AZ Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents
AZ Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents Newsletter
                            Sept 2015
In This Issue
Resources Spotlight
DCS Appreciation Breakfast
Book Recommendations

 Resource Spotlight

  

Kinship and Foster Family Resource Fair

When: Saturday, Oct 17th, 10am-2pm (open house - stop in anytime)

Where: Pendergast Community Center located at 10550 W Mariposa St.

What: Get information and have all your questions answered on support groups, assistance with special needs, activities and camps for the kids, legal help, child behavioral health needs, healthcare for the children, household items and personal care, and DOOR PRIZES!

Children are WELCOME!

Questions?

Call 623-229-7674

 

Kids' Closet Connection

Coming up soon! Four different Valley locations!

Foster parents, first-time moms and military can sign up to come in a day EARLY before the crowds and shop! 

Follow them on Facebook for specific location information, updates, prizes, etc

Mesa: Sept 10-12

Northwest: Oct 8-10

Scottsdale: Oct 29-31

Goodyear: Nov 19-21 
Dear AZAFAP Family,
  
Lots of exciting things coming up!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying these awesome thunderstorms we've been having recently!
 
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!
I spent some time this afternoon at the DCS Placement Center. Anyone who has maybe considered fostering or would like to but cannot at this time, this is a great way to get involved and help make a positive difference for children - become a volunteer for the Placement Center. Contact them at azdes.gov/volunteer or 602-542-1991 
 
GREAT OPPORTUNITY, FOSTER PARENTS!!
Have your voice heard in a positive way! Help to build up our bonds with DCS as we work together for these children and families!
One of the DCS offices is looking for feedback from foster parents so we may strengthen our relationships and collaborate more positively as a "team" for the best interest of these children.  They are looking for AZAFAP foster parents to participate in a short discussion panel with the DCS staff. There is no date set but will be in the near future at one of the East Valley offices. Contact Lauren Merkel at lauren317@ymail.com or 602-317-3010 if you are interested.
 
DCS Appreciation Breakfast!
 
Just a reminder: We have one final Breakfast event scheduled and we'd love to see your smiling faces there!
 
Tuesday Sept 1st  at 930am- SOUTH MOUNTAIN office located at 4635 S Central Ave
 
Please JOIN US as we encourage our wonderful, hardworking, amazing DCS staff! They certainly have a tough job! Let's show them how much we APPRECIATE them and everything they do for the kids!!

 Please contact Lauren Merkel at lauren317@ymail.com if you would like to participate!
 
If you are unable to make it Tuesday, don't worry - we will have more scheduled in the near future. We'll keep you posted!
 
 

Book Recommendations

 

 

Beautifully illustrated books. Filled with love in every verse to let your little one know how loved and special they truly are!

 

The Crown on Your Head

It's Time to Sleep, My Love

On the Night You Were Born

 

By Nancy Tillman

 

  

If you have a book recommendation for foster and/or adoptive parents, children, and families, please email lauren317@ymail.com. 

We would love to hear your recommendations that your children have enjoyed or you have found helpful through this journey.

 
Why Should I Become an AZAFAP logo 2
AZAFAP Member?
As a Premier Member with AZAFAP, you enjoy discounted rates for trainings, priority for fun giveaways, and invitations for our events!
Individual: $35; Family: $50
Valid for one year
Here is the link to sign up for the premier membership:  http://fs3.formsite.com/AZAFAP/form335955137/index.html