Adoption 2014 by The Bair Foundation

FOUNDATIONS “Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me.” - Luke 9:48

HaSheen Wilson Joins The Bair Foundation Board of Directors

Special Adoption Issue

We’re Expecting!

The O’Day family from Bair’s Wilmington, NC office, announce that they are “expecting” a 14 year old girl.

HaSheenWilson

The Bair Foundation would like to extend a warm welcome to HaSheen Wilson, our newest board member. Mr. Wilson is currently employed at Youngstown State University in the IT department, and is an adjunct faculty member in the departments of Computer Science and Speech Communication. He has a diverse work experience in the area of IT by working with companies such as Sprint; along with owning an IT consulting firm. He holds a Masters degree in Computer Science and Information Systems from Youngstown State University. In addition to his profession, Mr. Wilson travels nationally and internationally to train and equip educators pertaining to diversity, social justice and cultural competence. His passion is to effectively impact other cultures, create a world where all people feel safe and where their basic needs are met. His desire is to help people become all that God has created them to be. Mr. Wilson and his wife Paula have three children: Darian, Jay and Nina.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” - Eph. 3:20-21

by Christmas, she had a chance to meet all the relatives. Although the adoption is in its early stages, the family is anxiously awaiting the day that she will officially be theirs.

The O’Day’s have also opened their church to The Bair Foundation for foster parent trainings and are huge advocates of Bair and the foster & foster-to-adopt ministry. Thank You Kelli & Brian for your obedience to God’s plan and for sharing our mission to find every “waiting” child, a forever home.

That’s because the child they are expecting is 14 years old.

“We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting a 14 year old girl! We had our own plans as we started this journey, but God had His. God’s plans are always best. We have met her and fallen in love with her. We can’t wait for her to be a part of our family!!!”

eet Expectant parents, Kelli & Brian O’Day from Jacksonville, NC.

Like any parents who are expecting a child, they are ecstatic. The difference between them and other expecting parents though is that they won’t be up all night, heating bottles or changing diapers.

The O’Day’s had already adopted three other children, Kristlyn, Trey and Nate prior to becoming licensed with the Bair Foundation in September of 2014. Brian, a pastor, church planter and marine; and Kelly, a stay at home mom, knew God was calling them to give another child a forever home. Although their three children were adopted at a young age, this time they sensed God was going to do something different. When they met their 14 year old soon-to- be daughter, they knew she was the one. Their love grew with each visit and

- Kelli O’Day

Dr. Susan J. Miklos Executive Director

FOSTER TO ADOPT: The Gift of Permanency

“I have been through a lot in my life, and often times I felt alone in this world even when I was surrounded by a lot of people. I felt this way because I was a foster kid and had always been told I was worthless. But after a life of hardship and struggle, I’m finally getting what I’ve always wished for….a family to call my own.” - Alex, Adoptee

he reality is that most kids in foster care do feel unwanted and unloved as they have had no stability or permanency in their lives. The Bair Foundation is dedicated to placing children in safe homes and finding loving, permanent families for every “waiting” child. We understand the importance of a family and feel a strong urgency as well as a sense of responsibility to give children hope; the hope of feeling safe, the hope of being loved, and the hope of finding a family that cares. In November, Bair joined hundreds of other agencies across America to celebrate National Adoption Month that included a national day of celebration of adoptive families and an opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care. Since 2000, more than 35,000 foster youth have had their adoption finalized on National Adoption Day. To kick off National Adoption Month, The Bair Foundation actively participated in Orphan Sunday, an event promoted by The Christian Alliance for Orphans to advocate for the children and teens in foster care and bring light to the 100,000 plus foster children who are eligible for adoption. On November 2nd, every office made one or more presentations in their local churches to express the great need for foster and foster-to-adopt families.

ach year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care. Activities and celebrations are kicked off with a Presidential Proclamation, and efforts are made at the national level to build awareness of adoption, promote positive perceptions, debunk the myths, and draw attention to the tens of thousands of children in foster care who wait and hope for permanent, forever families. The first major effort to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system occurred in Massachusetts. In 1976, then-Governor Michael Dukakis proclaimed Adoption Week and the idea grew in popularity and spread throughout the nation. President Gerald Ford made the first National Adoption Week proclamation, and in 1990, the week was expanded to a month due to the number of states participating and the number of events. During the month, states, communities, public and private organizations, businesses, families, and individuals celebrate adoption as a positive way to build families. Across the nation, activities and observances such as recognition dinners, public awareness and recruitment campaigns, and special events spotlight children who need permanent families. It also includes National Adoption Day, traditionally a Saturday, which is observed in courthouses across the nation as thousands of adoptions are finalized simultaneously.

