Cherishing Our Children - The Villages

The Power of Two
The Villages and Prevent Child Abuse Indiana worked diligently in 2007 to develop a shared
relationship designed to enrich each organization’s mission and to continue to strengthen each entity’s
position as leaders, educators, advocates and caregivers for children in need. The two organizations
share a rich history of collaboration, similar missions and a commitment to caring for Hoosier children
and families. Together, the pair boast 15 years of leadership with the dynamic Healthy Families
Indiana program, embrace primary prevention as a priority, have credibility statewide and nationally
as “voices for children” and have a strong history with Prevent Child Abuse America and Healthy
Families America.
“These are both groups with good reputations and credibility, and they should complement each other
well,” said James W. Payne, Director of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Angels in Adoption
U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar selected The Villages as a 2007 Angels in Adoption Award recipient for
our commitment to Hoosier children and our advocacy work in foster care and adoption services. The
Villages was among the “unsung heroes” chosen from all 50 states and the District of Columbia — all
of whom attended the Angels in Adoption Washington, D.C. awards ceremony and gala in in October.
There, The Villages was recognized for its leadership, commitment and passion for children.
“The Villages is one of the top child and family service agencies in the country, and its work on behalf
of foster and adopted children makes a significant difference in many lives,” said Senator Lugar.
While everyone at The Villages was honored by the recognition, we all agree that the true angels are
the children themselves — the ones who rise above the challenges in their lives to succeed in life.
They are the inspiration for the work we are so blessed to do each day.
Accreditation
In our current outcomes-oriented environment, organizations are increasingly called upon to
demonstrate the impact of their services. The Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and
Children (COA) views accreditation as a catalyst for change that builds on an organization’s strengths.
In 2007, COA accredited or was in the process of accrediting more than 1,800 private and public
organizations that serve more than 7 million individuals and families. Proudly, The Villages continues
to be among the one (1) percent of child and family service agencies nationally accredited by
the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
The Villages was awarded a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids grant in its Northeast Region to more effectively
recruit and train adoptive families for whom finding a “forever family” is especially difficult. The
grant from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption allowed The Villages the opportunity to hire a
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, who focuses all of her time on finding permanent, loving families for
Fort Wayne-area children in foster care.
Each and every day of 2007 has been directed by The Villages’ passionate belief that a healthy,
nurtured child is our country’s most precious resource. Whether you are a Board Member, staff
member, foster parent, adoptive parent, donor, volunteer or a community partner, you are providing
healing, hope and happiness through The Villages’ “labor of love.” There is NO better way to Cherish
the Children!
Our deepest thanks
Sharon E. Pierce Kathi Postlethwait
President & CEO Board of Directors’ Chair
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