Disorder doesn’t defeat Corban senior
Corban University Website, January 26, 2012
As a young boy, Corban University senior Craig Johnson didn’t know he was different from the rest of the children in school...Although the signs were there, it wasn’t until Johnson turned 12 that he was formally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a condition related to autism.
Already his experience living with Asperger Syndrome has made Johnson a valuable addition as an intern at Family Building Blocks in Salem.
“He has been an amazing resource to work with,” said Kaye Cepeda, Family Services Supervisor at the non-profit social services agency. “I’ve seen him expand his role and opportunities so much in the time that he has been with us.”
His duties include training new interns in various tasks, such as developing a newsletter that will reach 300 or more families each month. He also scours the Family Building Block waiting list to identify families with children who may be eligible for Head Start Services.
Additionally, he schedules tours of Family Building Blocks and works to connect families to Family Building Block resources including playgroups.
“That’s his forte, his gift,” Cepeda said. “He sends out the most lost contact letters we’ve ever seen. He’s very thorough and efficient in his work.”
Investing in Early Child Development Improves Health Outcomes
Family Building Blocks works to prevents cycle of child abuse and neglect while improving public health
Joanne Scharer, The Lund Report, January 24, 2012
Jamie had a physically abusive mother, a situation that led to her living with an aunt to escape the violence at home. Even there, Jamie wasn't safe; her uncle sexually abused her in the very place she went to find refuge. Eventually, Jamie found support from another family member and was able to graduate from high school.
Family Building Blocks, which serves Marion and Polk counties, is one of 15 relief nurseries in Oregon working to prevent the cycle of child abuse and neglect, thereby preventing the public health consequences that can result from poor early child development... read more
Gingerbread Gala: Out and about ... with Mary Louise VanNatta
Mary Louise VanNatta, Statesman Journal, Jan. 1, 2012
What a more festive way to end 2011 then with my final "gala" of the year. The first-ever Gingerbread Gala was co-hosted by the Young Leaders Council of Family Building Blocks and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. The event showed off the gingerbread construction skills of many of our local nonprofits... read more
How to predict future criminals in Oregon
Dick Hughes' Blog, Statesman Journal, Oct 27, 2011
Here’s a quiz to tax your brain. It did mine.
1. How much of a human’s brain is developed at birth?
2. How much of a human’s brain is developed by age 3?
3. What statistics do criminal justice authorities use to predict future needs for prison beds?
The quiz was distributed at a recent Family Building Blocks fundraising luncheon in Salem. Here’s a hint to the answers: The early years are critical to a child’s development.
Family Building Blocks, if you’re not familiar with it, is a tremendous organization in Salem. It’s called a relief nursery, but what FBB does is help at-risk families end their generational cycle of child abuse and neglect. FBB teaches parents how to be parents. It also connects them with services to overcome addictions and other obstacles... read more
Family Building Blocks is proud to be included in the 2011 list ofthe “100 Best Non-Profits to Work For in Oregon”
Oregon Business Magazine, October, 2011
Almost 5,500 nonprofit employees from more than 170 organizations around the state participated in the third annual 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon survey.
Read more from Oregon Business Magazine
More than one-quarter of people younger than 18 struggle to get by
Saerom Yoo, Statesman Journal, Sep 23, 2011
For single mother Sandy Campos, tears flow more easily than words when she thinks of her struggles the past four years.
Divorce, custody issues and unemployment all have weighed heavily on the Woodburn resident.
"It's been really bad," she said Thursday through tears.
She's trying to go to school full time — she's studying at Chemeketa Community College to become a dental assistant. But that's not easy with an 8-month-old daughter, Trinity.
"Really, I just live day by day," said Campos, 32, a client at Family Building Blocks, a nonprofit relief nursery and child abuse prevention agency.
Family Building Blocks focuses on nurturing early childhood development and preventing maltreatment of children growing up in stressful environments.