This year our Orphan Sunday theme was Pray-Foster-Give. First and foremost was our desire for more people to pray about the foster care ministry; for the children in care, for foster youth aging out of the system, for potential foster families who are embarking on a life changing journey, for more church partnerships and for our dedicated, hardworking staff. Secondly, by becoming a foster parent, Christians can tangibly live out the Gospel by becoming a missionary in their own home. For the children they serve, there’s nothing more important than to have a family to love and parents who believe in them. Equally as important is giving. We know that not everyone is called to foster, but everyone is called to do something. By supporting the Bair Foundation ministry financially, our partners and friends can bless the lives of children that have no one to provide for them. Without prayer, foster families, and finances, we can’t do what God has called us to do; to share the love of Jesus in word & deed and to defend those who can’t defend themselves.

Foster Children were Adopted through The Bair Foundation in 2014. Article from http://national-adoption-month.adoption.com

The Texas Alliance of Children and Family Services’

2014 Adoptive Family of the Year The Hill Family, San Antonio, TX

ustin and Jill Hill from Bair’s San Antonio, TX office were presented with “The Adoptive Family of the Year” award at the 2014 Texas Child Care Administrator’s Conference, held at the Wyndham in San Antonio. They were nominated by Bair social worker Heidi Ostendorf to receive this prestigious award. The Hills provided a loving, stable home to two foster-to-adopt children for two years until they were reunited unexpectedly with a biological family member. Although they were sad and disappointed, Justin and Jill handled the loss with grace, love and dignity. They also opened their heart and home to an infant girl who came to them with a host of developmental needs and health challenges. The Hill’s bond to Rylee was immediate and strong; they instantly fell in love and felt Rylee was meant to be their daughter. The commitment level was evident when Rylee went through open heart surgery when Justin was working full time, Jill was 8 months pregnant, and they were caring for their four year old son and two foster children. During Rylee’s hospital stay, either Justin or Jill was with her and when Bair staff attempted to relieve them for a night, Justin returned several hours later, feeling he needed to be with his daughter. The Hill’s have since adopted baby Rylee and have also maintained a relationship with Rylee’s mother through supportive and empathetic interactions; showing both, baby & mom, the unconditional love of Jesus. The Hill’s exemplify what it means to have a “Servant’s Heart” and they have helped Bair recruit other foster families as well as provide mentoring. They have advocated for Bair through their church who has allowed Bair to hold trainings there, provided child care, collected school supplies for foster youth and expanded their orphan ministry services because of the Hill family. Their giving attitude has proven to be contagious. The Hill’s commitment, love, and positive attitude have been mentioned by other foster parents at Bair who met and interacted with them on several occasions. Others have commented that they don’t know how the Hill’s “find the time” to do everything they do, while making time to support other families. For these reasons and many more, they were nominated and deservingly awarded, “Adoptive Family of the Year”.

Jill and Justin Hill are presented with the Adoptive Family of the Year award at the 2014 Texas Child Care Administrator’s Conference in San Antonio, TX.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them...” - Psalm 127:3-5

The Criswell Family “This family is always a joy to be around. There is so much love in their home and the amount of patience these parents show is unbelievable in a house full of boys,” states Bair SSW Elizabeth McMinn from our Tyler office. “There was not a time that I was in their home that I did not hear laughter,” Liz continued. Love and a sense of mission is what compelled Alice and Jon Criswell to open their heart and home to foster children. The Criswell family had a strong desire to give something back, and both wanted to share the love of Jesus with children who may never have experienced it. When the Criswell’s began to foster, they did it with poise, humility and love. They were committed to every aspect of raising their boys; financially, spiritually, physically, emotionally, educationally and materially. Alice and Jon approached every trial and obstacle with humor and the determination that they were going to make a difference in their sons’ lives. The Criswell’s, along with their huge support system of extended family who have also embraced these boys, are giving them exactly what they needed and yearned for; love, a strong foundation and a sense of worth that will last a lifetime.

