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oundations Established 1967
“Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me.” - Luke 9:48 Graduation Issue ‘13
What God Starts… He Finishes! “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6 KJV
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ust as the apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi with these words, we too can rest assured that the Lord will complete the good work he has begun in all of us. Paul knew and was a prime example that what God starts, he finishes. Where God guides, he provides. And where God leads, he meets our needs. This summer Jean Reardon, Bair’s scholarship administrator, Brandy Houk-Shearer, and Dorie Alcaro from Marketing had the privilege of attending the college graduation of Nakiba Quarles from the University of Phoenix. Nakiba was serviced through the Harrisburg office and received Bair’s Ed Massey Scholarship for five years. What seemed like an improbable journey for someone whose hardships began early; she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology.
Foster Alumni Nakiba Quarles graduated from The University of Phoenix, held at Temple University, in Philadelphia, PA
To achieve her degree, Nakiba overcame significant obstacles. On two occasions, she had lost her job, lost her apartment, and for a period of time, Bair was unable to contact her. Resilient and filled with faith, Nakiba got back on her feet. She changed schools, found housing, and began attending classes again with the financial support of The Bair Foundation. In the meantime she also got married, secured a job and gave birth to her son, Davi’.
Nakiba is presented with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology Nakiba credits her success to her husband, William, and to the many individuals who were a part of her long journey; her case workers, close friends, her independent living worker, and of course The Bair Foundation. First and foremost though, she credits the Lord for giving her the strength she needed to reach her goal. As she walked across that stage, we, her cheering section, could not have been more proud. Not just because she obtained a Bachelor’s degree but because of all she had overcome. One month after graduation, Nakiba & William welcomed the newest member to their family… their son Nalo. Although she is thoroughly enjoying her family, Nakiba is already thinking about her future. Her plans include the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration on policy and administration. God truly did finish…all that He began!
Susan J. Miklos, MSSA Executive Director Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. He closes doors no man can open and He opens doors no man can close. - Revelation 3:8
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raduates, as you look back on your past and realize the obstacles you have overcome, the fortitude it took to get this far, and the magnitude of what you have accomplished, you should be very proud of yourselves. The diploma you hold & earned is evidence of all your hard work and determination. I thank God for each of you and for all those who positively impacted you throughout your journey; your foster family, caseworker, pastor, and perhaps a special teacher. Because of their support you were able to dream, believe in the future, and believe in yourselves …and for that I am truly grateful. Looking Forward & Trusting God Graduates, as you move forward with excitement and expectation, I pray you will acknowledge and trust the Lord as he directs your path. His resources are inexhaustible and limitless so through your relationship with Him, you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilled life, rich with promise. God Opens Doors No Man Can Close Seek and trust the Lord, acknowledge Him always and He will lead and show you the way and open the door. God has a multitude of opportunities and blessings for you to enjoy. And when God opens a door for you, there isn’t anyone who can slam it shut.
Congratulations!
Shane graduated from Purchase Line High School in Commodore, PA. Shane plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and then plans to attend law school. Shane’s foster parents are Kathy and Myron Wattenphull.
Shane Hackett
Kenneth Brooks
Emilio is a graduate of San Benito High School in Harlingen, Texas. Emilio was softball manager and a wrestler for 3 years, and participated in Boys & Girls Club. Emilio has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and his foster parents are Elias and Arcelia Martinez.
Sarah graduated with distinction from Mercer Area Jr. Sr. High School, where she was an honor roll student. Sarah plans to attend Penn State Shenango and has not decided on a major. Her foster mom is Faith Millard.
Sarah White
Alicia graduated from Lower Dauphin High School, where she was a member of the National Art Society, an honor roll student, and active in theater. Alicia is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of York, PA. Her foster mom is Michele Fogleman.
Alicia Klaassen
Kameron Jones
CLASS OF
2013 Ken Brooks is a graduate of Lake High School in Uniontown, Ohio, where he excelled at math, basketball and football. Ken plans to attend Stark State College to major in Business Management. His foster parents are Shawna and Bart Postlewait.
