Date set for 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs Event”
PASADENA, Calif. The date for Rosemary Children’s Services’ 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” Event has been set for June 26, 2010. This annual event, which will be held at the historic Santa Anita Park, is the oldest, most established culinary event in the greater Los Angeles area. Over 500 prominent, concerned and caring friends to attend and enjoy an evening that includes a top-notch silent auction, live entertainment, fine wines, exotic beers and exquisite cuisine by premiere chefs from some of the area’s most prestigious restaurants.
Planning for the event began in October 2009 and will continue until June 2010.
PASADENA, Calif. Founded in 1920 by the Pasadena Shakespeare League, Rosemary Children’s Services has proven to be a staple in the Pasadena community, providing foster care and adoption services for over 350 “at-risk” youth annually.
Rosemary Children’s Services is an independent 501(c)(3) organization based in Pasadena, but provides foster care and adoption services throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate and therapeutic support to help children, adolescents and families heal from their pasts and move toward productive and fulfilling futures.
“We are proud to announce that 2010 will be our 90th year of providing quality care to the children in our communities,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director. “Over the past 90 years, Rosemary Children’s Services has served thousands of children and families, and has grown its programs and services from just a single care cottage for teenage girls, to a number of programs including Residential Treatment, Non-Public School, Mental Health Services, Foster Care and Adoption Services, and most recently, Transitional Housing. Our programs have grown with the needs of the youth whom we serve.”
Rosemary Children’s Services has several events in store for their 90th Anniversary, including the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” event to be held on June 26, 2010 at the historic Santa Anita Park, as well as an Open House in October 2010 that will showcase the Cottage, the first residential facility of Rosemary Children’s Services, built in 1928.
To learn more about Rosemary Children’s Services or arrange a tour of its Pasadena campus, call (626) 844-3033 or visit the agency’s website, http://www.rosemarychildren.org.
MISS TEEN CALIFORNIA USA, OLYMPIC GOLD WINNER, AND HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PROFESSIONALS TEAM UP TO PRODUCE PSA FOR FOSTER YOUTH
PASADENA, Calif. With a production crew of over a dozen of Hollywood’s most talented sound, camera, wardrobe, and hair and makeup professionals, Writer, Producer and Director Lou Simon called “action” on the set of the shoot for Rosemary Children’s Services’ Public Service Announcement. Simon, an adopted child himself, took on the P.S.A. project for Rosemary Children’s Services wholeheartedly.
“Being an adopted child, I understand the hardships that children go through,” says Simon. “It is not easy, and the more positive support children receive from others, the chances increase for a child to receive a hopeful future.”
Simon, stunt coordinator for over 60 films and Second Unit Director for 4 films including Throwing Stars (2007) and Glass House: the Good Mother (2006), became involved with Rosemary Children’s Services while doing research for his current project Flipside- a personal film about a wayward youth whose addiction to gambling led him down a life a crime, and his struggle to regain control of his life and future. Simon met with Greg Wessels, Executive Director for Rosemary Children’s Services, and Jennifer Radics, Development Director, to learn more about the services offered at Rosemary Children’s Services and the state of foster care today.
“Lou was very interested in the different programs we have at Rosemary Children’s Services,” says Wessels. “When we needed someone to help us put together a public service announcement in order to encourage more families to become foster or adoptive families, we knew exactly who to call.”
With one phone call to Simon, the creation and production of the Rosemary Children’s Services’ P.S.A. started almost immediately. Simon called upon his friends in the industry- John Duffy, Producer; Chad Rosen, 1st AD; Steve Harrison, 1st AD; Mark Irwin, Director of Photography; Ryan Pearce, Assistant Camera; Liz Schindler, Production Coordinator; Jessica Polim, Script Supervisor; Matt Irwin, Camera; Dean Hamilton, Second Camera; Cristina Meyer, Sound Mixer; Josue Pena, Boom Operator; David Van Woert, VFX; Pamela Harris, Editor; Mike Tristano, Props; Camille Henderson, Hair/Makeup; Michelle Garcia, Hair/Makeup; and Dechelle McKillian, Wardrobe- to help create the PSA.
