Salem Angels

Today is VIOLA’S BIRTHDAY! ?? Here is what she had to say: ?How would you describe this last year in a few words? ? “This last year has been jaw-dropping at watching how many youth are saying YES to our Dare to Dream mentorship program!” ? What are you looking forward to in this next year? ? “This next year I’m looking forward to zeroing in and being more aware of the micro successes of our youth. Their micro successes are BIG deals!” Please help us celebrate our wonderful Case Manager and the overwhelming impact she makes on those around her ??

Our Impact Report is out! ? Follow the link in our bio to read all about 2024 ?? What a wonderful year!

End your week with an impact story ?? “I’ve driven by the beach with some of my foster families, but I haven’t been on it yet.” When one of our Case Managers heard this from one of her youth, she decided to make it happen! She took three of her youth, who didn’t know each other before, to experience the beach together for the first time. They played “freeze out” on the way there, and shared their difficult stories on the way back. Because of the time and space their Case Manager created for them, these three teenage boys were able to connect and comfort each other. And walk away as friends!

?? SOAR 2025 is here! ?? Join us for an unforgettable evening of impact and inspiration at Salem Angels’ annual fundraising dinner, where we come together to support children, youth, and families experiencing foster care in our community. Enjoy a catered dinner, open bar, a silent & live auction, and powerful stories of transformation. All while making a lasting difference! Date: May 2 Time: 5-8:30 PM Location: Reed Opera House Tables start at $750 – secure yours today! A full table provides seating for 10, making it perfect for a group of friends, family, or colleagues who want to experience the evening together. But if a full table isn’t quite what you’re looking for, don’t worry—get a group of friends together and share the cost! It's a wonderful way to enjoy the event while contributing to an amazing cause. Tables and sponsorships are limited—don’t wait! Reserve yours now: https://lnkd.in/gKPVEZjr

start the second half of your week with an impact story ?? Do you remember when you got your license? The butterflies before the test? Sitting at the computer answering the multiple choice questions? Being a Case Manager means being there for the milestones! And this was a huge one ?? We are so grateful and honored to be a part of our youths’ lives, and to be there for the moments that are most important to them ??

Drumroll please… for ??TWO?? FOUR YEAR WORKIVERSARIES! ???????? For both our wonderful Executive Director, Brooke, and our incredible Case Manager, Malia! Both of them have been with Salem Angels from the START and have helped us grow into who we are today ?? We cannot thank you two enough for the love you pour into the youth and families in Marion and Polk (and into our team ??), you both embody the spirit and mission of Salem Angels so well??

Drumroll please… for ??TWO?? FOUR YEAR WORKIVERSARIES! ???????? For both our wonderful Executive Director, Brooke, and our incredible Case Manager, Malia! Both of them have been with Salem Angels from the START and have helped us grow into who we are today ?? We cannot thank you two enough for the love you pour into the youth and families in Marion and Polk (and into our team ??), you both embody the spirit and mission of Salem Angels so well??

From Love Box Leaders to Wedding Planners! "At Salem Angels, our vision is to ensure every foster family feels radically supported throughout their journey. Last month, I had the privilege of witnessing—and being part of—this kind of radical support in action. While attending a soccer game with a Love Box leader to cheer on one of the children in our program, the foster mom casually shared some surprising news: she and her longtime fiancé were planning to get married... in two days! Without hesitation, the Love Box leader and I jumped into action, offering to help and promising to check back on Monday. By noon Monday, I sent foster mama a text:?“Are you really getting married today?”?Her response:?“Yes, at 5:15!”?That was all we needed to hear. The Love Box leader and I sprang into action. I picked up flowers for bouquets, the love box leader gathered a wedding cake, sparkling cider, and her own wedding decor box. With her husband’s help, we headed to a local park to set up a beautiful, intimate celebration. We decorated a table, handed the bride her bouquet, and even made smaller ones for her four daughters—two biological and two foster. The ceremony was simple and heartfelt, with just 15 people in attendance. Words can’t capture how special that moment was. This is why we do what we do. Salem Angels brings strangers together and transforms them into family through the power of relationships. When two people say “yes”—one to fostering and the other to supporting—lives are changed, and sacred moments like these become possible." - Salem Angels' Case Manager

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we’re asking an important question: Will you partner with us to provide life-changing support for kids and families experiencing foster care? Because 50% of foster homes close within the first year.? Because 1 in 5 former foster youth become homeless after turning 18.? Because 20,000 young adults age out of foster care every year.? Because 60% of youth formerly in care live below the poverty line. Because with your help, we can change these statistics. Our Love Box? and Dare to Dream? programs build strong communities around foster families, helping create stability so kids can thrive. We’re seeing outcomes change every day, and we’re committed to reaching every child who experiences foster care. One of the surest ways you can influence our sustainability and ensure kids and families are matched with volunteers and mentors is through?monthly donations.? Your support helps us make real change—while 50% of foster homes typically close within the first year, our programs help 77% of families continue providing safe, loving environments for at least another year. Just like kids need consistent advocates, so does our organization. Will you join us by becoming an Angel Alliance Member and helping us change the stats? #GivingTuesday #AngelAlliance #FosterCare #ChangeTheStats #SupportFosterCare #AustinAngels #LoveBox #DareToDream

A huge thank you to Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union, for collecting and donating food items to support our waitlist families in both Polk and Marion counties. organization. Their generosity ensured waitlist families received essential supplies and food for Thanksgiving dinner, spreading hope and kindness within our community. We deeply appreciate your thoughtful partnership!