The Matching Assistance Program is discontinued effective August 7, 2023. The MAP website will no longer be available for login starting September 1, 2023.

About Us

A Family For Every Child (AFFEC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to finding permanent and loving adoptive families for waiting foster children. To accomplish our mission, we focus on finding loving and permanent families for children who the foster care system considers “hard to place.” The children who fall into this category are usually older, ethnically diverse, part of a sibling group, or have severe physical, emotional and/or developmental challenges. AFFEC began as the vision of its founder and Executive Director, Christy Obie-Barrett. Christy drew upon her own firsthand experiences as a tireless child advocate and mother of nine adoptive, and three biological children. Christy, along with dozens of dedicated volunteers, formed AFFEC in October 2006. The organization has grown into one which is focused, not only on locating permanent and loving adoptive families for waiting foster children, but on identifying and reconnecting lost family members with older foster children who might otherwise end up homeless and have little hope for a bright future.

Services We Provide

AFFEC's services include mentoring, advocate services, family building services (including our Adoption Agency), a host home program for homeless youth, and overall support to the child, extended family members, social worker, and potential adoptive families. We strive to build bridges and create partnerships with other organizations and nonprofits, both locally and nationwide. AFFEC’s Adoption Agency has grown drastically, with a recent expansion of services to Washington. Over the last 15 years we have developed 10 plus programs that assist special-needs/challenging-to-place foster children in finding their own Forever Families. Our success is achieved through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, 20 staff, and the collaboration of many partners. It is our goal that no family encounters undue roadblocks that prevent adopting a child from foster care.

Transparency

Take a closer look at our organization.

2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan

501(c)(3)

2011 - 501(c)(3) Renewal

2022 Tax 990

 

Mentor Program

Program Overview

Allies Mentors are members of our community supporting at-risk youth as they transition into independent adulthood.

Mentors will partner with their youth's case manager to support goal setting and skill development. Together, mentors and mentees participate in group and individual social activities, share their passions and interests, and work toward identifying and strengthening natural supports for youth.

What is a Mentor?

Mentors are community members who choose to dedicate their time to being allies for youth as they transition into adulthood. Mentors empower youth to take the lead in their lives and help them with the how. They use their lived experience and training from A Family for Every Child to help mentees prepare for challenges and problem-solve barriers.
 
To become a mentor, you must be:
 
      • 21+ years old
      • a Lane County resident
      • able to pass a background check

Youth We Serve

The Allies Mentor Program serves youth ages 11-24 in Lane County who may typically struggle with finding mentors in their everyday life. Through the Mentor Program, these youth are supported to grow their natural supports and build healthy habits for a healthy adult life.

There are many factors that may cause a youth to be identified as "at risk". These are the markers for eligibility in A Family for Every Child's Mentor Program: 

      • Currently homeless or at risk of houselessness
      • Currently in foster care of aged-out of foster care
      • Currently involved in or at-risk of being involved with the juvenile justice system

This includes:

                  • Having a parent who has been involved with the justice system
                  • Being at or below the 80% HUD area median income level
                  • Dropped out or is at risk of dropping out of school
                  • Comes from a single-parent household
 

If you are unsure if a youth qualifies for this program, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

 

Want more information about how you can support youth in our community? We would love to connect. Reach out to the Mentor program today.

Nyx Veliz (they/them)

Alliance Associate Director

Office: (541) 406-7673

Cell: (541) 972-0666

nyx.veliz@affec.org

Child Matching Events

What is it?

In a Child Matching Event, social workers are given the opportunity to present their child/children to an audience of home study approved families. The advantage that a Child Matching Event creates is the opportunity for a social worker to expand on and discuss their child in further detail toward families who have interest in the child.

