India’s Son Returns to Give Back CERI expands to India led by Ian Anand Forber-Pratt

Whether you’re in a rural Indian village or in the hustle and bustle of a crowded urban street, it’s clear: India is a vibrant, intoxicating nation, bursting with color and so full of life. The food, the smells, the sounds, the ancient temples, the varied dialects, and the sense of order hidden beautifully in the chaos – a faint-of-heart traveler might even say it borders on sensory overload. This proud nation of warm and resilient people is also, unfortunately, the source of some staggering social and economic epidemics.

India is home to 1.2 billion people, twenty-two percent of whom fall below the international poverty line. In 2015, the average annual income of each family equated to a meager $4 per day.* Imagine the futility of trying to stretch these few dollars to pay for safe housing, medical care, food, clothing, education and other essentials.

Poverty coupled with lack of education, unemployment, child labor, homelessness, substance abuse, physical and mental health needs, child abuse and neglect, violence and inability to access resources are just some of the horrific challenges India’s children face every day. In response, the international arm of BCFS, Children’s Emergency Relief International (CERI), launched a new organization in New Delhi, India, in partnership with other thought leaders and agencies, to strengthen families and protect children.

The Centre of Excellence in Alternative Care of Children will support and strengthen family-based care and protection for millions of children in India through proactive initiatives that will bridge the gap between government policies relevant to child care and protection and how these initiatives are implemented at the ground level.

Heading up this transformative program is scholar, researcher and sociologist, Ian Anand Forber-Pratt, a man following his lifelong dream of bringing progressive alternative child care to India, and promoting the idea that every child deserves to live in a healthy, happy, loving family setting. Ian aims to revolutionize the social service systems for children in his native India to include foster care and kinship care for orphan children.

Born in Kolkata, India, Ian was adopted from a home for unwed mothers when he was two months old by a Canadian mother and an American father. Ian was raised and educated in the United States, along with his adopted sister from India, Anjali, and his brother and sister (biological to his adoptive parents). His adoptive parents, determined to connect Ian and Anjali to their Indian heritage, exposed them to Indian cultural events where they learned about native foods, dance and language. However, it was not until his first trip back to India in 2006 when he said his “internal circuits” really connected with his ancestry.

“I felt at home, and not at home, in the same emotion,” Ian recalls of this trip. “I finally felt like I’d found a sense of purpose. I was going to use the gifts I’d been given in life to honor my adoptive parents and give back to the country that gave me life.” Even before that memorable trip, however, Ian dreamed of giving back to his birth country, he was just unsure of exactly how.

Ian ventured out to be a catalyst for change, taking those first few steps, no matter how small. Two years and thousands of emails and phone calls to potential partner agencies mustered Ian only one connection with another organization. However, he remained dedicated and slowly started to see results. He knew he needed to collaborate with existing service providers to make a real impact. New connections trickled in from partnering agencies, including important policy makers, government officials and leaders in social services. This established a network of advocates that would, in the next ten years, have the power to change state government and pass critical policies.

Today, critical legislation and social service guidelines are in place, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2015, Central Adoption Resource Authority Guidelines on Adoption 2015, the Model Guidelines on Foster Care 2016 and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme 2014. Ian served on advisory committees for both state and national legislation on foster care in India.

Together with partners from governmental and non-governmental sectors, the Centre of Excellence is slated to continue making significant changes and much-needed advancements in India’s child care and protection system.

In the words of renowned human rights advocate, Mahatma Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Leaders and visionaries like Ian and CERI are spearheading that change in India, every day.

Partners of the Centre of Excellence include the Core Assets Group, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, and Washington University Visit http://www.AlternativeCareIndia.org

*Sources: Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook; World Bank

Building A Young Leader

Twenty-year-old Leroy Berrones-Soto sits attentively in one of his undergraduate classes at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Considering his background and upbringing, to sit in this class, on this college campus, he knows is an accomplishment. In the back of his mind, Leroy knows he’s come a long way. Leroy was born the second of seven siblings in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, minutes from the U.S.- Mexico border. By age four, he had endured sexual abuse at the hands of a family acquaintance. His mother and siblings soon left Rio Bravo, headed for the United States. At age seven, Leroy’s younger sister with Down syndrome passed away.

