Finding and supporting foster and adoptive families

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Finding and supporting foster and adoptive families since 1985.
Los Angeles Marathon
Child S.H.A.R.E.’s
26th Annual Gala
Race with a Reason
Run/Walk for Team
Child S.H.A.R.E.
LA 5K: Sat., Mar. 19, 2011 or
LA Marathon: Sun., Mar. 20,
2011. For details call
818.649.8016 or visit
www.childshare.org/marathon
Sat., Sept. 24, 2011
The California Club
538 South Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
For details call
818.649.8016 or email
[email protected]
Family Picnics for LA,
OC and Riverside
Counties.
Food, Fun, Crafts, Games,
Photos and More!
Dates and time TBA.
For details call
818.649.8014 or email
[email protected]
To find out more about upcoming events visit the website at www.childshare.org or call 818.649.8000
Child S.H.A.R.E. in action across
Southern California
In 2010, Child S.H.A.R.E. presented to more
than 65 faith communities about the need for
foster and adoptive families. As a result,
more than 100 new families joined the Child
S.H.A.R.E. network, 58 of these families are
Spanish speaking. These 58 families exceed
the total number of Spanish speaking
families recruited in the past 5 years
combined.
One of the new Child S.H.A.R.E. families
are the Cooks. Krista Cook heard about the
need for foster parents at a Women’s Retreat
hosted by Bel Air Presbyterian Church,
where she and her family are members.
Moved by the words of Child S.H.A.R.E.’s
Executive Director, April Steele, Krista
returned home from the retreat inspired.
Krista explained, “I've always felt called to
adopt, but always thought the process would
be too expensive and difficult to navigate.
We have had a difficult time finding
information on foster care and adoption and
struggled with how to even choose an agency
to get information through. We wanted
someone reputable and ideally with Christian
values.” After meeting with Child S.H.A.R.E.
Krista happily reported, “We are ready to
begin this journey.”
Krista and her husband Michael completed
the foster parent certification process in
December 2010 and along with their
biological son Tristan, welcomed a 16 month
old boy to their home in February. Members
of Bel Air Presbyterian Church
enthusiastically wrapped their arms around
the Cook family, supporting them with baby
necessities, encouragement and even freshly
baked cupcakes as they prepared for the
arrival of a child.
Child S.H.A.R.E. families like the Cooks and
faith communities like Bel Air Presbyterian
Church not only change the lives of the
children they welcome into their homes, but
they too find themselves touched, and
changed.
Could I Be a Foster or
Adoptive Parent?
Qualifying to be a foster or adoptive parent
can be easier than you think. If you meet the
following criteria, you could start the process
today.
• At least 21 years old
• Clear criminal history
• Financial stability to meet your own
family’s needs
• Adequate space in your home for
a child(ren)
• Good general health
• Ability to love a child who has been
hurt and is in need of your care
Whether you are single, married, retired, an
empty-nester, grandparent, able to care for a
child for a short time or long time, you can
make a lasting difference. There is great need
for people who can care for children over the
age of 6 and sibling groups.
Los Angeles County Office
1544 West Glenoaks Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201
818.649.8000 Phone 818.649.8001 Fax
Orange County Office
1615 East 17th St., 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92705
714.619.0245 Phone 714.619.0251 Fax
Riverside County Office
2295 Eastridge Ave. Riverside, CA 92507
951.571.9571 Phone 951.742.8889 Fax
The rewards of becoming a foster or adoptive
parent are abundant. As the words of Child
S.H.A.R.E. parent, Mariana Cappone,
illustrate, “My youngest, she's 4 and she is
my little angel. Last night she told my
husband, ‘You are the DAD that I always
wanted’ I was in tears when I heard that!”
Mariana continued, “There's a myth... most
people that I've talked to think it's so
complicated to foster or adopt! I tell them it's
easier than closing escrow on a house!”
Continued on page 3
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Continuing Child S.H.A.R.E.’s Success in 2011
As I think about the 26 year history of Child S.H.A.R.E., I am humbled and impressed. In spite of tough times, as founder Dr.
