New KidsPeace location opens in Baltimore

By Zaina Adamu When Allecia Davis found out two sisters would be separated after being put in the foster care system, she wanted to take them both in. The girls were formerly under her aunts custody, but when she became ill, Davis decided she would become their foster parent. I didnt want to see them go back into foster care, said Davis. KidsPeace Foster Care and Community Programs (FCCP), a community-based therapeutic foster care program, helped Davis with the process. Since 1882, KidsPeace has provided abused and neglected children with a wide range of specialized, intensive and therapeutic residential treatment programs and accredited educational services. Licensed social workers regularly visit children who are placed in a new home, and family therapists assist to maintain healthy relationships with their foster and biological families. Earlier this month, KidsPeace opened a new center on North Charles Street in Baltimore to help some 6000 local children who are presently in foster care. On September 3, 2009, the 127-year program held a grand opening ceremony followed by an Open House for interested guests. Pat OBrien, executive director of the teen adoption agency You Gotta Believe, provided free training to social workers in the foster care system. needed in the community. This is a great opportunity for many people, she said. The shortage of foster homes leaves more and more children deprived of the loving care that every child needs and deserves, said William Isemann KidsPeace President and CEO. KidsPeace new center in Baltimore will work with families in the region to give the best to kids who have been through the worst. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) secured a federal grant to fund the new Baltimore center. Other funding was given by the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, which helped KidsPeace start a citywide public service campaign on local radio stations. There has been a tremendous response by the community to the new program, and we are hopeful that in partnership with local foster parents and community organizations, we can make a real difference in the lives of kids in foster care, said Sandra Rappeport, foster care program manager for KidsPeace in Baltimore. KidsPeaces Baltimore location is the second center to open in Maryland. "Giving hope, help, and healing to children facing crisis is the mission of KidsPeace," said Sancilio. With the help of local childrens advocates, we will work to make sure that every child who needs a second chance at happiness can get one.

Diane Sancilio accepts award on behalf of KidsPeace from the Maryland General Assembly given by Maryland State Delegate Barbara A. Robinson. Photo by Zaina Adamu The chance to extend KidsPeaces services, said KidsPeace regional director Diane Sancilio, is much

Fall Flea Market & Craft Fair

On Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Butchers Hill Fall Flea Market and Craft Fair will again attract buyers and sellers to the exciting and growing event. More than 100 booths featuring flea market goods, crafts and eclectic artists wares are expected to line the pathways of East Baltimores popular Patterson Park. Smooth jazz and the Butchers Hill food booth and rolling beverage and snack cart add to a venue that offers something for everyone. Proceeds benefit local schools. For more information and to reserve a booth space, visit www. butchershill.org or e-mail: bhfleamarket@yahoo.com or call: 410-558-1080.

INVITE YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Rotunda Cinemas 711 W. 40th Street Baltimore, MD 21211 (410) 235-5554 ALL SEATS BEFORE 6PM $6.00 FRIDAY: September 11, 2009 SATURDAY: September 12, 2009 Play the Game (PG13) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Inglourious Basterds (R) 12:30, 3:35, 6:40, 9:45 SUNDAY: September 13, 2009 Play the Game (PG13) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Inglourious Basterds (R) 12:30, 3:35, 9:45 MONDAY: September 14, 2009 WEDNESDAY: September 16, 2009 Play the Game (PG13) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Inglourious Basterds (R) 12:30, 3:35, 6:40, 9:45

Visit www.baltimoretimesonline.com, click on Lifestyles and click on Contest for your chance to win a pass (good for two) to see the film.
Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One admit-two pass per winner. Winners will be chosen at random. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible.

THURSDAY: September 17, 2009 Play the Game (PG13) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10 Inglourious Basterds (R) 12:30, 3:35

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The Baltimore Times, September 11 - 17, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

Positive stories about positive people!