Foundations by The Bair Foundation

Established 1967 “Whoever welcomes welcom this child in my name, welcomes me.” - Luke 9:48 Foster Parent Appreciation Issue 2012

Magnifying

Christ...

Years

Bair Foster Mom Celebrates 24 years

audie Beatty has been a mother to over 200 children and teens, welcoming the abused and neglected into her home. Our foster mom of 24 years has many photos throughout her home of the children who once called her “Mom.” "Many of them (who are now grown) still call or stop by," said Maudie, who raised the children in the little town of New Wilmington, PA. “God hasn’t opened another door… I guess He still s wants me to foster His children,” she says with a smile. Of all the families s who foster fost for Bair, Maudie has fostered the longest.

Maudie Beatty & Family

New Wilmington, PA “...How do you put a price on getting to be an influence that may change a child’s life forever?” - Maudie Beatty, Bair Foster Parent

Even before she was officially licensed as a foster parent in 1988, Maudie, who worked for the Bill Rudge Ministry at the time, took

San Antonio, TX

After 24 years, you would think she’d slow down, but Maudie is currently taking care of a sibling group of 4 and a teenage girl. "This is not a job, it’s a calling, she said, and it’s not going to make you rich or famous, then again… how do you put a price on getting to be an influence that may change a child’s life forever?” We agree!

San Antonio Foster family celebrates Major milestone: 20 years of fostering!

M The Perez Family

in homeless women and their children; many of whom were coming out of the prison system. She continued to serve that population until Bill Bair asked her to take two very difficult teenagers. After much prayer, she closed her home to women and began taking foster teens. “I felt I could better serve God by reaching youth before they ended up in jail,” Maudie said, and that was the beginning of her foster care journey.

20 Years

ario & Emma Perez of San Antonio, TX aren’t just providing a temporary hhome and a bed; they are investing ev everything they have into the lives oof the children they serve. Their love an and devotion is evident through their ac actions. One daughter has been part oof their family for over 12 years; al although she is 20 years old and te technically aged out of the foster care ssy system, they provide her with exceptti tional care. M Mario & Emma are committed to sst stability and a child’s emotional well bbein being; i they never ask for a child to be mov moved. They have also adopted several

foster children providing them with a “forever home.” Congratulations on 20 years of persistent, dedicated, and inspiring service to children in Texas; their lives are immeasurably better because of YOU! There is a continual need for more individuals and families to open their hearts and their homes to help children and youth. The most important qualification someone can bring to this role is a desire to provide a supportive, caring home environment and to make a positive difference in a child’s life.

Insights

Tha 16 Years

Susan J. Miklos, MSSA Executive Director “Whatever you did for the least of these... you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40

he journey of a foster parent is one few venture to travel, but it’s a journey that is close to the heart of the Father. Foster parents & their families truly pour themselves out so that the children who come into their home are cared for with the hands and feet and heart of Jesus. At times this journey can be rough, sometimes plagued with hardship and trials that test both patience and faith. Much like pottery, however, foster families are changed through the fire and the times of great heat, yet they acknowledge that Jesus, the potter, is with them every step of the way. Interesting that they are called to change lives… yet they themselves are changed through the process.

Clinton & Carrie Hardeman

Austin, TX

hroughout the last 16 years, the H man’s home has been a long-term stable placement for over 20 children teens. Carrie and Clinton have loved child wholly, and have adopted 3 as t own. They have experienced joys - h a child call you “Mom” for the first ti teaching compassion and empathy, w ing a scared child grow into a confide competent young adult, reaching past of anger and resentment to find a plac love, and proudly sending their foster to college. Carrie and Clinton’s unwa commitment to helping and loving ch continues even after 16 years.

The Jackson Family

ords cannot begin to describe Abilene foster parents Thomas & DeeDee Jackson. They are dedicated, hard-working and faithful. Mr. & Mrs. Jackson view fostering as a true calling. They began their journey with heavy hearts and 15 years later, they continue this journey with love, eyes filled with experience & a mind filled with faith and more dedication then ever before. The Jacksons adopted one of their foster children and now 13 years later, he is their pride and joy. The Jackson’s will forever leave behind their legacy in the hearts of the children they serve and will forever leave their legacy with us here at Bair.

Foster parents are given an opportunity, a gift, and they have chosen to enthusiastically unwrap it. Inside are contents from the Father himself as He reaches out His arms and says “behold, these children are a gift from the Lord” and “whatever you do to the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.” In this issue of Foundations, we are featuring our most tenured families. They represent all who are on the front lines of this ministry; giving unconditionally, loving those who sometimes can’t love back and serving… as if they were serving Jesus himself.

