Spring 2023 Newsletter

SPRING 2023

SEILIMAF REHTEGOT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ORGANIZATION VALUES

OFFICERS

Nancy MacMorris-Adix, Chair Retired, Legacy Silverton Midwives

Jeff Moore, Vice Chair

Saalfeld Griggs, PC

Rich Schultz, Past Chair Cherry City Metals

Jody Rowell, Secretary Community Service

Mike Blanchard, Treasurer Johnson, Glaze & Co.

BOARD MEMBERS

Steve Altman | True Private Wealth Advisors

Jacob Bailey | Sea Legs Media

Ross Carey | Retired, U.S. Bank

Gina Defa White | COUNTRY Financial

Walt Edmonds | Retired, OR Court of Appeals

Hannah Fouts | HomeSmart Realty Group

Deana Freres | Community Service

Pedro Gomez | Representing Partnering Families

Levi Herrera-Lopez | Mano a Mano

Danae Johnson | Capital Financial Planners

Brian Johnston | Dallas Glass & Window

Rob Kansky | Green Acres Landscape

Lillian Kay | HomeSmart Realty Group

Diane McLaran | Chemeketa Community College

Wes McWhorter | Premier Remodeling & Design

Jerry Moore | Retired, Salem Chief of Police

Christy Perry | Salem-Keizer Public Schools

Marni Redding | Mother Tree Olive Grove and The Arbor

Leilani Slama | Salem Health

R. Taylor | Chemeketa Community College

Ernesto Toskovic | KeyBank

Rebecca Wulf | Owner, B Salon

Patrice Altenhofen | Executive Director

ORGANIZATION VALUES

• We respect the unique personhood of each child.

• We believe in the power of a securely attached family.

• We are family-centered, caring and supportive.

• We strive for equity and celebrate diversity.

• We are collaborative and ambitious.

• We emphasize strengths and assume positive intent.

• We honor vulnerability and courage.

• We offer optimism and hope.

• We express gratitude for our community’s generosity.

FROM PATRICE

After serving for 10 years as Executive Director of Family Building Blocks, I have learned a lot. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that, just like me, all parents want to make memories with their children by enjoying normal experiences as a family.

I live three blocks from a 7-11. When my children were small, we would walk there for Slurpees and snacks on hot summer days, making memories that still make me smile, even as I write this. On more than one occasion, I noticed families from my neighborhood buying Slurpees and snacks, just like my family. The difference was that some of those families were using their Oregon Trail cards to purchase these items. Quite honestly, I remember questioning why Oregon Trail funds could be used to buy junk food and judging parents for using their cards this way.

My children grew up in the midst of Harry Potter, Twilight, and many, many Disney films. I have lost count of the number of midnight movie premiers and book releases we have attended together. Again, I find myself smiling as I type, feeling so grateful for these bonding experiences with my daughters. And, as I type this, I am also remembering myself, driving though my neighborhood, noticing big-screen TVs in the windows of some homes. From my limited perspective at the time, I again judged these families for spending so much money on what I considered to be a luxury item.

What I have learned is this – parents living in poverty want the same things for their children that I want for mine. They want to enjoy a treat in the sunshine. Walking across the street from their apartment to the convenience store is a simple pleasure in a complicated world. That Slurpee provides a sense of normalcy.

Families want to watch a movie on a big screen together. Not all families have access to transportation or the means to take an entire family to a theater – so some bring the theater to them. That TV is an investment, rather than a luxury.

I am deeply grateful that the work we do at Family Building Blocks has broadened my perspective and increased my compassion for my neighbors. Watching my colleagues partner with families who are working hard to be successful has decreased my tendency to judge, and increased my ability to accept and support families in whatever circumstance they are in.

Families who voluntarily partner with Family Building Blocks come to us bravely to be the best parents they can be. They have taught me invaluable lessons. Their resilience and delight in their children amidst huge obstacles has inspired me to be the best Executive Director, and person, I can be.

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

MEET THE PETERS FAMILY

We had always wanted more kids, but after years of trying we had just about given up, then suddenly, we were expecting a little baby boy! We were so excited, we got the house ready, we were given a changing table (something I never had with the older kids), and did all of the small things to prepare for this much awaited baby.

When he came, we were overjoyed. We took him home, and settled in. Things were perfect, until the fires came. We drove away from our home, looking back one last time as burning embers poured over the trees behind our house. Our little baby wasn’t even two months old yet.

We met Melodie with Family Building Blocks a few weeks after the Labor Day fires of 2020. We were living in an RV, and trying to find some binkies for our 2 month old baby. She told us about Family Building Blocks and gave us a flyer. She was so sweet and kind, I figured it was worth exploring. I thought we would get some craft boxes or something for the kids to do, I had no idea that Family Building Blocks would make such a huge impact on our lives.

That first Christmas after the fires, Family Building Blocks nominated us to receive Christmas presents. A member of the community purchased gifts for us, and helped ease the pain of losing so much. Family Building Blocks also provided us with food to make Christmas dinner. It made us feel so loved and supported.

A few months later, Family Building Blocks told us about a wildfire support group. Family Building Blocks would provide child care, while the adults could go to a support group for wildfire survivors. When I heard they would watch the kids and feed them dinner, I instantly was ready to sign up.

I was going through a lot, batting insurance, lining up contractors, spending every weekend cleaning up debris. Finding this group of people who understood what we were going through, meant so much to me. It has helped me heal.

Not only did this group provide emotional support, they also put us in touch with resources to help us rebuild. They let us know about grants, loans, and contractors giving discounts. We have made many friends through this group.

