Spring 2019

Love In Action 2019 This year’s Love in Action Dinner will feature , one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation. A Pennsylvania native, Aaron led worship in his church for many years before gaining a national platform as a recording artist. He was named both New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 2007 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. His song, “My Savior My God” was recognized as the Song of the Year.

Aaron is known for such favorites as “My Hope is in You,” “No One Higher,” “Ever Be,” and “Cornerstone”. His new live album, “Love Made a Way,” is a collection of familiar worship anthems mingled with several new songs. Over the past decade, Aaron Shust has earned the As a devoted worship leader, Aaron says, “In a reputation as one of Christian music’s most compelling concert setting I want people to worship. I am songwriters and vocalists. We are proud to have him always encouraging people to sing along. The biggest as our special musical performer at ECFA’s 69th compliment I can receive after a concert is when Anniversary “Love-in-Action” Dinner. someone says, ‘that was less of a concert and more of a church service, more of a worship experience.’” Friday, May 10, 2019 Declaring God's Praises! 7:00 pm ~ Doors Open at 6:30 pm Doubletree by Hilton Lisle Naperville 3003 Corporate Drive ~ Lisle, IL 60532 RSVP by Monday, April 29, 2019

Contact Odette at [email protected]; call 630-653-6400 ext. 7214 or RSVP online at our website: www.evancfa.org Dinner is complimentary; Reservations are necessary. Tables accommodate groups of 10 An opportunity will be given to share financially in ECFA's ministries. NOTE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nichole Nordeman will not be performing at ECFA's 2019 Love in Action Dinner. We regret any confusion or disappoinment this may have caused. Adoptive parents Jim and DuRhonda Palmore decided to help ECFA and Lydia Children’s Home with a special concert and fundraising event. TheyWhat had adopted About Melody theGrace fromChildren? ECFA, and Symphony Grace and Harmony Grace from Lydia. On November 3rd they organized a concert at Greater Harvest Church on the south side of . What about the Children? was the eve- ning’s theme to raise awareness of waiting children for adoption in the child welfare system. On March 28th, the Palmores visited our temporary office in Lisle and presented Adoption Supervisor, member of Moody Bible Institute. DuRhonda is a Barb Hellmer, with a check to the Agency for $2070. freelance photographer, and piano teacher. Both Jim Jim is a church elder and the Minister of Music at and DuRhonda enjoy spending time with their two New Covenant Assembly of Peace Church of God in grandchildren Lyric Grace and Aria Grace. Christ in South Holland. DuRhonda is a former staff

Have a Heart for Life On Saturday, February 16th, 86 bowlers came out on counseling from professional social workers. Many a cold and wintery day to Fox Bowl in Wheaton. We young women are helped to prepare for parenting celebrated Valentine’s Day weekend by raising needed while others are assisted in making the loving plan of funds for ECFA’s Pregnancy Support Services. Bowlers adoption. of all ages enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch, sweet treats, three games of bowling, and lots of prizes. Thank you to all who supported the event by praying, bowling, sending financial support, and volunteering! It was all for a good cause! ECFA has been provid- We also want to thank the businesses that provided ing positive alternatives to abortion with life-affirm- great prizes. Through the generosity of many friends, ing services for nearly 69 years. Pregnancy Support we raised nearly $8,000. You certainly “Have a Heart Services Supervisor, Faith Allman, shared about how for Life!” Don’t miss the fun next year! expectant parents receive compassionate care and

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 2 Golf Scramble We are starting to swing into SCRAMBLE mode Come for a day of fellowship and fun to help our for the upcoming Annual Golf Classic Scramble Pregnancy Support Services Program reach out and College Invitational! Save Tuesday, June 18th, to mothers and their families facing unplanned for this event. pregnancies. New Location Join us at Pheasant Run Resort. This is our first time at this location. Registration, breakfast, and practice Pheasant Run Resort start at 6:30 am. 4051 E. Main St. , St. Charles 60174

The Early bird registration is $175. (After May 31, it increases to $200). You can catch a light continental Grab and Go breakfast, hit a bucket of balls, play 18 holes of golf with a cart, and enjoy lunch on the course. Included are prizes, awards, and appetizers at our short afternoon program after the rounds. Invite your family and friends to join us. Space is limited so register early. We encourage you to bring a foursome!

We will also be hosting our 6th ECFA Christian College Invitational held simultaneously with the Golf Classic.

Reconstruction Update

Progress is being made in the reconstruction of our 1530 N. Main Street, Wheaton building. The roof has been rebuilt and new sky lights are in place. The work- men have completed the interior demolition and are preparing for the installation of new windows, plumb- ing and electrical configuration, and the HVAC system.

Our architect is in the process of completing plans for the reconstruction of the interior of the building. The City of Wheaton will review the architectural plans to ensure compliance with all current building codes and requirements. We are hoping that the restoration will be finished sometime in the summer. Once we are able to return to our building, we will plan an open house event to celebrate our homecoming!

