National Adoption Month - November

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

Here are 3 organizations that hold to values similar to those of Safe Families for Children.  They offer domestic and international services.  Visit their websites and use their resources to learn more and get involved.

Bethany Christian Services  www.Bethany.org

The Villages                        www.villageskids.org

MLJ Adoption                    www.mljadoptions.com

Krista Davis Saw God At Work Through Homeless Dottie

Today I was feeling sorry for myself.  I had a family issue going on which seemed like an 8!  

Then I got a call from our crisis line volunteer (Karen Sylvester).  She is a dandy!      

Apparently Dottie was worried about her nephew James who is staying with Ms. Alison.  She had been unable to reach Ms. Alison (whose phone is not working).

I thanked Karen and then tried the Safe Family number.  Since I had the luxury of multiple numbers to try, I reached Mr. Steve who graciously told me that all was going well.  He confided that this placement was somewhat different than their others, in that the aunt was super worried about her child, and called frequently in concern for him. So sweet.  

Then I called Dottie just to follow up. It was the best part of my week.

This is where I saw God, and felt Him holding me up. . . moving me into the place of righteousness that I had been missing all day. . . .in my own selfish and personal 8!

Dottie is 60 and has taken guardianship of her nephew who is 4.  When asked how she came to be his guardian, she simply said "he is family".  His parents were drug addicts, and he needed family to take care of him.  

When I asked how she got to safe families, she recalled the story of moving to Indiana where relatives are close by.  She has had a series of low paying jobs throughout her life but proudly tells me that she has a clean bill of health and "there is no reason why I can't be working, other than difficulty in finding a job "at my age".

Through a series of events that she described (staying at Wheeler Mission, looking for homeless shelters that could accept her and James together, living in her grandsons attic with a space heater, storing her furniture and belongings in his garage, and being thankful that she "happened upon" Safe Families) I was humbled.  About to go pick her up and move her into my daughter's bedroom, instead I gave her some numbers to call in the morning, and told her to please call me back to let me know how it went.

God has placed us here for a reason.

Turns out my issue is a 2.

Your $10,000 Will Get A Lot With Foster Care Or A Lot More With SFFCCI

Someone just asked me, “If I gave you $10,000 for SFFCCI, what would I get for it?”  I gave a long winded and rambling answer that caused his mind to check out and go to another place.  WOW!  A great question and as a member of the Advisory Board, I felt like a failure.  I did not know the answer.  Recognizing that the staff and other Advisory Board members are sharper than I, they listened to the question and stared back at me.  I interpreted the stare as, “I do not know.”  Within 30 minutes we came to the following eye opening conclusion.

$17 per day is the cost of providing a safe and loving environment for a child placed in a volunteer SFFCCI host home. 

$38 per day is the estimated cost for the tax payer to have a child in foster care.

My friend, give SFFCCI the $10,000 and we will provide a home for 588 kid days. 

Assumptions:

Foster Care*

$14,000 is annual estimated cost for foster care.  This is an average, but a conservative average.  $0 is included for court costs, law enforcement, Department of Child Services, etc.

Safe Families for Children Central Indiana

$114,000 was the 2009 – 2010 year expenses. 233 children were guests in volunteer host homes.  $489 is the average cost.  If the average length of stay is 28 days, we see an average cost of approximately $17.

*We recognize there are a lot of assumptions and lots of arguments could be made for higher or lower numbers.  But, the point is, Safe Families for Children is a good investment of money for society and children.  We value the role of foster parents and the role they play in protecting children.  Nothing written here should be misinterpreted as negative toward DCS, the courts, foster care, etc.  There is a need for all of us.

Over 160 homes are registered in Central Indiana as host homes for SFFCCI.  THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!  Your generosity makes this possible.

What are your thoughts on this?  Feel free to share them.

Chuck Gross

President - Advisory Board

Diane Palma - Reality of the Job

Coordinating a placement usually requires dozens of phone calls...from finding the right safe family to organizing logistics for intake, etc.  I used to lose sleep from worry and frustration. It seemed like so much was riding on my ability to find the perfect family for a child/parent in need. But after about 200 successful placements and the same number of sleepless nights, I finally realized that none of this is even in my control or design.  Now, if I feel a bit of frustration coming my way, I remind myself that each of our, (just under 700 to date), placements has been perfectly planned. I simply happen to have the privilege to make a few phone calls, connect a few dots...and watch the miracles unfold. 

