Raiden’s Story – The Missing Piece

WE ARE THEIR FUTURE – The Children Need Us Now.

 Progress Report #2  //  July 2017

Raiden Was The Missing Puzzle Piece of His Forever Family

Dear Friend,

Jessica was adopted at birth.  Her adopted mother told Jessica that she was born of her heart, not of her womb.  Jessica always knew she would adopt children who needed someone to love them.  When she found out she couldn’t have her own children, Jessica and Chris immediately began the adoption process.  That’s when they found Raiden, and welcomed him into their forever family as their missing piece.

 

Watch Rayden’s foster to adoption love story in

“The Missing Piece” video, Part 1 in the     

“Love Stories, The Journey from Foster to Forever” Series

There are thousands of Arizona children still waiting, hoping that they will become part of someone’s forever family.  It’s why we can’t stop – until there are no forgotten Arizona children who have no one to belong to and no place to call home.

I am so pleased to report great news to you – PLEASE keep reading about how foster children’s lives are being changed!

Continue Reading…

IN JUST 13 WEEKS,

160 FAMILIES HAVE SAID YES…

WE WANT TO ADOPT

A FOSTER CHILD!

=> Our average cost to find a potential adoptive family is $25.00 per lead.

PLEASE HELP US

FIND MORE FAMILIES! 

YOUR MOST GENEROUS TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT 

TODAY WILL CHANGE

FOSTER CHILDREN’S LIVES FOREVER.

IN JUST 13 WEEKS, 30 FAMILIES SAID, “YES – I’M INTERESTED

IN FOSTERING!”

=> These leads came in without ANY digital marketing.  They are a result of our live events, social media, and the effectiveness of our webite.  With YOUR financial help, we can do even MORE.

We urgently need funds to educate the public about the tremendous need for foster homes. 

        

For example, from April-Sept. 2016, the Arizona Department of Child Safety terminated 34 group home licenses, including seven for “child maltreatment,” 4 for neglect, and 13 over failed fingerprint-clearance cards.

EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO GROW UP

IN A SAFE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT,

NOT IN A GROUP HOME WITH

OTHER TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN. 

PLEASE HELP FUND OUTREACH TO FIND FOSTER FAMILIES FOR ARIZONA’S MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN. 

THE CHILDREN NEED US NOW!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

69 People said YES to volunteering! 

We immediately connected them with non-profits whose greatest need is volunteers to help get the work done!  Do you have a church or employee group that wants volunteer opportunities?  Can you spend some time helping to meet foster children’s practical needs? Everyone can do something to help!

 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Watch Rayden’s foster to adoption story in

“The Missing Piece” video, Part 1 in the

“Love Stories, The Journey from Foster to Forever” Series

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

  $25.00 HELPS US FIND ONE ADOPTIVE FAMILY. 

YOUR MOST GENEROUS TAX DEDUCTIBLE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP CHILDREN LIKE RAIDEN FIND A LOVING, FOREVER FAMILY.

CLICK to say YES, I’ll help find forever families for Arizona’s foster children.

Endorsements for the We Are Their Future

Dan Shufelt, CEO of Arizona Helping Hands – “We are the largest provider of basic need to kids in foster care in Arizona. We are proud to be a member of We Are Their Future. We believe it’s so important to work together to #StandUp and #makeadifference for the 17,000+ kids in Arizona’s foster system. By spreading the word and collaborating, we can all play a part in making lives better.

In the first six months of 2017 Arizona Helping Hands has provided. 1,350 beds and cribs, clothing, diapers and more to help boys and girls in foster care. Help us do more. Visit www.azhelpinghands.org today!

Angie Penrose – Co-Founder/Director of Building Arizona Families, Arizona’s largest non-profit adoption agency said, “We began to work with We Are Their Future a little over two months ago to promote adoption of foster children. The results have been impressive. They have an incredible knowledge of marketing that meets the unique needs of a non-profit organization. We have been provided numerous opportunities to connect with potential adoptive families through events and leads provided to us. Each contact represents the possibility of finding an adoptive home for a child in need!

