2014 Volume 4

Keeping children safe, strengthening families, and building

healthy communities since 1899

Running Wild Presents...

Presents...

2014 Family Awards Celebration!

The

Join us to honor the outstanding individuals, families, and businesses in the community who make a positive difference in the lives of others!

Turn to page 11 and check out this year’s winners!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Modern Woodmen Park 209 S. Gaines Street, Davenport

6:00 p.m. heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar 6:30 p.m. awards presentation

Master of Ceremonies: Steve Ketelaar

Event Sponsors:

$25 Per Person Reserve online at www.bethany-qc.org

or call (309) 736-6642 Please R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 3.

The Generosity of the Quad Cities

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Members of the Quad City Blue Thong Society donated backpacks for the new school year!

The John Deere Gift Shop at John Deere Davenport Works donated brand new clothing for the clients served by Bethany!

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Foster care is temporary care. The goal is to reunite the child with his/her birth parents or relatives whenever possible. Matching the needs of each child to the special strengths of a foster family is another major consideration. When locating a foster care placement, the child’s home community is first considered so that the child can continue to attend the same school. The amount of time before a family receives a child depends on how flexible they are about the type of child for whom they wish to care.

There is an on-going need for foster parents. Being a foster parent requires a great deal of patience and understanding. Children need the love and support of a family so they can grow into healthy productive members of the community! Each person has strengths and skills that can make a unique contribution to a child’s life.

Once the licensing and training processes are completed, foster parents are able to have a child placed in their home. Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to cover the child’s food, shelter, ongoing clothing and personal allowances, personal items, and normal transportation costs. The reimbursement amount is based upon the type of foster care program the child is in, the age of the child, and any special needs the child may have. There may also be additional funds provided for daycare services. Further, each foster child receives a medical card that pays for medical care and prescriptions. Even families who are uncomfortable providing full-time foster care can obtain a foster care license and provide respite care, which gives full time foster parents a break by taking a child for a few hours, a few days, or sometimes longer.

Since Foster care takes place 24/7, Bethany has an on-call system to take cases, make placements, and respond to emergencies.

Are you interested in learning more about Foster Care? Please contact Lynn Lohman, Foster Care Program Supervisor, at llohman@bethany-qc.org or (309) 736-6628.

Program Spotlight Foster Care

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The monthly MERIT award recognizes an employee for distinguished service to the agency. MERIT awardees are nominated by their peers or members of the community and are recognized for their outstanding commitment to children and families served by Bethany.

Amy Phillips August 2014

MERIT Award Winner

Amy Phillips is the Iowa Family Services Supervisor at Bethany. The nomination stated, “Amy has done a remarkable job of overseeing the Behavioral Health Intervention Services program in all of our Iowa offices. She maintains excellent working relationships with all of her staff while communicating with them to ensure they have the necessary tools to be successful in their positions.”

Awards and Excellence

Recent Grants

American Honda Motor Company Inc. gave $500 for Behavioral Health Intervention Services and School-Based Therapy

Rock Island Community Foundation awarded $1,500 for the Transitional Housing for Homeless Youth program.

Variety Club gave $6,800 for the Transitional Housing for Homeless Youth program.

Walmart Foundation gave $2,500 for the Transitional Housing for Homeless Youth program.

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Blood Drive

Bethany for Children & Families 1830 6th Avenue Moline, Illinois 61265 December 17, 2014 12:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m.

Appointments are appreciated, but not required. For further information, contact Joscelyn Stone at jstone@bethany-qc.org or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org.

Downtown Moline Blood Drive

A Special Guest

Stanford basketball star and Rock Island High School graduate Chasson Randle visited with participants in Bethany’s Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP). Chasson inspired TRP students with stories about his determination, success, and his terrific wit. Thanks for joining us, Chasson!

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Cheers to Volunteers!

Your time makes a difference!

Thank you to the volunteers from John Deere Cylinder Internal Platform and Valspar who pitched in at the agency’s donated duplex!

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Bethany’s Christmas Giving Program

Each year, Bethany for Children & Families asks the community to help make the holidays bright for the agency’s families in need. People donate clothing, toys, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies to help grant the wishes of those in our community who might otherwise not receive gifts.

Gift tags with wish list items will be distributed to program donors after November 1. Donors are asked to return gift items (unwrapped, please!) to Bethany by December 9th.

This is a fun and fulfilling project for individuals, families, and groups. If you are interested in participating in the Christmas Giving Program this year, please contact Mary Ann McLeod at mmcleod@bethany-qc.org or (309) 736-6645.

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WVIK 90.3 FM, Quad Cities NPR for providing sponsored ads to Bethany! WVIK is licensed in Rock Island, Illinois, and owned and operated by Augustana College, broadcasting from the campus in Rock Island. Learn more at www.wvik.org.

New Board Officers

The Bethany for Children & Families Board of Directors has elected a new slate of officers for the 2014-2015 year. The officers are:

Chair—Ron Edwards, Deere & Company Vice Chair—Brett Van, Modern Woodmen of America Treasurer—Kevin Koski Secretary—Kim Benson

“For 115 years, Bethany has implemented an effective and proven strategy for community betterment. If we provide for the safety and development of our children and strengthen our families, we will all benefit from a healthy community in both the short and long term. I am passionate about this model and I consider it an honor to serve Bethany, an organization with a winning strategy and a winning team to benefit a winning Quad Cities Community,” said Ron Edwards, who is starting his first term as Board Chair.

Thanks to...

Ron Edwards Chair

Brett Van Vice Chair

Kevin Koski Treasurer

Kim Benson Secretary

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Because We Care

Please help support this wonderful effort! Underwear Because We Care helps provide new undergarments to people in need. Bethany’s clients have benefitted from this program in the past, and we are excited to help spread the word this year! Please help! Learn more here:

www.facebook.com/underwearbecausewecare

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And the Award goes to...

Bethany for Children & Families thanks everyone in the community who submitted a nomination for the 2014 Family Awards Celebration. Members of Bethany’s Honorary Directors of the Board gathered to select one winner in each award category. After much deliberation, the Directors chose the individuals, families, and businesses that have made a positive impact on the lives of others.

2014 Award Winners

Ruth Evelyn Katz Adoptive Family of the Year This award honors an adoptive family that shows a strong commitment to

strengthening and encouraging an adopted child’s growth.

John & Tricia Mans

Foster Family of the Year This award honors a family that creates a safe home for children who have been

displaced. The foster family exhibits extraordinary courage, patience, and care while working with foster children.

Jed & Brandy Godfrey

Leadership Family of the Year This award honors a family that exhibits a strong commitment to raising their children, while also making the community more child– and family-friendly.

Mark & Kathy Kilmer

Community-Focused Business or Employer of the Year This award honors a local business or employer that values employees, their families,

and demonstrates compassion to the community.

Vintage Home & Family

Youth Volunteer of the Year This award honors a person under age 18 who has helped strengthen the community

be demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and volunteer actions.

Kevin Kurth

Community Service Group of the Year This award honors a group that gives to the community by helping nonprofit

organizations through volunteering and donations.

Quad Cities River Bandits

1830 6th Avenue Moline, IL 61265

(309) 797-7700 or (563) 324-9169 www.bethany-qc.org

Bethany for Children & Families is a Charity Partner for the 2015 Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads 5K Run! Bethany is delighted to be chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the race event.

The 2015 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 30 near Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, IA. Registration fees and sign up date will be announced before the end of the year.

For more information about Color the Quads or to volunteer to help on race day, please visit www.colorthequads.com.