Fun-Raising To New Heights Safety, Support & Empowerment for - - PDF document

Board of Directors

Peggy McCausland, Esq., President Kathie Renner, Esq., Vice-President Phyllis Wood,T reasurer Joel S. Wiedermann, Secretary Barbara Arnold Pascale Bastien, M.D. Kevin Becica, PE Freeholder Alisa Cooper Steve Emerson Sally Garrison Richard Hoffman John Kaufman Mary LeFever Amy Pocino Kelly

• Rev. David Mallory

Brian McGlade Robert Nolan Debra Noll Susan Piersol Judith Ritchings John V erverelli Margaret Wilde

42 South Delsea Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 P 856.881.8689 F 856.881.5508 www.robinsnestinc.org

Safety, Support & Empowerment for Children

Winter 09/10

Close to 300 guests supported the Robins’ Nest mission by attending the Robins’ Nest 8th Children’s Charity Auction on Friday, October 9 at The Merion in Cinnaminson, NJ. The net proceeds of more than $77,000 will support the many programs and services that address child abuse and neglect. The live and silent auctions displayed more than 100 items, including two exclusive Debbie Brooks handbags, one of which was designed specifically for Gwyneth Paltrow, and an 18K Y ellow Gold & Diamond Ladies Omega Watch donated by Jay Roberts Jewelers. Sam Freeman of Freeman’s Auctioneers, who donated his services for the evening, created an air of excitement and generated enthusiasm as bidders competed during the live auction for sports memorabilia, trips, and jewelry. Co-Chairs Mary LeFever and Margie Wilde were thrilled with the number of guests who turned out to support the event. Mary LeFever noted, “Margie and I could not have done this without our generous sponsors and the donors of the auction items.” Co-Chair Margie Wilde added, “Since this was our first time as co- chairs, we were extremely pleased with the results. Bottom-line, we are helping the children and that is such a gratifying feeling.”

Robins’ Nest’s 8th Children’s Charity Auction T akes

“Fun-Raising” To New Heights

Event Sponsor - Susquehanna Bank

Diamond Sponsors - Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com, Jay Roberts Jewelers, Anonymous Platinum Sponsors - Environmental Resolutions, Lynal Benefits LLC Gold Sponsors - V alero Refining Company, Ed Wood Custom Drywall, Becica Associates, Mary LeFever, HUB International Northeast LLC, Flowers Family Foundation, ProBuild, Bollinger Insurance Company/Philadelphia Insurance Companies, and Freeman’s: America’s Oldest Auction House Appraisers

Robins’ Nest “Egg-Stravaganza” Gallery

Robins’ Nest is helped by the YOUth Group

• f Haddonfield United Methodist Church

The YOUth Group of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church chose Robins’ Nest’s main campus in Glassboro for one of their summer mission projects. On August 19, this dedicated group of young people came ready to work, motivated to help in any way they could. They spent the day cleaning and beautifying the grounds, sanding and repainting exterior surfaces, reorganizing storage facilities, and cleaning and organizing toys in the Play Therapy room used by Robins’ Nest’s youngest clients. Led by Haddonfield United Methodist’s Y

• uth Leader Mike

D’Italia and Associate Pastor Brian Rhea, the YOUth Group worked hard all day, managing to have some fun, as well. Lauren Jones, Volunteer Coordinator for Robins’ Nest, commented, “Everyone at Robins’ Nest was ‘wowed’ by the volunteers from the Haddonfield United Methodist Church YOUth

• Group. They shared their many talents and, more importantly, their love. Their kind acts will be long remembered.”

At the end of their work day, the group invited the residents of Life Link Homes, the apartment complex located on the main campus that houses young adults who have aged out of foster care, to enjoy a cookout and fellowship. Prepared with a picnic with all the fixings, the young people grilled burgers and hot dogs and played outdoor games with the residents. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, affording the YOUth Group an opportunity to meet young people who benefit from Robins’ Nest’s services. The Life Link Homes Activities Coordinator commented on the picnic’s success which was appreciated by the residents. Through the efforts of this energetic and dedicated group of young people, Robins’ Nest will be able to redirect dollars from maintenance projects into direct services for vulnerable children.

V

• lunteers Making a Real Difference

Haddonfield United Methodist Church YOUth Group pictured with Robins’ Nest Life Link Homes Residents

Our Volunteers Turn Out for October Events

In October, two local companies participated in a Day of Service at the Glassboro campus. Longtime volunteers from Holman Enterprises decorated the group home for the fall, beautified the grounds, and organized resources on a book shelf. Later in the month, new friends from Sun National Bank inventoried and packaged Charity Auction supplies and tackled a number of projects to beautify the grounds. On September 24, a family in the Family Connections program enjoyed the Philadelphia Flyers Pre-Season Game in a suite at the Wachovia Center as guests of Philadelphia Flyers Captain Mike Richards. During the game, the family received a surprise visit from Mike Richards and Scott Hartnell who were not playing in the game that evening.

