News from Angel Faces

As we head into our sixth year, we are planning a long-term expansion of our programs. The first component of this plan is already underway - after an initial pilot program, we are formally launching on-line classroom sessions in January. Made possible by Cisco Systems, participants will be able to chat live with each other and with me, the group leader, using both telephones and Web cameras (when possible) in addition to their computer. Each girl also will receive monthly assignments such as watching a particular movie and reporting how its message relates to them (such as Penelope, a film starring Reese Witherspoon, about a girl born with the nose of a pig).

Additional goals for the current year include enhancing the daily yoga instruction, as well as having a nutritionist and a physical fitness instructor throughout each retreat. Having these teachers on site for the entire week will be invaluable to the girls, allowing more time for educating them on the benefits of creating the life they want and overcoming their facial difference. Another goal is to provide more corrective cosmetics resources for each girl, including where to find the products and tools for their particular skin-care needs when they return home.

Angel Faces also has been approached by various organizations to implement additional programs, including a retreat for adolescent boys with facial disfigurements and other full-week retreats to be held throughout the United States.

While Angel Faces would love to begin providing these new programs right away, our immediate need is complete funding of our current retreats for the next five years. To reach this goal, we have hired our first director of development to oversee all of our fundraising efforts. Molly Reid most recently served as director of development for Scripps Health Foundation and brings with her more than 11 years of fundraising expertise. Molly joins Angel Faces on a part-time basis and can be reached at 619-318-7433 or molly@angelfacesretreat.org. She is always available to discuss how you can help Angel Faces reach its current goals, whether through an annual gift, a sponsorship from your company or organization, or including us in your estate plans.

In the meantime, as one of our previous donors, we ask that you open your heart again and make a current gift to Angel Faces. We understand that many of us are tightening our finances during this time of economic uncertainty. However, please remember that every gift helps make a huge difference in the lives of young girls, no matter the amount. And we are now able to accept credit cards both on-line and in our office. We can even set up an automatic monthly charge to your Visa or MasterCard. Simply visit us on-line or complete the form on the back of our new brochure (click here to download it now).

By including us in your philanthropic plans this year, you will become a founding member of our Guardian Angels and will receive a bookmark commemorating your special connection to Angel Faces. For more information on this new donor recognition program and specific giving opportunities, please click here to see the information.