1. family and parenting

Brighter Futures
News from Edgewood Center for Children and Families
WWW. E D G E W O O D . O R G
FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 7
Talk of the Town
On October 13th at San Francisco City
Hall, the Edgewood Hope Ball made a
magnificent debut.
Three trumpeters hailed the arrival of each
of the 420 guests. “Everyone walked the red
carpet with a smile,” said event Co-Chair
Paul B. Holm, Jr. of the fanfare. Bay Area
movers and shakers who showed up to
support Edgewood included U.S. Senator
Dianne Feinstein, the Honorable Willie
L. Brown, Jr., and former State Senate
President Pro Tem John Burton, along with
many other esteemed partygoers.
The evening featured a caviar VIP reception,
silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner
served with J. Lohr wines, and dancing to a
live big band. By the end of the night, the
party grossed over $330,000 for Edgewood’s
children and families.
“We’re thrilled the Edgewood Hope Ball
made such a fabulous debut,” said Holm.
Co-Chair Cynthia Lohr added, “It’s a
wonderful opportunity to celebrate and
raise awareness of the important work that
Edgewood does.”
See a gallery of Edgewood Hope Ball pictures on
edgewood.org
Edgewood kids were all smiles at the 49ers Junior Training Camp in Santa Clara. They met some of the
players, watched them practice, and even had a mini-practice of their own. Frank Gore, 49ers running
back, spends some time with Danisha, a Kinship youth.
Story of Hope
Lois and her grandson Ryan have come out ahead after going
through some difficult times.
At age 76, Lois never imagined that she
would be raising a child again. But when her
daughter’s substance abuse spiraled out of
control, Lois stepped in to take care of her
grandson, Ryan.
Edgewood CEO Nancy Rubin with Edgewood
Board members and Hope Ball Co-Chairs
Paul B. Holm, Jr. and Cynthia Lohr.
Lois knew she needed help and guidance,
so she enrolled in the Edgewood Kinship
Program. Here, she joined a caregiver
support group, where she received resource
referrals and emotional support. She also
enrolled Ryan in the Kinship tutoring and
recreation programs, since he was struggling
at school and having difficulty making
friends.
With help from Edgewood, Ryan’s reading
and writing skills improved dramatically, and
he is now performing at grade level. He also
went from being very quiet and withdrawn
to being much more outgoing and having
a small group of friends. Lois said, “I am
forever grateful for all the help and advice
I’ve received from my Edgewood caseworker
and fellow caregivers. I don’t know what
Ryan and I would have done without their
support.”
Read more Stories of Hope at:
edgewood.org/whoweare/storiesofhope/
Teens find support
a club that cares
Adam and Bobby are all smiles during the Edgewood Youth Power Club Limeade Sale, where they raised
money for a homeless shelter and the SPCA. The Youth Power Club is a three-week summer camp that
serves kids ages 6-13 with emotional and behavioral problems. The campers also enjoyed field trips, bike
riding, swimming, and playing soccer and basketball.
letter from the ceo
In October, the Edgewood Hope Ball brought many prominent Bay Area residents together
to support our work with children and families. It was a dazzling evening, and I’d like to
share my great appreciation for the efforts of the gala’s Co-Chairs, Paul Holm and Cynthia
Lohr.
Private funds earned through events like the Edgewood Hope Ball and our Auxiliary’s
Edgewood Fair, and from the generosity of private donors, have never been more important.
Due to a state funding crisis for residential treatment programs serving California’s most
vulnerable children, programs across California are closing. Residential treatment is part of
our mix of services, and Edgewood must supplement the government’s contribution by more
than $3 million each year.
Thanks to your support, Edgewood has weathered the state funding crisis so far, but not
without consequences. In fiscal year 06-07, Edgewood incurred a $1.7M deficit in our
residential program. That’s why Edgewood is working with our county partners to negotiate
new contracts that provide sustainable funding for the treatment of children we care for in
our residential cottages.
Edgewood’s residential services are part of a broader safety net for at-risk children and
families in our community. Today, we work in homes, neighborhoods, and schools, helping
thousands in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. These community-based programs
meet the needs of many, but for the children who suffer most from the aftermath of abuse,
neglect, crisis, and trauma, our residential program remains their best shot at taking back
their future.
