W I N T E R 0 1 In The Morning Volume 1 Issue 1 January 01 Inside this issue: Inside Story From the Prez & CEO The Black Barbiez Region 7 The Big Story 3 Meet the Dynamic Team of Another Choice Over the years, our team has changed. Like any sports team, AC In the News 4 some have been Traded, Drafted, Changed positions, and others Renewed their contracts for another year. Year At A Glance 5 Regardless of the changing of the players, our mission and vision remain the same.. Another Choice Builds and Sustains Families Save the Date! Beach Retreat Family Day Picnic FBC Conference June 8-10 Staff & Family Beach Retreat Wilmington, NC July 15 Charlotte Family Day Picnic Nov 16-18 Annual Friends of Black Children Conference Raleigh NC Sept. 15 Sanford Family Picnic
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 01 WINTER 01 From the President & CEO 011 was full of promises for some and challenges for others. As we looked back to last year, we can honestly say, we made great gains, suffered some setbacks-yet, we are still here. Our most valuable resources have been you, the adoptive parents who have continued to parent from the trenches. It hasn t been easy, but you have persevered. We are deeply grateful that you have continued to support the agency. Some of you have supported Another Choice through payroll deductions; others have made personal contributions and still others have volunteered and been a resource to other families. We Thank you! We Need You! WE Love You! Region 7 Good News for adoptive families in Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Richmond, and Scotland counties. Another Choice is working in partnership with the local DSS agency to bring and develop some exciting post adoption services to your area. How many of you would like a break from your kids? A time for you to exhale and not hear mommy this or daddy that? Well, the Kids Night Out program was designed with you in mind. And, for your teenagers, you know, the ones who think we are out of sync.well, we have the Teen Konnection for boys and GOTCHA for the girls. We take your teens off your hands for an entire weekend (once a month). This is only a small sample of the types of services we want to provide to you and your family. To learn more, please contact your local DSS agency, or contact Another Choice by calling 800774-3534. HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY! Community Partner The Black Barbiez heard about Another Choice during our Christmas campaign. They not only brought gifts for our teens and children, but they also came to the holiday party with spirit and energy. These young women brought pizzas and the best cup cakes I have ever eaten.
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 01 WINTER 01 9th Conference a Success Go Tell It On the Mountain, was the theme of the 9th Annual Friends of Black Children Conference. Friday s Social Work Institute highlighted policies and practices that are positive in finding families for children. Rev. Dr. Wayne Thompson, Friday key note speaker, took a variation of the theme and commanded the audience to Go and Tell That. Saturday workshops featured information and training on childhood trauma, advocating for your child s educational success, strong post adoption support, and keeping your child safe on the internet. Kashuna Perfected was the Sunday closing speaker. She praised the parents and uplifted the teens. In her own way, she was proof positive that laughter can be the best medicine. What Can You Do? Just in Case You Did Not Know Black children continue to stay in foster care longer than other children. Black boys are the last to be adopted. In North Carolina, over 700 children are without a family. For these reasons alone, these children need Another Choice. Thanks for asking. You CAN Become a Volunteer Tutor or Mentor a child Provide respite for a family Donate books, toiletries or snacks for Kids Night Out Host an Information meeting Another Choice Represented in the Community GABBRIELLE BLANCHARD, BETTER KNOWN AS GABBY. Gabby represented the All American Cheerleaders Association at the Rose Bowl Parade in Florida. She is the daughter of Janice Blanchard. Sister of Silas, Nikki, Damon, Skye, Deonna, Zesta and Juanita. YOU GO GIRL!!!! 3
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 01 WINTER 01 Do You Hear What I Hear??? Mike Winans in the House! We had Christmas in a huge way. Another Choice sponsored a public announcement commercial and a toy drive in partnership with WPEG Power 98 and V101.9 radio stations. Our customized radio commercial spoke to the messages that we wanted to get out into the community; Children belong in a family, and that by volunteering You can make a difference. Radio personalities and Another Choice staff traveled around to several toy drop-off locations throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas playing live broadcasts, greeting the public and collecting barrels of toys. On December 6, 011 Ms. Ruth Amerson and Debbie McCullough took it to the air-waves live on the Morning Mad House talk show with DJ, No Limit Larry and Church Boy. The listeners heard, and they have responded to our message for volunteers and families. December 8, 011 brought us a special guest appearance by Mike Winans (Nephew of BB and Ce Ce Winans). Mike was a big hit with the crowd, and he was there to support Another Choice. He brought toys, and he sang two songs from his new holiday CD, titled A Mike Winans Christmas: Timeless Noel. Local elementary, middle and high school choirs graced everyone with Christmas carols at the Epicenter in uptown Charlotte. Ms. Deborah got a chance to give a shout out to the listeners and encouraged them to join the Another Choice family. No Limit Larry, Debbie McCullough, Church Boy and Yasmin 4
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 01 WINTER 01 01 Year at a Glance Jan 14 17th Anniversary April 0- Teen/ GOTCHA Jan. 17 MAPP Charlotte May 4 Kids Night Out Jan. 1 MAPP Charlotte (Sat) May 18-0 Teen/GOTCHA Feb 3 Kids Night Out May 19 It s Our Time To Shine Feb. 4 MAPP Sanford June 8-10 Staff & Family Beach Retreat Wilmington Feb17-19 Teen/GOTCHA July 15 Family Day Picnic, Charlotte March Kids Night Out July 8 MAPP Charlotte, Sanford March 16-18 Teen/GOTCHA Aug 7 MAPP Charlotte (Sat) March 0 MAPP Charlotte Sept. 15 Family Day Picnic, Sanford April 13 Kids Night Out Oct. 6 MAPP Charlotte, Sanford April 14 MAPP Sanford Nov 16-18 Friends of Black Children Conference