October news
a note from our new program director, danielle:
Hello! I first just wanted to thank each and every one of you who supports Safe Families PLUS in one way or another. I am deeply grateful for this program and the opportunity it provides for youth and young adults impacted by the foster care system to be connected with loving and caring adults in their lives.
A Michigan organization, Community Teams, says it so well when they write about how belonging changes everything:
“When people feel known and loved, hope grows—and people flourish. We believe connection creates the courage to belong.”
I wholeheartedly believe that belonging changes everything. Many of the young people we serve have moved between numerous homes and residential settings, making connection and belonging especially difficult. I love that Safe Families PLUS creates a space where youth are seen, valued, and know that they belong. I believe every young person deserves access to safe, trustworthy people who will champion them and walk alongside them as they navigate all that life holds and transition into adulthood.
I’m so thankful to join such an incredible group of people—staff, volunteers, and youth—as we continue cultivating opportunities for meaningful relationships to grow between mentors and mentees.
Please feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you and connect!
Danielle Kaufman, LCSW
dkaufman@safefamilies.net
Luggage for our youth + Fall fest
Shoutout to our Recruitment Coordinator, Tykisha, for building a new partnership with Calvary Baptist Church in Glenwood! Calvary Baptist is doing a luggage drive during the month of October, and they will be providing luggage for all of the youth in our program who want it! Stay tuned for details about the luggage distribution.
Additionally, Calvary Baptist is hosting a Fall Fest on October 30th and are inviting any of our youth and mentors who would like to participate.
Teens in the park
Here is a list of events happening at park districts across the city specifically for teens. Take a look to get some inspiration for your next outing with your mentee!
Podcast: You Can Mentor Podcast
In the episode, Simple Mentoring with Pastor Raymond Chang, Zachary Garza sits down with Pastor Raymond Chang, Executive Director of the TenX10 Collaboration and co-creator of simplementoring.org, to explore three keys for simple, effective mentoring:
Three Keys for Simple Mentoring:
1. Little acts over grand gestures: Five-minute check-ins, ride-alongs, or a walk outside.
2. Authenticity over perfection: Be yourself, share your real story, and build trust.
3. Questions over answers: Be curious, listen deeply, and resist the urge to “fix.”
Check out the full episode to hear more insights on mentoring from Zach and Pastor Raymond!