Success Story: Marcela

posted by: aschiffer | Wednesday 1/25/12

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

posted by: aschiffer | Wednesday 1/4/12

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

posted by: aschiffer | Tuesday 12/27/11

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

posted by: aschiffer | Monday 12/19/11

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

posted by: aschiffer | Wednesday 12/14/11

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 8^th 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!