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Are You Ready for School?

There is so much that goes into getting a child ready for school each day. Homes echo with similar conversations, “Get your shoes on, the bus will be here any minute! Where’s your back pack? Did you brush your teeth? I’m going to check your toothbrush - it better be wet! Hurry up, it’s time to go!” Beyond the struggle to get a child ready for the school day, The Baby Fold is working to help families meet the needs of their children so each child is not merely ready for the school day, but ready to learn. This includes not only necessary back to school supplies like paper, pencils, calculators and crayons, but also a healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and a safe and stable home.

We know that when students come to school ready to learn and families are engaged in their child’s education and growth, teachers can bring out the best in every child! The Baby Fold is invested in bringing out the best in our Hammitt School students from kindergarten through high school, connecting with their families, and additionally utilizing our embedded Social Worker at Fairview Elementary School through our new Community School initiative where we help students and families reach their full potential, too.

“Are you ready for school?” When The Baby Fold is involved, the answer is “YES!” Click here to make this a successful school year for our students!

Campers Catch More than Just Fish

This summer, The Baby Fold celebrated its 40th year of East Bay Camp for our Hammitt School students and our United Methodist high school volunteers. The campers, surrounded by nature's beauty, enjoyed forging new friendships while learning. For many of the UMC high school volunteers, this week of interaction with Baby Fold kids helps them decide on a possible career path in special education, psychology, or social work. And of course our kids LOVE the extra attention from the “big kids”, and the high school volunteers LOVE to make connections with our students. Rev. Tom Corum, Dean of the UM camp, says, “I love to watch the high school campers and The Baby Fold kids light each other up!”

The wonderful memories of Camp surely linger long after the mosquito bites and sunburn disappear. As one of our Hammitt students said on the last day of camp, “How soon can we come back here? This was the best week ever!” Many of the high school volunteers are asking the very same question.

Healthy Start Campaign Reaches Halfway Milestone!

We have crossed the half-way mark on our way to create a $1,000,000 endowment for our Healthy Start Program! This amazing program partners new young mothers with our specialists, teaching and connecting mother and baby to building strong, stable and healthy family environments. This program has proven to stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect with a 98% success rate. With the campaign now totaling $505,396, we are changing the world one family at a time, and you can help!  To learn more or to contribute to this important program, contact Aimee Beam at abeam@thebabyfold.org today!

Include The Baby Fold in your Estate Planning

Legacy gifts have historic significance for The Baby Fold, providing the opportunity for capital and program expansion, as well as providing reliable investment income for its work on behalf of children and families.

Documenting your intent is a simple process and helps The Baby Fold understands how you want your generosity utilized in the future. By designating a purpose for your gift, you'll ensure your wishes are met. To provide a bright future for The Baby Fold’s next 115 years, contact Norris Porter, Assistant VP for Major Gifts & Planned Giving, at nporter@thebabyfold.org or call (309) 451-7204.

It's a Family Affair

For three generations, the Steidinger family has welcomed foster children into their hearts and homes. They are models of compassion and caring for children who need to experience love and stability until a permanent home can be found. No matter the age, gender, or characteristics of the children, the Steidinger mindset is perfect for fostering children--simply loving and supporting children in need. Would you like to learn more about becoming a Foster Care family? Please contact Gayla Jackson at gjackson@thebabyfold.org

CEO Honors the Past

CEO Dianne Schultz presented Honorary Lifetime Board Member Harriet O’Daffer with a music box in appreciation for her many years of service. Harriet began serving on the Board of Directors in 1968. “We stand on the shoulders of those leaders who blazed a trail for us years ago. We are grateful for Harriet and the lasting positive impact she left on our agency," said Schultz. Also pictured is Harriet’s husband Phares who is also a long-time supporter and friend to The Baby Fold.