Simon secured the Anaheim Angels Stadium for the shoot and also contacted 2010 Miss Teen California USA, Emma Baker and Four-time Gold Medal Olympic Swimmer, Jason Lezak to serve as the spokespersons for the PSA. More than one hundred cast, children, and families were involved in the production of the PSA over the two-day, six-scene shoot.
Post-production editing will resume in January / February 2010, with completion of the PSA expected in Spring 2010.
For more information regarding Moving Forward Productions visit: http://www.whatistheflipside.com
About Rosemary Children’s Services
Since 1920, Rosemary Children’s Services has been committed to providing compassionate and therapeutic services to “at-risk” children. Annually the agency serves over 400 children throughout Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange County. Programs include: Residential Treatment Program, Mental Health Services, Non-Public School, Foster Family and Adoption Agency, and Transitional Housing Program.
Since its establishment by the Shakespeare Club in 1920, Rosemary Children’s Services has provided compassionate and therapeutic support to help children, adolescents and families heal from their pasts and move towards productive and fulfilling futures. The agency’s guiding principles encompass accountability (accepting responsibility for actions), integrity (reflecting a firm commitment to personal and organizational values), collaboration (working and communicating as a team within and across programs and with government and nonprofit agencies), dedication (working with commitment and loyalty toward the agency’s mission and goals) compassion (understanding and nurturing without judgment) and excellence (living by the mission, principles and goals of the agency).
To learn more about Rosemary Children’s Services or arrange a tour of its Pasadena campus, call (626) 844-3033 or visit the agency’s website, http://www.rosemarychildren.org.
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Velvetta Salary Awarded “2009 La Rocca Award” from Sunair Children’s Foundation
PASADENA, Calif. Rosemary Children’s Services’ employee of more than five years, Velvetta Salary, was awarded the “2009 La Rocca Award” from the Sunair Children’s Foundation, in recognition of the dedication she brings to Rosemary Children’s Services and to her profession.
Working her way up from Childcare Counselor, to On-Duty Staff, to Group Centered Leadership Evaluator, and to currently as a Case Manager, Salary has proven to be a valued employee at Rosemary Children’s Services. Salary works with over 43 “at-risk” foster teen girls at Rosemary Children’s Services, providing guidance and setting boundaries like a loving parent.
“I am honored to be the recipient of the 2009 La Rocca Award,” says Salary. “I never expected anything like this. It truly is an honor.”
It is the continued legacy of the late Mrs. Jacqueline W. La Rocca to reward individuals who make a difference in the lives of children. The “La Rocca Award,” administered by the Sunair Children’s Foundation, hopes that this award raises the status of the profession and motivates talented people to remain in this field.
Jewelry-Lovers Unite for Rosemary Children’s Services at Bubbles, Baubles, and Bling Event
PASADENA, Calif. Dozens of supporters of Rosemary Children’s Services, and jewelry-lovers, gathered in the Pasadena shop of jewelry designer Maria de la Luz on November 18, 2009. Guests enjoyed glasses of wine and champagne, and noshed on hors d'oeuvres provided by Chef Job Carder of Dish Bistro and Bar, a new Pasadena restaurant opening January 2010. Hundreds of original jewelry pieces were on display by jewelry designers Maria de la Luz and Rosemary Children’s Services’ Board President Simms Teramoto.
“This is just a fabulous event,” says Donna Benjamin, Rosemary Children’s Services’ Board Member, “What better way to support Rosemary Children’s Services, than to go shopping!”
Guests were able to purchase Rosemary Children’s Services jewelry, inspired by the agency’s logo and designed by Maria de la Luz, as well as bid on a number of silent auction baskets, including a three day and two night trip to over 18 destinations. Romberger Guild President, Maggie Ewing, was the lucky recipient of the diamond and tanzanite pendant opportunity drawing.
Foster Children Celebrate the Holidays with Rosemary Children’s Services
PASADENA, Calif. On a crisp Saturday morning, more than 200 foster children and families gathered at the Via Verde Country Club in San Dimas for some holiday festivities with Rosemary Children’s Services. Sponsored by the Azusa Canyon Off Road Association, the Foster Family and Adoption Annual Holiday Party included a breakfast, crafts, games, and a special visit from Santa Claus, riding in on his decorated Bronco truck, for the foster children and families of Rosemary Children’s Services.