Mary Rotzien calls it, “Child S.H.A.R.E.’s difficult adolescence,” the agency has made a huge impact on the lives of abused kids.
Child S.H.A.R.E. struggled through the recession, like many of us, but has come through to stand on financially
solid ground. Foster family recruitment levels are high and we look forward to seeing those families turn into certified foster
families at a record rate. Child S.H.A.R.E.’s outreach to the Latino community shows great promise and reflects our ability to
address the current need for spanish speaking certified foster families.
As we move forward in 2011, I would like to acknowledge the 20 foundations that provided Child S.H.A.R.E. with critically
needed core operating support in 2010. This core support helps us continue to find safe and loving families for abused kids.
(To view a full list of the 2010 foundation donors see page 7).
Throughout the events and celebrations that commemorated Child S.H.A.R.E.’s 25th Anniversary last year, I met many Child S.H.A.R.E. supporters. Some
give gifts to Child S.H.A.R.E. faithfully each month, while others support the agency by donating toys to the annual family Christmas party. Each of these
individual donors impact the life of a Child S.H.A.R.E. kid. Each makes a difference and each is needed to sustain Child S.H.A.R.E.’s work in 2011.
The true heroes of Child S.H.A.R.E. are the selfless and courageous foster and adoptive families who open their homes to abused kids. They are transforming
lives and shaping a brighter future. They have the hardest job in this process of serving kids and we will continue to look to our donors to support them well in
2011.
To each of you who support Child S.H.A.R.E., thank you for your partnership in this important work. Together we continue to find foster and adoptive families
and give abused kids what all kids deserve: hope, support and loving families.
With sincere appreciation,
Pat Dahlson
Board of Director President
Child S.H.A.R.E.
Where is the Love?
February 6th marked a record day in television history. 111 million viewers worldwide lounged on their couches, scarfed down
potato chips and greasy pizza and tuned in to watch 22 men carry, throw, kick and chase an odd shaped leather ball across
100 yards of grass.
Those same 111 million viewers watched as The Black Eyed Peas in their psychedelic neon lit costumes rocked the stadium with
a dynamic half-time show. I was one of those 111 million viewers. With hot dog in hand and my feet propped up on the ottoman,
I watched as the feverish pitch of the show slowed slightly, and then it happened. Those Peas began singing their chart topping
hit, “Where is the Love?”
Leave it to me to have a tear filled moment about children in foster care during a half-time show of the Super Bowl, but I did.
The lyrics of the song were too poignant to get around. A stadium full of people sang along to these words:
“People killing, people dying
Children hurt and you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach?
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questioning
Where is the love?
With ongoing suffering as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the loving really gone
So I could ask myself really what is going wrong.”
The same week that television executives celebrated record audiences and commercial sales and potato chip manufacturers smiled satisfactorily at their profit
margins, another record was set. This record didn’t receive much attention, if any at all. There were no commercials about it and politicians did not take to the
airwaves to lobby for a sound byte. Children in California’s foster care system in increased from 10% to 12% of the nation’s foster care population in 2010.
I listened to the half-time show and asked myself the same question the Black Eyed Peas were asking the world, “Where is the love?” Can we practice what we
preach? Can we look to our Father to guide us? Are we aware of the suffering of the youth among us? Can we fix this? Is this the year?
What about it? Is 2011 the year we could work together to reverse the statistical trend? Could we eliminate it? Could we solve the problem? Yes. If .05% of
people who attended church on Super Bowl Sunday would become foster parents, the crisis would be solved. For real - .05%. We can do this. Let’s work
together to practice what we preach, show the love and end the suffering of children, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves thrown into a system
that does not know how to love them.
And if you run into Fergie, Will.i.am, Taboo, apl.de.ap or Justin Timberlake, have them give me a call. I’ve got some ideas for their next big hit.
Sincerely,
April Steele
Executive Director
Child S.H.A.R.E.
