The Advocate - Angels' Arms
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In 2018...
The Advocate
P R O V I D I N G H O M E S. E M B R A C I N G C H I L D R E N. F O S T E R I N G F A M I L I E S. S P R I N G 2 0 1 9
103
Children were provided
nurturing homes.
IT’S HAPPENING!
THE CONCEPT OF INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY IN THE FOSTER SYSTEM WORKS,
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AND ALL OF US INVOLVED WITH ANGELS’ ARMS WOULD LIKE NOTHING MORE THAN
TO SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHER COMMUNITIES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Angels’ Arms was honored with the distinguished
Sets of siblings were kept
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Angels in
together while in care.
3
Adoption Award, which is designed to celebrate those
from all over the nation who have made an extraordinary
contribution on behalf of children in need of families.
Youth graduated high
school, maintaining Bess Wilfong, Executive Director and Founder, and Javon
our 100% high school Coleman, a former foster Angels’ Arms youth who is now
graduation rate. 26 and employed at World Wide Technology, traveled
4
to Washington, D.C. to attend various
Congressional sessions, legislative
seminars, a day on the Hill, and a
Youth were supported in spectacular gala. Together they shared the
pursuing higher education mission and message of Angels’ Arms and
and vocational training.
the concept of involving the community
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in the foster care process.
Were matched with a
mentor through Life Launch. FUND A FAMILY – 2 DOWN, 11 TO GO!
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Two of our 13 homes and families have been adopted! The Angels’ Arms Fund-A Family
Program involves selecting a home and supporting the needs of both the actual house and
family. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for the employees of these businesses
to become involved with the family in a variety of ways.
Youth were supported
through our Life Launch
program.
3
Foster youth who were
aging out of the system
were provided a
transitional home.
HUCK’S RONNOCO
Our goal is to get all Huck’s Convenience Stores adopted Ronnoco Coffee has adopted the
13 homes adopted. the Hopper family in Lake St. Louis. Hergemueller family in Ballwin.
To learn more about this In addition to a generous monthly Team members have been quite
exclusive opportunity, donation, Huck’s also supplies gift involved in redoing rooms and
visit angelsarms.org/ cards for all the families. providing special gifts for the family.
fundafamily
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
15 Years of
Memories
For the past 15 years, the Kallaos and the parents a well-deserved break from
Kamburis families have given hundreds cooking and entertaining their kids for a
of foster and adopted children few hours.
opportunities and experiences While the actual activities brought
that will stay with them for a lifetime. much joy and fun to our family
They planned and executed fun and members, the bond that was formed
engaging activities that helped bring among them all just from being
all of our families closer together. together is something that could never
The monthly activities included be broken or duplicated.
everything from dinner and a movie,
bowling, bingo, trips to bounce houses,
shows, pool parties, arcades and so
much more. Every single month, this
wonderful group of volunteers brought
our foster families together in one place
to enjoy each other’s company and give
Ways To Get Involved
Host a
Fundraiser
Host a cereal drive,
plan a “jeans day” at
work, run a lemonade
stand, all in support VOLUNTEER AT A FOSTER HOME
of our Angels’ Arms
If you are looking for a volunteer project for yourself
foster families.
or a group, we have many opportunities including
Email Volunteer painting, cleaning, doing yard work, planting flowers,
Coordinator decorating a child’s room and more.
Maria Chandler at
maria@angelsarms.org.
Meet Susan Benwell.
Susan first got involved
DELIVER A MEAL TO A FAMILY with Angels’ Arms about
Simply visit angelsarms.org, to choose five years ago. Now
that she is retired, she
a family, and decide if you want to cook
is dedicating countless
and drop off a meal or call in carry-out hours to helping organize
or have it delivered. the donations we receive
at the office, making
it easier for our foster
parents to pick up
VOLUNTEER essential items when they
SPOTLIGHT need them.