Social Workers

 
  • Identify your child/children who you wish to present towards potential home study families. Get involved by contacting our Recruitment Coordinator for available dates.
  • Gather media (pictures, videos, audio clips, etc.) that represent your child(ren). High-quality media and a good variety are valuable towards the presentation of the child.
  • Prepare for questions that families might ask during the webinar. Review the child’s case files and identify what the child needs in a forever family. It is also important that workers share the strengths of the children along with their struggles. If possible find the contact information for others in the child’s life such as a CASA, mentor, or a foster parent who cares for them. A Family For Every Child can coordinate with these individuals to also participate in the webinar.
  • Schedule a practice event in order to test audio and ensure that the event goes smoothly the day of. At the specific date and time of the event, log on from your computer and be prepared to discuss the child you are presenting. Log on instructions and all needed info will be sent to you days prior to the event. Be prepared to answer questions about the child, as families viewing the presentation have the ability to type questions they may have.
  • Following the conclusion of the webinar, families will have the opportunity to submit their home study. Please be prepared to follow up with interested families and discuss with them if they are a good potential fit for the child, or why they may not be.
Child Matching Adopt

Families

Child Matching Events give families the opportunity to learn more about a child that they have some interest in. The advantage in these events comes from the ability to ask any questions towards the social worker and receive immediate responses. Further information on the child is presented by the social worker as well. This is often information that goes beyond a child’s bio.

The interaction through questions during the webinar are valuable for both families and social workers, as families are allowed to ask all potential questions anonymously and social workers can effectively provide information on their child in a time-efficient manner.

Any families who are interested in attending a Child Matching Event webinar must be a home study approved family. Only Adoption Workers and families with completed home studies will be approved to attend these events due to the personal and detailed information that will be provided about the children during the event. All home study families interested in a Child Matching Event will need to pre-register for the specific event that they wish to be involved in.

Match With a Foster Child.

Donors

We would like to thank all the people and businesses that keep the Heart Gallery going with your generous donations, contributions, volunteering and advocating for these special children. We strive to include all who have helped us succeed. If we have missed you or have not included you on our list, we apologize and hope you bring this to our attention. Thank you!

Partnering for success

A Family for Every Child’s mentoring program is essential to helping foster youth make school and life transitions at critical stages in their development. OCF strongly supports enhancing this important program, ensuring positive, successful mentoring experiences for an estimated 60 middle and high school students throughout Lane County. -Kathleen Cornett, Vice President of Grants & Programs, Oregon Community Foundation

A Family For Every Child’s (AFFEC) mentor program is expanding its reach by connecting with children’s schools in order to help them perform better academically and remain on track to graduate. With support from the Oregon Community Foundation AFFEC has brought on a new team member who is charged with conducting school-based community outreach, connecting with children’s school counselors, and supporting our mentors in their mentee’s academic life. This will allow AFFEC to help children and teens see greater academic success, and feel more supported by caring adults in their lives. Currently a little more than half of foster youth obtain a high school diploma due to difficulties when transitioning from home to home, and mentors have the potential to ease those transitions with schools and other institutions. Thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation, AFFEC will now be supporting mentors and youth to help ensure children not only receive their diploma but exceed academic expectations. Our new Education Liaison is Mary Bromley, Mary has been an AFFEC mentor for over five years. She is the only consistent person in the life of her mentee. Mary also recently retired from the school district and will begin working with us on our Education/Mentor/Mentee Program as an Education Liaison.

In addition to providing more academic support, AFFEC is launching a Mentor Assisted Life Skills Program which will pair mentors with youth who will work on developing life skills together. Mentors and mentees will be offered a curriculum that includes information on how to handle one’s finances, healthcare, cooking, and more. This program will better prepare children who are at risk of “aging out” of foster care for living on their own. These classes in conjunction with the mentors’ support will aid in the success of each child becoming a self-sufficient adult! Our new Life skills effort is lead by our new team Member,Christina Sutton

Christina comes with a long history of connection to AFFEC. In the very early days she ran our Mentor Program, and then she took a break to foster and adopt many children. While she still has a house full, she is getting involved again to help us build our education classes for youth at risk of aging out of care and those who will become adults with little preparation for the real world. She will plan and teach bi-weekly classes on everything from “How to write a check” to “How to shop for food” to college, trade-school knowledge, and resume-building. Christina grew up in foster care and never got a family of her own, so her passion for at-risk youth is huge and based in real-life experience. If you would like to get involved in this effort, we need you – contact mentor@afamilyforeverychild.org or call 541-343-2856.