Leroy in “The System”

The family struggled to settle into their new life in the United States. Leroy’s mom worked long hours, and her children were often left alone. A neighbor reported Leroy’s mom to Child Protective Services (CPS) for leaving her children unattended without food. In 2005, when he was 10, Leroy and his brothers and sisters were removed from their home by CPS. “We had just gotten home, nobody was supervising us,” Leroy remembers of the day a CPS social worker arrived. “We had a long case history, since 2001.” For the next five years, Leroy and his siblings shuffled through different foster homes, shelters and even some return placements with their biological mother and father. During this time, Leroy’s father was tragically murdered while defending his daughter, Leroy’s sister, from a pair of gang members. During one of several stints in a foster home, Leroy’s younger siblings were regularly neglected by their foster mother. Leroy felt so powerless to help his foster siblings that he stopped eating altogether to try to get their foster mom’s attention and end the abuse. His hunger strike caused his health to deteriorate and Leroy was hospitalized for stomach ulcers.

Structure & Freedom

Just after his seventeenth birthday, Leroy was placed with a new foster family, Mr. and Mrs. Santiago and Susana Lopez, who, he admits, were the most stringent of all his foster care placements. The expectations were clear for Leroy and his housemates in the Lopez foster home: follow the rules. “They were strict with us, with our education, but they cared, and they provided us with structure and guidance in our daily lives. I had never felt that care from a foster parent. ” This new structure, surprisingly, brought a new kind of freedom for Leroy. “They were the only foster parents that allowed us to do extracurricular activities,” Leroy recalls. “They took time out of their schedule to take me to school very early in the morning.” Finally enjoying a stable home life, Leroy started exploring leadership roles in high school. He arrived before school each day to help the principal, and eventually became a hall monitor. He also joined the Criminal Justice Club. Leroy credits the Lopez family for encouraging his studies. With their support, Leroy graduated early from Lopez High School in Brownsville, Texas, earning the school’s Lobo Award for Service. Soon after, Leroy began classes in UTRGV’s Social Work program. “Sometimes foster youth think that some of us are just ‘lucky’ to have good foster parents. At the time, I remember fighting with the system, asking the agency to move me from the Lopez home. I’m glad they didn’t. It’s not about luck, but rather a team effort from all parties to gain each other’s trust.”

Inspiration Opens New Doors

While Leroy lived in the Lopez home, CPS conducted periodic visits to check on the family. During one visit, Leroy was approached with an opportunity he could not resist. “The CPS Youth Specialist asked me if I was interested in being on a youth panel,” Leroy recalls. He agreed, and joined a panel of current and former foster youth. Collectively, they provided local CPS staff with their perspective, experiences and struggles while in the foster care system. The panel, Leroy says, was put together to help inspire improvements in the policies and procedures that are part of the daily lives of foster youth. “Social workers can’t always see what we see, as foster youth,” Leroy explains. “When I started serving on the council, youth would bring up their issues, and we would work toward changing the system.” While working to help others, Leroy learned of BCFS Health and Human Services-McAllen, in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. He was 18, aging out of foster care, and looking for some advice on how to prepare for life on his own. At BCFS-McAllen, Leroy received case management, home visits and help planning his transition into independent adulthood. BCFS-McAllen staff also helped him fill out college applications and choose a career path. As a young adult from foster care, BCFS-McAllen helped Leroy acquire funding to pay for his college dorm through the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program. “I was going to be kicked out of my dorm,” he recalls about his housing situation before BCFSMcAllen stepped in to help pay his housing fees and keep a roof over his head. BCFS-McAllen also gave Leroy some emergency funding to buy food during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays when campus cafeterias closed. Through working with BCFS case workers – along with his turbulent childhood and experience in the foster care system – Leroy became inspired to choose youth advocacy and social services as a career. “Leroy is one of our center’s most active youth,” says BCFS Case Manager Deyanira Garcia, “because he’s an advocate for other foster youth. He’s always showing me different resources that he comes across that other youth from foster care can use.”

