19th Annual Manatee Children's Summit—Our Children: Safe from the Start

The 19th Annual Manatee Children's Summit (Our Children: Safe from the Start) will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The event features presentations on child safety and tons of fun activities for the kids.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call (941) 749-3030.

Despite Bleak Outcomes for Most Foster Children, There Is Hope

Statistics don't look favorably upon foster children who have aged out of the system.

"According to national statistics provided by Arrow, 40 to 50 percent of [foster] children will never complete high school. Sixty-six percent of them will be homeless, go to jail or die within one year of leaving the foster care system at 18.

Arrow also said 80 percent of the prison population once was in foster care, and that girls in foster care are 600 percent more likely than the general population to become pregnant before the age of 21."

Source: Amarillo Globe-News

However, studies have found that adolescents in foster care who develop compassionate attitudes toward themselves and others have better resilience and mental health. Adolescents who engage in meaningful participation also seem to be more resilient.

Involvement in church or community service can provide both of these things for children and adolescents in foster care. Traits of psychological resilience also include self-understanding, strong social support, and faith—all of which can be found in a compassionate church environment.

Foster kids can connect with churches through BAANK's Operation Relaxation program (our a once-a-month foster parent night out), youth groups, or Sunday School. The Central Church of Christ recently hosted a VBS for foster kids during Operation Relaxation where the kids had an opportunity to hear a Bible story by watching a puppet show. Likewise, parents can connect through parenting classes that are provided through a church, or by church attendance.

Although sadly many foster children face a bleak future, there is hope for some futures to be bright by nurturing compassion and resilience through involvement in church and community service. Of course, the benefits of church involvement are not limited only to foster children, but there is no better environment in which to cultivate compassion, engage in meaningful participation, and gain useful tools for life.

A Themed "VBS" Foster Parent Night Out: Sharing the Bible with Foster Kids

On Saturday August 10th, the Central Church of Christ combined an Operation Relaxation (Foster Parent Night Out) with a themed VBS on the Genesis story of Joseph. Fifty-nine foster children got the opportunity to hear the Bible and do fun VBS activities that usually only church kids get to do.

In addition, 16 foster families received school supplies for the school aged children in their care.

The fun night included a puppet show, crafts, and t-shirts.

Puppet show on the story of Joseph

Even the hallway tells a story: the imagery from Joseph and Pharaoh's dreams

The Central Church of Christ had a large team of 29 volunteers that night.

Two Central volunteers in "jail"

We'd especially like to thank the Northwest Tampa Church of Christ puppet team for blessing the foster kids with a puppet show and a Bible story!

Northwest Tampa Church of Christ puppet team

The kids all had so much fun!

The area's next Foster Parent Night Out will be Saturday, September 21st at Sarasota Christian Church.

In The Works: Sarasota D-Fy (Drug Free Youth)

Drug-Free Youth is an existing program for middle and high school students in North Port and Venice that BAANK is working to help establish in Sarasota.

The idea is for students to pledge their commitment to being drug-free by voluntarily taking a drug test. They will then receive a membership card that will enable them to enjoy discounts at participating businesses.

We are looking for local Sarasota businesses that are willing to encourage these kids to remain drug-free by offering discounts to students who present a D-Fy membership card. Students agree to be randomly drug tested throughout the school year and will not be able to retain their membership card if they test positive.

If you'd like to help in this community effort, please contact us at (941) 374-1818 or BAANKCentral@comcast.net.

You can check out the existing D-Fy programs at the following websites:
1. North Port D-Fy
2. North Port D-Fy Facebook
3. Venice Drug Free Youth Facebook
4. Sarasota County Drug Free Youth Initiative

Trauma Informed Care Workshop - September 28th, 2013

This free, half-day workshop is for pastors, youth workers, children's workers, small group leaders, community ministers and church members to become better equipped to deal with trauma in people's lives. 

It will take place on Saturday, September 28th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Grace Church SRQ.

We are excited to have psychologist Dr. Robert Boxley from Manatee Glens join us as our keynote speaker, along with the other professionals who will be facilitating the breakout classes.

Refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to register, contact Rod Myers at (941) 374-1818 or BAANKCentral@comcast.net.

Save the Date for a FREE Trauma Informed Care Workshop

Free Workshop Sponsored by:

Believers Against Abuse and Neglect of Kids (BAANK)

Manatee Glens Hospital for Mental Health & Addictions

GRIP: God Raising Incredible Parents

Family Safety Alliance

Florida Department of Children and Families

Selah Freedom

Guardian ad Litem

Eagle's Wings Counseling Center

Save the Date!
WHEN: Saturday, September 28 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm
WHERE: Grace Church SRQ
8000 Bee Ridge Rd
Sarasota, FL  34241
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Robert Boxley, Manatee Glens
BREAKOUT SESSIONS for Pastors, Small Group Leaders, Youth and Children Workers, and Community Based Ministers
WHY? (1) To equip pastors, teachers, and community-based ministers for working with people we encounter with deep wounds (trauma) that affect faith and behavior. (2) To connect with like-minded people.

CONTACT: Rod Myers, 941-374-1818 or BAANKcentral@comcast.net

Selah Freedom 5K! Race Your Voice: Run for the Voiceless

Selah Freedom will be hosting a "5K for Freedom" and Family Fun Walk on September 7th, 2013 at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Bradenton, FL.

Selah Freedom is a Florida organization that fights domestic human trafficking.

To register as a runner in the 5k or the Family Fun Walk, fill out the form on the Selah Freedom website. Non-runners and business owners wishing to become sponsors can do so by contacting info@selahfreedom.com.