OUR CHILDREN'S FUND

More Than a Decade of Helping

ADDRESS:

West Bloomfield Youth Assistance

P.O. Box 665

Keego Harbor, MI 48320

248-682-1635

OUR CHILDREN'S FUND meets emergency needs and provides resources to help ensure that EVERY STUDENT in West Bloomfield Schools is able to participate in academic and enrichment activities.

There are children in need in the West Bloomfield School District.

There are children whose families cannot pay for doctor appointments, eyeglasses and prescriptions. There are children who cannot participate in school activities because of associated costs. There are children whose families encounter emergencies they cannot handle alone.

For children who attend West Bloomfield Schools, there is a way to meet these needs that fall through the cracks of government and private agencies. It's OUR CHILDREN'S FUND.

OUR CHILDREN'S FUND, part of West Bloomfield Youth Assistance, a non-profit organization, is run by volunteers with the support of the West Bloomfield School District.

Because Youth Assistance administers the fund at no charge, EVERY DOLLAR RAISED goes directly to help school district children.

School principals, teachers or social workers initiate the process, which is confidential from start to finish.  The West Bloomfield Youth Assistance staff member confers with the school social worker and makes a recommendation about funding to the Children's Fund Steering Committee. OUR CHILDREN'S FUND encourages using combinations of funding sources.

If you know of a need, contact the school social worker or principal.

From an idea Dr. Avery Murav had in 1990 for an emergency fund for district students, OUR CHILDREN'S FUND grew under the guidance of former superintendent Dr. Seymour Gretchko and with the support of district staff, students and parents.

Through June 30, 2003, OUR CHILDREN'S FUND has granted 584 requests totaling more than $90,000.

TYPES OF NEEDS:

--MEDICAL, DENTAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL: Medical and Dental appointments, eyeglasses, vision therapy, prescriptions and psychological evaluation and therapy.

--ACADEMIC AND ENRICHMENT: School supplies, Summer school tuition, summer day camp fees, short-term tutoring, class trips

--SCHOOL CLOTHING FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

--HOME AND AUTO: Rent, Heating, gas and electric bills, Phone service, auto repairs

The HOLIDAY HELP program provides assistance to students and their families during the holiday season.

"Our Children's Fund is a source of pride for our school district, exemplifying the sense of caring and community we want our children to grow up in."

    -Dr. Gary Faber, Superintendent, West Bloomfield School District

"Our Children's Fund supports students' physical and emotional needs. It creates educational opportunities that might otherwise be lost. The fund makes dreams a reality."

    -Dr. Jill Adamczyk, Asst. Principal, West Bloomfield High School

"The fund has become so much a part of our school system that it is a matter of course for people to contribute to it for gifts, honors and memorials. The grants from Our Children's Fund are a great resource for families in need. I am very thankful we have Our Children's Fund."

    -Dr. Paul Lipson, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School

"We have been able to help meet students' basic needs by providing clothing and eyeglasses, as well as by assisting students to participate in extracurricular activities. Children's Fund has been a great resource for Abbott students."

    -Jill Sirbaugh, Social Worker, Abbott Middle School

"Our Children's Fund maintains the dignity of families by allowing social workers to make confidential requests for financial assistance during emergencies and untimely events."

    -Janis Schiffer, Social Worker, Green Elementary School

In many ways!  For instance, by giving Our Children's fund a piece of your fundraising pie. Contact a Steering Committee member by calling West Bloomfield Youth Assistance, 248-682-1947.

Or by mailing a check made out to Our Children's Fund. Contributions have been made in honor of teachers, in recognition of someone special, for birthday and anniversary gifts, or in memory of a loved one.

OR BY DONATING TO OUR CHILDREN'S FUND during the 24 hour WBLD-FM RADIO-A-THON.  The event will be "live" on 89.3 fm (West Bloomfield's Own Radio Station) from 4pm Friday November 7th to 4pm Saturday November 8th. There will be prizes, celebrity guests, WBHS alumni, music and a whole lot more! PLEASE JOIN US, and show your support for Our Children's Fund!  The Radio-a-thon hotline for donations is 248-865-6754.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTABLE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

Our Children's Fund

P.O. Box 665

Keego Harbor, MI

48320

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!