Dropz of Hope

2012-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

If you are in need of clothing, coats etc for your foster children. Please contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 we have various sizes and might be able to fill your needs! Also I have been offered a toddler bed and a couple twin beds (not bunks) so give me a call if you are in need of these items for you foster children.

2012-01-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

If you are a foster adoptive family and would like to get to know other families like yours. Please consider joining our group that meets on the 2nd Monday evening of each month. We do have child care provided for those who pre-register. Contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 for more info.

FPNO

2011-09-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

It is that time again!!
Friday September 16, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
We are back to our usual place and activities. Berean Assembly of God Church in Pleasant Hill.
Please RSVP to Dropz of Hope at dropzofhope@yahoo.com by September 13, 2011
We need first name, gender and age of each child who will be attending.
Thanks so much!!

Family Carnival 8/19/2011

2011-08-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Leaping Lilly's!! For the bounce house!!

Sweet Tooth the Clown was wonderful!!

SO MUCH FUN!

Thank you to Heritage Assembly of God Youth group for all the help!

Cotton Candy!! YUM!

trying to make lemonade thank you Santiago and Isaiah!

Cookie Walk

SnoCones!!

More face painting, thanks Acacia and Brandi!

Fun Games!

retrieving marbles and beads with their toes!

NACHOS!!

Cotton Candy!

Even the BIG kids bounced!!

thank you Dominique, Tyler and Malory for your help!

Thank you Monkey Joes for the prizes and for hanging with the kids!

more games!

CANDY!!

parents doing the cookie walk for family prizes!

our special singer since I forgot the music! she ROCKED!!

Thank you Pastor Kevin, ELijah, Victor and Renn for making balloon animals!

of course I had to have face paint too!

So much fun was had by all now I am officially exhausted! Good night!

Family Carnival

2011-08-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

August Foster Parents Night Out (FPNO) will be different this time!
We are planning a Family Carnival!! Thats right! Please come bring a lawn chair or 10, bring cookies for our cookie walk wrapped in packages of 6. Bring the kiddos and yourselves. We will have games carnival snacks and lots of time to get to know other families and our volunteers!
August 19, 2011 6pm-9pm
SunRise Park
5400 E. Oakwood
Pleasant Hill
PLEASE be sure to RSVP to Angela Albers at 515-681-5624 or by email to dropzofhope@yahoo.com
Hope to see everyone there!!

back packs and school supplies

2011-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

FAMILIES~
If you have foster children in your home who will be heading back to school in a few weeks please register them with us for a new back pack and supplies. We need the child's first name, age and grade they are entering this school year.

DONORS and VOLUNTEERS~
We are currently taking donations of ALL school supplies and back packs. Last year Dropz of Hope handed out 111 back packs. Lets make it a good year again this year!
Thanks in advance for your support and donations!!

Dropz of Hope Family Picnic

2011-07-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

July Family picnic has been postponed. We will NOT be having the picnic nor will we be having Foster Parents night Out this month. We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment. We will be posting details of August events soon, so please stay tuned!
In the mean time if you are in need of clothing or anything else please do not hesitate to contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 or dropzofhope@yahoo.com

Support group and foster training credit

2011-06-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

Monday June 13, 2011 Our Support Group will have a special 2 hour training given by Brian Walker on Trauma in children. This training will count as 2 hours towards your required training. If you plan to attend and are bringing children PLEASE RSVP to Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 by Saturday June 11, 2011 so we can plan child care. THANKS!!

Diaper Drive

2011-05-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

Dropz of Hope has noticed over the past several months that there is a HUGE need for diapers and pull-ups for our foster families. In response to the huge need we are launching our Diaper Drive Campaign. This will be an on-going project. So please, talk to your churches, community groups, kids clubs, family and friends. If every one donated 1 pack of diapers or pull-ups each month we could help so many more children! Thank you so much!!

May 2011

2011-05-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

May is a busy month for many with graduations, weddings, sports and end of the school year activities. May has brought some new families to Dropz of Hope. Always a bitter sweet thing for me. Bitter because that means there are more children out there we need to reach out and love...sweet because it always brings joy to my heart to know we are supporting families in such big ways. We have given away 3 baby beds, 6 back packs with school supplies, blankets, diapers, baby items, and clothes.
I am happy to report that our monthly support group for adoptive/pre-adoptive families is growing. This month was our biggest attendance so far. June we will have a special training on Trauma and its effects on attachment. This training will count as 2 hours of training for families. Please be sure to pre- if you plan to attend. We will need the first name and ages of all children who will be coming along.
Foster parents night out was super fun this month, we were a little low in numbers due to ball games and graduations. A HUGE thank you to Iowa Kids Net who graciously donated some of the left over food from the banquet to fpno this month.
Dropz of Hope is excited to announce that we are officially listed on the state site for non profit excellence, and this summer we will be getting some long over due help in finally completing our NPO paper work with the federal government. We are looking forward to all the things we will be able to accomplish once we are fully functioning as an NPO! Stay tuned for updates as the process moves forward.

