Autumn 2019 by Family Building Blocks

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SA E S TO G E T

AUTUMN 2019 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM PATRICE It is a season of transitions here at Family Building Blocks.

OFFICERS Rich Schultz, Chair Cherry City Metals

Nita Kennedy has served on the Board of Directors for six years. As she heads toward retirement from her 30 year career with COUNTRY Financial, she has decided to also retire from our Board. During her tenure as a board member, Nita contributed to the Finance and Executive Committees, and as Board Chair for two years, 2016-18. While we will miss Nita’s humor and wisdom at our meetings, she is committed to supporting our mission long-term. Thank you, Nita, for your guidance, advocacy, and friendship.

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.

BOARD MEMBERS Dave Alcorn | PGE Jacob Bailey | Sea Legs Media Troy Blum | Blum Real Estate

Brandy O’Bannon, also with Family Building Blocks for six years as our Senior Resource Development Director, has accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation in Lebanon, Oregon. Brandy is a stellar development professional who has inspired countless donors, volunteers, and staff to support “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.”

As a member of our Leadership Team, Brandy contributed to our strategic direction and helped build our Development Team to serve the expanded reach of our growing organization. Though we are very happy for her as she begins the job of her dreams, we will miss her! Her last day is September 20. After that date, please contact me with any donor-related questions at patrice@familybuildingblocks.org. Thank you, Brandy!

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

FEATURED STORIES 75 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES RECEIVE SUPPORT IN WOODBURN

On July 12, First Presbyterian Church in Woodburn opened its doors to Family Building Blocks becoming our first physical location in the community. Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen and Advisory Board Member Dick Withnell met with the First Presbyterian Church Pastor to develop this partnership to house our staff who are currently supporting 75 children and their families in north Marion County. With 35 more children on the unserved list in the area, Family Building Blocks anticipates growing to serve 100 by 2020. To provide Relief Nursery services, including a Therapeutic Classroom for children and Home Visiting for families, a partnership providing a secure location was critical. The Church will house one Therapeutic Classroom, two Teachers, two Home Visitors, and one Community Outreach Coordinator. Thanks to community partners including Salem Family YMCA, Marion County Court Care, and Polk County Family & Community Outreach, the classroom and offices are almost completely furnished and ready to welcome children. We would also like to thank the following community partners for making this possible: Randy and Robyn Compton, First Presbyterian Church, Mountain West Investment Corporation, Salem Health, and Dick and Gayle Withnell.

DORIS’S PLACE JOINS CO-LOCATION MODEL

Doris’s Place in Stayton is moving. In partnership with Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Head Start, the two organizations will be housed at the Santiam Center, along with DHS Self Sufficiency. The partners will form a co-location model to better serve families in the Santiam Canyon. Family Building Blocks’ services are also offered through a co-location model at the Dallas Academy Building in Polk County. By providing access to early childhood programs and family support services under one roof, families can save time, money, and energy when seeking support within a responsive and collaborative community. Thank you to the Oregon Community Foundation - Doris J. Wipper Fund for making this move possible and generously supporting our Home Visitation program.

WOODBURN WISH LIST

NEW OR GENTLY USED THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM ITEMS NEEDED! New furniture items are preferred from communityplaythings.com. Financial gifts can be made online by indicating “Woodburn” in the memo line at familybuildingblocks.org/donate. THANK YOU!

CLASSROOM FURNITURE • Meal Table (Rectangle/Circle) (2) • Play Table (Round) • Mini Fridge • Infant/Toddler Chairs (10) • Mirror (small/medium) • Play Kitchen • Sensory Table (2) • In and Out Climber • Mat (for under sensory table) • String of lights (4) • Paper Light Lamps (4) • Rocker/Glider • Rugs (3-4 various sizes) • Pillows for Seating Area (8)(M/S) CLASSROOM MATERIALS • Shape Sorter • Manipulatives • Book (various languages) • Spiky Balls • Baby Dolls • Blocks

OFFICE/BREAK ROOM • Filing Cabinets (3) • Mini Fridge • Copier • Coffee Maker • Microwave (commercial)(2) • Garbage Can (6) • Silverware

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT • Tunnels (2) • Tricycles (6) • Little Tykes Car ( 4) • Push Toys/Cars (2) • Parachute • Bubbles • Chalk • Bouncing Balls (10) • Nesting Circles • Sprinkler • Sand Toys (buckets, funnels, sifter) • Storage Cabinet (2) • Storage Tubs (4)