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 3 Serving Families “Andy” is a very cute little pre- therapist, Julie, who has helped with schools, landlords, and physi- schooler who has a whimsical per- her work through some very dif- cians. In some cases families also sonality. His ECFA caseworker, ficult family relational problems. receive assistance with housing, Anna, says he is inquisitive, engag- The family’s caseworker, Anna, quality daycare facilities for young ing, and lovable. Sadly, one evening says that Michael is a sweet kid children; help with transporta- the police were called to the family who enjoys school and is fun to be tion, home furnishings, and other home. Andy’s father was arrested around. resources. for hitting him while intoxicated. Anna has helped Maria get coun- Maria and Carlos’ family case was His mother got an order of protec- seling for domestic violence and successfully closed after nearly tion to prevent this from happen- parent coaching. She is resilient one and a half years of involvement ing again. and resourceful, and works full with ECFA. They were helped with time to support the family finan- some of their basic needs and cially. Maria has also made posi- received adequate home furnish- tive strides to improve her self- ings. The parents completed all confidence and has a good sense required services. They expressed of humor. Carlos engaged in sub- their appreciation for their case- stance abuse treatment and has worker, Anna, and even invited completed a partner abuse inter- her to Katie’s Quinceanera party. vention program. He has wanted In terms of measurable success, to work toward correcting what over 90% of client families are able has gone wrong in the family. to remain intact with many indi- ECFA receives family cases from viduals making notable progress. DCFS after a hotline call is made Brigid says that she sees positive Currently, ECFA’s Intact Family from a school, hospital, police changes in individuals, health- Services (IFS) program cares for department, physician, counselor, ier family functioning, parents 67 families who have come to family member or family friend. taking appropriate responsibility the attention of the Department DCFS determines if an investiga- for themselves and their children, of Children and Family Services tion is warranted and if so, the and families in a better place when (DCFS) for abuse or neglect. investigator makes a referral to they complete services than when Supervisor Brigid Luke says that ECFA for appropriate services. they first were referred to ECFA. the focus of the program is to bring “It is especially rewarding,” she stability to the family, address the The ECFA case manager assesses says, “to experience breakthrough reasons why the parents came to the family’s situation, meets with moments such as when our clients the attention of DCFS, keep the family members weekly in their invite us to pray with them.” family intact, prevent the chil- home, monitors the safety and dren from going into foster care, wellbeing of the children, refers prevent future incidents of abuse family members to helping profes- and neglect, and improve overall sionals, collaborates with service family functioning. providers, school personnel, and physicians in order to monitor the Andy’s parents, “Carlos” and family’s progress. “Maria,” have two older children, "Katie" and "Michael." Katie is very Family members benefit by receiv- responsible and earns good grades ing needed professional services at in school. She has benefitted no charge. The case manager also from counseling from her ECFA serves as an advocate for the family Photos for illustration only.

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 4 Kid's Korner How To Be An Advocate For Children Who Need A Family

Consider for a moment what you would do, or how ROLES FOR PLAYERS you would feel, if you did not have your family around you to encourage and support you. We all need a ••PRAY and ask God what He would have you do! "sense of family," and children in particular need to have a sense of belonging to someone. There are thou- ••Church Presentations: Invite ECFA to give a sands of children worldwide who are either orphaned presentation at your church any day of the week or or drifting in the foster care system. They need per- Sunday (small or large groups). manency! Children are precious in our Father's eyes. Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a little child like this • : Invite ECFA to have a display in My name, welcomes Me." •Ministry Fair table at your next Ministry Fair. What can you do to advocate for at least one child? Maybe your situation does not allow you to adopt a ••Orphan Hosting or Adoption: One is short waiting child who needs a home; but brothers and sis- term, and one is forever (both are needed)! ters, we can all do something. As Paul says in Romans • : Help a family who is willing to 12:4-5 "For just as we have many members in one body •Raise Funds adopt or orphan host a child but does not have the and all members do not have the same function, so funds. we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and indi- vidually members one of another." Together we can

make a difference in the life of a child! “Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless.” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV)

Ribfest Every summer the Naperville Exchange Club hosts Ribfest to increase awareness and raise support for local human services agencies that provide domes- tic violence and child abuse prevention programs. On February 21st, Exchange Club member Ginny Kelly visited ECFA at our Lisle office and presented Executive Director, Ken Withrow, with a check for $3400.00 to help fund our Pregnancy Support Services Program. (Pictured left to right are Ken, Ginny, and ECFA staff members Barb Hellmer, Joyanna Dreisbach, and Bev Ozinga.)

This year’s Ribfest will take place at Knoch Park The Exchange Club welcomes volunteers to help in Naperville from Wednesday, July 3rd through with this event. If you are interested in supporting Saturday, July 6th. Daily hours are noon to 10 p.m. this all-volunteer community group contact ECFA Thanks Exchange Club volunteers for your hard at 630/653-6400 or email [email protected]. Hope work and commitment to our community! to see you there!

