Loved Project

Becky's Kids 'Back to School' shopping

2011-07-28T13:32:00.001-07:00

The LOVED Project was blessed to be a part of Becky's Kids 'Back to School' shopping adventure today! The LOVED project fed pizza to 60-70 people at Community of Christ church. Becky's Kids paired Izard County foster children with shopping buddies that helped them shop for back to school supplies and clothes. Check out Becky's Kids on Facebook!

Dia Sawyer

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Smile for a Smile

2010-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Vicki Trimble of Lake Frierson State Park, her co-workers and church family we were able to place 'a smile' on the faces of the foster children in Mississippi County for Christmas. Pictured with the donated gifts is Supervisor of MISS CO DHS Tonya Howard-Jones.

We Asked...and YOU Answered!

2010-12-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU to each community member that has donated to the CR CO Foster Children's Snack Box. This Outreach project was a partnership between DHS's SSA Jennifer Milligan and the LOVED Project and with the success the children being brought into the foster system can immediately have access to a healthy snack before being taking to a foster home. On behalf of all of the system workers...we Thank You for giving to start this much needed Snack Box. Amy Harris - Director

SPREADING THE WORD!

2010-12-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

CR CO 9&Under 2010 Christmas Gathering

2010-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

LP Mentor (aka: Santa) reads a letter from this little foster girl during the festivities!

A Home for the Holidays - 12/22

2010-12-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Craighead County Foster Children need a 'Snack Box'

2010-12-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

The need is for those children, due to abuse and neglect, who are being brought into the foster system to have food available at the DHS office upon their arrival. Many of these children cannot tell us when the last time they ate and often they are picked up in the wee hours of the morning, late at night and at all times during daytime hours. The LOVED Project in conjunction with the SSA's of CR CO DHS are asking for food items that are ready-to-eat and items that come in 'microwave ready bowls'. My suggestion would be such food items as: Vienna Sausages, individual crackers and cheese, microwavable Mac & Cheese, microwavable Soup in a can, the Ramen Noodle Chicken and Beef that comes in the microwavable bowls (the just add water kind), Pop Tarts, breakfast bars, and Juice Boxes. Please NO Peanut food products due to allergies the children may have that are not yet known. We are looking for community persons (or Groups) that would be willing to donate to the 'Snack Box'. Interested parties can drop food items at the lobby desk of CR CO DHS' Children and Family Division Office located at 2320 McClellan Drive in Jonesboro. Arrangements may also be made for someone to pick the items up to take to the office, if needed by calling 870-819-1910. Wishing you a Very Blessed Holiday Season, Amy Harris-Director

Outreach Project for Mississippi County Foster Children

2010-12-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

There are 62 children in the foster care system, in Mississippi County, that with our help, will have a great Christmas this year. Sudbury Broadcasting has partnered with the Loved Project to help bring a little Christmas joy to these kids but we can’t do it without you! The radio stations in Blytheville located at 125 S. 2nd will be collecting unwrapped gifts from now until Dec 17th to be distributed to the foster care children in Mississippi County. We have 14 boys age 3 and under (youngest being 1 yr old), 6 girls age 3 and under (youngest being 5 months old), 5 boys and 6 girls ages 4-6, 3 boys and 5 girls ages 7-10, 1 boy and 7 girls ages 11-14, and 6 boys and 9 girls ages 15-18.

THANK YOU to ALL who have already dropped off a gift!

2010 Jonesboro Sun 'Adoption Story'

2010-11-28T19:21:00.001-08:00

Enjoying the Adoption Reception

2010-11-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

MANY THANKS!

2010-11-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

WOW thanks Sudbury Broadcasting Group: KHLS-FM, KLCN-AM, KAMJ-FM, KQXF-FM and KOSE-AM for airing the LOVED Project PSA 155 times in October 2010!

Upcoming events in honor and to bring awareness of National Adoption Month:

An Adoption Reception honoring the 96 Arkansas children adopted so far this year and the 30 who will finalize adoption this month!

