Winter 2016/17 by Family Building Blocks

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HILDREN F E & FA M

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DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY

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WINTER 2016/17 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM PATRICE

On September 6th, the doors to our State Street Relief Nursery opened to children! Our first child, Stephen, walked to the nursery with his dad from just one block away. When he came through the front door with his new shoes and backpack, he looked around like he owned the place. And in a way, he does.

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.

We are grateful to Mountain West Investment Corporation for making this possible for Stephen and his family, and for revitalizing their neighborhood. We also appreciate the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Fund through the Salem Foundation for their gift to State Street. Their heartfelt contribution to the success of our community’s children and families is unparalleled. We estimate that over the years, the Epping family has supported over 120 children in our classroom environments! What a legacy! Thank you to all who attended our ribbon cutting ceremony on September 30th - we were overwhelmed with the turnout! Thank you to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Ross Carey, and T.J. Sullivan for your words of gratitude and inspiration. Thank you to Umpqua Bank for providing the delicious ice cream treats! Finally, a very special thank you to Beautifull and her mom (pictured) who helped us cut the ribbon! With her radiant smile and contagious laughter, Beautifull dedicated Oregon’s 30th Relief Nursery. Our community has once again come together in support of the success of children and families. Thank you for helping us ensure 750 families have a better opportunity to remain safe and together every year.

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

JOIN THE DONOR WALL!

Become a Dream Builder or renew your Dream Builder pledge before 12/31/16 to be part of the donor recognition wall at our State Street Relief Nursery. Pictured left is a detail of the design plan - a beautiful, original interactive work of art created by Salem artist Mary Heintzman. Contact Brandy O’Bannon at brandy@familybuildingblocks.org.

FAMILY STORY MEET KATIE AND JACOB (Names have been changed for privacy)

Family Building Blocks participates in a unique partnership with the Marion County Circuit Court to help reduce foster care placements, thanks to the continued investment by the Ralph Hull Foundation. We provide therapeutic home visits for pregnant women participating in a court program called Ten on Tuesday or “TOT.” Pregnant moms recovering from addiction who are at risk of having their newborn placed into foster care voluntarily participate. Moms receive a variety of community-based services during pregnancy to help them to have a safe, clean pregnancy and to prepare them for parenthood. The court monitors their progress and provides information influencing the decision of whether to place the newborn into foster care. TOT participation ends at the time of birth. Moms who are successful graduate and walk out of the courtroom to parent largely on their own. Without ongoing support, many of these moms struggle under the pressure of parenting and the power of addiction and have their babies eventually removed from their care and end up back in court. How does Family Building Blocks stop this cycle? A specially trained Family Building Blocks home visitor comes alongside each mom and builds skills around bonding with her child, the importance of self-care, strengths-based parenting, and healthy social and emotional development. These visits continue after the baby is born. Our goal, as always, is to keep the child safe and the family together. Katie has a six-month-old son named Jacob, who weighed only four pounds at birth, and is now happy and healthy. Katie has been a very enthusiastic participant in the TOT program and Family Building Blocks has been providing home visits to Katie throughout this journey. During the last nine months, she graduated from her drug treatment program, moved out of a local group home, and into her own apartment. Because of her sobriety and the stability of her home life, Katie has been reunited with her six-year-old son, previously removed from her care.

DEATH

Katie’s sensitivity to her children’s needs has increased significantly, and her self-confidence as a parent has blossomed. Her awareness of their emotional cues has grown and she can tell by their facial expressions and behavior when they are frustrated. When Jacob cries, Katie knows “my baby really needs me” and she responds. Katie’s mother also watched her interactions with Jacob, and shared that these interactions are growing more positive over time. Katie acknowledges the progress she has made by parenting while sober, and says “it never hurts to keep educating yourself.” Although Katie struggles with low self-esteem caused by significant childhood trauma, with support and encouragement from her home visitor she is beginning to realize she deserves the good things that happen in her life.

