Winter 2017/18 by Family Building Blocks

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HILDREN F E & FA M

E S TO G E T

DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY

R K E E PI N

WINTER 2017/18 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Nita Kennedy, Chair COUNTRY Financial Rich Schultz, Chair-Elect Cherry City Metals 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.

FROM PATRICE

Wellness. Recognition. We hear these words around the workplace, knowing that they are important, but often at a loss at how to embrace them.

At Family Building Blocks, with 100 employees doing high-quality, high-stakes work, Wellness and Recognition are not optional – they are necessary to attract and retain a healthy, supportive team. As a non-profit, we do not include a lot of discretionary spending in our budget, so we established a resourceful and creative Wellness Committee which has developed a plan for our workplace. Our goal is to support employees in self-care while creating a healthy environment characterized by appreciation, communication, and FUN! Here are some examples of their brilliance: • A contest in November to see which Family Building Blocks site can complete the most “Recognition Leaves” (thank you notes), for team mates and place them on a “Thankful Grateful Tree.” • A Thankful Grateful “shout out” to team mates at our weekly Team Huddles. • A monthly gift card drawing where employees nominate one another for recognition (the gift cards are from local businesses who support children and families!). • Daily team walks. • Monthly Appreciation Weeks, where a segment of our staff, such as Teachers or Supervisors, is recognized for their unique contributions. November was “Superhero Supervisor” Recognition and each supervisor received a certificate and a tiny superhero pencil topper. • Weekly yoga and chair massage opportunities. This is paid time for staff and staff pay for the massage and yoga. • A Wellness Cook-Off, where we learned of the greatness of Nelpha’s Lentils and Yaritza’s Chocoflan! We also conduct an annual Wellness and Benefits survey to ensure we are offering an array of options valued by our team. Though we know we can’t meet every need, we will get closer by listening to the input offered by our staff. If you have more low-cost, meaningful Employee Wellness and Recognition ideas, we’d love to hear them! Please e-mail me at patrice@familybuildingblocks.org.

Ernesto Toskovic | KeyBank Conrad Venti | Pioneer Trust Bank Patrice Altenhofen | FBB Executive Director

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

FAMILY STORIES MEET SHANNON AND JOSH

Shannon and her son Josh were among the first families to partner with Family Building Blocks 20 years ago. We recently reconnected with Shannon and Josh to hear about their experience and how they are doing today. Shannon shared, “Family Building Blocks taught me a lot of skills and made sure I was doing the right thing for my family. They were so supportive and always positive. Family Building Blocks makes everyone feel loved, regardless of their circumstances, and the most important thing for children to know is that they are loved.” In 1997, Shannon brought Josh to participate in our first Therapeutic Classroom located in the basement of First United Methodist Church in downtown Salem. In our first year, Family Building Blocks welcomed 30 children, including Josh. Today, with six locations in Marion and Polk counties, 780 families and over 1,300 children partner with Family Building Blocks through Therapeutic Classrooms, Home Visiting, Parenting Education, and Respite Care services. They have access to resources like our Clothing Closet, Food Pantry, and Community Referrals. Of the over 1,300 children we serve, 99% are able to remain living safely with their families. Visit Family Building Blocks’ YouTube channel to view our 20th Anniversary highlight video, including Shannon and Josh’s story.

SHANNON AND JOSH IN 1997

SHANNON AND JOSH TODAY

MEET THE ADAMS FAMILY

AUSTIN

SIERRA

SAVANNAH

Carol Adams and her husband, Kerick, will never forget the day, over 10 years ago, when they received a call from the Department of Human Services. Three children needed a home - immediately. Austin, Sierra, and Savannah’s biological parents struggled with significant issues in their own lives which led to the neglect of the children’s basic needs. As a result, the children moved in and out of foster care while Family Building Blocks consistently provided a safe and nurturing environment for them. Though their parents worked to keep their children safe, they continued to face many stressors, became overwhelmed, and eventually relinquished their parental rights. The effects of early abuse, neglect, and trauma on the three children were profound. Carol shared, “Family Building Blocks was foundational in helping our children heal from their trauma. They greatly benefited from the sensory exploration of the Therapeutic Classroom and slowly they learned to build trust with adults. Today, they are thriving as young adults.”

AUSTIN, SIERRA, CAROL, AND SAVANNAH TODAY

To continue reading about this inspiring family and how they were able to remain safe and together, visit www.familybuildingblocks.org/donate, and consider making a gift before December 31, 2017!

SPOTLIGHTS ALLIED VIDEO PRODUCTIONS

ALLIED VIDEO PRODUCTIONS CREW

Allied Video Productions continues to raise the bar with their commitment to excellence and support for the growth of our community. For our 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Dream Builders Luncheon in October, the technical aspects were challenging, but were no match for their tireless efforts and vision. The Allied team led the way for us to combine the two largest rooms of the Salem Convention Center, connecting 1,200 guests with two stages, seven screens, two camera crews, and a live feed. Owners Scott and Jeff shared, “Since Family Building Blocks was in its infancy, Allied Video Productions has had the honor of helping tell their story. We’ve been privileged to have an ‘insider view’ of everything they do to ‘Keep Children Safe and Families Together,’ and we’re continually amazed at the difference FBB has made in our community. We, too, strive to make Salem a healthier community, and we’re honored by our partnership. Here’s to the next 20 years!”

