www.friendsoffamilies.org 
(April 27, 2012) This is the website of Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation.  
Check it out.  Help a family, save a child.






TARGETED GIVING  


Some schools/programs have designated funds established in their name by The Foundation.  Such special funds, administered by The Foundation and identified for specific schools/programs enable donors to target their support for schools/programs that have impacted their lives.  Such assigned funds will be used to support students in the named school as long as the school remains in good standing with The Foundation.  Donations may not be assigned by donors to particular students/families.  


Currently the majority of support for The Foundation comes from alumni parents. We seek support from other foundations, corporations, and individuals with a committment to helping at-risk youth.  Please contact a foundation representative if you know of an organization, or if your employer provides matching donation opportunities.
  

WHY FRIENDS OF FAMILIES FOUNDATION WAS FORMED

The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation, originally founded in 1998 as The Friends of CEDU Foundation, is a non-profit corporation recognized as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service.  Established as a separate, independent self-governing organization, the Foundation is managed and directed by volunteer trustees who are alumni parents.  


While they and their childen were participating in a therapeutic program, they witnessed the pain and frustration felt when families are compelled to withdraw their child prior to completion.  Recognizing the importance of program completion and understanding the unique and sensitive nature of the situation, The Foundation was formed to eliminate student attrition due to financial need.  The Foundation's purpose is to provide financial assistance to families where a lack of financial resources jeopardizes a student's continued enrollment. 


The Foundation is focused on helping families with both parents/guardians who are committed to participating in their children's education/programs and students who are diligently progressing in those programs.  


The Foundation will allocate a majority of its aid in the form of collateralized loan quarantees for the benefit of families who do not qualify under conventional loan programs.  The Foundation backed loans will be granted with competitive interest rates and will not require any collateral from benefited families.  The typical loan will have a 15 year repayment terms.

FAMILY TESTIMONIALS

I am so appreciative for The Foundation's help. It was a pure blessing that The Foundation was able to help with my daughter. Without their help, Katie would not have been able to finish her Senior year. I am so proud of her. I owe The Foundation so much, they saved my daughter. I don't want to think of what might have happened had she returned home before finishing. They should be called the Angel Foundation. How can I ever thank them."
"Warmest regards to The Foundation from a very grateful mother." Nanci

"Because of the generosity of [The Foundation] we were able to see our daughter, Ashlee graduate with her High School Diploma from Northwest Academy. To see her on stage with her diploma in hand was such a moment of pride and satisfaction for all of us. Ashlee had worked so hard at Northwest Academy, and to have to pull her out of Northwest Academy because we couldn't afford to pay her tuition would have ruined all of the hard work Ashlee and our family had done. We can never thank [The Foundation] enough. Their financial aid helped to get our beautiful sweet daughter back." Marilyn

A FAMILY'S TESTIMONIAL

I feel forever grateful and indebted to you and all the people who work hard to raise the funds to support families like ours. You have a permanent residency in my heart. I wish you all the best to you personally and to the Foundation." Here is part of this family's story, "On December 6, 2010, my family participated in the graduation ceremonies at Monarch School. My 16 year old son was one of the graduates. Proudly speaking to a room full of staff, students, and families, my son said, "Without this school, I most likely would have been dead." That momentous graduation day, filled with great pride, deep gratitude, joy and hope would not have come to pass without your support. My son entered the therapeutic boarding school in May 2009. He was, at the time, as he said, inches away from being another horrifically tragic teen statistic. In October 2009, I ran into serious financial difficulties. With the downturn of the economy, I found myself, as a single mother, unable to continue to pay my son's required monthly tuition.

Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation and the Monarch Parent Foundation immediately responded to my plea for support. They not only advanced the necessary funds for my son to continue his program, but took care of all the necessary logistical and administrative work in such a way that I felt completely surrounded by my closest and more reliable friends, and yet I had not met any of the folks who worked to make it all happen. To this day, I don't even know who most of them are nor what they look like! And they did this not once but twice. It turned out that my son needed to stay a few months longer at the school than originally planned in order to complete his important emotional growth program, and I still did not have sufficient funds to make that happen. And twice, Friends of Families with Children in Crisis and the Monarch Parent Foundation responded with great urgency.