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Continued from page 1, “New Parent”
Child S.H.A.R.E. parents report that poignant
moments with their foster/adopted children,
like those Mariana shared, are unending. A
common conclusion regularly echoed by
Child S.H.A.R.E. parents is, “We thought we
were becoming foster parents to bless a child,
but we were the ones who have been blessed
more than we could have imagined.”
You Are Invited to Breakfast
Facilitators Needed
Child S.H.A.R.E. hosts Resource Groups
across Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside
Counties to provide encouragement,
fellowship, and education for Child
S.H.A.R.E. foster and adoptive parents. The
most effective facilitators of these groups are
people just like you.
Facilitators lead discussions, offer insight
into challenges that families experience and
encourage informative and supportive
discussions among the resource group
members. If you are interested in learning
more, please contact Lauren McKinley at
[email protected] or 818.649.8014.
Child Arrives in Your Home
We look forward to hearing from you each
time you welcome a new child into your
home. We will deliver a welcome gift made
especially for the child and provide helpful
resources to support your family. Contact us
at at 818.649.8014 or 714.619.0245 to get
the celebration started.
Resource Group
If you delight in seeing foster and adoptive
families thrive and have a few hours each
month to encourage families, you may make
a great Resource Group facilitator.
Foster Parents: When a New
Child S.H.A.R.E. celebrates each child you
graciously welcome into your home. These
children have survived difficult and painful
experiences and have not experienced the
love and care they need to thrive. We are so
grateful that you have made the decision to
open your heart and home to these precious
children. Their lives will be forever
impacted.
If you have questions about becoming a
foster parent, please ask. Children need safe
homes now. For more information, contact
Ellen Joe, Director of Recruitment at
818.649.8004 or [email protected]. Child
S.H.A.R.E. is here to answer your questions,
encourage you and get you started on an
amazing journey.
Looking for a way to encourage other foster
and adoptive parents?Attend a Child
S.H.A.R.E. Resource Group.
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Join an Upcoming
Pastors Breakfast
in your Area:
Child S.H.A.R.E. Riverside Breakfast
Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 A.M.
Templo Roca Firme Church
4106 Adams Street
Riverside, CA 92504
R.S.V.P. to Dustin Smetona
951.571.9571 or [email protected]
by March 17, 2011.
Child S.H.A.R.E. Los Angeles County
Breakfast
Friday, April 8th at 9:00 A.M.
Havenhouse Church
21617 Cleardale Street
Newhall, CA 91321
R.S.V.P. to Jenna Harding
818.649.8020 or [email protected]
by March 30, 2011.
Child S.H.A.R.E.’s Inaugural Pasadena Marathon Team
Child S.H.A.R.E. is proud to send an
inaugural team of bikers, runners, and
walkers to the Pasadena Marathon on
Sunday, May 15, 2011. The Pasadena
Marathon will feature numerous events that
suit young and old, elite athletes as well as
those of us who are just looking for a good
excuse to get off the couch for a few hours.
From biking or running 26.2 miles and
enjoying a unique, close-up view of the
beautiful city, to running 13.1 miles or
bringing your entire family out for a 1K or
0.5K Kids Fun along Colorado Boulevard,
you will find an event at the Pasadena
Marathon that is just right for you and your
family.
Join Child S.H.A.R.E. at Pasadena City
College and bike, run, or walk through the
streets of Pasadena and help find abused
children safe, stable and loving homes. With
numerous Child S.H.A.R.E. faith community
partners, families and volunteers in the
Pasadena area, Child S.H.A.R.E. looks
forward to sending a strong team to the
Pasadena Marathon. Every step you take or
mile you pedal will make a difference and
help to transform a life of a child in foster
care.
If you register for the Pasadena Marathon
before April 15, Team Child S.H.A.R.E.
members can enter a special discount code to
receive 10% off the registration fee. To
receive the discount code, join the team,
sponsor a Team Child S.H.A.R.E. member or
learn more visit www.childshare.org or
contact Amanda Bell at 818.649.8016 or
[email protected] today.
