In the Spotlight
Light Summer Reading
In this edition of Family News, we're sharing some light summer reading in the form of client success stories - they're vignettes on the lives of our Long Island neighbors. They came to us for a brief time, got the support they needed, and then went on to accomplish some pretty amazing things. We're happy to share their successes with you, our friends and supporters. Thank you for getting involved and making a real difference in your community. As you enjoy the last few weeks of summer, please know that our clients are grateful for your support.
Because his parents were unable to care for him, Dennis N. was raised by his grandmother until her health began to deteriorate and he was put in a placement center. Luckily, he found a place to live in a Family & Children's residence for young men and women. He's now in college and an intern at Citi Smith Barney. Read his story...
Judith A. is a 21-year old who is the legal guardian of her three younger siblings: Niasia 11, Vicky 14 and Derrick 15. They were all raised by an aunt who passed away two years ago after fighting a long battle with cancer. Judith, who left college to parent her siblings, is proud to say that she has made education a priority for her siblings, and even prouder to report that she has three honor students in the family! Read her story...
Shakira B. has overcome many obstacles in her life including being placed in the foster care system as a young child and becoming a teenage mother. Shakira learned parenting skills through the Parents and Children Together (PACT) program and managed to focus on her educational goals making her eligible for a Family & Children's scholarship. She recently graduated from St. John's University. Read her story...
Kevin S. lost his wife unexpectedly leaving him alone to parent his three daughters ages 11, 10, and 7. He's enrolled his daughters in Family & Children's counseling to address bereavement issues and receives daily encouragement to keep the family going. The girls are working hard on their studies and are finding a second home at Family & Children's child care center in Hempstead. Read his story...
Barbara S. and her husband are seniors living on a fixed income. Since the cost of food, prescriptions, and household supplies has risen so dramatically in the past year or two, they've been finding themselves choosing between purchasing heat, prescriptions and food. Family & Children's helps them receive food supplies and vouchers plus additional household items through our fundraising efforts and our Adopt-A-Family gift program. Read her story...
Join our community of caring to help others like Dennis, Judith, Barbara, Kevin and Shakira. Click here to make a difference, close to home.
Grants, Honors & Awards
It's Back to School time! We're conducting our annual school supply and footwear drive to help our children and families get off to a good start and have a successful school year. There can be no success without preparation! If you would like to help, please bring school supplies, sneakers, sports equipment or clothing to 100 E. Old Country Road, room 25. Special thanks to the folks who have already made a difference:
- Kathy Kaden of Footprints LI who donated 50 pairs of shoes last January and has now donated an additional 100 pairs.
- Thanks to the Children's Sports Connection and founder Patricia D'Accolti for donating basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, baseball equipment, a ping-pong table and much more.
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy visited our Summer Camp program to bring public attention to the need for a continuation of the government-funded school lunch program offered to area children during the school year. Congresswoman McCarthy is pictured here having lunch with some of our campers.
AROUND THE AGENCY
 Our Farm for City Kids program enriched the lives of many of our emotionally challenged yougsters by providing a wonderful, enriching environment of skill development and positive reinforcement. Many of the children in our Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) program have significant challenges in socialization. They often feel disconnected from their peers because of their need for different school settings as well as their difficulties in regulating their emotions. The Farm for City Kids experience gives them a chance to succeed at tasks that, at first, seem strange and very difficult. This does wonders for their esteem while offering them a chance to connect with peers and adults who understand their struggles and accept them whole-heartedly. Likewise, they are able to interact with the animals there who, as we all know, show them affection and acceptance regardless of their differences.
Macy's Shop for a Cause Day to Benefit Family & Children's
Help us and have fun at this unique, one-day shopping event being held on Saturday, September 20 at all Macy's stores. Purchase an all-day shopping pass from us for $5.00 and receive savings of 20% off most items and 10% off home furnishings throughout the store. Call (516) 746-0350 x336 or email Mary Chiz at mchiz@familyandchildrens.org
Family & Children's Caregivers' Support Group is open to all caregivers who would like to share their experiences with others in their situation. This is a free program that can provide much needed support and understanding to those caring for ill family members and friends. Join the group on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living of East Meadow, 1555 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, East Meadow, NY. For information call Dianne Smith at (516)292-1300 x2245 or for directions, please call the facility at (516)542-0990.
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 Want to help, but don't have time? Try our one-click programs!
Agency Exchange lists items that are needed, items that are available, and job opportunities!
Click here to see the latest listing...
View pictures from our summer camp program.
Board of Trustees
Officers
Chair: Bernie Kennedy
Vice Chair: H. Richard Grafer
Vice Chair: John D. Miller
Treasurer: Drew Crowley
Secretary: Delores V. Smalls
Past Chair: Daniel Brown
CEO: Jim Harnett
Members of the Board
Upcoming Events
10/23/08 - Veteran's Health Alliance Conference
10/25/08 - National Make A Difference Day
11/22/08 - Save the Date for our Annual ThanksGiving Ball
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The mission of Family & Children's Association is to protect and strengthen Long Island's most vulnerable children, seniors, families, and communities. We offer assistance to those who are experiencing social, emotional and/or economic challenges. |
Family & Children's Association e-newsletter is made available to our friends, sponsors, donors, volunteers and employees for informational purposes only. The information contained in this communication is not intended as advice or to take the place of professional counseling. (c) 2008 Family & Children's Association - All rights reserved.
100 E. Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 | (516)746-0350
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