2 ANG E LS ’ AR MS
CHARITY OF CHOICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS GRANTS AND SPECIAL BOARD MEMBER
DONATIONS EMERITUS
Eric Verhulst
President $5,000 Stephen Hampe
Brandon Loeschner Blues for Kids Dr. Frank Wood
Vice President $3,500
Chris Madison Boeing Community Fund JUNIOR BOARD
Treasurer MEMBERS
$2,000
Mary Meyer Cardinals Care
Secretary Megan Gordon
$20,000 President
Mark Conrad Dana Brown Jordan Shelton
Robert Dolrenry
$2,500 Vice President
Adam G. Goldstein
Michelle Haley Old Newsboys Jenny Van Hulle
Tom Hartnagel $10,000 Treasurer
Jeff Hewitt Saigh Foundation Lindsey Van Duyne
Stephanie Hill Secretary
$3,500
Donna Mitchell Maureen Decker
Staples Foundation
Steve Peate Mike Flavin
ANDERS GIVES BACK Lisa Pepper $10,000
Alex Frank
Angels’ Arms was thrilled to be nominated as the Tom Reed Stupp Foundation
Jennifer Gebhardt
Anders 2018 Charity of Choice. Manuel Rivera $10,000 Brittany Green
Jim Ruebsam Trio Foundation Stephanie Jones
This year-long partnership include numerous opportunities
John Siefert Claire Juodis
for employees of the firm to support Angels’ Arms foster $20,000
families though events and volunteer days. They hosted Tom Smallwood Tracy Lyons
Dr. John Stein Dana Brown
a budgeting workshop for youth in our Life Launch Amy Spellmeyer
program and held numerous drives and activities Lindsey Stokes $3,500 Scott Thomas
throughout the year to collect items and raise funds Romondous Stover Boeing Community Fund Nick Reed
for Angels’ Arms children resulting in a $30,000 donation. Amy Sullivan Michaela Karandzieff
Chris Swenson Matthew Beermann
Colleen Wasinger Jessi Grimes
Tim Yeaglin Jessica Means
Javon Coleman
Heather Bockhoff
Meghan Dorsey
Lauren Potje
Update on
Hannah
MONETA CARES
The Moneta Charitable Foundation “adopted” Angels’ Everyone at Angels’ Arms was to get caught up with the credits she
Arms in 2019 as one of their charities of the year. overwhelmed by the love and care you missed out on last semester at SEMO.
showed Hannah after her serious car Thanks to your love and support,
The Foundation awarded Angels’ Arms with a $25,000 accident and hospital stay. Hannah’s Hannah is doing great!
grant and Moneta team members will provide ongoing gone through months of physical
support through the year in various volunteer initiatives. therapy and is enrolled at Meramec
S PRING 2019 3
OUR SUPPORTERS
JIM HEIDORN AND
RAMYA MOGALLAPU
bring our events to life.
They volunteer their time
and create beautiful
photographs and videos,
capturing the fun 2
and excitement at
each fundraiser.
1 1
Thank you to John Lynch and friends with
BREAK ROOM CONCERTS and the artists they
feature for supporting Angels’ Arms since 2014, 3
generating over $40,000 toward our mission.
2
TWO MEN AND
For the last several A TRUCK move
4 years, Angels’ Arms our families into
has been so grateful to their new homes,
be 1 of 40 children’s 5 transport donated
charities to receive furniture and load/
Thank you to our WISH GRANTERS for believing
a generous donation move hundreds of
in our kids and giving them opportunities to just be
from the ST. LOUIS Special thank you to auction items and
kids, to pursue their hobbies and interests and find
ITALIAN OPEN DENIM QUILTS for supplies for our
joy in the little things. With every donation, you are
INVITATIONAL GOLF providing 24 quilts to biggest fundraiser
showing OUR children that they are loved, wanted
TOURNAMENT. new children in 2018. of the year.
and worthy of a happy childhood. To see future
wishes, follow us on facebook! Since 2007, close to All of our children 3
$45,000 has been receive a personalized
@angelsarmsSTL
4 donated in support of quilt made just for
children and families them, each designed
at Angels’ Arms. with their favorite
There is nothing like a brand new outfit to 5 colors and interests in
make you feel confident and ready for the first mind. These blankets
day of school. Thanks to our new friends at provide warmth,
CLOTHES4CONFIDENCE, our Angels’ Arms youth comfort, and security
experienced just that. This wonderful organization when our children
serves to increase self-esteem and readiness for the need it the most. 6
classroom by providing new, individualized outfits to
6
economically disadvantaged students in the St. Louis
metropolitan area. One of our families had a ball attending the
7 7 ANHEUSER-BUSCH BUSCH BREWERY TREE
LIGHTING CEREMONY, and we were thrilled
to receive a $5,000 donation in support of our
Thank you to Kaitlyn and Kristen foster families.
from BARKS REALTY GROUP at 9
Worth Clark Realty for partnering
with Good Meets World and
supporting Angels’ Arms year-round
by making monthly contributions
and re-decorating children’s
bedrooms in our foster homes.
