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| Monthly Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 5 |
May 2013
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Greetings!
Angels Foster Care's Al Fresco Luncheon was sold out thanks to the tireless efforts of the Angels Fundraising Committee who organized and pulled off a beautiful afternoon of sunshine and support for our local babies.
Guests in hats and summer attire enjoyed the Marketplace set on the lush lawns of the Biltmore Hotel, with 18 umbrella-covered shops for all to browse through. 20% of proceeds will be donated to Angels.
Jim Scarborough was our master of ceremonies and shared his experience of being an Angels Dad to an audience of women glued to his every word. He was joined on stage by his lovely wife Ann to award the raffle prizes that had been donated for the occasion.
The dishes by Vietri and Juliska were magnificent and the centerpieces with florals by "From Me to You" were a colorful feast for the eyes. Shannon Neels, the owner, is also an Angels parent.
The committee co-chairs are: Michele White, Holly Murphy, Marsha Kotlyer, and Sue Bickett. Committee members included Sheela Hunt and Laura Dinning (Marketplace co-chairs), Karen Chin (raffle), Monica Babich (gift bags), Kathleen Cooper (invitations), Sarah Donen, Gina Andrews, Debra Borden, Michelle Branch, Diane Brown, Jenny Hecht, Dina Landi, Alixe Mattingly, Sherri Nelson, Margie Niehaus, Leanne Schlinger Overton, Susannah Rake, Roxanna Solakian, Maria Stave, Daryl Stegall, Lizzie Tobias, Patty Vignola and Annie Williams.
Special awards were given to Montecito Bank & Trust for their financial support over the years. Angels' "Volunteer of the Year" award was given to Frankie and Angel Martinez, for being among our first Angels foster parents and participating as generous donors through the years, and for Frankie's volunteer work as a visit supervisor.
As we wrap-up another year of Al Fresco fun, my deepest appreciation goes out to all who worked so hard on this special event. It is amazing to see so many lovely, very busy women give so much to help others.
Gratefully,
Meichelle Arntz
Founder
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Angels Announcements
Newly certified families: Lynn & Dean of North Santa Barbara County
New Placements: Thank you to Kerry & Stephen for recently accepting a baby girl placement.
Adoptions: Congratulations to two of our North Santa Barbara County families...Amy & Dave for their recent adoption of Trey, joining sisters Carley and Ally, and Rhonda and Mike and family, who welcomed daughter Kori. We are so happy for your families!
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.
Social Media
Become a Facebook friend of Angels today and receive frequent posts about our latest news.
Twitter: follow us @AngelsFosterSB
Read the Angels Blog
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Angels Parent Education
ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP & CONTINUING EDUCATION
"Talking to your child about adoption" - support group open to current and alumni Angels parents.
South County
June 25, 7:00 p.m., location to be announced
North County
June 27, 7:00pm, location to be announced.
RSVP to Stacy at stacy@angelssb.com.
ANGELS FOSTER PARENT PRE-CERTIFICATION TRAINING
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 pass their name along to us.
Next Series of Open Training Dates:
July 9, 11, 16, 18 & 22 from 5:30-9pm.
Location to be announced
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Community Education
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS: To support safety, stability and wellbeing - a dialogue between caregivers and social workers
Angels foster parents are invited to attend a joint training held by CWS to include Child Welfare Workers and Foster Parents. Two sessions offered - choose the one most convenient for you. Child care and continental breakfast is provided. To RSVP, please contact Annie Rodriguez at a.rodriguez@sbsocialserv.org or (805) 696-8959. Free $20 gift certificate for all caretakers who attend! And this training would of course count towards your Continuing Education credit!
South County
May 29, 8:30-12 noon, First Baptist Church, 949 Veronica Springs Rd., Santa Barbara.
North County
May 30, 8:30-12pm, Lifeway Fellowship Church, 2627 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria.
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Social Worker Corner:
May is National Foster Care Month
Each May during National Foster Care Month, we at Angels salute the compassionate people who make a difference in the lives of Santa Barbara County's children and families throughout the year. As you know, young people in foster care especially need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them. Thanks to the kindness and dedication of people like you, many of these formerly abused or neglected children will either safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families.
We enthusiastically applaud your caring commitment and continuing support. Opening your home, your heart and your family to a foster child is a unique endeavor that requires much strength, patience, love and understanding. Without the ongoing efforts of foster parents and their families, too many children would end up facing life's challenges all alone. Together, we can offer young people in foster care the guidance, stability and love that are so essential for becoming successful adults. We greatly appreciate and recognize all that you do to help change a lifetime for a child in need.
- Jennifer, Stacy & Betsy
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Angels Contacts 
(805) 264-4470
Lead Social Worker (805) 884-0012 Social Worker South County Betsy Nickels, MA, EdM (805) 884-0012
Recruiter
Outreach Coordinator
Newsletter Editor
Ellen Dameron ellen@angelssb.com (805) 884-0012
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Last Words...
(excerpts from the Foster Family Treatment Association annual essay contest)
"I have been in foster care for one year, in that year I felt like my world had come to an end and that I had no meaning in my life, but with the help from people that worked with me I have found out differently....
.... without them I wouldn't have come to the conclusion that I am special and that I am a person who deserves to be loved."
- Beatrice, Age 16
"It's not unusual for people to experience difficult times. Some are easier to overcome than others, some pierce the heart indefinitely and some pass by quickly. The most important key is surviving them, and grow smarter from each one. I've been through a lot because of this one person and it amazes me to know that JUST ONE PERSON could cause so much pain....I've learned a lot from what I've been through. I'm a whole new person....This is the most difficult thing I've ever been through but I'm still here. I see myself as a survivor, striving to live and be happy, I'm almost there."
- L'il Moma, Age 17
"Being in foster care for me has been the best thing ever. You see, for those of you who have parents that are drug heads, alcoholics, abusive, or run out on or even, neglect you, being in foster care is good. You see, you don't have to go through that anymore. You are in a safe environment. You have people that care about you, love you, accept you, clothe you, and are there for you."
- MeMe, Age 17
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