Correction: 28th is this year's 2010 Adoption Story in Jonesboro Sun - Featuring the Pemberton Family

22nd Interview at 11 on KAIT TV 8

There are Children who need a Forever Family

2010-11-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

It's National Adoption Month and there are many, many children who are in need of a Forever Family to adopt them so that the children do not have to remain in the foster system. The LOVED Project Heart Gallery is a tool that assist these children in their search. Every child needs a safe environment to grow up in - it's a family - a place to belong. We thrive each and every day to bring community awareness to the fact that for whatever reason the parent's of the children lost their rights and our court system ordered termination; leaving a child, who at no fault of their own, without a family. There are over one hundred thousand children sitting in the foster system today who are still waiting on adoption. Yes many children have found their family - thus removing them from our already overburdened system. These families who have opened their hearts and homes to these children should be commended and held in the highest respect.

If you are looking for a reason to adopt please take a moment and realize what it is like to be waiting, as a child, for a family and what having a family can mean to a child, Amy Harris-LOVED Project Director

Miracle Rodeo 10/30/2010

2010-10-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Come out and enjoy the day! Thanks Sherry Carter & the CR CO Mounted Patrol for giving us the opportunity to join in this great event!

Now thru November-National Adoption Month

2010-10-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

The LOVED Project Heart Gallery can be viewed on McHaney Street Blytheville AR at Nehemiah Temple COGIC.

Brookland News Quarterly

2010-10-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

White County AR Regional Libraries Lend a Hand

2010-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

White County Residents and Visitors can view the LOVED Project's Digital Heart Gallery at each of the following Library Locations:

White County Regional 113 Pleasure Ave Searcy
Baldwin Memorial 612 Van Buren in Judsonia
Lyda Miller 2609 Hwy. 367 N Bald Knob
Beebe Public 115 W. Illinois Beebe
Pangburn Public 9214 Main Street Pangburn
Bradford Public 308 W. Walnut Bradford
Rose Bud Public 548A Hwy 5 Rose Bud

Thank You each for being a venue for the children searching for their Forever Family!

In Search of Forever Families

2010-09-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

LOVED Project's Digital Heart Gallery are on display at these local businesses:

BROOKLAND CITY HALL- 613 Nt Holman St Brookland, AR
MISSISSIPPI CO Sudburry Radio Office - 125 S 2nd St Blytheville, AR
BELLA Z DINER - 5435 E Nettleton Ave. Jonesboro, AR

LOVED Project Updates

2010-08-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

LOVED Project now covers 18 counties across NE AR. They are: Independence, White, Stone, Cleburne, Woodruff, Jackson, Crittenden, Poinsett, Cross, Fulton, Izard, Sharp, Randolph, Craighead, Clay, Greene, Mississippi and Lawrence Counties.

Sudburry Radio Group will air a Radio PSA about the LOVED Project Heart Gallery throughout our new counties and their broadcast area.

Several referrals for children searching for their Forever Family has resulted in photos being added to the Heart Gallery and new photographers joining the group to donate their professional services to better the chances of adoption.

LOVED Project Mentor Program is coming along quite well with new mentors being assigned to form relationships with children who find themselves in the middle of the foster system.

Heart Gallery original and digital are being updated but will soon be back out on the road - look for updates on venues coming soon.

Summer is winding down but it has been great teaming up with the likes of Frito Lay for a 'Day In The Park' for Craighead County Foster Children, with the Adoption Specialist Group on the 2010 Adoption Picnic and with Mastercraft along with several community members who worked on 'A Kid Friendly Lobby' at Craighead County DHS. THANKS to ALL who have helped!!

YOU are what makes the difference,
Director Amy Harris

Frito Lay Day In The Park

2010-07-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Such a great activity! THANK YOU Frito Lay for sponsoring this day that allowed the Craighead County foster children to have a Fun Day! Pictured are Frito Lay HR Charles Jordan, Jr, DCFS Supervisor Melrita Garrett and LOVED Project Director Amy Harris.
Check out all the great photos on www.lovedproject.com Events Folders then Outreach

2010 Spring Edition

2010-07-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

JUNE 2010 Heart Gallery Venue

2010-06-15T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Heart Gallery can be viewed throughout this month at the Assembly of God Church in Timbo Valley AR. Everyone in the Stone County area are welcome to attend services and view the children that are in search for a Forever Family.