Donations Have Been Made On Behalf Of:

Andrew Deffenbacher from B2 Wine Bar and Grill
Ed from Fisherman’s Market
Kurt Catlin from Kalapuya High School
Ladonna Webb
Laura Beane
Ryan Tesdale
Wendy Nastiuk
Rania Karam
Cindy Herzog
Amber Thompson
Thomas Savinar
Juliana Santos
Ramon Guirnalda
Jeri Gedrose
Peggy Babics
Donna Baillie
Steve Brown
Evans Fund
Marnie Gleason
Don DeZarn
Randy Cummings of Courtsports Athletic Club
Kris Coburn from Arnold Gallagher P.C. Attorneys at Law
Karen L. Obie from Obie Family Foundation
Kelly Myers from West Side Iron Inc.
OCF Joseph E. Weston Public FoundaKathleen George of Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Brian Schafer from TeBri Vineyards
Benton Lane WinerytionJoe Hawes from Hawes Financial Group

Diane Hoffman from Folkroots Herbal Care, LLC
Colette Kemper from Midnight Oil Farms
Oregon Caberet Theatre
Bendistillery
Dana Tessler from Rainbow Valley Design and Construction
I Run With Scissors Salon
Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Nail Nook
Oakshire Brewing
Cindy Rust from OLCC
Five Pine Lodge & Spa
Saint Martins Episcopal School
Denice Fisher
The Mord Family
Heidi Reese
The Reese-Baenen Family
Jacob Reese and Marley
Ryan and Theresa Reese
Washington
Jianna Rice
In Memory of Nicholas Warner
In Honor of Whitney Christine
In Honor of Michael Dunn
YAC St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Susan Ottmer
Sarah Allen from the Oregon Community Credit Union
Charles “Chuck” Kirkpatrick

Shelley Kurtz
The Staff and Management at KVAL TV
Don Leber
Jessica Byrne
Lane County Kids

Bi-Mart Stores
McKenzie Broadcasting
Bill Barrett
Tm Fox & Tracy Berry
KEZI Kidsports Kids Directory

Our Very Generous Business Advocates
Arbor South Architecture Build a Bear Workshop (Inside the Valley River Mall) Creswell Chamber of Commerce Creswell Library Dr. Dave Matthews DMD Friendly Street Market Gateway Mall Iron Works Gym (Creswell) Nifty Fifties & Sixties OMT Mortgage-Keller Williams Realty Precision Classics and Collision Ray’s Food Center (Creswell) Siuslaw Valley Bank SOFCU Credit Union (Creswell) Summit Bank Valley River Center

Faith Based Partners Bethesda Lutheran Church Calvary Fellowship Eugene Faith Center Faith Center First Babtist of Eugene Friendly Street Church of God Grace Community Fellowship Norkenzie Christian Church Northwood Christian Church New Life Assembly of God Temple Beth Israel Willamette Christian Center

Community Partners
20/30 Club Assistance League CASA Committed Partners for Youth Hairbadoo Junior League

Media & Technology

Thank you to Adept Computer Services/K9 Bytes and Shannon Barnard AIC-Advanced Investment Corp – Ann Olson Bill Barrett Bi-Mart Stores Don Leber Erin Bunde Greg Raschio Jessica Byrne Keri Stewart Kids Directory Kidsports Lisa Raffin Martin Hall and Neil Moyer McKenzie Broadcasting, KKNU Poppie Advertising Shelley Kurtz, KVAL Tim Fox Tracy Berry The Staff and Management at KEZI The Staff and Management at KVAL

