view the Soaring Rancho Damacitas Spring 2016 Newsletter.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Spring 2016
Project Independence Update
Meet Jarid and how Project Independence is helping. Page 2
Speaker Hall of Fame
See who has been inspiring our
youth! Page 3
Youth on Scholarship Update
Catch up with some of our youth!
Page 6
“I always had goals, but no idea how to get there. Rancho
Damacitas helped me shape my goals and helped me believe they
were possible.”
Many people would have counted her out, pushed her aside believing she wouldn’t
make it. After living in and out of foster care since the day she was born, Kim had 26
different placements by the time she reached Rancho Damacitas when she was 12.
She was a product of the system. As a typical troubled teen, Kim was failing her classes, running away, and showed aggression. “I was horrible when I first came,” admits Kim, now 17 years old, “but my home parents were stubborn and they stuck
with me.”
Kim has lived at Rancho Damacitas for the last four years, and she is an example of
what can happen when a community comes together to support foster youth. Today,
Kim is on track and thriving! She attends a local high school with a 3.8 GPA and will
be graduating this Spring. Last summer, Kim started her first job at a local business
and recently received a promotion. Kim plans to attend college this coming Fall to
pursue a degree in Business and Marketing.
During her time with Rancho Damacitas, Kim was able to participate in typical
teen activities such as joining her high school Dance Team, attend high school functions with her peers, go to summer camp, and a leadership trip to the Grand Canyon!
The opportunities that helped shape Kim’s life were provided by generous donors
like you. Thank you!
www.4kidsfirst.org
YOUTH THRIVE
Project Independence Hits Capacity
After working with pre-emancipated foster youth
for over 30 years, Rancho Damacitas created Project
Independence —a transitional housing program
bridging the gaps of support for foster youth as they
transition from the dependency system into independent adulthood.
CAL’S CORNER
An Update from the CEO, Cal Winslow
The Holidays are over and quickly we change our
focus to spring time activities and the end of the school
year. Education is always a priority, as many of our
youth come to us far behind due to the many damaging
disruptions in their lives. Our Ranch House (multipurpose rec center) becomes our School House and we
concentrate with each child to catch up and to achieve
academically.
As the days get longer we also increase our campus
activities to expose our youth to life sports activities
that motivate them to participate and to gain skills.
Over the past two months we have had an equestrian
therapy program where the youth have been developing special relationships with their four legged friends.
Amazing outcomes!!!
Finally, I need to express my gratitude to all of our
generous supporters who made our holidays so memorable. From Disneyland to Santa Claus and opening gifts
as a family many of our youth experienced for the first
time in their life the true magic of the season.
Jarid, Project Independence resident
with his roommate,
Achiai
2
The program is full and the youth are thriving!
Maximum capacity is eight residents with one rental
home in Murrieta and one apartment in Temecula.
There is also an additional three youth eligible for
the program, but waiting for space.
One of these youth is Jarid. Coming from a neglectful home due to a drug-addicted mother, Jarid
was placed into foster care at 12 years old. Then
when he turned 18, Jarid was turned out by his foster parents left on his own to find his way in the
world. Like many former foster youth, lacking a solid support system Jarid found himself moving
around from friends to extended family, never in one
place too long.
Jarid knew he could do more, but how? He wanted
to go to college and pursue his interests in mass
communications. Jarid heard about Project Independence where he could receive support and encouragement on his path to successful adulthood
and applied.
Today, Jarid has been in the program for six
months and is doing great! He works part-time in
Temecula and attends classes at a local community
college. Jarid also gives back to the community advocating and role modeling for foster youth. Project
Independence gave Jarid the foundation he needed to
get on his feet and the chance to succeed.
Project Independence is provided by our generous
donors. The need is great as more youth are applying to the program daily, however, our capacity is
small. Rancho Damacitas is meeting this need by
expanding the program to include a Graduate Home,
and you can help. To learn more, contact Kristi
Piatkowski at (951)302-2317 x221.
