While others in the community are rushing to purchase last-minute gifts and planning festive meals, these families are facing the daily challenges of overcoming trauma or abuse, often while struggling to stretch very limited resources.
Over ninety-five percent of our client families live in poverty or have difficulty meeting even basic needs such as clothing, food and housing due to low income. Without assistance, a great number of these families would not be able to celebrate the holidays at all.
Learn More About the Program:
About Adopt-A-Family
At a Glance
How You Can Help
2011 "Adopt" a Family!
F.A.Q.s
Stories from Families
About Adopt-A-Family
With the support of the Friends of Foothill Family, the Walt Disney Company, scout troops, and local community members and businesses, the Adopt-A-Family Program distributes holiday gifts of clothes, toys and necessities to local families in need during the holiday season.
The program matches local families experiencing financial hardship with generous donors in the community who would like to brighten the holidays for a family in need. The families available for “adoption” range in size from small to large, and come from the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, Glendale, Burbank, and surrounding communities. They are recommended for “adoption” by their therapists and case managers.
For many of these children and families, the gifts that they received through the Adopt-A-Family Program were the only holiday gifts that they received last year. The Adopt-A-Family Program can make all the difference for some of our highest-need client families, helping them to feel supported and cared for during the holidays as they work toward a place of healing and hope for a brighter future.
At a Glance
- In 2011, 334 families were "adopted"
- In the 2010-2011 year, Foothill Family Service provided help to over 23,000 individuals. There is a strong need in the community!
"Adopt" a Family!
If you would like to adopt a family, the first step is to complete the questionnaire so we can assign the family that is best suited for you.You can download the questionnaire here and return it via email to lnolan@foothillfamily.org, by fax to 626-564-1651, or by mail to Foothill Family Service, Attn: Laura Nolan, 2500 East Foothill Blvd., Suite 300, Pasadena, CA 91107. Soon after we receive your questionnaire, we will provide you with an "adoption" packet with information about the family you will be "adopting," including first names, ages, clothing sizes, and interests. All gifts need to be delivered to Foothill Family Service on the date specificed in your adoption packet.
How You Can Help
In addition to "adopting" a family, you can help support the program through several ways:
1.) Consider hosting a Toy Drive at Your Business Workplace, School, or even among friends.
2.) Would you like volunteer to receive gifts?
Contact Laura Nolan at Foothill Family for more information.
3.) Also consider having a Giving Tree at your site.
4.) Tell your friends and family about the program!
Please feel free to contact Susan Dutra at (626) 564-1613 if you would like to discuss other ways your organization or group can get involved with Adopt-a-Family.
F.A.Q.s
Coming soon!
If you have any questions, please contact our Development Associate, Laura Nolan, at (626) 564-1613, ext. 133 or email lnolan@foothillfamily.org.
Stories from Families
This is the story of one young girl whose family is in need this holiday season:
Two-year-old Jasmine lives with her young mother Denise, who was a teen parent. Denise was abandoned as a baby and then endured years of abuse in foster homes throughout her childhood. She grew up in special education classes but dreams of someday going to college. This young family is homeless and have been moving from place to place, staying wherever they can while they wait to be placed in a shelter.
Jasmine's mom aspires to give her daughter the life she never had - growing up in a stable, loving family. Unfortunately, Denise cannot afford to provide beyond her child's most basic necessities. She worries that her daughter won't experience a holiday season with Santa Claus.
This small family eagerly looks forward to their weekly lessons and activities as part of Foothill Family Service's Early Head Start Program. As Denise watches Jasmine's growth and progress, she smiles while fighting back tears caused by their stressful homelessness. Even during the most difficult times, Denise is driven to give Jasmine the power of attention and the gift of education.
This holiday season, Denise wishes for Santa to visit her family. She hopes to tell her daughter, "Jasmine, Santa Claus is not going to forget you!"
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