Colton`s Story - Infant Crisis Services

The Infant Formula
The Newsletter of Infant Crisis Services, Inc. - Winter 2010
Colton’s Story
At first glance, Colton looks like a typical one year old. He sways and toddles side
to side almost falling over as he learns how to use his legs. But Colton isn’t a one
year old; he is three and is just learning how to walk.
Inside
Board Members and Staff
Leaving a Legacy
We Love Our Volunteers!
Annual Golf Tournament
Teen Associate Board Auction
News and Notes
Wish List
Holiday Highlights
2
2
3
5
6
7
8
8
Colton was born with mild hearing loss in his
right ear, but gradually other problems began
to occur. His left eyelid started to droop
making it difficult for him to see, he doesn’t
know how to talk and is on medicine for high
blood pressure. Doctors are baffled by his
health problems.
Stacey also has two other children to take care
of as well as the bills from Colton’s visits to the
speech therapist, ear, nose and throat doctors,
psychologist and eye surgeons. She turned
to Infant Crisis Services for assistance with
diapers, formula and food for Colton and her
daughter, Cherokee.
“When we come to Infant Crisis Services for a second the burden of everything
else is lifted off our shoulders,” said Stacey, Colton’s mom. “When I am here I am
not worrying, I am not stressed, I am grateful.”
Stacey watches Colton with an ease of an expert caregiver, while everyone else in
the playroom at Infant Crisis Services is jumping up the second he tumbles over.
She quickly pulls up the window shades in an interview room before he can get
his hands on them. Colton is her full-time job and she takes it very seriously.
Infant Crisis Services
4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 528-3663
www.infantcrisis.org
“He is all boy,” she said. “He eats twice as much as a grown man, which
sometimes includes dirt, leaves and paper.”
Little Colton is mimicking everyone’s laugh, smiling for the camera and playing
with his new favorite toy, a stuffed fish. For thirty minutes at Infant Crisis
Services, Stacy forgot about the bills, forgot about the doctors and was just
thankful for what she was receiving.
Page 2
Officers
Galya Stapleton, President
Kevin Crowley, President Elect
Linda Hildebrant, Treasurer
Polly Fleet, Secretary
Board of Directors
Kathy Bookman
DiAnne Bryant
Katherine Buxton
Tamara Eck
Jim Everett
Rhonda Hefton
Steve Horton
Sumeeta Nanda, M.D.
Kathy Oden-Hall
Jason Osborn
Larry Ottaway
Erin Page
Kay Robinson
Pamela Schlegel
Brenda Schwartz
G. Calvin Sharpe
Staff
Miki Farris
Executive Director
Jo Lynne Jones
Director of Operations
Anne Clouse
Director of Development
Beth Lykins
Volunteer Coordinator
Cassie Wedekind
Development Coordinator
Caitlin Buchner
Procurement Coordinator
Becky Philips
Client Services Manager
Jennifer Boren
Business Manager
Brenda Rempe
Program Manager
Ana Davis
Latino Client Services Representative
Judith Cope
Administrative Assistant
Bill McCabe
Facilities Coordinator
Amy Spielberger
Public Relations Assistant
Leaving a Legacy
Mark and Ana Davis’ passion for
Infant Crisis Services runs deep.
They both have witnessed the
mission of Infant Crisis Services in
action. They believe in the urgent
need to feed and diaper the tiniest
victims of poverty. “Infant Crisis
Services is a place where everyone
works to take care of the most
vulnerable members of our society,”
said Mark.
Mark and Ana first learned of Infant Crisis Services when they attended
a missions fair at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City. They met Miki
Farris, executive director of Infant Crisis Services and co-founder of the
organization. Upon learning the mission of Infant Crisis Services, Ana
knew that she wanted to volunteer to help babies and toddlers in need.
It did not take Miki long to discover what a valuable resource she had
in Ana as a volunteer. Shortly after Ana started volunteering for Infant
Crisis Services, Miki offered her a permanent staff position. “Ana has a
heart for those in need,” said Miki. “Mark and Ana embody the spirit of
philanthropy. They believe deeply in helping these children.”
