May 8,  2017
Welcome Newsletter: May 2017
Caring for a child is one of the most important things a person can do. Caring for a child who is not your own requires a special kind of dedication. There are many children in Southern Nevada who are unable to remain in their homes. Families who open their homes and hearts to these children are committed to improving their lives and their futures.  Foster Change is committed to those families- Foster Change is committed to YOU.
Welcome from the President
Dear Foster, Adoptive, or Kinship Parent,

I would like to introduce myself – my name is Audrey Rosenstein, and I am so very proud to be the President of Foster Change.  Along with my phenomenal board: Ali Caliendo (Foster Kinship), Donna Smith (The Foster and Adoption Coalition of Nevada), Hannah Munson (Foster Connect), and Manisha Sandhu (The Adoption Exchange), we have come together to form Foster Change. Foster Change is committed to the empowerment of foster, adoptive, and kinship families. We want a system that produces happy, healthy children in happy, healthy families. We are so happy you have joined us.  

Foster Change is a new association, and we are so excited to get together to support each other in our parenting journeys. We were happy to see some new faces at our first support group and at our first social event (A fun Ladies Night Out)! We have so many fantastic activities on the horizon, and I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. With your input and participation, Foster Change will provide you with the tools, partnerships, friendships, training, and support to allow you to be the very best caregivers in any capacity you serve. 

Warmly,
Audrey 
Brand new to Foster Change? Check out our video to get to know us. 

Foster Change was founded in 2016 by the directors of organizations serving foster/adoptive/kinship children and their families  in partnership with the  Clark County Quality Parenting Initiative. Foster Change acts as an umbrella organization connecting the important work of individual organizations and works to provide  unified voice for families and children.
New Perk! Members-only MeetUp Group
Welcome to the members-only group for Foster Change. Scheduled (and spontaneous) events in this group include support, training, respite opportunities, parents night outs.  In addition, we encourage members to post their own events- like play dates and family outings as we build our foster, adoptive, and kinship family community!


To join, use your membership number*

*If you need to complete your membership, contact Sandy Vargas at Sandy@fosterkinship.org or (702) 970-4546.
May Support Gathering
Support Groups are generally held on the third Tuesday of each month at rotating locations to accommodate members in all areas of the valley. This month, board member Ali Caliendo is opening her home on the northwest side of town. Light meal and drinks provided. Childcare not available. Members please RVSP for location.

Date: Tuesday, May 16th
Time: 7:00-8:30. 
RSVP:  Members-Only Meetup page or by calling   (702) 970-4546. 
Training Spotlight
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
Date: First Friday of each month
Time: 6 PM-8 PM
Location: 4344 W Cheyenne, 89032
Cost: Free
Training Credits Provided? Yes
Childcare Provided? No

Nurturing Parenting Classes
Date: 4 week series Friday mornings starting May 12th  or Monday Evenings starting June 5h
Time: May class- 10:30 AM-12:30 PM; June 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: 4344 W Cheyenne, 89032
Cost: Free
Training Credits Provided? Call to inquire
Childcare Provided? Yes  

Did you know? Foster Change offers deeply discounted CPR/First Aid and Car Seat trainings to members! Call (702) 970-4546 for more information! 
Kinship Corner
Foster Kinship offers  Information Sessions for new kinship caregivers in the child welfare system twice a month:
  • The 1st Saturday of each month at 2:30 PM in the Red Rock Room at 701K N Pecos, 89101 (Child Haven Campus).
  • The 3rd Monday of each month at 6 PM in the Carson City Room at 121 MLK Blvd, 89106 (Central Campus)
Foster Kinship provides weekly  child-only TANF application sessions- walk-ins welcome every Wednesday at noon at 4344 W Cheyenne or by appointment by calling  702-546-9988. 

Our  Kinship Resource Center is open M-F 10-4 and we do accept walk-ins but appointments are highly recommended. We offer free notary, printing/copying, resource connection, application assistance (TANF, SNAP, EAP, WIC, Childcare, Licensing, etc), assistance with temporary and legal guardianship forms, emergency resources, referrals to community agencies.

 One Visit to Peggy's Attic
Peggy's Attic is extending members one "extra" visit as a thank you for joining. Peggy’s Attic is located on the Child Haven Campus off Bonanza between Mojave and Pecos. The entrance is just west of family court. Follow signs through the parking lot to the double­wide trailer across from Positively Kids. To redeem, bring this coupon, your ID, and proof of custody (custody letter, guardianship paperwork, or birth certificates) to Peggy’s Attic during business hours (M, W, F from 10 AM to 2:00 PM). The last client is admitted at 1:30.

Offer Expires 07/31/2017. Member ID: 
Sandy Vargas  | Foster Change  | (702) 970-4546|  sandy@fosterkinship.org  | www.fosterchangecc.org
   MISSION: Foster Change is committed to the empowerment of foster, adoptive, and kinship families. We want a system that produces happy, healthy children in happy, healthy families.