Save the Date – "Little Hands Need Big Help" Event

Ashley Rhodes-Courter, author of "Three Little Words," will speak and sign copies of her book, which is about her journey in foster care. The event will be emceed by bestselling author Harlan Coben. Tickets start at $50. We are seeking sponsors and auction items.

For more information, click here or  to purchase tickets click here.

Seeking Inspiring Individuals

If you know someone over the age of 55 who has taken noteworthy steps to achieve a personal goal, Children's Aid and Family Services would like to know the details. Such a person would make an ideal nominee for the agency's "Help Realize a Dream" award. 

Created by the late Louis (Bud) Schlivek and his sister, Isabelle Feher, in memory of their mother Elsie, the award recognizes an individual 55-years-of-age or older who is engaged in the attainment of a dream, either life-long or more recent. The $1,000 prize is awarded annually to a nominee who has set an inspirational example by affirming the quest for achievement as a continuous, lifetime activity. 

Candidates may be nominated by others or self-nominated. They should be 55 or older; reside in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris or Hudson Counties; and be actively pursuing either a lifetime or more recent goal. This year's winner will be honored at the agency's annual Building Futures Award event on Tuesday, September 27, 2011.

For a nomination form, please click here  or call Children's Aid and Family Services at 201-261-2800.

Nominations for the award, which will be announced in September, are being accepted through
August 31, 2011. 

10^th Annual Todd Ouida Children's Foundation Birthday Event

                                    
   

The 10th annual Todd Ouida Children's Foundation's birthday event was held recently. This year the Foundation partnered with Children's Aid and Family Services to raise money for the Medical Services and Advocacy Center, as well as other programs supported by the Todd Ouida Children's Foundation. The Medical Services & Advocacy Center will help our children in foster care. The majority of them have histories of severe trauma, abuse, neglect and pre-existing medical conditions. "We are honored to be a part of the annual birthday celebration event of Todd Ouida," says Bob Jones,  Ph.D., president & CEO of the agency. "This event is  a beautiful tribute to Todd, who lost his life in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center."

Bob Jones, Ph.D., president & CEO of Children's Aid and
Family Services and Herb Ouida.

                                 Michael and Elaine Adler
                  Honored by USA Toy Library Association

                               
                                           Mike and Elaine Adler and their daughter, Marie Adler-Kravecas
 
The USA Toy Library Association (USA-TLA) has awarded Elaine and Michael Adler the "Player of the Year" award. The national award is given annually in recognition of exemplary service to children, play and toy libraries. In 2005, Mr. and Mrs. Adler founded the Elaine Adler Toy Library at Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center, a division of Children's Aid and Family Services. Mrs. Adler became president of the USA-TLA in 2009. Nearly 45 percent of the families whose children attend the Turrell Center are low-income. With limited means to purchase books and toys, the toy library is a tremendous help to them.        

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                             Summer Hours at The Depot

Beginning June 27, 2011, The Depot will be open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The store will be closed most of August – it will be open August 10 - 12 -- and will reopen after Labor Day. Now is the perfect time to visit to find that "must have" decorative item for your home, handmade baby gift or Vera Bradley bag. The shop is located at 22 Prospect Street in Midland Park. All proceeds benefit Children's Aid and Family Services. For more information, or to learn about volunteering, call 201-444-6120 or visit the store online at http://thedepot.cafsnj.org.