Raising Hopes & Fostering Dreams
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he Ed Massey, Jr. Scholarship Program helps foster youth achieve a meaningful postsecondary education and a bright future. Thanks to our donors, The Bair Foundation is able to fund tuition and certain approved living expenses for students at community colleges, public and private universities and career programs for hundreds of Bair foster youth alumni.
Tina graduated from Amarillo High School, where she lettered in track, choir, & wrestling. Tina plans to major in psychology and minor in music at West Texas A&M University, and hopes to join the Marines after college. Her foster parents are Alex & Nancy Porter.
2013 scholarship recipient Alicia Klaassen stated, “It is so amazing to know that I came out of foster care a stronger and better person; going to college is going to prepare me for a better life and that’s all a person really needs.”
Tina Ward
We would like to extend our best wishes to all of our scholarship recipients for 2013!
Mahogany Harrington
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Marketing Senior
Danielle graduated from Juniata Valley High School, where she enjoyed playing softball and powder puff football. She plans to attend the Hiram G. Andrews center for Culinary Arts. Danielle’s foster parents are Ken & Cindy Clark.
Emilio Leal
Alexis Rowley
Adventist University of Health & Sciences Physician’s Assistant Junior
Elboni Slaughter
Danielle Good
University of Akron Nursing Junior
Sara White Kameron is a graduate of Monacan High School, where he had perfect attendance and was coach assistant for the baseball team. Kameron is also active in his church youth group. He plans to attend college to major in criminal justice. Kameron’s foster parents are Jason & Wanda Garrard.
David Spriggs recently graduated from Northern High School where he was an honor roll student. David plans to attend Harrisburg Area Community College to study business, finance and marketing. David’s foster parents are Nancy and Terry Lamer.
Megan Wallace is a recent graduate from Hartsville High School. Because of her love of helping people, Megan has plans to attend College to become a Registered Nurse. Megan’s foster parents are Jessica and William Vaughn.
Penn State Undecided Freshman
Shane Hackett
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Pre-Law Freshman
Alicia Klaassen
Art Institute of York, Pennsylvania Graphic Design Freshman
Onward & Upward “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18-19
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he Bair Foundation is excited to announce that Bair foster alumni Ivan Guillory recently graduated with from the Automotive Technology Program at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. Upon graduation, Ivan was offered his dream job as an Automotive Technician at a local automotive dealership, and he credits his Heavenly Father for all of his success. Years of determination and hard work finally pay off as Bair foster care alumni Ivan Guillory receives his diploma in Automotive Technology from Angelina College.
that God doesn’t answer prayers, because when I was about to give it all up, He was right on time. The power of prayer goes a long way. He might not answer your prayer right away but trust me, He will be right on time.” Many foster youth just like Ivan have dreams of continuing their education. Support of these aging out teens is absolutely crucial to their long-term success. Loving foster families are stepping forward to stand along side these youth, and with the help of The Bair Foundation Scholarship, many young adults are living out their dream.
Ivan states, “Patience, hope, and keeping the faith that one day the call I have been waiting for finally happened as I am finally an employee at my local Ford dealership. You can’t tell me
Operation Backpack
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Congratulations to Rita B. of Harrisburg, PA, the latest recipient of Bair’s Paul Smith Independent Living Fund. Rita received $1,000 in matching funds towards the purchase of her vehicle enabling her to gain her independence.
THANK YOU to H.E.B. Grocery in Austin, TX, Dallas Children’s Charities, Lora Morones for organizing a “Ladies Night Out” donation event, and Eagle Rock Worship Center in Albuquerque, NM, for your help in preparing foster children for returning to school. Our Amarillo office was also able to supply all of our foster children with school supplies as a result of donations from our Klubbing for Kids golf event.
To support foster youth financially, you can make a contribution online securely through our website or mail a check to The Bair Foundation Children’s Fund, 241 High Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142. Your donation makes THE difference and is 100% tax deductible.
The Bair Foundation National Office ● 241 High Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142 ● (800) 543-7058 ● Visit us on the web at bair.org