Foster/Adoptive Parent Appreciation Banquet

2011-04-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

This event is NOT sponsored by Dropz of Hope BUT we will be there to help make your evening a memorable one! Please plan on attending ~

A banquet will be held in YOUR honor on Thursday May 19, 2011 6:00pm
Eastside Church of the Nazarene

1451 E. 25th Street
Des Moines Iowa 50317
RSVP to Linda Dodson by May 12, 2011 @
515-953-0515or by email Ldodsonifapa@q.com

A lovely dinner, special music and guest speakers will make for an amazing evening to celebrate YOU and all YOU do for the children of Iowa!!

April FPNO

2011-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

FPNO will be April 15, 2011 please contact me before April 11, 2011 to register your children. We have fun activities planned this month so plan a date night and let us take care of the kiddos!

Hope to see you all there!
Angela 5151-681-5624

Adoptive Family Support Group

2011-04-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Monday April 11, 2011 6:30-8:30 will be our next support group meeting.
Please contact me by Friday April 8, 2011 if you plan on attending and how many children you will be bringing along!
Thanks so much!
Angela

Event Success!

2011-03-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report the clothing give away and bake sale was a HUGE success!
Thank you to all the ladies who baked and donated goodies for the sale.
Thank you to Juanita, Fernandez family, Jennifer, Abby, Wanda, Linda, Traci, and my family for the HOURS of help in organizing clothes and goodies. You made this event SUPER!
It was a pleasure to meet some new families and make connections with the community.
ps......if I left anyone out I APOLOGIZE!! please know I love and appreciate all of you very much!!

Clothing give away and bake sale

2011-03-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 26, 2011 Dropz of Hope will sponsor a FREE clothing give away. We will be open to foster/adoptive families only from 10:00 am to Noon. At noon we will open to the community until 4:00 pm. This event will be held at Berean Assembly of God • 5299 E. University Ave. Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
We will also be having a bake sale to raise money to help fund all the programs and activities Dropz of hope provides for local foster/adoptive families.
Hope to see you all there!

March updates and events

2011-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 14, 2011 will be our next Adoptive Family Support Group. If you are or you know an adoptive family (private, international, kinship or foster to adopt) please come and share some time with us. We would love to come alongside you and take this amazing journey together!
We meet at Berean Assembly of God in Pleasant Hill from 6:30-8:30 on the second Monday of each month. Child care is provided for those who register their children by March 11, 2011.
Please contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 with any questions or to register your children.

March FPNO has been canceled due to Spring Break. Please let us know if there is anything you may need we will do our best to meet that need!

Saturday, March 26, 2011 Dropz of Hope is sponsoring a clothing give away. We will be open to foster/adoptive families only from 10:00am - noon. There will be NO fees attached to the clothing items. We will have a free will donations basket if you feel inclined. We will also be selling goodies. All money raised will go towards funding Dropz of Hope events. Adoptive families support group, FPNO, school supplies, etc. At noon we will open to the community so please come early!!

December FPNO

2010-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

This Friday December 17, 2010 6:00-9:00pm
Please contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 for information on siging your children up for this months FPNO.

Adoption Saturday

2010-11-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

Dropz of Hope will be available on Adoption Saturday at he Polk County Courthouse to answer any questions and cheer for all the new forever families! Come by our table and check us out! We would LOVE to meet you!

REMINDER of the Dinner!!

2010-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

DROPZ OF HOPE WILL PROVIDE THE FOOD AND DRINKS

PLEASE COME SPEND SOME TIME GETTING TO KNOW OTHER FAMILIES AND DROPZ OF HOPE VOLUNTEERS. YOU MUST SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2010 SO WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO ORDER FOOD FOR EVERYONE.

NOVEMBER 19, 2010 ~ 6:00 - 9:00 PM

BEREAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN PLEASANT HILL

RSVP TO ANGELA ALBERS 515-681-5624

Adoption awareness Balloon Launch!!

2010-11-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Event Details

PLEASE PLAN ON JOINING DROPZ OF HOPE OR A SITE CLOSER TO YOUR HOME THIS SATURDAY!!

Want to be a part of a special National Adoption Month event? We'll be hosting a statewide balloon release on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at locations across Iowa - to honor and raise awareness for children in foster care and those waiting to be adopted.
You're invited to help release balloons at a location near you! Each site will release approximately 40 biodegradable balloons; one balloon represents approximately 100 children in foster care, shelter care or group care in Iowa on any given day.