We are thrilled, after 13 years of being in operation, to have finally found an organization to help us reach our goals of placing as many children as possible. Their commitment to our needs and the needs of the children is motivating and inspiring.”

We Are Their Future
Phone: 602.403.7575  //  E-mail: [email protected]                    Connect with us!
Website:
www.wearetheirfuture.org

 

Love Stories – The Journey from Foster to Forever Families

Part 1: The Missing Piece

Raiden was a foster child hoping and praying someone would want to become his family. Chris and Jessica couldn’t have children themselves, and believed through adoption they could find the missing piece of their family. The Missing Piece is their family’s love story about the journey from foster to forever family.

Will You Help Us Find Forever Families for Foster Children Like Raiden?

$25 HELPS FIND ONE FOSTER OR FOREVER FAMILY

Please make your most generous,  tax deductible, secure contribution to help find loving, safe homes and forever families.

  #EveryoneCanDoSomething

 

Arizona Foster Children Suffer from PTSD

One in four foster children have PTSD

Foster children have been taken into protective custody by the Arizona Department of Child Safety because they  have been victims of neglect and or abuse. They are removed from their homes because it is not safe for them to stay there. Foster children have experienced the trauma of being harmed or neglected., then they experience the trauma of being taken from everything familiar,  and sometimes separated from their brothers and sisters. After the removal, they go to an emergency shelter, group home, or foster family unless family members outside of the home can care for them.   While safety is paramount, the removal is also traumatic,  so they experience compounded trauma.  It is understandable that 1 in 4 foster children are victims of PTSD.

These hurting children need to know that they are loved, that they are safe, and that they matter. Everyone can do something to help. Foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate. At We Are Their Future, we believe that every Arizona citizen can be a part of changing their lives and their futures.  Find out how YOU can help at www.wearetheirfuture.org/waystohelp

Helping Arizona Foster Children Can Be Fun!

event to support non-profit organizations helping Arizona foster children

Arizona foster children will benefit from a family friendly event where proceeds from raffles are donated to non-profit organizations, and admission revenue benefits Kurt & Brenda Warner’s non-profit – Treasure House.

Please join We Are Their Future THIS SATURDAY for a day of family fun!  Enter to win OUR raffle prizes – a gift of Faith, Hope, and Love that includes a leather bound, 50 lb. 1611 King James Bible replica printed on cotton sheeting just as the original Bible was – a value of $1,000 with a raffle ticket price of $5.00! Or our “Around Town” basket of goodies including gift cards to restaurants, massage, D-backs tickets – a basket of summer FUN!!!

Plus come visit our booth, and shoot some hoops to win great prizes and help us  find forever families for Arizona’s vulnerable foster children! See you there!! Click here for ticket info: www.westvalleygivesaz.com

504 Arizona Foster Children Left Foster Care Without EVER Finding a Family

504 foster children left foster care without a family

Arizona children deserve families, and should NEVER leave foster care ALONE in the world.  EVERYONE can do something to help. Foster, Adopt, Volunteer, or Donate.  Click to change children’s lives today and their futures tomorrow. www.wearetheirfuture.org

Arizona Foster Children Benefit from West Valley Gives Event

Come hang out with us as we share the needs of Arizona’s foster children with Valley residents ! We Are Their Future, Building Arizona Families, Arizona Helping Hands, and Hope High School Online will have booths at the upcoming West Valley Gives Rally and Treasure Walk event at the Cardinals Stadium!The event is lots of fun, AND a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the organizations that are working hard to change at risk Arizona foster children’s lives.  Remember, everyone can do something – foster, adopt, volunteer, and donate.  It’s up to us to provide hope and a bright future!

There will be great raffle prizes including kids bicycles, an autographed Kurt Warner football or helmet, autographed Cardinal’s jerseys from Tyrann Mathieu and David Johnson, restaurant gift cards, massages, etc. Not to mention that Kurt and Brenda Warner will be speaking, there will be live entertainment, face painting and games!

A great event that benefits Treasure House and other Valley non-profits including We Are Their Future! Don’t miss it. Tell your friends and get your tickets. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.westvalleygivesaz.com/

Arizona Foster Children Are Finding Forever and Foster Families!

