FALL 2018 IMPACT UPDATE
Keeping Our Promise
TOGETHER
IN THIS ISSUE:  Meet our Chief Strategy Officer | Shana's Success |  Agency  News & Events!
OUR NAME IS OUR PROMISE.
Kirsten Olson, Chief Strategy Officer
Dear Friends,
 
I'm Kirsten Olson, Chief Strategy Officer at Children & Families First.  I've had the honor of working at CFF for 10 years now, and in that time, I have witnessed our staff's unwavering commitment to delivering high quality services and positive outcomes to children and families in Delaware.  

Our current strategic focus is to align our continuum with what brain science tells us works for children and families.  Over the next 12 months, we'll look at what we do through the lens of how it helps:  build responsive relationships, reduce external sources of stress, and strengthen core life skills.  Science tells us these are the key ingredients for building healthy children and responsive, economically stable adults. Thank you for your support because w hen children & families do better, we ALL do better!
YOUR SUPPORT CREATES POSITIVE CHANGE.
SHANA'S SUCCESS:
How You Helped Her Realize A Future Full of Potential

Shana* was filled with fear, debilitated by anxiety and didn't see any value in who she was or what she could become.  That was before Seaford House. 
 
After just one visit, she chose our program, because she saw something different, something she hadn't experienced elsewhere: the chance to change her life. 
 
It took only a few months before Shana began to build positive responsive relationships with our staff and her peers, adjusting to the group environment and  beginning to thrive!
 
Seaford House provided a stable, non-threatening home, staffed by caring adults  whose supportive feedback and guidance helped her significantly  reduce external sources of stress to then overcome a history of abusing substances as a coping mechanism.

Shana continued to strengthen her core life skills,  l earning to self-calm, respond appropriately to frustrations, and communicate when she needed help.  This helped her face the challenge of moving from being behind grade level to successfully earning her GED, opening new doors of opportunity. 
 
Today, Shana's peers view her as a role model - and we couldn't agree more! She is on the path to self-sufficiency, enrolling in cosmetology school and rebuilding supportive connections with members of her birth family. 

We know she has a future full of potential , but it's even better  she knows it now too!

*names have been changed to protect the individual's privacy
ABOUT SEAFORD HOUSE: Seaford House is Children & Families First's residential therapeutic foster group home for ages 12 to 17. We use evidence based trauma informed care practices to build resilient individuals who can  overcome challenges and thrive to their full potential.  Up to sixteen youth reside in the home where they attend school regularly; receive group, individual and family counseling; work and volunteer in their communities and have access to 24/7 supports from our caring staff. 
YOUR SUPPORT BUILDS STRONG FOUNDATIONS.
AGENCY NEWS

We've Moved!  Our New Castle offices moved to 809 N. Washington St, Wilmington

We've Gone Green!  Our  2017 Annual Report  is available online.

We've Merged!  Previously a subsidiary,  Supporting Kidds is now part of our family.
YOU INVESTED IN BETTER TOMORROWS FOR ALL.
UPCOMING EVENTS
When you join us at our events, you raise vital funds for our mission.

THIS WEEK!  PARTY ON THE PATIO
Friday, September 21st 
7:00pm to 10:00pm
Vicmead Hunt Club, Wilmington
TIME IS RUNNING OUT! 

SOUTHERN DELAWARE WINE, FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 29th
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Independence Clubhouse, Millsboro
ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT!  Purchase Your Tickets Today!

SANTA CAUSE 5K & FUN RUN
Sunday, December 2nd
12:00pm to 3:00pm 
The Starboard, Dewey Beach
THANK YOU. WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU.
AND WE HOPE YOU'RE INSPIRED TO CONTINUE BEING OUR PARTNERS IN PREVENTION, INTERVENTION & HEALING 
Children & Families First | cffde.org

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