Balloon Release Locations

Come celebrate with us! See if there is a location near you, and bring your family along!
Unless otherwise noted, we'll begin all the balloon releases at 2 p.m. Please keep checking back, as we will continue to post additional locations as they are confirmed. Questions? Contact Jennai' at jrusch@iowakidsnet.com

Council Bluffs
Children’s Square
North 6th Street & Avenue E
Site coordinator: Serita Hammel

Logan
Encompass
202 E. 7th Street
Site coordinator: Jill Stone

Dubuque
Kids Expo
Outside of Grand River Center, 500 Bell St.
Site coordinator: Jennifer Avenarius and Veronica Paradiso

Iowa City
Four Oaks Emergency Shelter
1916 Waterfront Dr.

Waterloo
Lutheran Services in Iowa
925 E. 4th Street
Site coordinator: Amanda Tome

Cresco
Beadle Park (Shelter)
At the intersection of Elm Street and State Highway 9
Site coordinator: Jim and Nancy Henry

Ames
Lutheran Services in Iowa
Beloit Residential Treatment Center
1323 Northwestern Ave
Site coordinator: Jaime Bargman

Pleasant Hill
Berean Assembly of God
5299 E. University Ave
Site coordinator: Angela Albers, Dropz of Hope

Altoona
Class Act Production Theatre (CAP Theatre)
201 First Ave South, Altoona
Site coordinator: Cassie Lahman
http://www.captheatre.org/
*Will do balloon release during evening performance of Annie, Jr. The performance begins at 7 p.m. The balloon release will be held at intermission, approximately 7:35 p.m.

Burlington
Crapo Park – Fountain
2600 Madison Avenue
Site coordinator: Kim Edwards

Davenport
Vander Veer Park - Fountain
130 W. Lombard Street, Davenport
Site coordinator: Nancy Maday

Muscatine
Riverside Park - Fountain
Harbor Drive, Muscatine
Site coordinator: Brandy Peterson

Norwalk
Norwalk United Methodist Church
1801 Sunset Drive, Norwalk
Site coordinator: Carla Kuehl-Purdum

Mason City
East Park
Mason City
Site coordinator: Corinne Sills

Eldora
Hardin County Courthouse
1215 Edgington Avenue
Eldora
Site coordinator: Julie Schroeder

Charles City
20 Lions Field Dr
Charles City
Site coordinator: Alicia Tobin

Sioux City
Meet near Anderson Dance Pavilion
Larsen Park Rd. on the riverfront
Sioux City
Site coordinator: Nicole Pedersen

Spencer
West Leach Park
107 4th Street SW
Spencer
Site coordinator: Chelle Bisenius

Event: Balloon Release
Date/Time: 11/06/10 2 p.m.
City: Statewide
Location:
Contact: jrusch@iowakidsnet.com

Current Needs!

2010-10-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

The weather is changing, it is getting cold outside. Children are being placed everyday, and the children we already serve are growing and thriving in their foster homes! This presents a new list of needs. Dropz of Hope is in need of the following items for all aged children newborn through teens both boys and girls~
winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, winter pajamas, slippers, socks. We are also looking for clothing to fit a few new children 2 baby boys, 2 18 month old girls, an 8 year old boy, a 12 year old boy, and a 10 year old girl.
Please if you have donations contact Angela @ 515-681-5624. We would ask that you only donate NEW or GENTLY USED and CLEAN clothing. (yes, I have to state this since we recently opened a bag of clothing covered in pet hair, dirt grass stains and even left over food!)
On behalf of all the children and the families who are loving on them Dropz of Hope thanks you sincerely!!

2010-10-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

FOSTER PARENTS NIGHT FAMILY DINNER

DROPZ OF HOPE WILL PROVIDE THE FOOD AND DRINKS

PLEASE COME SPEND SOME TIME GETTING TO KNOW OTHER FAMILIES AND DROPZ OF HOPE VOLUNTEERS. YOU MUST SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2010 SO WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO ORDER FOOD FOR EVERYONE.

NOVEMBER 19, 2010

6:00 - 9:00 PM

BEREAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN PLEASANT HILL

RSVP TO ANGELA ALBERS 515-681-5624

FPNO September

2010-09-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

This Friday, September 17 is Foster Parents Night Out. Hours are 6pm - 9pm. We have fun activities planned, dinner and a movie. If you are planning on dropping the children in your home off for 3 hours of free care please contact Angela by Wednesday September 15 to preregister the children. We can't wait to see everyone!
Angela Albers
515-681-5624
dropzofhope@yahoo.com

Back Pack Night

2010-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU

2010-08-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

Dropz of Hope would like to thank all who took time out of their lives to help with our back pack drive. Because of YOU we were able to fill 110 back packs this year!! Some have already been delivered because a few of our children had to return to school this week. The rest will be delivered Friday night at our monthly Foster Parents Night Out. I am humbled and blessed by all your generosity. To some, a simple back pack and a few school supplies may not seem like a big deal. But, to a child who has lost EVERYTHING and his/her life has been flipped upside down? A new back pack is worth its weight in gold. So I say to you on behalf of all "my children" thank you for investing in their lives. You have a made a difference!