Holman Enterprises Volunteers Sun National Bank Volunteers

T wo Life Link Homes residents were the invited guests of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency at the 15th Annual Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development held in September at the Convention Center in Atlantic City. Prior to the luncheon, 18-year-old Elaina Reyes and 22-year-old Ken Moorman met with the featured speakers, Governor Corzine and Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban

• Development. The young people had the opportunity to share with the

Governor and the HUD Secretary how Life Link Homes is giving them hope for their future. After their private meeting with the Governor and the Secretary, Elaina was asked to speak at the luncheon about the impact of the Life Link Homes program on her life, after which she introduced Governor Corzine. With a great deal of poise and self-confidence, this young woman shared with the more than 1,200 conference attendees how bleak her future looked prior to coming to Life Link Homes this past February. However, thanks to Life Link Homes and the Robins’ Nest staff, she has secured employment and is on her way to a positive

• future. Elaina’s comments were well received by attendees who were moved by her story and broke out

in applause when she told them that she was starting college in January. During his remarks, the Governor made reference to Elaina and Ken and the importance of housing development for vulnerable populations. If it’s Wednesday night, we know where the Life Link Homes residents are! Y

• u can find them at the regularly

scheduled meeting of the Y

• ung Adult Group of the

Pitman United Methodist Church. They, along with other young people, participate in a reading and religious discussion followed by a physical activity. Because of varied interests, backgrounds, and religious beliefs, their discussions are always interesting and enlightening. The activities, which include volleyball, soccer, and kickball, are a competitive blast, leaving everyone exhausted when the evening comes to an end. “When we were led to start the Y

• ung Adult Church Group, I

wondered if anyone would come,” said Lee Whitaker, the group’s leader and now a Robins’ Nest volunteer. “Little did I know that God had a plan. A conversation with my dentist led me to a Robins’ Nest board member who introduced me to Grant Hildebrand, the Life Link Homes Activities Coordinator. From there the ball just started rolling. I feel like it was God’s plan for us to have partnered with Life Link Homes.” The Y

• ung Adult Church Group has so many positive

effects on everyone who attends, as participants learn about others’ religious beliefs and feelings while experiencing positive social development and healthy interaction through physical activity. The Pitman United Methodist Church is a wonderful addition to the Life Link Homes community. Their kindness of spirit and thoughtfulness make the Life Link Homes residents feel valued and welcomed.

Life Link Homes Program Highlights

Two Robins’ Nest Life Link Homes Residents

receive special attention at the 2009 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development in Atlantic City on September 22, 2009.

The Pitman United Methodist Church

• pens its doors and hearts to Life Link Home residents.

Elaina Reyes and Kenneth Moorman

As the school year came to an end and summer began, Robins’ Nest celebrated the achievement of the nine Life Link Homes residents who received their High School diplomas, Associates Degrees, or passed their G.E.D.’s. The proud graduates were treated to lunch and games at Dave and Busters in Philadelphia. “It was a great time! It was the best treat I got for graduation,” said resident Carlos Drummer. Also celebrating her graduation was resident Kala Burns. “I must say graduating was such an achievement, but surprisingly I had no clue that we would be treated to Dave and Busters, which made my graduation so much better. It was awesome!” Robins’ Nest salutes the Life Link residents on their accomplishments.

Life Link Home Residents Celebrate Graduations–Dave & Busters Style!

Client Success Story

“I have been in the Healthy Families program since I was 16 years old. In 2006, when we became part of the Healthy Families program, my daughter and I were staying at both my mother’s and father’s houses. My mom lives in Clayton and my father was living in Glassboro at the time, so Airyana and I were always

• n the go.

Judy, my Robins’ Nest home visitor, was sure not to miss a visit. I have to say that Judy is very easygoing, understanding, helpful, and demanding. When I say demanding, I don’t mean it in a bad way. She just made sure everything was done for Airyana and if it wasn’t, she would stay on top of it until it got done. For example, she made sure my daughter’s shot records were always up to date, that we had health insurance, and made sure Airyana was on point or better for her development stages packet that she would bring to our home. I can say that we now look at Judy as part of our family. She bonded not only with Airyana when she came to our visits but she bonded with my four nephews and two nieces like they were all her own

• children. She’s the perfect role model!