The Criswell Family

The Perry Family “I guess you could say that adoption runs in the Perry family...” states adoptive mom Kim Perry from Bair’s Columbus, Ohio office. “I was adopted as an infant, and my husband Dave was adopted by his step dad, and then Dave adopted my daughter after we were married,” she added. The Perry’s initially became licensed as foster parents in March 2012 with only the intention of doing respite for other foster parents. Not wanting to limit God, they sought His will - not theirs and became open to the idea of fostering full time. Within two weeks of becoming licensed, Aubrey was placed in their home; she was very fragile and had challenges. The Perry’s instantly fell in love with her and it became very evident the placement could eventually become permanent. The Perry’s sought to add adoption to their license so they could be considered as a forever family for Aubrey. Throughout the journey there were many twists and turns, but 22 months later, the Perry’s officially became Aubrey’s permanent family. Kim credits the dedication of the Columbus Bair Foundation for supporting them throughout their foster-to-adopt process: “The Columbus Bair Foundation staff were beside us every step of the way supporting, encouraging and loving us. It was very comforting to have them by our side and we are glad to continue to work alongside them in our fostering adventures.” Aubrey joins parents Kim and Dave, along with big sister Sarah, 31; and Joshua, 16.

The Perry Family

Aubrey Perry

The Reichart Family

iki and Seth Reichart, foster and adoptive parents from Bair’s Pittsburgh office, are just one of the many couples who have opened their heart and their home to foster children who were available for adoption, as well as to those who were not. Long before they were married, Niki and Seth knew that they wanted to adopt. “I believe that the Lord has commanded us all to the orphan care ministry in some way,” Niki expressed as she spoke of her inspiration to get involved in the foster care system. “Whether it is being a foster parent, supporting those who foster or adopt, public awareness or fundraising, we are called upon to help God’s children,” she said. “With our desire to care for orphans, we had started on the private adoption road for a few years, but it just was not working out for us. It was not until my brother had mentioned the fact that there are so many kids in the foster care system waiting for a ‘forever home’ that we felt that this was the direction God wanted us to take. Realizing that there are many ways to care for orphans, not just through adoption, we began our journey down the foster care road, and we would not want it any other way. We have completely just fallen in love.” Niki added.

Solomon on his adoption day.

The Reicharts had been involved in the foster care system since 2009 and during that time they had many children come through their home and ended up adopting one of them, a little girl named Elianna. Their family continued to grow with their four biological sons, Grayson, Roman, Jackson and Tyson, but they still felt as though something was missing. After taking a break for a little while after the adoption of their daughter, they decided to re-certify their home for foster care. Shortly after making that decision, Solomon was placed in their home. His brothers and sister welcomed Solomon with open arms, and a year later the adoption process was set into motion. On adoption day, Niki and Seth woke up full of nerves and excitement as their family got into the car and headed to the courthouse. They were greeted with balloons, cakes, photographers and so much love, celebration and excitement when they arrived to officially adopt their 17 month old son, Solomon. “It was such a fun and exciting experience. The judge even included our children and had each of them stand up and introduce themselves.” Niki said. All of the nerves from earlier that morning had disappeared as they continued with making the adoption legal. “I cannot even describe the feeling of fulfillment, relief and happiness that we felt when the judge said that he was officially presenting Solomon Reichart.” Niki mused, “He was legally ours. We knew that was the name that we wanted, but to hear the judge

verbally say it and make it official... was simply amazing. He was permanently a part of our family and that missing feeling was filled with an overwhelming amount of love. We do not know how many kids we want to adopt, but we definitely want to continue doing foster care,” said Niki. The Reicharts share information about foster care and foster-to-adopt with anyone that is interested, “It is a great opportunity to teach children about the love of Jesus, whether it is for two days, two months, or forever. Being involved in the foster care system provides the opportunity to obey the Lord’s call of caring for orphans, and to be an example of and share His love,” Niki said.

