Graduation Issue 2014
Fostering Success! James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
M
any foster youth are very resilient; in spite of their stress and adversity, they become strong, self-reliant and determined. If given the same opportunities and supports as other young people, they can and do achieve great success. By the time she was 18 years old, Mahogany, a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania had lived in several foster homes and attended multiple schools. She and her two siblings were placed with their aunt when Mahogany was only three years old after their biological mother went to jail. Unfortunately that living arrangement did not work out and the siblings were placed in foster care after one year. Because of the chaos, and family history of alcoholism and
Mahogany Harrington on her graduation day at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
CLASS OF 2014
drug use, Mahogany states, “it it weren’t for foster care and the guidance and support I received, I don’t know where I would be today.” A four year recipient of Bair’s Edward B. Massey Jr. Scholarship, Mahogany recently received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from IUP. She is proud of her achievements but also credits her former Bair casemanagers for encouraging her to go to college in the first place; something she never dreamed would be possible for someone like her who had spend most of her childhood in foster care. In one of her earlier scholarship essays, Mahogany stated that she wanted to be the one who broke the cycle of poverty and addiction. Congratulations, Mahogany, you did exactly that!
The Bair Foundation Receives National COA Re-Accreditation
T
he Bair Foundation has achieved national re-accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA) for the fourth time. The Bair Foundation received exceptional scores when chosen offices, staff, and services were evaluated. Some of the comments the peer reviewers made were “The Foster Care program is very impressive”, “In-Home Services were Awesome”, “We are very impressed with your mental health staff that are very enthusiastic and professional”, “Staff and Families are very passionate about what
they do”, “H.R. Department was exceptional”, “Finances are well-managed” and “Ethics were higher than most non-profits.” To achieve COA accreditation, The Bair Foundation first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA Standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients. Based on their findings, COA’s volunteerbased Accreditation Commission voted that The Bair Foundation had successfully met the criteria for re-accreditation.
A special “Thanks” was given to Sheila Palonen, Director of Program Standards for all the hard work she put into the process & preparation that took months.
From our Executive Director
B
y changing circumstances, we have altered the course of our foster youth by helping them fulfill their God-given potential.
Thirteen Bair Foundation seniors proudly walked across their high school stage this year to collect what only 54% of foster children received nationally; their high school diploma. Eleven of our graduates have plans to attend a university, trade school or community college. This is a true testament of the determination that will turn their dreams into degrees. What others might think is a small accomplishment or commonplace, we at the Bair Foundation know is monumental considering the obstacles our youth have overcome. They come from all walks of life; have been victims of things most people can’t fathom, dealt with multiple placements and schools, and have struggled with emotional issues and self doubt. Yet, they not only overcame adversity to finish their high school education, they have plans to achieve more. After reading the scholarship essays that were submitted, all credited their support system for their success. Behind every student was a foster family who cared to show them they could have more than they ever imagined, and that with perseverance, they could succeed. They had a caseworker who cheered them on and encouraged them to take the next step by applying to college. Standing in the gap to lift them up spiritually were many pastors, friends, and The Bair Foundation family who prayed fervently for their success. On behalf of everyone at The Bair Foundation, I’d like to wish our graduates the very best. I thank God for the person each has become and for everything He is going to accomplish through them in the future. Congratulations & Best Wishes to the Class of 2014!
Dr. Sue Miklos Executive Director
Jesus Schink, Albuquerque, NM Jesus Schink graduated from Los Lunas High School in Albuquerque, NM, where he had 3 years of industrial arts classes, volunteered 243 hours of community service, and was a letterman. Jesus joined the military and still has his hopes set on earning his PhD in psychology. His foster parents are William & Maria Krum.
Jessica Vasquez, San Antonio, TX Jessica Vasquez graduated from Judson High School in Converse, Texas. She participated in DECA (community work), Criminal Justice Club - State Finalist, PALS Community Work and the Choir. Jessica plans to join the Air Force and will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement & Communications. Her foster parents are Robert and Cheryl Blanco.
Nittiha Butler, Richmond, VA Nittiha Butler graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia. Nittiha will attend John Tyler Community College and Bowie State University to major in Music and minor in Business Administration. Nittiha’s foster parents are Bill and Wanda Farmer.
