December 2018 Newsletter

Happy Holidays! This is such an exciting time for WIN Family Health as we gear up for our biggest event of the year – our annual Holiday Extravaganza for the youth and families we serve. We’ve been busy like elves this season – from community events, to movie premieres, to big fundraisers. Read on for all that we’ve been up to. Visit our website at www.winfamilyservices.org

WIN’s popping up all over the community – county to county, event after event. We got to share our mission throughout the state and even met some incredible people on the way. The next time you go to a resource fair or community event, be sure to keep an eye out for those friendly faces wearing purple polos and come say hi!

First we stopped at Cecil County’s Annual Recovery Walk where we shared information about our substance use disorder services. We also stopped at The Family Tree’s FamFest 5k and Walk where we took part in funfilled activities for the whole family! Next, we took part in Goodwill’s Thanksgiving Resource Fair where we were able to share our services with the Baltimore community. To round out a busy season, we held our annual gift drive for the youth at Big Lots in Reisterstown Plaza. We were also joined by Heaven600 radio superstar- Lee Michaels! Kind and generous faces greeted us throughout the entire day. What a great way to end the year!

WIN Team PRP works to produce enriching experiences that enhance our clients’ worldview. Part of those experiences come in the form of activities planned and scheduled for youth and adults, ranging from guest speakers, fitness classes, and finance workshops.  In the past few months, WIN Team put together events that were not only fun, but truly enriching!

Cecil and Harford County clients had the amazing opportunity to experience therapeutic horseback riding, thanks to our partner, Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program. The youth connected with the spirited animals and it was a great time had by all!

Cecil County also hosted a pumpkin decorating party. During the activity, the youth had fun and talked about how having the chance to express themselves through art made them fee. They were happy, relaxed and having a great time! It was all hands on deck as Cheryl provided cupcakes, cookies and drinks. Devin, Theresa, Tiffany and Placida helped to oversee the activity. Cheryl, Marina, and Ayo donated all the pumpkins that were used. Thank you everyone for your support!

We were extremely blessed this season to have received an abundance of donations. John Smith and his team shipped over 300 items from Under Armour right to our office. From jackets, to sweaters, to sweatpants, to gym bags- the generous donation will keep our clients warm this holiday season.

The great folks at Good Sports have also granted WIN the opportunity to choose any athletic clothing and equipment that fits our current needs. Our sports group in DREAM will be happy to know that Good Sports and Nike will be a huge part in helping our athletes practice and hone their skills.

Ashley Johnson and the Feld Entertainment family, granted magical wishes for the youth and families we serve. Sending over 100 of our clients passes to the Disney on Ice, Mickey’s Search Party, dreams really did come true as our youth were able to see their favorite Disney characters light up the stage.

November was truly a time for family as the movie, “Instant Family” premiered right before the Thanksgiving holiday. The heartwarming comedy features Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as a married couple who decides to adopt a teenager and her two younger siblings from foster care. The film depicts their adventure as a new family, showing the various nuances of foster care and adoption – the joys and the struggles.

We were on hand during premiere weekend at the Bel Air Regal Cinemas to shed light on the therapeutic foster care experience. We hope the movie will inspire families to take the leap and be a part of a brighter future for a child in need. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact Kristina Jones at kjones@winfamilyservices.org.

We are so proud of our former youth and a forever WIN Family member, Jamar Barnes, for the strides he has taken to improve the community we live in. In a recent video posted by Maryland Legal Aid, Jamar’s story is highlighted – from dealing with his past to taking the necessary steps to move forward. We are so proud of you Jamar, you are truly an inspiration! See the video here!

January Baltimore New Parent Orientation – January 7th at 5:30pm
2502 W. Northern Parkway Baltimore, MD 21215

January PG New Parent Orientation – January 8th at 5:30pm
10001 Derekwood Lane Suite 210 Lanham, MD 20706

If you have any questions about upcoming events, please email Kristina Jones at kjones@winfamilyservices.org