Summer 2017 by Family Building Blocks

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JUNE | JULY | AUGUST

SUMMER 2017 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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.

FROM PATRICE

The Honorable Judge Pamela Abernethy (Ret.), former Board Chair of Family Building Blocks, once said that life is about continuously finding the next right answer. She shared that when a community finds a right answer together, we need to celebrate. We need to celebrate what is right with the world because most of the time we human beings just complain about what is wrong: food, traffic, weather, and politics. Family Building Blocks is focused on working toward this right answer, together. Judge Abernethy also shared her version of the parable of the “Babies in the River,” which illustrates the heart of our mission to keep children safe and families together. “A man is standing by the shore of a swiftly flowing river and hears the cry of a drowning child. He tears off his shirt and shoes and jumps into the cold water. He fights against the strong current, forcing his way to the struggling child. He holds on hard and gradually pulls the tiny girl to shore. He lays her out on the bank and revives her with artificial respiration. Just when she begins to breathe, he hears another cry and jumps into the cold water. He fights his way again to the struggling child, this time an infant boy. He grabs hold and gradually pulls the boy to shore. He lifts him out onto the bank and works to revive his tiny body. The man is joyful about his success, but cold and tired. He starts to put his clothes back on and just when his shoes are tied he hears another child crying for help in the river. Again he jumps, fights, and saves the struggling child from death. But as he is pulling the third child out, he sees another and another coming down in the flow of the stream. He is now thoroughly exhausted and running out of energy. Fortunately, others have gathered and he calls to them for help. ‘Go in and save the children,’ he yells, ‘I am going upstream. I need to use the little energy I have left to find out why the children are in the river.’ When he gets upstream, he sees a stone bridge crossing the river. It looks sturdy but on careful inspection, he finds that there is a well-concealed, yet sizable hole in it, large enough for a small child to fall through. It is easy for us as a community to be so busy pulling children from the river that we don’t take the time to go upriver and discover the hole in the stone bridge. And having discovered the hole in the bridge, it is also easy to say we don’t have the means to repair it. The parable reminds us that repairing the bridge is really the only solution - the only right answer - because as a society, as a community, we can never have enough resources to rescue each child effectively as she floats downstream. Together we might be able to save every drowning child by swimming into the river one at a time. But if we go upstream, every child can cross it safely.” This is the power of prevention. This is the power of your partnership with Family Building Blocks.

R. Taylor | Chemeketa Community College Ernesto Toskovic | KeyBank Conrad Venti | Pioneer Trust Bank Patrice Altenhofen | FBB Executive Director

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

FEATURED STORY MEET NICHOLE, JOSH, SARA, AND JANE

‘No Wrong Door’ Approach to Serving Families Family Building Blocks is committed to partnering with families near their homes and customizing services for the needs of each family. Alongside our partner Polk County Family and Community Outreach, and generous financial support from the Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, and Spirit Mountain Community Foundation, among others, we are able to offer Therapeutic Classroom services, respite care, home visiting services, and playgroups at one location in Dallas. Nichole is a mother in Polk County who was pregnant while parenting her one-year-old daughter Sara when her pediatrician referred her family to Family Building Blocks. While receiving weekly home visits, Nichole and her husband Josh began to learn how to manage their stress and create a strong bond with and attachment to their daughter. Nichole and Josh were eager to learn and prepare for their new baby. After partnering with Family Building Blocks for six months, Nichole, Josh, and their home visitor discussed the possibility of their daughter Sara having developmental delays, and determined that transferring Sara to our Therapeutic Classroom in Dallas would be a great fit. Their home visitor also helped them complete a referral for additional services offered through Willamette Education Services District (WESD). WESD is working closely with Family Building Blocks’ teachers to provide access to experiences that will help Sara learn and grow. While transitioning Sara to the classroom, Nichole gave birth to her second daughter, Jane. Today, both daughters regularly attend Family Building Blocks’ Therapeutic Classroom in Dallas where they are provided a safe and therapeutic environment, and the family continues to receive home visits. Nichole and Josh are delighting in their children’s milestones, and are continuing to learn new approaches to support their growing family.

MEET DEZMOND

DEZMOND DUPREE TURNER

Dezmond Dupree Turner is one of 40 college interns who volunteer annually with Family Building Blocks to learn about early childhood education, develop skills to add to their resumes, and invest in their community. Dezmond is a senior at Western Oregon University where he studies Community Health Education. At the end of his internship, he will have contributed 240 volunteer hours of supporting children at Family Building Blocks. Dezmond volunteers in the Therapeutic Classrooms at Gracie’s Place in west Salem on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at the Dallas Academy Building Tuesdays and Thursdays. He also helps with administrative support at Broadway Place in northeast Salem each Friday in addition to assisting staff with a parenting class.