“The children really enjoy this annual holiday party, especially the visit from Santa,” says Jennifer Radics, Development Director for Rosemary Children’s Services. “Because we certify foster care homes throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties, it is a rare occasion that we can get all of the children and families together in one place at one time. This party is a fun time for the families to see each other and celebrate the holidays with one another.”
Every year approximately 100,000 children in California are placed in out-of-home foster care, referred either through child welfare or probation departments. In 2007, an alarming 25% of these children were living in Los Angeles County. Most of these children (76%) were removed from their homes for neglect-related reasons. Through its Foster Family and Adoption Agency, Rosemary Children’s Services places children ages 0 to 18 with caring foster and adoptive families and provides intensive support to families and children. Social workers visit families each week and families have access to our licensed marriage and family therapists, ensuring a successful foster care or adoption experience for both child and family. Last year, 307 children received placement services, 87 of which were placed in a permanent living situation, including placement with an adoptive family.
“There are many children throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties that are in need of safe, loving, nurturing foster/adoptive homes,” says Erin Ellis, Foster Care Director/Adoptions Program Manager. “There are very few available foster homes throughout Southern California, and these children deserve to be placed with people who want to care for them.”
Rosemary Children’s Services Celebrates the Holidays
PASADENA, Calif. With 43 teenage foster girls living in five group homes throughout Pasadena and South Pasadena, Rosemary Children’s Services called upon its volunteers to help throw week-long festivities for the foster youth. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena, 500 House Guild, Bonnie House Guild, Romberger House Guild, and Green House Guild prepared meals, provided activities, and distributed gifts to the foster girls in each of Rosemary Children’s Services’ group homes.
“The Kiwanis Club of Pasadena has been proud to provide a holiday party for the foster girls of Rosemary Children’s Services for the past several years,” says Susan Lyte- Kiwanis Club of Pasadena President. “This year is no exception. We are happy to spend the holidays with the foster girls and provide some holiday cheer!”
From December 14, 2009 through December 18, 2009, Monday through Friday, volunteers put together “family-style” holiday parties for the group home residents which included activities such ast-shirt painting, karaoke, “holiday bingo,” ceramics painting, and frame decorating. Each night a harpist provided musical entertainment, and a special visit from Santa topped off each evening with presents and photos.
“We are so grateful to the dozens of volunteers who have made these holiday parties possible for our foster girls this year,” says Jennifer Radics, Development Director. “These volunteers help our girls see the good in mankind and that there are people in this world who truly care for them.”
To learn more about how to become a volunteer at Rosemary Children’s Services call (626) 844-3033 ext. 211.
LOS ANGELES KINGS SCORES WITH ROSEMARY CHILDREN’S SERVICES
PASADENA, Calif. Los Angeles Kings fans will have yet another reason to attend the upcoming Los Angeles Kings vs. Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins on November 5, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the children and families of Rosemary Children’s Services’ by simply ordering tickets online at www.lakings.com/rosemary.
“The LA Kings are proud to be a part of the LA community, on and off the ice,” says Jennifer Weinstein of the Kings Care Foundation. “Our goal as an organization is to have a positive impact in the community by not only serving as positive role models, but assisting those in need.”
Tickets for the Los Angeles Kings charity games start at only $30.00 and up to $35.00 of each ticket purchased will support the programs of Rosemary Children’s Services. Tickets are also available for the October 6th Kings vs. San Jose Sharks game, the January 7, 2010 Kings vs. Detroit Red Wings game, and the Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks game on February 4, 2010. Visit:
ROSEMARY CHILDREN’S SERVICES CONFRONTS ANTICIPATED 10% CUT IN STATE FUNDING
The agency – which has helped abused, abandoned and neglected children throughout Southern California for over 80 years – is now seeking additional support from the community. Upcoming fundraising events include the 8th annual Walk for Hope in Long Beach and a LA Kings game at Staples Center.
