The Optimist Club of Solano County and Aldea Children & Family Services have partnered to meet the growing needs of foster youth in Solano County. Through numerous efforts by Optimist Club members, the collaboration has impacted hundreds of local youth in the foster care system.
The Optimist Club of Solano County (OCSC), a chapter of Optimist International- an organization of over 2,900 clubs world-wide, each independently ran by local volunteers- has extended its services to Aldea clients by “adopting” their Treatment Foster Care (TFC) and Adoptions program that serves over 350 youth annually. Club members gather donations of high-need items for the program’s emergency placement clients. Beautifully hand-sewn sacs, brand new undergarments and essential hygiene products have been provided to youth that often must leave their homes with nothing more than the clothes they have on. TFC Program Director, Shahrukh Chrishty states, “Our partnership with the Optimist Club of Solano County has already brought so much joy to our youth. Moments that some children may take for granted, our foster youth treasure.”
Thanks to a generous donation from committed Optimist Club members striving to “bring out the best out of kids,” Aldea was able to equip nearly 100 children with backpacks and school supplies last fall, supplying them with what they need for a successful school year. But the group does not stop there. Members are already preparing for their largest annual fundraiser this fall.
For a third consecutive year, Aldea and The Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club have been selected as beneficiaries of the 2016 Miniature Golf Halloween Fundraiser to be held at Scandia Family Fun Center in Fairfield on Friday, October 21st from 5:00-7:00pm. This event will provide over 100 kids a fun-filled night for them and their families. Each $10 donation will sponsor a foster child from Aldea Children & Family Services or youth from The Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club to participate. Optimist volunteers fully decorate, provide food, and fun games for youth of all ages, creating a unique opportunity to engage the community while making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a foster child or family to participate in this event or are interested in becoming an Optimist Club of Solano County member, please contact Optimist Club President, Christina Baird at Christina@littlewingconnections.com or at 707-738-9962.
Christina Baird is a renowned author, speaker and trainer on issues related to child sexual abuse prevention. Baird understands the impact this club has on children. “It is important to give our children a safe environment to grow and find their way in life. The Optimist Club of Solano County has a compassionate group of individuals, who choose to contribute in this process to bring out the best in our kids!”
OCSC’s dedication and support to Aldea helps improve the lives of children in the community who need it most creating brighter futures for all. Aldea Executive Director, Mark Bontrager states, “Creating positive change is strengthened when members of the community come together for one cause. We are truly grateful for this support.”
About Aldea Children & Family Services
Aldea Children & Family Services improves people’s mental wellbeing so they can strengthen their relationships and become engaged in the community. Through critical mental health, treatment foster care, adoption, and support services, Aldea helps more than 5,300 people annually in Napa and Solano counties who face obstacles to accessing and receiving effective treatment.
Media Contact: Development Associate, Marcella Licea
Phone: 707-255-1855 X662
email: mlicea@aldeainc.org
- 707.206.6211
- christina@littlewingconnections.com