Nancy Rubin
President and CEO
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Being a teenager
or young adult can
be difficult in
today’s world.
Edgewood’s new
Drop-In Center in
San Bruno offers a
helping hand to
young adults who
are trying to make
Edgewood CEO Nancy
it on their own.
Rubin with San Mateo
The center is
Director of Mental Health
staffed by peers
Services, Gail Bataille.
who serve as role
models and create programs tailored to the
needs of San Mateo County youth, ages 1625. Director Michelle Davis says, “Making
the transition to independent adult living
can be tough for teens, especially those that
may not have family support. We provide
resources and encouragement as they make
their way in the world.”
gallery: the edgewood hope ball
october 13, 2007 san francisco city hall
edgewood.org/whatwedo/community/turning-point
New COO/CFO:
Debra Menaker
We are pleased to welcome
Debra Menaker, our new
COO/CFO, who brings with her 17 years of
service as the Exploratorium’s CFO. “Debra’s
extensive background with nonprofit
organizations, her dedication to serving
the public, and her successful management
of finances and staff at a leading edge
institution makes her an excellent addition
to our family,” said Edgewood CEO Nancy
Rubin. “We’re thrilled to have her.”
edgewood.org/whoweare/about/leadership
A peaceful place
The Sally Gotcher Children’s
Garden is in full bloom with
beds of herbs, native plants,
flowers, vegetables, and
berries. While the garden
was a bit neglected in the
past, volunteer Gail Secchia has restored
it to its original splendor. Gail said, “The
children at Edgewood have been through
a lot, so I wanted to create a peaceful
retreat for everyone to enjoy.” Stop by the
garden when you’re at the Vicente campus,
or contact Gail at [email protected] to
schedule a tour.
edgewood.org/getinvolved/volunteer/pictures
View and order more Edgewood Hope Ball photos on edgewood.org
Viva La Fair!
gallery: the edgewood hope ball
october 13, 2007 san francisco city hall
the edgewood hope ball
Co-Chairs
Paul B. Holm, Jr.
Cynthia Lohr
Steering Committee
Judy Holm, Chair
Blakesley Chappellet
Michelle Cheatham
Elizabeth Strong Coover
Denise Dettore
Sheila Whelan Duffy
Jeannie Harris
Douglas C. Heske
Sally Jacobs
Gisele Rainer
Miriam Maxian Rike
Teri Sardonia
Sandra L. Schmaier
Julie Shugar
Ali Walecka
Edgewood Hope Ball photos are available on edgewood.org.
Honorary Committee
Sarah and Darius Anderson
Wilkes Bashford
Richard C. Blum
The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr.
John L. Burton
Marc Corsi
Marcia and John Goldman
Kamala D. Harris
Steven Kay
Pat Kuleto
Isabelle and Arnold Laub
The Honorable Mayor Gavin Newsom
William O’Keeffe
Gail and Carmen Policy
Danielle Steel
Mary and Bishop William Swing
edgewood board of
directors
Chairman
Graeme Hanson, M.D.
Vice Chairman
Paul B. Holm, Jr.
President and CEO
Nancy Rubin
Directors
Luis A. Belmonte
David H. Black
Elizabeth Strong Coover
Michele L. Chaboudy
Denise Dettore
Douglas C. Heske
Cynthia Lohr
Rick S. Mariano
Jon H. Paulsen
Gisele Rainer
Miriam Rike
Teri Sardonia
Brooke Shields
Elizabeth Leep, Auxiliary President
The 41st Annual Edgewood
Fair, “Rendezvous in Paris,”
was fun, festive, and très
magnifique – grossing
more than $600,000. The
Edgewood Auxiliary
hosted this elegant event
last May at the Golden
Gate Club in the Presidio. The Edgewood
Fair is one of the most notable fundraisers
of the season and the Auxiliary’s primary
fundraising event. Many thanks to this
year’s outstanding Fair Chair, Lisa Solinger.