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It’s Never Too Late to Finish the LA Marathon
The Story of Chiyo: Team Child S.H.A.R.E.’s Octogenarian Marathoner.
Chiyoko Kobayashi, or "Chiyo" as her friends and family call her, walked the full LA Marathon for
Team Child S.H.A.R.E. in 2003…when she was nearly 80 years old. Recalling her Marathon feat,
Chiyo explains how she decided to join Team Child S.H.A.R.E., “When I was 78 or 79 years old, I can’t
remember anymore. A bunch of people at Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles were doing the Marathon
and I just could not help but join.”
Prior to the 2003 race, Chiyo completed a 5K and two half marathons, but she was not convinced she
could finish the full 26.2 mile trek. Initially when her friends at EBCLA tried to persuade her to
complete the full Marathon she retorted, “Oh I don’t know about that.” However, Chiyo relented, and
looking to challenge herself she wondered, “How far can I go, how much can I walk?”
Chiyo admits, “I did not go with the expectation of really finishing, but an EBCLA lady walked the Marathon
with me and she kept pumping me up and encouraging me and even though I wanted to quit, I didn’t.” With
pride, Chiyo completed the race in 9 hours. “When I got to the end it was dark outside, but people gave me
high fives,” Chiyo recalls. Waiting for Chiyo at the finish line were all of her EBCLA teammates, or
“Evergreeners as she affectionately calls them.
With her characteristic frankness, Chiyo confesses, “I don’t think I would have finished without the help of my friends. I can’t say that I
enjoyed the Marathon, but it was a challenge.” She offers, “If anyone wants to know about Marathons, they can ask me. I know because I am
a Marathon graduate!”
Summing up her Marathon experience Chiyo explains, “It was one of the hardest things I did aside from trying to grow old gracefully.
Running a Marathon is not half as hard as that. Anytime I hear about other Marathon runners at my church I am their #1 cheerleader and I tell
them, ‘I will pray for you.’”
Though her Marathon days are over, Chiyo remains active, hiking 3 or 4 miles a week and golfing. Chiyo is a well known member at EBCLA
and she vows to pray for the 2011 LA Marathon Child S.H.A.R.E. Team.
3 Simple Steps to Joining Team Child S.H.A.R.E.
STEP 1
• Pick a Race and Register with Child S.H.A.R.E. for the LA Marathon or LA 5K at www.childshare.org/marathon
OR by phoning 818.649.8016
STEP 2
• You must ALSO register with the LA Marathon at www.lamarathon.com
STEP 3
• Raise sponsorships by building a free personalized web page at
www.firstgiving.com/childshare
• Request credit card slips be mailed to you at 818.649.8016 or
email [email protected]
Don't want to run?
Support Team Child S.H.A.R.E. by donating at
www.firstgiving.com/childshare
Every child matters, no gift is too small.
Questions? Visit www.childshare.org/marathon list of FAQ's
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2010 Child S.H.A.R.E. Christmas Parties Celebrate the Season
Child S.H.A.R.E.’s annual Christmas Parties are a beloved tradition and the 2010 festivities were joyfully attended by nearly 500 foster and adoptive
parents and children. The Orange/Riverside County Christmas Party was hosted by Eastside Christian Church of Fullerton. This was the first time
Eastside has held a Child S.H.A.R.E. Christmas Party and they pulled out all the stops.
A stunning forest of illuminated white trees served as the party backdrop at the church while Santa led a lively story time. Each Orange and Riverside
County family left with a freshly baked loaf of bread in addition to presents, presents, and more presents. Children were overjoyed by the fun
activities, photos with Santa, the friendly volunteers and the chance to choose their very own Christmas gift.
