Katie Goes Home

Katie’s new mom let me pick Katie up from the group home on the Friday. I can not tell you how much I so wanted to do this, To be able to put her in my car and help her load what stuff she had into it and drive away from there was one of my greatest joys. I just looked at that little girl that was going through some real tough emotions and told her you are never going back. Take a look in the rear view mirror Katie, that’s where all of that belongs. She talked about her past friends, she remembered and talked about her experiences of leaving before and then having to go back. She talked about her hopes for the girls she was leaving behind. She talked about her past experiences with people that had played a positive role in her life and I assured her that she does not need to abandon those experiences, take them and what they meant with her and leave the negative stuff behind, All of the people that have made a positive impact in her life will be happy for her and thrilled that they did give her something to carry through life. After talking on all sides of what was going through her mind which was to be expected and thank heavens she felt free enough with me to just let it go, she just stopped and said nothing. After a minute she looked at me and said , Nana ( which is what my name has become- what an honor) THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING! I need to call my mom and called Deena from the cell. If I never have success with another child or project or even if God Willing we do, I will never forget that day and I will always cherish it.

Okay, now Katie is home and Deena is double timing everything. She only had one day’s notice that she was bring Katie home even though it technically is still not permanent. She has to have Katie enrolled in a new school on Monday. Love house chipped in for some new clothes since all she wore was uniforms at her other school. We will be there to be a part of this Love Story. Before I forget, I get a call from Katie on Monday and in a very serious voice, telling me I need this phone number and do I have something to write it down with- I’m like panicked ( what has gone wrong so quick) I’m scrambling for the pen and write it down and then she informs me that this is the number to HER cell phone, Yep Katie has arrived. Below is Katie’s own update of her first week and Deena’s comments to everyone.
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She truly is a teenager. Reading her update, I really do believe it has been an instant transformation - you would never know that she has been through hell and back. Instead she talks and writes just like all the kids her age.... me, me, me....... I love it! Katie is home at last and knows it.
Thank you to you and all of yours who have helped us make this possible.
Thanks again....
Deena





To Nana and Friends;

My first week of school went really phenomenal! My first day was a little slow, but once I got into the swing of the school routines, I was fine. I am on the E team for 8th grade and we have two different days. On days 1, I take Spanish. Even though I started so late, I have caught on quickly. And on days 2, I take P.E. The unit we are in right now in DDR or Dance Dance Revolution. I took a test on Friday and I did excellent. I ended up with a 20/20. So if that is a sign of anything, it means that I am doing well in my classes and I am catching on quickly and I understand what I am supposed to be doing. This upcoming week we are doing AIMS and on Friday the 3rd we are having a Spring Carnival from 5:00-8:30. Our last week of school the 8th graders are going through promotion on Tuesday and we are having our promotion ceremony that night. On Wednesday we are going to Big Surf and on Thursday we are having our promotion dance. And on Friday we are getting our diplomas. We only have 7 to 8 more weeks of school left so we are all trying our best to work on what needs to be fixed so we don’t have to be held back. All of my teachers are nice and they understand my situation and they now where I am from. My Spanish teacher, Mrs. Figueroa, is helping me with the words she is teaching the class so I am not left behind. My first hour teacher, Mrs. Evenson, is helping me catch up also. My second hour teacher, Mrs. Taylor, is very nice and I am learning about the Vietnam War and the Cold war. My third hour teacher, Mrs. Sarriano, is making us write persuasive essays (mine is done) and that is the class where I got the 20/20. After that I have lunch. Fridays we have what’s called music at lunch and it is really neat. After that I have math and my teacher is, Mrs. McBeth. We are learning what I have already learned so it is fairly easy. Then like I said before I have Spanish on day 1 and P.E. on day 2. I have a close group of friends and I continue to grow and learn more each day. That is the update on my first week and the upcoming events. The first week at home permanently was excellent. I am really glad that I don’t have to go back to the group home on Sundays. On Tuesday, this was also my first day of school; my dad picked me up from the bus stop after school. In the morning my mom takes me to school. Wednesday I came home and did my homework and did chores. Thursday I found out what was going on for the last week of school and I am glad that I am in the 8th grade and don’t have to hear the announcements saying the 8th graders get to do this and that. At home I did pretty much the same thing and I practiced my Spanish. Friday I had to be quick with my chores and homework because I had 4H cooking and sewing. I learned how to cook Shepard’s pie, horse treats, and any cake mix cookies. Saturday I baked some oatmeal cookies and I helped out with the odd ball stuff. My youngest nephew came over so we babysat him. And Sunday my other two nephews came over and stayed for a little while. Also at school we are doing the talent show. My first week here was a little crazy but otherwise it was an all out excellent week. I am looking forward to more awesome weeks in my life. To nana specifically: my nails are growing out and I have not bitten them once this week and I will not bite them this week either. Love you all!!!

Maureen Karpinski
Help out Abused & Neglected Kids In Need
at the Love House Kids Program Charity.