8
4 ANG E LS ’ AR MS 8 9
OUR SUPPORTERS
Our parents and some of the staff received TROUT LODGE once again
special training by Missouri NETWORK FOR treated some of our families
OPIATE REFORM AND RECOVERY on how and to a fun filled weekend full of
when to administer Narcan, as well as an in-depth swimming, horseback riding,
education on various drugs, side effects, costs, archery and more. For most
availability and more. of the kids, it was their first
10 time experiencing anything
like that.
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THE NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE
delivers dozens of meals to our foster
families each month through the
meal drop-off program. It provides
Halloween costumes for our kids,
10 giving them lots of fun options to
choose from and volunteer at events.
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Our FOSTER MOMS: the
miracle workers who take in
foster youth of all ages and
walks of life and give their
all to ensure each child feels
wanted and loved.
13 14
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During the summer, THANK YOU DANIEL AND HENRY! Hosting a
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED Jeans Day is a great and easy way to support the
INSTITUTE held a collection to families of Angels’ Arms.
purchase new shoes for children 15
returning to school. They also
collected cereal and paper goods
throughout the year, and hosted
a happy hour to help support ALL OF THIS
IS HAPPENING
Hannah.
13
We are simply blown away by our 15 BECAUSE OF YOU.
friends at OAKVILLE SPORTS Your support of this mission is everything.
PUB. Their fifth Annual
Please visit angelsarms.org/donate to make a tax
Sunday Funday event raised
over $12,000 in support of our deductible contribution today.
foster children. The funds were
Because it's never too late to have
used to send many of our foster
a happy childhood.
families to Trout Lodge, a first
time on vacation for many of the angelsarms.org
children in our homes.
16 16 S PRING 2019 5
F O S T E R FA M I LY U P DAT E
Currently there are 33 active Life Launch The majority of the older youth placed in our homes will
age out of the foster care system at 21. Statistics say these
youth, including our two Launch Pad
youth will face a number of challenges in the real world
residents and one young man who is
on their own due to lack of preparation while they were
residing in his own apartment off- still in care. Life Launch is working to prepare our teens
site, 15 active mentors and 30 trained for a successful transition into adulthood. Through the
mentors. There are five youth participating in a use of mentors, life skills training, individualized support
college program and four youth on track to graduate and community-building, Angels’ Arms teens have the
from high school in May. chance to break the mold and have a successful start
into adulthood.
National statistics showing the importance of the Life Launch program...
23,OOO 20%
or more children will age out of the of children after the age of 18 who
70%
girls who age out of the foster care
3%
who have aged out of foster care will
U.S. foster care system every year. were in foster care will become system will become pregnant before earn a college degree at any point in
instantly homeless. the age of 21. their life.
Josh lives independently Monique became a Certified
while working part time Nursing Assistant and
and going to school. we couldn’t be more proud!
Suzanne Bright, Youth Mentor
“We began our mentoring journey with the hopes and intentions of “giving back” and supporting our
favorite organization, Angels’ Arms, in a new and unique way. Our desire was to develop a caring
and consistent relationship with a foster youth in order to offer that young person guidance, hope,
and a pathway to success. What we didn’t expect was the deep impact that our mentee would
have on us! Our hearts have expanded as we now consider our mentee to be part of our own family.
The opportunity to mentor has transformed our family and given us a greater sense of purpose
and perspective.”
Mike Meyer, Youth Mentor
“When I think of mentoring I remember all the people who influenced and mentored me in my life.
Mentoring gives me the opportunity to give back, to help someone like I was helped and supported
in my life. To make a difference. To share my many blessings. The fruit of this time is to see and
share the growth and development of someone who otherwise would not have had an opportunity
or struggled unjustly to succeed. It is an opportunity to be God’s hands and feet and voice on this
Earth. I get much more out of it than I put in. It is truly a blessing. I highly recommend mentoring
to anyone.”
6 ANG E LS ’ AR MS
Dean Team Cheers to our
Comes Through Junior Board!
A special thank you to the 20+
dedicated young professionals
who make up our exceptional
Junior Board.