By providing social and parenting support, the organization aims to ease the impacts of risk factors such as poverty, substance abuse and unemployment... continue reading
Poverty's newest victims: Children
Census: Recession takes toll on job prospects for young adults
Hope Yen, The Associated Press, Sep 23, 2011
Young adults are the recession's lost generation. In record numbers, they're struggling to find
work, shunning long-distance moves to live with mom and dad, delaying marriage and raising
children out of wedlock, if they're becoming parents at all. The unemployment rate for them is
the highest since World War II and risk living in poverty more than others... continue reading
Family Night was featured in this article- see a slideshow
Nonprofit to aid families in region
Family Building Blocks expands anti-abuse work
Denise Ruttan, The Stayton Mail, Aug. 23, 2011
Family Building Blocks, a Salem-based nonprofit crisis relief nursery, has expanded its child-abuse prevention services into Stayton, Mehama and Lyons.
The Doris J. Wipper Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation awarded the organization a $64,891 grant to support a new home visiting program for the three communities. Family Building Blocks has been accepting new clients since Aug. 1.
The nonprofit estimates that there are more than 200 families in the southeast Marion County area who would qualify for services. These families face such challenges as poverty, isolation, lack of transportation, mental illness and drug and/or alcohol addictions.
"Family Building Blocks has wanted to expand into these communities for a long time. Because of the distance, it's been difficult," program director Ginger Bensman said.
But one of the organization's strongest advocates is a canyon-area resident.
Deana Freres, who lives in the Stayton area and is part of the family who owns Freres Lumber in Lyons, volunteered with Family Building Blocks when the organization started and now serves as a board member... continue reading
Governors past and present honor Salem's Dick Withnell
Saerom Yoo, Statesman Journal, August 15, 2011
Oregon's governors have selected Salem auto dealer Dick Withnell as the recipient of this year's Al and Pat Reser Civic Leadership Award, and all he can do is spout off names of others worthy of the honor.
"It's really humbling because there's so many people doing a lot of great things," he said.
Family Building Blocks dedicates upgraded playground
Saerom Yoo, Statesman Journal, June 21, 2011
Family Building Blocks on Tuesday unveiled its new and upgraded playground to key donors, volunteers, staff, board members and of course, its children.
It’s the nonprofit relief nursery and child abuse prevention agency’s first playground upgrade since 2000, executive director Sue Miller said.
She’s most excited about the cover over the entire structure, which will provide shade in the summer and protection from the rain the rest of the year. It’s also much larger to accommodate all the children.
The children were the most excited, as they slid, banged, jumped and crawled around their new playground.
The upgrade was made possible by the Larry and Jeanette Epping Fund of the Salem Foundation and donations from Marge and Jerry Walling, whom Sue thanked at the dedication. The Family Building Blocks Auxiliary purchased the shade structure.
FBB's Uncorked builds on its success
MVDP Oregon, June 4, 2011
"Like a fine wine, Uncorked gets better with age." That's what the Uncorked website says, and there's no argument about it. To what does Uncorked owe its success?
"It's all about our supporters and our mission," said Brooke Gries, FBB event coordinator. "Our community is passionate about helping children," she said. "Our guests believe in what we do, and this prompts them to give."
"We have a niche. The wine industry in Salem is growing, and people enjoy the opportunity to meet winemakers. Guests have fun, buy great auction items, and it's all for a great cause!"
Uncorked Wine Auction
Out and about ... with Mary Louise VanNatta
Statesman Journal, May 26, 2011
The blustery day didn’t keep wildly generous donors away from Zenith Vineyards for the Family Building Blocks fourth annual Uncorked Wine Auction.
This event was a time for dressing up and donating to the mission of Family Building Blocks: to provide services to young children in high-risk families.
The overwhelming generosity displayed at the live auction and during the appeal was truly staggering. It was fun to tweet the progress as it happened. A trip for six to the 2012 Kentucky Derby sold for $43,000, while 52 weeks of French wine earned $16,000 for the nonprofit.
Life-changing judge ready for her own change
Stacey Barchenger, Statesman Journal, April 10, 2011
Changing the lives of children growing up in rough circumstances has been a focus of Abernethy's judicial career. She will resign from the Marion County bench June 30 after 18 years.
Abernethy chose to preside over juvenile court from 2001-09. It's where she found her niche and arguably became one of the county's most prominent advocates for early-childhood programs and family support.
Conference aims to break cycles of child abuse
400 attend the Family Building Blocks luncheon
Saerom Yoo, Statesman Journal, March 9, 2011
Child abuse prevention and nurturing healthy brain development for infants up to children 3 years old are critical investments that could bring significant returns to the community, Family Building Blocks executive director Sue Miller said Wednesday.