Edwin Garcia, Harlingen, TX Edwin Garcia graduated from La Grulla High School in La Grulla, Texas. Edwin participated in Tech Prep classes and received the Texas Scholar Award. In the fall, he will be attending South Texas Community College in McAllen, Texas for video game design. His foster parents are Gerardo and Rebecca Ruelas.
Brandi Blevens, Wilmington, NC Brandi Blevens graduated from E. A. Laney High School in Wilmington, NC, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Brandi has been accepted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she will start nursing classes in the fall. Brandi wants to be a trauma nurse. Her foster mom is Brigitt Eshagpoor.
Paolo Villa-Alvirena, Lubbock, TX Paolo Villa-Alvirena graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock, and will be attending South Plains College in the fall. In her senior year, Paolo was part of AVID, (Advance Via Individual Determination). Her foster parents are William and Jackqueline Smith.
Did You Know? Bair has a Scholarship & Vehicle Program for our Foster Teens? The Bair Scholarship
Jessica Petty, Amarillo, TX Jessica Petty was the first in her family to graduate high school without being held back or dropping out, something she is very proud of. She graduated from Amarillo High School and has plans to attend Amarillo College to become an OB/GYN sonogram technician. Jessica’s foster parents are Alex and Nancy Porter.
Shay Smith, Oklahoma City, OK Tre’Shawnda “Shay” Smith graduated from Clinton High School & received a certificate in service careers from Vo-Tech. She was involved with the Animal Rescue & Adoption Clinic, National Technical Honor Society, volunteered at church, competed in Special Olympics & was voted Student of the Year by her peers. Shay’s foster parents are Ed and Amber Cox.
Isaiah Fox, Albuquerque, NM Isaiah Fox recently earned his G.E.D. and is preparing to join the Navy. Isaiah has recently transitioned into Independent Living, is employed and considering a future career in Radiology. His foster parents are Arnold and Stella Chavez.
Bair Foundation graduating high school seniors may apply for the scholarship by contacting their Social Service Worker or Executive Assistant Jean Reardon at jreardon@bair.org or by phoning the National Office at (800) 543-7058.
Paul Smith Independent Living Fund (Vehicle Program) When Paul Smith, an original Bair board member passed away in 2008, The Bair Foundation received donations in his memory. Creating the Paul Smith Independent Living Fund enabled us to provide matching funds (up to $1,000) to Bair teens towards the purchase of a vehicle.
For more information or to financially support these essential programs, visit us on the web:
www.bair.org/donate The Bair Foundation is a registered 501c3 organization and contributions are tax-deductible.
Amanda Daughterty, Richmond, VA Amanda Daughtery graduated from Amelia County High School in Amelia, Virginia. Amanda will be attending John Tyler Community College in the fall to pursue a nursing career. her foster parents are Mark and Melissa Costley from our Richmond office.
The Bair Foundation is Growing! NEW OFFICE LOCATIONS: Raleigh, North Carolina Erie, Pennsylvania
NEW PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Intensive In-Home Services in Charleston, South Carolina
Angel Baucom, Cincinnati, OH Angel Baucom graduated from Goshen High School & Live Oaks CDC, where she had perfect attendance 3 years in a row. She was vice president of student leadership and president of RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) club. Angel has been accepted into University of Cincinnati East for Medical Assisting. Angel’s foster & adoptive parents are Dave and Gina Baucom.
Community Residential Rehabilitation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
SAVE THE DATE:
Orphan Sunday is November 2, 2014
Regina Johnson, Tulsa, OK Regina Johnson graduated from Union High School and plans to attend Bacone College to become a Registered Nurse. Regina’s foster mom is Ann Stuart from Bair’s Tulsa office.
Ashlee Ortiz, Albuquerque, NM Ashlee Ortiz graduated from Atrisco Heritage Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ashlee will remain in the home of her foster parents, Corina Marquez and Angel Merced who recently took guardianship of her. She is seeking a job in retail.
Orphan Sunday is an opportunity to be a torchbearer for orphans around the world and in your community. The Bair Foundation will be sharing God’s heart for orphans and foster children in a local church near you! To learn more about Orphan Sunday visit www.bair.org. If your church would like to partner with us on Orphan Sunday, please contact our Orphan Sunday Coordinator Tracey Johnson at (703) 496-4981 or tjohnson@bair.org.
The Bair Foundation National Office • 241 High Street • New Wilmington, PA 16142 • (800) 543-7058