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 5 ECFA Interns ECFA offers a distinct opportunity for graduate level their skills and contribute their talents in the field of college students to develop their ability to integrate human services. These emerging professionals are pre- their Christian faith with professional practice. Coming paring for future careers in child welfare, clinical prac- from diverse backgrounds, interns learn how to hone tice, and other areas of social services.

Julie Twohill

As a Masters in Social Work (MSW) student at Aurora University, this is Julie’s second internship placement at ECFA. Last year, she interned in the Intact Family Services Program. This year she is an intern in the Pregnancy Support Services Program. She feels that the staff has been very supportive in helping her know how to advise clients in crisis. She says it has been a blessing for her to be at ECFA. After graduation, she hopes to provide early interven- tion and case management services to individuals and families at a faith based organization.

Tiffany Williams

Tiffany is a second year MSW student at Walden University. This is also her second internship placement at ECFA. Previously she had been an intern in the Intact Family Services Program. This year, she is interning in the Pregnancy Support Services Program. She has found that her internship experience has prepared her well for her work in the field of human services. She says ECFA is a very welcoming, supportive, encouraging environment for student interns. Tiffany plans to become a licensed social worker and a counselor in the future.

Alli Cochran

Alli is a MSW student at Aurora University. She is taking her internship in the Intact Family Services Program and says that her experience has given her exposure to a variety of clients. She feels that she has been developing her social work skills in a Christ-centered way. She believes that the staff has been incredibly supportive in helping her navigate through the challenges that she has faced. Her future goal is to pursue a career in school social work.

Sarah Tews

Sarah is also a MSW student at Aurora University taking an internship in the Intact Family Services Program. She believes that interning at ECFA has been a great learning experience for her. She says it has helped her step out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to do things that she had not experienced before. In the future, she would like to work in a crisis pregnancy center or do pregnancy counseling through an agency.

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 6 Meet Arnold, Maggie, & Keren!!

Arnold Lavaire

Originally from Honduras, Arnold came to the United States in 1996. He joined the ECFA staff on January 30th as a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist. Arnold earned a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He has several years of experience providing counseling both in a clinical setting and in the homes of client families. Currently, Arnold works with youth at his home church, Iglesia Nueva Esteranza (New Hope Church) in West Chicago.

Maggie Spoelhof

Maggie grew up in Glen Ellyn and graduated from Glenbard West High School. She went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology from Calvin College and a Masters in Social Work from Colorado University. She joined the Intact Family Services Program as a case manager on February 11th. Maggie and her family attend the First Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellyn.

Keren Cardenas

Keren originates from Venezuela where her parents were missionaries. She joined the staff as a bilingual Spanish-speaking pregnancy coun- selor on March 11th. She has a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She plans to obtain a M.A. in Christian Ministry and Psychology Doctor Degree from Southern California Seminary. Keren and her husband, Gabriel, were missionaries in Colombia for over two years. They attend Buenas Nueva Iglesia (Good News Church) where her father is the pastor. On Going Program Needs ECFA staff love being able to bless our families with ••Diapers and baby wipes items they need for their children. Our Pregnancy ••Gift cards to: Aldi, Shell, Target, or Walmart Support Services program is especially grateful for the replenishment of consumable items. Donations may be dropped off or sent to: The agency is blessed by the generosity of many, and if Evangelical Child & Family Agency you would like to be part of assisting us meet the prac- 213 Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187 tical needs of those we serve, following are suggested Questions, please call: 630-653-6400 items that are always welcome.

True to Life Spring 2019 Page 7 Memorials and Tributes In Loving Memory

Wilbur and Muriel Anderson Elsie Weeks From: Doug and Marcia Berg From: Mr. and Mrs. David Brown Mr. David Burnier Irene Levander Mr. Timothy Burnier From: John Levander Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Clark Mr. and Mrs. Robert Elliot Tom Long Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Everhart From: Mary Seaberg Mrs. Shirley Formby Mr. and Mrs. Donald Grob Jeff Newell Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hajek From: Bill and Marilyn Newell Ms. Judy Lyons Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roth Tony Rahrmann Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sonseson From: Ralph and Jessie Todd Mr. and Mrs. Ken Withrow Co-workers of Larry Weeks Veronica Ann Rettke From: Kurt Rettke Lee Wright From: Darlene Wright Ann Tonkin From: Dr. Allen Tonkin In Honor of Dante Buchanan in honor of his 17th Birthday From: Marlene Brokaw

ECFA Foundation

Initiated in 1995, ECFA Foundation, Inc. was designed to provide a Christ-centered resources for children, individuals, and families. Affiliated with Evangelical Child and Family Agency, the Foundation's ministry is committed to serving as a significant funding source for the Agency.

For more information regarding the Foundation, please contact Tim Carrick or KenWithrow at 630-653-6400

ECFA True to Life – Spring – Second Quarter 2019 Vol. 47, No. 2 Evangelical Child & Family Agency Phone: 630-653-6400 Visit us on Facebook 1530 N. Main St. Fax 630-653-6490 Blog: evancfa.wordpress.org Wheaton, IL 60187 Email: [email protected] Web: www.evancfa.org