2010-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am excited to report that Dropz of Hope has reached our goal on the number of back packs we needed. However, we are still in need of the following supplies:
scissors, 1 " binders, 1.5 " binders, 3 ring binders, 2 pocket folders, wide ruled notebooks, college ruled notebooks, loose leaf paper, #2 pencils, markers, dry erase markers, high lighters, colored pencils, black ink pens, blue ink pens, red ink pens, glue sticks, rulers, pencil boxes, post it n...otes, protractors, basic calculators, scientific calculators and index cards. THANK YOU!!!

A Dropz of Hope family needs~

2010-07-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

Dropz of Hope has a family who has an emergency placement of a 5 week old baby girl! This family has no baby equipment and only 8 outfits for baby. Needs: bouncy seat in good working condition, stroller, and clothing new born to 3 months. Thanks You are all amazing!! ♥

Family Picnic

2010-07-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for the late reminder!

This Friday night July 16, 2010 is the Dropz of Hope family picnic. This year Dropz will be providing fried chicken and drinks instead of hot dogs and burgers. Please bring a potluck dish to share. I am praying NO RAIN! Sunrise Park Pleasant Hill 5400 E Oakwood Dr Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 6:00pm - when you are ready to go! I look forward to seeing you all there. If you could please respond so I have an idea of how many pieces of chicken to order. Thanks!

School supplies

2010-07-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

We need YOUR help!!!!
Dropz of Hope is currently serving 75 school aged children. Our mission this year is to not only provide a new back pack filled with school supplies but also a new pair of sneakers for each child. All children deserve to go to school on the first day carrying a new back pack and wearing new shoes!
PLEASE help us fill the needs of our kids!
contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 with all donations.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!!

FPNO

2010-06-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2010 will be our next Foster Parents Night Out!
We look forward to seeing all the children again this month! Please call or email Angela Albers to register your children. dropzofhope@yahoo.com OR 515-681-5624.
This months schedule will be:
6:00 register~ clothing swap
6:30 dinner
7:00 activity rotation
8:00 movie and snack
9:00 parent pick up
Hope to see everyone there!!

fishing

2010-06-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Attention men: FPNO (hosted by volunteers Jeff and Jan Knutson) invites you to a morning of farm pond fishing. All men and boys 10 yrs and up, grab your fishing pole,gear and worms(no minnows). Try for a big bass,crappie or bluegill on Sat. 6/12 from 9-1130. RSVP to Angela for directions.

2010-05-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Friday night went very well! We had lots of fun. Thanks to all the families who came and all the volunteers for your time!
We ate spaghetti, colored, played games, played kick ball, watched a movie and had a snack. Before we knew it time had come for the kids to go home.
I am happy to say the clothing swap is back! Please check it out next month!
As always, if you have a need between now and then please let me know, I will do my best to fill it for you.

2010-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you goes out to Gina and the College kids who helped Dropz of Hope sort through all the clothing donations this week!!

Article

2010-05-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Today, May 5, 2010 Kristin Danley-Greiner wrote an awesome article for the Herald Index a local paper.

Kristin did an excellent job of capturing the heart of Dropz of Hope! Check it out today!! Thanks Kristin!

click on the following link to read the article!

http://altoonaherald.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage<http://altoonaherald.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage>

Many thanks to Runnells Christian Church

2010-04-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last week on Thursday evening, I had the honor and privilege of speaking at a Ladies Salad Supper at Runnells Christian Church.
The dinner was lovely, I enjoyed getting to know some of the ladies. Following the dinner my friend Josie sang. What a beautiful, powerful voice she has! After she sang a couple songs she introduced me and I shared the heart of Dropz of Hope and my passion for the families who care for the children every day! It was truly a wonderful experience!
It was an honor. Thank you Josie for believing in Dropz of Hope and choosing me to come along. Thank you to the ladies of Runnells Christian Church for allowing me to share my passion for the children with you. Thank you to the gentleman of the church for serving and cleaning the kitchen so the ladies could enjoy their time! It was a beautiful evening. I was blessed!

FPNO~April

2010-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

This months Foster Parents night out was amazing!
We had some new friends come and some old friends have moved away. Although good byes are sad to say, I am very excited for the children to be moving on to forever families who will love and care for them always. I am even more excited (if that is possible) for the ones who have been able to move back home into healthy happy and healed families from where they came! Such an exciting thing to be a part of when a family finds healing and the children are able to go back home!
We ate mac and cheese (thanks Jan!!) hot-dogs (thanks Berean kitchen ladies!!) chips and juice boxes for dinner. We played games, planted flowers (thanks Fernandez family!!) we ended the evening with a movie and popcorn!
We at Dropz of Hope, are in the process of switching all the clothing over from fall and winter to spring and summer. We will have the clothing swap back in action for the May FPNO!!
In the mean time please contact me if you have any needs between now and then!