Family Building Blocks leaders shared success stories of the nonprofit's programs with about 400 attendees at the West Salem Foursquare Church at the Gracie's Place Dream Builders' Luncheon.
One of the stories the organization shared was that of Rachel Gilliland, 21, a South Salem High School graduate who was pregnant by age 17. Having grown up as a neglected child herself, Gilliland went to Family Building Blocks to help break that cycle for her own daughter by learning how to be a parent and maintain a healthy relationship with her child.
"I probably would've done what I was taught: put my kid last," she said. "But there is another option."
Foundation awards grants to local social services
Gifts to nonprofits equal last year's level despite recession
Elida S. Perez, Statesman Journal, November 16, 2010
Local organizations got a boost from Oregon Community Foundation grants to continue providing critical services to the community.
Organizations such as Family Building Blocks received $25,000 to work in conjunction with Salem-Keizer School District to implement the Teen Parent Child Development Program. The grant will help pay teacher salaries and to operate the center, said Sue Miller, executive director.
FBB was ranked #10 in the list of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon
Oregon Business Magazine,
October, 2010
Almost 5,000 nonprofit employees from more than 150 organizations around the state participated in the second annual 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon survey.
Read more from Oregon Business Magazine
Read an article from the Statesman Journal
Families find fun in Riverfront Park festival
Ashley Reis, Statesman Journal, August 8, 2010
Hundreds of children and their parents came to enjoy activities and lunch hosted by Family Building Blocks. Kid's Zumba — part salsa dance, part aerobic workout — seemed to be the favorite at the event. While some people boogied, others ventured to the Create a Memory activity booth, which allowed participants to paint their own pottery and make their own hand prints on tile.
"It's a good opportunity to bring families together," Said Sarah Martin, 30, a teacher and volunteer for Family Building Blocks. "It's nice to see that everyone is connecting and having a good time."
read the article
view the photo gallery
Uncorked
Mary Louise VanNatta, Statesman Journal, June 13, 2010
'Uncorked" unleashed Salem's generosity at Zenith Vineyard with a lavish experience of wine, food and fundraising. It was a warm night on May 15, a signal to bring out the spring attire and to think about outdoor dining. read more
Mrs. Runkle's Reads
Kobbi R. Blair, Statesman Journal
June 9, 2010
Mrs. Joene Runkle's first grade class and parents at Abiqua School honored her at Family Building Blocks with a large handmade book case and library, which will help entertain families as they wait for services. View the photo gallery
Reruns for Kids voted
Best Children's Clothing Store of the Mid-Valley
May 10, 2010, Statesman Journal
Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for helping Reruns to be voted Best Children's Clothing Store in the Mid-Valley! We couldn't do it without you!
A new report makes the case for more prevention programs
Bill Graves, The Oregonian
April 8, 2010
Stephanie Yao/The Oregonian
Teacher Heather Mains holds a child in the infant and toddler room at Gracie’s Place, a relief nursery in Salem for children whose families are in crisis. Teachers also make home visits to help parents with their skills. The relief nursery puts an emphasis on emotional development: trust, stability and security, qualities that help form the base for learning in young children.
Oregon offers promising programs to support the social and emotional health of infants and toddlers in the critical first years of life, but those efforts reach only a fraction of the kids who need them, a child advocacy group reported today.
By not investing more in "upstream" prevention programs for infants and toddlers, "Oregon will continue to flood its downstream mental health treatment programs, its alcohol and drug addiction services, and its criminal justice system," writes the Children's Institute of Portland in its report, "From Risk to Resilience: Building the Social and Emotional Health of Oregon's Most Vulnerable Young Children."
But when children do not get enough adult support and interaction, the report says, they become distracted or disengaged, impulsive, insecure and prone to emotional outbursts and fights with classmates. Factors that jeopardize healthy social and emotional development include parents with depression or drug and alcohol problems, poverty, exposure to violence, neglect, abuse and loss of a parent.
Many Oregon programs reduce risk factors and aid healthy social and emotional development in young children, the institute reports. One is Healthy Start, a family support and education program. Relief nurseries provide quality preschools, parent coaching and other services. Early Head Start, which the Legislature in February expanded by $1 million, helps parents develop healthy relationships with their infants and toddlers.