The following week, over 300 people attended the Los Angeles County Christmas Party, hosted by the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena. For
the fourth consecutive year, the PazNaz church leadership and volunteers treated Child S.H.A.R.E. families to a wonderful day of celebrations and
activities. The Mother’s of Preschoolers group (MOPS) creative and exciting craft stations, including a snow globe making station and the ever
popular cookie decorating. Craft time was followed by what has become an exuberantly anticipated tradition, accomplished vocalist Lori Berg led the
crowd in a dance and sing-along version of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Thank you to the wonderful Christmas party hosts and to all of the churches, businesses, and individuals who donated toys, provided food, and
volunteered at the parties. They were days that will be remembered long into the future.
To view all OC/Riverside and LA Family Christmas party photos visit our website; www.childshare.org or our Facebook page; www.facebook.com/childshare.
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Child S.H.A.R.E. has a New Look
If you find yourself driving on Glenoaks Boulevard, you may want to steer in the direction of the Child S.H.A.R.E headquarters to take a look.
A lot has changed in the brick building over the past two years.
Thanks to a generous grant from The Ahmanson Foundation, the facade of the Child S.H.A.R.E. building now lights up the Glendale sky with
a glowing marquee highlighting the tenets of our services: Support, Hope, Advocacy, Resources, and Encouragement. The building sign is the
final touch in Child S.H.A.R.E.’s 18 month rebranding process that included a building renovation, new brochures, display boards,
advertisements and website overhaul.
Numerous volunteer and community groups came together to make the Child S.H.A.R.E. branding transformation and building renovation
possible. Aged wallpaper was painstakingly peeled away, walls were washed and painted, worn and stained carpet and ceiling tiles were
replaced. Renovations were not exclusive to the aesthetics of the building. A problematic sewer system was repaired with a grant from the
Community Foundation of the Verdgous. Decrepit heating and air conditioning units that could not survive another California summer were
also replaced by the Ahmanson Foundation.
After several volunteer work days, members of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena renovated restrooms, purchased and installed
new cabinets and a stunning granite counter top work space, and painted. Child S.H.A.R.E. also extends sincere thanks to the many local
La Canada and Glendale Boy Scout Troops and volunteers from President Obama's Day of Service who provided countless hours of service
to help paint the interior and exterior of the building and repair and replant the flower boxes lining the front of Child S.H.A.R.E.’s Glendale
headquarters.
We hope to see you soon!
Record Year of Foundation Giving
Thanks to a record year of foundation gifts in 2010, Child S.H.A.R.E. began its 26th year of service ready to solve the foster care crisis.
Despite a tough economic climate, Child S.H.A.R.E. successfully partnered with 24 foundations who provided general operating support.
This core support allows Child S.H.A.R.E. to continue to do what we do well: recruit and support foster and adoptive families in Southern
California.
Child S.H.A.R.E.’s awarded foundation grants rose 200% over 2009 foundation giving. Below is a list of the generous foundations whose
support propels Child S.H.A.R.E. forward. With their partnership, 2011 promises to be another year of hope for abused and abandoned
children in the foster care system.
Thank you again to the following foundations:
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Thank You to Our Donors
Each year, Child S.H.A.R.E. benefits from the generosity of thousands of donors. We gratefully acknowledge
the following donors who directed gifts to Child S.H.A.R.E. from November 1, 2010 - January 31, 2011.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this list is accurate and complete. Child S.H.A.R.E. sincerely apologizes for any errors or omissions.
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
The Sharon D. Lund Foundation
Westwood Presbyterian Church
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation
California Assoc. of Insurance Professionals
John and Kathy Prosser
Neil Shah and Yvonne Rojas
Bank of the West
Bel Air Presbyterian Church-Urban Ministries
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
DreamWorks Animation
Hutchinson & Bloodgood, LLP
Charles Plowman
La Canada Presbyterian Church Faith Mission
David and Martha Ho
Richard and Phyllis Mouw
Bank of America
UBS Matching Gift Program
Pacific BMW
Joe and Karen Hines
Astral Health & Beauty, Inc.
