Vol. 15, No. 2 • May 2011
Message from the President of the NC Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
by Stacey Darbee
Greetings from NCFAPA! I would like to take an opportunity this issue to introduce the North Carolina Foster and Adoptive Parent Association to those who do not yet know us and to help everyone understand what NCFAPA is and does. NCFAPA is a 501 (c) 3 association (recognized by the federal government as a not-for-profit). Our mission is to promote quality foster and adoptive services through collaborative advocacy, education, resources, reunification efforts, and networking.
Board and Staff Members
We are a volunteer led organization. The NCFAPA Board of Directors is a working board (rather than a governing or policy board). Board members do the organization’s work, participating in program, fund-raising, and administrative activities. Our board is comprised entirely of foster (current or former) parents and adoptive parents. To serve its members, NCFAPA is divided into four regions, with four board members from each region. We also have several ex-officio (nonvoting) members on our board. At present NCFAPA has only one part-time staff person for a part of the year.
Funding
Funding for NCFAPA comes through a grant from the NC Division of Social Services within the NC Department of Health and Human Resources, and from memberships, donations, and other small grants. We have a physical address in Raleigh but our actual offices are virtual (offices or kitchen tables in our homes). Phones ring in our homes and in our cars.The Future
This Fostering Perspectives issue focuses on preparing youth for the future. NCFAPA, too, is looking at transitioning to the next phase. We have primarily been known as the group that puts on a heckuva great conference every spring. Foster parents receive their entire year’s worth of educational hours for re-licensing as well as the opportunity to gain knowledge and support from parents all across our state.The annual conference is a great event, yet NCFAPA does a lot of other things, too. We answer phone calls and emails in support of myriad questions/problems from our families. We advocate tirelessly on many fronts for North Carolina’s foster and adoptive families.
In the future, NCFAPA’s priority goal is to set up a mentor program and support team throughout the state. We believe that this is an essential aspect of service to our members, especially in today’s climate.
So, next year the conference may not be quite as grand, but be assured that we are exploring other options to offer you resources, advocacy, and education through our mentor and support team. Although economic times are very tough, NCFAPA will remain true to our mission. As with any group or cause we are only as strong as our members so please strongly consider joining us now!
2011 Conference
We held our 13th Annual Education Conference in Charlotte in April: Peace, Love & Family….Growing Groovy Families! We had so much fun with this theme and our participants loved it. Gracias, merci, danke, thank you to all of our PRESENTERS!Also, congratulations to award winners Alex and Sandra Wisnoski (Foster Parents of the Year) and Billy Maddalon & Brooks Shelley (Adoptive Parents of the Year).
Legislative Awareness Day
Come and make a difference on May 19, 2011 as we facilitate Legislative Awareness Day at the General Assembly! Check out the website www.ncfapa.org for more details. Anyone can make a difference. We will have all the materials you will need. It’s not hard at all and we will even be giving mini-advocacy training sessions at the building. Do not let the rule makers and financial decision makers forget or misunderstand our children and families!Have a great spring! NCFAPA hopes to see you soon!
Copyright � 2011 Jordan Institute for Families
