Fall 2012 Newsletter
Gratitude Lists… Meaningful Differences… Effective Partnerships
Welcome to the 2nd edition of the newsletter for The Center for Youth and Family Solutions. At this time of year, most of us find ourselves reflecting on our many blessings and wanting to express our gratitude to all those who have helped us along the way. It is no different here at The Center of Youth and Family Solutions. As we look back over 2012, we have much to be grateful for – particularly the help and support from our local communities here in Central Illinois. Since we opened our doors last March, caring individuals, churches, community organizations, small businesses and large corporations have reached out to help us as we assist members of our communities who are coping with trauma, abuse and neglect, grief and loss, and other significant life challenges.
The Gift of Family: Adoption Programs at CYFS
During National Adoption Month, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions Adoption Program celebrated the finalization of 184 adoptions since it opened its doors in March of 2012. CYFS understands that both the needs of families seeking to adopt and the needs of children requiring forever families vary significantly. The CYFS Adoption Programoffers options for creating forever families through four programs that make a powerful difference in the lives of children.
OSF Hospitals Spread Holiday Cheer to CYFS families
Giving creates joy, and joy is contagious. The generosity of local businesses and organizations help make Christmas special for our clients in every community. This holiday season, OSF Hospital and its affiliates are giving the gift of a magical Christmas morning to over twenty families at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions through theOSF Christmas Outreach Program
CYFS Welcomes Our Communities
To celebrate the beginning of our operations, several of our offices hosted Meet & Greet events to showcase CYFS programs and services in their local communities. Locations in Peoria, Macomb, Champaign, Galesburg, Rock Island and Springfield all opened their doors to welcome members of the community to tour each facility, meet staff members, and learn about our programs
A Giving Community
We are so grateful to all of our donors for being part of the solution as we partner to help individuals and families solve life’s challenges. We would like to give special thanks for these recent gifts
Youth, Family & Community Outreach Services Showcases Programs
The major focus of the Youth, Family & Community Outreach Services (YFCOS) is to offer prevention, diversion, and intervention services to stabilize families in crisis, prevent juvenile delinquency, and divert youth at risk of involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. In the past several months, this program has hosted a series of events throughout the Bloomington-Normal and Peoria area to educate community members about programs and services available to them
Families Helping Families
Foster families give children one of the greatest gifts – a safe and nurturing family to care for them during a time of upheaval and confusion. They share their homes, their family, and their time to make a difference in the life of a child. The Center for Youth and Family Solutions partners with local churches and generous community members to help support these amazing families during the holidays.
Anne, a recipient of holiday gifts as a foster parent in the past, recently reached out to CYFS to give back
Corporate Giving In Action
In September, Kuhl & Company Insurance became a Founding Partner of CYFS with a gift of $1,000 by sponsoring the Peoria Open House. Agent Jonathan Weber called a month later to let CYFS know that one of their insurance providers was offering a one to one match for charitable gifts from the agency. “You (CYFS) immediately came to my mind when they introduced the matching program and the criteria,” says Weber. A few weeks later, Weber hand delivered a $1,000 check from Liberty Mutual. The gift could not have come at a better time as we prepare to serve our many families in need during the holidays. We are very grateful to be working with a company like Kuhl and their partners so dedicated to helping those in need in our community.
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