Mark and Ana are profoundly affected by the work of Infant Crisis
Services. They have arranged a bequest in their will to provide future
financial support to Infant Crisis Services. Mark and Ana chose to leave a
lasting legacy by remembering Infant Crisis Services in their estate plans.
“This is an act that will have an effect far beyond our own lifetimes and
contribute to the betterment of our society for untold years to come.”
Mark and Ana urge all caring folks to donate, volunteer and remember
Infant Crisis Services when they consider their estate planning.
“We have watched the number of babies served at Infant Crisis Services
increase dramatically in the recent times,” said Mark. “Since Infant
Crisis Services receives no government aid or United Way funding, it is
imperative that private donors step up or these babies will not have the
formula and diapers they need and nowhere to turn for help.”
After providing for family, friends, and others, many of our supporters
continue their lifetime support by including a meaningful gift to Infant
Crisis Services. If you have any questions or would like more information
about leaving a lasting legacy to Infant Crisis Services in your will, please
contact Anne Clouse, director of development, at 405-778-7619 or email
her at [email protected].
Page 3
We Love Our Volunteers!!
BELOW: Volunteers gather at the Volunteer
Appreciation Luncheon on August 28, 2009.
ABOVE: Jill Jekel, Nancy Lynn, Martha Palmer and Sharon
Boecking along with Beth Lykins, volunteer coordinator
(center), were honored at the volunteer banquet for their
service to Infant Crisis Services for the past ten years.
LEFT: Volunteers and staff donned their
tackiest Christmas sweaters for the
December volunteer luncheon.
Volunteers of the month: October - January
Celeste Vesta was nominated for her ability to use our core values: love, kindness,
compassion, and respect with every client she serves. She also is adored by her peers for
her upbeat personality and genuine care and concern for those she works with. Thank you
Celeste for your passion for feeding hungry babies. We love you!
Celeste
Karen
Eileen Wilson was nominated by her peers for her dedication to
making sure her babies do not go without. She is loving and gentle
with the families she serves, and she routinely brings in donations
we might need. She fills our building with contagious laughter and
fun. We love you Eileen!
Karen Braver was nominated by her peers for her willingness to
assist the volunteers, staff and clients with grace and dignity. She fills
in at the checkout desk and assists the front desk as needed. Karen
is a joy to be around and wonderful to work with. We love her and
appreciate her.
Debi Snider was nominated for the respect and dignity she gives
each client she serves. Debi is gracious and humble to everyone she
comes in contact with. She truly has a servant’s heart. We love you
and appreciate you Debi!
Eileen
Debi
Page 4
Founding
Members of
Infant Crisis
Services
Feeding Our
Future Society
Nurturing Lives
Leigh Ann and Paul Albers
Martha Burger and Donald Rowlett
Lezlie and David Hudiburg
Providing Hope
Brian Barnes
Cindy L. Batt
Bill Birchall
Carla and Chris Box
Ana and Mark Davis
Tina and Cameron Dawson
Reed Downey Jr.
Amy and Eddie Edwards
Michelle and Michael Ellis
Mary FitzSimons
Sarinda Gibson
Devon Hahn
Carolyn and Richard Hansing
Aimee and David Harlow
Mission Statement
Infant Crisis Services provides life sustaining formula,
food, and diapers to babies and toddlers in times of
crisis...Because no baby should go hungry.
Thank you!
We’d like to thank all our supporters for their generous
donations of time, money, food and more throughout the year.
Each donation, no matter the size, means a great deal to our
organization and after several questions from our donors, we’ve
decided to publish our list of donors from our last fiscal year online.
Please visit our website, www.infantcrisis.org, to see pictures and
look for you or your organization’s name. If you have chosen to
remain anonymous, don’t worry; your name will not be published.
Thank you again to all our donors who truly help Infant Crisis
Services make sure that no baby goes hungry.
