Staff Volunteer brings out a tray of fresh donuts while a satisfied customer
peruses the latest news and information in the Hephzibah Heartbeat Newsletter.
Staff, foster & adoptive parents, volunteer friends and our children came as early as 3:30 a.m. to make the donuts. This date is a regular event on the calendars of our grown adopted children and our older foster children. They find a real sense of Hephzibah pride in “giving back,” and joining the ranks, side by side, with their Hephzibah staff. Those little donuts have fostered our continued connections with these children for almost 10 years. The funding is utilized to recruit more foster & adoptive families, along with a day of fabulous community involvement. What a gratifying Hephzibah event, with the bonus of witnessing generations of our biological and adopted siblings sharing quality time together in such a special way!
____________________________________________________________________
When Goodbyes mean New Beginnings - June 6, 2011
Samantha* gives her favorite Hephzibah social worker a heartfelt hug before going home with her new foster family. *Name changed
June 6, 2011 - Gary Kohnke and Bob Burrise from EMC Insurance Companies spent an eventful afternoon at Hephzibah on Wednesday. For several years, EMC employees have generously given untold hours of their time volunteering with the children in the Group Homes. And yesterday, something happened that was a powerful reminder of how volunteers and donors make it all worthwhile.
While our meeting was in progress, Samantha*, a child from our Residence was saying goodbye to her friends and the staff who had worked closely with her during her time at our home. But with the goodbyes came the wonderful knowledge that she was about to embark on a bright future with her new, loving foster family. It was a remarkably touching moment for us all. And because Hephzibah will continue to provide follow-up support services for Samantha, it isn't "Farewell", but "See You Soon" as she will be able to visit our Home, her friends and social workers anytime she likes.
After witnessing this profound occasion, Gary and Bob returned to Executive Director, Mary Anne Brown's office and presented a $1000 check to Hephzibah. We are incredibly grateful for EMC's generosity and support of our programs to help children and families.
Bob Burrise, Gary Kohnke from EMC, Mary Anne Brown,
Howard Brundage, Rudi Vanderburg
as she prepares to leave Hephzibah with her new foster mom.
_______________________________