RANCHO DAMCITAS RECOGNIZED
THANK YOU
Rancho Damacitas was recently honored with two distinguished community awards. The Nonprofit of the
Year through Stars of the Valley and the Ruby Charitable
Organization of the Year through Temecula Valley
Chamber of Commerce. We are so
thankful for the
recognition and
support. Thank
you!
Our 2015 Holiday Donors
Posing with awards is
Cal Winslow, CEO, and
Kristi Piatkowski, Dir.
of Development
SPEAKER HALL OF FAME
Tuesday Night Speakers on Campus
CHARLES “CHAKKA” WEBB
After a paralyzing care accident, former pro-surfer turned his disability
into an opportunity and now professionally competes.
NICOLE ALBRETCH
Teen mom turned MMA fighter
turned business partner, Nicole
spoke in December about the power
of positive thinking.
JACKIE STONE
A former foster youth herself, Jackie
spoke in January to a small group of
girls about her personal experience
and lessons learned.
On behalf of the youth, thank you to all the individuals, companies, churches, and community groups who made their Holiday
Season bright! Your kindness is appreciated!
Abbott Vascular
Allie Hamlin & Family
Bear Creek Dental Group
Breanne Yelley & Family
Cavlary Chapel Murrieta
Carol & John Rosingana
Celeste Ramirez & friends
Clinton Keith Dental Group
Coldwell Banker - Murrieta
Community Outreach Ministry
Cornerstone Church
Crown Hill Elementary School
Crunch Fitness
Daniel & Ashley Jarvis,
Team Forss
Danielle & McKenzie Eubanks
David & Jackie Pierce - BETA
SIGMA PHI
David Serpa Real Estate
Debbie Herrera - Senator Jeff
Stones Office
Dianne Fowler
Eagle Scout Kyle Ranes
Ed & Bev Carlson
EMD Millipore Corporation
Exit Alliance Realty
Faith Community Church
First Service Residential
Fisch Family
Full Service Realty
Gayle Johnston
Girl Scout Troop 1587
Great Oak High School
Greg DiCristina, The Chase
Group
Gretchen Burghon, The Coupon
Group
Jay Ibarra, Southern California
Edison
Joseph & Patty Gray Family
JM Realty
Lennar Homes
Linda Fossum - Ardent Realty
Mythos Technology
Murrieta Chamber
Nicole Moran & Family
Old Rose Tatoo - Temecula
Old Town Merchants Assoc/
Holiday Taste of Old Town
Two Sisters Storage, LLC
Pacific Dental Services
Pacific Marine Credit Union
Pam Legault & Family
Pam Galvez & Family
Patty Connolly
Ponte Estate Winery
Quaintance Family
Ronda Bowen & Family
Rose Again Foundation
Royal Property Management
Senator Jeff Stone & Family
South Coast Winery
Sports Authority
Springleaf Financial Services
Southwest Riverside Assoc. of
Realtors
Temecula Elementary
Tracy Eaves & Friends
UCUC Pre-school, San Diego
Ultimate Salon Professionals
Venture Church
Wiens Winery
CLARK EDMUNDS
Clark brought his therapeutic program to campus in February for a
loud and fun drumming session with
the kids.
3
HEALING WITH HOOVES
Equine Therapy Offered on Campus
This past November, Rancho Damacitas partnered with Encouragers, a
nonprofit that specializes in Equine Therapy, to bring the specialized
therapeutic program onto campus. The program provided five children
who had suffered severe abuse and neglect with eight weeks of one-onone therapy with a horse and trained professional for one hour per week.
We saw amazing results with the children through that short amount of
time.
Sewlyn, a 14 year old boy, had lived at Rancho Damacitas since July.
He came to us non-verbal and still medically suffering from the severe
abuse he had experienced. At the end of the program
Sewlyn had greatly improved! He was starting to communicate and was visibly gaining confidence. Sewlyn was starting to enjoy life. He was also building a strong relationship
with his Home Parent Dad who was going through the therapy sessions with Sewlyn. This was a first for Sewlyn, who
had never experienced a healthy adult relationship until that
moment.
