Spring 2018 by Family Building Blocks

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MARCH | APRIL | MAY

H I LDREN

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM PATRICE

The Healthy Families team at Family Building Blocks recently partnered with Sea Legs Media to share some of the highlights of parenthood. This inspired “Six Things Every Parent Should Know,” a heartwarming and relatable video that is available on our website and social media outlets in both English and Spanish. We interviewed several parents with young children, asking what advice they would offer new parents. Their responses were insightful, inspiring, and very, very funny.

OFFICERS Nita Kennedy, Chair COUNTRY Financial Rich Schultz, Chair-Elect Cherry City Metals 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.

1. “Parenting scares everyone.”

BOARD MEMBERS

2. “You’ll get weird advice,” - with responses such as being told to use whisky and chicken bones to ease teething pain (this is not only strange, it’s dangerous!).

Dave Alcorn | PGE

3. “Expect the unexpected.”

Jacob Bailey | Sea Legs Media

4. “Parenting is not easy.”

Troy Blum | Blum Real Estate

5. “You’ll figure it out.”

6. “It’ll be worth it.” Listening to parents talk through all of the uncertainties and challenges of parenthood was a powerful reminder of the universal nature of parenting. Every parent wants to be the best parent they can be. Every parent is scared, even those surrounded by family and friends, with access to a multitude of resources. Every parent needs support. My favorite quotes from the “It’ll be worth it” section: • “You will doubt yourself.” • “There is no guide.” • “Don’t compare your child to other children.” • “No one is perfect.” • “Every parent has what it takes.” • “Trust yourself.” • “Treasure each moment.” • “It is a blessing and an honor to be a parent.” I couldn’t agree more.

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director To enjoy these videos, visit our Parents page at familybuildingblocks.org.

FAMILY STORY MEET KRISTIN

Kristin is a mother of three young children who is committed to meeting her parenting goals by partnering with Family Building Blocks. When she found herself in an abusive relationship, she made the brave decision to leave, which is when she learned about Family Building Blocks and the support we provide parents facing overwhelming life circumstances. Once Kristin ended her relationship, she experienced depression, feelings of chaos and isolation, and she struggled to meet her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs on her own. Her youngest son, Daniel, was an infant and Kristin knew she needed help. Upon learning about Family Building Blocks, Kristin and Daniel began receiving home visits. Their Home Visitor suggested blogs to read, shared informational resources, and brought strategy games to help Kristin learn to manage her time and expectations, in addition to providing food, child locks, and safety tips to help Kristin become more confident and independent. Together, they spent time evaluating Kristinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children to help her KRISTIN AND DANIEL understand how they were developing and to identify the best methods for bonding and communicating with them. Kristin shared that their Home Visitor was always positive and encouraging, and that she never felt judged. After about a year of partnering with their Home Visitor, Kristin and Daniel were ready to participate in the Therapeutic Classroom program. Engaging in Therapeutic Classroom activities and having more structure provided Daniel with opportunities for bonding, communication, managing expectations, building confidence, gaining independence, and learning to trust other children and adults. Daniel, now two years old, is learning to talk and can say his vowels. When asked how their Home Visitor and Therapeutic Classroom teachers supported her parenting goals, Kristin shared they helped her stay informed and organized, continue to build confidence, and feel safe. The teachers recently provided Kristin with assistance in organizing her bills and taught her how to create and track a budget. They also continue encouraging her to recognize positive changes in herself and to pass the value of positive reinforcement on to her children. Since partnering with Family Building Blocks through Home Visiting and Therapeutic Classroom services, Kristin feels that her confidence in her parenting has improved significantly. Kristin believes that if she had not partnered with Family Building Blocks, she would still be depressed and unemployed, and that her life would still be surrounded by chaos. Today, Kristin is in a loving relationship and her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bond is strong. In the future, she hopes to find a new job where she can spend more time with her family and wants her children to continue learning and enjoying school. She reminds her children each day that they can trust her and they will always be loved. Thank you, Kristin, for sharing your story, inspiring others, and partnering with Family Building Blocks!

She reminds her children each day that they can trust her and they will always be loved.

SPOTLIGHTS DREAM BUILDER: OREGON LOCK & ACCESS, INC.

Oregon Lock & Access, Inc. have been incredible supporters of “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together” for 17 years. They are a local locksmith company founded in 2000. They specialize in the physical security needs of business, government, industry, and institutions. Oregon Lock & Access first became involved when they were asked to provide keys for Chelsea’s Restaurant. The keys were restricted and there was an authorization procedure that had to be followed. During the discussion, the owner of Oregon Lock, Jim Jennings, learned that the Scott family was in the process of donating the building. That was his first exposure to Family Building Blocks. Since then, Jim and his staff have donated in-kind materials and services to Family Building Blocks. It was after meeting former Family Building Blocks Executive Director Sue Miller and attending a Dream Builders Luncheon, that Jim decided to make regular financial contributions.