18th Avenue Print
5th St. Market
A Matter of Time
A New you Salon and Spa
Abby’s Pizza
Advance Cabinets
Aileen Walker
Albertson’s – River Road
Amanda Fitzgerald
Amber Quick-McKee w/ Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Ambrosia
Andrea Kingsley Rippee
Annesha Montez Photography
Applebees West 11th Avenue
Arbonne Skin Care
Arbor South Architecture
Assistance League of Eugene
Associated Business Systems
Aunt MiMi’s Specialty Cakes
B2 Wine Bar
Bari Lipp Foundation
Bates Steak House
Beards Framing
Ben Franklin Crafts
Beppi and Gianni’s Trattoria
Best Buy and Staff
Best Western New Oreg Motel
Bi- Mart
Bicoastal Media
Bill and Shelly Walter
Bill Hastings
Bob and Teresa Sherman
Bill Healy Foundation

Bookmine (Cottage Grove)
Boulevard Grill
Bounce
Brewed Awakening
Brian Cole
Build a Bear
Caf 440
Caprice Day Spa
Caribbean Tan
Carrie Robinson
Cascadia Editing in Philomath, Oregon
Celebrations Sugar Fantasy
Central Print and Reprographic Services
Century Bank
Chambers Communications
Chambers Family Foundation
Chateau Nonchalant
Chipotle
Chris Walton and Beth Sheehan
Christian Family Adoptions
Christina Sutton
Scott Morison
City Nails
Cornucopia
Collins Foundation

Costco
Cottage Grove Community Center
Cottage Grove Hospital
Cravings Catering
Creswell Kiawanis
Creswell Library 64 West Oregon Ave. Creswell
Crossroads Espresso
Crux Gym
Dandelions Flowers and Gifts
Datalogic
David Minor Theater
Department of Interior
Diamond Woods Golf Course
Dr. Dave Matthews DMD
Duck Race
Elephant?s Trunk
Embassy Suites, Portland
Emerald Lanes Bowling
Enchanted Forest
Eric Herman
Eugene Airport
Eugene Ballet
Eugene Catering Cornucopia
Eugene Concert Choir
Eugene Marathon Health and Fitness Expo.
Eugene Public Library
Eugene Swim and Tennis Club
Eugene Toy and Hobby
Express Press Printing and Graphic
Fast Track Car Wash
Fenario Gallery
Fiddler’s Green
Flavors Catering
Framin’ Artworks
Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer – River Road
Friendly Street Market
Gateway Mall
Gina Jensen and Chris Nettleton
Gina Jenson
Grand Slam USA
Gray’s Garden/Reed & Cross
Great Clips, Springfield
Hair Ba Doob Ba!
Hair by Kristi Stutesman
Harry Ritchie Jewelers
Hartwicks
Haugen Advertising and Graphics
Hilton Garden Inn
Hole in the Wall BBQ
Holiday Inn Express, Eugene
Hollywood Video (Willamette St.)
Holzman Foundation

Hotel Vintage Plaza
Imagine It Framed 29 South 6th St. in Cottage Grove
Iron Works Gym
James Horniman
Jeff Wilson
Jerry’s Home Improvement Stores
Jim Chatfield
Judi Schons
Judith Teal
June
Kaylin Jensen
Kernutt Stokes Brandt & CO.
KEZI Television
Kim Adams
Kim Rambo
Kingsley Family Fund-SF
Koala Construction
Kowloon Restaurant
KVAL
Kyle and Kate Hudson
Labor Ready
Lakeside Clinic in Dexter
Lamar Advertising
Lane Community Culinary
Lane County Public Service Building
LANZ Cabinets
Les Schwab
Levi Strauss
Life Technologies
Lisa Weinstein
Lizzy’s House of Cakes
Marche
Margo and Herb McKillop
Market of Choice
Maureen Smith
McDonald Framers
McDonald Wholesale
McDonalds Rest.
McGraths
McKenzie River Broadcasting
McKenzie River Golf Course
Mekalas
Meyer Memorial Trust
An anonymous gift in honor of Louise Murphy
Mill Casino, Hotel and RV Park
Mookies
Mo’s Restaurant
Mujeres Salon and Spa
My Party Bus
Naya’s Taqueria
Nifty Fifty & Sixties
Nigel and Michelle Chapman
Nike
Northside Liquor
Oakway Catering
Oakway Center
Oakway Golf Course
Ocean Dunes Golf Course
Obie Family Foundation