Love House Kids and Willy Northpole

WOW! Starts it off – We had the most incredible day yesterday for the kids in group homes and some foster kids. A week and a half ago the Love House Kids Program had a call from a guy that wanted to hook his client who is a hip hop artist, up with our kids at the group homes. He wanted to come and talk to the kids and he had a message of hope. His name is Willy Northpole and he is Hip Hop so the lyrics are something pretty new to me, however his brand manager assured me that the message was right and they were very responsible with kids. After I took a deep breath and thought about it, I went with it. He is someone that is recognizable in the music world and that would thrill the kids and grew up tough and in Phoenix. It doesn’t get more believable than that for our kids. He has walked their walk. Best decision we could have made. Willy hit it out of the park with these kids and all the adults just loved him. He is just one fine nice human being. He took the kids through his whole growing up life till now didn’t hold back much and the kids were completely quiet and in awe. It was like he was reading their mail. He let them ask him anything and everything with no rush. Please remember this guy had performed for 3 days at the Phoenix All Star games, his voice was gone and he still running on no sleep or next to none was willing to give 35 kids everything they needed. They brought shirts and he autographed CDs and shirts for them. Let all of them have pictures taken with him for their personal use. His whole message was of hope and dreams. He gave the kids his email address; He wears a shirt with HOOD DREAMER on it and he so walks that walk. We were so honored to accommodate this at the Girl’s Place. Bytauh his branding agent and the person that set this up has assured me that this isn’t the end, it is the beginning and Willy’s manager Tiffany, who is just one outstanding gal has offered to help us out in the future as well, We just feel blessed. When we can do something like this for the kids and help provide them with a positive message for life, it makes you remember why you do what you do.

We have a new girl at the Girls Place who is going to Apollo College and working and committed to be the best she can be. We love her to death and know that her attitude is an attitude of a winner. We are happy to help her reach her goal

Tax Credit Dollar for Dollar and Help Kids in Need

Together we can make a difference. During this season of thanksgiving and joy, we have an opportunity to give a gift to children in need in our community for which you will be able to claim a 100% tax credit, not just deduction. We have attached a letter explaining how you can do this.

Through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit program for the Working Poor, state tax payers can support the Love House Kids Program and be eligible for an Arizona State tax credit. This is a 100% tax credit, not just a tax deduction .
We have also included the Eligibility list showing that we are on the list for tax purposes. We would appreciate being considered in your contributions this year. If you give up to $200.00 you receive a $200 tax credit. Up to $200.00 is what is eligible per person- $400.00 per married couple.
Thanks to each and everyone of you that have supported us this year with time, money,talents,prayers and the list goes on
You can make your check out to
Love House Kids Program
18212 N 8th Street
Phoenix AZ 85022
Remember it needs to be sent by December 31st to qualify.
We are all loving you
Maureen Karpinski
Director/Founder
Love House Kids Program
Any questions please feel free to call me 602 980 0760 or 602 971 3331

SELF-CERTIFIED CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Updated July 14, 2008 Page 12
NAME OF ORGANIZATION ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE TELEPHONE #

Love House Kids Program 18212 N. 8th Street Phoenix, AZ 85022 (602) 980-0760
The list can be found at AZ State Working Poor Tax link

Charity Event April 19th

LOVE HOUSE KIDS PROGRAM JULY UPDATE

First of all a huge “Thank You” to the Great Escape Lounge for making us the beneficiaries to their golf tournament. They raised 1400 dollars for our cause and also sold our Love House Kids Sponsor bracelets to everybody . It is just amazing, the patrons, the staff they are all into our kids and we are treated like family. They have been there when we need them the most and Carole and Andy continue to do just that. If you want to visit a true neighborhood bar in Phoenix drop in and see them at 4228 E Indian School and tell them thanks for helping our kids.

Our annual fund raiser is coming up September 15th 4 PM- 10PM at the Moose Lodge at
95th Aveand Peoria . The Moose lodge held this event for us last year too and what a job they did. Don and Denise Green with all the staff are just there for the kids. We have our “Tribute to Tom Petty Band” performing again this year-they are awesome! Scott who owns Blackwell Business Services ( tops in copier and computer services) and Eric owner of Strictly Business ( a computer and computer networking garu) not only do they perform for our event but they sell Love House Kids Sponsor bracelets all year through their business and their other shows. “Into Wishin” will be there again this year and they too never say no to us. Joyce Guyett also organizes the whole entertainment venue for our event , is an awesome Realtor and on the board for the Love House Kids Program. We have an added act this year. Jeremy Scott – comedian has given us a Yes thanks to Danny O Donnell from O Donnell Appraisals. Danny has made us a beneficiary for his Christmas benefit and still gives us Jeremy. Isn’t it amazing how people that give just keep giving? We are entering a rough time right now since most of our network of supporters is involved in the Real Estate industry and that market has not been kind, however we are trying to reach out to other businesses to get support. Any ideas any of you have or if you can contribute, it would be most welcomed. As tough as the industry has been in this past year Jeff Miklus from Budget Brothers Pest Control is still with us- Jeff ’s group have sold 20 tickets 2 years in a row and he is aiming for that again. The title company that has picked up the cost of the meat in the past just can’t see their way clear to do it this year. Kevin Host from Countrywide Home loans and Gary Kirkpatrick from Global Electronics Inc have picked up the cost of the meat for the event and once more 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty have picked up the cost of the sides. That means all the money from the tickets goes directly to the kids program which is 100% to the kids. The tickets are 25.00 and for that you get a steak/chicken meal, live entertainment, silent auction, raffle prizes and the opportunity to do something great for abused neglected kids. If you can’t attend but would like to help you can donate thru our web site at http://www.lovehousekidsprogram.org/ or call me at 602 971 3331. Now the trick is to get the tickets sold. Our fund raiser proceeds need to cover our Therapy program that has a cost of $35,000, school supplies for 400 kids, clothing for 200 kids, sponsorship for special needs and projects in 5 group homes, a shelter for moms with kids, 2 outreaches for the very poor kids and Christmas for 400 kids. These lists are without the emergency calls that we have never had to say “No” to and are in no mood to start now. One ticket, one dollar- when we start there, we can make it- we don’t have to have huge commitments but we do promise that we will be responsible with that one dollar you give and it is appreciated. We need your help to make this year’s fund raiser a success.