Winter 2022 Newsletter

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ORGANIZATION VALUES

FROM PATRICE

When I was first getting started at Family Building Blocks over 10 years ago, I was in awe of the dedication shown by the Board. Many of the members have been with us since 2001 and they are still as active and engaged as they were then! Our Board is collaborative and strategic. Enthusiastic and generous. Funny and fearless. What a blessing! If you are a member of our Board, please know how inspiring you are and we appreciate your service!

BOARD MEMBERS

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.

• 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.

For the better part of the last four years, Rich Schultz has been our Board Chair. As his fellow Family Building Blocks Board members would say, Rich Schultz is “all in.” During his tenure, Rich has leaned-in to our work. He has been a “Bus Buddy” and a classroom volunteer. He has volunteered to prepare and cook meals at Family Nights. He has delivered emergency food boxes to families in need. He also established a little thing called Capital City Live in 2019: a concert series benefitting Family Building Blocks. For me, he has been a friend and a confidant, and for that I will be forever grateful. Rich, you have more than earned the “all in” designation! Thank you for your service!

Our new Board Chair is Nancy MacMorris-Adix. Nancy is a retired Nurse Midwife and has served on our Board for nine years. Nancy has already established a truly remarkable legacy of seeing children and families for who they are, where they are, at the moment their eyes meet for the first time. For the past decade, she has participated as a regular donor, given her time as a volunteer, brought her unique experiences and critical perspectives to our Board and our Program and Collaboration Committee, been instrumental in the development of our new Family Mental Health Program, and so much more. We have been so grateful to partner with her in support of children and families, and look forward to the next two years with Nancy at the helm.

With gratitude,

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

OFFICERS

Nancy MacMorris-Adix, Chair Retired, Legacy Silverton Midwives

Jeff Moore, Vice Chair Saalfeld Griggs, PC

Rich Schultz, Past Chair Cherry City Metals

Jody Rowell, Secretary Community Service

Mike

Patrice

HIGHLIGHTS

CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS AT ANNUAL DREAM BUILDERS LUNCHEON

Family Building Blocks is 25! On October 6th, our community gathered to celebrate at our annual Dream Builders Luncheon and a quarter century of “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.”

After starting in a church basement in 1997, we have grown to serve over 800 children each year, with an estimated total of 14,000 children over 25 years. Our Dream Builders Luncheon was a reminder that it is each family story and each child’s journey of healing and resilience that matters most.

Nancy MacMorris-Adix, incoming Board President and retired Nurse Midwife reminded us every new parent wants the best for their baby. In her work, as each newborn was cradled in the arms of the new mother, it was clear to Nancy:

“100% of the time, each child was cherished and wanted. Regardless of the skills the mother had at the moment, she wanted the very best for her baby.”

Ben Fennimore, Family Mental Health Program Director and one of our bilingual mental health therapists, shared his journey beginning as an intern from Willamette University in 2007. Ben remembers the first time he really connected to the mission of Family Building Blocks:

“A little boy walked over to me with a piece of paper. It was a big white piece of paper, and right in the middle, about halfway up, was a red dot the size of a dime…I looked him in the eyes with a smile and genuinely said, ‘Wow, you drew a red dot! You worked really hard on that.’ He responded with the biggest smile. It was at that moment that I finally felt what it meant to make a difference in one of the children’s lives.”

That connection never left Ben. In 2020, 13 years after seeing that beautiful red dot, Ben was hired full time to launch our Family Mental Health Program. Like all services at Family Building Blocks, mental health services are free and voluntary.

Jeff Moore has been involved with Family Building Blocks for over 20 years. He is a proud father and grandfather. Jeff reflected on the sacrifices and love of his grandfather, who changed the direction of Jeff’s family for generations to come. He emphasized that each of one us has the ability to influence the lives of others, and shined a light on the example set by our founder, Sue Miller.

“Imagine Sue, sitting at her kitchen table so many years ago, thinking about the child abuse crisis in our community and deciding to use her influence to address it.”