God’s “Yes” to Life’s “No”

By: Kenya Beard

The Beard Family

ery early on in my life, I knew I wanted to be a mom. This was my earnest heart’s desire. It was not until I entered college, that becoming a foster mom and the idea of being an adoptive parent penetrated my mind and heart. My life and my plans were set into motion. I married at the age of 19 and began my pursuit of happiness. My heart was distraught when I was told early in my marriage that it would be challenging for me to conceive and there were little hopes of me having biological children. Life’s “no,” literally took me by surprise. Giving in to life’s “no,” it was all too much of a shock to receive the news 10 years later that I was pregnant. This was very short lived as the pregnancy ended in a premature birth and loss of my daughter. Life’s “no,” this time shattered my faith. After losing a child in 2002 and not being able to conceive afterwards, I questioned God and pleaded with God to make sense of my life. Why did I have the yearning if there was never going to be a manifestation of what I desired? One morning after waking up from a dream, I accepted the call from the Lord to love a child no matter the womb the child comes from. Within 6 weeks, I went through the process of a private adoption and my oldest child was placed with me in 2003. She was 4 months old. Finally, I was a mom. Continuing in life, my answer remained the same to the call from God, but the devastating loss of a child took a toll on the marriage. I was soon divorced. I experienced loss yet again, because I was now a single parent and that was not a part of the plan. Another Life’s “no.” I cried out yet again, “Lord, what is my purpose, and how do I make sense of all of the things that are happening to me in this thing called life?” In 2011, the call from God to love a child no matter the womb the child comes from came back to my remembrance and the desire to be a foster parent resonated. Late in that year, I joined the Bair family and became a treatment foster mother. In early 2012, I received my first placement of two special needs little girls. The girls were with me for just a short time, but returned 5 months later with a three week old special needs little brother. With the huge support of the Columbus Bair family (case managers, in-service support, and administrative staff), the children were able to find a forever home, and now I have my forever family. The finalization of adoption took place on August 26, 2014. “He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” - Psalms 113:9 NIV The call from God remained the same, yesterday, today and forever more. As a single woman, I was able to simultaneously be parent to one child, adopt three special needs foster children, maintain my professional job with multiple promotions/merit increases, mentor a child through a mentoring program, obtain a Master’s degree with a Distinction of Honors and manage life’s twist and turns. Remember if God calls you, God will keep you and equip you to see through the purpose of the call, no matter what life has to say. The Beard family is God’s “Yes,” to Life’s “No.”

The Beard Family: Kenya, Alysha - 11, Alexis - 7, Gina - 5, & Korey - 2

“Remember if God calls you, God will keep you and equip you to see through the purpose of the call, no matter what life has to say. The Beard family is God’s ‘Yes,’ to Life’s ‘No.’” - Kendra Beard Foster & Adoptive Mother

The Bould Family

“Through the love and support of our family and friends, we have been able to add two blessings to our family this year through adoption,” states Sarah Bould. She and her husband Timothy are fosterto-adopt parents from Bair’s Columbus, Ohio office. The Boulds welcomed Mary Elizabeth and Charles Michael into their family through foster-to-adopt placements. “We are so thankful for the support of The Bair Foundation of Columbus during our years as a foster family, and into the transition times as an adoptive family. It is such an honor and privilege to be able to honor the Lord with the blessings He has given us through our foster and adoptive placements, Sarah stated. The Boulds celebrated their adoption day with a party at their church surrounded by family and friends.

