b'2023FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDear Friends,As we reflect on 2023, we are filled with both pride and gratitude for the incredible work our community has accomplished together. This year has been one of meaningful impact, adaptation, and resilience as we continued to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children in foster care, while offering support to their parents. At Angels Foster Family Network, our commitment to strengthening families and empowering caregivers remains unwavering. While we celebrate the milestones weve achieved, we also acknowledge the challenges weve faced within the foster care environment. We are excited to share both the successes and the obstacles weve encountered as we continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.We had 94 children in our care. Thirty-eight were placed with our families, but unfortunately, we had to decline 277 referrals, including 173 siblings who needed to stay together.The number of individuals interested in fostering continued to decline, along with the number of families completing the approval process. Economic uncertainties, shifts in employment, and reduced flexibility and emotional bandwidth within families all contributed to this decrease. We approved nine families, compared to 13 the previous year.We continued to see an increase in the number of children being placed with relatives upon entering care, rather than being placed with Angels.We successfully hosted our first annual Pickle Boo mixerbringing together pickleball enthusiasts and spectators, raising $25,000 to support our mission. The event not only showcased the communitys growing interest in the sport but also helped strengthen our network of supporters and raise awareness about the vital work we do.Our annual Fostering Futures event, held in May, raised just over $370,000exceeding our goal by $50,000. This successful event surpassed our fundraising target and brought together a vibrant group of supporters, contributors, and friends, all united in our mission to support children and their families.Your continued support remains vital as we navigate these evolving landscapes and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.Jeff WiemannExecutive DirectorFormer Resource Parent2'