Dear Friend,
How would you describe a “mom”? Caregiver? Friend? Teacher? Protector?
If you’re our seven-year-old client Daniel, he says, “A mom should be a superhero!”
In Daniel’s mind, she has a bright “M” adorning her sweater, wears a utility belt of Band-Aids®
and snacks, is always smiling and has an abundance of love and hugs to go around! Yes, in a
perfect world, this would be true. As you know, however, every now and then, superheroes —
and mothers — need a helping hand.
Since 1893, Family & Children’s Services (FACS) has been that helping hand, by focusing on
the stability of the family, protection of children, self-sufficiency, child and family permanency,
crisis intervention, and behavioral health and social services. From preventative aid to intensive
intervention, FACS strives to serve those most vulnerable, and to provide a helping hand to
mothers, fathers, and children when needed.
During the course of our 100-plus years of service, FACS has witnessed firsthand the ebb and
flow of circumstances that impact daily life, and what we are currently experiencing is potentially
catastrophic. Where once only the poor and working poor would have suffered the ramifications
from the current economic calamity, middle-income families are reeling as well. Accompanying
the increased financial stress will be a rise in child abuse and neglect, domestic violence,
homelessness, and family dissolution. How do we know? Historically, we’ve seen it before.
This time, however, the number of families impacted will be unprecedented. Now, more than ever,
we need to be prepared to extend that helping hand to everyone affected, parents and children
alike, as we will certainly see a rise in demand for FACS services over the course of the year and
beyond.
During 2008, FACS provided a full array of counseling, assessment, referral, case management
and support services to over 2,500 individuals:
- 682 individuals received child abuse prevention and family stabilization services;
- 682 individuals received an array of family permanency services, including pre- and
post-adoption counseling, and programs to strengthen and continue family connections;
- 950 individuals received individual, group, and family counseling sessions,
psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation; and
- 278 individuals received assistance through community assistance programs.
Most would identify family as the most important institution in society, with a mom at the center.
Whether or not you see moms the way Daniel does, at least one of three things is probably true:
you had that mom, you knew that mom, or you wanted that mom. One thing is certainly true:
Daniel — and the other children we serve — deserves to have a “superhero” mom.
For Mother’s Day this year, FACS is honoring the vital role that mothers play in the home and
community, and we ask that you support our efforts to provide that helping hand when necessary.
Sadly, in 2009, we anticipate that it will be frequently.
Whether it is case management services for homeless families with children, therapeutic and
visitation services for siblings placed in separate foster homes, family reunification planning,
parenting skills training, or a whole host of other services, FACS has provided a community
“safety net” for over a century. We are uniquely qualified and have strategic alliances in place
with other community-based organizations to meet the myriad needs that families will face
during the unpredictable times ahead.
While we are prepared, you are the true key to our continued success.
Today, I ask that you make a personally meaningful, tax-deductible gift to FACS to support our
work and honor the superhero in your life.
In addition to gratitude, we wish to show our appreciation for your support by paying tribute to
both the spirit of Mother’s Day and your actual mother. In addition to sending an acknowledgment
to whomever you designate, we would be honored if you would share a photo of your superhero
and allow us to place it on our website. In a sense, we’re creating a community “family photo
album” and we welcome your contribution!
Thank you, in advance, for your appreciation of our work and your generosity.
Most Sincerely,
William H. Webb
Executive Director
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If you wish to make a payment on line, please click the Submit Your Donation link below.
Submit Your Donation
 Or make your check payable to Family & Children’s Services.
Mail to: 40 North Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
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