My son is home now. He is a strong and solid teenager, clear about his goals in life, confident with himself and proud of his accomplishments. He became a leader at his therapeutic boarding school, the go to student, the one that others looked up to for inspiration and guidance. He went from being an F student who thought that his lot in life was to be a despicable failure to being a straight A student who is looking forward to great successes and contributions in his life. Two years ago, death seemed to him like a desperately needed reprieve from an interminable nightmare. Today, he looks to the future with great hope and enthusiasm. That would absolutely not have been possible without the support I received. There are many families whose children, like my son, are walking the thin line between innocent joy and utter despair, between sanity and insanity, or between life and death. I hope that my story can inspire you to donate generously to the Friends of Families with Children in Crisis so that other parents can receive the support they need to save their children." Forever grateful, The mother of a lucky child

ONE FOUNDING TRUSTEE'S PERSONAL COMMITTMENT . .

As a father, I experienced first hand the anguish, fear and hopelessness that come with having a child in crisis. It was difficult for my family but we were blessed to have found a school that could help and thankfully, in our situation we had the financial means to pay for it. For the first time in a long time we saw hope, the life in my daughter's face was priceless. Unfortunately while she was enrolled we witnessed the same fear and anguish from families who were faced with not being able to afford their child’s program completion.

While attending a parent education workshop, a few other parents and myself were discussing this unfortunate occurrence and we were heartbroken and frustrated. We were seeing the results of our children’s journey’s and couldn’t imagine other children who were less fortunate not being able to complete theirs. Then in a different conversation with my daughter, I saw in her eyes the anguish of not having her friends who had been through so much with her not being able to experience the pride and self-confidence that comes from program completion. It was then that I knew I had to act. Together with a group of equally concerned and committed parents, The Foundation was formed. While we wanted to help all children, we were particularly touched and connected to those who were already committed and in the process of healing. Knowing the value of “finishing what you started”, we decided to focus The Foundations’ efforts to those families.

Since our inception in 1998, we are proud to have been able to have helped dozens of families in need.Through my own personal experience with a child in crisis, I have learned that there are many schools and programs that are changing the lives of young people in the way that CEDU helped mine. These schools and programs need our support.I invite you to join us in our mission to help families. Warmest Regards,Joel J. Horowitz, Trustee

GENEROUS DONATION FOUNDED IN GRATITUDE

(May 23, 2011)
The Friends of Families Foundation is excited that they have received a significant donation from The Ann & Joel Horowitz Family Foundation. We are so thankful and appreciative. "This donation allows us to continue our mission of helping families in need," said Brandi Elliott, Foundation liaison. "While we have helped dozens of families over the last 13 years for close to $1,000,000 in pledged support, there are still so many families with children in programs that need our help. "A therapeutic boarding school helped my family many years ago and Ann and I have been committed to "giving back" ever since," said Joel Horowitz, donor. "We hope that our donation and continued support of The Foundation encourages others to do the same. "For any questions regarding The Foundation or to make a donation, please visit the website or contact Brandi or Dr. Jim Powell at 951-317-3151.

SUCCESS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES

(December 7, 2010) One of our Benefiting Families shares, "Because of the generosity of 'Friends of Family' we were able to see our daughter, Ashlee, graduate with her High School Diploma from Northwest Acadeny. To see her on stage with her diploma in hand was such a moment of pride and satisfaction for all of us. Ashlee had worked so hard at Northwest Academy, and to have to pull her out of Northwest Academy because we couldn't afford to pay her tuition would have ruined all of the hard work Ashlee and our family had done. We can never thank 'Friends of Family' enough. Their financial aid helped to get our beautiful sweet daughter back . . . Marilyn . . ." During the holiday season we are once again reminded of the importance of family and friends. Even in the midst of continued challenging economic times, The Foundation remains blessed with generous donations enabling us to continue forward in our goal of assisting families. Thank you! ..For more of 2010 accomplishments, and looking forward to 2011, READ MORE
http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/FriendsofFamiliesBN_120810.shtml

NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN CRISIS FOUNDATION

(February 11, 2010) As we conclude the holiday season we are reminded of the importance of family and friends. Even though we continue to find ourselves in challenging economic times, The foundation has been blessed with generous donations enabling us to continue forward in our goal of assisting families. Thank you for your continued support in our efforts to help families with children in crisis. Without you we would not be able to help families in need. These are just a few 2009 Accomplishments.

We received a generous seed donation from Bruce and Sharon, alumni New Leaf Academy, Oregon parents which allowed us to establish a target fund specifically for New Leaf Academy in Oregon. We have been able to continue our collaboration with the Monarch Alumni Association in providing additional targeted support for Monarch School families. We were encouraged to have one of our benefiting families complete their journey with Bromley Brook School, Vermont. Realizing our mission in such a joyous way gives us momentum and peace of mind knowing another family has been helped. Clark Behavioral Loans has pledged a generous monthly donation to our general fund, affirming their mission of helping families find the funds needed to support their struggling teens.