2010 Adoption Picnic

2010-06-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

The LOVED Project in conjunction with the DCFS Sherri Guthrie Adoption Specialist Group held an Adoption Picnic over the weekend at the beautiful Lake Frierson State Park Pavilion. With attendees enjoying the wonderful scenery of the park, connections were made between children searching for a Forever Family and the homes that have meet all criteria to adopt children out of the State of Arkansas foster system.

"What a blessing it is to be a part of this special life changing event." Thank You to the Park Employees, Volunteers, Adoption Specialist Group, Set-Up/Clean Up Crew, Sponsors and the LOVED Project Mentors-Thank You each for spending your day working to assist me in making this a special day for the children!

Amy Harris, Director

In Honor of May being National Foster Care Month

2010-05-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

The LOVED Project Heart Gallery is being displayed at Deshea Baptist Church in Batesville, AR. Youth Minister Josh Swinea is pictured with the photos of children searching for a FOREVER FAMILY. Thanks to Josh, Sherri and Grant for their assistance in bringing these children's needs to that area of our state.

NHS EAST/BETA CLUB donate from the HEART

2010-05-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Thank You NHS EAST & BETA Clubs for donating to the LOVED Project Heart Gallery Children. Now the children's photo sessions will be extra special when they receive the care packages these groups have provided. Pictured are left to right: BETA President Chelsea Harral, Jonesboro Sun's Anthony Childress, EAST members Rich Stone & Victoria Black, and LOVED Project Director Amy Harris.

Mississippi Radio Sudbury Broadcasting host Digital Heart Gallery

2010-04-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Loyal Listeners can drop by the Blytheville Radio Offices and view the children who are searching for their 'Forever Family'

Wynne Baptist Church - Lives of Legacy Event

2010-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Amy Harris pictured with the Guest Speaker at the Lives of Legacy Event Mrs. Dorie Van Stone, author of 'Dorie The Girl Nobody Loved' a book about her life being dropped off at an orphanage as a very young child-her parents simply didn't want her. She became tough and angry. From the orphanage - into foster care - then touring the world as a remarkable woman "Giving hope to the hopeless." Other books in the series from Doris Van Stone are 'No Place to Cry' and 'Secrets of the Heart'

Digital Heart Gallery Arrives in Corning AR

2010-04-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks Richardson Family Dentistry
Corning AR. Go by and check it out!

Health Expo

2010-04-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Digital Heart Gallery Update

2010-04-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

View the Children searching for a Forever Family in Batesville AR at Riverside Plaza Tanning, Still Life Photography and at Southside Grill. In Paragould AR Alpha & Omega Hair Salon. In Lynn Arkansas at the Sportsman Grill. Lake City AR Overtime and Woodruff Law Firm. In Blytheville AR at Mike Bearden's Law Firm. Tara's Design Team and Studio J in Jonesboro.

If your business is interested in being a venue please contact us today.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!

2010-03-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

Catch the LOVED Project Digital Heart Gallery at the CR Co Library and our original Heart Gallery at Valley View Church of Christ.

A Kid Friendly Lobby

2010-03-12T11:56:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in this LOVED Project Outreach! The lobby now looks amazing!

Setting It Up at DHS

2010-03-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Linda, Cathy, Lance, Caleb and Amy

The start of DHS 'Kid Friendly' Lobby

2010-03-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mastercraft for their donation of New Furniture
& the movers-Lance, Timothy and Caleb

What being a LP Mentor means for ONE

2010-03-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

I love kids.....this experience has been an absolute joy. These kids need us and just to know I have the opportunity to make a difference through comfort, support, encouragement, respect, and friendship is indescribable and something we all have to offer. I'm always looking forward to the next phone call or our next visit. I just want the foster care child to know I care and I'm here if they need me, for whatever they need. It's been amazing and I hope our relationship continues for a very long time.

Rhonda Boyer

BHS EAST students upload photos for the Digital Heart Gallery

2010-02-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks TEAM SAWYER for your 2010 contribution that has allowed the LOVED Project to take the Heart Gallery Digital and display photos of the children that are on a quest to find a Forever Family.