The Martin Family

“My husband Andy and I had always wanted several children,” states foster & adoptive mom Amanda Martin from Bair’s Columbus, Ohio office. When we found out we were expecting our first child, we were ecstatic! However, after our daughter was born premature and very sick, we soon realized that we probably would not be able to have any more biological children. We began to consider adoption, but after a failed international adoption, we decided to put that on hold for awhile,” Amanda said. Several months later, the desire to look into adoption began to grow again for the Martin family. “We were hearing a lot of statistics on foster care, and the number of children in foster care versus the number of churches in the United States, and we were convicted to pray about the possibility of fostering. The Martins wondered if fostering might be a way to fulfill their desire for caring for more children. “After speaking with a friend who worked at the Bair Foundation office in Kent, Ohio, we decided to go through the process to be licensed as foster parents,” Amanda stated. Within their first year of fostering, Isabella was placed with the Martins, and they fell in love with her instantly. “Isabella was placed in the permanent custody of the state after about 9 months, and we were thrilled to be able to begin the adoption process,” Amanda said. “Isabella became officially ours on September 10, 2014. We are still overwhelmed by God’s grace in placing her with us. We are honored and humbled that He chose us to be her family,” Amanda said.

“We are still overwhelmed by God’s grace in placing her with us. We are honored and humbled that He chose us to be her family.” - Amanda Martin Foster & Adoptive Mother

To learn more about foster care, or how you can adopt a child, teen, or sibling group from foster care, call (800) 543-7058 or visit us on the web at www.bair.org.

The Hunter Family

Becoming a foster parent means opening your life to a child or sibling group in foster care to provide them with a safe, nurturing home. It is a wonderful and life-changing experience for parent and child alike. Don & Erica Hunter know firsthand about a life change. Since adopting Barrett through foster care, their heart has grown in ways they didn’t even know were possible. Although the adoption process took a few twists and turns, Don & Erica believe it was all worth it. They credit their wonderful case manager, Megan, and The Bair Foundation’s Columbus office, for making the process go a little smoother. “Megan was there every step of the way, and contacted us frequently to make sure we felt supported,” said Erica. With still more room in their home and their heart, the Hunter’s continue to obey God’s call to foster children in their home. They know that God has blessed them so that they could continue to be a blessing to others. Something they don’t take lightly. Becoming a foster parent means opening your life to a child or sibling group in foster care to provide them with a safe, nurturing home. It is a wonderful and life-changing experience for parent and child alike.

The Lane Family “My wife Keri and I had believed for several years that God was calling us to the ministry of fostering children,” foster and adoptive dad Scott Lane said. “Even after having seven biological children, we still felt that one day God would open the door for us to foster a child,” he added. Then, in May of 2011, Scott heard an advertisement by The Bair Foundation. “After Keri and I discussed this opportunity together, and with our children prayed about it, we did some research and called Bair’s Oklahoma City office, and completed the online information,” Scott said. After their initial training and requirements were completed with Bair that summer, the Lane’s received their first child, Santos, on September 9, 2011. He was 4 1/2 years old, very energetic, and fascinated with the animals and especially the chickens. “Santos thought the chickens were magic because they made eggs,” Scott said. The Lanes promised Santos that he was welcome to stay with them as long as he needed a home. During the next two years, the Lanes had three more children placed in their home. “The same promise we made to Santos, we made to these children, as well. Two of the four were reunited with their biological parents. However reunification did not seem to be God’s plan for Santos or for the newest addition to our family, a 4 1/2 year old boy named Lizeal.

Conner and Thomas Lane With only 18 months differences in their ages, and both being very “silly,” Santos and Lizeal became very close with each other and the rest of the family. “Soon, Keri and I were faced with a major decision - whether or not to make these boys, ‘our boys’,” Scott shared. “After praying about and discussing this life changing decision, God opened our hearts further, and we decided to adopt Santos and Lizeal. We revealed our decision to our Bair therapists and to the social workers. On August 15, 2014, Santos and Lizeal, now Conner and Thomas (their choices to change their names and what to change their names to) legally became our sons. I enjoy looking back at how God prepared us for this life-long ministry and how much He has given back to us. We want to thank all of our Bair family for the help and support we have received from you all,” Scott said.

The Carpenter Family “In 2011, we felt that the Lord was leading us towards the journey of adoption” states foster and adoptive dad Kevin Carpenter. He and his wife Nicole initially began planning on adopting internationally, and began educating themselves in any way possible about all options. “The idea of fostering was scary to us; we wanted a son or daughter to call our own. Fostering can be complicated and painful. What if we fell in love with a child and they left? We were resistant at first, but decided to move in faith and began the process of acquiring our fostering license. While we were going through the licensing process, we met our son through another foster parent, and it was love at first sight!” Kevin said.