515-681-5624

2010-03-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Another Foster Parents Night Out has come and gone! This month it fell at the end of Spring Break for many of our families so our attendance was lower than usual. We had a couple new volunteers start this month as well.
I will be working on switching over all the clothing in our clothing swap from fall winter to spring summer. Please keep in contact if your children have a need.
Our next FPNO will be April 16, 2010.
Please contact Angela Albers to register your children by Monday of that week.
dropzofhope@yahoo.com
515-681-5624

2010-02-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

FPNO was tons of fun last night! Even with the bad weather we had a great turn out and loads of fun! I am excited to report we had 4 new families join us last night!
Our next FPNO will be on March 19 so mark your calendars!
Please contact me if you still have a fundraiser packet, I need to get them turned in this week!!
Also, if you are in need of clothing, coats or any other items for your kiddos please contact me and we can arrange to meet between now and then!

2010-02-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

February 19, 2010 will be Foster Parent Night Out. Today (Feb. 17) is the last day to register your children. Please contact Angela Albers through email dropzofhope@yahoo.com.
We will ahve english muffin pizzas for dinner, play games, do some crafts, watch a movie and have a snack.
Also....
I have received a donation of childrens winter coats, I have a few different sizes and colors. If you are in need of a coat for one of your children please contact me @ 681-5624!
See you all Friday!!

Fundraiser

2010-01-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Attention all parents and volunteers. At the January FPNO we kicked off a month long fundraiser with Partylite candles. If you did not pick up your packet please contact Angela Albers ASAP so you can have as much time as possible to get orders. All packets are to be turned in to Angela Albers at the February FPNO. Partylite is giving DOH 50% of all sales made.
Thank you to every family and each volunteer for your amazing support!!

FPNO

2010-01-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

January's FPNO was one of the best we have had so far! We pretended we were in the middle of summer time. Had a picnic played fun games and ate snow cones! YUUUUMMMMY!

February FPNO will be held February 19, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm same location as always! Families be sure to call and register with Angela Albers by Wednesday February 17, 2010 so we can be sure to have enough volunteers to keep our ratios good!

WINTER COATS!

2010-01-22T13:37:00.001-08:00

Attention all parents and workers:
Dropz of Hope has a few brand new winter coats left from donations. If you know of a foster child who needs a coat please contact Angela Albers @ 515-681-5624 to check sizes!

IMPORTANT CHANGE

2009-12-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dear foster parents:
due to security concerns I will be locking the doors to the church at 6:15 on Foster Parents Night Out. Please help me keep all the children safe and be there by 6 so your family wont be locked out.
Thanks so much!
Angela

Merry Christmas

2009-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

On behalf of all the volunteers at Dropz of Hope we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! We would also like to thank you for all you do for the children!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Dropz of Hope Christmas Party

2009-12-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

This Friday night December 18, 2009 will be our Christmas party. This month we are asking all families to come and stay. Get to know all our volunteers and other families. We will have crafts, cookie decorating, food and fellowship!
Please contact Angela Albers through Dropz of Hope email or by phone to register by THIS Wednesday.
We are asking all families and volunteers to bring a potluck dish to share.
The clothing swap clothes will not be out this month, however, if there is a need please contact Angela and we will be sure to fill it for you if we can!
Looking forward to seeing all of you Friday!

Thank you

2009-12-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dropz of Hope would like to humbly say thank you to Pastor Paul Martin and the pastoral staff of Berean for believing in Dropz of Hope and allowing us to use the facilities not only for our fundraiser dinner last night but also for our Foster Parents Night Out events we hold each month! With out their support Dropz would not be able to do what we do for the foster families of our our community!
We would also like to thank Fernando and Juanita Fernandez for their HOURS of hard work cooking and preparing an amazing enchilada dinner for our fundraiser. The food was out of this world!! Your hours of work are deeply appreciated!
Thanks to all our volunteers who put their time into helping with set up, serving and clean up. We had a great time and will definitely do it again!

FUNDRAISER

2009-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Dropz of Hope is having a fundraiser dinner!!
Juanita and Fernando Fernandez will be making their famous enchiladas. We will ahve hotdogs available for the children or those who do not appreciate enchiladas.
when? December 13, 2009 6:45pm
where? Berean Assembly 5299 East University Ave. Pleasant Hill Iowa 50327
why? to raise money for our 501c3 Not for Profit status and fund all of our fantastic projects to help local foster families!!
cost? $5 adults $3 children
Please show your love and support to the most amazing team in the world as they continue to change the lives of foster children and their families ONE DROP AT A TIME!!!

if you can not attend the dinner and would like to support our fundraising efforts please contact Angela Albers by email at ~ dropzofhope@yahoo.com or by phone at 515-681-5624

December FPNO

2009-11-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009 we will be having a family Christmas party for the foster families and volunteers. Instead of having a night out we will have a time where we can get to know each other better and have fun and food as families!
If you are a foster family and would like to participate in the Christmas Party please contact Angela Albers either by phone 515-681-5624 or email dropzofhope@yahoo.com
A local church, Berean Assembly of God has adopted Dropz of Hope foster families for Christmas this year. our deadline to get information to them on our families is November 25, 2009 I realize that is just days away so please call me or email soon!!!
Dropz of Hope will be providing the meat and drinks for the party we are asking all families and volunteers to bring a potluck dish to share!
We are all excited to spend the evening with the families of all the children we have grown to love!

