FOSTER CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION, INC.

Special Christmas Story-A former foster youth gives back! On Thursday December 24, 2009 a former foster youth, who is now 18 years old, came to visit us before Christmas. After catching up with him about his life, college, job and more, he pulled me aside and handed something to me. When I opened it, I found that it was a Christmas card with a folded up check inside. The check was written for $100.00 from the youth to the Foster Children's Foundation. I immediately told the youth that we appreciated the gesture but couldnt possibly accept his gift because we knew how hard he had been working to get a job and go to school. He explained that he HAD TO DO IT. I asked what he meant and he explained that he felt that for all that he had received and the support he had been given from the Foster Children's Foundation, he wanted to do what he could to give back and help other youth. This young man went on to say how important it was to him that he help those who have helped him along the way and to become the person that he is today. I was overwhelmed with his generosity and true understanding of what it means to give back. We are truly thankful for this young person and are so proud of all that the he has become. It is the hope of this young man and the FCF that his gesture inspires others to give back and repay the world for the blessings they have recieved. -Suzanne Geske, Executive Director Family Traditions and the Gift of Giving The Holiday Season is a magical time when we search our hearts and think of those who are dear to us, those we love and those who have made a positive impact in our lives. It’s a busy season, there is much to be done and time is of the essence. However, we find time to reflect on some very simple values that we learned as children. We learned that it is better to give than to receive and the importance of family unity. During this time of peaceful deliberation we ask ourselves, “What is it that makes this season so fulfilling”? The reason is clear. It is a time when we count our blessings and think of others and the many ways we can bring joy to them. It is the “gift of giving”. We reflect on our family and friends and how lucky we are to have plenty. We also think of those who don’t have many of the simple things they need, to say nothing of the extras that most of us enjoy during the Holiday Season. It is important to take every opportunity to teach our own families the warmth one receives by helping others. Many families make the “gift of giving” a family tradition that is celebrated each year during the holidays. To find ways to help those less fortunate this holiday season, one does not have to look far. There are many needs right here in our own backyards. The Foster Children’s Foundation is a local charitable organization who provides services to help foster children in our community. Often times, these children do not have many of the essentials that non-fostered youth enjoy. With your support, these children’s dreams can come true and their needs fulfilled. Together we can provide them with the warm winter coats, clothing, personal care items as well as caring mentors to help raise their self esteem and quality of life. Who are these children that need our help? Children living in our community whose circumstances have left them without a home and family. They range in age from birth to 21 years old, come from all ethnic backgrounds and all share the need to feel safe and have their needs met. They come from circumstances of abuse, neglect, drugs, and worse. There are hundreds of children in foster care in Gwinnett who need the love and support of their community. The Foster Children’s Foundation welcomes the opportunity to share with you the many ways that you and others you know can make a difference. Start you family tradition today. Monetary donations allow us to provide for a wide range of items that are needed but do not get donated. Your tax deductible contributions can be made payable to: Foster Children’s Foundation P.O. Box 2469 Duluth, GA 30096 For more information visit our website at www.fosterchildrensfoundation.org or call the Foster Children’s Foundation at 770-623-6135 It is our hope, that you will join us in spreading the joy that comes only from giving. _______________________________________________________ The events that took place on September 11, 2001 were devastating, unbelievable and the effects will be felt for years to come. There is however a bright side to the story. It was somewhat of a wake up call to the people of our great country, America. It was a message saying, “Love one another, care for one another, help each other and live each minute as if it were your last”. The world has changed significantly and people throughout the nation are responding by loving and helping each other and truly living each minute as if it were their last. 9/11 has opened eyes and brought awareness to many of the needs right in our own backyards. One of these needs is to help the Foster Children in our communities. Many people have had personal experiences of some kind allowing them to become aware of the situations that are faced by foster children. For those who have, you are aware of the many unmet physical and emotional needs. These children have not asked to be where they are, but circumstances such as abuse, neglect, drugs and other negative factors have left them no choice. Daily, children of all ages, from birth through 18 years old are taken in to state custody at DFCS (Department of Family and Children’s Services) offices. They usually arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back. Their lives have been shattered for one reason or another and each has a unique background. It is difficult for them to hold their head up high, have good self-esteem, and be proud when they don’t even they will live tomorrow. They are filled with fear and emptiness. The search then begins to find a foster-home for the child to stay in. The courts and DFCS determine how best to handle the situation for the safety of the child. Depending on the reasons that the child was removed from, determines their future. Regardless of their situation, the hope is that eventually they will be located in a permanent residence with someone to love and care for them. Some may be in several different homes in a year or may be separated from their siblings. Imagine being a child and feeling totally alone in the world. Imagine if you didn’t think anyone loved, wanted, or needed you. These are emotions that foster children deal with every day. I would like to share my story with you. At age seven, I had a life changing experience. I was in the unfortunate position of spending time in an orphanage along with my three younger brothers. At the time, my mother was financially unable to afford to keep us together. Since the four of us were different ages, we were housed in separate facilities. The only time during our stay, that I was able to see my brothers and know they were all right, was at the annual orphanage event where all the children got together. All the children there became my new family. Many of the children shared their stories with me. Children who were there, because they knew no one loved or wanted them. I remember hearing children cry themselves to sleep at night or pray that someone would adopt them, love them, or give them a home. The thing that kept me going, was knowing that someone did love my brothers and me. I knew that we would not be there forever. Our hope was that someday our mother would on her feet financially, she would take us home and we would be a loving family again. The day my mother picked us up was one filled with emotions. I felt great joy for my brothers and myself. I will never forget though, the pain and sadness we were leaving behind. I would have given anything to take every child home with us. That day, I promised myself that during the course of my life, anytime I had an opportunity to help foster children, I would. In 2001 the opportunity arose. I met with the Director of Gwinnett County DFCS (Department of Family and Children’s Services) in Georgia and we discussed the many needs that the foster children have. As a result, a group of the most wonderful Business Leaders and caring individuals in the world, joined together for “A Great Day of Service” with the “Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services”. Together we worked to make the dreams come true and fulfill the needs of foster children and families. The first project was to collect clothing and other needed items. The second was to prepare a Clothing and Needs Center where the children could pick out clothes, hygiene products, school supplies and other needed items. Next, this group of volunteers would host an Annual picnic for all the local foster families. The picnic provides and opportunity for the children to spend time with siblings living in different locations and to have fun. The numerous positive role models including the 90+ volunteers were able to make a difference in the lives and futures of these children. ”If I could write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high”, I would write a thank you to all of those who volunteered on these projects. Over the years of working with the foster children, many needs have been identified and many volunteers have come forward to make a difference in these lives. The Foster Children’s Foundation, Inc. was established to help the children in areas where there was no hope before. It is our dream to make a major difference in the lives of foster children in every county. Yes, we dream big, but with your help, a huge void in the lives of foster children can be filled and their lives changed forever.