eFocus on Children's Bureau

First Lady Maria Shriver visited Magnolia Place Family Center on February 26, 2009 as part of her WE Connect campaign (www.weconnect.net), a multi-dimensional partnership designed to help California’s working families. The event connected 400 families with the information and tools they need to take full advantage of valuable financial resources, such as Earned Income Tax Credit.

"Throughout this nation, we have seen an incredible increase in unemployment, bankruptcies, and home foreclosures," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "I want

Californians to know there is help available for families who need assistance and I encourage everyone to lend a hand and connect someone they may know would benefit from these existing resources. I am so proud to partner with organizations such as Magnolia Place and its network of community partners who are on the front lines of this economic crisis.”

Families had access to several of the WE Connect tools including the campaign’s website (www.weconnect.net), Web Connector (an online tool that helps families determine what resources they can take advantage of) and free tax preparation services. Thirty-four tax returns were prepared that day with a total of $44,487 refunded back to the community!

With an urgent need to find loving homes for vulnerable children, Children’s Bureau launched an outdoor ad campaign in January with a compelling message to recruit foster and adoptive parents. Now in its 14th year, this extraordinary promotion included more than 400 billboards, bus shelters and bus interiors and was expanded to also have advertising space in airports such as LAX and digital ads in shopping malls such as Westside Pavilion. This increased exposure proved to be successful as monthly telephone calls to the agency increased (and continue to do so) as well as hits to our Web site. We were able to reach more people interested in learning about the program, certify more families to become foster and adoptive parents and have already finalized several adoptions this year!

Children’s Bureau is extremely fortunate to benefit from an advertising campaign of this magnitude. Ads can still be seen throughout Southern California and are estimated to worth an in-kind value of $1 million in advertising. WOW! Many, many thanks to CB Director Alan Berkes and his team at The Ballpark Advertising Agency for designing such a beautiful, warm campaign, CB Trustee Salvador Villar who helped secure a $10,000 donation from Citibank (Banamex USA) for printing costs and CB Director George Manyak for securing the ad space and printing. We’d also like to recognize the incredible generosity of the outdoor companies who continue to support this campaign each year:

CBS/Decaux
Clear Channel
EYE

Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Mobile Billboard Systems
Regency

Thanks also to Great Big Color for donating a large portion of the printing costs.
Click here to see entire ad campaign.

Magnolia Place and Totum Consulting, the group that managed the construction of the building, were recognized by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) with the 2009 Project Achievement Award – Private Sector at a dinner ceremony held April 2 at the Pasadena Convention Center The CMAA awards recognize creative

and innovative projects around the world. Our thanks to Totum and everyone who worked on the project — it was truly a team effort. Magnolia Place is a stunning facility that brings hope to families and the community around us. Congratulations!

Coto Crusin’ for the Kids is a breakfast event for car and motorcycle enthusiasts held monthly at the restaurant
Gentile’s at Coto Valley to raise funds for Children’s Bureau in Orange County. The

restaurant is generously donating 20 percent of all breakfast sales the second Saturday of every month from May to September. Guests will also have the opportunity to win one free registration to the 4th Annual Just Ducky Car Show to be held on September 13 at Enderle Center in Tustin. Our thanks to Mike Walker for organizing the breakfast cruise and Just Ducky Car Show! For monthly breakfast cruise dates or for more information, please visit www.justduckycarshow.com.