THERE IS STILL TIME TO SAVE A SEAT

FOR THE DREAM BUILDERS LUNCHEON

Meet Ofelia and her family at the Dream Builders Luncheon 2025. Join Family Building Blocks at the Salem Convention Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Ofelia, a devoted single mother of four, including five year old Miguel, has faced a lifetime of hardship, including childhood experiences of abuse and neglect, ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety, financial instability, and, most recently, an uncertain health diagnosis. Despite these challenges, she has consistently shown resilience and determination to provide her children with a nurturing and stable environment. Through Family Building Blocks’ home visiting program, she has been connected with Jackie. Over the last two years, Jackie has built a relationship of trust with Ofelia, providing her with resources, encouragement, and a safe space to process her experiences. Jackie supported Ofelia in navigating parenting challenges, reinforcing positive attachment with her children, and celebrating milestones such as Miguel's growing independence! Ofelia has continued to persevere, and continues to show hope and resilience while supporting her family.

As the Relief Nursery serving Marion and Polk counties, we partner with parents with very young children to break the intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect. Historically, 99% of the children served in FBB’s prevention programs are able to live safely with their parents, avoiding foster care and the trauma caused by abuse and neglect.

On Wednesday, October 22, we are expecting over 650 community leaders to attend the Dream Builders Luncheon at the Salem Convention Center, from Noon-1:00PM. Thanks to sponsors, this event is free and a complimentary lunch is provided. We would love to have you join us!

RSVP to Claudia at cvorse@familybuildingblocks.org or 503-566-2132.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR

ALMUERZO DE ESPERANZA

On September 10, 200 community members gathered at Foursquare Woodburn for Almuerzo de Esperanza, a beautiful afternoon filled with stories, hope, and connection. Together, we celebrated the power of prevention and the incredible return on investment that high-quality early childhood programs make possible.

Thank you to our speakers, Sulema Ochoa, the Relief Nursery Site Supervisor at Family Building Blocks - Woodburn Place, Reverend Cynthia O’Brien, our partner at First Presbyterian Church, Patrice Altenhofen, Family Building Blocks Executive Director, Daisy Holmes, Family Building Blocks Family Engagement Director, and Sam Parra, Parra Wine Company and Heritage Grove Credit Union. Your words truly inspired hope!

THANK YOU our sponsors, guests, volunteers, and staff for making our first-ever event for Woodburn Place such a success. All funds raised at Almuerzo de Esperanza will go directly to services for children and families.

PICKLEBALL SUCCESS FOR YOUNG LEADERS COUNCIL

On Saturday, September 27, Family Building Blocks Young Leaders Council hosted the very first Pickleball Doubles Tournament at the Illahe Country Club Indoor Pickleball Facility in Salem. All proceeds from the tournament benefited Family Building Blocks work in supporting children and families.

Special thanks to Cascadia Pizza and Illahe Country Club for providing drinks and pizza for our teams. We hope everyone left with new connections and full hearts. We are already excited to start planning next year!

First place went to Danny Mancia and Casey Shaw (pictured on the left) and second place to Aaron Mireles and Greg Schaub (pictured on the right). Congrats to all our teams on a fun day of connection and community!

Thank you to our Young Leaders Council members for their time and dedication to make our first-ever YLC Pickleball Tournament a success! Pictured here are Katherine Guernsey, Mayra Gonzalez, Kat Hills, Kyle Brouse, Gage Redding, and Kenzie Sturgeon.

SUMMER FAMILY NIGHT

Family Building Blocks Summer Family Night was held September 18. We hosted 375 children and their families on a gorgeous evening at Salem’s Riverfront Park. Our grand total was over 450 guests including staff, board members, and a team of volunteers. Our Family Nights are private events held twice a year as an opportunity for the children and families we partner with to connect with Family Building Blocks staff, volunteers, and other families in our programs.

Families and guests enjoyed time together, shared a meal, and played book-themed games and activities, while taking photos at our photo booth and having their faces painted. Families had burgers and hot dogs, grilled by an amazing local team from Comcast, as well as sides and snacks, all served by our wonderful staff and volunteers! ❤️

GALA OF TREE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

It's time to start planning your Holiday Cheer! Tickets are now available for Gala of Trees 2025.

Helping raise nearly $3 million since it began in 1990, the Gala of Trees has supported children in need in Marion and Polk counties. This event features live auction decorated holiday trees, as well as tabletop trees, wreaths, and jumbo stockings for silent auction. Join us to bid and win for a great local cause! The 2025 Gala of Trees dinner and auction will be held at the Salem Convention Center on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:30PM.

Make plans to join us and kick off the holiday season with Family Building Blocks!

Contact Claudia for sponsorship opportunities or Kat for Gala of Trees event questions.