Peter Steur III
Paul and Elizabeth Schulte
Jim Black
John and Laura Piersol
Paul Cooper
Elizabeth F. Barnard
The Robert E. Hansen Family Foundation
Glendale Galleria
Marples Gears Incorporated
Galen and April Steele
Ronald and Penny Sue
First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro
Church On The Way
Kurt and Laurel Schmidt
Kenneth and Carol Stringer
Brian F. Buchanan and Mary Rotzien
Charlotte Hopkins
Marian G. Ng
Tritone Music Academy
Barbara L. Fick
Dennis A. Brown
Jitti and Sunnie Parinayakosol
Roy and Mary Ashford
Peter Serchuk
Lupe and Curtis Hafner
Patricia R. Smith
James and Linda Adams
Tom Gilligan and Christie Skinner
Bruce and Debbie Hinckley
John and Deanne Davis
Patrick and Judith Dahlson
S.R. and Candace Lombard
Herbert Andrews
L. H. and Mary Ann Casaday
Louise Forbes
Jennifer Steinwedell
Dawn Malcolm
First Baptist Church of North Hollywood
Lawrence H. Nelson
Barry and Susan Shanley
Chip and Nancy Stone
Greg and Virginia Young
James and Ann Anderson
James and Jeanette Ragan
James and Cary Moore
Les and Shelley Harrison
Rex and Margaret Quinn
Donald Jerome
Sahak Loussinian
Orma Rowe
Angela C. Urrutia
Cathy Salser
Cheryl Chenot
Jo Ann Perdisatt
Linda J. Prosser
Lola Archer
Margaret Dickinson
Mary A. Beardshear
Patricia Serio
Sally E. Stanton
Inter-Community Church of God
Tracy and Stuart Rekart
Patricia and Derek Patao
Trudy Ramirez
Kathie J. Heller
Mission Viejo Christian Church
Eric and Lisa Casaday
Eric and Laurie Flenner
James and Judy Hutchinson
Ken and Lynne Tsuda
Wayne and Patricia Banker
John and Marie Lewis
Doug Remington
John Sicklick
Lawrence M. Goodman Jr.
Steven Llanusa
Jan Strugar
Suzanne V. Gero
Betty Anderson
Sandra Starks
Susannah S. Anschultz
Barbie Enterline
Neal and Kim Neuenschwander
Wiliam B. Gould Jr.
James and Lydia Enriquez
Leslie Lee
B. Scott and Julie Anderson
Cranston and Natalie Komuro
Jacob and Mary Schaeffer
Jeff and Colleen Hawkins
Naguib and Ciza Tahan
J. Charles and Bettie Merriman
Marc A. Salzarulo
Willie and Isabella Wickliffe
Antoinette A. Anthony
Blanca Losoya
Jodie Smith
Karen Smits
Cecille Benitez
Rockwell and Margaret Barnes
Ken and Janine Williams
Robert Read
Michael B. Anderson
Edward and Maxine White
Ronald and Susan Dietel
Sugiko and Magdaleno Guevara
Gustavo Diloretto and Mariana Cappone
Jack Rotzien
Jon Kagawa
James McCann and Janet Knutsen
Randall and Jenipher Swanson
Steve C. Lackey
Alicia Sarabia
Erin Malone
Maggie Lambka
Pilar Daves
Shoshana Puccia
It's Tax Season- Do You Have Your
Child S.H.A.R.E. Tax Receipts?
Child S.H.A.R.E. would like to express
our appreciation to all of the donors who
generously supported the agency during
our 25th year of service to abused
children. As you prepare your 2010 tax
returns, don't forget to deduct the value
of your tax-deductible charitable gifts.
Throughout the year, Child S.H.A.R.E.
mails acknowledgment letters to all
donors that contain not only our
profound thanks for all gifts, but also the
tax receipt information required to
deduct the value of the gifts from your
taxes.
If you made a contribution to Child
S.H.A.R.E. in 2010 and did not receive
an acknowledgment letter, or if you have
misplaced your letter please contact
Amanda Bell at [email protected] or
at 818.649.8016.
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NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
GLENDALE, CA
PERMIT 325
1544 West Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, California 91201
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