Between Families Newsletter – November 2023

A Letter of Gratitude

Your dedication and compassion towards the youth you foster are remarkable.

Dear Foster Parents,

Foster parenting is a calling that requires immense love, patience, and understanding. It is a commitment that changes the lives of young people who need a stable and loving environment. The impact you have on these young lives is immeasurable. You provide them with a home, a sense of belonging, and most importantly, a family they can rely on during their formative years.

Your kindness and unwavering support enable these young individuals to heal, grow, and thrive. The sense of stability and love you provide goes a long way in helping them overcome the challenges they face. Your role as foster parents extends beyond providing shelter and sustenance; you are also mentors, guides, and role models, offering valuable life lessons and the promise of a brighter future.

Not only are you leaders in the lives of these youth, but you also make sacrifices to provide a loving home. It can be emotionally challenging, demanding, and sometimes heart-wrenching. Yet, your commitment to improving the lives of these young people is an inspiration to us all.

It is important to remember that your influence goes far beyond the time they spend under your roof. The values and principles you instill in them will shape their future and contribute positively to society. We THANK YOU for that, and we hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

The Garza Family

Dahlia and Javier Garza first started their journey into foster care when they took in their nephew as a kinship placement in November 2019. They were licensed and adopted him in 2020. They decided that they wanted to continue to foster other children. They have now fostered seven children and adopted 4 of them.

They love family vacations and plan to see family this Thanksgiving. The kids love having family over for barbeque and spending time together.

We are SO grateful for the Garza family and the love they have in their hearts for these children!

TRAINING CORNER

Foster Care and the Holidays

The holidays can be a difficult time for many children in foster care. Foster children are faced with the realization that they will not be with their biological family members and...

Training includes:

• Self-care for Foster Parents

• Preparing Foster Children for Independent Living

• Identifying Learning Strengths in Children

• Substance Abuse in Adults

There are approximately 34,100 children in foster care across the states that TFI serves, yet there are not that many homes available to provide a safe place for children to live. If EACH ONE of us REACHES just ONE new family, this year, it would more than TRIPLE the impact TFI currently has. Imagine the difference we can make together!
 

We believe that each one of us can reach one and change the lives of children across the states TFI serves. You are already making a difference by dedicating your life to strengthening families. Will you take it one step further by bringing in one new foster family this year? 

Here's how it works

• Share all about TFI Foster Care with anyone who might be interested in becoming a foster parent.
• Send your leads to tfifamily.org to click the yellow foster and adopt button. Then, they will choose their state and click “Request Information.” They must complete the first part of the online form.

Upon your referral's completion, you will be entered for a chance to win $1,000, and each month, the top three recruiters will receive monetary prizes, as well.

Contact a foster care worker or recruiter for recruitment materials and ideas!  

Additional Happenings

We are celebrating National Adoption Month!

Follow us on social media to see the children in your area who are awaiting adoption as well as the stories we will be sharing of successful adoptions. Check out Isabella's story:

FUND DEVELOPMENT

Buy golf balls and win prizes!

You’re invited to join us for a fun holiday fundraiser and the chance to win prizes yourself, on Friday, November 17. This fundraiser will ensure that children in foster care receive a holiday gift this year. Once you purchase a golf ball (or ten!), you’ll be entered into a chance to win one of several great prizes.

The ball drop will happen LIVE on FB from our TFI: The Family Initiative page.

Golf balls must be purchased by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to be eligible for prizes. 

Texas/Oklahoma: Steven Mandeville; 918-894-8727 | smandeville@tfifamily.org

Dallas: Amanda Ward; 972-672-5948 | award@tfifamily.org 

Below are our foster parents celebrating a milestone anniversary as a TFI Foster Parent! We love having you as part of Team TFI!

23 years

Everett & Debbie Carrell

22 years

Karen Rogers

16 years

 Travis & Anne Abbott

5 years

 James Newton and Rachel McKown 

1 year 

 Jacob Bushyhead & Alli McGuinn

Raymond & Anna Lisa Dunaway

Kevin & Amy Duncan

Jesse & Jessica Hegg

Sylvia Hensley

David & Sabrina Jenkins

Mark & Kristina Lovett

Audrey Montoya

Michael & Aretina Peete

Porscha Purdy & Adrienne Selle

 Canon & Melissa Kokes

Darren & Samantha Mueller

 Tracy Green & Dolores Ochoa

David & Danita Logsdon

Terrance & Sanja Shetley