Opportunities such as these are only possible thanks to
our generous donors. On behalf of the youth benefiting from
their Equine Therapy experience, thank you!
150 Spectrum Brands
leaders from around the
world volunteered on November 11th. They completed seven projects including painting, building
gardens and treated each
child to a day of Disneyland. It was awesome!
OUR VOLUNTEERS ROCK!
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential piece to how Rancho Damacitas supports our kids. Individuals and groups play a huge
role in providing services and impacting the foster youth.
Individuals can serve as mentors, life skills coaches, tutors,
office support, or special events support. Corporate and
community group volunteers have been adopting Community Nights providing games and interactive activities, and
helping with campus beautification projects.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Terri at
(951) 302-2317 x236 or Terri@4kidsfirst.org.
A Very Special Thank You …






Abbott Vascular - Campus Projects
Debbie Noonan - Weekly Office Support
Faith Community Church—Tuesday Night
Community Nights and Campus Projects
Mad Studios—Tuesday Night Community Nights
Terry Barrett— Weekly Office Support
Todd Myatt—Website Support
A team from Abbott Vascular came out in February
to organize and help inventory our storage. Their
organization skills and fun attitude were greatly appreciated!
4
200 VOLUNTEERS RAISED $19,000
Wine Country Half-Marathon
On November 19, 2015 Ponte Family Estate Winery led the Half-Wine
Marathon with Destination Races to benefit Rancho Damacitas. The event
raised $19,000 to support our programs, and involved over 650 marathon
runners, 200 community volunteers, and 800 volunteer hours. Thank
you to Team Ponte, Wilson Creek, and all the volunteers for your
support!
WHY THEY SUPPORT RANCHO?
“I Support Rancho Damacitas Because ...
OUR FAITH-BASED SUPPORT
The Faith-Based Giving Community
“Every child
deserves
unconditional
love”
Thank you to the following faith-based organizations who
generously support the kids and our programs throughout year.
Calvary Chapel of Murrieta
Calvary Chapel Temecula Valley
Chorus Church
Cornerstone Christian Baptist
Cornerstone Community
Church
Crossroads Church
Eagle Ridge Church
Grace Presbyterian Church
Murrieta Methodist Church
New Life Church
Promise Lutheran Church
Rancho Community Church
Rockridge Church
St. Catherine’s Catholic Church
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox
Church/Temecuula Greek
Festival
Sunridge Community Church
Temecula Foursquare Church
“Kids Matter ”
GARDENER’S CLUB
Planting Seeds...Watching Them Grow
The following individuals and businesses are valuable ongoing supporters through their reoccurring monthly gifts.
Lois Abney
Thomas Barnett
Jim & Terry Barrett
Larry & Debbie Canale
Patty Connolly
Cheryl Dufresne
Rod & Charlene Fink
James & Joan Fullmer
Doug & Karolyn Johnson
Bonnie LaRue
Sheila Riter
John & Carol Rosingana
Ed & Janis Rustad
Steve Van Herpe
Robert & Roseanne White
Temecula Creek Dental Care
“Kids Rock!”
Share w
hy y
Rancho ou support
Damacit
as!
Take a p
icture an
d post
it to our
Faceboo
k Page
Rancho
Damaci
tasTFS
with
#RDCha
mpions
5
AN UPDATE FROM OUR YOUTH
Alex Karelli
Alex spoke at the 2015 Champion’s
Luncheon. Alex is a sophomore majoring in Information Systems at Point Loma Nazarene University. He has been
working as a secretary in the University’s Information Systems Dept. where
he has been gaining great experience
and enjoying meeting new students.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Dates!
