The crisp fall mornings remind us that it's time to plan a day of fun at the Pumpkin Patch Farm!  Help us create healthy relationships by sponsoring families to participate in a day trip to the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch Farm.  Each $25 raised will provide everything needed for families to have a wonderful and memorable experience enjoyed together. In addition to being able to pick out their very own pumpkin, each donation will cover admission fees, picnic lunches, a visit to the animal barn, hay rides, apple cider and a gift certificate that parents use to take home some of the fresh fall fruits and vegetables available at the farm.  It's easy to contribute, just click here and note that you would like your donation to be used toward the Pumpkin Patch trip. Questions? Call Cynthia Jones at 503-595-4512.

At intake, the Miller* family was experiencing many risk factors including homelessness, high stress, medical and mental impairment of a caregiver and financial stress.  Jennifer* was recently out of recovery for methamphetamines and admitted to abusing prescription drugs.
 
Working closely with her therapist and doctors, I assisted in developing a plan to wean her off medications and get the family into a safe, secure home (she is currently on a short waiting list at St. Johns Woods).  Since intake, Jennifer has finished the Jobs Program, obtained her GED and is now enrolled at PCC.  She successfully completed the parenting class while her son Erik finished scheduled respite and the therapeutic classroom.  The major goals we developed together were around socialization for Erik and a better understanding of child development for Jennifer.  Early on, she expressed a desire to better understand her child and to learn how to play with him.  She has accomplished these goals.
 
Jennifer plans to finish her internship for Project Enterprise through volunteer hours at the Nursery.  She plans to enroll Erik in PCC childcare while awaiting a Head Start placement.
 
Initially, concerns about domestic violence in the home between Jennifer and her mother caused me to make two hot line calls based on self-reports from Jennifer.  The family sought voluntary support from the Department of Human Services for a very short time and worked closely with a Lifeworks NW Therapist.  Jennifer knew it wasn't safe for Erik to witness these interactions and was eager to seek resolution.
 
Jennifer and Erik are a much stronger family than they were two years ago.  Children's Relief Nursery Services are no longer needed.

Panoramic views of Elk Cove Vineyards was the setting for our Fall Fundraising Dinner this year.  The evening started with a wine tasting featuring some of Elk Cove's newest releases and finished with dancing to the music of Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising Bluegrass band. The evening's buffet was prepared by phresh organic catering and featured a variety of local farm fresh ingredients.  Thank you to all who attended and sponsored this event.  Your generous support raised $4,800 for the Nursery.