The protracted impact of COVID-19 and its accompanying economic and social-emotional stressors has made 2020 a year unlike any other for children and families, particularly those already facing barriers to success and wellbeing. Seneca Family of Agencies continues our work to support families to heal and thrive, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
We are all in this together. No timeline is known for when we may safely return to our traditional face-to-face service delivery, for when children may return to their classrooms for in-person learning, for when we can gather together as a community. In the meantime, Seneca’s mission remains steadfast and more critical than ever: to support children and families through the most difficult times of their lives. We could never have the impact that we do – reaching thousands of families each year with responsive family permanency, mental health, and academic supports – without the collaborative effort of our partners: other service providers, county, corporate, foundation, and donor partners alike.
Seneca’s upcoming Forever Families Gala on November 7th honors one such steadfast partner: Erin Anderson (Lastinger). Erin has emerged as a visionary philanthropist, working tirelessly to advance better outcomes for thousands of children in Orange County. As a prominent leader on Seneca’s Advisory Board for over twenty years, Erin’s values and spirit align deeply with Seneca’s Unconditional Care model. We are thrilled to honor Erin in this way.
The online Gala will also celebrate Seneca’s foster care and adoption permanency work in Southern California, which depends in large part on providing critical mental health supports to families throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national average of adoptions remaining permanent is roughly 75%, which means that a staggering 25% of children are returned to foster care due to a failed adoption. In Orange County, Seneca’s programs work to build and sustain families for the children who need them, and to prevent disruption at all costs. With Seneca’s commitment to Unconditional Care – doing whatever it takes to support the success of kids and families – 100% of our adoptions in Orange County remain permanent!
The work of building and sustaining families for the children who need them is particularly urgent in this moment. Proceeds from the Gala will directly support Seneca’s programs working to ensure children who have experienced trauma are raised in loving and stable homes.
To learn more about the Forever Families Gala please visit, www.senecafoa.org/gala.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carly Santos at Carly_Santos@senecacenter.org or 714-308-4578.