Since he is considering a career working with adolescents who are at-risk, Dezmond was drawn to Family Building Blocks’ mission of “keeping children safe and families together.” By volunteering in the Therapeutic Classrooms, he experiences an environment that focuses on each child’s needs, and their social and emotional development. His internship at Family Building Blocks has taught Dezmond, “how positive the Therapeutic Classroom can be for children at this age.” His favorite moment in the classroom was interacting with a young child named Natasha. When Dezmond first met Natasha she was very quiet and shy. He described a day when they were playing at the sensory table and he made noises as they played with the water. Dezmond proudly shared, “I looked over and saw that Natasha was smiling and giggling. I told the classroom teacher, ‘This is the first time I have seen her teeth!’” Dezmond strives to make a difference each day in the classroom. He explained, “I don’t know the details of the children’s home lives. What I can do each day while I am here is make the classroom a positive and comfortable environment for them.” Family Building Blocks has a need for additional classroom volunteers. If you have three hours a week and would love to help children smile, contact Stephanie Benefiel at 503.566.2132. There are opportunities to volunteer at several Family Building Blocks sites in Marion and Polk counties.

SPOTLIGHTS THE BLUM FAMILY

Supporting Family Building Blocks is a family legacy for the Blums. Gladys Blum was one of Family Building Blocks’ original Board Members in 1997 and faithfully served on the Board for an incredible 13 years. Her son Troy recently joined the Board of Directors, and granddaughter Taylor is a volunteer on the Young Leaders Council. Gladys and Troy are Dream Builders and Taylor is a Stepping Stone Sustainer. The family also frequently sponsors Family Building Blocks events through their business Blum Real Estate. Thank you to the Blum family for their commitment to local children and families! Why do you choose to support Family Building Blocks personally? Gladys: “I believe Family Building Blocks is the most important organization in our community as it meets the needs of the very young. If we can keep families together, teach parenting skills early on, and support families struggling when they need it the most, we will not have child abuse, foster care, or drug and alcohol abuse that often results from parents who can’t survive the stress they face alone. I choose to donate monthly because it’s easy – it’s like paying your monthly utility bill, and it feels good because you know you are having a positive effect on the life of a child.” Troy: “Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders! I’ve always believed that one of the foundations of development and character starts with your personal family unit and upbringing. Having a strong family from a young age strengthens the knowledge, maturity, and confidence it takes to become a responsible adult. Family Building Blocks promotes this concept by offering support to parents and families in need with the mission to ‘keep children safe and families together.’ It’s hard not to get behind an organization working in this capacity.” Why do you choose to support Family Building Blocks through your business? Troy: “This is a community that has given so much to each of us and our families. We have a responsibility to give back. We have always been supporters of Family Building Blocks and are encouraging each member of Blum Real Estate to do the same. I believe there are many people out there who want to be involved, whether by volunteering or giving, but don’t know where to turn. We’re currently developing marketing strategies that will work toward not only a high level of giving, but will also spread awareness for organizations like Family Building Blocks.” Gladys: “All businesses should support organizations that focus on children because that is our future! No organization focuses more on our children than Family Building Blocks. Lives are changed - not only the children, but the entire family. Safe families make safe neighborhoods, which is what makes our city a safe place to live.” Why did you join the Young Leaders Council (YLC) and what do you enjoy about volunteering with this group? Taylor: “I joined the YLC to be a part of a group that cares deeply about Family Building Blocks and this community. I love volunteering with this group because I get to follow in my family’s footsteps of supporting this organization and spend time with people my age who share this passion for children and families in our community.”

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CELEBRATE WITH US AT THE DREAM BUILDERS LUNCHEON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 | NOON-1:00 PM | SALEM CONVENTION CENTER Each year, the Dream Builders Luncheon welcomes over 800 community members for a complimentary lunch and an inspiring program about the impact prevention has in our community. This year, we plan on hosting over 1,100 guests as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Family Building Blocks keeping children safe and families together. The hour-long program will celebrate current and past families, the community members who make Family Building Blocks possible, and the critical need for and the effectiveness of our Therapeutic Early Childhood Programs. Join us as we honor our past and dream for our future! To sponsor the event, become a table captain, or reserve your seat, contact Sam Lewis at 503.566.2132 or slewis@familybuildingblocks.org.

HIGHLIGHTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

TOUR DATES: June 21, July 19, and August 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.