SELECT IMPRESSIONS

Select Impressions has been an incredible partner for 10 years through their donations of services and materials, including the printing of these quarterly newsletters. They believe that how and when we communicate with our community can have a significant impact in the success of our programs and they work to ensure the materials we produce are not only completed on schedule, but are also high quality and professional. The team at Select Impressions recently shared, “The core of a child’s life is his family. We are pleased to be a part of Family Building Blocks’ efforts because we concur with their goal to go beyond applying a band aid to one or two aspects of a child’s life and instead, work to strengthen the family’s core.” Thank you, Select Impressions, for your MARK & MIKE, SELECT IMPRESSIONS ongoing commitment to “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

TOUR DATES: Dec. 20, Jan. 17, and Feb. 21 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Chelsea’s Place, 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem Contact Stephanie Benefiel to sign up for a tour at 503.566.2132 or sbenefiel@familybuildingblocks.org.

HIGHLIGHTS

COPE CLASSES COME TO WINTER FAMILY NIGHT CCTV PROMOTES FBB FAMILY BUILDING BLOCKS WELCOMES FBB FAMILIES VOLUNTEER POSITIONS In November, Family Building Blocks began offering COPE classes that teach parents how to help their children through a divorce and provide parenting strategies for after the divorce takes place. Knowing that parents’ actions and decisions profoundly affect how well a child adjusts to these changes, these classes provide parents with tools to help their children thrive during this transition.

FBB LAUNCHES ‘COURT AND COMMUNITY CARE’ Since September 2017, FBB has welcomed 18 children to ‘Court and Community Care’ in Polk County. This program stems from ‘Mid-Valley CourtCare’ and offers free child care in a safe, supportive, and quality environment for children ages six weeks to 12 years while their parents attend commitments like counseling sessions, medical appointments, or court proceedings.

In January, FBB families will come together for a night of food and fun for the whole family. Each year, we host Winter and Summer Family Nights, where families partnering with Family Building Blocks enjoy free activities, a meal, and time spent together as a community. Thank you to Blanchet Catholic School for hosting and FBB’s Board of Directors for sponsoring these events by providing and serving meals!

Thank you to CCTV for producing a video highlighting the many volunteer opportunities at FBB. Special thanks to our Development Intern, Whitney, for coordinating this thoughtful piece featuring volunteers including herself, Deana Freres, Katie Buckley, and Skip Boice. Watch CCTV and view their YouTube channel to see why these wonderful people support children and families through volunteerism.

WELCOME BRENT DEMOE HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND PEDRO GOMEZ SUPPORTS FBB FAMILIES We are pleased to announce that Brent DeMoe (L) and Pedro Gomez (R) have joined the FBB Board of Directors. Brent is the Family & Community Outreach Director for Polk County and Pedro is an FBB parent who succeeded Sophia Macaitis, the parent representative for FBB families for over five years. Thank you, Sophia, for your dedicated service and welcome, Brent and Pedro!

Leslie Seaver (pictured) volunteers for the Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, one of our Santiam Canyon partners. She recently decorated a “Hope for the Holidays” tree with tags representing wishes of families partnering with Family Building Blocks. This annual giving program encourages the community to donate specific gifts for children and families, ensuring their basic needs are met during the holidays.

GIVE Thank you for your support in “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!”

SUSTAINER

YEAR-END GIVING When making your year-end charitable choices, we hope you prioritize Family Building Blocks! brandy@familybuildingblocks.org

Become a monthly donor and give online! www.familybuildingblocks.org

mo.

Milk For 1 Classroom

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Formula For 1 Infant

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Diapers For 5 Children

DREAM BUILDER Give $1,000 a year for three years. brandy@familybuildingblocks.org

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Give Before 12/31/17

Make a one-time gift, become a Sustainer, or donate stock. www.familybuildingblocks.org/donate

Home Visits For 1 Family

THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY! “How we treat our children is how we can predict what our future will be” - Oregon Senator Jackie Winters. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of our community “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together,” at the Dream Builders Luncheon on October 19. We are so thankful to the 1,200 guests who joined us for this special event and demonstrated their commitment to children and families in our community. Because of you, 8,000 local children in the last 20 years have had an opportunity for a brighter future.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

20TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS Cascade Collections | K&E Excavating | NW Natural | Withnell Motor Company

DREAM BUILDER SPONSORS

IN KIND SPONSORS

Allied Video Productions | Select Impressions | Talewind Visuals

YOU’RE INVITED! SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 5:00-7:00 PM | FREE SALEM CONVENTION CENTER Become a Stepping Stone Sustainer to “Keep Children Safe and Families Together.” To continue ensuring as many children and families as possible receive the support they need, Family Building Blocks is hosting our second annual Sustainers Happy Hour to highlight the impact of monthly giving and what it means to be a Stepping Stone Sustainer. Sustainers Happy Hour is an evening event for community members dedicated to supporting children and families in Marion and Polk counties. Featuring complimentary appetizers and wine! This event is free to attend and features complimentary appetizers and wine with additional drinks available for purchase. The first hour is an opportunity for guests to mingle and unwind from the work day followed by an hour-long program featuring stories about local families. Please reserve your spot early and invite your friends! To sponsor the event or become a table captain, please contact Julie Hilty at 503.566.2132 or jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

11TH ANNUAL UNCORKED MAY 19, 2018 Zenith Vineyard 5:00-10:00 pm | Tickets: $250 The Mid-Valley’s premier wine auction benefiting children and families. slewis@familybuildingblocks.org

2ND ANNUAL UNTAPPED JULY 14, 2018 Location: TBA Time & Tickets: TBA Annual fundraiser and pairings event benefiting children and families. slewis@familybuildingblocks.org

RIVERFRONT FAMILY FEST AUGUST 4, 2018 Salem’s Riverfront Park 10:00 am-2:00 pm | FREE Health and safety fair with family-friendly activities. jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org

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To update your physical address for our quarterly newsletter and to join our monthly IMPACT e-news list, contact Brandy O’Bannon at brandy@familybuildingblocks.org.

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