June Newsletter
EDUCATION NEWS
REGISTER TODAY—UPCOMING LEARNING TO CARE
INSIDE THE MIND OF A CHILD WITH TRAUMA AND DISRUPTED ATTACHMENT
Spots are still available for our next Learning to Care Workshop. On Monday, July 15th, Angela Mains, MA, LPC, and Registered Play Therapist will join us for our next workshop. Angela currently leads the counseling program at Lifeline Children’s Services.
When encountering a child who has been traumatized and has experienced compromised attachment, parents and professionals are often baffled by the seemingly bizarre behavior that follows movement to a new home. It can feel as if children who have been neglected and abused find ways to sabotage good placements. They may rage, steal, lie, remain detached, and so much more. What is going through their minds? What motivates their behavior? Come to gain understanding.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Monday, July 15, from 6 to 8 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church (Free childcare is available, but limited. Register soon!)
SAVE THE DATE
We are pleased to announce that our next Choosing to Care Conference will be Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Prince Avenue Baptist Church! Save the date, and make plans to join us for one of our favorite days of the year.
ADOPTION SUPPORT NEWS
WRAPPING UP OUR BOTH HANDS PROJECT
Our goal is to raise $100,000. Every dollar donated to our Both Hands Project funds our Adoption Assistance Grant. To date, we have raised $76,247 this year to help Georgia families with their adoption expenses. We want to help eliminate financial barriers to adoption so that more waiting children will come home to their forever families. Our giving period is coming to an end soon…how can you help us meet our goal?
HOW CAN I HELP?
Every dollar makes a difference to these adopting families. Each family is always so thankful for the financial support!
If you would like to make a donation to our Both Hands Project, you can do so in one of the following two ways:
Mail a check. Please make your check payable to Both Hands and indicate CFLM 2019 on the memo line.
Both Hands Foundation
PO Box 2713
Brentwood TN 37024Give online. Visit bothhands.org/chosenforlife2019 to donate online.
Please note: Your money is donated to Both Hands Foundation and they graciously manage all the finances for our event and pray for and encourage us, all at no cost. When the event is over, Both Hands Foundation sends 100% of the money raised to CFLM, so feel confident that 100% of your donation goes directly to helping Georgia families adopt. Donations may also be made online. Both Hands Foundation and Chosen for Life Ministries are approved 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Your donation is tax deductible. Both Hands Foundation and Chosen for Life Ministries are members of the Evangelic Center for Financial Accountability.
FOSTER CARE NEWS
REUNIFICATION MONTH
June is National Reunification Month. Reunification occurs when children and youth in foster care are able to return into the custody of their biological parents. Although adoption tends to be highlighted as a common outcome for children in care, the primary and preferred permanency goal is reunification with parents. National Reunification Month is about recognizing the people and efforts that help families to stay together.
With that in mind, on Monday, June 10, Children First and Home in 5 hosted a Declaration and Celebration event at the Athens-Clarke County City Hall. Mayor Kelly Girtz, Juvenile Court Judge Robin Shearer, Clarke County DFCS Director Mary Barrett all spoke along with parents who have worked to bring their children home safely and successfully reunified. The goal of the event was to officially declare June as Reunification Month in Athens-Clarke County and to celebrate families who overcome many challenges to work bring their children back home.
You can watch a video of the event and view photos provided by Children First, Inc.