April 15—May 15
4 Kids First Events (formerly
Blue Ribbon)
Check the Website for a variety
of activities and events
May 23
Storm Baseball Karma Night
Lake Elsinore
June 3
Southwest Healthcare Scott
Crane Memorial Golf
Tournament
The Journey at Pechanga
September 23
Champion’s Luncheon
South Coast Winery Resort &
Spa
“The people at Rancho care and never
gave up on me. They make sure I am given
opportunities that continue to grow who I
am and I am so thankful.” Kim, 17
2015 CHAMPION’S LUNCHEON
Brittany Farmer
$160,000 Raised for Rancho Damacitas Foster Youth
The September 2015 Champion’s Luncheon hosted over 300 guests and raised
$160,000 for foster youth programs. The
event featured 2015 Visionary Award recipient Trish Shea for her advocacy and
work helping foster children in Temecula
Valley. Former US Olympian Mark Anderson shared his inspirational message.
Thank you to the following sponsors. Your leadership makes a
difference!
You first met Brittany at the 2014
Champion’s Luncheon. Since then, Brittany moved to Madagascar where she
taught for two years. Recently, Brittany
returned to Southern California where
she is currently working at a women’s
treatment facility in Orange County
while she pursues a Master’s Degree in
Social Work.
Presenting Sponsors
Rancho Christian Schools
Supporting Sponsors
(Top) Celebrity speaker Mark Anderson;
(Bottom) Visionary Award Recipient Trish Shea,
Champion’s Chair Eric Tomlinson, Rancho
Damacitas Founder Jim Fullmer
6
THANKS
RANCHO DAMACITAS CHAMPIONS
Rancho Damacitas Champions are caring individuals and organizations who understand the importance of our
programs for foster children. Their contributions of $1,000 or more annually are the foundation of our organization. In addition to their financial support, they serve as powerful advocates in the community.
2015/2016 Champions
$25,000 +
Fieldstead and Company
God’s Gift Charitable Foundation
Lennar Homes
Pechanga Casino & Resort
Southwest Healthcare Sys. Auxiliary
$1,000 +
Abney, Lois A.
Mansfield, Meagan
Alexander, Kermet & Tami
McGuff, Greg & Cynthia
Anonymous
Myatt, Todd & Karen
Beaudry, Tom & Lisa
O’Bryant, Morgan -
Blanscet, James & Tracy
ROI Executive Search
$10,000 +
Bohmer, William & Kirsten
Outlets at Lake Elsinore
Fullmer, Jim
Bundy, Jack & Barbara
Richards, Tim
Gray, Bruce & Patricia
City of Temecula
Rose Again Foundation
Gray, Joseph & Patty
Cerwin, Lorri
Rosingana, John & Carol
Kaiser Foundation
Connolly, Patty
Sirag, David & Luanne
Ponte Family Estates Winery
Fazeli, BJ & Wendy
Southwest Riverside County
Rancho Christian Schools
Fetkin, Bob
United Way Inland Empire
Fitzpatrick, Ivy
Stone, Bob & Lien
Fitzpatrick, Randy
Tomlinson, Eric & Serina
Gentel, Kristi
Van Herpe, Steve
Gold Shield Realty Group
Wilson, Jenifer
Gruse, Margaret
Winebrew, A Local Band
Healing Voice Ministries
Winslow, Cal & Karyl
Holder, Jade
Women’s Peer Connection
Jarvis, Daniel & Ashley
Wyman, Jeff & Monica
$5,000 +
Atwood & Andrew, Inc.
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
Pymm, Ken & Jenni - The Truck Shop
Supervisor Chuck Washington
$2,500 +
Abbott Vascular
Bennett & Bennett
Decker, Brian
Assoc. of Realtors
Johnson, Susan
LaRue, Bonnie
LeMasters, Glenn & Gina
Low, Ken & Mary Callahan
Forss, Goran & Lisa
Sorensen, Rob & Shawn
Temecula Creek Dental Care
*As of 1.1.2016
7
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
P.O. Box 890326
Temecula, CA 92859
PAID
TEMECULA, CA
PERMIT #489
Where Kids Soar
“This is a place where kids who
need a lot of love come to.”
Joseph, age 13
www.4kidsfirst.org