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS 10 THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! OPPORTUNITIES: Monday-Thursday TIME COMMITMENT: 9:15 am-12:15 pm LOCATIONS: Dallas Academy (Dallas), Gracie’s Place (West Salem), Chelsea’s Place (NE Salem), and Helen’s Place (SE Salem)

SPECIAL EVENT VOLUNTEERS UNTAPPED VOLUNTEERS - SIGN UP BY JULY 1. DATE & TIME: Saturday, July 15, 2017, 2:00-10:00 pm LOCATION: Downtown Salem RIVERFRONT FAMILY FEST - SIGN UP BY JULY 15. DATE & TIME: Saturday, August 5, 2017, 10:00 am-2:00 pm LOCATION: Salem’s Riverfront Park

“I volunteer because I believe in the importance of Relief Nurseries and the impact they have on families. I think it’s important to start early to help families stay together. I also love to spend time with young children! - Susan Humphrey, Therapeutic Classroom Volunteer

“Last year I volunteered at the Riverfront Family Fest where you could see how much fun families were having together. I believe in the mission of Family Building Blocks and will continue to support them with my time whenever I can.” - Michele Suarez, Local teacher and Special Events Volunteer

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CLASSROOM VOLUNTEER BUT DON’T HAVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE? No problem! Our highly trained and dedicated staff offer comprehensive trainings and orientations for our volunteers.

ANNUAL LES SCHWAB DIAPER DRIVE

Over 35,000 diapers were donated for the 2017 Les Schwab Diaper Drive, 60% more than in 2016.Thank you to the drop-off hosts: Salem-area Les Schwab Tire Centers, Ace Hardware West Salem, Urban Grange Coffee, Washington Federal, Salem Electric, Today’s Hair Salon & Day Spa, Valley Credit Union, Aunt Bee’s House, and Houck, Parrish, Walker, and Waldo Middle Schools.

BLUE RIBBON BRIGADE TRUST MANAGEMENT DONATES 1,026 DIAPERS SERVICES GRANT The Blue Ribbon Brigade Motorcycle Association has been a fantastic partner of Family Building Blocks by supporting local children and families through our Sustainers Happy Hour and by donating and delivering over 1,000 diapers during the Les Schwab Diaper Drive in April. Thank you for your partnership and for supporting local children and families!

We appreciate the generous support of Trust Management Services, LLC who recently awarded a grant of $5,285 to help fund a kitchenette remodel at our Therapeutic Classroom location in Dallas. Staff use the kitchenette daily to cook and prepare a nutritious breakfast and lunch for children attending our Therapeutic Classroom. Thank you!

GIVE Thank you for continuing to support our mission of keeping children safe and families together!

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

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Milk For 1 Classroom

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Formula For 1 Infant

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Diapers For 5 Children

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

MIRACLE MAKER Give $5,000 a year for three years. brandy@familybuildingblocks.org

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Home Visits For 1 Family

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Therapeutic Classrooms For 1 Child

THANK YOU, UNCORKED DONORS, SPONSORS, AND VOLUNTEERS! Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees who supported and attended the 10th Anniversary of Uncorked Wine Auction! Over 400 people gathered to support local children and families and to raise money for critical prevention services in Marion and Polk counties. Including the $476,000 raised this year, Uncorked has raised nearly four million dollars since its debut in 2008. Cheers to the next 10 years and beyond! BALTHAZAR SPONSOR

IMPERIAL SPONSORS

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“BREW & CHEW” PAIRINGS EVENT SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 | 2:00-10:00 PM

CORNER OF COMMERCIAL & STATE STREETS IN DOWNTOWN SALEM TICKETS ARE $10 ONLINE OR $15 AT THE DOOR FAMILYBUILDINGBLOCKS.ORG/EVENTS/#UNTAPPED ENJOY LOCAL BREWS, FOOD, AND LIVE MUSIC! Invite your friends and celebrate local culture while supporting local children and families. The first annual Untapped “Brew & Chew” Pairings Event is a fundraiser for Family Building Blocks, celebrating the culture of local breweries and restaurants, and promoting a strong, healthy, and united community to keep children safe and families together.

YOUNG LEADERS COUNCIL

RIVERFRONT FAMILY FEST AUGUST 5, 2017 Salem’s Riverfront Park 10:00 am-2:00 pm | Free Health and safety fair with familyfriendly activities. Contact Julie at jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

CONTACT SAM LEWIS TO LEARN MORE! slewis@familybuildingblocks.org | 503.566.2132

DORIS’S PLACE LUNCHEON FALL FASHION FRENZY SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 Foothills Church in Stayton Woodburn Premium Outlets Noon-1:00 pm | Free 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Tickets: $20 Bring your friends and celebrate the Proceeds fund mini-grants for families power of prevention. Contact Julie at partnering with Family Building Blocks. jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org. sbenefiel@familybuildingblocks.org.

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

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 Will Christiansen at wchristiansen@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