SUPPLIES • Child Dishes (24) • Dish Tub (2) • Meal Cart • Dish Drying Racks (4) • Bottle Drying Rack (2) • Spray Bottles (6) • Storage Tubs (4) • Paper Towel Dispenser (2) • Bottle Warmer • Laminator w/ pouches • Vacuum • Stackable Washer/Dryer • Laundry Baskets (2) • Baby Bathtubs • Washcloths (30) • Recycling Can (6) • Broom/Dust Pan • Soap Dispenser (2) • Dymo Label Maker • Towels • Sandbox with lid • Swiffer

TO DONATE, PLEASE CONTACT GCERVANTES@FAMILYBUILDINGBLOCKS.ORG

SPOTLIGHTS DONOR SPOTLIGHT

First Tech Federal Credit Union, Miracle Maker First Tech Federal Credit Union is a Miracle Maker donor who has supported “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together” since 2002. First Tech has also sponsored many events over the years, including our luncheons, family nights, and Uncorked Wine Auction. Several First Tech employees are active volunteers who support our special events and family nights, and have helped with projects to maintain the quality of our facilities ensuring children and families have the best experience possible. In April 2019, First Tech awarded Family Building Blocks a generous $6,000 grant to support literacy outcomes. Grant dollars were used to enhance our recent Family Night in June, where First Tech employees coordinated a “book walk” for the 545 children and parents in attendance, providing each family with a new bilingual book to add to their home library. This grant funding will also support literacy initiatives in our Therapeutic Classrooms to increase the frequency of parents reading to their children for at least 15 minutes a day. With the support of First Tech Federal Credit Union, additional non-English and other diverse books will be added to our classrooms. Thank you, First Tech, for prioritizing children in our community and helping the youngest among us develop a love of books!

INSPIRE YOUR COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CLASSROOM VOLUNTEER!

Join us for a tour of the Relief Nursery this fall and learn how you can “Keep Children Safe and Families Together.” Wednesdays, Sept 25, Oct 16, and Nov 20 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Chelsea’s Place, 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem Contact Camille Stricklin to sign up for a tour at 503.798.4744 or volunteer@familybuildingblocks.org.

HIGHLIGHTS

CLASSROOMS WELCOME DALLAS OFFERS COURT SPONSOR A CHILD OR 35 NEW CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY CARE PARENTS IN NOVEMBER This summer, we celebrated children who graduated from Family Building Blocks and transitioned to Head Start and other preschool programs. They have brightened our days and while we miss seeing them in our Therapeutic Classrooms, we are thrilled they are continuing to grow and thrive. We are now excited to welcome 35 new infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to our Relief Nurseries and Therapeutic Classrooms in September!

Our Court and Community Care program is offered through our Relief Nursery in Dallas and supports families needing to attend mandatory appointments. By providing this free and reliable child care opportunity to families partnering with Family Building Blocks, parents can better manage their schedules and attend mental health appointments, job interviews, and more. This allows families to meet their needs and build schedules for successful futures.

Through our Hope for the Holidays giving program, Family Building Blocks ensures that all children and families partnering with us have their basic needs met during the holiday season. Would you like to sponsor a child or parents in November? You can help provide needed materials including educational toys, books, coats, and more. To participate, please contact Esmeralda at 503.566.2132 or echantuyub@familybuildingblocks.org.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE GREETED EACH DAY WITH ART AND JOY

Salem artist Mary Heintzman has designed a beautiful, original interactive work of art for Helen’s Place, our certified Relief Nursery in southeast Salem. Mary is a celebrated local artist who teaches at Blanchet Catholic School and was the lead artist/designer of the Eco Earth Globe in Salem’s Riverfront Park. Mary created this ceramic relief sculpture depicting children playing in a colorful, Pacific Northwest landscape entirely by hand. Families are encouraged to discover the “hidden” insects, birds, plants, and animals. Thank you, Mary, for this remarkable gift that will bring joy to families when they walk through the doors at Helen’s Place for years to come! Special thanks to Trust Management Services, LLC, Marion Cultural Development Corporation, and Laura Havran for their generous support of this project.

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

SUSTAINER

DREAM BUILDER

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

mo.

Milk For 1 Classroom

mo.

