On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) was going to hold its annual Congressional event that joins together Members of Congress, foster youth, foster youth advocates and others to celebrate the potential of foster youth. In addition, OFA was going to launch its Foster Care to Success program, a new, national volunteer movement that will connect caring volunteers across America to foster youth in their communities and help these young people learn essential life skills.

Due to the weather in D.C., the Tuesday, Feb. 9 event has been canceled.

More details on the Foster Care to Success program and how groups of people can get involved will be available after March 1. In April, which is National Volunteer Month, groups of volunteers will be engaged and pursuing activities that will make a difference in so many young people’s lives.

Everyone hopes to receive something special on Valentine’s Day! Join Members of Congress, Federal Express, Alliant Credit Union and other corporate partners on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 to recognize the importance of the 7,500 Care Packages OFA annually sends to foster youth in colleges across the country. The Valentine’s Day packages send a special message – red scarves hand-made by compassionate volunteers, chocolates, and gift items students want and need tell these young people that they are part of a caring community.

This year, OFA will be joined by a special guest: actor and child advocate David Keith. Best known for his Golden Globe-nominated role in An Officer and A Gentleman, David is also is a spokesman for PROTECT: The National Association to Protect Children, and was recently recognized for his advocacy work with a 2008 Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI.

Meet a few of the 4,000 college students OFA supports annually and hear about their hopes, their dreams and their determination to succeed despite the challenges unique to having been in foster care.

On December 17, 2009, Orphan Foundation of America sponsored students and staff joined Senators Landrieu (D- LA) and Grassley (R-IA) to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. The Program provides for support for foster youth in independent living programs and those aging out of foster care. States use Chafee to offer youth education and training vouchers, housing, and counseling.

Students Shanna G of Maryland, attending Morgan State University, and Faith S of South Carolina, attending Winthrop University, attended the event on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with Orphan Foundation of America’s CEO, Eileen McCaffrey.

The OFA/Casey Family Scholars scholarship application for 2010-2011 is now available online at www.orphan.org. Students still in foster care, those adopted after age 16, placed in legal guardianship after age 16, or who have lost both parents to death may be eligible to apply. Graduate scholarships are also available to those who qualify.

These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of merit and need, and funding levels are determined based on cost of attendance and other resources. Apply early!

To find out how you can support an OFA scholarship student, contact scholarships@orphan.org.

OFA’s scholarship recipients are a wide and varied group. While they all have one thing in common, a history that brings them to OFA, their passions bring accolades far beyond where they started. Isaiah Wilcox, OFA Scholarship recipient and a Junior at Morehouse College in Georgia, was recently featured in his local newspaper, The Champion Free Press.

Isaiah, we are so proud of you for the work you’re doing and can’t wait to find out where you’re headed.

…..

Ask Anil Lewis about Isaiah Wilcox and prepare for a long list of accolades. The young man is on fire. He’s accepted his blindness, and he’s moving forward, said Lewis, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia (NFBGA). He has a lot of energy, a lot of passion.

He’s a transformative leader. That energy and passion are part of the reasons Wilcox received NFBGA’s Keith Tonge Leadership Award at the Downtown Decatur Holiday Inn in October. Wilcox, who is president of the board of the Georgia Association of Blind Students (GABS), an organization that he brought from a membership of three students two years ago to about 50 today, according to Lewis.

Wilcox, 21, is currently a junior studying business administration at Morehouse College. His goals are to get a degree in public relations and eventually open his own business. Wilcox was born five weeks premature with optical atrophy, a disease that impairs the nerve. He’s been blind since birth. My ultimate goal is to continue to get more involved in the community and really change what it means to be blind, said Wilcox. He said it’s crucial that statistics be improved such as the 70 percent unemployment rate among the blind and the 45 percent high school graduation rate among blind students.

And this isn’t Wilcox’s first recognition from NFBGA. In 2008, he was the recipient of a $3,000 college scholarship from the organization. I am dedicated to motivating, improving, and inspiring the lives of others to reach their highest potential educationally, professionally, and personally, is a quote attributed to Wilcox from the GABS Web site.

Yesterday I had the most delightful day being entertained by Cheryl (you rock the interpretations at Mount Vernon, Cheryl!), chauffeured around by Tracey (thank you, Tracey!), and regaled with hilarity as usual by Lynn from OFA. We all went to Mount Vernon, where Cheryl works, to have a fun tour, a grand luncheon, and take a few photos of red scarves.