 We Are Their Future Newsletter //  May 2017

 

WE ARE THEIR FUTURE

An Arizona Citizens' Initiative to Help Over 17,000 AZ Foster Children

Arizonans Are Helping

Change the Lives of Arizona's Foster Children!

And This is Only the Beginning!

Dear Friend,

What wonderful news I have to share!  Because of the compassion and generosity of Arizona businesses and everyday Arizona citizens, progress is being made in finding foster and forever families, and helping to meet the practical needs of the over 17,000 vulnerable Arizona foster children living in Arizona's state foster care system. 

We are just getting started, and we will not stop until EVERY foster child in Arizona has a loving, safe family and the practical support they need to insure a bright future.  It is up to us - Arizona businesses and everyday people - not government - to step up and provide love and care for these precious children.  At We Are Their Future, we believe that EVERY Arizonan can do SOMETHING to help - foster, adopt, volunteer, and donate.  In just the past THIRTY DAYS since the citizen's initiative, We Are Their Future, launched...

Continue Reading...

38 FAMILIES SAID YES...

WE WANT TO ADOPT

A FOSTER CHILD!

=> Prospective adoptive families were immediately connected with an adoption agency specializing in adopting DIRECTLY from Arizona's state foster system.

=> AT LEAST 38 FOSTER CHILDREN could have a loving, forever family and permanent home in the very near future!

=> Locating thirty-eight potential forever families is a direct result of Arizona businesses and citizens stepping up to help.  Together, we are helping prevent what happened last year...

=> Over 500 children AGED OUT of Arizona's foster care system last year WITHOUT ever finding a family.

10 FAMILIES INTERESTED

IN FOSTERING!

=> These willing families were immediately provided information about necessary requirements to become foster parents and connected with a foster agency for next steps.

Arizona LEADS the nation in the number of children per capita that reside in group homes.

Being in the foster care system is traumatic.

One in four foster children experience PTSD. Over HALF of the children have been in the system over a YEAR.

Being in a foster family with loving adults helps ease the fear and insecurity of children who have been neglected, abused, and then moved in to group homes with other traumatized children.

        There are Business Sponsorships Available!

Not only will your business help change Arizona's most vulnerable children's lives, but your business will benefit from a robust public relations campaign that includes radio and television interview opportunities, branding on our  marketing, inclusion in our e-mail marketing, and display opportunities at large events

This is a WIN-WIN!

Foster children WIN because we use your sponsorship to help find adoptive and foster families for the over 17,000 vulnerable children in foster care.  Their futures are changed through your generosity!

Your business wins because you are giving back to the community, truly making a difference, and reaping the benefits of all of the public exposure that comes with the sponsorship.

Click HERE for more information about our sponsorship opportunities. 

                          HURRY, we have GREAT opportunities in June!

 

Arizona foster children

 

We need financial contributions to help fund the outreach
to find foster and forever families and volunteers!
 
$25.00 helps us find one foster child a foster or forever family.
$50.00 helps us find two foster children foster or forever families.
Imagine what $100, $500, $1000 or more can do to help!

 

Your most generous gift is tax deductible, and for ever gift of $25.00 or m
 
ore, we will send a thank you gift of a t-shirt or tote.  
 
Thank you for being a part of changing the future
for Arizona's most vulnerable children!

 

What is We Are Their Future?

A citizen led initiative to help meet the needs of over 17,000 vulnerable children in Arizona's state foster care system.  It was founded by Vickie Isaac, M.Ed., former Director of Communications at the Arizona Department of Child Safety, adjunct professor, and owner of Elevate Marketing.  Mrs. Isaac launched the initiative as a result of witnessing first hand the numerous gaps in meeting the needs of foster children, and believing that families, not government, should be parenting children.

What Does We Are Their Future Do?