The event concluded with Ross Carey, retired Executive Vice President for U.S. Bank, and board member for 20 years. Ross remembers the day in 2002, when:

“My eyes were opened to not only the critical need but the incredible, lasting generational results of investing in prevention. When a parent looks at their children and finds the courage to ask for help, it is paramount that we say YES. The impact that Family Building Blocks and its supporters have on the lives of the youngest among us, their families, and our collective future, is PROFOUND.”

MEET MARIA

MEET MARIA AND GIVE BY DECEMBER 31, 2022!

There were many times where we didn’t have enough money for food, electricity, Christmas gifts, or to have meals together to celebrate holidays.”

As a child, Maria remembers hunger and poverty. Focusing on how to get food and stay warm meant that all other dreams and goals were unattainable. There was never much time for connection or play. They were isolated and alone. It was overwhelming living day to day.

In 2003, Maria’s mother took a leap of faith, and called Family Building Blocks looking for help. The effects of her brave choice ripple on today, almost 20 years later.

Maria’s mother had been referred to Family Building Blocks from a caseworker at WIC, but it was the first-hand encouragement from her sister, who was already partnering with Family Building Blocks, that convinced her to call. This loving aunt reassured the family that Family Building Blocks was a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

“My aunt and her children were already enrolled at Family Building Blocks when our family was looking for help. She told my mom that Family Building Blocks was trustworthy and accessible. Without my aunt’s recommendation, it would have been really hard for our family to trust.”

Right away, Maria, just two years old at the time, began attending the Therapeutic Classroom and Maria’s family began receiving Home Visits.

“Some of the support I remember are the meals at school, the playground, the clothes from the clothing closet, food from the pantry, car seats and baby supplies, and our Home Visitor, Tula. She would get my whole family involved. She provided valuable information, referrals, engaging activities, and emotional support.”

The family began to feel encouraged as Family Building Blocks helped them get connected to the community. This was an enormous weight lifted from Maria’s parents. They began to dream about their futures. They were no longer alone. They began to have hope.

“One of the highlights I remember was Holiday Giving, and the beautiful dinner we had in the conference room at Chelsea’s Place. I would realize there are people out there that really care about us!”

Family Building Blocks was a meaningful piece of Maria’s early childhood, a time when the most core memories are made. The years of support from Family Building Blocks left a huge impression on Maria. She knew she wanted to work here one day and help others the way her family had been helped.

In 2021, Maria came back to Family Building Blocks when she was hired a as a Polk County Outreach Worker! Maria remembers the day she walked into Gracie’s Place as a new employee and saw Tula. She recognized Tula immediately and all the precious memories of those home visits came flooding back.

“You look just like your mom!” Tula said.

Now, Maria directly serves families who call her when they are in crises, need encouragement and resources, and wrap around

Maria as a child

Tula, Maria and Isabella, and Maria’s mother

Maria working at Family Building Blocks

services like her family received.

“I remember what it was like for my family. I love supporting families now, just like my family was supported.”

Maria herself recently became a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Isabella. Maria was overjoyed when Isabella was born.

“I want her to have what I did not have growing up. I do not want her to worry about how she is going to eat or where food will come from, or if she will go hungry. I want her to be herself, love herself, and never give up on her own dreams.”

At Family Building Blocks, we see the best in people so they can see the best in themselves.

“We never forget the families we serve. They are a piece of us forever.” - Daisy Holmes, Family Engagement Director

Because of YOU, families have hope. Please

generously to “Keep Children Safe and Families Together.”

HIGHLIGHTS

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We all have a story. Here is Maggie’s.

THE BEGINNING. Maggie Zimmerman was introduced to Family Building Blocks in 2005 when she attended a Dream Builders Luncheon. Impressed by the grassroots approach to preventing child abuse and neglect, she signed up as a classroom volunteer. Since then, she’s also volunteered at special events, set up new locations, provided administrative support, supported outreach events, and is the undisputed boss of homemade play dough. There is nothing she can’t do.