Formula For 1 Infant

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Diapers For 5 Children

Give $1,000 a year for three years. hhawkins@familybuildingblocks.org

GIVE!

Give $5,000 a year for three years. hhawkins@familybuildingblocks.org

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Therapeutic Classrooms For 1 Child

Home Visits For 1 Family

STEP 1

TEXT TO

MIRACLE MAKER

Text FBB to 91999

STEP 2

Click the link in the reply to complete your donation

THANK YOU, SPONSORS, DONORS, AND VOLUNTEERS! Thank you to everyone who attended the inaugural Capital City LIVE! Featuring Kane Brown with special guest Britnee Kellogg! It was a fabulous evening of amazing live performances, all to benefit children and families in Marion and Polk counties. Cheers to the first Capital City LIVE! and “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!” PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS TYLER & DEANA

FRERES

Nearly 4,000 community members attended this beloved annual health and safety fair. With family-friendly activities including face painting and a helicopter landing, Riverfront Park came to life celebrating local children and families. Thank you, sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and guests who supported the 2019 Riverfront Family Fest! PRESENTING SPONSORS

F O U N D AT I O N

HEALTH SPONSOR

SAFETY SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

ENGAGING SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

CAFÉ YUMM! CHILDHOOD HEALTH ASSOCIATES OF SALEM F & W FENCE HELTZEL WILLIAMS, PC

ADVENTURES WITH AUTISM INSTANT FIRE PROTECTION CO GROVE, MUELLER & SWANK, PC NORTHWEST HUMAN SERVICES OHSU DOERNBECHER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SENSIBLE REHAB VALLEY CREDIT UNION

YOU’RE INVITED!

MEET DERIK & QUINTIN AT THE DREAM BUILDERS LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 | NOON - 1:00 PM | SALEM CONVENTION CENTER | FREE EVENT | RSVP TODAY! When Quintin said ”yes” to partnering with Family Building Blocks over 10 years ago, he had just received custody of his 16-month-old son, Derik. He was recently sober, living in a small bedroom, and had no belongings. Quintin was a single dad and was overwhelmed yet determined to raise his son differently than he was raised. His own childhood was filled with violence and he grew up feeling scared and anxious. Quintin said he has never forgotten about the positive impact Family Building Blocks had on his family. He recently reconnected with us because he wants YOU to know that his family is thriving. He was able to keep his son “Safe,” his family “Together,” and is proud to report they are happy—an emotion Quintin rarely felt as a child. Please also consider hosting a table of 10 (at no cost to you). To sponsor the event, become a table captain, or reserve your seat, contact Julie Hilty at 503.566.2132 or jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

JOIN US FOR GALA OF TREES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 | 6:00 - 10:00 PM | SALEM CONVENTION CENTER | TICKETS: TBA Tickets will be available for purchase online in October! Join us, along with Boys & Girls Aid, to raise money for local children and families at this must-attend annual event! Celebrate the holidays and bid on a range of elaborately decorated holiday trees of all sizes. Accompanying these trees you won’t find anywhere else are unbeatable experience packages including luxury trips, family vacations, gift certificates, wine, home decor, specialized treats for your pets, and more! Proceeds benefit children and families in our communities. For the third year in a row, Boys & Girls Aid and Family Building Blocks are collaborating to make a significant impact in the lives of children and families partnering with our organizations. Our vision is for all children in our community to be safe, thriving, and out of foster care. We hope you share our excitement about this partnership! Together, as a community, we can ensure the well-being of our youngest generation and future generations to follow. To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit familybuildingblocks.org/events.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALEM, OREGON PERMIT NO. 64

2425 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

PRINTING SPONSOR:

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To update your physical address for our quarterly newsletter and to join our monthly IMPACT e-news list, contact Denise Sanchez at dsanchez@familybuildingblocks.org.

E S TO G E T

GRACIE’S PLACE DORIS’S PLACE BROADWAY PLACE DALLAS ACADEMY HELEN’S PLACE WOODBURN CLASSROOM CHELSEA’S PLACE Santiam Center 1255 Broadway St. 182 SW Academy St. 180 18th St. NE First Presbyterian Church 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE 1135 Edgewater St. NW 11656 Sublimity Rd. SE Salem, OR 97301 Salem, OR 97304 Suite 210 Salem, OR 97305 Salem, OR 97301 950 N Boones Ferry Rd., Woodburn, OR 97071 Sublimity, OR 97385 Dallas, OR 97338

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