Diane Palma

Assistant Director

Jones Chiropractic Supports Safe Families for Children Central Indiana

Jones Chiropractic and Maximum Health

www.joneshealth.com

317-867-4323

16409 Southpark Dr. Ste D

Westfield, IN  46074

Free adjustments on October 27 to existing patients, with a $25.00 donation to Safe Families.

New Patients through October receive exam and xray for $25 donation to Safe Families.

Thank you Dr. Jones!

Chuck Gross

President Advisory Board

Diane Palma Saw God At Work On Thursday 10/19/2011

Diane is Assistand Director of Safe Families for Children.  She keeps telling me that if I keep my eyes, ears, mind and heart open, I too can see God at work.  She shared the following examples with me.

"1:00pm:  Tearful Grandmother calls, desperate for a safe place for her 4yr old grandson, today.  They'll be homeless by the end of the day. 

5:00pm:  Courageous Safe Family opens their door to welcome a 4yr old homeless boy into their home for 2 weeks...just in time for dinner!

Today, between 1 and 5pm, total strangers from two polar worlds were brought together by the Grace of God and through Safe Families for Children.   

Today, I was humbled yet again.  I have the best job in the world!"

Get to know the heart of Diane Palma be visiting the following blog articles: Why Safe Families for Children 7/28 and Two Soccer Moms: What Did They Start? 7/21

Chuck Gross
President - Advisory Board

How Tracey Mitchell-Strong Saw God At Work Last Week

 "I would like to report how God worked out child care for three boys that are placed with one of the Safe Families, and now the Safe Family mom does not have to rush home from work to retrieve them off the bus. I pray that those boys' mom will follow through and have consistency in visiting and talking with her kids, as they are having a rough time. I pray that she finds a home. I pray that she is timely for any and everything.  I send praises that one of our mom's found a home and I pray that the home passes the Section 8 inspection so she can move in and get her children back. I pray that God helps two twin boys and their younger brother to control their attitudes and not lash out at others. I pray that one mom realizes that children are a blessing from God and that he gives her the know how to appropriately parent all of them!!!! I pray for another mom to find a home and a job. "


Tracey is a member of the SFFCCI professional staff.  We thank God for having her on His team at SFFCCI.


Chuck Gross
President Advisory Board

"We Have Room"

Harvest Bible Chapel Fishers, has a family that is the subject of a host family story. It tells about the result of allowing guests (little folks) to come into their home to experience Biblical hospitality.  Pastor Brian White must be proud to see members of his congregation moving into areas of service that frighten many of us.  Read the story at: http://www.worldnextdoor.org.  In addition to bookmarking safe-families.org, consider allowing World Next Door.  We invite everyone to get out of the bleachers and into the game.  Chuck Gross – President Advisory Board

Little Gifts From God - One Hour In The Life Of Krista Davis

Last night I was at the CVS pharmacy downtown, getting my dad’s 17 new medicines filled.  I had his dog “Charlie” with me, who loves attention and is well known downtown.  I sat in the pharmacy area for about an hour, awaiting his new scripts and met many interesting people - Charlie attracts a lot of attention. 

I talked with a homeless young woman whose boyfriend is incarcerated.  She whispered into my ear that she was pregnant and due in December. She said she had little help, but another young man was “keeping her safe”.  By looking at him, you could tell that he had some obvious differences – his gait unsteady, his hair unkempt, large forehead, missing teeth.   The nurse in me had to advise her about prenatal vitamins, and we took a short tour through the vitamin section of the store.

I met another man who I believe was homeless since he was carrying his nebulizer with him.  He explained that he too, had just been released from the hospital and was feeling poorly with emphysema (COPD).  He didn’t have anyone to pick his medicine up for him. Interestingly, he asked me if I lived on the north side.  I thought I was fitting in, but apparently I stuck out like a sore thumb.

Then a mother came in to get a prescription for her epilepsy.  She had her one year old daughter with her.  The child (Betty)  was clean, dressed very well and even had her hair done with matching bow.  She had just received 3 immunizations at Blackburn. She loved petting Charlie, and the mother seemed to be glad for a distraction for little Betty.  We talked about how the bus worked when you have a stroller and groceries to carry.  I remember thinking that this gal must have some help or a lot of stamina, cause she is making it very well.  She took her script and left.

My order was finally finished, and I was given the log to sign for the meds.  Anna’s mother’s signature was above mine.  She (Helen Smith) has used Safe Families multiple times.  With a wave of gratitude for the validation of our work, I thanked God for you four, and for his blessings.

Krista Davis

Jason and Holly Sayer - A Page From Their Life Story About Kids

How it all began:

We heard from Krista Davis that 3 brothers and sisters needed to be moved from a situation that was just not working out. We looked around and saw that we had a baby and a small house with little room left for 3 children ages 7, 9 and 14 years. The sleeping arrangements would be tight, but we could make it work. So, while the biological mother had a bowel transplant, we had a sudden increase in family size.