HER BACKGROUND. Maggie and her husband Karl (also a dedicated volunteer) celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary this year. They share an adult daughter, two granddaughters, and a great grandson, Scotty, who turns 8 in January. Maggie and Karl both worked as surgical nurses. Maggie’s last position was as a nurse supervisor in pediatric surgery. She also participated in three humanitarian missions to Nicaragua where she assisted in dozens of life-altering surgeries.

CLASSROOM MEMORIES. Maggie remembers Ariana. Ariana was guarded. She didn’t talk much. One day, Maggie saw her sitting at a table coloring. When Maggie observed that Ariana was using a red crayon and told Ariana that red was her favorite color, Ariana switched to another crayon. When Maggie asked what color it was, Ariana paused. “Different,” she finally replied. Maggie still laughs when she thinks about Ariana. Ariana was setting boundaries, and they included a determination to stay aloof—and not to share any crayon secrets. As the weeks progressed, Ariana became more open, talkative, and showcased her extensive vocabulary. She was able to achieve that with the tools and support provided by Family Building Blocks teachers and volunteers like Maggie.

WHY SHE STAYS. “The staff at Family Building Blocks has been very welcoming to me. One of the first things I noticed about Family Building Blocks is how kind and compassionate the staff are. They want to see each other succeed. They want to support children and families.” She added, “Every day I have something funny or heartwarming to share with my husband. It’s such a positive experience. You get to see first-hand the good work that’s being done, and you get to be a part of that.”

Thank you, Maggie! We’re so grateful to her for sharing her heart and time with us for over 18 years. She’s won the admiration and respect of Family Building Blocks staff, and the love of the children we serve.

This is Maggie’s story. What will your story be? Contact Janine Catalino, Family Building Blocks Volunteer Coordinator, at jcatalino@familybuildingblocks.org, 503-566-2132 to begin your volunteer story with Family Building Blocks.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GALA OF TREES

GALA OF TREES RAISES OVER $250,000 TO BENEFIT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Thank you for supporting the 2022 Gala of Trees benefiting children and families partnering with Family Building Blocks. It was such an incredible night. Thanks to you we had a sold out event and were able to raise a record amount! We have so much gratitude for our community’s commitment to “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.”

The 25 full-size and tabletop trees and eight wreaths, all thoughtfully and beautifully decorated, included truly outstanding gifts, trips, wine, self-care packages, toys, and more. Winning bidders get to enjoy these festive features in their homes while they plan for their getaways, delight in their new treats, and celebrate our community’s commitment to supporting children and families.

We’d like to give the most heartfelt thank you to our tree decorators and volunteers for your countless hours perfecting every last detail. Your efforts are the foundation of this beloved event. Thank you to our sponsors, including presenting sponsors Mountain West Investment Corporation and ENT Northwest, donors, and to you, our community, for your dedication to the youngest among us.

2425 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

PRINTING SPONSOR:

INDY PLACE

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

SALEM, OREGON PERMIT NO. 64

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

1601 Monmouth St, Suite 101 Independence, OR 97351

Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

CHELSEA’S

HELEN’S PLACE

180 18th St NE Salem, OR 97301

Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

JAN’S PLACE

Morningside United Methodist Church 3674 12th St SE Salem, OR 97302 Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

JEANETTE’S PLACE

1787 State St NE Salem, OR 97301

Open for Family Mental Health Appointments.

WOODBURN PLACE

First Presbyterian Church 950 N Boones Ferry Rd Woodburn, OR 97071 Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

GRACIE’S PLACE

1135 Edgewater St NW Salem, OR 97304

Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

DORIS’S PLACE (OFFICE)

Santiam Center 11656 Sublimity Rd SE Sublimity, OR 97385 Temporarily closed. Please call for assistance.

FREEMAN PLACE

3772 Portland Rd NE, Suite A Salem, OR 97301 Open for Home Visiting services.

DORIS’S PLACE (CLASSROOM)

Wolf Ridge Community Room 1351 E Santiam St Stayton, OR 97383 Open for Therapeutic Classroom services.

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