Winter 2018/19 by Family Building Blocks

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DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY

WINTER 2018/19 NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Rich Schultz, Chair Cherry City Metals Jeff Moore, Vice Chair Saalfeld Griggs, PC Nita Kennedy, Past Chair COUNTRY Financial Brian Johnston, Past Chair Dallas Glass & Window Jody Rowell, Secretary Community Service Mike Blanchard, Treasurer Johnson, Glaze & Co.

FROM PATRICE Those of you who know Nita Kennedy know she’s a person who makes things happen! How fortunate we were to have her serve as our Board Chair for the past two years. Nita is passionate about our “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together,” and has never missed an opportunity to support Family Building Blocks. She is both a Dream Builder and Stepping Stone Sustainer. She also served on our Early Head Start Self-Assessment Committee, sponsored countless events through COUNTRY Financial, brought gifts to EVERY Board meeting, and always made us smile. Her wisdom and practical guidance has served us well for two incredible years. Thank you, Nita! Our incoming Board Chair is the visionary Rich Schultz, of Cherry City Metals. Rich has served on our Board for over six years, starting out as the representative from our Young Leaders Council. Rich brings a unique perspective to this position, having years of experience working in a family business. The entire Schultz Family are long-term supporters of the success of children and families in our community. We look forward to the next two years, continuing to build upon this legacy. Thank you to both Nita and Rich for stepping up to this important leadership position for Family Building Blocks, and to our entire Board for their dedication to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in our community.

Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director

FEATURED STORY MEET KIRI: YEAR-END GIVING

“Are you going to feed me?” “That was one of the most heart-wrenching questions Kiri asked me when she was four years old. And that question completely broke my heart. My husband, Bob and I, were in the process of adopting Kiri. We were not able to have children of our own, and we opened up our hearts to this little girl. Her mother lost her battle with an addiction and had passed away. The first three years of any child’s life are critical to lifelong success. Unfortunately, Kiri’s first three years were filled with insecurity and tragic experiences. Kiri’s mom was a single parent. Her addiction caused many struggles for her and for her children. Kiri was once found on the side of the road in her diaper. Because of these experiences Kiri had Meet Kiri many anxieties and fears to overcome. We count our blessings that when Kiri’s grandma saw her daughter overwhelmed as a parent, they voluntarily partnered with Family Building Blocks. Kiri’s grandma bravely said, ‘We need help.’ And Family Building Blocks responded.”

Learning to brush her teeth

Kiri and her dog Jasper

Bob, Venus, and Kiri Walla Walla, Washington Visit us online to read the inspiring story and watch a powerful video from our archives!

Bob, Kiri, and Venus today

VISIT FAMILYBUILDINGBLOCKS.ORG/DONATE TO GIVE BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2018!

SPOTLIGHTS FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT: RALPH HULL FOUNDATION

We are incredibly grateful to the Ralph Hull Foundation in Corvallis, OR for a very generous $37,500 grant to support our Relief Nursery Therapeutic Education Childhood Program. This grant will support the equivalent of ﬁve children for one year in our highly-effective Therapeutic Classroom program. The Hull Foundation Trustees believe strongly in our prevention programs that help break the intergenerational cycle of abuse and neglect.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: COURT STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Court Street Christian Church recently organized a clothing drive and delivered several boxes of gently used clothes that will soon be hung up in our Clothing Closets at several of our sites. Thank you, Court Street Christian, for helping keep our families warm during this cold season! We are so grateful for the support of Court Street Christian who also most recently sponsored our Sustainers Happy Hour in March 2018.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: TIPS FOR TOTS

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TIPS TOTS

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who participated in this year’s ‘Tips for Tots’ initiative beneﬁting Family Building Blocks, St. Francis Shelter, and The Center For Hope and Safety! Loretta Miles and Abby King at Salem Cinema; A Race For The Rest Of Us at f/Stop Fitzgerald’s; Chuck Magee at f/Stop Fitzgerald’s (matched by NORVAC Electronic Parts); Zaq, Liam, and Brigid at Kraftworks Taphouse; Rob Drinkenstein at tableFIVE08; Patricia Fox and Alex Kruse at 1859 Cider Co.; The Bike Peddler; Pete Domine at Venti’s; Annie Taylor from The Space; and Straight From New York Pizza. Your generosity has ensured local children and families enjoyed a warmer and brighter holiday season. Thank you!

THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! JOIN US FOR A TOUR OF THE RELIEF NURSERY. Wednesdays, Dec 19, Jan 16, and Feb 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 cstricklin@familybuildingblocks.org.