ACE CHART EARLY DEATH DISEASE, DISABILITY, SOCIAL SKILLS ADOPTION OF HEALTH-RISK BEHAVIORS SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT Unable to process information, loss of reasoning

BIRTH

DISRUPTED NEURODEVELOPMENT Difficulty learning & engaging, hyperactivity, OCD ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACE) Abuse, neglect, household dysfunction

Dr. Vincent Felitti, Co-Principal Investigator of the landmark ACE study recently told a crowd of over 500 community members in Salem that the best hope for preventing ACEs is “supportive parenting programs.” ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences. The three categories of ACEs include abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. In a landmark scientific study of 17,000 individuals conducted by Kaiser Permanente, it was demonstrated that as the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for negative health outcomes later in life. For example, high ACE scores often result in a reduced life expectancy of 20 years. We are part of the solution! Family Building Blocks’ programs including therapeutic classrooms, home visiting, and parenting education help prevent ACEs from occurring, leading to improved health outcomes for families who remain safe and together.

SPOTLIGHTS JANE LAMB

“Last spring my church decided to sponsor a refugee family. In April, a family of ten arrived after spending ten years in a camp in Kenya. Six of the eight children were quickly enrolled in Salem-Keizer schools. By May, ESL classes were available downtown for refugee parents. Now came the opportunity to take care of the preschoolers for several hours while parents studied. I was eager to work with the youngest little girls, ages two and four, and soon we partnered with other sponsors and added several boys. I am grateful for the years I spent in FBB classrooms and all the trainings we were offered. This background was the basis for guiding the refugee children into their new culture. No one knew what kind of situations these little ones had survived. FBB best practices of calm classroom settings with positive, loving, and clear instructions provided us with the skills needed to help the children during the four months before they went to Head Start. They progressed from running out in the street, refusing to hold hands, or sitting to eat, to being able to walk in a group through the Capitol Park and Willamette University grounds, sit and remain at a table for snacks, and quietly listen to stories. The most amazing progress was realized when they responded well when redirected from unsafe situations to appropriate actions. During the first week of Head Start, one of our children received a WOW on a paper for following instructions! Thank you, FBB, for sharing your expertise with the Salem community.” - FBB volunteer Jane Lamb (pictured with her grandchildren)

CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Contact Megan Gapp, Volunteer Coordinator, to learn more and sign up for a tour. mgapp@familybuildingblocks.org

THE FRERES FAMILY

The Freres family recently shared, “We believe that keeping children safe and families together is one of the strongest investments we can make in our community. To believe in stewardship and to give back to kids and families is one of our highest priorities.” In this spirit, Freres Lumber Co. is a frequent sponsor of events and the Freres Foundation is a corporate sponsor of our Doris’s Place location in Stayton. Ted and Diane Freres and Tyler and Deana Freres are Miracle Maker donors who have made a multi-year TYLER & DEANA FRERES TED & DIANE FRERES commitment to fund FBB’s prevention programs. The late Doris Wipper, namesake of Doris’s Place in Stayton, was also a beloved family member who served as the CFO for Freres Lumber Co. for many years. Through generous annual grants made by the Doris J. Wipper Fund established through the Oregon Community Foundation, FBB offers home visiting and playgroup services for families with young children living in east Marion County. Deana Freres has also been a member of FBB’s Board of Directors since 2007. Thank you, Tyler, Deana, Ted, and Diane for your commitment to children and families! “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” - Kalu Kalu

PROGRAMS SERVING FAMILIES IN MARION & POLK COUNTIES

Did you know? Family Building Blocks’ services are free and voluntary. Parents bravely reach out to us and request help with parenting. How do families qualify and access services? If you are pregnant or have children ages five and under, and are interested in learning about our services, our Intake Coordinator will guide you through a confidential assessment. Eligibility is based on family stressors and prioritized based on need. WALK THROUGH OUR DOORS

CALL US 503.566.2132

REFERRALS Through physicians and other community organizations like:

MEET OUR STAFF THROUGH LOCAL HOSPITALS: Through our Healthy Families program, we are able to collaborate closely with nurses and identify families most in need of support. Our staff screen families for eligibility at the hospital immediately following the birth of their child. If the family accepts services, we are able to begin offering support within a week of the newborn arriving home.

SERVING CHILDREN AT STATE STREET

Continue helping children enrolled at State Street by ensuring the Relief Nursery is equipped for our families’ needs. To donate items on our wish list this holiday season, contact Brandy O’Bannon at 503.566.2132 or brandy@familybuildingblocks.org. Conference table & chairs Cordless window blinds Reception chairs

EXPANDING OUR DALLAS CLASSROOM

After months of growing programming in Dallas, our classroom is slated to open for two additional days and enroll eight more children in January. Thank you to Rich Duncan Construction for ensuring our kitchen will be ready to serve children in Polk County! To learn more, contact Tanya Hamilton, Relief Nursery Director, at 503.566.2132 or thamilton@familybuildingblocks.org.

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN THE SANTIAM CANYON

Santiam Hospital has been a vital partner of Doris’s Place in Stayton by helping educate the community about FBB’s prevention programs and services through the referral process. In addition, the hospital has been a Corporate Presenting Sponsor since 2013, supporting our mission of keeping children safe and families together. Thank you, Santiam Hospital!

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

YEAR-END GIVING When making your year-end charitable choices, we hope you prioritize Family Building Blocks! brandy@familybuildingblocks.org

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

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

Milk For 1 Classroom

BOB & ANN STICHA mo.

Formula For 1 Infant

Give Before 12/31/16

One-time gift Sign up to be a monthly donor Make a donation of stock www.familybuildingblocks.org/donate

NEED

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Diapers For 5 Children

VOLUNTEER From rocking babies in our therapeutic classrooms to helping with special events and more, volunteering is an incredible gift. Join our 400+ volunteers! Contact Megan Gapp at 503.566.2132 or mgapp@familybuildingblocks.org.

SPONSOR SPECIAL EVENTS

For fundraisers like Uncorked Wine Auction and the Dream Builders Luncheon, sponsorship dollars are critical for developing programming and growing our community impact. To become a sponsor, contact Sam Lewis at 503.566.2132 or slewis@familybuildingblocks.org.

IN-KIND CLOTHING & MORE

Clean, gently used children’s clothing (infant to size 8), toys, and home goods are year-round resources for families in our programs. To donate clothing and materials to one of our six sites, contact Julie Hilty at 503.566.2132 or jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

“We have observed Family Building Blocks for the past 16 years and see that they support parents being involved as parents through classes and the allimportant home visits. We are pleased to contribute and encourage support of Family Building Blocks!” - Bob & Ann Sticha, Dream Builders Since 2001

INTERN From therapeutic classroom support to fundraising and special events, interns gain skills that align with their professional and educational goals for one semester and a minimum of 50 hours. To learn more, visit our website at www.familybuildingblocks.org/give.

LEAVE A LEGACY LEAVE YOUR LEGACY TODAY

Consider naming Family Building Blocks as a beneficiary in your will or estate plan and help ensure that the important work Family Building Blocks is doing today can continue tomorrow. For information, contact Brandy O’Bannon at 503.566.2132 or brandy@familybuildingblocks.org.

YOU’RE INVITED! SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR MARCH 2 | 5:00-7:00 PM | FREE

Become a Stepping Stone Sustainer to keep children safe and families together. To continue ensuring as many children and families as possible receive the support they need, Family Building Blocks is expanding our Spring After Hours event to highlight the importance of monthly giving and what it means to be a Stepping Stone Sustainer. To help reach those unable to attend the Dream Builders Luncheon in the fall, we are looking forward to hosting a happy hour and gathering of community members dedicated to helping children and families in Marion and Polk counties.

PRESENTED BY

UNCORKED WINE AUCTION MAY 20, 2017 Zenith Vineyard 5:00-10:00 pm | $250 Tickets The Mid-Valley’s premier wine auction benefiting FBB. Contact Sam at slewis@familybuildingblocks.org.

Held at the Salem Convention Center on Thursday, March 2 from 5:00-7:00 pm, this event is free to attend and features complimentary appetizers and drinks for purchase. The first hour will be an opportunity for guests to mingle and unwind from the work day followed by an hour-long program featuring stories about local families. Please consider reserving your spot and bringing your friends. To sponsor the event, become a table captain, and learn about how you can become a Stepping Stone Sustainer, please contact Julie Hilty at jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org or 503.566.2132.

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

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

2425 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

PRINTING SPONSOR:

HILDREN C G

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

F E & FA M

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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! wchristiansen@familybuildingblocks.org

BROADWAY PLACE 1255 Broadway St. Salem, OR 97301

STATE STREET 180 18th St. NE Salem, OR 97301

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

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

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

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