How you can support The Foundation and together we can make a difference! If you are a participating program that has been blessed with targeted fund giving, please consider matching donations made on your behalf. If you are a participating program and have not yet had a target fund established benefiting your program, contact us at info@friendsoffamilies.org. We welcome an opportunity to make a presentation at your family/parent conferences. We know making personal connections with families is a great way to share our commitment and passion for helping. By enabling us to do a mailing to your current and alumni families we are able to connect directly with those who know firsthand how challenging it is to have a child in crisis, and how program completion can make such a difference. If you are a referring professional, please allow us to introduce ourselves to current and alumni clients. The more opportunities we have to share our passion and mission, the more families can benefit. Direct mailings, email campaigns and attendance at parent support groups are all opportunities to spread the word about The Foundation.

Finally, if you are an individual able to help please consider a donation to our general fund:
Does your employer offer matching funds opportunities for charitable giving?
Does your civic or service club have donation opportunities for member charities?
As you consider your giving options, please keep us in mind. we are a non-profit corporation designated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Please take a moment to visit our website at www.friendsoffamilies.org for more information or a donation form. We are looking forward to 2010 with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. We would like to wish you all a blessed and prosperous New Year.

FRIENDS OF FAMILIES FOUNDATION CREATES MONARCH FUND

(September 10, 2008) The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of a Monarch Alumni Association Fund under the umbrella of The Foundation, the 1st such fund designed for one of its participating schools.

Supported by a generous donation from the Monarch Alumni Association and matching funds by the Foundation, this special purpose fund allows friends of the Monarch School (located in Heron, MT) to donate to the Foundation and earmark those monies for students attending Monarch School. While the donor may not name a particular benefitting student or family, targeted giving allows the Monarch School to benefit from the fund to provide financial support for future families in need.

"We are very excited to receive such generous support from the Monarch Alumni Association. Like our trustees, they are dedicated alumni parents working together to support families in need. We are looking forward to a long future of helping Monarch School students", stated Brandi Elliott, Foundation representative.

"Working together was a natural occurrence for us. We share similar experiences and visions both as parents and as charitable organizations. We encourage all of our participating schools, there related associations and parent/corporate organizations to contact us to discuss targeted giving opportunities unique to their school/program," said Joel Horowitz, Foundation trustee and co-founder. "Working side by side with the Foundation, allows us to leverage our resoureces to help more Monarch families", said Bruce Janklow, Co-President, Monarch Alumni Association.

The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation, originally founded in 1998 as The Friends of CEDU Foundation, is a non-profit corporation recognized as a Section 501(c) (3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. According to Elliott, since its inception, The Foundation has helped dozens of families. "In 2007, thanks to our generous donors, we were able to support 6 families. This new association helps keep our momentum going and will hopefully motivate others to participate and contribute."

Current Friends of Families Foundation participating schools include: Academy at Sisters (OR), Oakley School (UT), Boulder Creek Academy (ID), King George School (VT), New Leaf Academy of North Carolina (NC), New Leaf Academy of Oregon (OR), Copper Canyon Academy (AZ), Bromley Brook School (VT) and now Monarch School (MT). Other therapeutic boarding schools should review the Foundation's website to determine if they meet the criteria of a participating school.

All donations and fundraising ideas are encouraged and appreciated and should be directed to The Foundation's representatives, Brandi Elliott 951-315-8320 or Dr. Jim Powell 951-317-3151 or b.elliott@friendsoffamilies.org

DOZENS OF CHILDREN HELPED BY FRIENDS OF FAMILIES FOUNDATION

(May 9, 2008) A decade ago, while in a conversation with his daughter who was attending an emotional growth school, Joel Horowitz, saw in her eyes the anguish of not having her friends (who had been through so much with her) be able to experience the pride and self confidence that comes from program completion. Then while attending a parent education workshop he was discussing this unfortunate occurrence with other parents and found they were also heartbroken and frustrated. They were seeing the results of their children's journey's and couldn't imagine other children who were less fortunate not being able to complete theirs. It was then; they decided they had to act.

Together with a group of equally concerned and committed parents, The Foundation was formed. While they wanted to help all children, they were particularly touched and connected to those who were already committed and in the process of healing by their current enrollment at an emotional growth/therapeutic boarding school. Knowing the value of "finishing what you start", they decided to focus The Foundation's efforts on those families.

