Childbirth Connection Foundation

The Board Thanks Cara Moyer Duncan

rsteckel — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:37:48 +0000

Cara was a charter member of the Foundation’s board of directors, serving five years. She was an invaluable asset contributing as our secretary, mentor and assisting in several special projects.

While finishing her doctoral dissertation on South African film, she was accepted as a Scholar in Residence at Emerson College in Boston and will be teaching two classes this coming year. We already miss you Cara. Good Luck!

Randi’s Corner – Thinking About Summer

rsteckel — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:08:06 +0000

It is hard to believe that summer time is here once again but as the weather has warmed up, I find myself looking forward to the longer days filled with fun activities for all of us. This summer we have already set our calendar with activities such as going to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert and art workshop to follow for children and their parents. In August we are planning our annual beach trip for a fun filled day at Zuma beach. The staff is busy planning trips for individual families who want to participate in going on outings with their children while they are off for summer vacation.

The foundation is also sending a number of children to day camp to keep children busy and thriving as well as giving their parents a break from the rigors of parenting now that school is out for several weeks and there is no summer school. Summer is truly a time for creating memories for both children and their parents and we are very happy to be part of making this happen.

The Childbirth Connection welcomes John Wilson as our new Santa

rsteckel — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:47:32 +0000

This is the first year John volunteers at our annual Holiday party and we look forward to many more…

“ When the Childbirth Connection asked me to be Santa, I was honored because I had the privilege to witness and be part of making the children smile and laugh. This is my first time volunteering so seeing the children enjoying themselves was very rewarding.”

Family “Adopted” by Local Dental Hygienist Society

rsteckel — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:00:30 +0000

The San Fernando Valley Dental Hygienists Society has adopted one of our families for the holidays. The group hosted a party for the family where they were presented with food, presents and a gift card to a local supermarket. The group also gave the entire family a free teeth cleaning and dental hygene instruction. Additionally, they purchased clothing for each of the kids for Christmas. Check them out at: sfvdhs.org

Theater Day – Mary Poppins

rsteckel — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:01:20 +0000

It was a cold rainy day in December when 35 of us set out to spend a day at the theater. In spite of the weather, all had a terrific time. We started off with lunch at the famous Philippe’s restaurant, a Los Angeles landmark, and then headed down the street to the Music Center. The dancing fountain in the courtyard was an event in itself. The children delighted in guessing when the water would spring up from the ground!

When we entered the Ahmanson Theater, the group was impressed with it’s size and they loved the holiday decorations. Once everyone was settled in their seats and the lights went down, you could feel the excitement in the air. From the overture to the finale everyone was glued to their seat. The play was magical; Maria I. said “It felt like my heart was happy” and Christina G. stated “It was like connecting with my inner child”.

This was an event that will not soon be forgotten. Thanks to all our donors for making this special day possible.

Annual Holiday Party Huge Success

rsteckel — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:20:30 +0000

The foundation held its annual Christmas party at the Central Lutheran Church in Van Nuys. Volunteers came early to decorate the hall. There was a crafts table to keep the children busy while we were waiting for Santa. We had over 100 people. The party featured entertainment, pizza and Santa, who came to hand out presents to all the youngsters. This year our Santa was John Wilson. It was a very festive party enjoyed by all.

Westland School Sponsors Holiday Dinners

rsteckel — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:00:35 +0000

We were so pleased to receive support from Westland School. Once again they came through for the Thanksgiving holiday and provided dinners or gift cards from markets for more than 17 families. They have been doing this every year for the last 18 years. Check them out at: www.westlandschool.org

Girls Group

rsteckel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:21:36 +0000

Several school age girls along with a few teens met with mentors to get their nails done and enjoy a meal together while they talked about school, homework, boys and parents. The Nail Shop in Northridge was kind enough to offer a discount while we practically took over their shop on a warm November afternoon. We are hoping to get all the girls together during the two week vacation in December and bake cookies to give as gifts to celebrate the season of giving.

New Computer for Honor Student

bsteckel — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:02:49 +0000

This past spring, Childbirth Connection Foundation purchased Sanda a new lap top. Sanda is a promising student who will be a high school senior this fall. With a full lineup of honors and advanced placement classes, Sanda will use her new computer to do homework, write papers and work on class projects. Sanda says, “I am going to write my future on the computer by using it to write all of my papers.” In addition to school, Sanda has a part-time job and just made it onto the dance squad at her high school. Sanda will start applying to colleges this year and hopes to attend a great school in 2010!

Mentor Spotlight – Janet

bsteckel — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:56:28 +0000

Janet has been a mentor with Childbirth Connection Foundation since November of 2008. This is Janet’s first time mentoring, and although she has no children of her own she loves spending time with kids. Since November, she has been meeting monthly with Laura, a sweet, soft-spoken 11 year old. Janet has taken Laura on outings to museums, the theater and music concerts as well as trips to the park and other free community activities.

She gave Laura an art set and they have enjoyed painting together on their outings to the park. An interior designer with a love of the arts, Janet hopes to instill in Laura an appreciation for the arts by “exposing her to cultural experiences”. Janet helps Laura to observe and comment on art and the world around us. She says that Laura has shown a great deal of enthusiasm and real willingness to learn. Janet stated “it has been very satisfying and worthwhile as our relationship grows.” Additionally, Janet states “it is a real pleasure to spend time with Laura.”

If you are interested in impacting the life of a child by becoming a mentor, please contact us!