At NewDay we are concerned about what happens in the lives of children and their families. We are concerned about their future as well.The child placed in foster care; the adolescent who committed an offense and is in detention at the Juvenile Justice Center; the child in a home where two parents are in constant strife; the father who is in a battle over visitation with his child; the distraught mother who is not receiving child support. Then there is the child whose young mind does not know how to identify and express the feelings of hurt and confusion about mom and dad’s separation: The loneliness of missing dad; the helplessness of seeing mommy cry; the sadness of not having someone who will understand how they feel and can make it all better.
Children are at the heart of every NewDay program.We care about what they are going
through and how they are feeling about it. We are concerned about what lies ahead. How will these experiences affect them in the future? At NewDay, the healing process begins. We can find the extended family of the child who was neglected or abused and is now in foster care. We can teach the juvenile who is suffering the consequences of poor choices; that “Character does indeed Count”. By teaching “Life Skills”, we can create in the adolescent a vision of what becoming successful looks like. We can open the eyes of the parents who, through “Access Without Conflict” classes, realizes that their children must be the priority. We can diffuse the angry dad who comes to court-ordered FOCUS classes and leaves with a change of heart, mind and attitude, realizing that the classes actually turned out to be a blessing. He can now communicate with the mother of his child without an argument ensuing and his child is happy because Daddy comes by regularly.
At NewDay, we have the opportunity to make a difference now, but we are effecting change in the future. By God’s grace, through our programs, we are investing in the lives of people for generations to come. With the support of our community, we will continue to serve those who come our way.
Elna Vanderberg,
Executive Director
one of the many fathers NewDay has helped reconnect with their children in foster care. This father’s child had been removed from the child’s mother, who had custody. When Chris was found and informed — his world turned upside down… He had grown up in foster care… Was history destined to repeat itself? See how Chris responded to this life-changing event and how his determination effects not only his daughter, but her half-brother as well…