2009-11-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Dropz of Hope is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization, and has submitted the paperwork for state of Iowa incorporation, and IRS not-for-profit status. What this means is that anyone that donates to help provide Thanksgiving meals to foster families, or Christmas events for foster families, or just monthly respite so parents of foster children can have time alone may have to wait until we receive our official notification from the IRS to declare the donation as tax deductible. We need your donation, so if you can give for this cause, it will be appreciated, and used to benefit many.
Please contact Angela Albers either by e-mail dropzofhope@yahoo.com or by phone at 515-681-5624 with any donations.
Thank you ~

2009-10-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had such agreat time on Friday night! 4 new families joined us this month! YAY we are growing.
Things are progressing behind the scenes as well. Excitement is growing and I am bursting at the seams to tell all! But timing is everything.
Mark your calendars for November 20, 2009. Our next FPNO.
Stay tuned for more details.
And as usual, please contact me with any needs that may arise between now and then!
~Angela

FPNO!

2009-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009 6pm to 9pm.
Foster Parents Night Out!
Harvest Party theme this month. Bring all the children in your family we will feed them, play games, do crafts, and have tons-o-fun! While you get a much needed 3 hour kid-free break!
Please contact me no later than this Wednesday October 14, 2009 to register your children.
515-681-5624
or e-mail dropzofhope@yahoo.com attention Angela
Can't wait to see you all there!
PS~
clothing swap will be available!!

Attention all volunteers and those interested in volunteering!!

2009-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

I will be holding an informational meeting Thursday October 8, 2009 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Please plan on attending if you are already involved or interested in becoming involved with Dropz of Hope! Bring any questions with you.
Meeting will be held at~
Berean Assembly of God
5299 E. University Ave.
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
I will provide snacks.
Contact me with any questions either by phone @ 515-681-5624 or email @ dropzofhope@yahoo.com
See you all there!!!
Angela

September FPNO

2009-09-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night was our monthly Foster Parents Night Out. This month we held it at The Orange Planet in Pleasant Hill. I am not sure it is possible to have more fun than we had Friday night! All you families out there who have been a part of Dropz of Hope please get the word out to other families you may know. We have way too much fun not to share!!!
A huge thank you goes out to my faithful volunteers! with out you, none of this would be possible!

Back to school Bash!

2009-08-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last nights FPNO was great! We had a few minor glitches in location and help but worked through as a team and pulled together. The kids had a great time and we were able to hand out the last of the back packs.
We had Jimmy Johns sandwiches (PBJ for those who dont like JJ) chips apples carrots and lemonade. YUM!! Then we rotated through 3 stations 1. we made a pitiful attempt at making homemade hackey sacks....WOW! what a mess of dried lentils all over the floor! 2. blue jean pocket magnet. FUN! 3. board games and Bop-It. after all the teams rotated through we watched High School Musical.
Our clothing swap is growing. I love it! We are looking for an alternate place to house all the items. I would love to have a place where families can come anytime they have a need. If anyone out there knows of a place please let me know. Until then we will continue as is. Meeting the needs of our families ONE DROP AT A TIME!!
Love you all!

Back packs!!

2009-08-13T06:05:00.001-07:00

In backwards order because I forgot to upload in reverse....We had so much fun this week! After a wonderful show of love and support from my church community Dropz of Hope volunteers and ZI were able to buy back packs, thanks Jan and Brittney! Shop for school supplies, thanks Fernandez Family! For 30 children!! We had a BBQ and back pack filling party my good buddy Zack came out to help with the filling party! We had so much fun and can't wait to give them to the children!! Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this special project a complete success!

July 17, 2009~ FPNO

2009-06-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

IT is picnic time!!!
After much positive feed back I have decided that July's FPNO will be a pot luck picnic in the park for all the families and the volunteers of Dropz of Hope. This will be a fun time for all of us to get to know each other better. I am looking for a park that will not charge me for the use of their grounds. Anyone have any ideas please let me know!
Please pass the word out to other foster families, this would be a great opportunity for them to come out and check us out.
Please call or email me by Monday July 13, 2009 in order for us to plan better for such an event I need a couple extra days!
Thanks to everyone for the support in making a difference one drop at a time!