But those and other programs reach only a small share of children in need of support, the institute reports. Healthy Start screens 10,000 families with a first-born child each year and provides home visits from a professional for about 2,500 to 3,000 of them. Relief Nurseries serve 954 children in 11 Oregon communities. Early Head Start reaches about 1,700 children and their families –- less than 6 percent of those eligible.
"A chasm remains between what Oregon is doing and what we should be doing," the report says.
Early Head Start grant is awarded to Family Building Blocks
February 9, 2010
We are thrilled to announce that we will be able to serve an additional 60 young children and their families. Family Building Blocks has been selected to provide Early Head Start services for low-income families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women. Early Head Start promotes healthy families by providing education, home-visits, activities for families, child care services and more. Read more in the Statesman Journal article, "Federal funds to give babies a head start."
FBB’s expanded services will create 20 new job positions.
Family Building Blocks was voted one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon
October, 2009
Oregon Business surveyed more than 6,700 employees from over 200 nonprofits and not-for-profits organizations around the state. read more
Service clubs court younger demographic
Ruth Liao, Statesman Journal
October 1, 2009
At 35, Michael Lopez is the Salem Downtown Kiwanis' youngest president in recent memory — his full head of black hair tends to stand out in the sea of white-haired members.
Nonprofits are finding it harder to attract leaders such as Lopez, as well as donors and volunteers in his generation.
"They're out there, and they want to help..." read more
Oregon nurseries give parents, kids a sanctuary in tough times
by Paige Parker, The Oregonian
"You have to deal with your kids when you've just been told no on an interview," says Bonneau, who is separated from her husband. "When you've just been told 'No, we can't help you with your apartment.' You just want to sit down and bawl, and you've got to keep acting like you've still got it together for your kids."
Even in the best of times, raising children can challenge the most stable of parents.
But the worst of times -- times like these -- can leave stressed-out adults unfit to parent just when their children need them most. Under the pressure, some can crack.
Not if Oregon's 11 relief nurseries have anything to say about it... read more
Reruns for Kids Voted Local Favorite for Best Children's Clothing Store
April 26, 2009
Family Building Blocks Parent Receives Award
By Jillian Daley, Statesman Journal
March 15, 2009
The Soroptimist of Keizer's Fifth Annual Awards Banquet will be Thursday. At 6 p.m. at MiNa's at the McNary Golf Course, the Soroptimists will give Sophia Macaitis their Women's Opportunity Award and Laura Kelder their Violet Richardson Award, said Soroptimist member Jennifer Wilson.
Macaitis, a mother of two, is working on a bachelor's degree in social services at Portland State University. After her June 2010 graduation, she plans to work with at-risk youths. Her award will be $1,000.
Kelder, a McNary High School senior, volunteers at Salem Hospital two hours per week. Teens 14 to 17 engaged in volunteer activity for their schools or communities usually are eligible for the award. Kelder will receive $100, and Salem Hospital will receive $100 through the award.
Women's Opportunity Awards are intended to provide resources to a woman who wants to improve her education, skills or job prospects and who is the primary source of financial support for her family.
Director of Family Building Blocks wins ATHENA service award
By Capi Lynn, Statesman Journal
January 21, 2009
"Sitting on Sue Miller's desk at Family Building Blocks is a small sign with a quotation from anthropologist Margaret Mead.
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,' the sign reads.
Miller shared that message Tuesday during a luncheon at Salem Conference Center after receiving the ATHENA Award, which honors individuals for professional excellence, community service and leadership..."
'She always found ways to help'
ATHENA Award recipient Sue Miller's family sings her praises
By Capi Lynn, Statesman Journal
January 22, 2009
Sue Miller loves to talk about her work, her passion. As executive director of Family Building Blocks, which provides intervention services to high-risk children and families, she gets to make a difference.
But try to get her to talk about herself, her personal accomplishments, and she all but cringes.
Like this week, for example, when she received the ATHENA Award for professional excellence, community service and leadership. She was chosen from among 10 nominees, all women with impressive credentials.
"This is somewhere between humbling and embarrassing," Sue told me when I first congratulated her by phone....
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