A huge shoutout to They plan and host two major events each year,
Pat Dean and Sip and Savor and the Soulard Bar Bounce, in
Wes Gallegos for addition to throwing multiple happy hours and
helping three of a Summer Family BBQ and Skating with Santa
our youth purchase for all the Angels’ Arms foster children.
nice cars for a
To learn more about our Junior Board,
great price.
visit angelsarms.org/join-the-junior-board.
MEMORIALS HONORARIUMS
Jeanne Doll Sue Hodges Yates Sue Schwetz Steve Peate Joe & Barb Vilmain
Margaret Graham Jan Naylor Mary Reilly Susan Esker Ed and Joanne Goedeker
Terry Flieg Mark Johnson
Michael Doll Jan Pearlmutter Rita O. Buco Mason Schultz
Dean & Roxanne Picker Linda Verhulst Nancy Buehrig
Alice Younger
Carolyn Eakin Karin Erickson
Sarah Ma Michael Francis Jessica Potsou David & Cindy Barton
Roger and Susan Jespersen
Edwina, Jim & Hadley Shanahan Sr. Donna Diamond
Russell & Gianina Roberts Key of Three
Dan Mueller Graham Craig Campbell
Monica Drane Dr. & Mrs. John Stein Shari Lumley
Knights of Columbus The Joan & George Thomas
Sue Gouaux Manny Rivera
Diana & James Bright Andrew Barton Charitable Foundation
Neil Gerstein The Harris Family Debra Carcamo
Vicki Robinson Sanford Thal
Suzanne & Shawn Bright Race & Jaiden Beckman
Aaron & Jessica Donna Mitchell John Lynch Judy & Bill Wakelam
Grant Wallace Peimann Tom & Lynn Reina Mark Gellman
Gene Peimann Goltzman
Nancy & Ken Kranzberg Dr. & Mrs. John Stein Dr. John Stein
Larry & Betty Kluesner Robert Camp Eleanor Foppe Mary Beth Harper
Audrey Hartnagel Danny & Beth Dotson Eileen Sokolowski
Allan & Joann Wachtel Rose & Craig Kaintz
Bonita Dillard Jay & Jane Lockhart
Tom & Dana Hartnagel Pam Toder Vic Perini
Lillyann & Jim Baldanza TO MAKE A DONATION
Michelle & Mike Alexander Graham Bell Glenda McClain Dawn Frank to Angels’ Arms in honor
Thompson Elementary School or memory of a loved one,
Dick Gmoser Jeff Hewitt
Mike & Mary Meyer Tom & Joann Thee visit angelsarms.org/donate.
Robert & Virginia May Andy Rubenstein
Joanna May Lyla, Judy, Sharron, &
Eric Tritsch Mary Mullins Chris & Casey Trueman
Claudia Pour Jean Weinstock Dave & Debbie Schiro Judy Odum
Glenda McClain Janis & Dan Hill
Mick & Gloria Redohl Ruth Beardslee Loretta Mullins Meghan Goodman’s
Scott Redohl Daughter
A.D. McClain Carol Hinrichs Mary Beth Hillow
Tom & Maggie Carrow Glenda McClain Debra & Paul McGrath
Sheri & Marty Carrow Nancy & Jim Minard Mike & Re-Re Noelke
Nancy Karandzieff Rick & Mary Runyan
S PRING 2019 7
angelsarms.org
12128A TESSON FERRY ROAD
ST. LOUIS, MO 63128
FOLLOW US
@angelsarmsstl
Upcoming Events Announcements
Donate your birthday to Angels’ Arms
APR GO! St. Louis Share your passion for helping children in foster care by asking your
friends and family for donations instead of gifts on your birthday
Team Angels’ Arms
5&7 GO! St. Louis
using facebook.
Family Fitness Weekend Visit angelsarms.org/facebookbirthdays for more info.
Forest Park and Downtown St. Louis
ATTENTION AMAZON SHOPPERS
MAY Give STL Day
1 Virtual day of giving
via angelsarms.org Don’t forget to use smile.amazon.com
when shopping online!
Simply choose ANGELS’ ARMS when prompted to select a charity to support
MAY and 0.5% of your total purchase will go back to Angels’ Arms.
Sip & Savor
17 Hilton St. Louis
Frontenac
Check out our
JUN TAPPED NEW VIDEO!
Happy Hour
11-15 All tips will benefit
Visit www.angelsarms.org
Angels’ Arms
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