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W I N T E R
2 0 1 2
In The Morning
Volume 1 Issue 1 January 2012
Inside this issue:
Inside Story
2
From the Prez & CEO 2
The Black Barbiez
2
Region 7
2
The Big Story
3
Meet the Dynamic Team of
Another Choice
Over the years, our team has changed. Like any sports team,
AC In the News
4
some have been Traded, Drafted, Changed positions, and
others Renewed their contracts for another year.
Year At A Glance
5
Regardless of the changing of the players, our mission and
vision remain the same….. Another Choice Builds and
Sustains Families
Save the Date!
Beach Retreat
Family Day Picnic
FBC Conference
June 8-10
Staff & Family
Beach Retreat –
Wilmington, NC
July 15
Charlotte Family Day
Picnic
Nov 16-18
Annual Friends of
Black Children
Conference –
Raleigh NC
Sept. 15
Sanford Family Picnic
IN THE MORNING
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012
WINTER 2012
From the President & CEO 2011 was full of promises for some and challenges
for others. As we looked back to last year, we can
honestly say, we made great gains, suffered some
setbacks-yet, we are still here.
Our most valuable resources have been you, the
adoptive parents who have continued to parent
from the trenches. It hasn’t been easy, but you
have persevered. We are deeply grateful that you
have continued to support the agency. Some of
you have supported Another Choice through
payroll deductions; others have made personal
contributions and still others have volunteered and
been a resource to other families.
We Thank you! We Need You! WE Love You!
Region 7 Good News for adoptive families in
Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee,
Moore, Montgomery, Richmond, and
Scotland counties. Another Choice is
working in partnership with the local
DSS agency to bring and develop some
exciting post adoption services to your
area. How many of you would like a
break from your kids? A time for you to
exhale and not hear– mommy this or
daddy that? Well, the Kids Night Out
program was designed with you in mind.
And, for your teenagers, you know, the
ones who think we are out of
sync….well, we have the Teen
Konnection for boys and GOTCHA for
the girls. We take your teens off your
hands for an entire weekend (once a
month). This is only a small sample of
the types of services we want to provide
to you and your family. To learn more ,
please contact your local DSS agency, or
contact Another Choice by calling 800774-3534.
HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL
AWAY! Community Partner The Black Barbiez heard about Another Choice
during our Christmas campaign. They not only
brought gifts for our teens and children, but they
also came to the holiday party with spirit and
energy. These young women brought pizzas and
the best cup cakes I have ever eaten.
2
IN THE MORNING
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012
WINTER 2012
29th Conference a Success
“Go Tell It On the Mountain”, was the theme of the 29th Annual Friends of Black Children
Conference. Friday’s Social Work Institute highlighted policies and practices that are positive in finding
families for children. Rev. Dr. Wayne Thompson, Friday key note speaker, took a variation of the
theme and commanded the audience to “ Go and Tell That”. Saturday workshops featured
information and training on childhood trauma, advocating for your child’s educational success, strong
post adoption support, and keeping your child safe on the internet.
Kashuna Perfected was the Sunday closing speaker. She praised the parents and uplifted the teens. In
her own way, she was proof positive that laughter can be the best medicine.
What Can You Do?
Just in Case You Did Not Know
Black children continue to stay in foster
care longer than other children.
Black boys are the last to be adopted.
In North Carolina, over 700 children are
without a family.
For these reasons alone,
these children need
Another Choice.
Thanks for asking. You CAN…
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Become a Volunteer
Tutor or Mentor a child
Provide respite for a family
Donate books, toiletries or snacks
for Kids Night Out
Host an Information meeting
Another Choice
Represented in the Community
GABBRIELLE BLANCHARD, BETTER KNOWN
AS GABBY.
Gabby represented the All American Cheerleaders
Association at the Rose Bowl Parade in Florida.
She is the daughter of Janice Blanchard. Sister of
Silas, Nikki, Damon, Skye, Deonna, Zesta and
Juanita.
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
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IN THE MORNING
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012
WINTER 2012
Do You Hear What I Hear???
Mike Winans in the House!
We had Christmas in a huge way. Another
Choice sponsored a public announcement
commercial and a toy drive in partnership with
WPEG Power 98 and V101.9 radio stations.
Our customized radio commercial spoke to the
messages that we wanted to get out into the
community; “Children belong in a family,”
and that by volunteering “You can make a
difference”. Radio personalities and Another
Choice staff traveled around to several toy
drop-off locations throughout Charlotte and
surrounding areas playing live broadcasts,
greeting the public and collecting barrels of
toys.
On December 6, 2011 Ms. Ruth Amerson
and Debbie McCullough took it to the air-waves
live on the Morning Mad House talk show with
DJ, No Limit Larry and Church Boy. The listeners
heard, and they have responded to our message for
volunteers and families.
December 8, 2011 brought us a special guest
appearance by Mike Winans (Nephew of BB and Ce
Ce Winans). Mike was a big hit with the crowd, and
he was there to support Another Choice. He
brought toys, and he sang two songs from his new
holiday CD, titled “A Mike Winans Christmas:
Timeless Noel.” Local elementary, middle and high
school choirs graced everyone with Christmas carols
at the Epicenter in uptown Charlotte. Ms. Deborah
got a chance to give a shout out to the listeners and
encouraged them to join the Another Choice family.
No Limit Larry, Debbie McCullough, Church
Boy and Yasmin
4
IN THE MORNING
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012
WINTER 2012
2012 Year at a Glance
Jan 14– 17th Anniversary
April 20-22 Teen/ GOTCHA
Jan. 17 MAPP –Charlotte
May 4 Kids Night Out
Jan. 21 MAPP– Charlotte (Sat)
May 18-20 Teen/GOTCHA
Feb 3 Kids Night Out
May 19 It’s Our Time To Shine
Feb. 4 MAPP– Sanford
June 8-10 Staff & Family Beach Retreat– Wilmington
Feb17-19 Teen/GOTCHA
July 15 Family Day Picnic, Charlotte
March 2 Kids Night Out
July 28 MAPP Charlotte, Sanford
March 16-18 Teen/GOTCHA
Aug 7 MAPP Charlotte (Sat)
March 20– MAPP– Charlotte
Sept. 15 Family Day Picnic, Sanford
April 13 Kids Night Out
Oct. 6 MAPP Charlotte, Sanford
April 14 MAPP– Sanford
Nov 16-18 Friends of Black Children Conference