November 2010

Adoption: The Greatest Gift

November is
National Adoption Awareness Month   

More than 1,500 children are currently in foster care in the state of New Jersey awaiting adoption (Source: State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families). Most of these children have experienced tremendous turmoil and heartache in their young lives, and need as much support as possible to help them heal from their wounds. Their greatest wish is to find a loving family to nurture and be there for them every day for the rest of their lives. These children dream of going to the same school every day, having a parent to cheer them on during sports activities and forming close relationships with an extended family of relatives, including aunts, uncles and cousins. Unfortunately, this simple wish can be challenging to attain, especially as a child gets older.

Children's Aid and Family Services is seeking loving adoptive families for the children in our care. If you have room in your heart and home for a child, please call us at 201-226-0300 x242. You may view waiting children at www.cafsnj.org. Many of our adoptive parents tell us the loving bond they've formed with their children is the greatest gift they've ever received!

Lina, Felipe and Zaire. Zaire's adoption is being
finalized on National Adoption Day,November 21, 2010

2010 Holiday Appeal: Sharonda's Story

   

This year's holiday appeal will arrive in your mail shortly. It tells the story of Sharonda, a remarkably resilient young woman who entered the agency's care during her teenage years and is currently attending college with the help of the agency's Thomas R.S. Burgin Parents Fund. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2011 with a degree in psychology and looks forward to helping people the way she was helped. She is a wonderful example of how your donations provide opportunities to the foster children in our care and help them lay the foundation for an independent and fulfilling future. Please be sure to read her inspirational story and make a gift to this year's appeal, so we can continue to help children, young adults and families meet life's challenges. Thank you!


The Holidays Come to The Depot 
 


There's no shop quite like The Depot during the holiday season, when its huge display of exquisite ornaments and one-of-a-kind handmade decorations are showcased. The Depot is the largest all-volunteer Women's Exchange in the country. It offers handmade items from more than 200 consignors, as well as one of the largest collections of Vera Bradley handbags and accessories in the area. Its proceeds benefit Children's Aid and Family Services.

The Depot's holiday hours (beginning after Thanksgiving) are Mon – Thurs 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It's located at 22 Prospect Street in Midland Park, NJ. Be sure to stop by to pick up a unique gift for someone special on your holiday list.

DON'T MISS...

Savvy Chic Holiday Bash to benefit the agency

 Stop by Savvy Chic at 38 Oak Street in Ridgewood on Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. for a fun pre-holiday shopping event/fashion show. All proceeds will benefit the agency.



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Arthur Groom & Co. Charity Sales Event to benefit the agency

 

"Wrap Yourself in Love," Arthur Groom & Co.'s charity sales event to benefit Children's Aid and Family Services is on Friday, December 10, 2010 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the store, 262 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. There will be fabulous door prizes, including fine jewelry from Arthur Groom & Co., show-stopping window displays and special celebrity guests. What's more, 25% of all sales will benefit the agency!


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2011 Spring Gala - An Event You Won't Want to Miss


The agency's eighth annual gala,
"Love is All You Need," is Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. The evening will feature a buffet of savory dishes, open bar, silent and live auctions and a performance by Caledon, the Scottish tenors. What's more, Arthur Groom & Co. has generously donated the exquisite "Love" Emerald necklace, which will be raffled during the event. Created especially for the gala, the stunning piece is valued at $40,000 and is truly spectacular.



Be sure to circle April 7, 2011 on your calendar. This is an event you won't want to miss!



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.