Mothers Day Program- highlighting the foster system & adoptive parents

Our upcoming Mother’s Day program promises to be unique and memorable.  Our guest speaker, Teresa Stivers, the Executive Director of Walden Family Services, will inform us and inspire us with the stories of outstanding foster parents. We will also hear directly from the 2014 Foster Mom of the Year.   Many foster children come from families where a mother’s love comes at a premium.  The people in our community who step up and choose to fill the void with unconditional love and nurturing are rare and invaluable and we will celebrate their selfless dedication to our struggling youth.

For the past 39 years, Walden Family Services has been a leading non-profit organization providing quality therapeutic foster care and adoption services to families throughout Southern California. In 2014, Walden served approximately 1,800 children and youth, many of whom have developmental disabilities and special health care needs. Walden’s mission is to support the lives of children and families through lasting relationships. They do this by finding loving homes for children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned.

Teresa Stivers comes to Walden Family Services from the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation (CAPF), where she served as Program Director and Executive Director for 8 years. At CAPF, she oversaw all staff and all programs.  Her tireless dedication working on behalf of children in San Diego County helped launch and establish many signature programs, such as the Guardian Scholars Program and Mary’s House, a transitional living program for former foster youth.