prioritize “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.” We are thinking of you, hope you are staying safe and healthy, and look forward to sharing these wonderful experiences with you again in 2021.

Thank you, again, for your support as we continue to look to the future. In the meantime, please keep an eye on our events page at www.familybuildingblocks.org/events for updates about all of our annual events. If you were planning to make a donation in support of children and families partnering with Family Building Blocks at any of these events, please visit our donate page or text FBB to 91999 to give any amount, any time. Thank you!

THANK YOU TO OUR PREVENTION PATRONS! PREVENTION PATRONS ARE INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES THAT SPONSOR OUR RELIEF NURSERY THERAPEUTIC EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS Thank you to our summer event sponsors who transferred their sponsorship dollars to our Prevention Patrons giving program. To become a Prevention Patron, please contact Julie Hilty, Director of Business Partnerships, at jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org or call 503.566.2132.

HEALTH SPONSOR

SAFETY SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM

Cascade Collections | Childhood Health Associates of Salem | Dallas Community Foundation Dallas Glass & Window | Grove, Mueller & Swank, PC | Instant Fire Protection | Lane & Francine Shetterly Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association | Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Salem Electric | Valley Credit Union

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALEM, OREGON PERMIT NO. 64

2425 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

PRINTING SPONSOR:

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To update your physical address for our quarterly newsletter and to join our monthly IMPACT e-news list, contact Nikki Paxton at npaxton@familybuildingblocks.org.

E S TO G E T

GRACIE’S PLACE DORIS’S PLACE BROADWAY PLACE DALLAS ACADEMY HELEN’S PLACE WOODBURN CLASSROOM CHELSEA’S PLACE Santiam Center 1255 Broadway St. 182 SW Academy St. 180 18th St. NE First Presbyterian Church 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE 1135 Edgewater St. NW 11656 Sublimity Rd. SE Salem, OR 97301 Salem, OR 97304 Suite 210 Salem, OR 97305 Salem, OR 97301 950 N Boones Ferry Rd. Woodburn, OR 97071 Sublimity, OR 97385 Dallas, OR 97338

Family Building Blocks (Main Office) 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97305 | 503.566.2132 | www.familybuildingblocks.org