The Hardeman Fam

13 Years

George & Betty Mason

Oklahoma City, OK

Tom & DeeDee Jackso

Abilene, TX

The Mason Family

eorge & Betty Mason from Bair City office have fostered over 25 teens. They have been married for 53 have spent the last 13 years fostering Oklahoma City office, where they ha successes. When asked what their fav about foster care is, they replied, “We and being able to make a change in th the children.” Mr. & Mrs. Mason hav two children, Jody and Cody, four bio children, eleven grand children and te grand children. George and Betty Ma show the love of Jesus to those who a hurting. They are such a blessing to t Oklahoma City office!

anking God for your Servant Heart! The Haight Family

mily

Hardem and n and each their earing ime, watchent and t the wall ce of r child off avering hildren

Years

Jim & Sherry Haight

im and Sherry Haight have been foster parents with the Tulsa office since 1996. Sherry had a dream one night of several children in a field crying. At that point she knew God was calling them to become a foster parents, and they became certified. Although they sometimes consider retiring, they know God has not released them yet because there are so many more children who need the love of Jesus. Mr. & Mrs. Haight also reach out to biological parents of the foster children as well. Jim and Sherry Haight truly are... the hands of Jesus.

Tulsa, OK

The Ebel Family

D 15 Years

r’s Oklahoma 5 children & 3 years and for Bair’s ave seen many vorite thing e love seeing he lives of ve adopted ological en great ason are the

iane and Rick Ebel believe that being a foster parent is a calling, and that it is a gift to be a parent. During their many years as foster parents with Bair’s Pittsburgh office, they have welcomed children into their home with varying medical, emotional & behavioral needs. Rick being a foster child himself and Diane knowing what it was like to come from an underprivileged family understand the struggles of these children. Rick and Diane are strong, resilient and loving parents who desperately want to help any child and stand for them with them when there may not be anyone else. Both understand that children need boundaries and give the children in their home endless opportunities to thrive and have fun doing so. They are truly a blessing to The Bair Foundation!

13 Years

Don & Pat DeWitt

Amarillo, TX

Years

Richard & Diane Ebel

Pittsburgh, PA

The DeWitt Family

on & Pat DeWitt have been dedicated to The Bair Foundation ministry and serving foster youth since 1998. They have served in many roles; as foster parents, as house parents for the Amarillo Assessment Home and as mentors to new Bair foster families. Additionally, Don has helped out with the “Moves,” “Documentation,” and “Behavior Intervention” trainings. This dedicated Christian couple have provided spiritual and emotional support to hundreds of foster youth who have passed through their home in the last 13 years. They have also been nominated for Texas Foster Family Association (TFFA) - “Therapeutic Foster Family of the Year.” Many children have been blessed because of you!

Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself and be used by God. Your gifted service shares Jesus’ love with so many. You are a tremendous blessing to us!

15 Years

David & Diane Garcia

The Garcia Family

avid and Diana Garcia have been with The Bair Foundation when they lived in Houston, TX and continued fostering when they relocated to Harlingen TX in 2006. Their biological son Gilbert suggested fostering to them and after much prayer, the thought became a reality. The Garcia’s are known for never saying “no.” David writes, “Even though fostering does involve commitment of time and dedication, giving up a great deal of your own time, it seems all worth it when you hear back from foster children we cared for in the past, still calling us ‘Mom & Dad’. With the help of God, it gives us strength to dedicate ourselves to this worthy cause.”

Harlingen, TX

The Calderon Family

r. & Mrs. Calderon have been with Bair’s Harlingen office for 14 years. They have provided exceptional care to teen girls who have come to them with many challenges. Years ago, Harlingen DSS Jessica Porras worked with this foster family as a CPS conservatorship worker. Upon meeting them she states, “I was so impressed with their knowledge, strength & confidence.” Still today, they continue to exemplify dedication, perseverance and total commitment to the girls they serve. Their total focus is the betterment of the children as they guide them in a direction of success as well as peace within themselves.

Years

Griselda & David Calderon

Harlingen, TX

Mr. Paul Nedd

12 Years

Paul Nedd

Houston, TX

or 12 years, Paul Nedd has provided exceptional care for young men ranging from 8 to 20 years of age. Mr. Nedd has made a tremendous personal sacrifice in dedicating himself to encouraging young men to stay off of the streets in the Houston community. He is always positive when faced with the challenges that are encountered by the young men he serves, who may display some of the toughest behaviors. Mr. Nedd never turns a child way, in spite of how complex a child’s needs may be. He has expressed an interest and willingness to reach out to other Bair foster homes, providing additional support and encouragement to these homes that care for young people. Thank you, Mr. Nedd, for your outstanding service, in answering God’s call on your life!

Thank you New Mexico

Foster Families That have stood with Bair since opening our doors in 2008!

Years

Frank & Aurora Torres

Jim & Jeanette Lopez

Albuquerque, NM

Years

Larry & Liz Suazo

Angelina & Keith Carver

Albuquerque, NM

Las Cruces, NM

Bair Awarded $35,000 Grant from The Duke Endowment

he Bair Foundation Child & Family Ministries received a $35,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to fund targeted recruitment efforts for foster families in neighborhoods of relevance. Thanks to the Duke Endowment, The Bair Foundation will be able to recruit child-specific, child-centered foster homes in the communities where our foster youth reside. Placing a foster child in a home that is within their community keeps the child connected to their school, friends, biological family and resources, ultimately leading to a more positive experience and better outcomes.

Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself & be used where God has placed you!