Since the Foundation's inception in 1998, it is gratifying to know we have helped dozens of families in need. In 2007 alone, the Foundation has supported 6 families in need.

We are excited at how swiftly the word has spread about our mission. However, as you are well aware, keeping children enrolled in these schools/programs is an expensive yet worthy and necessary endeavor.

We write this letter in hopes of enlisting your support to help us reach our goal of helping additional families.

Please take a moment to visit our website, www.friendsoffamilies.org, which outlines our mission, charitable organization status and criteria for benefiting families as well as participating schools/programs. Feel free to contact us for additional information.

All donations and fundraising ideas/opportunities are encouraged and appreciated.

FRIENDS OF FAMILIES SAY THANKS

(February 18, 2008) The Friends of Families Foundation would like to thank Bill Lane & Associates for their generous contribution. "I've been a supporter of The Foundation since its inception 10 years ago and have watched them help numerous families. It only makes sense that Bill Lane & Associates be a part ofhelping them further their important mission. I hope and encourage the rest of our industry to do the same," stated Bill Lane, President of Bill Lane & Associates.

The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to financially supporting families whose children are at risk of not achieving completion from their currently enrolled program.

"Thanks to generous donors like Bill, The Foundation has assisted 6 families just in the last year," stated Dr. Jim Powell, Foundation spokesperson. "We look forward to many more successful years of assisting families," continued Powell.

For more information or to make a donatinon, visit the website above or contact Dr. Jim Powell.

STUDENT FUNDED BY FRIENDS OF FAMILIES GRADUATES

(July 23, 2007) The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation is pleased to announce that since its reengineering efforts (fall 2006), their first benefitted family has graduated! In collaboration with the leadership at The Oakley School in Utah, Katie was able to successfully complete her program and experience the excitement and pride of a job well done.

"This is what The Foundation was created for," said Sheryl Swibel, Foundation trustee. "Our mission is to help children and families complete their journeys through an emotional growth or therapeutic program." "Thanks to The Foundations trustees and the generous support of our donors we were able to step in and help when Katie and her family needed it," continued Swibel.

To support The Foundation's mission, donations can be sent to Friends of Families Foundation, C/O B. Elliott PO Box 825 Lake Arrowhead, CA. 92352

FOUNDATION TO ASSIST STUDENT TUITION

(May 8, 2007) Jim Powell of Friends of Families Foundation With Children in Crisis, Arrowhead, CA, 951-317-3151, announced the Foundation's trustees have already paved the way for three students to continue their stay through to completion at their emotional growth schools. The Foundation is working to continue raising funds so that additional families can be equally assisted. While its website is under development, donations are welcome, and brochures and information can be received by contacting the Foundation's representatives.

FOUNDATION TO ASSIST STUDENTS WITH SCHOOL TUITIONS

(May 8, 2007)  Since retooling the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization last fall, the Foundation's trustees have already paved the way for three students to continue their stay through to completion at their emotional growth schools.  Tha Friends of Families With Children in Crises was founded in 1998 and has helped dozens of families throughout the country continue their children's enrollment at therapeutic schools.  Recently there have been several new developments in the Foundation.  With the collaboration, compassion, and support of Boulder Creek Academy (Idaho), Oakley School (Utah) and New Leaf Acedemy (North Carolina), these families will be able to experience the accomplishment of their child's completion at their respective schools.  


Therapeutic/emotional growth schools across the country are encouraged to contact the Foundation's representatives to find out how to qualify as a participating school for Foundation support.


"We are so excited to be helping families again," said Joel Horowitz, Foundation trustee.  "We know the value of program completion and hope to assist more families-in-need experience the joy we felt when our children completed their journey through emotional growth schools."


The Foundation is working to continue raising funds so that additional families can be equally assisted.  While it's website is under development, donation are welcome, and brochures and information can be received by contacting the Foundation's representatives at 951-317-3151, or b.elliott@friendsoffamilies.org. 

FRIENDS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN CRISIS

(October 20, 2006)  Brandi Elliott, Arrowhead, CA, 951-315-8320, announced that she and Jim Powell (Powell & Elliott Collaborative, LLC) are working with The Friends of Families with Children in Crisis Foundation (formerly The Friends of CEDU Foundation).  This is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to financially assist families who cannot afford to keep their child in a therapeutic or emotional growth program/school through to graduation/completion.  Woodbury Reports Inc.  will pass on details when the criteria for selecting families to help, and the schools/programs that will qualify have been firmly established.