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(Paramus, NJ) December 19, 2007 - Rosa spent her childhood in her grandmother's cramped apartment. Her mother was addicted to drugs and in and out of her life. Her grandmother was ill, and unable to care for the girl properly. As a result, Rosa experienced terrible neglect and abuse. Often, the holidays were a sad and lonely time for her.
At the age of 11, she was removed from her grandmother's home and eventually placed with Children's Aid and Family Services. It was here that she finally had adults in her life she could count on, and experience the simple joys, like decorating for the holidays or exchanging gifts.
Rosa was eventually adopted by a loving couple, who she affectionately refers to as her heroes and today, is married with two adorable children. There are many more children like Rosa that don't have warm holiday memories and who haven't ever experienced the joys of the holiday before entering the agency's care.
One of the major ways the agency raises funds help these children is through its annual holiday fundraising drive. This year's appeal focuses on Rosa's remarkable story of triumphing over trauma, and also features a unique opportunity. The agency has received two "challenge" matching grants. For every new dollar the agency receives in response to this holiday fundraiser, the agency will receive another dollar, up to $100,000! Fifty cents of each challenge grant dollar will be donated to this fundraiser to help children today, and another 50 cents will be added to the agency's endowment fund to help future generations.
"This appeal is vital to the agency's mission," says Liz Mason, executive vice president, Children's Aid and Family Services. "This year we have an extraordinary opportunity because of these challenge grants, and we want to invite even more people to participate and help us reach our $100,000 goal. We're tremendously grateful for all the support we receive from individuals, corporations, and organizations: it is thanks to their help that we are able to help so many children, teenagers, and seniors in need."
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 100 years. Its mission is to
preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for
vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. For more information, or to make a donation, call 201-261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.
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