OES Catering
Of Grape and Grain
Oldfield’s
OMSI
OMT Mortgage / Keller Williams
Oregon art supplies
Oregon Coast Sea Lion Caves
Oregon Gallery
Oregon Rod, Reel and Tackle
Osteria Sfizio
Pacific Office Automation
Pam Singh
Papa’s Pizza
Peace Health Cottage Grove Hospital & Clinic
Pepsi
PF Chang’s
PGE Foundation

Phil and Sharon Means
Pietra’s Artisian Bakery
Precision Classics and Collision
Premiere Homes
Putters/Strike City/Lasertrek
Pyreneese Vineyards
Radisson Hotel, Portland
Rays Food Center (Creswell)
Reflections Salon
Rett Baumann
Richard & Alisa Caesar
Rossetti Mardeting & Michelle Winetrout
Rotary Club
Ruhoff Homebuilders
RW Family Fund
Santa Clara Animal Hospital
Sara J. McRae, LMT
Sassy Cupcake
Saturday Market
Science Factory Chdrn Museum
Scott and Kathy Kitchell
SE Insurance Specialists
Search Engine Consulting by SEO Does Matter
Seattle Seahawks
Secret Garden B&B
SELCO
Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino
Shari’s – Springfield
Shari’s – West 11th
Shelley Hill
Sign Pro
Siuslaw Bank
Siuslaw Valley Bank
Sixth Street Grill
Skate World
SOFCU Credit Union 168 Melton Road Creswell
Speedi Sign
Spingfield Courthouse
Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Sports Authority
Springfield Arts Council
Springfield Police Department
Staples
Steve and Linda Bruns
Strike City & Putters
Sue Loome
Summit Bank
Sunsational
Susie and Sandy Trahan
Suzanne Arlie
Sweet Life Patisserie
SYMANTEC
Ta-Da Productions
Territorial Vineyards
Terry Ellsworth
The Boulevard
The Bridge Bar and Grill
The Chocolate Factory
The Lesson Factory
The Shedd Institute
Three Mile Canyon Farms
Tiffany Sullivan
Tokatee Golf Club
Towers Marketing
Trader Joe’s
University of Oregon Bookstore
US Bank Branches
Utopia Salon
Valley River Center
Very Little Theater
Vista Framing and Gallery
Wells Fargo Bank PCS
Wild Duck Caf
Wildhorse Resort and Casino
Windermere Realty (Oak St. office)
Woodard Family Foundation
YMCA
Young’s Market Company of OR

Thank You To All Our Generous Mentors

Youth Mentors
Andrea Rippee
Amanda Williams
Barbara Orsi
Brenda Korte
Carolyn Wehrman
Delores Mord
Gina Holtz
Larry Hilliard
Mary Bromley
Patricia Hilliard
Rick Stuber
Rosemary Miranda
Sasha Mord
Shannon Gibson
Sharon Gelisse
Sterling Dailey
Tom Overly
Wayne DeWilde

Family Building Mentors
Bob and Tami Clayton
Carrie Baker
Christina Sterling
Cindy Gilbert
Cynthia Scanlon
Deb Walters
Elizabeth Ray
Marlene Drescher
Nicole Witt
Stacy Runnells

Ways to Help

Thank you for your interest in supporting A Family for Every Child's 15th Annual Princess for a Day event. Through the continued support and generosity of our community members, we are able to continue bringing this amazing event to foster and non-foster children alike.  

Donations

Each year we are in need of donations of the following items:

Princess-style Dresses
Holiday Dresses
Prom/Homecoming Dresses
Dress Shoes
Dressy Slippers
"Dress-Up" shoes
Dress Wraps & Shrugs
Tiaras
Feather Boas
Fascinators

Princess Stickers
Wands
Wings
Dressy Purses & Clutches
Costume Jewelry for Children & Adults
Nail Polish
Make-Up
Cosmetic utensils
Lip Gloss
Glitter Dust

Curling Irons
Floor length mirrors
Brushes & Combs
Bobby-Pins
Regular Hair Spray
Glitter Hair Spray
Dry Shampoo
Q-Tips
Baby Wipes
Kleenex

Our princesses run from ages 1-18, so we need items of all sizes.