It was pretty brisk out there, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time. I took responsibility (I have broad shoulders) for bringing the frigid northern temps with me, but the sky was blue and the setting was gorgeous and educational and the company was wonderful. Oh, that Lynn and I, we are a dangerous duo — and I rather think that our superpowers were enhanced by Cheryl and Tracey — making us a rather formidable foursome.

Cheryl M, Norma M, and Tracey F

Cheryl was strong-armed by one of her fellow interpreters to take over his job in the great Mount Vernon main dining room, so we were privileged to see her deliver a little of her stuff. She is delightful, as was the whole of the tour. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the main house, but we managed to lay out our scarves and shoo people out of the background so we could take photos. Cheryl once again saved the day and very diplomatically asked people to move — blaming it on “that lady” (me) who is “artistic and difficult to work with.” What a blast. I had the best day!

~Norma
www.nownorma.com

Longtime OFA scholarship sponsor Amy Bernstein was in town last weekend to visit her son, a freshman studying political science at The George Washington University, and she shared a lovely breakfast with scholarship director Tina Raheem at Washington’s historic Union Station.

Ms. Bernstein has been funding scholarships for many years, and the student she currently helps to fund, Nanjiba will be graduating from West Virginia University in May 2010 with a dual degree in Marketing and French. As Nanjiba recently said, “I remember five years ago, I walked into the University, frightened and feeling small. I felt that graduation was so far away but now it’s only one more semester away. Some days I didn’t think I would come to see that day for graduation; when every homework and test seemed to difficult to accomplish, but now I am almost at the end of the tunnel and cannot wait to walk proudly with two degrees across that stage; and it’s all because of your generosity and the support from OFA.”

Ms. Bernstein supports OFA and the scholarship program in honor of her two children and the daughter of her heart, a young woman for whom Ms. Bernstein and her husband are “voluntary parents.” As Ms. Bernstein says, “I simply can’t imagine going to college and facing young adulthood without parents or a family.”

Ms. Bernstein also supports the OFA Care Package program and recently contributed packages for three OFA scholars who attend The George Washington University.

THANK YOU, Mrs. Bernstein! It is the investment and support of generous individuals like you that gets our students through college. Truly, their success is a testament to your belief in America’s foster youth.

To find out how you can support an OFA scholarship student, contact scholarships@orphan.org. To contribute to our Care Package Program, click HERE.

Life as a teenager was a little tougher than most for Colorado ETV student Jennifer L. She spent half her life in foster care after the death of her mother at age 12, and as the youngest of three children, was the first to graduate from high school.

OFA met Jennifer in 2005, as a first year college student. In the past five years, she’s worked her way to two Associates degrees – General Studies and Applied Science in Criminal Justice, with three mini certificates. She’s working, volunteering, and in her free time, the avowed animal lover cares for her six cats, two tarantulas, two salamanders, three fish, one frog and one turtle.

Through OFA, Jennifer received OFA Care Packages every semester, and one on one support with her ETV Coordinators. Every one of us at OFA is so proud of Jennifer and what’s she’s accomplished in the years we’ve known her!

OFA recently received this letter from Jennifer:

I just wanted to let you all know what a blessing the ETV program has been for me. Being the first person in my family to go to college has been a real treat. I appreciate all the support and the financial assistance you have offered me. Working part time and going to school can make it a challenge to pay the bills. ETV has helped me pay rent, repair my vehicle, purchase school clothes, keep food in the house, and be a little more worry free. As a college student, I often worry about how I am going to pay next month’s rent. It was such a blessing to receive funds to help me. I was able to save and budget out for all my bills. It has been so nice being able to pay all my monthly bills.

I wanted to share my goals and let you know how I know I can achieve them. I will graduate April 30, 2010 with an Associates of General Studies. After Summer semester I will graduate with my Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with three mini certificates. I am very proud to have achieved two Associate degrees. I am currently volunteering at the Canon City Police Department, and hope to one day work there. I was, and am able to complete my goals and become an asset to my community from the support and dedication from the ETV Program. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. God Bless you all and once again thank you for believing in me! It is so encouraging to have someone you know you can count on. Thank you!

Saturday evening, November 28, scholarship team Mary Imler and Tina Raheem along with scholar Antonio D. (Shenandoah University, 2011, Criminal Justice) attended the third Cotillion-Beautillion of the Loudoun County, VA, chapter of Jack and Jill of America where Antonio was presented with a generous scholarship award. Antonio thanked the organization eloquently, received a standing ovation, and was given several leads for summer jobs.

Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America is an African-American organization of mothers who nurture future leaders by strengthening children ages 2-19 through chapter programming, community service, legislative advocacy and philanthropic giving. They believe every child, with proper guidance and opportunity can be a leader. The culminating experience for many young Jack and Jill participants is the year-long program leading up to presentation as a debutante or beau at the Cotillion-Beautillion gala ball.

On Saturday evening 14 young adults were presented by their proud parents to the 300 attendees during a magnificent dinner held at the exclusive Ritz Carlton in McLean, VA. Nationally-recognized actor Terry Crews (Get Smart, Everybody Hates Chris) gave an inspiring speech, internationally-acclaimed young violinist Sandy Cameron performed, and younger members of Jack and Jill rounded out the evening with a spirited dance.

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to Dr. Linda Coleman, vice president of the Loudoun County Chapter, and to the entire organization, for their generosity in including Orphan Foundation of America – and especially 2010-11 Jack and Jill Scholar Antonio D. – in the festivities.

Applications are now being accepted for OFA’s InternAmerica program, a six-week intern program during the summer of 2010 in the nation’s capital. InternAmerica allows OFA students to gain valuable workplace experience, networking opportunities, and allow youth to serve as spokespersons in a variety of environments to promote the promise and potential of older youth.

This past summer, 20 OFA students spent six weeks in Washington, DC, working at congressional offices, non-profits, and corporations. Rounding out their six weeks in Washington, InternAmerica students were treated to a host of workshops for professional development: resume writing, networking, time management skills, etc. Hosted by national corporations, these workshops provided students with tools and skills to launch their careers after graduation.

Think this might be an opportunity for you? Find out more about our InternAmerica program.

We often get letters from OFA students. April, a recent graduate from University of California, Riverside, and recipient of our OFA Scholarship every year she was in school, sent us this fantastic letter, and fun picture of her and her new husband. April, we are so proud of you!

——–

There are not many things to say that will adequately cover how I feel about all that you do. I have not been very good at expressing my gratitude. Partly because of my own memory issues, and partly because I tend to get overwhelmed with gratitude and then don’t know what to say! Thank-you doesn’t seem like it properly expresses what I feel.

OFA has been an amazing network of support. One of my strongest memories was of when, early on in my relationship with OFA, my engine totally went out in my car. I told you about it with no real intention other than venting. I was blown away when I received a check to fix my car. There have been so many times where I have seen fellow students run into trouble and turned to their parents for help. I have always tried to keep perspective, but have always had a part of me that was envious and sad that I didn’t have that kind of support. When you paid for my car repair, I realized that I truly did have that kind of support.

Aside from the financial support, you guys are just an awesome group of people. Your emails were always consistently loving and upbeat. I think the first couple of years of college were really rough for me. I was going through a divorce and overwhelmed with life and just sad a lot. You did a great job of staying positive and reminded me to do the same without lecturing me; you just lead by example. As a result, I started noticing the way I tended to come off, and made a conscious effort to change my outlook. You have been a role model in more ways that you know.

In short, you are very loved and appreciated. I am married, graduated, and in the real world now, and it’s scary, but not nearly as it once was.

Please also know that if I can ever give back in any way, I would love to.

Sincerely,

April M.

Sunday night was OFA’s first spaghetti dinner for our local DC, Maryland and Virginia students. It was held at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church in Maryland, and about a dozen students came. They shared stories and got to know each other over delicious plates of spaghetti and meatballs with bread, salad, and cookies for dessert. Lynn Davis, Christelle Gorman and Tina Raheem represented OFA, and Linda and Joan came on behalf of the ladies of the church.

Those who attended had a great time, and when we do this again in the spring we know we’ll have a crowd. Good things sometimes start small, after all.

And in the meantime, a dozen happy students not only met new friends, but will be eating scrumptious leftovers for the next couple of days!

OFA is pleased to announce a new scholarship partnership with Poksak, an innovative reusable tote bag company out of Rhode Island. Poksak believes in giving back to the community in a big way, and has started the Poksak Foster Fund to support foster youth in college. We are proud to collaborate with them in this generous effort and look forward to welcoming Poksak Scholars to OFA in the fall of 2010.

For more information on Poksak and the Foster Fund, and to see statements from OFA students, click Here.