Answering the Call of Duty

“I want to work with Child Protective Services,” Leroy says. “Since I’ve experienced foster care, I can help youth who are in my same situation, and help understand and solve their problems.” In November 2015, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) invited Leroy to join the newly formed Behavioral Health Advisory Committee to represent young adults struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. “I, myself, receive mental health services,” he admits candidly, “and I see other people that need services, and they don’t have the resources, or they don’t know about them. I’d like to work to create something that makes resources available to those who need them.” The HHSC appointment is one of many accolades Leroy has earned since high school. Among them, Leroy was named “Teen of the Month” by the Teen Toolbox Youth Development SPOTLIGHT, and he was named Youth Representative on the HHSC’s Texas Council on Children and Families. He has presented his insight to lawyers from the Texas State Bar’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and has been invited by the Angels of Love Foundation to discuss his experience with the foster care system. In January 2016, Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) bestowed a United States Congressional Commendation upon Leroy. Leroy has also received the Foster Club’s Young Leaders Award, an annual recognition of the success of young people from foster care. Leroy has also been selected to participate in the 2016 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program, where youth from foster care are given the opportunity to share their experiences with federal lawmakers.

“I am not a statistic”

Leroy has indeed defied the odds. Nationally, according to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, only half the youth who have been in foster care will earn a high school diploma, and only 20 percent of high school graduates will attend college. When Leroy earns his bachelor’s degree in 2019, he will be part of the less than 10 percent of youth from foster care who achieve college graduation. He shows no signs of slowing down! “It’s rewarding, being able to help other teenagers,” he says. “Agencies, departments, people call me to go speak to foster parents or teenagers, to motivate them. That spreads the message, which is also what I want, for them to be successful, and not be a part of the negative statistics.” “I feel like people are listening to what I say,” Leroy continues, “and that’s important, because for years, I never felt like my voice was being heard.” After earning a graduate degree in criminal justice, he plans on a long career with Child Protective Services, hoping to be as instrumental in the lives of youth as his BCFS-McAllen caseworkers were for him. “BCFS-McAllen was extremely helpful for me. I really admire their work,” he says. “Without them, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Rio Grande Valley Families Enjoy Family Fun Day Hosted by Local Non-Profit Serving Teens and Parents

HARLINGEN – More than 240 people gathered for Family Fun Day hosted by BCFS Health and Human Services-Harlingen and BCFS Health and Human Services-McAllen, Saturday, April 23. The free event at the Boys and Girls Club of Harlingen featured a bounce house, face painting, a cupcake walk, photo booth, ring toss and free children’s books, and Mickey Mouse and Dr. Seuss’s The Cat walked around, interacting with the kids.

BCFS-Harlingen and BCFS-McAllen hosted the event to mark April as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and encourage families to take a pledge against child abuse. Bikers Against Child Abuse, a national group of motorcycle enthusiasts whose mission is to empower children, educate adults and unite all against the scourge of child abuse, also addressed the crowd.

Keynote speaker and BACA member, Dr. Cheryl Sawyer discussed the warning signs of abuse and neglect, and offered tips to children through a demonstration on what to do if confronted by a predator.

Guest speaker Melissa Espinoza of the Rio Grande Valley Families and Friends of Murdered Children, Inc. made an emotional plea to event participants to advocate for those who have lost a loved one, and to be especially vigilant regarding the safety of children.

BCFS-Harlingen and BCFS-McAllen also encouraged families to enroll in parenting education programs and support groups that teach moms and dads how to create loving, stable home environments.

“We had a great time connecting with families from across the community,” said BCFS Director of Community Services Jeff Wolpers. “We talked to families about our services and looked for opportunities to help them, while the kiddos had a lot of fun!”