In 3 days we learned how wrong our assumptions had been. Based on my (Holly) work experience as a mental health specialist working in residential care facilities and hospitals, I had assumed (we all know where that path leads) that I would meet a woman with poor parenting skills and a poor family environment. But after seeing the mom and children interact, I walked away saying to myself, “That is the kind of respect I want when we have our own children.” From the time we walked into the hospital room, until we left, the kids poured forth with “yes ma'am, no ma'am, we love you mom.” Love and well being for her kids was what mom demonstrated to us. Respect and love for their mom came from the kids. I learned a big lesson that day. “Do not prejudge anyone, because you could be so wrong.” I had done it and I was wrong. I want my kids to respond to me the way they did to their mom.

It was a short but sweet experience as a host home for Safe Families for Children.  We said “yes” to be a host because we felt this is what the Lord wanted us to do. We thought He wanted us to do it for the kids. We will probably never know how those 3 days affected our guests. But it allowed God to show us a few things about ourselves. We came away with a greater awareness of how closed-minded we were. Without a doubt, our faith has been strengthened.

Shortly after the 3 Safe Families kids went home we received another call regarding being foster parents. We had begun the process earlier, and now it was going to bear fruit. Zane was the name of the child who would be coming into our home. We were excited. Then the phone rang again. Zane had a sister who needed a home. And then the phone rang AGAIN. We were chosen to adopt Sean. “I think we broke some records by going from 1 to 4 kids in 3 weeks!”

During this time our small group has been very involved in our lives. We are blessed to share life with a wonderful group of people at Trinity. They are truly committed to spreading the love of Jesus in the community. Just recently two other families in our small group have decided to become host families. We can't wait to see the blessings the Lord will pour down because of their obedience.

HOLLY & JASON


Today the Sayers have adopted all 4 of their children. And even though they are not currently taking in any other children, they actively promote Safe Families in the community.

Based on professional training and work experience, as well as being a mom, Holly shared a few interesting insights into the work of Safe Families for Children. “Children are best off in a family environment. They have the best experience when they are in a family situation with other children. It is hard to objectively see the impact of a short stay within a host home. But I truly believe they will not forget the experience, no matter how short, and recall what they have seen and heard once they become responsible for their own decisions. God will use that experience to give many kids a frame of reference that they might not get in their own living experience.  Safe Families for Children is a model that works.”

Safe Families for Children Central Indiana
Get involved at: http://www.safe-families.org/

Is God At Work Through Safe Families for Children Central Indiana?

Short answer: Yes

I know this might be a bit boring, but it provides a foundation for the answer.  We have measurable strategic objectives than enable us to see if we are on target with our SFFCCI efforts.  We want everyone involved being aware that this is the work of God in and through us verses us working on our own strength.

At the conclusion of each hosting experience, the host family receives an invitation to give feedback through an electronic survey.

The responses to the following two questions allow us to say “yes”.

One of the core values of Safe Families for Children is that volunteers are primarily recruited from faith institutions and their faith is a primary force driving their service. Was your faith a primary force in your decision to be a host family?

100% of the responses are “yes”.

As a Safe Families for Children host home, did you see God at work?

92% of the responses are “yes”, with the remaining “uncertain.”

In addition, we hear verbal reports, particularly at the weekly staff meeting, about how the staff and volunteers see God at work.  Some of these stories get back to you via Facebook.  (Just a short rabbit trail – TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK)

We are mindful of need to constantly remind ourselves that God created SFFCCI, He is fueling the engine and He gets the glory for the results.  Ephesians 2:10 summarize it for me.  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

If you want more details on any of this discussion, contact me.

Chuck Gross

President – Advisory Board

chuckgross@me.com

Our Three Days with Chuck & Vivian

“I’m going to tell you all about my time and days with Vivian and Chuck.  It was fun to be with Vivian and Chuck.  We did a lot of fun things during are time with Chuck and Vivian.  We watched some movies on the big TV. We took Libby on a walk.  We played on the Wii.  We saw a frog and toad.”

“I had a lot of fun telling you about what we did with Chuck and Vivian.  I hope we get to see Chuck & Vivian.  I hope you enjoyed me telling you about the time I spent with Chuck and Vivian.”

“I loved that they where very, very, very nice.  They are funny and their house was very big.  They let us watch lots of movies.”

These are the words of two sisters, 4^th & 5^th graders who stayed with us for three nights while their mom got some rest.  This afternoon they will take the bus home instead of being picked up by us at their schools.  They were a delight to have in our home and it was fun getting up and taking them to their schools.  It was a blessing knowing that we were providing a loving service to the mom and her.  Our prayer is that this experience will be one they remember as different.  We tried to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.  As you know, there was more to their stay than movies and T.V.  Finally, if you are not “in the game” of being the hands and feet of Jesus to the least of these, be stretched and “get in the game.”  You will be the winner.

Chuck & Vivian Gross

Proud Volunteers on a God Focused Team

9/2011

How will God play a role in your life now that you have been to Springhill Camp? - 18 Happy Campers Post #3

I now believe in God & know that God is with me

I need to pray more and ask for His help

I will rely on Him more, this is a better thing for me

I want to know more about God

I learned to put people up & not down. God made them beautiful

I did not change, my life will be the same

God will be in my life more

I will be happy, nicer and pray more

Because of my talks with the counselors about God, I am a better person

I will try to be nice and kind

I will  forgive more

This is the final of 3 posts about the kids that SFFCCI sent to camp during the summer of 2011.

Get more information and get involved with SFFCCI at www.safe-families.org

Chuck Gross - President Advisory Board

           

           

Springhill Campers Share, How Their Lives Were Impacted - 18 Happy Campers Post #2

How Was Your Life Impacted?

Gave me passion

Learned about God & how to interact with people

I am more committed to the Lord than I was before

I got to have a lot of fun

I was not praying or reading my Bible much, but here I am

Played games I never played before

Learning more about God

It made me realize God wants to have a relationship with me

I had fun

I played outside and my counselor always prayed with me

I am happy

I became a Christian

It was awesome. I learned a lot about God

It was nice

It made me think differently about how I treat people

Understand how Jesus died for me

Next Post: How will God play a role in your life now that you have been here?

Eternal Changes In Martha Because Of Linda

“as I pulled away from Burger King this morning waving good bye to my new sister in Christ, Martha, , I thought…. now what?   Where do I go from here with this gal?  She wants me to help her find a church, understand the Word and teach her how to pray… , I realized I had not helped her with any of her long list of earthly life issues.

And YET………….

HOPE was hers today.  She left with a changed heart, a bible in her hand ( brought one with me J) and tears and a smile because she is not alone anymore, Jesus is her companion.”

Follow the example set by Linda, get involved with Safe Families for Children Central Indiana at: www.safe-families.org.

(Names of SFFC clients are changed to protect their privacy)

Diane Palma - Why Safe Families for Children?

Follow the example of Diane Palma.

How The Ball Family Children Got Them Involved With Safe Families for Children Central Indiana.

Take 60 Seconds To Hear The Kelli Ball Amazing Story

Krista Davis - Director Safe Families for Children Central Indiana

3rd Annual Fund Raising Event

An Inspiring Evening of Fun, Food & Fellowship You are cordially invited to Safe Families for Children Indianapolis 3rd Annual Benefit Friday, September 16, 2011 6:30pm The Mansion at Oak Hill 5801 East 116th Street Carmel, IN 46033 Music by The Blue Dorian Jazz Combo Guest Speaker Josh Bleill, Indianapolis Colts CommunitySpokesperson Business Casual Hors d'oeuvres 6:30pm Dinner 7:30 pm Single Dinner $60 Couple $110 Half Table (5) $250 Table of 10 $500 Register Online at http://safe-families.iministries.org/EventRegister.aspx?site_id=10114&event_id=251285 or Mail Check to Safe Families for Children Attn: Michelle Moscato - Event Co-chair 12714 Stanwich Place Carmel, IN 46033 Questions- Call Michelle at 317-574-1541 Email: safefamiliesindy@gmail.com Please RSVP by August 15, 2011

Two Soccer Moms - What Did They Start?

"This is the Indianapolis Police Department. We have an 8 year old boy who is homeless and we understand you might have a safe place for him." "Yes" was the answer. Little Bobby was taken into a safe environment, given food, friendship and unconditional love."

595 children later, (as of 7/15/2011) the two soccer moms who were at the start of this movement are still in the thick of things. Things being the lives of families that have little or no safety net to help them through their crises.

Krista Davis and Diane Palma are the soccer moms.

Both have families and other interests that could keep them occupied, entertained and otherwise fully consumed. Being busy or entertained is not what fires them up.

They look beyond what you and I might consider the important things of life and find fulfillment by being obedient to the call of God. They are the hands and feet of Jesus to the least of these.