I feel like Judy accomplished a lot in our home with Airyana and me. Airyana is potty trained, she knows her ABC’s, her numbers, and she speaks clearly, plays great with other children and hopefully will be in school before 2009 is over. I am Nicole, Airyana’s mommy, and I am now 20 years old. When I first got into this program, Judy and I set goals for not only Airyana… but for me too. With Judy’s help, I have accomplished them all. I’m a manager at Wal-Mart and I work for Dial-A-Mop. I bought a 2004 Nissan Altima a little over a year ago. I have full insurance coverage, I moved out on my own and now have a two-bedroom apartment, and we are doing great. With the motivation that I get from Judy, I feel there are now a lot of possibilities for me and Airyana. We really enjoyed the experience with the Healthy Families program. Thank you! Nicole and Airyana

Healthy Families Graduation

Robins’ Nest Staff honored graduating parents and children of the Healthy Families-TIP Program at a festive luncheon at the Gloucester County Government Services Building in Clayton, New Jersey, on Monday, August 24. Parents, grandparents, volunteers, Robins’ Nest staff and 17 smiling children were among the 50 guests who attended the annual Healthy Families

• Graduation. Robins’ Nest volunteer Melissa Fox was the guest speaker at

the luncheon ceremony. Acknowledging the families’ accomplishments in completing the program, she encouraged the graduates to keep moving forward, despite obstacles or challenges, and continue to achieve great things. Karen Damon partnered with family and friends to provide each of the 23 children graduating from the program with a backpack filled with school

• supplies. Healthy Families is an evidence-based national home visitation model

which is proven to promote healthy child development and get children off to a good start so that they can fulfill their potential and experience success.

Memorial Gifts (gifts from 6/16/09 - 10/31/09)

In Honor Of

Sheldon and Elaine Belson’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Jim and Betty Guarro’s 65th Wedding Anniversary

Given By:

• Mrs. Francine Neiberg
• Ms. Lillian Berg

In Honor of

Healthy Families Graduation

In Memory Of:

Robert Wittenborn Edward LaPann Nathan and Celia Goldis Nathan and Celia Goldis Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Bryan Ward Janice Apisa Bradley and Catherine Fuller Anthony Hoffman Rita Polini Paul Winters

Given By:

• Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Steward

EP Henry Corp.

• Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Matusow

Nu-Look Janitorial Service Lauren Jones Joann Moore KangThor Lori Jalkiewicz JR Griffin Kim Wallace Rebecca Gallese Linda Joslin V alerie Gonzalez Donna Midili

• Ms. Cynthia DeLisi
• Ms. Sylvia W. Fuller

Robins’ Nest Board of Directors

• Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Wood
• Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence DiVietro

Agency Vision and Mission

Vision: Whatever it takes… providing solutions to the problems that cause pain and suffering for children. Statement of Purpose: It is our mission to meet the needs of children and families by fostering a supportive, healing and empowering environment which improves family functioning and keeps children safe. Focusing on strengths of our staff and families, Robins’ Nest home-base, out-patient and residential programs promote permanency for children and enhance their well-being. Make a Donation Y

• ur support enables our counselors and therapists to do

“Whatever it T akes.” When a family needs more than our current budget allows, it is your generous donation that makes the difference between short-term remedies and permanent solutions. More than 40 years of experience has taught us what families need to be successful. Y

• ur gift is what enables us to deliver.

Each year countless individuals, churches, civic groups, businesses and corporations provide crucial support for Robins’ Nest services. Y

• ur generous gifts are improving the safety and well-being of

vulnerable children and their families which are served by more than 40 Robins’ Nest programs. Y

• u may wish to make a planned gift by including Robins’ Nest in

your estate plan, which can provide valuable tax savings to you in the year you make the gift. Please contact your tax advisor about the benefits of making a planned gift. Gifts may be made by check, credit card, or stock transfers. If you prefer, you can make your gift online. For more information on ways to give, go to www.robinsnestinc.org and click on the “Make a Donation” tab. Thank you for your continued support!

Y es, I want to make an impact!

Enclosed is my donation of $ Made payable to Robins’ Nest, Inc. This gift given In Honor of

• r In Memory of

Please Acknowledge to: Name Address City State Zip E-mail T elephone Credit Card: MC Visa AMEX Credit Card #:

• Exp. Date:

Name on Card Signature

Foundations Support Robins’ Nest Children’s Services

Beier Family Foundation provided a generous gift for recreational activities including memberships to the YMCA for the girls in the Group Home. The Danellie Foundation provided funding for the On My Own program. This program focuses on life skills development for youth aging out of foster care and prepares them for a successful transition into independent living. Kelly’ s Kids Inc. made a generous gift in remembrance of Kelly Marie Vogdes to purchase equipment for the Life Link Homes fitness room.

Safety, Support & Empowerment for Children

Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Deptford, NJ Permit #88

42 South Delsea Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 P 856.881.8689 F 856.881.5508 www.robinsnestinc.org

“Whatever it takes... providing solutions to the problems that cause pain and suffering for children.” Statement of Purpose: