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| Monthly Newsletter Volume 5, Issue 12 | December 2011 |
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Greetings!
 Am I the only one who wonders where the year has gone? It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the 2010 holidays with our Angels' families in Los Alamos. As 2011 comes to a close, it's that natural inclination to reflect on the changes, from the mundane to the monumental, that the last year has brought into our lives.
At Angels, we recognize our family has grown by leaps and bounds in 2011! Over the past year, 22 children were received into Angels' homes and we have welcomed 10 newly certified families into our program. We settled into our two new offices in Santa Barbara (and resettled after being flooded out) and Orcutt (I finally figured out how to get the heater working) and Angels' staff are wearing several new hats as we have each taken on new roles and responsibilities. However, what I'm most pleased about is that last year, 47 children benefited from the nurturance and love each received in their Angels' homes. We are making a difference!
On behalf of your Angels team, I wish you and yours a safe and delightful holiday season, filled with wonder, love and happiness.
-Jennifer
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| Angels Announcements
New placements: Congratulations to Wendy and Matt (South County) for accepting the placement of a three-year-old boy, and Tammie and David (North County) for accepting the placement of a four-month-old girl!
Recent adoptions: Congratulations to Angel and Yolima for the completion of their adoption of Elizabeth! We are so happy for you!
Wanted: Baby stroller in good condition for the Angels office. Please contact Ellen.
Special  thanks to the Orcutt Lions and their "Get Em Home" program for the generous donation of car seats, clothing and essential baby supplies for our new foster families - we are so grateful for their continued support! Pictured at right is Angels founder Meichelle Arntz and "Get Em Home" chairperson Lydia Magdalena.
Angels in the Community
We're looking for opportunities throughout Santa Barbara County to speak about Angels Foster Care and the urgent need for foster families. If you know of a local club, group, church or synagogue that would be interested in a presentation about Angels, please contact Ellen.
Angels Blog: sign up to receive regular updates on our latest program information, happenings of note in the world of foster care and Angels' special events.
Facebook: Please become a friend of Angels today and receive frequent posts about our latest news.
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Angels Calendar
Mid-Morning Parenting Circle
Due to the holidays, there will be no gatherings this month. See you in January!
A Heavenly Holiday Celebration
for all past and present foster families
Thursday, December 15, 5:30-7:30pm
 We look forward to seeing you at this fun and festive annual celebration! If you haven't already, please RSVP and e-mail us pictures (individual child shots, family photos and adoption pictures) for our Angels family slideshow!
Angels Foster Parent Training
Tuesday, January 24 - 5:30-9:00pm
Thursday, January 26 - 5:30-9:00pm
Tuesday, January 31 - 5:30-9:00pm
Thursday, February 2 - 5:30-9:00pm
If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our next series of training classes, please have them call the Angels' office or give us their name and number and we would be happy to call them.
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Angels Contacts
(805) 264-4470
Lead Social Worker (805) 884-0012 RecruiterOutreach CoordinatorNewsletter EditorEllen Dameron ellen@angelssb.com (805) 884-0012
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From the Desk of Your Social Worker
The holidays are often filled with gatherings. Whether it be family events, holiday parties at the office, or social gatherings with friends, I know my calendar always fills up much faster than I expect! This time of year is a wonderful time to catch up with others and enjoy good company. When you have young children, everyone is always eager to see how they've grown and shower them with all kinds of love!
For those of you caring for foster children, this may be a time of year where you get more than your fair share of questions about their history or the current status of their case. Especially with family, these questions are often genuinely asked out of care and concern. For that person you just met five minutes ago, it is likely innocent curiosity. It also may be a bit nosey and make you want to snap back and say "That is none of your business!"
Before you head out to your next holiday gathering, consider coming up with some practice responses to answer people appropriately. Of course, these responses will look different depending on if you are talking to your best friend, or if you are just making small talk with colleagues. Either way, please remember the importance of confidentiality. Sharing specifics about your child's case is a violation of ANGELS policy.
We know it's hard to sort through what is ok to share and what is not. We also know that sharing with others can be a source of relief and support. When in doubt, minimal information is always best. For example it is ok to say, "We are waiting for the next court date to find out if we can start the adoption process soon", or, "She is still having visits with her Mom and they are going well." Reflecting back on the love you have for your child is also always a great response, for example "We aren't sure what the long term outcome will be, but we are so happy to have her with us this year to celebrate the holidays."
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your ANGELS social worker. We do want to be a sounding board for you and we appreciate the thought you put into maintaining compliance with confidentiality.
--Stacy
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The Last Word
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
~Agnes M. Pahro
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