PASADENA, Calif. Since April 1920, when Rosemary Children’s Services (RCS) first opened its doors, the agency has prided itself on playing an invaluable role in the community – helping abused, abandoned and neglected children throughout Southern California heal from the wounds of the past to build a new, more promising future. Today, however, RCS is confronting a challenge of its own – an anticipated 10% loss of state funding.
Currently the agency is bracing itself for a 10% cut to its Foster Care Placement and Adoption Program and Residential Treatment Program, as well as a reduction of funding for Mental Health Services. This translates into a loss of funding for fiscal year 2009/2010 of $252,000 to the Foster Care Placement Program, $269,900.00 to the Residential Program and $110,196 to the Mental Health Program – totaling an agency-wide loss of nearly $660,000.
“For over 80 years, we’ve helped at risk children and families in Los Angeles County and parts of San Bernardino County,” says Jennifer Radics, Director of Development. “And this year will be no different. We are committed to maintaining all services, programs and staff at RCS through our General Operating Fund.”
Nevertheless, to help offset the 10% reduction, the agency also hopes to raise additional funds from community contributions. Upcoming fundraising events include the 8th Annual Walk for Hope on October 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Dorado Park in Long Beach and the Los Angeles Kings/Pittsburgh Penguins game at the Staples Center on November 5 at 7:30 p.m.
There is no registration fee for the Walk for Hope, although the park charges a $7 vehicle entry fee. Tickets for the Staples Center event start at $30/person and up to $35 of each ticket purchased will be donated to RCS. For more information about either the Walk for Hope or the LA Kings game, contact Jennifer Radics at 626.844.3033, ext 211 or email
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RCS is particularly concerned over the impact the funding loss may have on its Foster Family and Adoption Agency. “Funding has not been increased in seven years and during that time, recruitment of foster families and facility costs have increased dramatically,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director. “In fact, since non profit private adoption agencies like ours were already losing on average $5000 per adoption of foster children, the budget cut is especially damaging.”
The Foster Family and Adoption Agency, one of the five programs managed by Rosemary Children’s Services, is licensed by the state of California. Children are referred to RCS by the Department of Children and Family Services and Child Protective agencies. RCS sponsors certified homes throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties. Professionally trained social workers are available around the clock to provide assistance to Resource Parents whenever necessary.
But it is the Resource Families (foster/adoptive) themselves who play a key role in RCS’s Foster Family and Adoption program. Trained and certified as a foster family, resource families have one goal: to provide safe, nurturing, respectful and stable homes for the children they welcome into their homes. Eventually, foster children under a family’s care are either reunited with their birth families or adopted by the Resource Family.
“Because Resource Families are ready to adopt, the adoption process is shortened,” says Radics. “This helps each child immensely, lessening foster home placements and reducing any trauma the child may feel at leaving his or her birth family.”
There is always a need for Resource Families willing to give a child a home, Radics adds. Those interested in becoming a Resource Family (Foster/Adoptive parent) or who would like more information, can call 1-888-546-1066.
According to the California Statute, Welfare and Institutions Code 16122, children who would otherwise remain in long term foster care but are instead adopted, “achieve a substantial savings to the state in foster care costs.”
“The irony is that the state cut funding to a program that has been proven to save the state costs,” says Wessels. “So, now, we’re asking our fellow members of the community to help us continue the good work we’ve begun.”
In addition to its Foster Family and Adoption agency, RCS’s programs include a Non-Public School, the Rosemary School, providing specialized education in a small structured environment; a Mental Health Program to provide individual and group therapy and training in various life skills; and a Residential Program for teenage girls. The girls live at either Rosemary Cottage, which houses 19 girls, or one of four smaller group homes located throughout Pasadena. The agency also supports a Transitional Housing program for emancipated Foster Youth as well as a 24-month program for women ages 18 to 24 who are no longer part of the foster care system but need help increasing their job skills, education, and life skills.
PASADENA, Calif. Founded in 1920 by the Pasadena Shakespeare League, Rosemary Children’s Services has proven to be a staple in the Pasadena community, providing foster care and adoption services for over 350 “at-risk” youth annually.
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