HIGHLIGHTS HOLIDAY WISH: ONLY A FORK

Herman, age four, was in our Therapeutic Classroom engaging in a sweet conversation with volunteer, Marty Thomson (pictured). Sitting down in our classroom, playing with Play-Doh, Marty asked Herman, “What do you want for Christmas this year?” Herman looked at Ms. Marty, and said, “I would really like a fork.” “A fork?” Marty asked, “Why would you like a fork?” Herman was busy playing with his Play-Doh and replied, “Because when we sit down to eat I always have to share my fork with my brother and I would like to have my own fork so I can eat my food without having to wait. That’s all I really want.” Marty was moved to tears by Herman’s response. She said, “Well, Herman, I hope you get a fork for Christmas.” As you can imagine, Marty quickly decided she would provide Herman and his family with an entire eight-piece set of utensils that holiday season. While heartbreaking to read, this story is a reality for several of the families partnering with Family Building Blocks. Marty Thomson has been a faithful volunteer in our Therapeutic Classroom for 16 years. Marty and our teachers share this story with you because we know you care about children in our community. We know you care enough to want to help. YOU CAN HELP provide basic needs for children in our program this holiday season by purchasing an educational book, toy, warm jacket, or a gift card for a holiday meal. When Herman and his friend John were graduating from our program, they were asked if they would like to say something to the class. John responded, “I am just going to miss you all. I am going to miss playing with you and playing in the classroom.” Herman went next. He sat down and looked at everyone and said, “I just want to say thank you.” There is still time to participate in our annual Hope for the Holidays giving program! Can you help us care for 40 children and 150 parents? If you can provide books, educational toys, coats, gift cards, and more, please donate online at familybuildingblocks.org/donate or contact Esmeralda Chan Tuyub at echantuyub@familybuildingblocks.org.

THANK YOU TO UMPQUA EPPING FAMILY FUNDS BANK’S RON LECHNER FLOOR REPLACEMENT Thank you to Ron Lechner, VP Banking Manager, as he enters retirement! Umpqua Bank has supported Family Building Blocks through sponsorships, program donations, grant funding, and volunteering for our annual summer Family Night where they also provided ice cream for families. Thank you for supporting children and families!

A generous grant from the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Fund allowed us to replace 20-year-old carpeting in our Conference Room at Chelsea’s Place. This room supports programs like COPE classes for parents with children who are going through a divorce or separation as well as staff meetings and community tours.

THANK YOU TO CRAIG POPE AND THE AOC

Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope presented us a check for $500 from the Association of Oregon Counties. Each year the outgoing president of the association chooses a non-proﬁt to support and this year Commissioner Pope chose Family Building Blocks. Thank you for “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together!”

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

SUSTAINER

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

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

Give Before 12/31/18

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

mo.

Milk For 1 Classroom

mo.

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

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Home Visits For 1 Family

THANK YOU DREAM BUILDERS LUNCHEON SPONSORS! We enjoyed welcoming a capacity crowd at our Dream Builders Luncheon on October 18. We are very grateful to our sponsors and all of our table captains and volunteers, for making this event a success. Lunch attendees saw a powerful example of this transformation of lives by meeting a young child, Noah, and his family. Noah’s mother, Elizabeth (pictured with Josiah and Noah), survived a childhood she wishes she could forget – ﬁlled with violence, abuse and neglect. By saying “yes” to partnering with Family Building Blocks at the hospital, Elizabeth and her husband Josiah have learned how to support their young children with positive parenting. PRESENTING SPONSOR

MATCHING GIFT SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS DeSantis Landscapes and Berlin Family Education Foundation DREAM BUILDER SPONSORS

Allied Video Productions | Sea Legs Media | Talewind Visuals

PRINTING SPONSOR

YOU’RE INVITED! JONATHAN HAWKINS IN CONCERT

Friday, December 21, 2018 at 7:00 pm | eventbrite.com Salem First United Methodist Church, 600 State St, Salem The Muse Presents, Jonathan Hawkins in Concert - a Beneﬁt for Family Building Blocks! With only 420 tickets available, get yours while they last. Jonathan Hawkins in Concert will feature local musicians David Hastings, Tim Bibelheimer, Shawn Hanowell, and members of the Cascade High School Choir. All proceeds beneﬁt Family Building Blocks to help “Keep Children Safe and Families Together” in Marion and Polk Counties. “Thrilled” to be giving back to the community where he grew up, Hawkins is “honored to get to come home and present a concert for such an incredible organization.” “A perfect way to celebrate the holidays,” the concert will feature not only your favorite holiday classics, but will also include some of the most beloved pieces from opera to musical theatre and pop music. A Willamette Valley native, Jonathan graduated from Cascade High School in 2005. Since then, he has toured the globe from the Cathedral of Notre Dame to Lincoln Center, the ancient Greek Theatre at Epidaurus to the world famous Birdland Jazz Club. Hawkins has become one of the most sought after crossover tenors with his “tour de force” voice. With a vocal performance career spanning the globe, directing and producing credits, and features in television and theatre, Jonathan’s performance is a must see! Purchase your tickets today at eventbrite.com. See you there!

EXCITING CHANGE THIS YEAR!

SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR MARCH 12, 2019 Salem Convention Center | 5:00-7:00 pm | FREE Celebrate the power of prevention in Marion and Polk counties. jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org

12TH ANNUAL UNCORKED MAY 17 AND 18, 2019 Zenith Vineyard | 5:00-10:00 pm | Tickets: $300 Join us for the 12th Annual Uncorked beneﬁting Family Building Blocks. slewis@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

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

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

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BROADWAY PLACE 1255 Broadway St. Salem, OR 97301

DALLAS ACADEMY 182 SW Academy St. Suite 210 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