Family Building Blocks gave us a grant for new windows which was a huge relief. They also put us in touch with a counselor to help us through the trauma we endured during and after the fires.

Because of Family Building Blocks’ efforts, we have been able to rebuild our lives. We would never have been able to rebuild without them. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but having the support of Family Building Blocks makes a huge difference. The kids love going to the classroom each week, and it gives me time to catch up on housework, or go plant trees to reforest our property. They have had an immeasurable impact on our lives, and we will be forever grateful for them.

-Jennie, Brandon, Michael, Christiana, James, and Mollie (The Peters Family)

SPOTLIGHTS

ANNUAL DIAPER DRIVE KEEPS BABIES SAFE AND DRY

Thanks to the annual Les Schwab Tires Diaper Drive in April, we are able to provide families with over 50,000 diapers every year. Diaper insecurity is a challenging barrier that our families face. As children are born and families grow every single day, we know our families have a consistent need for access to diapers and supplies for their young children. When we as a community provide diapers to local families in need, we are also supporting the economic health of our region.

During the month of April, diapers can be donated to any Les Schwab Tire Center in Salem, Dallas, Independence, Sublimity, and Woodburn. Other “drop-sites” include: Ace Hardware - West Salem, City of Dallas, City of Independence, Dallas Glass, Encore Glass, Fidelity National Title, Indy Commons, The Lotus Studio, MINET, Northwestern Mutual, Polk County Sheriff’s Department, RISE Services, Salem Electric, Urban Grange Coffee & Bakery, Valley Credit Union, WaFed Bank - West Salem, Willamette Valley Fiber, WOU - College of Education and Salem-area schools including Brush College, Claggett, Crossler, Englewood, Houck, McKinley, Myers, Parrish, Waldo, Walker, West High and Salem-Keizer EDGE Middle School.

For more information, please contact Julie Duran, Director of Development, at jduran@familybuildingblocks.org or call 503.566.2132.

APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Since 1983, April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread awareness and prevent child abuse. Each year, our community gathers with our blue pinwheels to kick off the month-long initiative.

We can all help prevent child maltreatment by ensuring parents and communities have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to keep all children safe. Children and families are stronger when communities come together to support them before they are in crisis. Helping families in your community meet their basic needs is a critical way to prevent child abuse.

Please join us in “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.” The best way to start learning about all the ways you can support Family Building Blocks is by attending one of our tours. You’ll learn more about the services FBB provides as well as getting an up-close look at a clothing closet, a food pantry, and our therapeutic classrooms. Sign up for a tour at familybuildingblocks.org or scan the QR code.

Images from the 2022 Les Schwab Tires Diaper Drive

SUSTAINERS IMPACT CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Thank you to over 500 community members who joined us at our Sustainers Happy Hour on March 15! Children and families continue to have hope because of YOU. Thank you to Maria for sharing her story, our sponsors, including presenting sponsors, Green Acres Landscape, GA at Home, and ServiceMaster of Salem, our volunteers and our staff for coming together to support of the youngest among us. We would also like to thank our amazing speakers, Cara Copeland, Dick Withnell, Former Gov. John A. Kitzhaber M.D., and board members Nancy MacMorris-Adix and Rich Schultz, for sharing why they believe in the work of relief nurseries.

A special thank you to our new Stepping Stone Sustainers who made the decision to support “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.” Your monthly donations are what allows our Therapeutic Relief Nursery classrooms to function day to day.

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!

We are honored to welcome Becca Wulf to our Board of Directors!

Becca is a perfect fit, having been one of Family Building Blocks’ Rock Star staff for four years before choosing to pursue her passion and opening B Salon in Salem. Becca and her husband, John, are local Salem entrepreneurs and have been Dream Builders for several years.

“As a family, we are so honored to be able to partner with Family Building Blocks in their mission of “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!” We love how FBB comes alongside families who willingly ask for additional support, as they raise the next generation!” - John and Becca Wulf

GIVE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN “KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE AND FAMILIES TOGETHER!” Questions about donations or how to make an impact today? Contact Claudia Vorse at cvorse@familybuildingblocks.org.

BECOME A STEPPING STONE SUSTAINER AND GIVE MONTHLY!

Monthly Sustainer gifts of any amount are critical for our wraparound services as they guarantee support each month on an ongoing basis.

“Since becoming parents, nothing is the same for us. There are no limits to the empathy and compassion we feel for parents trying to raise a family. Please join us in becoming Sustainers today! Every dollar makes a difference in the life of a child.”

- Lillian and Josh Kay, Dream Builders and Sustainers

ONE-TIME GIFTS

Make an impact by giving any amount, any time. familybuildingblocks.org

SCAN TO GIVE

MIRACLE MAKER DREAM BUILDER

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

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

YOUR SPRING GIFT HAS BEEN DOUBLED!

Last month we announced that for every new sustainer, increased sustainer or new gift we received that the Maybelle Cark Macdonald Fund would match those gifts up to $25,000. We are excited to share we made our match! Thank you to our donors, and especially to the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, for your generous support of “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!”

SHARING OUR DREAM TOURS

CHELSEA’S PLACE IN NE SALEM

April 19, 11:00AM - Noon

April 26, 5:30 - 6:30PM and Every Third Wednesday

Tour Family Building Blocks, see how we “Keep Children Safe and Families Together,” and learn how YOU can make an impact!

SAVE THE DATE

2425 Lancaster Dr. NE

Salem, OR 97305

PRINTING SPONSOR:

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

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.