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| There are no paid positions in our foundation. Every dollar is used to provide MORE than just the basics for the children. |
VENTURA COUNTY STAR Readmoreatvcstar.com Foundation seeks more than basics for foster kids By Cynthia Overweg Sunday, December 20, 2009 When Bill Formanek talks about the unmet needs of children living in foster care, he is passionate about giving them a future that is not defined by the trauma of the past. And when he mentions his goal of raising millions of dollars to help them get a fair start in life, he's not discouraged that it comes at a time when state and county budgets are being slashed and charitable giving isn't what it used to be. "I don't care if money is tight; these kids need a lot more than a roof over their heads and food on the table," said Formanek, a Camarillo-based foster care provider and a board member of the Ventura County Foster Parent Association. "Long before a child is removed from a home, they've already experienced an awful lot of trauma, abuse or neglect that has gone on for years," Formanek said. "No child should ever have to experience what many of these kids have gone through." A year ago, Formanek, 48, the owner of a Thousand Oaks upholstery business, created The Children Come First Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission, he said, is to help kids in the foster care system realize their full potential in a loving and nurturing environment. Goal of $4.2 million A single father of a 14-year-old son he adopted out of foster care at age 3, Formanek said he knows from experience that not every foster home is a happy place. "My son had never even walked on grass before; everything was concrete. What little yard there was, (it was) nothing but dirt," Formanek said. It motivated him to improve the lives of children in foster care, he said. Formanek said he applauds the good intentions and hard work of foster parents, and started the foundation to help offset diminishing resources and an overburdened foster care system in Ventura County. His foundation has an ambitious set of objectives, including a college endowment fund and job training programs for kids when they "age-out" of the foster care system at 18; parenting seminars and support programs for foster families; specifically designed programs for foster parents with older kids or kids with special needs; and grants for home repairs that enhance the foster home environment. To put his plans into action, Formanek wants to raise $4-2 million, which includes funding to build a Children's Ranch in Ventura County and at least one foster home with six bedrooms, enough room to keep some siblings from being split up. "It happens much too often because most foster homes don't have enough space to keep brothers and sisters together," Formanek said. Lending support He said the proposed ranch would be a haven for foster families, a place where kids could ride horses, participate in sports activities, and attend educational and cultural programs that connect kids to nature, to one another and to the community. The goals of his foundation would make life better for kids in the foster care system, said Vicki Murphy, director of development and operations for Casa Pacifica, a residential treatment program for at-risk youths in Camarillo. These kids have been let down by the very people who were supposed to love them. Bill understands that and knows how to provide stability and build trust," Murphy said. "I can't think of a better advocate for kids in foster care." Janet Gretzky - who with her husband, retired Hall of Fame hockey player Wayne Gretzky, has helped thousands of disadvantaged kids through their own foundation - is an adviser to Formanek and is lending her support. "I've known Bill for years, and he's dedicated to making a difference for these kids," said Gretzky, who lives in Thousand Oaks. "I want to help in any way I can." Recruiting foster parents Formanek is bringing much-needed attention to a lack of resources and the necessity for more foster homes, said Kari Garmin, placement coordinator at Ventura County Children and Family Services. "We're now actively recruiting foster parents who are willing to take in older kids, kids with special needs and kids who have medical and behavioral problems; the need is great," she said. Most kids in foster care have never had a loving and stable home life because they come from very dysfunctional situations, said Pegi Stenberg, owner of Pegi's Family Child Care in Camarillo and a foundation board member. "Bill wants to give them hope," Stenberg said, "and help them create a fulfilling life." - For information or to contribute, individuals may contact The Children Come First Foundation, 2890 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks CA 91362, or call 794-8363 or visit http://www. thechildrencomefirst. org. © 2010 Scripps Newspaper Group |