BCFS-Harlingen operates several parenting education programs that provide comprehensive support, including Project HOPES and Fatherhood EFFECT. BCFS-McAllen also operates parenting education through the Texas Families: Together and Safe program, as well as programs for juvenile justice youth, youth from foster care, and teens struggling to transition to adulthood.

Family Fun Day was funded in part by the Prevention and Early Intervention Division of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

For more information about BCFS Health and Human Services, visit DiscoverBCFS.net.

---

BCFS is a global system of health and human service non-profit organizations with locations and programs throughout the United States as well as Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The organization is a national leader in medical sheltering and emergency management and response, providing critical emergency support services to federal, state and local governments. BCFS also provides residential services and emergency shelters for children who are abused or neglected; assisted living services and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities; mental health services for children and families, foster care and adoption services; medical services; early education; transitional living services for youth who are at-risk and those in the juvenile justice system; residential camping and retreats for children and families; and international humanitarian aid for children living in impoverished conditions in developing countries.

Eleventh Annual Ladies’ Spring Luncheon Packs the House to Benefit Breckenridge Village of Tyler

TYLER – More than 400 guests came together at the KE Bushman’s Celebration Center for Breckenridge Village of Tyler’s (BVT) 11th Annual Ladies’ Spring Luncheon on Friday, April 15. Each year, the luncheon is held to benefit the residents and day program participants at BVT, a faith-based community for adults with developmental disabilities. The luncheon is BVT’s largest annual fundraising event, and female residents of the Village attend as guests of honor.

 

Grammy-nominated artist, motivational entertainer and author LynnMarie Rink brought her unique brand of wit and wisdom, engaging luncheon guests with anecdotes, inspirational experiences and even a musical performance. Mrs. Rink and her husband are the parents of a son, James, with Down’s syndrome. Rink details the trials, tribulations and victories of her life as a working mother and caregiver to her son in her recently published memoir, Wrap Your Heart Around It: A Memoir About Learning to Love the Life You Have.

Rink’s honest message sent energy and encouragement rippling through the crowd, and for Sharon Freeman, a parent/guardian of a BVT resident, Rink’s message was especially resonant.

“Hearing LynnMarie’s experience reminded me of how blessed I am to have friends that guided my husband and me through the unexpected guardianship of an adult nephew that lives with autism,” she said. “Breckenridge Village has given our nephew the security, love and home environment to flourish! The luncheon – and BVT – are blessings.”

“It’s refreshing,” said Linda Taylor, BVT’s Associate Executive Director of Advancement, of Rink’s candid message, “to have someone be open and vulnerable to share their life story so authentically.”

“LynnMarie was by far the best luncheon speaker ever,” said BVT Auxiliary member Artie McKinsey, who has been a generous donor and faithful supporter of the luncheon since its inception more than a decade ago.

Meticulously decorated tablescapes adorned with heart-motif linens and fine china offered visual imagery to the luncheon’s theme, Wrap Your Heart Around It, borrowed from Rink’s book title.

“The tables reflect the heart of the ladies who support the Village,” said longtime BVT supporter Sandy King. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of the celebration of BVT’s Forever Children; it’s a wonderful ministry.”

KYTX Channel 19 anchorwoman Dana Hughey served as Mistress of Ceremonies and Mrs. Cindy Dykes, wife of Green Acres Baptist Church minister, Dr. David Dykes, delivered the meal blessing. Mrs. Dykes served as the guest speaker at the inaugural BVT Ladies’ Spring Luncheon in 2006.

The luncheon featured a silent auction showcasing handcrafted items generously donated by local businesses and friends of the Village. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit residents and day program participants at BVT, a faith-based community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information about the work at BVT, contact Linda Taylor at 903-596- 8100 or visit BreckenridgeVillage.com.

