November 2024
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
A NIGHT AMONG THE STARS
Children’s Aid and Family Services hosted its 125th anniversary gala on October 4, 2024, at Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. More than 200 guests walked the red carpet wearing Oscar-worthy attire. A Night Among the Stars was supported by 38 sponsors, attended by more than 200 guests, and was hosted by the agency’s CEO, Shavonda Sumter, and Board Chair, Dennis Martin. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs that support vulnerable children, adults and families.
Open House to Celebrate Woodlea Group Home Renovation and Re-opening
Children’s Aid and Family Services recently hosted an open house to celebrate the re-opening of the Woodlea Group Home in Ridgewood. This home has been a vital part of Children’s Aid since 1973 when it was purchased and renovated by the Junior League of Bergen County. Led by Ridgewood resident Barbara Bolger, the home was donated to Children’s Aid to serve children in foster care. It was named in honor of the Junior League and the village of Ridgewood.
No-cost Adoption and Kinship Family Therapy is Changing Lives
Families with adopted children from foster care, those considering adoption, and families formed by kinship now have access to no-cost in-home therapy to help meet many of the challenges that may arise. Launched earlier this year by Children’s Aid and Family Services, Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianship Clinical Services (AKLG) is designed to be a collaboration between families and therapists, providing support for adoptive parents to increase connections with their children and reduce challenging behaviors. “There is no other program that focuses on adoption and attachment, recognizing the challenges of parenting a child with a background of trauma,” says Lisa Duff, Director. “With this therapy, parents feel seen and validated. Families tell us they’ve been waiting for a program like this.”
Chronic Absenteeism and Social Media Safety Are at the Forefront of Educator’s Concerns
With the new academic year underway schools are grappling with lingering mental wellness challenges that stem from the pandemic’s nearly two-year disruption. Two pressing issues – chronic absenteeism and social media safety – are at the forefront of educator’s concerns and are key focuses of the agency’s NJ4S program (New Jersey Student Support Services).
Angels in Adoption® Award presented to Cynthia Lapidus for Outstanding Advocacy Work
Cynthia Lapidus, an adoption advocate with over 30 years of experience, has been selected by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute as one of New Jersey’s Angels in Adoption Honorees. In her current role as Warm Line and Training Specialist for the NJ Adoption Resource Clearing House (NJ ARCH) and Kinship Care Clearing House (KinKonnect), programs of Children’s Aid and Family Services, she shares her extensive knowledge of adoption information and resources with compassion and empathy to those who contact the program with questions and concerns.
Snazzy New Kitchen in Hawthorne Group Home
Children’s Aid and Family Services’ community home (group home) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has a gleaming new kitchen thanks to a supporter who wishes to remain anonymous. Updated countertops, cabinets, flooring and stainless appliances enhance functionality for staff and the four residents.
Organization and Foundation Support
Children’s Aid and Family Services gratefully acknowledges the many generous organizations and foundations that provided grants to support its programs for vulnerable children, adults and families.
- Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation
- Allendale Women’s Club
- Columbia Bank Foundation
- Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
- Frank X & Mary E Weny Charitable Trust
- Gift of Life America
- Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust
- Greater Bergen REALTORS® CARES Foundation
- Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
- Johnson & Johnson
- Novartis
- Orange Orphan Society
- PSEG Foundation
- Sisters of St. Francis Peace
- St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
- TD Charitable Foundation
- The Bank of America Charitable Foundation
- The Buster Spike Lucky Elkin Marri Love & Luck Fund
- The FARM Team
- The Greater Newark Holiday Fund
- The John and Margaret Post Foundation
- The Kaplen Fund
- The Lillian P. Schenck Foundation
- The M&T Charitable Foundation
- The Provident Bank Foundation
- The Valley Hospital Foundation
- The WaWa Foundation
- TJX Foundation
- Turrell Fund
- Visions Federal Credit Union
- Whole Foods Market Foundation
- The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood