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Dear Friends:



The start of the holiday season is upon us. My dad, who just turned 91, has been teaching me the importance and promise of gratitude for many years as he has grown in wisdom and years. He is more fortunate than many, to have good health and to be able to live independently, with a big, boisterous, loving family and many friends. 

But with all that he has, he has never forgotten compassion for those with less-- those who have experienced trauma and hardship, lack of health and health care. I think his and my mom’s modeling of compassion is largely why I have worked in helping professions my entire career. My folks always called me habib al sha’ab, which means “lover of the people” in Arabic. I was fortunate enough to also have a grandma, a friend of our family who unofficially adopted my folks when they first came to the United States to study. Grandma took care of me while my parents worked and went to school and became my staunchest ally, especially during my teen years when my mom and I didn’t see eye to eye on much of anything. 

Thinking about the amazing elders in my own life and in our community, I happened across a story about a senior living facility that opened up some of its empty apartments to young people. It was a beautiful win-win: the younger folks had a safe and affordable place to live, and in exchange for that they were required to spend time with the elders. They have meals together, play games, read to each other, and just talk. The elders had help with small chores and just having someone tall to reach things on their top shelves! Their relationships grew into something very much like what I had with my grandma, and what I have with my dad now. 

While we at CFS work with children and families, this is a great time to remind ourselves of the beauty and richness all the generations bring to our lives. I wish there was more of this intergenerational connection in our world. But meanwhile, one of the things I am most grateful for is Dad’s longevity, experience, and wisdom—and that of all the elders in our community. 

I’m grateful for all of you, too. Thank you for supporting our important work, all year ‘round. 

Warmly,

Gina Aranki, Executive Director

As 2024 draws to a close, many reflect on the moments and milestones that defined this past year. For Child and Family Services, every year-end donation marks a transformative opportunity for the children and families we serve. These gifts provide vital support, ensuring that our counseling services, foster care programs, and youth initiatives continue to thrive. 

Year-end giving carries a special power. It not only brings immediate relief and support, but also builds a foundation for long-term impact. Sustaining donors help us plan for the future, so that no family in crisis is left without hope and support. Legacy gifts, meanwhile, extend a lasting hand, creating a ripple effect for generations. 

In this season of giving, your contribution does more than support a program; it fuels a future. You become part of a legacy of care, compassion, and community transformation.  

Thank you for helping us to make this year-end giving season one of hope and impact.

This year marks the 19th season of our beloved Paper Angels campaign, and thanks to our community’s incredible generosity, many children will wake up on Christmas morning with gifts that remind them they are cared for and loved.  

While we’ve been blessed to see so many children’s wish lists filled, we still have adults and family groups waiting for that same holiday magic. Many of these individuals are caretakers or older siblings who give so much of themselves to support their families. Your kindness can help ensure their holiday is filled with hope and joy. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Shop for a Wish List: Request a list from a child, adult, or family by clicking here. 
• Donate to the Angel Fund: Your contributions help us shop for families who come into our care closer to the holidays or assist with family expenses during this challenging season by clicking here. 

By participating in Paper Angels, you provide more than gifts—you show love, create joy, and inspire hope that can last a lifetime. Join us in making this holiday season a time of giving and gratitude for everyone in our community. 

Thank you for helping us make the holidays brighter for all! 

Thank you to Pastor Daniel and Family of Faith Church for once again providing Thanksgiving dinners to our families in need. Twenty-nine families were provided turkeys and all the sides for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner through this generous donation. We truly appreciate your continued support!

August is Planned Giving Month. Planned giving to Child and Family Services is an extraordinary way to ensure that your legacy reflects a deep commitment to the well-being and future of children and families in need. By incorporating charitable contributions into your financial or estate planning, you can provide enduring support to programs that offer essential services, such as counseling, adoption, foster care, and family preservation. Whether you choose to make a bequest in your will, establish a charitable trust, create a gift annuity, or designate Child and Family Services as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, your generosity will have a lasting impact. Planned giving not only benefits you through potential tax advantages, but also empowers Child and Family Services to continue its vital work, fostering safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children and families. Consider planned giving as a profound way to make a difference, knowing that your support will help create brighter futures and stronger communities for generations to come.

Licensed respite providers needed! Join us virtually to learn more about this short-term foster care option. Our licensing staff will explain the process of becoming a respite caregiver and answer any questions you may have. The process is easier than you think. Consider helping today!

Virtual Respite Care Information Session Monday, December 9th, at 6pm and January 13th, at 6pm.

Click to learn more and register.

Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City | (231) 946-8975

3434 M-119, Ste F, Harbor Springs | (231) 347-4463

  cfs@cfs3L.org   |  www.cfsnwmi.org