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FALL 2013
gIVING THE GIFT OF HOPE
In July of 2012, an 11-year-old
boy came to live in one of Child & Family
Services’ residential treatment facilities. He
and his family, which includes his Mom
and his sibling, have struggled to overcome
many obstacles in their lives. A history of
domestic violence, mental illness and other
traumas in the home have made it difficult
for Mom, a single parent, to provide for
her children, especially during the holiday
season.
While her son resides at the
facility, the family still maintains a close
relationship, and Mom is actively involved
in his treatment process. The young boy
looks forward to visits with his family,
and on Christmas day, he returns home to
spend time with them. Last holiday season,
Mom was excitedly planning the visit with
her son, but was struggling to make ends
meet and was concerned that she would
be unable to provide holiday gifts for her
children.
To help make this family’s
holiday truly special, their caseworker
submitted them to the Agency’s 2012
Adopt-a-Family Program. The family
was paired with a generous donor who
provided an abundance of gifts to help
make their holiday wishes come true. The
family was deeply touched by the donor’s
generosity and cherishes the presents they
received; however, the most valuable gift
they were given was a renewed sense of
hope. After restless nights spent worrying
that her children would not have a holiday
celebration, Mom was thrilled that they
were able to experience a happy holiday
that they’ll never forget.
The Adopt-a-Family Program
helps make the holidays a special time of
year for our families in need. Corporate
partners and individual donors generously
support the program by “adopting” a family
and providing each member with gifts
to help make their holiday wishes come
true. Ellicott Development Company has
generously participated in the program
since 2007. Employees look forward to
doing this every year because it is a way to
share what they have with others in need.
“As members of the community, we need
to be involved as much as possible. As
an organization, we try to act as a liaison
between employees and the community,”
says Barbara Juryniec, Human Resources
Director.
Ellicott Development employees
are committed to the cause because they
believe in Child & Family Services’ mission.
This inspires them to support other families
in Western New York, especially during a
time when they are caring for their own
families and providing them with a special
holiday season. Organizers at Ellicott
Development say there is a great reward
from participating in a program like this
and encourage others to do their part. “You
may not receive a personal thank you, but
you know that someone has been impacted
by what you have done,” says Barbara.
November is National
Adoption Month. It is a period
of time when we elevate the
awareness of children we serve,
children in need of permanency
in their lives. It is a time when
we press all Americans to take
responsibility for the children
in our communities. It is a time
when we reflect on who these
children are, what they feel,
what they know about their
circumstances. The month
represents the lives of thousands
of children nationwide –
children in foster care, children
in “holding patterns” waiting
to land in a loving, nurturing
“forever” home. I cringe at the
thought that this is just another
“commemorative” designation;
by my cursory count there
are close to one hundred
such assignments. This is too
important. We must make
children and their safety, their
sense of self-worth and their
constancy in life, our highest
priority. To do otherwise is to
deny our humanity.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S
C O L UMN
In this issue . . .
A Forever Family for
Lamont & Lashawn
What Inspires Philanthropy?
Adoptive Dad Wayne Short
shares his experiences. See page 5.
Board Member Kristina Young
shares her story. See page 6.
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,
President and CEO,
Child & Family Services
Ellicott Development has proudly supported the
Adopt-a-family program since 2007.
