Structure and Support for Lost Boy
When Dennis arrived at the therapeutic foster home, he was sad and withdrawn -- except when his anger raged out of control. Small wonder. At age 14, he had been shuffled through a long line of foster homes, enduring abuse and neglect at more than one. But the staff of Children's Aid and Family Services knew what Dennis needed: routine, structure, and mental health service, all in a supportive, nurturing environment. Today, Dennis is making friends with the other boys he lived with, and bonded with staff members. He is working hard to learn the life and social skills he needs to be adopted by a loving, understanding family.

Holiday Feast for Big Family
Kareem grew up in his grandmother's home with 10 cousins and five aunts and uncles. Kareem slept on the floor. By middle school, the resulting exhaustion had taken a toll. He was behind in math and reading and his speech was poor. But Kareem began catching up at the Youth Consultation Service Fort Lee Education Center Middle School, where his skills have improved. Today, Kareem is beloved by his classmates and holds a part-time job. Kareem hopes to use his earnings to buy a turkey dinner for his 17-member family.

Overburdened Kid Gets Attention
Skyler was a little boy with big responsibilities. The oldest child of a single mother, he often cared for his younger brothers and sisters. His free time was spent, not playing with other kids, but cleaning his house. But the strain wore on Skyler. Soon, his anger began spinning out of control. Through the Nutley Family Service Bureau, Skyler is getting a handle on his anger with weekly counseling. Other resources have helped him set goals for himself and find ways to cope with his responsibilities. These services, as well as extra help for Skyler's family during this holiday season, are made possible by the Greater Newark Holiday Fund.

New Look, New Outlook for Student
All of his teachers said the same things about Harlan. He didn't socialize with his classmates. His homework was incomplete or illegible, when he turned it in at all. And, in the face of any criticism, he would become unresponsive, hiding his eyes behind a thick shock of blond hair. Then a social worker from Catholic Charities stepped in. She helped Harlan move beyond monosyllabic answers and worked with his mother and teachers to provide him with technological support services at school. After two months of work with her, Harlan's grades have started improving and he's started interacting with his peers. He even got a new short haircut, now that he doesn't want to hide his eyes. The Greater Newark Holiday Fund helps Catholic Charities provide this support.

“Little Man” Gets a Helping Hand
At 8 years old, Tanika's brother was the man of the house. He took care of Tanika, who lost her leg after a car accident. He also took care of his mother, who is legally blind and cannot walk. And he was in charge of upkeep on their small studio apartment, which contained a single bed, shared by Tanika and her mom, and a pile of blankets, which served as both the family dinner table and the little boy's bed. But the boy isn't in charge any more. Thanks to Youth Consultation Services, Tanika has received an artificial leg, and a social worker is helping her get caught up in school. Their mother has received medical assistance so she can leave her home. And the 8-year-old sleeps peacefully on a comfortable mattress, knowing his mom and sister are getting the care they need. With help from the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, this family may be able to get furniture, clean blankets and real gifts this holiday season.

Butterfly Takes Wing
Three-year-old Thomas peers out his window and points. "I see a butterfly and a ladybug," he says excitedly. His foster mother, Kayla, smiles. Today, Thomas can correctly identify these creatures. Two months ago, he didn't know his own name. Children like Thomas, who are born medically fragile, can survive and succeed in foster care only with appropriate medical treatment and the loving support of specially trained caregivers like Kayla. Founded in 1899, Children's Aid and Family Services helps infants and toddlers get the medical care they require, while training foster parents like Kayla to handle their children's special needs. Besides Thomas, Kayla has raised a 15-month-old toddler named Anthony, who could not walk or eat solid food when he came to her home, but learned to stand, climb and take his first steps under her care.

Needed: More Aid for Cerebral Palsy Victim
Even if she were in perfect health, Robert's mother would struggle to care for her son. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the 13-year-old boy needs help to walk, bathe and perform other everyday tasks. But his mom has a chronic illness of her own. She does the best she can to provide for Robert and his sister in the small apartment they share, but her own poor health challenges her ability to handle even minor chores. Thanks to Chrill Care, a Montclair nonprofit that provides home care, a home health aide has been helping Robert and his family with bathing, diaper changes, cooking and light housekeeping. But the aide is able to work with the family only a few hours a week, and Robert's mother knows she will need more assistance to hold her family together. With the support of the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, Chrill Care may be able to provide Robert's family with the extra hours of care they need this holiday season.