June FPNO

2009-06-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for our next Foster Parents Night Out! June 19, 2009 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Same place as always. Hoping to have clothing swap up and running again this month. Do not forget to sign all your kiddos up with me by June 17.
See you all there!!

May FPNO

2009-05-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

I apologize to all the families, due to scheduling conflicts I must cancel May's FPNO. Our next night out will be on June 19, 2009. Please mark your calendars and put the word out to any foster families you may know!
See you in June!!
~Angela

Increasing my volunteer pool.

2009-05-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

If you have a heart for Foster Families, have no problem doing a criminal background check, and an interview. Please contact me at 515-681-5624 or by email at dropzofhope@yahoo.com. Dropz of Hope is growing every month. I want to keep my ratio of adults to children at 3 or 4 :1. The following areas are where I need help:
1. Foster Parents Night Out when we provide local foster parents a FREE night out we feed all the kiddos and play while the parents get a 3 hour break, KID FREE!
2. Organizing clothing for the clothing swap each month.
That is all for now!
ALSO...I have a baby swing that has been donated so if you know of a family in need of one please let me know!

Caregivers poem

2009-05-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for a poem to encourage all of you. This will do for now...may it bring peace and comfort to you today!!

Lord, show me enough strength within me because I am very tired,
Show me patience to care for the one I love,
Show me peace of mind as I struggle through each day and night,
Show me the joy in the little things my loved one does to help me out,
Show me love when anger wants to take over my thoughts,
Show me hope when I can see no hope,
And Lord, show me kindness for those who care about me.

FPNO #5

2009-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! May 15, 2009 is our next Foster Parents night out! I have some different clothes for the swap. Don't forget to bring yours in and swap out. If you have non to offer please, please, please take what you need!!
Please call me @ 681-5624 OR email me dropzofhope@yahoo.com to register ALL your kiddos for this night filled with fun food and games FREE to you! Drop them off and get a much deserved break! I look forward to seeing everyone there!!

FPNO #4

2009-04-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our 4th foster parents night out.
I must admit I felt less prepared for tonight than I like. But, With the help of my amazing volunteers: Wanda, Gene, Jan, Dee Dee, Wendi, Amanda, Bekka, and Con rescued us with the Lion King! yay Con!!
We had 23 children tonight not including the 7 belonging to the volunteers.
We ate, played, created, colored, and watched the Lion King.
Tons of fun was had by all and I love love love getting to know all the foster parents each month!
Keep checking in here for updates and the date of our next FPNO!

Foster Parents Night Out April

2009-04-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

This Friday night is Foster Parents Night Out, 6pm -9pm. I will have the clothing swap again for those of you interested in swapping out clothes. Please let me know if there are any other needs we can begin working on filling!
Please contact me by Wednesday night if your children will be attending.
Can't wait to see all of you!
Angela

Light of Hope Ceremony

2009-03-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

I received this email Monday, as I am a CASA volunteer. Please come out and support the children!

It is time again to remember those children who we lost from child abuse and neglect in 2008. This year there were a startling 16 children who died in Iowa last year. Every April we take a moment to remember these children and to remind our community that there are children at risk today. Our Light of Hope Ceremony this year will be held on April 16, 2009 at 5:00 pm at Blank Children’s Hospital.

Light of Hope started in 2000 as a national movement designed to provide hope for abused and neglected children and to recognize extraordinary efforts of individuals whole lights shine on these children. During the month of April, hundreds of communities across the U.S. will come together at Light of Hope events to honor the promise of remembering the plight of America’s abused, abandoned and neglected children. National CASA has encouraged us to hold this event and VeeAnn Cartwright is on the planning committee. Judge Eisenhauer, long-time supporter of CASA, will recognize all CASAs in attendance.

Please take a moment to help us remember these children and honor those who work hard to help our most vulnerable.

Light of Hope is sponsored by:

Blank Children’s Hospital

Child Abuse Prevention Council

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

March carnival

2009-03-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun last night at FPNO!
All you parents please feel free to contact me any time with feed back or ideas. I am always looking for new ways to support you. I am pleased with the response to our first clothing swap so look for that to return next month. I am excited to report that we had 2 new families join us this month.
A HUGE thank you to all my wonderful volunteers for giving your time and ENERGY.
I think the carnival was big hit with the kiddos!
We had corn dogs, chips, apples, animal crackers, cookies, juice boxes and popcorn. After eating we set down the rules and then on with the fun! Nights like last night I wish we could take pictures....my goodness there were countless Kodak moments I was dying to record! You will just have to trust me and use your imagination as I describe each game. The kids were rewarded with one piece of candy at each game.
Clothes pin toss. The kids had to stand behind a designated line according to their size and try to toss clothes pins into buckets.
Bowling. my kids made a homemade bowling set out of pop bottles.
Hula Hooping. This one was fun to watch!
Mummy wrap. The kids got a roll of toilet paper and wrapped each other up into mummies...many photo ops missed on this game!
Egg blowing race. Each child was given a plastic easter egg and a straw and had to crawl on their hands and knees blowing the egg down to the wall and back!
Sea shell search. They had to search for sea shells in a pan of maccaroni while having their eyes closed.
Bubble gum blowing contest.
Jeremiah and Monica the 2 new members of Dropz of Hope team did face painting and made balloon animals all night!! Way to go!!
Then we had the board game room with crafts and movies. The kids watched Barnyard.
And of course at the end of the night Jan handed out the goodie bags she makes for the children each month! Thanks Jan they love them!
Thank you to all the wonderful families who trust us enough to take care of your children while you get a much deserved break!!!
See you all in April!