Our largest need right now is dresses in child sizes 3T - 8, and shoes in child sizes 10 - 3Y. You can bring or send your donations to our office anytime Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 5 pm.  Our office is located at 1675 West 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402

Wish Lists

Want a fun, tangible way of giving back to the event? Shop our Amazon wishlist to hand-select items  you know will have an impact. Our Amazon wishlist allows us to offer goodie bags, accessories, photos, and more at our events. Click the link below to browse our Wishlist and truly be a fairy godmother to the event.

And throughout the year...

Please keep us in mind throughout the year when you are recycling your children's costumes and dress-up apparel, holiday or special occasion dresses, as well as other princess-themed items.  We collect donations all year long with the hope of growing our event to serve more foster children each year.
 
Our Princess for a Day event has been so incredibly supported by our community and has grown at an amazing pace.  It is our goal to be able to share this event with other organizations nationwide so that they can create their own Princess for a Day event to serve the foster children in their communities.

Host Home Overview

Why we need you!

Our Host Home program is an innovative and scalable effort that could move the needle for homeless students. It will save money and lives, but it will take a team.

Reasons you should be involved!

  • Youth who are “new” to our streets are more likely to become chronically homeless if we do not intervene within 15 nights.
  • 68.4% of homeless students scored below standards. 82.3% of homeless students scored below standard in math and 60.4% of homeless students scored below standard in science.
  • Youth that have experienced homelessness are 50% more likely not to receive a high school diploma. It is our goal to develop this program to interrupt this cycle and produce education and personal successes for 50 of these homeless youth.
  • In 2019-20 , we had 1,063 Bethel-Eugene 4J youth experiencing homelessness and 272 of them identified as unaccompanied minors.
  • For every $1 spent on youth interventions that address homelessness, the community saves $4.12 according to a New Avenues for Youth study (Portland, Oregon 2010).
  • Oregon estimates that more than 21,000 students in the state experienced homelessness in the 2019-20 school year.
  • National studies indicate that most of these youth run away due to family conflict or abuse, while others are kicked out of their home and forced to fend for themselves.
  • We had hoped for better results. The 2019-20 numbers indicate the percentage of unhoused students in the 4J and Bethel school districts have remained unchanged from the previous year at 25.7%.
  • Last school year, 15th Night Rapid Access Network (RAN) advocates sent alerts on behalf of 162 unaccompanied students with a total of 292 services and resource requested. The most common requests were for basic needs like clothing and shoes, food and shelter. As of the end of the year, 30 local youth-serving organizations (“providers”) are responding to unaccompanied student needs via the 15th Night Rapid Access Network (RAN).

What is 15th Night?

One night on the street is too many. The 15th Night is a community-wide partnership that helps the current Eugene-Springfield students that are navigating homelessness and many are unaccompanied.  Bringing together existing community resources, the 15th Night focuses on the safety and well-being of our vulnerable Eugene-Springfield youth who do not have a parent or guardian to support them. These resource teams include at least one representative from the University of Oregon, Bethel School District, Lane County Health and Human Services, the Eugene Police Department, City Councilor Ward 8, Eugene City Manager, Lane ESD, Eugene 4J School District, as well as over 30 area nonprofits.

Our latest effort is to work with individual high schools and their feeder middle schools on creating their own internal response team for homeless youth within their school. This is known as the School Mobilization Model.  Our Host Home program is, at its core, working to engage the school’s parent and teacher community, as well as local neighborhood groups and business, to wrap services and support all around these youth.  We believe this is a program/effort that is effective, innovative, and could be reproduced in any community.

Working Together To Protect Our Youth!