---

Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT) is part of BCFS’ global system of health and human service non-profit organizations. BVT is a faith-based community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located on a tranquil 70-acre campus just west of Tyler, Texas, our community offers exceptional residential and day enrichment programs to meet the needs of the persons entrusted to our care. We are dedicated to serving a group of amazing people—God’s Forever Children—in a warm, safe, family-like setting that seeks to empower each resident as he or she develops spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially in a safe, loving, and closely supervised environment.

Beatrice Barrera: VIP in BCFS Head Start

Let’s take the time to congratulate Beatrice Barrera who has been selected for BGLR MVP. Beatrice has shown that she exemplifies all of the great qualities that are sought-after by BCFS Education Services.

She is a reliable, diligent and conscientious employee who is always willing to assist all fellow staff members and families. She was instrumental in BGLR achieving our 100% compliance goal in our immunization audit. She takes initiative. She has stepped in without prompting or hesitation to assist caseloads. She has entered data into SHINE, conducted home visits, filed paperwork, helped in the classroom and the list goes on.

For all of reasons listed above Beatrice Barrera is the BGLR MVP. Congratulations, Beatrice!

 

Midnight in Paris Prom for Youth in Foster Care a Community Affair

Annual prom hosted by BCFS Health and Human Services and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)

TYLER – Complete with chandeleiers, orchids, and a silk-draped ballroom with a Parisian motif, the fourth annual prom for Tyler youth in foster care was a memorable evening – thanks to the collective efforts of local businesses, organizations and donors.

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler along with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) held the annual prom on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Midnight in Paris Prom offered youth in foster care the opportunity to enjoy the high school tradition of prom.

About 77 Tyler youth clad in tuxedos and evening gowns attended the prom. The Men’s Wearhouse in Tyler offered a discount on tuxedo rentals for the young men. In addition to some gently used evening gowns acquired through BCFS in Tyler’s Project Cinderella dress drive, Brides and Belles of Tyler boutique donated 42 brand new dresses from which young ladies could choose for their prom night.

“Community support helped make this year’s prom especially memorable,” said BCFS Director Carla McCalope. “In addition to sponsors that we knew about weeks in advance, we had some last-minute sponsors who really helped make Midnight in Paris truly amazing for our youth.”

Youth rode to the prom in style courtesy of Lavish Limousines of Dallas. The youth danced and took home photo souvenirs courtesy of Complete Events DJ & Photography. Additional community sponsors include the Gregg County Child Welfare Board, the East Texas Symphony, Novedades Luly decorations and the Hilton Garden Inn & Suites, who donated the ballroom and food.

“Three ladies from the (East Texas Symphony) Board donated dresses and fresh flowers,” added McCalope. “They also gave a two-dozen red rose bouquet to our Prom Queen, Ms. Shelby.”

Shelby was giddy with excitement when she was crowned Prom Queen, alongside Denver, the young man voted Prom King.

“I feel the prettiest I have ever felt,” Shelby said. “It was the first time I had ever received flowers. I love my dress and thank you to the person that donated it to BCFS for Project Cinderella. It’s beautiful and I’m going to keep it forever.”

“Many of the youth we serve pursue their educations in non-traditional ways like charter schools, GED programs or online courses,” explained McCalope. “Though their circumstances are very unique, we try to offer them opportunities to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like prom, that other young people may take for granted.”

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler serves youth in and aging out of foster care, as well as other young adults facing challenges like homelessness, poverty, or those recovering from physical and emotional abuse. The center is a “one-stop shop” that provides counseling, case management, and assistance with education, employment, housing location and medical care.

For more information about BCFS’ work in Tyler, to volunteer or make a donation, visit DiscoverBCFS.net/Tyler or call the center at (903) 526-0882.

# # #

BCFS is a global system of health and human service non-profit organizations with locations and programs throughout the United States as well as Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The organization is a national leader in medical sheltering and emergency management and response, providing critical emergency support services to federal, state and local governments. BCFS also provides residential services and emergency shelters for children who are abused or neglected; assisted living services and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities; mental health services for children and families, foster care and adoption services; medical services; early education; transitional living services for youth who are at-risk and those in the juvenile justice system; residential camping and retreats for children and families; and international humanitarian aid for children living in impoverished conditions in developing countries.

