The Children Come First is a non-profit organization, 501c(3), dedicated to the
health and well being of children who are at risk, and/or in temporary foster
care placement.  We have created this foundation in response to the
incredible need of the children that are in our own neighborhoods.  We are a
licensed foster home with the State of California, working closely with Child
Protective Services.  We are members of, and are working with Ventura
County Foster Parents Association to provide more than basic needs of these
children.

I am an adoptive parent of one of these children.   My Son, Justin was in the
foster care system for the first 3 years of his life.    During that time he was
taken from his birth mother due to neglect and substance abuse.  He survived
in hostile and abusive environments bouncing through four foster homes in
those short years, one in which he was burned with boiling water from the
stove top.

No child deserves this treatment !

I found Justin and took him into my life with all of his background when he
was only 3 ½ years old.  With the help of my family, friends, and a wonderful
child psychologist, my son, now 14 years old, has become a loving, secure,
well-adjusted boy, and an excellent student.  For the past two years, he has
received Student of the month from his teachers for Respect and Peer
encouragement.  With Love, nurturing care, and a great deal of effort, he has
overcome his early life traumas.

Whether it be from professionals in our community or from adult children that
have been in  " the system" , we know that what children “in the foster care
system” truly lack is a caring, nurturing, hands on family environment to
stabilize their lives.  I cannot stand on the sidelines any longer and watch
them cry because they are hungry or have been physically, mentally or
sexually abused and/or prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol.   We have
therefore completed college courses and licensing to become a licensed
foster home for our kids.  To do nothing is irresponsible on our part.



With your help, our goal is to change any negative connotations that come
with being in the Foster Care System, and to provide children with a safe,
nurturing, self esteem building, family environment where they can grow to
see that there are people who they can trust and who genuinely care.



We need your help right away!  The Children Come First, with the support of
our donors, will initially provide children with the safety of a loving home,
nourishing food, clean clothing, shoes, school supplies and proper medical
and psychological treatment, as necessary.  More than just the basics!

Most of all, the hands on love and support that every child deserves.

In creating this Foundation, Phase #1 is to raise enough money to secure a
piece of property to build the Children's ranch.











Economically this is the perfect time as property prices are more affordable
now.  We are also    working with other foster parents to provide:  Clothes,
Shoes, Strollers, Cribs, Car seats, Playpens, Safe toys, Beds, Sheets,
Blankets, Pillows Diapers, Suitcases, Braces (Medic-cal will not provide),
Tutoring and computers.

The County programs just do not have the resources to provide all that is
needed, because there are several hundred children in the “System”.   We will
provide them with a safe home, sit down dinner with the family, loving help
with homework, a room of their own, and a promise that they will not be left
alone with their feelings.  If they choose so, they will be a part of our lives
forever,  as extended family.  We pledge to them that if they are reunited with
their birth families, or in a permanent adoptive placement, we will always be
there for them.



Phase #2 of our plan is to raise 4.2 Million dollars to build “The Children’s
Ranch” for sibling groups, that under the current foster care system, may be
separated from their brothers and sisters into separate homes.









We will have several Family homes where each child, under State law, will
have his/her own bedroom.  We envision a swimming pool, horses, animals, a
playground for little ones, sports and cultural activities, and yes, that sit down
dinner with family every night.  

The Foundation also wishes to create endowment care, and college funds for
these youngsters who are moved out of the system when they reach age 18.  
At that age, whose children are able, without support and oversight, to create
productive lives, relationships, and achieve their highest potential?  The
children that we have helped belong to our family and we do not wish to let
them down at this precarious age.

Even though the economy is not  “great” at this time, NOTHING has ever been
“great” for these kids. If we can make a difference now, the possibilities are
limitless.   PLEASE, Help us help them.                                                                   
Give Generously.  Pledge your tax-deductible
donation.                                                        

For More Information and to make Donations, Please Call
Bill Formanek, Executive Director          805-794-8363
Why we started our Foundation.  How and why we plan
to change the lives of our children.
There are no paid positions in our foundation.  Every dollar is used to
provide MORE than just the basics for the children.