The Carpenter Family

Kemonte was matched with the Carpenters three months after they became licensed. “We look back on our story now and realize that in our willingness to be obedient, God has richly blessed us. One week after finalizing Kemonte’s adoption, we got our first foster placement,” Kevin added. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28

The Mount Family

The Mount Family Psalm 34:7 says to take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Kari and Jonathon had a deep seated desire to help children so they sought their license to become foster parents. They wanted nothing more than to do God’s will by opening up our home to a child in need. When Owen was placed in their home, they fell in love with him immediately and knew they wanted him to be part of their family...Forever. By adopting Owen, they gave him a permanent home and ultimately changed the direction of his life; however, their lives were changed too. This little boy has brought so much joy and laughter to his new parents; more than they could have ever imagined. Owen has truly been a blessing and the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Foster Teens Need Forever Families, Too...

You never outgrow the need for a family... An Estimated

Adolescents “Age-Out” of Foster Care Each Year.

AGING OUT

hen children cannot return home to their biological families, child welfare systems must respond quickly to find them alternative homes. As time goes on, the chances for landing in safe, loving, permanent homes fades for older foster youth. Many foster teens will simply “age out” of the system when they turn 18, without a permanent connection or the necessary independent living skills to make it on their own. Nationwide an estimated 30,000 adolescents age out of the foster care system each year. According to the Child Welfare League of America, 25% become homeless, 56% are unemployed, and 27% of male children end up in jail. •

In 2012 more than 23,000 young people - whom states failed to reunite with their families or place in permanent homes, aged out of foster care, simply because they were too old to remain.

•

Of the 397,000 children in foster care, more than 20,000 had case goals of emancipation or aging out after leaving foster care without a permanent family.

•

The percentage of youth that age out have increased from 8% in 2003 to 10 percent in 2012.

•

Youth who age out of foster care are less likely to graduate college. By age 26, approximately 80% of young people who aged out of foster care earned at least a high school degree or GED compared to 94% of the general population.

•

By age 26, 4% of youth who aged out of foster care had earned a 4 year college degree, while 36% of youth in the general population had done so.

You’re My Greatest Testimony “At first I was scared when you I was very well on my way took me in to leaving my past behind Until I saw your face with a loving grin

While looking forward to a future with success

At that moment I knew it would be okay

I know that with you I have learned from the best

And that tomorrow will be a much brighter day When I saw you washing and cleaning and making my food Taking me to fun places and taking me to school Teaching and guiding me in the way I should be Training and leading me to be a lady Getting me to church every Sunday on time

Now you are a part of my life and a part of my story I will cherish every memory of you in your glory And I want you to know with all honesty You will be a part of my greatest testimony Happy Birthday Rose!” - a teen foster child

Rose, a foster parent from Bair’s Lexington, KY office, received this beautiful birthday card from her teen foster daughter. Facts from ChildrensRights.org

Making Foster Care a Little More Special By: Anya Sostek, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

elly Hughes knows that there are many challenges faced by foster children that she can’t solve. So she’s decided to take on one that she thinks she can.

Kelly and her husband, Andrew, have hosted seven foster children in their Bon Air home during the past two years, in addition to raising their biological children, ages 5 and 3. “One of the biggest things I was unprepared for was that they showed up at our door with literally nothing,” said Ms. Hughes, 34. “Maybe a few things in a garbage bag, and what they were wearing was dirty or too small.” She has launched the Foster Love Project this holiday season, with the goal of providing bags of clothes and personal items that children will receive when they go to a new placement and can take with them when they leave. The first time it happened, Ms. Hughes asked her children to donate a few of their stuffed animals to make the new arrivals feel comfortable. When the boy that she was fostering left their home and got to take the stuffed animal with him, he was thrilled. “I think in the midst of so much change, whatever we can keep with them can give them some measure of comfort,” she said. “Even if it’s just one stuffed animal, it’s a really big deal to them.” The experience gave her the idea to do something more permanent, creating “placement bags” for kids going into new foster care situations. She put out a call on Facebook and asked for donations, saying that a complete placement bag would include a backpack or small duffel bag, a blanket, a stuffed animal, pajamas, toothbrush and toothpaste, kids bath soap and puff, and a book. “This is something exciting on a very dark day,” she said. “Most of these kids come from such poverty and situations that they don’t really get new stuff. Getting a new pair of pajamas is a really big deal.” Donations could be a complete placement bag, any piece or pieces of a placement bag, or local restaurant or take-out gift cards to help families in the hectic first days of a new placement. Ms. Hughes, who is also the founder of Momtourage, a Pittsburgh mom’s group that organizes playgroups, already had a large social network on Facebook. But the response to her Foster Love Project call exceeded her expectations. More than 800 people have participated, with some putting together multiple bags. Chick-fil-A has donated $1,000 in gift cards and other restaurants have indicated they will also donate.

