Central Michigan Youth for Christ - Golf Challenge

When:  Monday, August 15, 2016

Please visit cmyfc.net/golf for more details and to register.

Wednesday, August 17  from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

St. Louis Church of Christ - 1075 W. Monroe Road, St. Louis

Free Clothes, Vision Testing, School Supplies(while supplies last) and MORE!

• You must provide proof of children (Birth Certificate, School I.D., SS Card, Insurance Card or DHS Paperwork.)
• This event is for Gratiot County Residents.
• Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

My thoughts on being constantly 

asked "How do you do it?"

Written by: Sheila Barnaby

Submitted  by: Michelle Zombeck

                  

How do you do it?                   

Seems like a simple question. Like, how do you tie your shoes, or how do you make a recipe.

How do you give the kids back? How do you not get attached? How do you deal with all the appointments? How do you drop everything? How do you do it?

I do it because it is what needs to be done. I love these kids with everything that I have, because they deserve that. I take them where they need to be. I work hard to make up for things that they may have missed. I give them structure even when it feels like it is ruling my life.

How do I do it? I just do. It is what I feel like I am meant to be doing. It is harder than I could have ever imagined. But when those little arms reach for me after a long day at work, the missed visits, the FTMs, and court hearings are all worth it.

I do it because I get to be a mommy. I get to rock them to sleep. I get to watch them learn new words. I get to see them master new skills. I get to be a part of their happiness as well as their sadness.

That is how I do it.

There may be more heart break in my future, I never forget that reunification is always the goal. In the time that we have together, we share love and experiences. I will love them endlessly for all their days. I am a better person because they have been in my life.

When people ask, what I hear is, I'm not willing to do it. It isn't that they CAN'T. And the truth is that is okay. If foster care isn't something that you are choosing to do, that is fine. This system is a mess and it isn't for everyone. But don't ask me how I can. It is not some skill that I have mastered. It just is what I have committed to doing.

                       The CAC Rock Garden

By: Heather Therrien

CAC Coordinator

When a child visits the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), the first thing they see is our rock garden located at the entrance of our building. It's not just any rock garden though. Many of the rocks found here have special attributes that set them apart from other rocks here in Gratiot County. These rocks have been splashed with creativity, color and, in some cases, even sparkles. They are painted as part of school or church group activities, youth organization projects or by kids and parents on a rainy day.

Throughout the year, we have the pleasure of accepting these specially designed donations from thoughtful kids and grown-ups here in our community - they stop by our office with one, two or as many as a dozen newly designed pieces to add to our collection. We place each one carefully in the garden. Each fall, we pick up the rocks and bring them in for winter. Each spring, we put them back in the garden to share with CAC guests.

Kids and caregivers who visit the CAC find bright colors, smiley faces, rainbows, fruits, flowers, animals, and even a minion or two. Kids who visit us are particularly pleased to see these special stones and spend a great deal of time remarking on the wide range of interesting colors, designs, shapes and sizes that can be found here.

If you are interested in contributing to our special rock garden this summer or fall, simply paint a rock or grab a group and paint a few and drop them off at Child Advocacy. Questions? Contact Heather at (989) 463-1422.