Last week 17 staff members attended the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Summit in Granger, Indiana.

(TBRI) is transforming how professionals and caregivers understand and respond to children who have experienced trauma. This attachment-based, trauma-informed approach is grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory, and sensory research. At its core, TBRI helps adults see behavior not as defiance, but as communication of an unmet need. It's why the theme for the Summit was the African Proverb, "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." Because our staff understand that a child who has experienced trauma needs connection in order to communicate needs effectively and appropriately.

For more on TBRI and how we are using it at our agency, keep your eyes out for our Annual Report, hitting mailboxes in a few weeks!

For the sixth year in a row, Eugenia Cole has brought joy and comfort to children in foster care through a simple yet meaningful tradition, hand-prepared Easter bags. Each year, Eugenia dedicates her time and resources to creating thoughtful gift bags, ensuring that children who may be facing uncertainty still have a reason to smile during the holiday.

What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a heartfelt commitment. Eugenia understands that for many children in foster care, holidays can be especially difficult. By providing these Easter bags, she offers not only gifts, but also a sense of care, recognition, and belonging.

Her continued generosity is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. Through her efforts, dozens of children each year are reminded that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. Thank you so much, Eugenia!

Foster Care Licensing team members Rochelle, Korey, and Melissa joined area partners in the Kalamazoo Licensing Coalition pinwheels event supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year our Licensing team helps spread the word about child abuse prevention and the need for more foster care parents to help support the cause.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, click here: https://fcsource.org/be-a-foster-parent/

Join us for an open house to learn more about our new Family Care program! Tuesday, April 14th between 6-7pm. If you have questions about the program beforehand, contact Melinda Andrews at melinda.andrews@fcsource.org

$500 sign-on bonus!!!

We are looking for a Foster Care Parenting Coach to work closely with our Foster Care Team here in Kalamazoo. There is a $500 sign-on bonus for this full-time position with benefits.

For more information on the position or to apply, click here: https://bit.ly/3INfI0k