Latest Choices News
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Success Story: Kody S. We would like to recognize ...
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Success Story: Marcela Marcela C. is a youth ...
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Backpack Donation: Dayton Regional STEM School We would like to thank ...
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Adoption: Jeremiah Congratulations to Pam Frison and ...
Success Story: Kody S.
We would like to recognize Kody S. for a successful transition from our Foster Care program to our Independent Living program. Kody is now enrolled at Clark State Community College studying Graphic Design. He received help from his CHOICES worker with the enrollment process and getting additional funding to attend; she was also able to attend orientation with him. Kody now has a full time job and is doing wonderful balancing the two responsibilities and staying away from any negativity. We are very proud that Kody has reached this point and continues to work towards his goals.
We would also like to thank Bockrath Carpet for providing placement goods for Kody as he starts this new chapter of his life. As a non-profit we appreciate the partnership with local businesses in the Dayton area in providing opportunities for our youth in care.
Success Story: Marcela
Marcela C. is a youth from Bulter County who has been placed in our Independent Living Program for 8 months. Marcela formerly lived in Guatamala and has been the United States for a few years. She demonstrated her dedication towards success by finding a full time job within her first week as an IL youth. Additionally, she is working to finish her high school diploma and has become more familiarized with the English language. Our Indepdent Living workers teach the youth the importance of budgeting and saving money and Marcela was able to save enough money to purchase her first car. We congratulate Marcela on successfully empanicpating from the IL program and taking over the lease of her apartment. Her workers are very proud of her accomplishments and know that with her dedication and drive to succeed she has many great opportunities in front of her!
Backpack Donation: Dayton Regional STEM School
We would like to thank the Dayton Regional STEM School for their recent donation of 9 backpacks and personal items for youth in our care. One of the Social Studies teachers, Pat Murakami, suggested instead of having a Christmas party that the students in her class help the community. The students suggested many ideas and then voted, and helping youth in foster care received the most votes. Pat then researched local foster care agencies and found CHOICES and our ways to help list. Pat and the students had decided to collect personal items and school supplies and put them in backpacks for our Independent Living youth. Her class of 15 students got the whole school invovled in donating items right before the holiday.
Thank you to all the students and teachers at the Dayton Regional STEM school for your donation and thoughtfulness for others during the Christmas season.
Rodger our Indepdent Living Coordinator and Pat Murakami from the Dayton Regional STEM School.
Backpack donation full of school supplies and personal items.
Adoption: Jeremiah
Congratulations to Pam Frison and her family who just adopted Jeremiah, now 14 years old. This was the only placement that Jeremiah has had, and he has been with Miss Pam for a little over two years. Miss Pam has two older children who are 18 and 27 and one grandchild. She has been very attentive to the extra care Jeremiah has needed. With her extra care and that of his workers Jeremiah is really coming out of his shell. Miss Pam has fostered many children over the years but has never had the goal to adopt. When Jeremiah and Miss Pam met they had an instant bond which led to his adoption. The whole Frison family took him in and provided him with security and stablity he needed in order for him to be more open and outgoing.
Jeremiah’s adoption hearing was special as his biological brother was present with the family that will soon adopt him. Both Miss Pam and the brother’s adoptive family are committed to staying in touch as the boys grow up so they can see one another regularly. We are so thankful to have foster parents like Pam Frison who go above and beyond with foster youth in our care.
Jeremiah with Pam Frison and her two children and grandchild.
Adoption Story: Linda
We would like to congratulate Roger and Mary Dennis on the adoption of Linda. Linda has been in care since she was eight and with the Dennis family for the past year. The Dennis’ have been foster parents for over 10 years, and have always had a strong connection and dedication to all the foster youth in their home. Linda is now 12 and has made great progress since she has been in the Dennis home, including becoming a straight A student. Roger and Mary have two daughters of their own and they all work well as a team to provide a caring environment for youth in their home. Congratulations to Mary and Roger who now are the proud parents of three girls!
The Dennis family, including their two daughters with Linda at the adoption hearing
Adoption Story: Emmy
We have had many recent adoptions among our foster parents in the past month. This week we would like to share their success stories.
James and Donna Murphy have been with CHOICES for over two years after transferring from Hamilton County. They have had Emmy in their home since she was three days old and she is now two years old. On December 8th the Murphy family officially welcomed Emmy into their family. The Murphy’s have seven biological children and they have always considered Emmy to be part of the family, and they were all very excited to make it official just in time for Christmas. Donna home schools all the children and Emmy has already learned all her colors. Congratulations to the Murphy family!
Santa’s Helpers: Dave Arbogast Buick Pontiac GMC
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Dave Arbogast dealership for their very generous sponsorship of our Annual Christmas Party. In addition to the sponsorship they featured a CHOICES Christmas tree in their main lobby area for employees and customers to take ornaments sponsoring the youth in our care. Their promotion of CHOICES and our Santa’s helpers cause was more than we could ever ask for. The Arbogast team did a wonderful job sharing our cause on their Facebook page and Website.
Their dedication resulted in donations for 25 youth in our care, including 18 gift cards and additional presents from the wish lists of children. The CHOICES team thanks you for your sponsorship, donations and sharing of Christmas spirit this holiday season. We are very proud that we have a local business that supports the community with such generousity and enthusiasim. Thank you to the entire Arbogast team for your coordination and kindness and the Arbogast customers, may you have a very Merry Christmas!
