NCALP Champion Awards

We’re seeking nominations for the NCALP Champion Awards to be presented to outstanding individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership in the child welfare field, particularly in relation to youth who are aging-out of the foster care system. Four honorees will be selected in the categories of Individual, Organization-Private, Organization-Public and Youth. Awards will be presented at the annual NCALP Autumn Wine Celebration on Friday, October 12, 2012, at The Bluestone.

Nominate worthy individuals and organizations by going to: www.NCALP.org/winecelebration

Need a little inspiration today?

Take a moment to listen to this powerful podcast - Derek Clark shares his triumphant life through 13 years of foster care to living the life of his dreams.
http://toginet.com/podcasts/familybydesign/FamilyByDesignLIVE_2011-09-20.mp3?type=podpage

Gary James

After creating stained glass art in its traditional form for over twenty years, Gary James realized that he needed to free himself from its inherent limitations. Flat glass has a narrow selection of colors – he wanted a palette that was more expansive. More importantly, where he had once relished emulating the design styles of the likes of Tiffany, Lafarge and Wright, he yearned to break free of them and find his own way.

Drawn to the qualities of pastel and watercolor, James thought it might be possible, and perhaps much more interesting, to apply those techniques to glass. Traditional methods of applying vitreous paints (kiln fired glass paints) result in a rather narrow palette of color. However, through numerous trials James discovered that he could customize the color by taking advantage of enamels that fired at different temperatures and by applying the paint to both the front and back sides of the glass. Further, by layering multiple pieces of glass one behind the other James was able to achieve an abstraction and depth of color unlike anything he had ever seen in stained glass.

The “creative” process challenged James to devise still more innovative ways to apply washes and textures to the surfaces of the glass. “As I worked, an unexpected and welcome evolution of the process occurred,” said James. “This divergence from old traditions, this new direction, this more primitive and impressionistic approach has enabled me to achieve a deeper level of expressiveness. A level that goes beyond what many even consider to be stained glass. My desire is to delve into and more fully explore this journey that I can consider to be my own.”

Check out Gary's website to see the glass masterpieces he has created!

Marc Hollander, D.D.S.

Dentist by day and a budding glass artist by night, Marc Hollander is one of the featured artists for our Autumn Wine Celebration. Hollander spends his free time blowing glass at the Columbus non-profit studio, Glass Axis. Hollander’s favorite glass blowing techniques include the beautiful Venetian cane working and incalmo. His work incorporates bright, vivid colors involving multiple color applications, intricately designed shapes that are both fun and beautiful.

Glass art comes naturally to Marc. Since he was a kid building models, he has always enjoyed working with his hands, making “things”. Whether it be crafting topiary sculptures for his unusual back yard or making one-of-a-kind sculptures in his patients’ mouths, it is all the same. “I get to take something from an idea to something that can be looked at, seen, and enjoyed,” said Hollander. “Blowing glass is an extension of this.”

From making a sketch, to planning which colors to use and how to use them, to taking the first gather of 2100 F molten glass and blowing a bubble in it, every step is a thrill for Hollander. “The process never ends,” says Hollander. “I always try to push my creative and physical limits to come up with something new and different.”

3 Babes and a Baker

Carla Saunders is a former bakery owner who took a converted a gyro truck, and turned it into Columbus’ first mobile gourmet cupcake truck. The Three Babes and a Baker truck has since been outfitted to bake and store a variety of cupcakes ranging from German chocolate to red velvet to pineapple upside down cake.

In addition to operating at The Market at 15^th and High and at the NW corner of the High and Gay St Intersection, Three Babes and a Baker also caters private events such as birthday parties and other gatherings.

Contact Carla Saunders, head baker, to order your own Three Babes and a Baker cupcakes.




Follow 3 Babes and a Baker on Twitter and Facebook.

The Wine Bistro

With two locations in the Columbus Metro area, The Wine Bistro is a warm, inviting restaurant and bar that has been quenching residents' thirst and hunger for many years.

Serving an extensive array of fine wines, beers and light dishes, The Wine Bistro is the perfect mix of charm and convenience. The Bistro's expert staff is always nearby to offer advice and information about the wines they serve and they make every visit a truly educational experience.

Visit one of The Wine Bistro locations and RSVP for our Autumn Wine Celebration today!

Meet Lisa Horkin - One of Our Featured Artists

This year, we are adding a unique element to NCALP's Autumn Wine Celebration by featuring the works of local glass artists within the Columbus community at our event. In addition to having their works on display during the event, the artists will be in attendance to answer questions.


A native Ohioan, Lisa Horkin has worked as an artist in Columbus for 10 years. In addition to creating art of her own, she has also lectures and teaches art to others. Horkin received her BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design where she majored in painting.

Nine years ago, she expanded into glass blowing as a means of creative expression. Lisa specializes in smaller glass objects and works primarily at the Glass Axis studio in Grandview and she also has a small studio in her home.

Check out some of her pieces!

Save the Date!

Save the date for our Autumn Wine Celebration on Friday, October 21 at the beautiful Bluestone located downtown Columbus. This year's event will include wine tasting, deserts from 3 Babes and a Baker, live music and works of local glass artists. 

RSVP today and reserve your seat at NCALP's annual fundraiser.

Calling Attorneys and Social Workers!

Are you looking for CLE/CEUs in child welfare and adoption law? Register today for our Summer Institute courses and earn up to 23.5 continuing education credits!

For more information, check out our online flyer or visit our website.