Crosby and Robert Harris
Rhonda and Dick Hefton
Patricia and Jerry Hocker
Kelly and Steve Horton
Carol and Mike Johnson
Christy and Walter Johnson
Peggy and Ben Kates
Diane and Greg Lindsey
Marlyce and Jeff Martin
Drs. Sumit and Sumeeta Nanda
Erin and Jordan Page
Lisa L. Penton
Brenda and Michael Pugliese
Barbara and Ron Rocke
Leslie and E. N. Scott Samara
Leslie Blair,
State Farm Insurance Companies
Jill Walker
Jami C. West
Infant Crisis
Services is now
on Facebook and
Twitter. Follow
us or add us as
your friend.
Infant Crisis Services has
also started a blog. Log on
and see the latest news about
Infant Crisis Services.
http://infantcrisisservices.blogspot.com/
Page 5
Presenting Sponsors
Dell
Conner & Winters
Ryan, Bisher, Ryan
Oklahoma City Clinic
Goolsby, Proctor, Heefner & Gibbs, P.C.
Foliart, Huff, Ottaway & Bottom
Hudiburg Auto Group
Stewart Abstract & Title of Oklahoma
Horton & Neighbors, P.C.
Nelson, Roselius, Terry & Morton
Chesapeake Energy
Stillwater National Bank
Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates
Golf Tounament Winners
1st place: Chesapeake
Paul Duran, Clay Hubbard, Travis Jenkins, Matt Thompson
2nd place: L.A. Bookman, M.D.
Larry Bookman, Zaheer Baber, Mike Ford, David Franke
3rd place: Goolsby, Proctor, Heefner & Gibbs, P.C.
Jeremy Carter, Todd Goolsby, Tim Heefner, David Proctor
Birdie Sponsors
Closest to the hole
#9 Elby Beal, #13 Steve Slawson
Hunton Oil & Gas
Heritage Trust
Midlands Claim Administrators, Inc.
Meridian Pipe & Equipment Co, Inc.
First Liberty Bank
The Reserve Petroleum Company
Hansen Masonry Contractors Inc.
Maccini Construction Company
Tiger Investments
Beam’s Industries & Cartridge World
The Oklahoma City Abstract & Title Co.
Print Imaging Group
Valliance Bank
Kemp, Brown, Metz, Sharpe
L.A. Bookman, M.D.
Martin, Jean & Jackson
Rusty Waters
Tim R. Love, M.D.
Alpine Inc./Pearl’s Oyster Bar
Karen and Rob Braver
Putting contest
Kevin Crowley
Longest drive
Clay Hubbard, Debra Hansen
Par Sponsorship
STAPLEGUN
Clint Normore
Kimray, Inc.
Panera Bread
Golf tournament 1st Place Winners
THANK YOU - Houston Financial, Oklahoma City Clinic
Are you a Nosey Parker?
If you like to find the interesting, unique and locally owned businesses
while helping Infant Crisis Services, then you are a Nosey Parker. The
Nosey Parker Guidebook is the ultimate woman's guide to shopping
and gives the best shopping tips and discounts in town! A portion of
the proceeds goes to benefit the babies and toddlers who are helped
at Infant Crisis Services. Purchase your Nosey Parker book today by
calling 528-3663 or by emailing [email protected].
Page 6
Teen Associate Board Auction
Between basketball practice and
math homework, teens often
juggle a variety of after school
activities. For 35 local teens,
their extracurricular efforts are
focused on raising awareness
and funding for Infant Crisis
Services.
The Teen Associate Board of
Infant Crisis Services will be
hosting their annual charity
dinner and silent auction on
Friday, April 23 with all proceeds
benefiting the needy babies and
toddlers served at Infant Crisis
Services. This year’s theme is
Sugar Babies and will feature a
candy shop.
“I began volunteering over the
summer during my freshmen
year before applying to the
Teen Associate Board,” said
Robert Early, Teen Associate
Board president and a senior at
Putnam City Original. “Becoming
a member of the Teen Associate
Board has provided me with
many valuable skills and given
me many rewarding experiences
helping babies and parents.”
event. We’re fortunate to have
them as our partners in raising
awareness and funding for the
babies.”
The success of the Infant Crisis
Services Teen Associate Board
is evident by the thousands of
dollars the board has raised for
needy babies over the years
through the annual charity
auction. Last year, the teen
board raised more than $45,000.
This year 35 teens, representing
10 metro area high schools,
are volunteering their time
to organize the upcoming
charity dinner and silent
auction. Students from Bishop
McGuiness, Casady, Edmond
Memorial, Edmond North,
Heritage Hall, Carl Albert, Mount
St. Mary, Putnam City North,
Putnam City Original and the
Oklahoma School of Science and
Mathematics, are on the board.
“We are continually impressed
with the accomplishments of
the Teen Associate Board,” said
Miki Farris, Infant Crisis Services
executive director. “As Infant
Crisis Services strives to provide
a better future for the hungry
babies we serve, these teen
board members are making it
possible. They have stepped
out of their comfort zone and
have chosen to spend countless
hours planning and executing
the details of an enormous
Sugar Babies charity dinner and
silent auction will be Friday, April
23 at the Oklahoma City Golf &
Country Club. Individual tickets
are $50 and tables of eight are
$500. Tickets can be purchased
by contacting Judith Cope at
(405) 778-7614 or
[email protected].
2009/2010 T
een Associa
te Board
Page 7
Pull on your boots and join
us for the Boots & Ball
Gowns Gala on Friday, February
26 at the National Cowboy and Western
Heritage Museum. The evening will
include live music, dinner, dancing and
Western artisans. Tickets are $1,500
for a table of ten and $150 per person
with sponsorships available. Please
contact Anne Clouse for reservations or
information at 405-778-7619 or
[email protected].
Eight student organizations
at the University of Central
Oklahoma collected
more than $14,000 worth
of diapers, bottles and
other baby items during
homecoming. The winning
organization collecting the
most donations was Alpha
Gamma Delta.
News
and
Notes
On November 21st, a group from the Oklahoma Medical
Student Spouse Alliance (OMSSA), met at Infant Crisis
Services to tour the building and learn more about the
services the agency provides for needy babies in our
community. This year's OMSSA has designated Infant
Crisis Serves, Inc. as the charity in which to focus their
volunteer hours and donations.
If you, your group or business is interested in learning
more about Infant Crisis Services and touring the facility
please let us know. Feed Babies Tour Dates are as
follows:
• Wednesday, February 17
• Wednesday, March 17
• Wednesday, April 21
• Wednesday, May 19
• Wednesday, June 16
All tours will begin at 11:30. Please RSVP to 778-7619.
If you would like to schedule a tour at another time and
date, please contact Anne Clouse at 778-7619.
Page 8
Wish List…
Good Start Formula
Diapers (size 2, 4, 5, 6)
Baby Wipes
Used Clothes (18 months, 24 months,
2T and 3T)
New or Used Children’s Coats
Baby Bottles
Pacifiers
Baby Bath
Sippy Cups
Slightly Used Toys
New or Used Books
Another great way to support
Infant Crisis Services!
If you are employed by, or retired from,
one of the fine companies listed below,
your contribution to Infant Crisis Services
will be matched or even doubled. Contact
your personnel office and ask for details.
American Fidelity
Bank of America
Bank One
Boeing
Devon Energy
Hartford Insurance
Merrill Lynch
OG&E
ONEOK
SYSCO
Wells Fargo
Holiday
Highlights
Instead of
decorating the tree
with lights and
ornaments, Church
of the Servant chose
shoes. All the shoes
from the tree will be
donated to Infant
Crisis Services.
Tracy Horton
with Tracy Lou
Photography
gave many of
our clients a very
special gift this
Christmas. She
volunteered her
time to come
to Infant Crisis
Services and
take professional
pictures of our
tiny clients.