UPDATE ON VENUES: Bibb Chiropractic-Paragould, Paragould City Hall, S & H-Imboden, Ungerank Chiropractic, Patty Cakes, Studio J, and Hair Inc all of Jonesboro, Overtime and Woodruff Law Firm-Lake City, Mike Bearden Law Firm-Blytheville! Please contact us if your business is interested in being a venue for the Digital Heart Gallery.

Christmas with Santa 2009

2009-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Santa & Ms. Claus and DHS Staff helping to make the 2009 Christmas Party for birth to 9 year old children currently in the foster care system the best ever. Gifts were provided by the Optimist Club.

Jonesboro Sun November Adoption Story Feature

2009-12-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

November Adoption Awareness Campaign

2009-11-24T12:08:00.001-08:00

In honoring November as Adoption Awareness Month the LOVED Project participated in AR State campaign recently at Little Rock's Clinton Library.

New Mentors!!

2009-08-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Currently we have 13 LP Mentors who've cleared the background required paperwork and are assisting Foster care children!
There are also 4 new LP Mentor applicants being processed!

Please contact us to begin the registration process today!

Not everyone is called to adopt....
Not everyone is called to foster....
But everyone is called to care!

Become a LOVED Project Mentor TODAY!

'Starting the Paperwork' at the Adoption Blitz

2009-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Cherokee Village Adoption Blitz May 2009

2009-06-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sherri Guthrie
Arkansas Area VIII Adoption Supervisor
Community of Christ
Cherokee Village, AR
Adoption Blitz
May 2009

Lookin' Our Best!

2009-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Katricia is a beautiful girl inside and out! We had the privilege of taking her photo for the Heart Gallery. Not only did she have a professional photo shoot, she also had her hair professionally styled prior to the shoot! How's that for 'stylin'!

What is Advocacy?

2009-03-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Advocacy is about helping others. An advocate is a champion, a proponent, a supporter, a promoter of a cause - not a thing or a product, but an idea, an issue. Child advocates are motivated by the fierce belief that society can do better for its children.

Advocacy is about change: change in personal behavior and attitude; change in political and public debate; institutional change; and legal change. Advocacy requires courage: the courage to stand up, speak out, and generate and stir debate and controversy to influence the policies of government and bring about change.

The process of advocacy is a science and an art: the science is knowledge and principle; the art is creativity and intuition. Advocacy presumes all people have rights and those rights must be enforced. Advocates must not only point out problems but also suggest realistic solutions, and this can make advocacy a challenging, intriguing, absorbing and frustrating process.

Child advocacy is about speaking out, speaking up and speaking the truth. It is about lifting up, reaching out and embracing others. It is about using facts, using faces and using every tool possible to improve the lives of children and their families. It is about joining neighborhoods together, building connections among institutions and strengthening families within homes.

Child advocacy gives a voice to children in the public-policy arena. Because children do not vote and because children do not make campaign contributions, they need advocates constantly speaking out for them in credible, persuasive ways. Child advocates work to ensure the powers-that-be understand what children need.

Child advocacy includes the collection of meaningful, varied data on the status of children then using this information to educate the public and lawmakers about the needs to invest state dollars in children's services. Child advocates are armed with data advocating for legislative changes, challenging unjust policies harming children, and informing voters about children's needs. Child advocates work to improve the whole child, from education to hunger to health care to poverty to child care. Child advocates can offer creative, vital, dynamic solutions to the complex problems facing today's children and families.

A child's first advocate is a parent, and it is critical that parents see themselves as advocates. Parents automatically have an interest in the well-being of their children because they know more about their children than anyone else - including the pediatrician - ever will. Empowered parents bring about empowered children, and that's what child advocacy is about.

Sources:
"Child Advocacy 101" by the National Association of Child Advocates
"Child Advocacy Primer: Tips and Tools for Improving Your Child Advocacy Skills" by the National Association of Child Advocates
"How and Why to Influence Public Policy: An Action Guide for Community Organizations" by the Center for Community Change
"How to be an Effective Advocate" by the National Association of State Boards of Education
"Advocacy for children and families" by Don Crary and published in Educational Horizons
"Stepping Stones: Successful Advocacy for Children" by Sheryl Dicker
"What is Advocacy?" by DC Action for Childrenv "Dealing with Advocacy: A Practical Guide" by the European Commission/UNFPA Initiative for Reproductive Health in Asia