 

Elijah’s Journey

Elijah Jung came to BCFS Health and Human Services’ youth transition center in Lubbock, Texas with nowhere else to turn. He entered the foster care system at just 10 years old after being removed from an unhealthy home environment. When he aged out of foster care at 18 years old, he experienced bouts of homelessness. Looking back, Elijah says that although that was the most difficult time in his life, he’s a firm believer in “what’s past is in the past.” It was his steadfast nature and refusal to give up that primed him to turn his life around when he first came to the transition center.

First, BCFS Lubbock Transition Center met his most essential needs, providing him gift cards for food. Once he had temporary housing in place, the transition center gave him a bicycle to get to and from school.

He also joined the Launch Project, a hands- on job skills training program offered through a partnership with BCFS, the local state university and workforce commission. The program taught Elijah the ins and outs of joining the workforce, from how to find a job to how to dress for success. Ultimately, this helped him get a job at a local carwash.

During the next month, Elijah was in and out of his home, and began having problems with his bike. BCFS helped him pay for repairs to his bike so he could keep going to work, and referred him to another local non-profit to receive clothing, food, and free haircuts to stay looking professional on-the-job.

Soon after, Elijah got another job at a nearby hotel known for working with BCFS youth.

The transition center partners closely with local employers and businesses, building relationships that help youth find – and keep – gainful employment. In Elijah’s case, this helped BCFS staff get real-time feedback on his performance at work, so they could celebrate his victories along the way, and re-train him in any areas that needed improvement, like rules of attendance and hygiene.

Even with a busy school and work schedule, Elijah still made time to volunteer at the Humane Society. So it was definitely a show-stopper when his only mode of transportation, his trusty bicycle, was stolen. Thankfully, BCFS replaced his bike so Elijah could stay on-the-move.

Until that point, Elijah had been receiving financial aid from a local residential treatment center to help pay rent on his small apartment. When this critical financial aid expired, BCFS picked up the tab and immediately began teaching Elijah how to budget and save. Together they weaned him off outside financial support entirely until he began to pay his rent, utilities and bills on his own.

Even as problem after problem arose, the BCFS transition center was there to support him. Finally, a turning point came for Elijah when the transition center helped him get into a Job Corps program in Utah where he could learn the skills to become a certified welder. So he moved to Utah, but always remembered to call “home” to the transition center to let the BCFS team know how he was doing. Since Elijah was a Texan transplant, unequipped for the cold Utah winters, his BCFS family sent him a care package of warm clothes and plenty of long-distance encouragement. At the Job Corps, Elijah earned his welder’s certification and his driver’s license.

At the annual Hope Chest event hosted by the BCFS Lubbock Transition Center, BCFS honors local high school and college graduates in foster care and those who aged out of the system. At the event, the youth go on a shopping spree for essential household items for their first dorm room or apartment, guided by volunteers with a budget, shopping list and calculator in-hand.

Even though Elijah had moved far away, he was not forgotten back home at the transition center when Hope Chest came around. BCFS paid to fly him back to Texas for the big event, where he was honored alongside the college graduates for earning his certification in welding. He was also given a $1,000 gift card to shop for household and hygiene essentials.

Most importantly, Elijah was able to reconnect with his BCFS mentors that helped him grow into a confident, hopeful and independent young man.

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Kendall County Head Start’s Zoo Trip

Zoo trip thrills Head Start students from Kendall County

Nearly 150 Kendall County Head Start students, parents and staff enjoyed a field trip to the San Antonio Zoo, sponsored by Knights of Columbus, Council #8521 from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Spring Branch, TX.“The zoo provides a great learning opportunity for the children,” said

“The zoo provides a great learning opportunity for the children,” said Sherr’y Johnson, BCFS Education Services Center Coordinator. “They not only get to see the animals, but they get to study their habitats and learn about what the animals need to survive.”

