May 2011

May is National Foster Care Month

Sadly, there are approximately 4,500 children in foster care in the state of New Jersey (source: State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families). Almost all have been removed from their parents' care because of abuse and neglect. The month of May celebrates the extraordinary people who care for foster children by opening their homes and hearts and providing desperately needed love, structure and guidance to them. Click here to read the story of one remarkable foster parent who cares for siblings.


Dancing the Day Away            

                                                     

Students from Bergen Community College, Berkeley College and staff and volunteers from Children's Aid and Family Services busted some moves at the agency's first-ever dance marathon fundraising event. The 13-hour event was held recently at Bergen Community College gym, and in addition to dancing, participants spent the day engaging in fun activities such as Zumba, belly dancing, ballroom dance, and a drummer's circle.

Thanks to the sponsors of the event, including Professional Fitness Consultants of Paramus, who helped warm up the dancers; Jackie DeMeo Zumba Fitness; Belly Dancing by Olaya; Arthur Murray Dance Studio;Drums from Heaven; AEP Industries; Stryker; Berkeley College;Otterstedt Insurance, Craig D. Grant – Merrill Lynch; Access Self Storage; Dawn's Catering & Service of Ridgewood, NJ; Market Basket; Starbucks; and United Water.

                                 Click here to see more photos from the event.

Purchase Tickets for the Barclays and Help the Agency

Come see the top golfers compete at The Barclays from August 23 - 28, 2011 at The Plainfield Country Club in Edison, NJ. Purchase your tickets online through TICKETS Fore CHARITY and Children's Aid and Family Services will receive 75% of the net proceeds. Click here to purchase your tickets.*



 * Please be sure to use code WBCVRG when purchasing tickets.


Help Our Children Have a Memorable Summer

Just about everyone looks forward to summertime, when the pace of life slows a bit and we relax. We vacation with our families, go to barbeques with our friends or take a day trip to the beach. For the foster children in the agency's care, however, this time of year can be one of uncertainty and anxiety. Sadly, they don't have parents to take them places, and become even more acutely aware of this painful fact during the summer months, when they see their school friends go to camp, on family vacations and enjoy family parties and celebrations.

It is with this in mind that we're asking you to help send a child to camp. One week of art, cooking or space day camp costs $425 per child or $700 per child for sleepaway camp. Your donation will make a huge difference in the life of one of our children. 

                         Click here to make a donation. Thank you!


Get the Latest Vera Bradley Bag or Accessory

The new summer Vera Bradley collection is now available at The Depot, 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



Children's Aid and Family Services has a 110-year history of helping vulnerable children and families. Our services include adoption, foster care, child care and early education, alcohol and drug abuse education and prevention, eldercare and community educational programs and workshops. There are so many ways for you to get involved and make a difference. Adopt. Foster. Donate. Volunteer. For more information, call 201.261.2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.