Interracial Families in Friendship, Adoption Group

Siobhan Wolf Shafer
accepted the award on
behalf of the group. 

For the past 11 years, Interracial Families in Friendship has provided social interaction, support and community for adoptive families with African American children, biracial children and children from the African diaspora. The group’s monthly meetings are a vital resource for families in the Central Ohio area.

Congratulations to all of our Adoption Hero Award recipients and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Angela Lariviere, Adoption/Foster Care Professional

Angela Lariviere is the founder and facilitator of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio’s Youth Empowerment Program. This program helps homeless youth become active community members and productive citizens through participation in community service, leadership training and advocacy activities.

Angela has played a crucial role in changing policies to allow teenagers in family shelters and she also assisted a local shelter in building a safer building with improved services for children and teens. She has partnered with national organizations to increase homeless education funding and participated in over 1,000 community services hours this year.

Angela’s passion stems from her own experience as a homeless youth. As an adult, she and her husband have served as guardians of multiple children, including their younger siblings, eight nieces and nephews and 10 other children. These youth lived with the Larivieres for periods of time ranging from two months to four years while they attended school, worked toward their GEDs or waited for housing, college or financial aid.

Check back at the end of the week to meet our final Adoption Hero Award recipient!

Dontell Higgins, Youth Hero

At eighteen years old, Dontell became involved with Children Services as a result of serious family issues. Despite these difficulties, Dontell thrived both academically and athletically.

A natural leader, Dontell was chosen to be the captain of his football team and received the Ohio Capital Conference scholar athlete award. Dontell also placed third in the 100 meter dash at the Division 1 state championship. Additionally, his 4x100 meter relay team finished in the top 10 at the outdoor nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 2010, Dontell graduated from Groveport Madison High School as an honor roll student with a 3.4 GPA.

He is currently enrolled at Kent State University and majoring in Actuarial Science. Dontell is also a member of Kent State’s track team and competes in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and the 4x100 meter relay.

He plans to graduate from college and someday represent the U.S. in the Olympics.

Check back next week to meet more of our Adoption Hero Award recipients.

Ray and Matt Lees, Adoption Advocates

Worthington residents, Ray and Matt Lees, are the adoptive fathers of eight children and are our first Adoption Hero Award recipients.

In addition to volunteering at their childrens' school and on the Worthington Estates PTA, the Lees continually support initiatives for children, especially those in Haiti.

In 2010, the Lees led an initiative to gather donations of peanut butter to send to those affected by the earthquake disaster in Haiti. They collected 669 jars of peanut butter -- and then the Lees family matched the donation.

Every year, the Lees also send beanie babies to the Becky DeWine School in Cite Soleil, Haiti. Over the years, the Lees have donated over 3,000 beanie babies.

For more information on the Lees, take a look this article from the New York Times.

Check back tomorrow to meet our next Adoption Hero Award recipient!

Adoption Heroes

As a part of our Forever Home Adoption Celebration, we presented the Adoption Hero Award to outstanding Central Ohio groups and individuals who are involved with adoption and child advocacy. 

The Adoption Hero Award was created to recognize the achievements and contributions of the adoption and foster care community.

We are continually impressed with the dedication, innovation and enthusiasm displayed by adoption professionals, advocates and groups, as well as children who were adopted or in foster care. It is our hope that the achievements of our 2011 award recipients will inspire others to actively work to make a difference in the life of a child.

Check back during the next few weeks to meet our Adoption Hero Award Recipients!

Fostering Transition: Court and Agency Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for Foster Youth

June 22, 2011 ~ 12:30 - 5:00 pm at Capital University Law School and sponsored by the National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
APPROVED FOR 4.0 CLE AND 4.0 CEU CREDITS

This no–cost continuing education session for judges, attorneys, caseworkers, supervisors, and other child welfare professionals will focus on selected legal issues related to foster youth transition to independent living and ways in which professional stakeholders may collaborate for better outcomes for Ohio's transitioning foster youth. Participants will also be introduced to new resources and materials developed to assist them with transition planning and implementation.

Click HERE to Register!

What do you think about this campaign?

Fairfield county and Lancaster High School campaign as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Here is a link to their 30-second PSA as well: http://www.schooltube.com/video/54fcd2f5d5046c65cc17/Never-Shake-a-Baby

FOREVER HOME ADOPTION CELEBRATION - JUNE 4, 2011

Join us next Saturday, June 4 at COSI for the Forever Home Adoption Celebration! We’ll have educational sessions for adults, and fun activities for the kids. Plus, your $5 event fee and event participation also provide admission to COSI!
http://www.ncalp.org/forever_home/

Join us June 4, 2011 for the Forever Home Adoption Celebration!!

May is National Foster Care Month

You Can Change a Lifetime!
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of the more than 400,000 children and youth in the foster care system. The campaign raises awareness about the urgent needs of these young people and encourages citizens from every walk of life to get involved – as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways. Thanks to the many advocates, child welfare professionals, elected officials and support groups around the country, the total number of children in foster care has decreased over recent years. But more help is needed. Click here to find out how you can change a lifetime!

Time is running out to nominate your hero!

NCALP is seeking nominations for the new Adoption Hero awards. We encourage you to nominate deserving members of the adoption and foster care community, including yourself, your child or your organization. The deadline to nominate is Monday, May 2 at 5 p.m. Use this online form to nominate your hero today. The Adoption Hero Awards are presented by Columbus Parent.
http://www.columbusparent.com/live/content/contests/adoption-hero-awards.html