“Our theme for class lessons this week has been building and making things,” said Johnson. “We incorporated that lesson with how the zoo builds a safe environment for the animals, and how it provides both a shelter for the animals and a way to enjoy, learn about and study them.”

As in years past, the Knights of Columbus donated $500 to BCFS Education Services Head Start in Kendall County to fund the zoo field trip.

“Knights of Columbus met us here a few years ago when our parents were having a bake sale to raise enough money to go to the zoo,” recalls Johnson. “I explained the reason for the bake sale and they were thrilled at the prospect of being able to help. They said ‘we want to do it every year; we feel like it’s important.’”

Sixty-two Head Start students and 70 parents and guardians attended the field trip.

“The families want to go because they want to be a part of the experience, too,” says Johnson, “so it’s a great bonding opportunity for the families to participate in their children’s education, which is something Head Start supports at all times.”

Take a look at some of the photos from the field trip here.

For more information about BCFS Education Services, visit DiscoverBCFS.net/HeadStart.

# # #

BCFS Education Services is part of a global system of health and human service non-profit organizations led by BCFS, focused on boosting educational readiness and outcomes in the classroom, as well as ensuring families have the resources, tools and information needed to start their children’s lifetime of learning off on the right foot.

Nick’s Journey: From Foster Care To Higher Education

In 2015, The Department of Family and Protective Services awarded Nick with the “Texas Foster Youth of the Year” award. Nick spent six years in the foster care system, and with the help of BCFS Health and Human Services is now attending college with a 3.5 GPA.

Like many foster children, Nick’s story begins with a loss: in his case, when his aunt and uncle gave up their rights to him, leaving him in the foster care system.

“At first it was a difficult thing to process, you know, being left by your family — the ones who say they love you,” Nick said.  “It was hard to cope with. But over the years I started realizing that this is probably the best thing that could have happened. It’s been so beneficial — I couldn’t see it going any other way.”

In his years in the system, Nick learned to find familial support in unexpected places. Nick bonded with other young people in foster care, who gave him strength to carry on even in the toughest of circumstances.

“Being in [the foster care system], you hear a lot of different, horrible stories. Some of the stories I’ve heard made me think, wow, I was the lucky one. If they can still be here, I can push on too.”

Pushing on proved difficult, and Nick had a particularly huge hurdle to overcome in the rejection of his biological family.

“[It was] the most difficult thing that I’ve had to overcome, dealing with the rumors and all of the problems,” Nick said. “My aunt and uncle, when they gave me up, they blamed it all on me. That was really hard.”

Luckily, Nick also found a family in BCFS, who helped him land on his feet to transition out of foster care into higher education. Nick reaches out to his BCFS connections whenever he needs something, and they do their best to help him in any way possible.

“BCFS has been like another family to me. I have my case manager, and then her boss — they treat me like one of their own. They’ve had a big impact on me, getting me to college and getting all of my financial aid in order. They’ve been so helpful this whole process.”

“College is a hard time for any teenager,” Nick added, “so it’s really great to have them.”

Nick is currently studying at Tyler Junior College, where he hopes to get his feet wet before attending a larger university. Nick is thriving there, and his observations are typical of a college student: it’s fun, but challenging, and also quite expensive.

“You meet a lot of people, you have a lot more free time… It’s so much different. Yes, there’s a lot more work to it — but there’s a lot more of everything: a lot more freedom, a lot more homework — it all kind of blends together into a regular schedule.”

Nick’s major is biology, and his current goal is to become a doctor someday. Having experienced hardship himself, this career choice has to do with his drive to help others that are sick or struggling.

“I don’t like the idea that someone’s hurt, and I can’t help them,” he explains of his chosen path. “That really doesn’t sit well with me.”

Regardless, Nick admits that his curiosity for learning knows no labels or borders. “Quite frankly, if someone offered to put me in cooking school I would do it. I have a buddy who’s a welder, and I called him up and asked him to teach me to weld! I want to be a jack of all trades; I want to know everything.”