One and 1/2 other full time professionals round out the professional staff of Safe Families for Children Central Indiana (SFFC). They lead a volunteer team of over 150 families that volunteer to open their homes to the children that come to SFFC. These volunteer host families are motivated by compassion for children. They assume 100% of all expenses. They receive a lot of support from the SFFC staff, but no financial support.

9,000 volunteer days is a rough estimate of the value of the SFFC volunteer team. What if these children had become part of the Department of Child Services program? We estimate a tax payer expense savings of $200,000 - $900,000.

The two soccer moms have started a movement in Central Indiana that is changing lives in ways that are beyond our ability to measure. "God knows how lives are being changed", is their response to the measurement question. If you ask the volunteer families, they will tell you that they have seen God at work in their lives.

Stay tuned. The two soccer moms have more to tell us.

Chuck Gross

President - Advisory Board

Doing Justice: As the Church, Through Our Vocations, for the Common Good

Amy Sherman, author of Sharing God's Heart for the Poor, will be speaking at Grace Community Church Noblesville 9:00 - noon, Saturday 8/6. This free Justice Seminar is part of the ongoing ministry of Grace to educate us on the Biblical perspective of poverty, brokenness and how we should respond. A post seminar breakout session & lunch is available for $5. Register through www.gracecc.org.

Knowledge of poverty strengthens our ability to be effective in our service to the least of these.

"Why I Am Leading The SFFC Central Indiana Prayer Team?"

Our God is a powerful God who not only answers our prayers, but hears the cry of our hearts and keeps watch over all children. When we engage in prayer on behalf of SFFC, God not only hears our prayers, but we are changed. As we come before God in prayer, God shows up...in the silence, through the Spirit, in that still, small voice....and our hearts are moved. We learn something about God, about ourselves, and our neighbors. And hopefully, we are moved to action. It is my privilege to coordinate the prayer team for SFFC so that my brothers and sisters in Christ may not only be aware of the great needs in our community and to see how God is moving, but for each one of us to be transformed as we continually come before God in prayer.

Melissa

Host Home Families Feedback On Hosting Experience

6/24/2011

In August 2010 we began to survey host homes when their guest child was returned to the biological parents. Our goal is to evaluate the spiritual impact on the host home, the safe family for the child. Below is a summary of responses to the questions. Most of the questions are open ended, not lending itself to yes or no responses. Of the questions that have yes or no type answers, the input is outlined below.

#1

One of the core values of Safe Families for Children is that volunteers are primarily recruited from faith institutions and their faith is a primary force driving their service. Was your faith a primary force in your decision to be a host family?

69 of 69 respondents said: Yes

#2

As a Safe Families for Children host home, did you see God at work?

62 of 67 respondents said: Yes

5 were Uncertain

#3

As a Safe Family for Children host home, how do you think you helped the biological family or your guest child?

This open-ended question produced results that indicate:

Child: 24

Mom: 14

Both: 28

#4

Overall, how did your latest Safe Family hosting experience compare with your expectations?

Exceeded: 17

Met: 47

Did Not: 4

#5

If your hosting experience involved your own children, how did they respond to having a Safe Families for Children guest?

This open-ended question produced results that indicate:

Positive: 37

Negative: 1

#6

Is there an opportunity to establish some kind of a mentoring relationship with the biological parent(s)? Share a few words to further expand on your yes or no response.

Yes: 2

No: 9

Uncertain: 13

Open-ended responses indicated that some host families were willing to mentor there are difficulties in establishing the mentoring relationship. What is clear is that there have been few mentoring relationships established. We need to consider more discussion, fact finding and identification of other related issues before raising the expectation of an ongoing mentoring relationship.

#7

Is there anything within our control that could make your hosting experience more effective?

This open-ended question produced results that indicate:

No Changes Suggested: No changes recommended

Changes Suggested: 1 - drug screens & background checks before placement.

Overall, input is positive and constructive.

#8

How many times have you been a host family?

1. 18

2. 7

3. 6

4. 7

5. 6

5+. 7

#9

Would you recommend Safe Families for Children as a way for others to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving the least of these?

Yes: 63

No: 0

Uncertain: 1

#10

If you would like to discuss your experience with one of the Safe Families for Children team, give us your contact information in the space below. Also, give us an idea of what you would like to discuss.

One 0f 64 responders indicated a need to discuss his or her experience.

#11

If part or all of your experience could be used to tell others about the Safe Families for Children movement, do we have your permission to do so? We always change names to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the persons involved.

Yes: 63

No: 1

Chuck Gross

7/4/2011

6/24/2011 Results

Want to experience positive life change? Get involved by going to www.safe-familes.org