OFA scholarship student Sean Hudson fills us in on his first few monts at the University of Alabama. The path is never easy but he’s determined and we’re giving Sean our support and encouragement. We hope you will too.

Greetings and ROLL TIDE!!

Well, we had our first wave of exams last week and it was very interesting. I will honestly admit that I was not prepared to take a college exam, but so far I think I did pretty well. I made a 77 on Biology exam and I will know my Spanish exam score on Wednesday. I have figured out that I must change the way I study because obviously my old methods are not working effectively as they use to. However, I am enjoying the new and innovative ways to study and process new information.

I do have some good news. I am a member of Freshman Forum. Freshman Forum is a freshman organization designed to help freshman students adjust to campus life by planning different activities. I am so happy to be a part of Freshman Forum because it allows me to step outside of my comfort zone and make some new friends in a whole new way. I am also a member of SGA now, but I doubt I will be participating in SGA this semester because I wish to get use to campus life first. Also, I am doing quite well in the Emerging Scholars Program. The Emerging Scholars Program is a freshman research group that helps freshmen become familiar with research by teaming up with a faculty member from within their major. So as you can see, I am very busy. My next goal is to try and become an Avanti. An Avanti is a spokesperson for the University of Alabama who help incoming freshmen adjust and become familiar with the university. I really pray that I become an Avanti.

I am also taking advantage of all the campus resources that are available. I am part of the Trio Program with the Student Support Services and basically what this program does is help first generation students (and low-income students) adjust to campus life through counseling and mentoring to make sure they succeed in class. I am so blessed to be a part of that program because I really need all the help I can get.

I will admit that the first month into school was not an easy one. It was getting tough and I almost wanted to quit. Of course everything felt so overwhelming and I did not know where I could turn to. Then it happens. My Independent Living Program (ILP) Coordinator called and left a inspiring voicemail. She basically reminded me that I have the support of so many and especially God to help me succeed through my college career. She gave me the confidence I need to move forward and continue because I know that God is by my side! I do not know how I forgot that. I really do not. I mean I have OFA, my ILP Coordinator, and so many others that are behind me to make sure I succeed and now I am able to see it now.

I am truly falling in love with UA. The campus is so beautiful and enchanting, especially at night. On game days, there is so much school spirit that I have never seen before. I am finally able to see what it means say ROLL TIDE!!! It is that everlasting spirit that floats through the atmosphere. All the people that are here to help me, all the friends I can make….the possibilities are endless. I cannot wait to see what my future holds at the university!

So, I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Thank you for being there for me and showing me you everlasting kindness without any hesitation. Thank for helping me get the resources that I need and thank for just being you; my support system. I know with you behind my back, I can succeed in college. I love OFA for that and you have my deepest gratitude!! I will keep you posted, as always, on my success on campus. If I need anything I will be sure to ask you.

–
Sean L. Hudson
Bama~~Freshman
D.R.E.A.M. Council President
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

There are MANY students like Sean who have unmet needs and emergency expenses. OFA created the Red Scarf Fund to be there in their time of need. The RED SCARF FUND FOR FOSTER YOUTH provides emergency aid because life happens and foster youth don’t have the safety net most people call ‘family.’

Red Scarf aid has paid for:

· medical bills

· eyeglasses

· musical instrument repairs

· new tires to pass inspection

· and sadly, funeral expenses

All the things a traditional scholarship fund doesn’t cover, all the things a parent would – our young people count on the Red Scarf Fund to help them. 100% of every donation goes directly to helping our students. You can help now.

Former foster child Abdi Yusuf discusses the importance of support and help from San Diego orphan foundations, specifically The Casey Family Programs.

Greetings and ROLL TIDE!!

Well, this weekend I moved into my dorm at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa (UA). It was a huge transition for me considering the fact that I did not know anyone and I was saying goodbye to all my friends and the people that I love. On the day I departed from Bessemer, I went to say goodbye to people that were dearest to me, with my Independent Living Program (ILP) Coordinator being the first. She, of course, made it much more difficult to leave. She gave me more words of encouragement. She tells me how proud she was that I was going to college despite the entire obstacle that can before me. She was right though. I never thought in a million years that I would go to the UA. I always thought I would be going to Lawson State Community College, or probably even on the streets homeless. However, my dream was actually coming true. She pointed this out to me and made me realize that if I haven’t stayed determined and keep my faith in Him, I would not be where I am today.