BRANDON & JIM

When asked why he believes so strongly in the prevention services Family Building Blocks provides, Jim responded: “My wife and I are not wealthy people, but we have been fortunate to have had successful careers and we are able to make small contributions to a few organizations. We both know how lucky we were to be born into loving and supportive families. We wish every child could have the same good fortune, but understand the reality that many do not. Donating to Family Building Blocks is partly about trying to make that wish come true, but frankly, it is also a practical attempt at improving our society. Any efforts that can help break cycles of negligence, poverty, or violence – especially those that focus on the young – should be encouraged. The programs and services provided by Family Building Blocks are outstanding.”

JOIN US FOR A TOUR OF THE RELIEF NURSERY!

TOUR DATES: March 21, April 18, and May 16 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Chelsea’s Place, 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem Contact Stephanie Benefiel to sign up for a tour at 503.566.2132 or sbenefiel@familybuildingblocks.org.

HIGHLIGHTS

PARENTING CLASSES GROW IN MILL CITY

We recently welcomed nine parents (four more than the previous session) and 13 children to our eight-week parenting class in Mill City, designed to support parents in practicing communication, empathy, and stress management techniques. One dad shared that by removing distractions and prioritizing at least 30 minutes of engagement each day, his son’s listening skills improved significantly.

OVER 400 ATTENDED WINTER FAMILY NIGHT

In January, 412 children and parents attended our annual Winter Family Night at Blanchet Catholic School for a warm meal and family activities including face painting, coloring, cookie decorating, bean bag toss, and more. Thank you to our 65 volunteers and to our sponsors, First Tech Credit Union, FBB Board of Directors, Blanchet Catholic School, Roth’s Fresh Catering, and Sodexo!

MARION COUNTY BLUE RIBBON EVENT

COURT AND COMMUNITY CARE IMPACTS FAMILIES CourtCare provides free childcare for parents and guardians who need to attend court, helping protect children from traumatic situations. Court and Community Care in Dallas now offers additional support for parents needing to attend job interviews and mental health appointments. Because of this increased flexibility, families are able to better meet their own needs and build schedules for successful futures.

APRIL 6, 2018 | STATE CAPITOL | 8:30 AM | FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! To spread awareness and show your support for child abuse prevention, please join us at the State Capitol on April 6 at 8:30 am. We will kick off the annual Marion County Blue Ribbon event alongside representatives from Marion County and other community organizations as Salem Electric hangs blue ribbons on a tree to represent Oregon’s victims of abuse and neglect. As part of the campaign, community members are encouraged to create and bring “I Will” cards where you fill in the blank of “I will _________ to prevent child abuse.” For more information about the event, please contact Julie Hilty, Community Outreach Manager at 503.566.2132 or jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

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

DIAPER DRIVE

SUSTAINER

DREAM BUILDER

Donate diapers for the annual Become a monthly donor and give Les Schwab Diaper Drive honoring online! www.familybuildingblocks.org child abuse prevention month in April.

Diapers size 4, 5, 6, Pull Ups, and Wipes For a list of drop-off sites and for more information, please contact Julie Hilty at jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

mo.

Milk For 1 Classroom

mo.

Formula For 1 Infant

mo.

Diapers For 5 Children

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

yr.

Home Visits For 1 Family

THANK YOU GALA OF TREES DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS! In December 2017, Family Building Blocks partnered with Boys & Girls Aid to raise money for children and families. Pictured (L-R) are Young Leaders Council members Erica Puopolo, Sam Lewis (FBB Event Manager), Mercedez Schluckebier, Lillian Kay, and Danae Johnson at the Gala of Trees. Over 350 community members attended the event featuring live and silent auctions with themed holiday trees and one-of-a-kind gifts, and helped raise over $140,000 for children and families partnering with both organizations. Thank you to our event sponsors, our dedicated volunteers, and to all of our guests for helping ensure children and families will have a brighter future!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SAPPHIRE SPONSORS Cascade Floors Willamette Valley Community Health

DIAMOND SPONSORS

YOU’RE INVITED! UNCORKED

WINE

AUCTION

MAY 19, 2018 ZENITH VINEYARD 11TH ANNUAL

PRESENTED BY

MAY 19, 2018 | ZENITH VINEYARD To purchase a table or sponsor the event, contact Sam at 503.566.2132 or slewis@familybuildingblocks.org. WWW.FAMILYBUILDINGBLOCKS.ORG/EVENTS

2ND ANNUAL UNTAPPED JULY 14, 2018 Location: TBA Time & Tickets: TBA Annual fundraiser and pairings event benefiting children and families. slewis@familybuildingblocks.org

RIVERFRONT FAMILY FEST AUGUST 4, 2018 Salem’s Riverfront Park 10:00 am-2:00 pm | FREE Health and safety fair with family-friendly activities. jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org

POLK COUNTY LUNCHEON SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 Location: TBA (Dallas, OR) 12:00-1:00 pm | FREE Bring your friends and celebrate the power of prevention in Polk County. jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org

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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E S TO G E T CHELSEA’S PLACE 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

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

GRACIE’S PLACE 1135 Edgewater St. NW Salem, OR 97304

DORIS’S PLACE 383 N. 3rd Ave Stayton, OR 97383

BROADWAY PLACE 1255 Broadway St. Salem, OR 97301

DALLAS ACADEMY 182 SW Academy St. Suite 110 Dallas, OR 97338

HELEN’S PLACE 180 18th St. NE Salem, OR 97301

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