BFP E-NEWS
December 2017
Message from Interim CEO, Jim Carlson
The end of the year offers us each an opportunity to look back at the previous year and take stock in both our accomplishments as well as our challenges that remain for the year to come.

In 2017, the Brevard Family Partnership Family of Agencies grew with the addition of our fourth agency, Family Allies. Through their vision, strong leadership, and local support of the staff, Family Allies has dramatically improved permanency outcomes for the children we serve.

I had the privilege of speaking to the graduating pre-service trainees on December 13. They are a welcome addition to the Family Allies team and know that they have the support of the entire Family of Agencies.

Brevard C.A.R.E.S. expanded their service array in 2017, adding the Parenting with Love and Limits program in October 2017 and increasing Safety Management Services to at risk families. The most recent year saw C.A.R.E.S. successfully divert 90% of the families referred for Safety Management Services from the formal child welfare system. In November, C.A.R.E.S. completed their Council on Accreditation (COA) re-certification activities, receiving an expedited four year accreditation.

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Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
You can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the life of a child in need of hope and happiness this holiday season.
  
As you celebrate the season, would you consider making a one-time, year-end contribution to assure every child in our community knows they are loved, valued, and matter? Your year-end, tax-deductible gift will meet present needs and opportunities for those we serve. Your donation will help Brevard's vulnerable children and families become stronger; right here and right now.
 
What your generous gift could provide:
  
SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESS - $50   
Provides a student with necessary school supplies
For most kids, the start of a school year is an exciting time, filled with new supplies and hope for success. Together we can help foster kids enjoy the same experience! Help give local foster children the confidence they need to succeed in school.
 
PROJECT PROM - $100
Enables a youth to attend their high school prom and build valuable childhood memories all children should be afforded
Traditional funding for foster care doesn't include "extras" that are so important to a child's well-being.  Your support provides youth the opportunity to participant in activities that boost their self-esteem, promote feelings of belonging and enrich their lives.
 
BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENCE - $250
Equips a young adult for their transition from care to independence Your donation can help purchase basic household necessities for youths aging out of foster care and help bridge the gap between hope and a future.
 
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT- $500
Gives two youth aging out of care a laptop for college
Your donation provides young adults aging out of foster care the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and equip them with the tools necessary for success.
 
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT  - $1,000
Sends 10 children to camp for one week
Your support can provide children in foster care with an enriching summer camp experience that boosts their self-esteem, promotes positive social interaction, and gives Brevard County youth happy, positive memories that will last a lifetime.
   
Help shape a bright future for Brevard's most vulnerable children.
 
You can make your contribution online here.  
Every gift is appreciated and every gift makes a difference
Help Us Give: FAQ's
What if you could help make a difference in the life and future of a child in Brevard?   Brevard Family Partnership is looking for individuals who are willing to open their hearts and homes to a child in foster care.
 
Help us give children in foster care a brighter future.
  Become a Foster Parent.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What types of children are in foster care?   Children of all ages, origins, ethnicity and backgrounds are waiting to be fostered.
 
Does it cost a lot of money to be a foster parent?  
There is a minimal financial cost in being a foster parent:
  •  The foster parents receive a monthly stipend to care for the child
  •  The child or children are totally covered for medical and dental services
  •  Financial help with recreational and educational activities is available
Foster a Future.
Ready to Make a Difference In the Life of a Child?
For additional information, please click here. 
Celebration of Adoption
Brevard Family Partnership, in conjunction with the Honorable Charlie Crawford, Guardian ad Litem Program, Family Allies, and IMPOWER, hosted a Celebration of Adoption event on November 17, 2017, to celebrate the joining of 17 Brevard County foster youth with their "forever families".
 
During the official, yet festive ceremonial proceedings, each family appeared before Judge Crawford and Brevard Family Partnership's attorney, and presented the final permanency documents to the court, completing the adoption process. Following the ceremonies, a lunch reception for the newly-formed families was held in the courtroom, provided by Chick-fil-A of Viera.
 
Insp erity, a human resources and business solutions company, sponsored the Celebration of Adoption event.
 
Brevard Family Partnership, along with partner agency IMPOWER, has joined with the Brevard community, giving youth whose parents could no longer care for them, the safety and stability of a permanent and lasting family connection.
 
For more information about adopting a child in foster care, please call Brevard Family Partnership at (321) 752-4650 or visit www.brevardfp.org. 

Foster Together. Foster a Future.
At a time when they need stability and security, to separate a child from their brother or sister can cause distress and adversely impact their sense of well-being. However, we simply don't have enough foster homes to keep siblings together. That's why we need your help.
 
Become a foster parent.
 
Contact our Recruitment Specialist to find out additional information at 321.752.4650 x3031 or foster@brevardfp.org. 
A Special Thank You
We would like to give a BIG thank you to Ascension Catholic Church for hosting our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for our foster families!

We appreciate your continued support and generosity.
Employee Spotlight
Name:   Ellen Laye
Which Agency do you work for?
Brevard Family Partnership
How long have you worked for BFP?
2 1/2 years
What is your current title? 
Accounting Clerk 1
Briefly in 2-3 sentences explain what you do in your current role:
I processes payments and keep up with the Company Credit cards for all of the Agencies. Yes, I also do travel reimbursement, Adoption and Foster stipends.  
What is your favorite thing about working here?
I love helping Children and Families during their time of need.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a member of the Indian Harbour Beach Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and a member of the Corporation that manages the business side of the Fire Department.  
Who or What inspires you? Why?
My mother and father; they were the first in their families to graduate from college, they both went on to get their Doctorates. They lead by example, that is why I love working in the non-profit world.
If you were a color crayon what color would you be? Why?
Dark teal.  It is deep, robust and soothing; something I hope I covey to those around me.
Brevard Family Partnership
2301 W. Eau  Gallie Blvd., Suite 104
Melbourne, FL 32935
321.752.4650 
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