Pittsburgh-Bair foster mom Kelly Hughes founded the Foster Love Project. The project is a charity drive to provide foster kids with a backpack filled with pajamas, blanket, and other comforting things when they arrive at a new placement. Photo by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Ms. Hughes, a native of Minneapolis, moved to Pittsburgh in 2009 from Virginia Beach with her husband, who is the director of music, media and outreach at the Three Rivers Grace Church in the West End. She is partnering with the Bair Foundation for the Foster Love Project, which is the foster care agency that she’s worked with for her family. In New Wilmington, Lawrence County, where the Bair Foundation is headquartered, a church took on a similar effort recently, said national marketing director Dorie Alcaro, who personally witnessed one of the deliveries. “Oh my goodness, they were so happy, hugging us, going through their stuff,” she said. “The little girl didn’t even have her glasses — that’s how quickly things happen sometimes.” Allegheny County has more than 1,300 children placed in “out-ofhome” care, she said, with about 95 children per month either being removed from their homes or switching placements. Some are placed in foster care, some with relatives and some older children, primarily teenagers, are placed in congregate homes because of a shortage of foster parents for that age group. Ms. Hughes won’t be taking on any more foster children any time soon — she and her husband have their plate full with their own children and the two foster children, ages 3 and 2, who have been living with them for the last 1½ years. But she plans to continue working on behalf of others. “Our biggest message right now is that these kids are not disposable, to know that they’re not forgotten, that we care about them and they matter,” she said. “This is a first step in that process.”

The Mercado Foster Family Celebrated by Harlingen Staff for Service to Teens The Harlingen office held a Surprise Celebration to honor Bair foster parents Rogerio & Norma Mercado who have fostered over 100 teens since 2003. The staff served them breakfast and to bless them further, they offered to babysit their 9 teen girls any day of the week that the Mercado’s choose. “We love what we do and have learned that teenagers just need someone to love them unconditionally and be willing to give them a chance,” said Norma.

Long-time Harlingen foster parents Rogerio & Norma Mercado proudly model their custom made t-shirts.

Making a Difference Excellent Care Reaching the Lost Changing Lives Always Willing to do More Dedicated Outstanding Teen Home You can support Bair foster youth by donating to the Joyce Fasline-Phillips’ Dreams4Kids campaign. Your tax-deductible donation could help a foster child attend summer camp, take dance or music lessons, support their senior year expenses, or participate in life-enriching activities.

bair.org/donate

We believe all children deserve the right to fulfill their dream. Please consider a life changing contribution to Dreams4Kids today. Learn more at bair.org/donate.

In Loving Memory of Christopher

ostering a medically needy child takes a special family. These parents are willing to provide extensive care to children who are fragile. They are willing to get specialized training on how to use medical equipment and are able to ensure proper medical care at all times including taking the children to frequent doctor’s appointments. Additionally, there is always the possibility that the child won’t make it. In October, we lost one of our little “angels” named Christopher. He had so many medical issues that he just could not overcome and he went home to be with the Lord. We rest knowing that he is no longer suffering and that he received the best care possible despite the outcome. It’s during these times of mourning that we think of the medically needy children we serve and the foster parents who care for them. We know it’s the Grace of God, and sustaining power of their faith, that helps them persevere. We are so grateful for their giving heart.

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The Bair Foundation National Office 241 High Street New Wilmington, PA 16142 (800) 543-7058 www.bair.org