As the year winds down and we gather to celebrate the festive season, it's the perfect moment to reflect on our strides together. In this edition of Connections, we're thrilled to acknowledge National Adoption Month and introduce our heartwarming holiday campaign, Foster Joy, which raises gifts and funds for the youth and families cared for by AFS.

Your unwavering support has buoyed our mission to provide comprehensive mental health, preventative services, adoption, and foster care. Together, we provide a beacon of hope for youth and families!

Celebrating National Adoption Month: Every Child Deserves a Forever Home!

November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care. This special month underscores our commitment to ensuring every child finds a loving, stable home. Join us in celebrating the countless heartwarming stories of adoption and together, let’s shine a light on the beautiful journey of creating forever families. Click here to learn more about adopting with AFS.

AFS Receives COA Reaccreditation

With flying colors, AFS recently received its reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA). Thank you to all the staff, clients, Board, and community members who helped the agency with this exceptional accomplishment.

"COA’s program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high-performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services. COA is proud to recognize Alternative Family Services, Inc. as one of these outstanding providers, and we wish you the very best in your continuing work with the individuals you serve."

On behalf of the COA staff and board of trustees, congratulations again on your achievement.

Sincerely,

Jody Levison-Johnson

President & CEO

The Gathering Place's Grow and Flourish Program

The Grow and Flourish program at The Gathering Place empowers parents through education and understanding, teaching them the impacts of trauma and fostering healthier responses. Participants have praised the program for its actionable insights and the comprehensive support it offers during challenging times. As part of our commitment at AFS, even when parents face setbacks, we continue to support their journey toward positive change and reunification with their children. [Read the full article here]

Dive into the world of Heather, the passionate PPC Program Director at AFS, who has dedicated her life to serving families in need.

From early childhood memories of wanting to serve others to her profound impact on the Resource Parents in San Francisco County, Heather’s journey is a testament to her commitment and love for the community.

Discover how AFS's core values resonate with her mission and learn about the transformative experiences that keep her motivated every day.

[Read the full article here]

Marin County recently began rolling out a guaranteed income pilot program to further support current and former foster youth in the county. To learn more about this initiative, we recently sat down with Bree Marchman, Division Director for Marin County Children and Family Services.

WATCH HERE

Understanding Marin County’s Universal Basic Income Pilot Program to Help Foster Youth

Defining Wraparound Services: A Holistic Approach to Support

Delving deep into the heart of holistic support, wraparound services stand out as a beacon of hope for children, youth, and their families. The California Department of Social Services embraces this method, shifting from problem-focused models to a more empowering, strengths-based approach.

By centering family voices and prioritizing individualized needs, wraparound services weave together a tapestry of assistance – from housing and mental health care to employment and behavioral health services. To create a robust support system, wraparound services have proven transformative, aligning perfectly with initiatives like the Family First Prevention Services Act.

Dive deeper into the intricacies and impact of wraparound services in our [full article here].

Tune in as we launch "AFS Listens," our brand-new podcast series dedicated to bringing you closer to the heart of foster care stories and insights. In this premiere episode, join us in an engaging conversation with Resource Parent Derrick Hooper, as he sheds light on his journey and experiences. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the world of podcasts, "AFS Listens" promises impactful narratives straight from our community. Ready to listen? Dive into the episode now on Spotify. 🎧

FOSTER OR ADOPT

Apadrina o Adopta

Open your heart and home to a youth in need.

Abre tu corazón y tu hogar a un joven en necesidad.

LEARN MORE

Aprende más

(800) 300-1022

rfarecruitment@afs4kids.org

Si necesita hablar con alguien en español

Click here to see our playlists about AFS and resource parenting on YouTube

🌟 Join the AFS Dream Team! 🌟

Are you passionate about making a difference? Ready to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming lives? Look no further! AFS is looking for dynamic individuals ready to champion our cause. Dive into a world of opportunities, growth, and purpose. Check out our open positions and help make a real impact on the lives of youth and families!

Click here to visit our Careers Page