The
Connection
August 2006
Ralph Zachary
Williams 03/05/1987-07/07/2006 ACYFS Therapist Ralph Zachary Williams, former ACYFS resident from
01/06/03 to 07/25/05, passed away on July 7, 2006. Ralph was an intelligent and thoughtful young man.
He was an inspired writer who expressed the needs, feelings, and losses of
a child who had lived their life in the foster care system. His writings
have been previously published in past issues of “The Connection”. Upon placement completion, Ralph was successful in
reunifying with his siblings in South Carolina. He had obtained employment,
received his GED, and was preparing for future gains. In honor of Ralph’s life, an apple tree has been
planted at the ACYFS Alpha House Agricultural Center. Strengthening
Family Connections ACYFS bonds
families through the reunification process A key component of the ACYFS Program is family
reunification. Many children come to the program from non-traditional
families. Grandparents, extended family members, friends, or foster families
have attempted to raise these children. These “family members” are
encouraged to continue communication with the child throughout their
placement status in an attempt to reunify them upon successful program
completion. Often the children have not had the opportunity to
participate in diverse activities, lending to positive memories. ACYFS
facilitates this bonding process through a variety of therapeutic events,
including, Family Day, Mother-Daughter Tea Party, family therapy, and
family visits. These events lend critical socialization and education for
both guardian and child. Though unable to turn back time to recreate a
child’s past experiences, ACYFS can provide new and positive ways in which
families can strengthen connections and improve communication with each
other. It is important to create safe and enjoyable means for the children to
communicate, explore and address their past experiences, both negative and
positive. These rewarding experiences reveal how significant sharing
information about ourselves is in creating and strengthening family bonds. Jimmy is a 15 year old boy who has
been placed with Alpha Connection…. My foster parents…
|
Inside This Issue |
|
|
1 |
Continuing Articles across Pages |
|
1 |
Strengthening Family Connections |
|
2 |
Client News |
|
3 |
Calendar of Events |
|
4 |
Connecting with the Kids |
Surrounded by stars and celebrities, Anne, Tasha, and Salina,
attended the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards on April 1, 2006 at UCLA in
Los Angeles, CA.
ACYFS children and staff continue to take
advantage of opportunities to give back to their community and to honor
their civic responsibilities. Keep your eyes open for continued community
service opportunities. Additionally, if your agency is in need of
assistance, contact the ACYFS Corporate Office to discuss children helping
your program.
Christina C. modeled fashions from Dress Barn at the
Annual Victor Valley Women’s Club Fashion Show. Showcasing individual
fashion and style comes naturally to many of the ACYFS girls. They look
forward to attending and participating in next year’s event. Contact ACYFS Corporate Office for ticket information.
ACYFS children, mother, sisters and mentors
gathered for a Mother’s Day Tea Party. Surrounded by loved ones and good
food, the girls had the opportunity to relax and open up with their family
and mentors in a therapeutic and bonding environment. Sponsored by
the Victor Valley Women’s Club, children spent the day enjoying the roller
coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Jimmy, Joey,
and Paul went with the Community
Youth Athletic Program, sponsored by Friends of Rollo, to Dana Point
Harbor for a day of sport fishing. Although the boys were unsuccessful in
catching fish, they had a great time sailing on the Pacific and
participating in a new adventure. ACYFS School Graduations Jeanna-WPHS Tyquinisha-WPHS (August 2006) Salina-VCMS, promoted to GHHS Abby-VCMS, promoted to GHHS Anne-VCMS,
promoted to GHHS Julianna
graduated ACYFS and transitioned to the Inland Empire JobCorps. Her goal
is to complete her high school diploma, then study to become a pharmacy
technician. ACYFS residents secured employment at several local fast food
restaurants within Apple Valley. Tyquinisha
is working at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jeanna
at Wendy’s, and Larita started
her employment at Tom’s. Congratulations to these girls!
I was placed at ACYFS by the San Bernardino
County Probation Department. I felt very welcomed by my staff and peers. ACYFS is a big part of my life and always will be
because they have helped me through the toughest times of my life. I had
issues with substance abuse, family discord and anger management. I have
learned to control my impulses and relationships with my family members
had improved. I have learned a lot from Alpha, and will continue to
exercise the knowledge I have gained. I am now 18 years old, work full time, and
preparing to graduate from high school and placement. The ACYFS staff will
be a part of my life as long as I live. I am proud of myself, thank you to
everyone that helped me. ACYFS has been awarded a grant to expand its Fire
Setter’s Rehabilitation Program. This program targets boys and girls, ages
3 to 15, who have acted out on their fascination with fire. It is the goal
of this program that the participant will extinguish or appropriately
redirect their pre-occupation with fire, keeping the participant and the
community at large safe from the destructive outcomes of such behavior. This
program is offered to the children of ACYFS and children within the
community. To schedule an intake referral, please contact the ACYFS
Corporate Office at (760) 247-7930.
I am enclosing a tax-deductible gift. Name: __________________________________ Address:
________________________________ City, State, Zip:
___________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Please make checks payable to: Alpha Connection Youth and
Family Services Tax I.D. # 33-0350611 ACYFS is always in need of
mentors for our children. If you are interested in donating your time to a
youth within the ACYFS program, please contact our Corporate Office at
(760) 247-7930. Please consider spending a few hours a month with a foster
care youth.
|
Alpha Connection Youth and Family Services 22675 Anoka Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92308 |
|