Save the date for next year’s Fair – May 6
and 7, 2008!
edgewood.org/getinvolved/auxiliary
Deloitte Delivers
Over 50 Deloitte
& Touche
volunteers joined
us on June 8
for IMPACT Day
2007, Deloitte’s
national day of volunteering. Employees
arrived early at our Vicente campus to
assist with painting, gardening, furniture
assembly, and organizing. The volunteers
were hardworking and efficient, completing
dozens of major projects in a matter
of hours. Deloitte & Touche has also been
a Corporate Sponsor of the Edgewood Fair
for several years. We are immensely grateful
to Deloitte & Touche and their employees
for their generous support!
“When I go to Edgewood, we play games and go
to the beach. We learn about animals and I got to
meet a real 49er. I like Edgewood because I make
new friends and learn things.”
Eric
Kinship Summer Day Camp Participant
edgewood.org/whatwedo/kinship
my edgewood: child
“Edgewood has been a godsend for me. They
helped me to adopt my granddaughter, Ceciley.
I’ve participated in recreation programs and
support groups, and now I volunteer at the weekly
Food Pantry. Whatever problems we were going
through, Edgewood gave us the support we
needed.”
Zether McGriger
Kinship grandmother and volunteer
edgewood.org/whatwedo/kinship
my edgewood: caregiver
“When I became Principal at Hillcrest Elementary, I
knew that many of the students had needs that the
school could not meet. Edgewood’s programs have
transformed the lives of students, their families, and
the staff. I am grateful that the Edgewood Team is
an integral part of the Hillcrest community.”
Mary Lou Cranna, Principal
Hillcrest Elementary School
edgewood.org/getinvolved/volunteer
support edgewood
wish list
edgewood.org/whatwedo/school
If you can donate any of the following items,
it would be greatly appreciated by our kids,
families, and staff:
my edgewood: principal
• Sofas, loveseats, cushiony chairs
• DVD players
• TVs with DVD and VHS players
• Computers, laptops
• Boom boxes
• Educational computer software
• Digital timers
• Cute folders and notebooks
• Electric pencil sharpeners
• Tinker Toys, Uno, playing cards,
dominoes, board games
• Dollhouse and furniture
Call 415.682.3200 if you would like to
donate any of these items.
edgewood.org/getinvolved/ways-to-give/inkind
“Edgewood’s impact is truly amazing. I’ve had the
privilege of speaking with children and parents
whose lives have been transformed, and all credit
Edgewood for opening doors they thought were
long closed. This is one of the many reasons I
choose to support Edgewood as a Board member
and donor.”
Brooke Shields
Director, Edgewood Board of Directors
edgewood.org/whoweare/about/board
my edgewood: board member
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What’s inside?
PAGE 1 Feature
The Edgewood
Hope Ball shines in its
inaugural year.
PAGE 1 Story of Hope
A grandmother
becomes a parent
again at age 76.
Help brighten the holidays for Edgewood’s children and families
Annual Toy Drive Kicks Off
PAGE 3 My Edgewood
Perspectives from a
child, a caregiver, an
educator, and a Board
member.
Many of the children we serve don’t have a safe home to return to for the holidays, and
their childhoods have been a cycle of abuse, neglect, and violence. During this season of
giving, please help us bring some much-needed joy into their lives, by making a donation
to our annual Toy Drive.
If you wish to donate specific toys and gifts, contact Mary Tam at 415.682.3201 or
[email protected], to receive general toy donation instructions and a copy of the
children’s holiday Wish Lists. We also welcome general donations to Edgewood, which help
us bring hope and happiness to the children year-round.
You can make a donation by phoning 415.682.3200 or online at Edgewood.org.
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our mission
The mission of Edgewood Center for Children and
Families is to strengthen children, youth, families,
and their communities through service, training,
advocacy, and research.
EDGEWOOD CAMPUS
SAN FRANCISCO
TEL: 415.681.3211
EDGEWOOD FAMILY CENTER
SAN FRANCISCO
TEL: 415.865.3000
EDGEWOOD SAN MATEO
SAN CARLOS
TEL: 800.496.3019
NONPROFIT ORG.
WWW.EDGEWOOD.ORG
1801 VICENTE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116
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PERMIT NO. 7055