A portion of the Arbogast Santa's Helpers and Ashley from the CHOICES team
Santa’s Helpers: Carol Gaiser and WPAFB
We would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to Carol Gaiser and the WPAFB 401st SCMS/GUMD for their incredible gift donation for our independent living youth. Carol with the help of 3 other women and generous employees at Wright Patterson Air Force Base have bought gifts for 3 years. This year they have fulfilled the wish lists of twenty independent living youth in our care. This included shopping at multiple locations to get the youth exactly what they wished for. We had mentioned that two youth have children, and Carol and her gang went above and beyond to make this Christmas special for the kids and their mothers! Included in their donation were gifts already wrapped for the kids to open on Christmas morning, a special addition that truly defines the Christmas spirit.
The independent living youth will have their own Christmas feast and then have their gifts delivered right before Christmas. Thanks to Carol and her team for making the holiday season brighter for these kids; the CHOICES team is so grateful for your kindness and generosity!
Carol Gaiser and her helpers with CHOICES employees
CHOICES managers Amanda and Robert with one of "Santa's sleighs" loaded and ready to go. It took 2 vans to bring the gifts in!
Home-Based Services Worker
Job Posted: 11/01/2011
Location: Dayton
The Home-Based Services Program has a part-time position open for a case-worker and/or therapist to work with “at-risk families” in the Montgomery County area. This position allows you to work along side families in their homes and with our partners in the community. Candidates must have demonstrated an ability to work with diverse populations and challenging youth and families. Some families may have case management, cognitive and/or mental health needs that will need to be addressed. All programs are community based and family centered. Non-conventional hours may be required at times. LSW or PC equivalent is required.
Please specify which position you are applying for and mail resume to John Ward, 1785 Big Hill Rd, Dayton, Ohio, 45439, fax to 937-264-0095, or email to jward@choicesfostercare.com
Foster Kids Bowling!
Billy, Troy, Mason and many other kids had a great time bowling over the weekend. A special thanks to Beavercreek Hilton Garden Inn, Beaver-Vu Bowling, our volunteers, and staff for making it possible!
Teen gets her first job
Brittney G. is a 19 year old female in our care and we would like to congratulate her on finding her first job! This is a great success to celebrate as Brittney has had to overcome many challenges. For the past three years she has been volunteering at Wright Nursing Home, and has been diligent in applying for any position that would open up. Finally, this summer they hired her for a position in their dietary department. This is a perfect fit for Brittney since she is attending Greene County Career Center studying food and hospitality management. She is doing wonderful, and CHOICES recognizes her commitment and dedication to finding a job she loves.
CHOICES Youth meet NBA Star Jason Terry
Ricky and Rayshawn met NBA Champion Jason Terry, of the Dallas Mavericks! What a great experience! Thank you to Mr. Terry for taking the time to talk with them and learn more about their experience at the National Independent Living Conference in Texas. What a great way to end a trip!
Youth in Texas for the National Independent Living Conference
Brittany and her fellow Independent Living youth are having an amazing experience in Texas:
Foster kids had a great time at the CHOICES picnic
Our foster kids had a great time last weekend at our 25th Anniversary picnic. A special thanks to Rodger, our grill master, and many others who helped make it possible!
Junior leadership volunteers at Picnic
Thank you to Alex and the guys from YMCA Junior Leadership Dayton for volunteering at the CHOICES picnic on Saturday. Our foster kids and families had a great time!
Sisters and brother adopted
We are so happy for three siblings who started their new family together with their adoptive mom, Holly, last week!
16 year old Kadonna adopted today
We are very happy for 16 year old Kadonna! She was adopted by her wonderful foster mother today, Melinda Insley. Kadonna has been in care forever, and now she has her forever family!
CHOICES at the Dayton Dragons
CHOICES families had a great time at the Dayton Dragons game! Thank you to Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream for making it possible!
Foster Family at Country Concert with Darius Rucker
A few foster youth had an amazing time attending this year’s County Concert, especially when they met Darius Rucker backstage! Thank you to Mandy and Alan Whiteside for being such great foster parents and thank you to Darius Rucker and Hear the Music Live for making such an amazing opportunity possible!
Sister and brothers adopted
We are so happy for Heather and her brothers Logan and Zach for starting their new lives with their adoptive parents yesterday. Thank you to Lindsay, their caseworker, their foster parents, and many others for making a difference during their four years with CHOICES. They are very sweet, fun, and loving kids and we wish them the very best!
First Pitch at the Dragons Game
Thank you to the Dayton Dragons and Brandon Salyers of 5/3 Bank for donating the tickets and helping us recognize National Foster Care Month!
2nd Annual voices for Kids Benefit
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our 2nd Voices for Kids Benefit on May 5th. You helped become a voice for our kids.
Our special youth speakers, Vanessa and Blake, did a wonderful job speaking. Thank you to both of them for sharing their stories and hearts with each of us at the event.
Also, a special thanks to our sponsors and table captains:
Event Sponsors:
Bob Mills & Barbara Schenck, Vectren, Don & Marcy Schade,
Sawdey Solution Services, John Board and
Fidelity Orthopedic
Table Captains:
Mike Beauchamp, Dan Bir, John Board, Darlene Breen, Robert Bruce, Linda Caron, Creative Fuse, Kim Focht, Lisha Grant, Commissioner Debbie Lieberman, Lou Luedtke, Anna Magnusson, Seth Morgan, Nicholette Ontko, Lezley Pisone, Jeff Rezabek, Barbara Schenck, Lori Simms, Rod Smith, Domenico Stolfo, Nadia Stolfo, Sherry Tschudin, Joe Varabkanich, Vectren, and John Ward
If you are interested in supporting our 3rd Annual Voices for Kids Benefit in September of 2012 as a sponsor, table captain, volunteer or attendee, please contact Matt McDowell at 937-264-0084 or mmcdowell@choicesfostercare.com.