Perhaps it is this drive for success and knowledge that helped earn Nick the Texas Foster Youth of the Year award. Nick won first the regional award for male youth of the year before achieving the honor of the stateside award. He recounts both experiences as surprising, exciting, and a bit bewildering.

“When I won male youth of the year, statewide, Collette [coordinator at CPS Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)] called me and said, “Hey Nick, I’m really proud of you. Are you ready for this?” When she told him he won Texas Foster Youth of the Year, he was stunned.

“She said ‘someone’s going to call and tell you, so you have to act surprised.’ Sure enough, I got a call. The event was down in Austin — it was really interesting, and really fun, too.”

With optimism, ambition, and BCFS as his go-to in times of need, the future is Nick’s to conquer. He’s stronger for his experiences, and has learned that it’s okay to accept assistance when he needs it, because as strong as he’s become, everyone needs a support system.

“The most important thing I’ve learned is how to use my resources,” Nick said. “I’m not the kind of guy that likes to take a lot of help from people. If I can do it on my own, I want to do it on my own. They showed me that they’re just here to help, whether I want it or not. It showed me how much at times I really do need help — and that was a big deal for me.”

Big Country Men Learn How To Be “Game Changers” from NFL Hall of Famer at Annual BCFS Breakfast

More than $50,000 raised to benefit homeless youth

ABILENE – On Thursday, February 25, BCFS Health and Human Services brought Big Country men (and women) together for the second annual Men’s Breakfast to enjoy steak and eggs, classic cars, a sports star, live music and fellowship. The event raised more than $50,000 to support BCFS Health and Human Services’ work with homeless and struggling youth.

Dallas Cowboys legend and NFL Hall of Famer Randy White provided the keynote address about what it means to “be a game changer.” The 160 guests in attendance enjoyed live music by Kevin Rowe, a classic car show and a silent auction followed by a hearty steak-and-eggs breakfast. Several community leaders attended, including the Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald,

State Representative Susan King, as well as local college and high school football coaching staff.

Guests mingled with speaker Randy White for autographs and photo ops. As a member of the Dallas Cowboys’ storied Doomsday Defense, Randy White played an integral part in the team’s success during his 14-year career, appearing in three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XII and being named Super Bowl Co-MVP.

Proceeds raised at the event will benefit Abilene teens and youth in need from BCFS Health and Human Services and BCFS’ Our House.

“BCFS’ Our House is a transitional home for young men ages 18 to 23 overcoming homelessness,” said Emily Cole, BCFS Regional Director. “Our first goal is to get these young men off the streets and stabilized in a safe living environment. We get them fed, clothed and cleaned up. Ultimately we help them find a steady job, further their education and transition out into independent living.”

Celeste Garcia, Executive Director of Community Services Division for BCFS Health and Human Services, announced that their parent organization, BCFS, would match funds raised at the event, dollar-for-dollar.

Major sponsors who made the event possible include the Dodge Jones Foundation, Jay and Nancy Capra, Hendrick Health System, and Western Bank.

BCFS Health and Human Services helps youth from the foster care and juvenile justice systems; families with young children and teens; and young adults struggling with homelessness, poverty, substance abuse and unemployment. The organization provides counseling, education and housing assistance, mentorships, case management, parent support groups, child abuse prevention programs, and life skills trainings.

For more information about BCFS’ work in Abilene, visit DiscoverBCFS.net/Abilene or call (325) 692-0033.

# # #

BCFS is a global system of health and human service non-profit organizations with locations and programs throughout the United States as well as Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The organization is a national leader in medical sheltering and emergency management and response, providing critical emergency support services to federal, state and local governments. BCFS also provides residential services and emergency shelters for children who are abused or neglected; assisted living services and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities; mental health services for children and families, foster care and adoption services; medical services; early education; transitional living services for youth who are at-risk and those in the juvenile justice system; residential camping and retreats for children and families; and international humanitarian aid for children living in impoverished conditions in developing countries.