  • We educate Arizonans about the urgent needs of Arizona foster children.  We believe that when Arizona citizens find out how serious the need is, every Arizonan who CAN do something to help, WILL do something to help.
  • We are building a coalition of concerned Arizonans who recognize that we have a responsibility to step up and together, help change the future of Arizona's most vulnerable children. 
  • We connect families who want to foster and adopt with appropriate foster and adoptive agencies.  We supply volunteers to short staffed non-profits working with foster children.  
  • We help provide resources to organizations that meet practical needs of foster children and foster family needs. 

Vickie Isaac press interview about Arizona foster children

 

 

 

 

 

FIND OUT MORE IN A SHORT  VIDEO CLIP OF VICKIE ISAAC

Want to know about the impact that Arizona citizens are having on meeting the needs of tens of thousands of vulnerable foster children in Arizona? Sign up to receive our newsletter!

We will let you know about finding foster and forever families for Arizona foster children, about sending volunteers to help short staffed non-profits helping foster children, and about ways we are helping to meet the practical needs of Arizona foster children and their families. Sign up below - we will take good care of your personal privacy. We do not sell or share lists.

Thank you for caring!

Together, we can change children's futures!

 OTHER Good News!

 

  • We Are Their Future was able to treat over 500 foster children and families to a day at the Lucas Oil Spring Nationals Dragboat Races, including VIP seating and a wonderful lunch, due to the generous support of Lucas Oil (faces of children are blurred intentionally to protect privacy.)
  • We Are Their Future and non-profits working with We Are Their Future have been able to exhibit at three major events, with a total estimated attendance of 25,000 people, to talk about the needs of Arizona's foster children and ways the public can get involved.

 MEDIA UPDATES

  • Tony Scarlata, international dragboat racing champion, has endorsed the We Are Their Future initiative, and shares about how to get involved in helping Arizona foster children during his local and national television, radio, and print interviews.
    • Local media is beginning to respond. A 20 minute interview with Founder and President Vickie Isaac aired this past Sunday morning on five Phoenix radio stations  You can listen to that interview HERE. Other media outlets are expressing interest and meetings are taking place to discuss coverage of the initiative.
 

ENDORSEMENTS OF WE ARE THEIR FUTURE

Christine Arians, wife of Arizona Cardinals Bruce Arians shared, “With over 17,000 vulnerable Arizona children currently in the foster care system, the need is tremendous - for children, families, and the agencies who serve them. The “We Are Their Future” initiative will educate and engage the public in helping to meet these tremendous needs, providing crucial support for the children and those who work tirelessly to help them. It is a key component in solving the problems that have ailed our foster care system for far too long.”   Christine Arians, Co-Founder of the Arians Family Foundation, Voices for CASA Board Member, Governor's Office of Child Safety and Empowerment Council member, and wife of Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians.

Angie Penrose - Co-Founder/Director of Building Arizona Families, Arizona's largest non-profit adoption agency said, "We began to work with We Are Their Future a little over a month ago to promote adoption of Arizona foster children. The results have been impressive. They have an incredible knowledge of marketing that meets the unique needs of a non-profit organization. We have been provided numerous opportunities to connect with potential adoptive families through events and leads provided to us. Each contact represents the possibility of finding an adoptive home for a child in need! We are thrilled, after 13 years of being in operation, to have finally found an organization to help us reach our goals of placing as many children as possible. Their commitment to our needs and the needs of the children is motivating and inspiring."

A Word from Vickie Isaac, M.Ed, Founder and President of We Are Their Future

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about We Are Their Future.  I hope that as a concerned Arizonan, you will want to find out more about meeting the needs of Arizona's most vulnerable children.  As citizens respond through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donating, we truly are changing vulnerable children's futures.  I'm so honored to be serving with other everyday citizens to meet the critical needs  of Arizona's foster children who deserve our very best!  I hope you will consider joining us!  If you would like more information, please e-mail me and I will personally get right back to you.  You can also check out our website to find out more.

For the Children,

Vickie Isaac, M.Ed.
President/CEO

Sign up to receive the We Are Their Future Newsletter - don't miss updates on how every day Arizonans are changing vulnerable Arizona foster children's lives!

We Are Their Future
Phone: 602.403.7575  //  E-mail: [email protected]             Connect with us!
Website:
https://wearetheirfuture.org