After this I went to visit my biological mother and sister. Of course this is never easy because the history between my mother and me is very complicated. Nevertheless, we are working on strengthen our relationship. My mother told me that she was very proud that I am the first in the family in the family to go to college. She told me that UA is very big and that I should not feel intimated by it. She also told me that have the uttermost faith in me because she already knows that I am smart. She said that my sister and I were making her proud and she kind of cried a little. It was a touching moment in my eyes because this is the first time my mother has ever told me that. She goes on to tell me that my sister and she will constantly check up on me to make sure that I am staying on track.

I hung out with my friend until my foster mother pulled up and I knew it was time to go. To be honest I was getting even nervous because I knew that this was it. The trip to Tuscaloosa seemed long; it started raining which added to my concerns that are going to turn out bad. On top of that, we could not find my dorm. UA is a huge, beautiful campus it is easy to get lost. By the time we did find my dorm, I was very irritated. When my foster mother showed up told me that I should be getting irritated so easy. To be honest, I think the real reason I got so irritated was that I did not want to leave my home to build a new home here in Tuscaloosa. I did not tell her this, but I think she knew. When I got to my room, my foster mother did not hesitate to help me get organized. I was trying my best not to cry because I knew after we got though, she would have to go back home. When we were finished organizing my room, she told me that she had to go. I gave her a hug and tried my best to hold back the tears. After everyone left well, I was by myself with my roommates. They end up leaving for a party, so I was in my dorm room by myself.
The next day was no better. There was a barbecue behind my dorm and I tried my best to mingle with the other residents of my dorm but it was extremely hard. I do not know why I was having a hard time doing this because I usually do not have a problem mingling, but I guess I was still nervous.

Sunday was much better. My previous social worker came to visit me and helped me buy cleaning supplies for my dorm. I told how I was having a hard time mingling and she told me to just calm down and be patient. I went to a live festival that UA was offering and I met one friend and we talked for awhile. Several of people spoke and introduce themselves to me, which made me feel a little better about being here. All and all, this weekend was learning experience for me. Now I know what to expect. The attitudes and the personalities here are completely different from what I am use to at high school. I think the real reason I am afraid to mingle with the students is because of my background is totally different from theirs. Oh my…

I will admit that I am still very nervous about being here at a huge university; I am up for the challenge. Keep me in you thoughts and prayers and thank you for helping me get where I am today. I keep informing you on my progress here at UA.

Yours Truly,

Sean H.

OFA scholarship students and twin models, and aspiring actresses, Karri and Corri Pierce featured in Jet Settings magazine.

The twins define success this way, “Our definition of Success is being able to live your dreams the way you want, independently of any requirements, or any negativity.” Their main goal in life is “to become globally known as influences for good.” “We feel that America needs good people to look up to, and we have good hearts, and we will always uphold that calling to be good influences.”

They have eight other siblings, and describe their childhood in very bleak terms. Their parents were neglectful and abusive, and after their mother ran away, their father attempted to give them away to random strangers, “in hopes that we would have a better life.” A short time after that, the government became involved and split up the family, because Karri and Corri are twins they were allowed to stay together, but despite this small piece of luck, their lives soon became very tumultuous.

Read the entire article in Jet Setting Magazine.

Former foster youth face insurmountable obstacles in their journey through the foster care system. Despite these difficulties, many students from foster care manage to enter college and graduate.

Three OFA scholarship students were recently featured in California College Pathways for their educational success. Join us in applauding their efforts and congratulate them for beating the odds!

She doesn’t want presents, she doesn’t want a big party, she doesn’t even know we’re recognizing her but today, Kathleen Parry put up her birthday wish on OFA’s Facebook Causes page and we’re thrilled with her generosity.

So why does Kathleen care? “It is my life goal is to add positive outcomes to orphans and foster children any little chance I got to help them prosper,” she says. She’s asking all her friends and family to donate $23 to OFA. 100% of the donations will go to creating a scholarship for foster youth.

Changes come one by one and often they come because of caring people like Kathleen Parry! Join us in wishing Kathleen a happy birthday and why not create a birthday wish on OFA’s causes page for your birthday?

A great note from a college bound student OFA gave a 2009 scholarship to. She’s had a tough time of it but with OFA’s help, the future looks brighter. Sarah Lawrence College, Talia is on her way!