FPNO #3

2009-03-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Foster Parents Night Out is this Friday night from 6-9 pm.
I am excited I have 23 children signed up already not including the children of my volunteers!
I am planning a home made carnival this month. Promising tons and tons of fun!!
I am also still planning on holding our first clothing swap!
If you are a foster family in eastern polk county and have not registered for FPNO please shoot me an email at dropzofhope@yahoo.com or call me 515-681-5624 by this Wednesday March 18, 2009.
I will feed all your children for free and and we will play all evening while you get a much deserved break!!
see you Friday!
~~Angela

Bag of Tools

2009-03-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Isn't it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.

by: R.L. Sharpe

I have heard Ruthann recite this poem many times. Every time I think: I must remember this. Yesterday I wrote it down so I could put it up here. Let us all be stepping stones in the lives of the children and families we serve!

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A ... - Google Book Search

2009-02-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A ... - Google Book Search

A good friend of mine lent me this book. What a wonderful book to read to your children! The ideas in this book are actually the basis of why I do what I do. I came up with Dropz of Hope as the name for my organization after thinking of life in this way. My friend and I have had many conversations about filling peoples buckets....then she found this book and thought of me! I encourage you to get this book and read it to the children in your lives!

Foster Parents night out # 2

2009-02-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

Friday night February 20th was our second Foster Parents Night Out.
We had 3 families and 11 children not including my own little ones....So much fun was had by all.
We had hot dogs, chips, juice, apples and cookies for dinner.
Then it was play time. This time I set up one room for board games, coloring, crafts, and I had a TV with some movies. A huge hit we watched Robots. Well, some of the kiddos watched the rest ran in and out catching a minute here and there as children often do! Fun!
The gym was for playing ball. Any kind of ball you could ever imagine was available for their playing pleasure!
Then I had the toddler room open to, this time they spent quite a bit of time in there playing with the farms, animals and race cars.
I am hoping adding the extra hour allowed for the parents to be able to enjoy some time together with out children without feeling rushed to return.
If you know of a foster family who would benefit from FPNO please send them to this blog or give them my contact information. I am also looking for input from families in the area. I am looking at ways to better fill the needs of the families and would love to hear what is going on in your worlds.
One idea I am planning on trying next month is a clothing swap. I will have Rubbermaid type tubs along the walls in the check in area with clothing separated by gender and size. Please feel free to bring in clean gently used items you no longer need for your kiddos and trade them for sizes you do need. I this works, we will have the tubs every month.
Thank you! I look forward to seeing you all plus many more next month! Our next date is March 20, 2009 from 6pm-9pm. Don't forget to email or call to register your children!

My Heart

2009-02-03T14:02:00.001-08:00

Sunday, January 25, 2009

I am motivated and moved by my faith to make a difference in the lives of foster families. To hear their stories. To find the gaps and fill the needs where they are. My heart beats to be a hand extended to the hurting children. A good friend of mine said he believes that foster children are the orphans of today. What a powerful statement, the depths of those words moved me from wanting to make a difference to acting on that want. I attended a conference this past weekend and the speaker said something that motivated me to step out and fly with this project. If you are going to do something, do it with EXCELLENCE, or don't do it at all. I am opening my heart to God and allowing Him to direct my steps. I want to be clear that although I am motivated by my faith, my mission is not to share my faith or to 'convert' others to my faith. I deeply desire to fill the gaps where they are and come along side foster families in partnership to build better futures for hurting children. In order for you to understand my mission you must understand my heart. Now that I have shared my heart with you. Lets begin our journey...ONE DROP AT A TIME!

Our First FPNO

2009-02-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Last night Jan. 30, 2009 was our first FPNO event. We had 5 families participate and had a blast with all the children. We had Pizza and Pasta for dinner, played board games, Basketball, tag, watched some of the kiddos show us their very cool dance moves, colored, read books, played with race cars and baby dolls, decorated cupcakes and laughed. A Lot!
I am very pleased with how our first event turned out and hope the families who participated will return and bring others with them next month! I am already making changes and additions to our schedule and routine. I am excited to do this again!
A special thanks to all my volunteers.
A big thank you to the families who participated!
Posted by Angela at 10:13 AM 0 comments