Here in Eugene/Springfield, homelessness is a wide-spread issue that many organizations have been grappling with for years.  Many people turn to the Eugene Mission, or other shelters in our community, to seek temporary housing, especially during the cold winter months. However, if you are an unaccompanied youth and you are experiencing homelessness, you do not have access to adult shelters. This leaves youth with 12 (7 during COVID restrictions) beds at the one shelter we have for under 18 and 13 beds at another for youth indentifyling as female. Youth under the age of 18 are also unable to access many food distribution resources and resource centers due to their status as a minor. 

AFFEC's Host Home Program is licensed through the state of Oregon.  As one of the few licensed Host Home programs in the state, we are able to assist youth ages 0-15 years old. Youth 16+ and home providers are not required to go through the licensed program.  We take pride in successfully completing the licensing process  and are also very committed to assisting other blooming Host Home programs throughout the state.

The RAN technology was updated over the summer based on feedback from our community advocates and network of 30+ service providers. RAN 2.0 was successfully launched in late September and enables school specific RANs to be connected to the larger Community RAN.

The 15th Night expanded into Springfield this fall. Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Police Department can now access the 15th Night RAN on behalf of students experiencing homelessness. Catholic Community Services, First Place Family Shelter, Whitebird Dental, and the Eugene Mission have all joined the 30+ network of providers who responded in real time to alerts.

Sometimes the 15th Night Network is unable to meet a specific need of a student. This is where our Community Responder volunteers step into action. Over 50 people have volunteered to receive alerts from the 15th Night when there is a need that is hard to fill like special clothing, shoes, or gift cards for food.

Even students are stepping up for each other.  The Economic Justice League (EJL) for homeless and economically-challenged youth was created at South Eugene High School.  Along with 15th Night, we are working to execute the vision of keeping kids in school and supporting those struggling with housing.  One of South Eugene’s projects is opening a drop-in center for students to get help, support, and access to resources.  This includes food throughout the school day as well as free dinners-to-go, access to computers and technology, washer and dryer, free counseling, and much more. The goal is to have this room open before school, during lunch, and after school for any student that needs support. We hope to bring in therapists, artists, performers, hair stylists, barbers, and mentors of all kinds. We plan to have Fancy Dinner nights, Hair/Makeup/Makeover nights, Open Mic/Performance nights, arts and crafts, movie and game nights, and more.

15th Night Rapid Access Network Community Partners are working together to safeguard the 460+ Eugene-Springfield unhoused students who do not have a parent or guardian to support them, or a permanent place to call home. With thanks to their involvement, the 15th Night community movement can prevent Eugene-Springfield youth from going out on the street, and intervene quickly if they do.  This partnership includes many state / government resource and over 30 community nonprofits that all make a commitment to work together.

How Does AFFEC Fit Into the 15th Night Partnership?

A Family For Every Child provides three of their services to the youth serves by the 15th Night Network: Family Finding, Mentor and Host Home Programs. AFFEC has been providing both mentoring and family finding to the community for almost a decade and added the Host Home Porgram in 2018.

To learn more about...
Host homes and how to become one, click here

We are also looking for community members to join the movement and volunteer in a number of ways. If you are interested in volunteering in either capacity:

  • Select the appropriate boxes for either mentor, family finding volunteer, or host home.

 

Volunteer

It takes a kingdom to make Princess for a Day possible and we hope you will join this year's royal court in celebrating all the beautiful children of the land! This event is made possible with the continued support of our community and the help of a lot of volunteers. There are a wide variety of areas where you can volunteer; take a look at the list below and find something that piques your interest.  Our volunteer shifts average 4 hours unless you sign up for more. 

*All volunteers must be 18+ years of age, or be 16-18 and chaperoned by an adult. 