The Gean Family

The Duke Endowment, in Charlotte,, N.C., seeks to fulfill the legacy of James B. Duke by enriching lives and communities in the Carolinas through higher education, health care, rural churches and children’s services. Since its inception in 1924, the Endowment has awarded nearly $2.8 billion in grants.

Years

Wendy & Paul Gean Tyler, TX

The Barker Family

Years

The Duke Endowment supports organizations serving children and families that are accomplishing lasting changes through the implementation of innovative and lasting programs. Thank you Duke, for your generosity and for your confidence in our ministry.

efore coming to Bair 17 years ago, Paul & Wendy Gean of Tyler, TX fostered for the Texas Juvenile Department. Experienced with children who had very difficult behaviors, Mr. & Mrs. Gean were well prepared for their mission at The Bair Foundation. They are known for taking the older, most challenging placements because they want to be the agents of change. They know if they can intervene with love and biblical guidance, they can help children make better decisions and life choices. They love what they do and are devoted to so many children, even those who have aged out of the system. As every day heroes, their love & light will be felt for generations. i

Brigitte & Tom Barker

hoosing to open their hearts & their home to children and teens is worth recognizing. Brigitte and Thomas Barker have fostered for The Bair Foundation since 1995. They do so out of love & compassion and they are committed to improving the lives of every foster child and teen that enters their home. We appreciate them for all they have given – attention, stability, respect, and most importantly, the love of Christ.

Waco, TX

The Hamilton Family

Years

ob & Rena Hamilton have been taking teen boy placements for Bair’s Middletown office since 1998. The impact they have made is evident by the number of the weddings & family events they are invited to by foster youth who have passed through their home. The Hamilton’s just don’t take placements; they invest in the lives of teens, guiding them and loving them for who they are… children of God!

Bob & Rena Hamilton

Middletown, PA

Ed EdMassey, Massey,Jr. Jr. Scholarship Scholarship Many lives are forever changed because of your love, commitment and sacrifice.

The Wallace Family

Y Elboni ElboniSlaughter Slaughter

Kent State Nursing Student Kent State Nursing Student Taken from her Scholarship Essay... Taken from her Scholarship Essay... ...After a couple of moves from foster homes homes II fifinally nally from foster was placed with a wonderful was placed with a wonderful Bair Bair family who loved and cared family who loved and cared for me. forI lived me. I lived with them for with them for threethree years years in contact andand still still staystay in contact withwith them them today. They’re not just a today. They’re not just a foster foster home I lived in, they home thatthat I lived in, they are my arefamily. my family. My parents My parents have have been there been there the beginning, since the since beginning, they always they always give me advice, love give me advice, love and support. and support. They are the ones They are the ones who taught me who to give up on nottaught to giveme upnot on myself, to strive myself, to strive for the best, and for the best, and to never settletofor never less.”settle for less.”

Children Helping Children

ulando and Wanda Wallace reside in Prince George, VA and have been Bair foster parents since the Richmond office opened in 2004. They have built long, lasting and meaningful relationships with numerous children & continue to be a support to youth who have left their home. Yulando and Wanda embrace Bair’s new SITFC® Treatment Model and understand that building strong connections are critical in helping a child grow. The Wallace’s are a support to other parents through respites and mentoring. The Richmond Office is blessed to serve with such a dedicated foster family.

Years

Yulando & Wanda Wallace

Richmond, VA

The Blair Family

7 Years

Barbara & Richard Blair

Dear Bair, Hoepfl My name is Jonathan dition of my family has a tra part of as ity ar donating to ch Instead n. tio ra our birthday celeb money t llec of giving gifts we co ity of ar ch and donate it to the thday I bir th our choice. For my 1O tion because chose The Bair Founda who don’t I want to help kids lies to take have parents or fami excited to give care of them. I am nistry. $1O O towards your mi to help Thank you for working children. Jonathan Hoepfl West Chester, PA

Greenville, SC

he Blair’s have been foster parents in Greenville, SC for the past 7 years. Upon licensing the Blair’s have successfully worked with several therapeutic foster children. All of whom successfully completed their permanency plan, due to the Blair’s unconditional love and support. In November of 2009, The Blair’s took in a level 3 medically fragile child. The Blair’s advocated and diligently worked with medically and clinical team members to ensure the foster child’s needs were met. In May 2012, they successfully completed the adoption process. Greenville Bair Foundation is proud and full of gratitude to have the Blair’s as part of our family.

The Brandon Family

Years

arl and Karyl Brandon have been with Bair’s Dayton office since it opened in 2008. Prior to transferring to Bair they were foster parents for dozens of years. The Brandon’s specialize in teen girls and are often specifically requested by various counties when they have a difficult case. The Brandon’s share the love of Christ by putting their faith into action. Greg Kelly, Dayton’s Director of Social Services says of Carl and Karyl, “We have truly been blessed to minister along side this outstanding family.”

Carl & Karyl Brandon

Dayton, OH

The Bair Foundation National Office y 241 High St., New Wilmington, PA 16142 y (800) 543-7058

bair.org