CFLC KIDS GOOD NEWS TEXT Week of February 3, 2012

Greetings Everyone!

Honor Roll Medal! One of our foster girls, age 18, received a gold medal and membership into the San Jacinto High School Honor Roll Society this week. She is studying medical terminology through the SJHS R.O.P. and when asked about her future goals exclaimed, "I am hoping to enter the nursing program at Mount San Jacinto College in the fall." Her CFLC Social Worker, Rebecca Spicer added, "We are all very proud of her, including her foster parents, who were thrilled about her success and brought the whole family, babies and all, for the evening ceremony in support of our "future nurse." Congratulations-Go Girl!
 
Foster Kids Milestones! Developmental markers are often delayed for children who have endured abuse or neglect and we always celebrate our kids milestones. One of our 2-1/2 year old foster toddlers attained the status of "Potty Trained" this week. Her foster dad was so excited he wanted to, "throw a graduation party" complete with hats, streamers and traditional noise makers. They settled for the appropriate hugs, kisses and cheers! Go FFA Toddlers! A six year old foster boy ditched his bicycle's training wheels this week. Foster dad was checking the air in his tires and asked our young cyclist if he wanted him to take the training wheels off. Our confident little guy replied without hesitation, "let's go for it Dad!" He took to it like a fish to water and ended up riding all day. "We couldn't get him off his bike! He was beaming and having so much fun", stated our proud papa.

Kin Care Support Group! Rachel Moreno, our new Kin Care Community Resource Counselor Lead, was very excited to report our Perris/Beaumont grandparents/relative caregiver's support group added three new "first timers" this week. According to Rachel, "They had such a good discussion and really connected yesterday. They exchanged numbers and even ended the meeting with a group hug because they felt so bonded. It was great to see and be part of." You only have to imagine what it would be like for a grandparent to suddenly be raising 1, 2, 3 or more grandchildren. They haven't had to enroll a child in school or buy clothes or supplies for over 20 years and the current system, and fashions, can be challenging. These support groups help tremendously in bringing grandparents up to date on the important "what and how to do", and hearing what other grandparents/relative caregiver's are going through; and equally important that they are not alone! Way to go grandparents/caregiver's!