 

All Volunteer Areas

  • Registration
  • Hair Dressers
  • Makeup Artists
  • Nail Artists
  • Dress & Shoe Room
  • Decorations
  • Activity Leads
  • Photography
  • Set-up/Prep
  • Clean-up

 

If you have any questions about how to get involved with our Princess for a Day event, please contact our Events Team at events@afamilyforeverychild.org or call us at (541) 343-2856

About Princess for a Day

Princess For a Day is a community event where kids of all ages and backgrounds are treated to a day of luxury as they transform into princes and princesses. Both foster and community kids alike receive a day of pampering and excitement, straight out of a fairytale. They begin their day in the Princess Salon, where they have their hair and makeup styled like royalty--including a crown or tiara! Next, the princesses move onto the Royal Boutique, where they pick out a complete princess outfit including a dress, shoes, and accessories (all to take home and keep)! After their makeover, the princesses head to a photo shoot with professional photographers, where they'll receive a personal printed copy of their photo. Then they walk the red carpet, escorted by their favorite fairytale characters! The princesses and princes are then announced by name into the royal ball and tea party, where they dance with their favorite characters and enjoy a buffet of locally-sourced treats.

Princess For a Day is free to foster youth, and open to community kids through ticketing. To register for 2023's Princess For a Day, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event only for foster children? Not at all! While foster children attend the event for free, Princess For a Day is open to community children through ticketing. For more information on ticket prices and registering, please click here.

Is this event only for girls? A Family For Every Child firmly believes children of all genders, ages, and backgrounds can be princesses and princes. Attendees have their choice of princess dress and tiara or prince cape and crown.

Can I drop my kids off at the event and pick them up afterwards? No, children must be supervised at all times during the event. Each child is required to have an adult accompany them.

What time is the event? Can I show up at any time during the event? How long does it last? Princess For A Day lasts from 9AM to 5PM at Venue 252 in Eugene, OR. Upon registering, each attending Princess receives a timeslot for when they may enter the event. Once you check in at your timeslot, the event will take approximately an 1 to 1.5 hours to finish, depending on your child's pace.

Do we need to bring anything? Does my child need to come in a dress/costume? All princess supplies and costuming are provided by the event, and can be taken home at the end of the event. Kids are encouraged to wear shorts and a tank top under their street clothes, to easily slip their dress over.

Are walk-ins allowed? Walk-ins are accepted at Princess For a Day, however pre-registration is highly recommended to avoid long wait times and secure your spot. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and we typically sell out early each year.

My child would love this event, but we can't afford it right now. Are there scholarships available? Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we often have a limited number of scholarships we are able to give out. Please reach out to us directly to enquire about availability.

Where can I find photos from previous Princess For a Day events? All of our photos from past events are posted online. Click here to view 2022's Princess For a Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About MAP

What Is The Matching Assistance Program?

Family Matching Made Easy

The Matching Assistance Program (MAP) is a free membership program that provides home study approved families, who are seeking to adopt from foster care, access to child listings. MAP works alongside you, your adoption worker, and children’s social workers during the matching phase of the adoption process, connecting waiting families with children in the foster care system who are available for adoption.

What is required to join MAP?

A family must have a current, no older than 2 years, home study that approves them to adopt from foster care. If your home study is over two years old, an updated study, or a letter of good standing from your agency will be required. We do accept foster-to-adopt-home studies. Additionally, you must be located in the United States, we are unable to assist with international adoption.

An open mind towards children who are:

  • Over the age of 7
  • Part of a sibling group
  • A member of a racial or ethnic minority
  • Who have some level of emotional, behavioral, developmental, physical, and/or medical needs.

What services does MAP provide families?

MAP provides families with a child search platform to identify potential matches based on the families child preferences.  MAP connects families with the child's social worker by allowing families to submit their home study. The families MAP profile accompanies every home study submission a family makes using their MAP account. During the registration process, families create a family profile which includes a brief family summary with pictures and information about their llives and what they can offer a child. This profle allows the family to show a child's social worker their personality and make a more personal connection than simply submitting a home study. 

And More!

Because adoption can be an arduous process, we offer a private online support group to any family with an active MAP account. MAP families can also participant in our recruitment tools such  as our Featured Family Newsletter, Child Matching events, our weekly newsletter that is emailed to hundreds of case workers across the country. They can also participate in our Child Matching events and our Family Matching events and may have access to additional support services.

1-541-343-2856