Agape’s long-time, good friend Randy “Bud” Metcalf passed away recently. He participated in many Agape golf tournaments and raised donations. In his memory his sons Brian (left) and Joe (right) and grandson James (center) golfed at our tournament on October 18. We miss you, Bud.
October 2024, Agape reached 66 years of service to abused and neglected children and youth in Northern California. How we wish there wasn’t a need for our service but we are grateful to our many donors, foster parents, staff and volunteers over the years who have supported us in this vital work. The more than 6,600 children directly touched, and families and others indirectly touched, will never be able to express their appreciation to you personally, so we do. Thank you!
We need more resource parents. Help us help more kids like these. Please visit our resource parent page and learn what it takes to become one.
On Saturday, June 3, Agape foster families, children and youth came together for our annual picnic. It was a time of fun, laughter and food. A live petting zoo. A train. Face painting. Balloons. A photo booth. Games. And of course lots of food. Everyone had so much fun. It was wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves, just having fun, running around, being kids, free of worry. Parents talking with each other. Thanks to people like you, the kids knew they were safe, loved, and secure.
A huge thank you to Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation for a $7500 grant so that we can continue to fund our critical foster care programs. Sereno believes in “giving back to the places that they live in and love.” We appreciate their investment in local non-profits and we are grateful for their support.
We were blessed with a great little family. Rachel, Everett and Parker showered our kiddos with bags of toiletries. Everett and Parker were so excited and gave what they picked out with huge smiles on their faces.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. We appreciate you.
Our thanks to Erik’s DeliCafe San Ramon, The Specific Chiropractic Centers and Jessica’s Shredding Team for the wonderful toy drive they organized. And to the volunteers who helped organize the gifts. The kids at Agape were thrilled.
We have had a number of foster youths that have gone on to become amazing adults. We are thankful for the many success stories that Agape has been part of, like Anjru De Leon.
Anjru is a student at San Joaquin Delta College. He is student body Vice President. Alongside law and politics, he enjoys vigorous physical activities such as volleyball and cross country running. He is already involved in helping others and plans to continue that into the future. We’re very proud of you, Anjru.
Keller Williams in Roseville has made Birthday Boxes for our foster kids. These decorated boxes contain everything needed to celebrate a birthday, complete with cake mix, frosting, décor, plates, napkins, balloons, and a birthday card with a special celebratory message. Agape is thankful to have received 25 Birthday Boxes! Thank you, Keller Williams in Roseville!
Milo is our therapy dog and mascot, who has been with Agape for 5 years. He supports staff and comforts children. His favorite part of the job is making lots of new friends. His favorite food is hot dogs, and his hobbies include playing fetch, and going for walks. There has never been a person that Milo hasn’t liked, he is friends with kids, foster parents, and our staff!
I was working our fireworks stand one afternoon when a young couple approached the stand. I greeted them and told them that the money we raised went to help foster children. The man said, “I was a foster child once!” So I asked him to tell me his story. I was hoping for a positive one. IT WASN’T!
The home he was placed in treated the children badly. He said the only time they treated the children nicely was when the social worker was there. The social worker never asked the children how they were doing (so he said).
In that home, the children were locked in their rooms much of the time. Before the social worker came, they would call and let the home know they were on the way. So the children were let out of their rooms. I told him I was sorry that he was treated so badly. In reality, a CPS investigation should have occurred at the home and possible charges filed.
Unfortunately, there are times when we hear these kind of horror stories and it breaks our hearts. These few stories perpetuate the view some people have that ALL foster homes are like that one. It often coincides with the idea that foster parents are only in this for the money.
However, this is not the case. In fact, it is the farthest from the truth for the vast majority of situations. Foster care at Agape Villages, and at most all private agencies, is a sincere mission of love and service. We engage to make life better for the children and youth. Our foster parents do this work as angels of mercy and work closely with us at all times. Part of this does include unannounced visits by our social workers.
We want to be the agency that you are proud to be part of. We want to please God with the care we give to His children.