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Dear Friends:

It’s hard to believe that the dog days of summer are upon us. The popular name of this time of the year comes from a belief of the ancient Greeks and Romans that an astronomical coincidence, the combination of the rising of the Dog Star (Sirius, the brightest star in the sky) at the same time as the rising of the sun, were what caused temperatures to rise especially high. Seems spot-on as I write on an 88-degree day. 

Speaking of stars, have you purchased tickets for the 2nd Annual Under the Moon and Stars Gala September 18? I so encourage you to come if you didn’t last year—and if you did, too! What a splendid event, full of masquerade, food, music, great company, and views to die for at Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms. The event also offered a glimpse of the front lines at Child and Family Services (CFS), stories of resilience and connection between our staff and our clients, and then healing. I confess I was not sure about another event, as there seem to be many vying for people’s attention all the time. But our Gala team of both staff and volunteers did an outstanding job of making it a true night to remember. I’m a believer now—and you will be, too! Please come if you can and support the good work being done here every day. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well. 

It’s also the time of year for our Brown Bag Campaign, which has been a part of CFS even longer than I have! See the story below about the genesis of this important fundraiser and a great way for new friends to meet and get to know us.

Thank you for all you do to help advance the CFS mission, and for reading this newsletter. Keep on enjoying the dog days here in beautiful northern Michigan!  

Warmly,

Gina Aranki, Executive Director

Each year, CFS observes a notable increase in children being placed in foster care during the fall season. Aprille Sutton, CFS Child Welfare Director, sheds light on this recurring trend and the reasons behind it. "There aren’t as many eyes on kids in the summertime, so we brace ourselves for an uptick as kids head back to school," she explains. Once school resumes, children come into contact with a larger network of teachers, coaches, and other mandated reporters who are responsible for identifying and reporting suspected neglect or abuse. 

For those unfamiliar with the term, a “mandated reporter” refers to professionals, such as teachers, who are legally required to report any suspicions of child maltreatment. Their role is not to determine if abuse or neglect is occurring, but to ensure that suspicions are reported to the appropriate authorities. In extreme cases, after an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), a child may be placed in foster care. Once a child enters the care of CFS as a foster care case, the primary goal is to place them with their extended family whenever it is safe and possible. However, when relatives are unable to provide adequate care, the critical role of foster families comes into play.

Currently, CFS has 56 licensed foster homes, which are divided into two categories: Homes to Foster and Homes to Foster for Adoption. Often, homes that foster with the intention to adopt close their foster care licenses once they adopt a child. This ongoing cycle creates a continuous need for safe, nurturing foster homes to accommodate the growing number of children who require temporary care and stability.

“The commitment of foster families is essential in supporting these vulnerable children,” Aprille notes. “They offer these kids a safe environment and a sense of security.” By opening their hearts and homes, foster parents allow children to remain within their communities, which significantly contributes to their well-being and development.   

We are deeply grateful to all our CFS foster families for their unwavering dedication. If you are interested in fostering, please visit cfsnwmi.org/foster-care

to learn more. 

For the past 35 years, CFS has been making a profound impact on the lives of children in foster care through its Annual Brown Bag Campaign. This campaign, now a cherished tradition, raises essential funds to support foster children and provide them with the resources they need for a brighter future. Each year, the campaign garners widespread community support, with individuals and businesses alike contributing to ensure that these vulnerable children receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve. 

The 35th Annual Brown Bag Campaign is particularly significant as it highlights the enduring commitment of CFS to fostering stability and hope for children who have experienced trauma and displacement. The funds raised through this initiative are used to provide essentials such as clothing, school supplies, and therapeutic services, as well as to create enriching experiences that help foster children thrive. As the campaign reaches this milestone year, CFS continues to emphasize the importance of community involvement and compassion in making a difference in the lives of foster children, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed in life. 

As we enter our final stretch of summer, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Getting a jump start on being prepared is helpful for kids of all ages. Read on some simple tips to make the transition easier for both kids and their guardians!  

• Establish a Routine: Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times gradually as we get closer to the start of school to ensure your child is getting enough sleep to be ready to learn each day. Getting into morning and bedtime routines provides structure and helps children feel more secure–try using a chart so they can track morning and evening routines. Checking off their lists can help them feel accomplished and keep them on track.  
• Create a Dedicated Homework/Study Space: A quiet, well-lit space at home provides a child a place to focus. Consider utilizing timers to set timeframes for each activity.  
• Get Organized: Use a calendar or family planner to keep track of any events, extra-curricular activities, and school closings so you can be prepared. Encourage your child to add to the calendar or keep their own.  
• Encourage Independence: Include your child in decisions like choosing their backpack or picking out their clothes for school each day. Encourage them to be in charge of their age-appropriate responsibilities such as helping to pack their lunch. Empower them to make appropriate decisions for themselves.  
• Manage Screen Time: Setting limits on screen time during the school week helps to prioritize schoolwork, family time, and reading. Take advantage of the wonderful weather and encourage kids to play outside in their free time. 
• Get Excited: Your child is embarking on a new milestone! Talk about what they are looking forward to and things that they are worried about—and keep a positive attitude. This is the time of year to see old friends, make new ones, and meet new teachers. Offer positive reinforcement and encouragement to give a confidence boost! 

Each child is unique and will have individual needs, so keeping a line of communication open will help you adjust these tips to meet the needs of your family. Here’s to a successful and rewarding school year ahead!  

If you have driven past our office on Veterans Drive in the past few weeks, you are sure to have noticed some changes! After doing many outdoor improvements with community support and help from the YouthWork team (resurfacing sidewalks, a beautiful native plants garden at the entrance, tuckpointed and newly painted chimney), a final touch was needed.  

We got that loving touch of weeding, window washing, and, most noticeably, shrub trimming from a wonderful volunteer crew from City Church. The five volunteers that the church sent over on their "Serve Day" on July 13 made some beautiful improvements. Thank you to all of our new friends! 

August is Planned Giving Month. Planned giving to Child and Family Services is an extraordinary way to ensure that your legacy reflects a deep commitment to the well-being and future of children and families in need. By incorporating charitable contributions into your financial or estate planning, you can provide enduring support to programs that offer essential services, such as counseling, adoption, foster care, and family preservation. Whether you choose to make a bequest in your will, establish a charitable trust, create a gift annuity, or designate Child and Family Services as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, your generosity will have a lasting impact. Planned giving not only benefits you through potential tax advantages but also empowers Child and Family Services to continue its vital work, fostering safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children and families. Consider planned giving as a profound way to make a difference, knowing that your support will help create brighter futures and stronger communities for generations to come.

Licensed respite providers needed! Join us virtually to learn more about this short-term foster care option. Our licensing staff will explain the process of becoming a respite caregiver and answer any questions you may have. The process is easier than you think. Consider helping today!

Virtual Respite Care Information Session Monday, August 12th at 6pm

Click to learn more and register.

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Health Fair August 16th 10am-2pm

CFS will be having a table at the Health Fair on August 16th. We will have staff on hand to share about the work our organization does. We will have lots of handouts and giveaways. Come see us!

The Downtowners

August 24th 5pm-9pm

The Downtowners will be performing a fundraiser at the Elks Lodge Manistee for CFS and International Foster Care Organization (IFCO). This event is open to the public by donation. There will be a 50/50 raffle and food and drink available for purchase. Our staff will be on hand to answer questions about our programs. We hope to see you there!

Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City | (231) 946-8975

3434 M-119, Ste F, Harbor Springs | (231) 347-4463

  cfs@cfs3L.org   |  www.cfsnwmi.org