Dear Tina and Mary (and everyone else out there who is helping you two run this organization ),

Yesterday, I came home from a few days at a friend’s house to find that I had two pieces of mail waiting for me. One was from Sarah Lawrence College (my school!! yay!)

and the other was from the OFA. I opened up the one from Sarah Lawrence first (I am supposed to be getting word about what my “First Year Studies” course will be any day now! I am full of anticipation until I find out!), and to my dismay, it was not about my academic courses…. it was a bill. Nobody thinks those are much fun, right? Well, I proceeded to open the envelope from the OFA, and lo and behold I found …my check to pay the bill asking for the rest of my fall semester balance! Woo hoo! Thanks to OFA, that bill was not nearly as stressful as it otherwise could have been. I happily enclosed the check and the letter to go with it in the the pre-addressed envelope and mailed it off to school. It was such a feel good moment – I know this will minimize the loans I have to deal with later, and it’s making my higher education possible.

What a wonderful investment. I just wanted to share that moment with you both and say thank you to OFA for making that moment possible by choosing to invest in me. I am so excited for school and all the doors I know it will open for my future. Just 18 more days until I arrive on campus to begin this journey! Wish me luck!

Sincerely,
Talia

Blinded by the bright lights of the big city, a couple of our InternAmerica interns seem to have caught the bug – another case of Potomac River Fever! We have two interns that love Washington, DC so much that they are staying!

Evan Harris (North Carolina) is interning at the Department of Labor, Office of JobCorp. They have been so impressed with his work that they have extended his internship through the summer. Evan graduated this past May from NC State with a degree in Philosophy of Law. Evan has a very strong interest in labor relations so his placement at Department of Labor was perfect. He is also thinking about law school down the road.

Sarah Lucas (New York), a May 2009 graduate of SUNY Geneseo, has been interning in the office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Sarah’s major was International Relations so it only makes sense that she want to stay in the Nation’s Capital. She hopes to utilize the networking she gained through the InternAmerica program and eventually find full-time work after her summer internship is completed.

The InternAmerica program brings students from our programs to Washington, DC for a six week internship. The students are handpicked from a pool of over 4,000 students. The students work in a variety of settings; Capitol Hill, corporate, non-profit and government agencies. In addition to the actual internships the interns also attend numerous training sessions. When asked what she felt was the most beneficial thing about the InternAmerica program, Sarah Lucas responded, “The most beneficial thing is the workshops. They are so useful in everyday life and I love them. I learn and apply the things I learn immediately and it is so great!”

Another benefit to the students that participate in the InternAmerica Program is meeting and becoming friends with other successful foster youth. We asked the interns what they feel has been the most positives things that have happened to them and Evan Harris wrote, “Meeting so many people that share my background has been really unique and very inspiring to me.”

We wish all the interns could stay because it seems like the six weeks has flown by. Everyone that has had the pleasure of meeting any of the interns has really been impressed. They are a great group of young people that prove that “foster care to success” is not a dream but a reality!

OFA is constantly looking for placements each summer for the interns. We work hard to make sure that the placements closely match the intern’s course of study and career goals. If you have the ability to offer an internship to a student in our program, please contact Lynn Davis.

Hi Everyone,

Facebook Causes came up with a great way to help non-profits raise funds and it’s FREE to us!

Go to our causes page http://www.causes.com/orphandotorg and download the Causes Bar – Every time you do a web search using the Causes tool bar Facebook donates .01 to www.orphan.org – I downloaded it and used it for the past two days raising .55 cents for the Orphan Foundation of America. Multiply that times a thousand people a day and it’s hundreds of dollars funding scholarships for foster youth!

It’s a win, win for all of us.

Please go to our causes page and download the Causes tool bar and help the Orphan Foundation of America!

For One Lost Boy, There’s No Place Like Home – Featured in the Huffington Post

The call came around 7 p.m. on a languid July evening as I was settling in with a good book and a big glass of iced tea. My teenage daughter was at a sleepover and the Friday evening stretched ahead quiet and uneventful. And then an Arlington County, Virginia social worker was on the other end of the line, gently pressuring me to provide emergency foster care for a seven-year-old boy who had abruptly been removed from his family because of signs of abuse. It was Friday evening, after all, getting late, and the child needed a place to sleep. It was only for the weekend as a more permanent placement was sought, one that could provide the specialized therapeutic care he needed. He was currently at a hospital being evaluated, no one knew if he’d been fed dinner, it was getting late…

OFA supporter, strategic consultant and foster parent Tamar Abrams wrote this moving piece for The Huffington Post. Read the heart wrenching story of this little boy’s plight into foster care.