TREEHOUSE CELEBRATES NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH - MAY 2010

May 1 – Treehouse Volunteer Recognition Pancake Breakfast

Join us as we celebrate Treehouse’s amazing volunteers with this casual, drop-in breakfast with games and prizes. Volunteers are welcome to bring family! At Treehouse, 9:00 – 11:30 am. To RSVP, contact Melissa Bang-Knudsen at 206-267-5117 or Melissa@treehouseforkids.org

May 5 – UW School of Social Work Mark Courtney Lecture: Reuniting Families in Washington State

Reunifying children with their families once they are placed in foster care is a challenging, perennial issue. Working in partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services Children’s Administration and the juvenile court system, Partners for Our Children research has identified opportunities to increase the likelihood that children in foster care can return home safely to their families. Dr. Courtney also will focus on the processes POC uses to engage system partners, the results of reunification research, and the ongoing demonstration projects. UW School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle; Room 305AB; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. To register:http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/75/events/lecture/

May 11 – Donor Roundtable: They Do It for the Money, Right? Dispelling the Myths of Foster Care

Panel of foster parents (Degale Cooper, Ann Lokey, Maggie Metcalfe) speak on dispelling myths that surround foster care with opening remarks by Janis Avery. UW School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle; Room 305AB; 5:30 pm Reception, 6:15 – 7:30 pm Program. To RSVP, contact Michelle Siderius at 206-267-5104 or michelles@treehouseforkids.org

May 13 – Treehouse Educational Advocacy Training

Attend this free workshop especially for foster parents and relative caregivers to learn how to effectively advocate for foster kids’ needs in school. Workshop is provided by the Treehouse Educational Advocacy Peer Training Program. Topics include: understanding your critical role as an advocate for your child at school; gain knowledge of key education rights and laws; increase your ability to access resources and programs for your children; and learn practical techniques that support learning. 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Treehouse. To RSVP, please contact Sarah Schneider at 206-267-5142.

May 17 – Beyond the Basics: Treehouse Educational Advocacy Training

Attend this free Beyond the Basics workshop especially for foster parents and relative caregivers to learn more advanced techniques to effectively advocate for your kids' needs at school. Training is provided by the Treehouse Educational Advocacy Peer Training Program. Topics include: special education types, requirements and procedures; the school discipline process; get tips and resources for school meetings and teacher conferences; and learn how to participate in your child’s education. 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Treehouse. To RSVP, please contact Sarah Schneider at 206-267-5142.

May 19 – FORE! Foster Kids Happy Hour Kick-Off

Fore! Foster Kids is where happy hour meets mini-golf meets fun in the sun. Here’s how it works: Teams of five (four golfers plus one caddy) raise money to compete for awesome prizes and that warm fuzzy feeling of helping foster youth. There is a $25 entry fee per player and each team must raise a minimum of $1,000. Your friends and family can “buy” advantages for your team by donating to your team. Every dollar donated over $1,000 gives you Madness Money allowing you to "buy advantages. Think your team could benefit from a mulligan or two? Get donations! Entry fee includes: one drink ticket, live music, good grub, and admission to one very happenin’ shindig. There are two waves of golf at 5:30pm and at 7:30pm. Space is limited! You must be 21 or older to participate. For more info, contact Shaunessy Jones at events@treehouseforkids.org or 206-267-5112. REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 2nd.

May 20 – Center for Women in Democracy Food for Thought Event: FOSTER CARE: How Are We Supporting Our Kids?

Join us for a passionate and in depth discussion of foster care and child welfare issues. Our speakers represent four different perspectives: legislative, executive, nonprofit, and foster care system alumnus. You will learn about what is happening to improve outcomes for our youth in foster care by changing the systems and supporting community involvement. We will talk about realities, challenges and opportunities under the current system, as well as the next big issues to tackle. Features DSHS Secretary Susan Dreyfus; Representative Ruth Kagi, Foster Care Alumnus Jeannie Kee, and Janis Avery. Women’s University Club, 1105 Sixth Ave, $35 in advance includes dinner. To register: http://www.womenanddemocracy.org/

May 25 – Passages: Take Flight

A celebration for foster kids aging out of Foster Care. Features youth-led program celebrating aging out, graduating high school and post-high school plans; dinner for kids and their caregivers. Treehouse gives all 17-18 year old foster kids a Hope Chest of things for their first apartments or dorm rooms. Joint program of Treehouse, YMCA Independent Living program, Casey Family Programs, Mockingbird Society and Children’s Administration. Museum of Flight, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. This event is invitation only. For more information contact events@treehouseforkids.org.