Time for Change Foundation

A Change in Direction

2012-02-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sandreena came to Time for Change Foundation with the desireto get her life in order. She thought that since she didn’t have any kids thingswouldn’t be too hard. But at age 28 she felt as if she had no control over herlife, instead her life was controlling her.

Knowing that she was headed to destruction Sandreena realizedshe needed to steer it back in the right direction. “I just believe that it istruly time for change.”

With no place else to go Time for Change offered a home andthe resources to help Sandreena become self-sufficient. She is now on the pathto fulfilling her dreams of getting her real-estate license, completely changingher environment, and overall to becoming a better woman.

Time for Change Foundation, the place to be

2012-02-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

Joann pictured here third from the left
posing with other TFCF clients

When Joann and her daughter arrived at Time for Change Foundation shedidn’t know what to expect at first. After her initial meeting with Case Manger EulaCharles she knew that TFCF was the place she needed to be.

Her issues didn’t necessarily involve anyspecific addictions but the fear of future homelessness made her realize she needed aidin self-sufficiency. Because her husband had been extradited back to Arkansas on a parole violation she was eager to get her life together to support her daughter.

With the resources provided by Time forChange Foundation Joann attended parenting classes and learned money and anger management.“Many of the programs that Time for Change Foundation offers help you reflect on differentareas in your life that need attention.” The weekly meetings with her case manageralso helped her to stay on track with her goals and ambitions.

Time for Change Foundation helped remove the burden thatJoann was carrying and gave her the tools she needed to change her life around for the better.

A Complete Turnaround

2012-02-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

From being in the back seat of a police car to learning howit operates was a complete turnaround for LaReisha. After struggling with homelessness, anger, anddisappointment she found Time for Change Foundation and made a turn for thebetter.

“My experience at Time for Change has been the best thing inmy life.” Thanks to all of the resources offered at TFCF LaReisha learned moneymanagement, how to communicate and listen to her children, and how to deal withher anger.

Now LaReisha has a second chance at making a better life forherself and her children. She is on her way to reunite with her 7-year-olddaughter in Stockton, CA and couldn’t be happier.

Not only has she learned how to be self-sufficient, she hasbeen empowered to be the best mom she could be.

Pardon Me?

2012-02-13T15:59:00.001-08:00

When former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour gave out 215 pardons a few weeks back, the relatives of several victims immediately contacted the media to share their outrage about the situation. They are now calling for lawmakers to end the custom of governors issuing these end-of-tenure pardons. While the media appears to have mainly covered and taken the side of the victims' relatives, they seem to have completely ignored the reality that the real problem is systematic in nature -- not whether a governor can give out pardons... Read the full article here

Inspirational Poem

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Poem

“All you need to do is believe, and together we can help youto achieve.” Sometimes all people need is an inspiration to believe in who theyare. Time for Change Foundation has been that inspiration for many women in SanBernardino County.

Selena is one of those many women who have experienced the drasticeffects of what the foundation has to offer. From going through feelings ofsadness and insanity, to recognizing her value and believing in herself, she hastaken that step towards independence.

In Selena’s inspirational poem about Time for Change she revealsher feelings about her past and how her life has been transformed.

Feelings of darkness, sadness, insane, no one understands mysadness and pain.

Turn to the left then to the right, not knowing where wewill sleep tonight.

So many women feel this way, lost and confused day afterday.

I am here right now reaching out my hand, to let you know atTime for Change we understand.

We are women just like you; we were once lost, broken andconfused.

Your dreams can come true, you can succeed at whatever you do.

All you need is to believe, and together we can help you toachieve.

Anything you want to be can be accomplished, take that stepand see.

We are here for change won’t you join us now, take our handand Time for Change will show you how.

Time for Change not only offers physical shelter but emotional and mental shelter that inspires the soul.

Rockie’s Story

2012-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Rockie’s Story

When I arrived at Time for Change Foundation I wasspiritually wounded and emotionally unstable. During my transitional phases,TFCF has allowed my tears to flow, allowed my pain to heal, and allowed me toredirect my energy.

I simply cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity.Thank you for allowing me to mentally and spiritually grow. TFCF is monumentalfor women who really want something out of life. The case manager, Eula Charles,has been the most inspiration and influence during my development. She has encouragedme to strive harder and focus diligently on my goal.

Time for Change is a very rewarding place. Thanks again.

Rockie

Change Does Work

2012-02-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Change Does Work

The power of love plays an important role in the lives ofwomen who deal with impoverishment struggles. Most of them have been hurt, abandonedand have lost all hope in living a prosperous life. Because many of these womenare uneducated and live in poverty they experience a greater loss.

Martha was unable to provide for her daughter and strugglingto regain custody of another daughter when she found Time for Change Foundation.After receiving the resources she needed, she learned how to become healthymother.

With a place for women to mend and recover from their past TFCFoffers love and a home where women and their children truly feel cared about. Afterbeing reunited with her children Martha is now able to love and show them that “changedoes work.”

True Change

2012-02-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

True Change

Like many women who live on the streets, Jenny experienced issuesof homelessness, addiction and helplessness. There were many nights that she andher daughters were put in danger because they had no place to stay.

Jenny reading to her daughter at TFCF's children's learning center

Today Jenny has found the love that she could not find inthe streets with the help of Time for Change Foundation. She and her girls weretaken out of horrible conditions into a home where they felt safe, accepted andmost of all loved.

After years of struggle Jenny has been empowered to overcomeaddiction and become self-sufficient. Shehas gained the confidence to believe in herself with the life-changing programsthe foundation has to offer. “I’m grateful for the woman I see in me today, and fort hestrength that was built within me to get up and move forward.”

Shannel's Story

2012-02-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

When Shannel came to Time for Change Foundation, she had experienced what thousands of women across the country are currently going through: homelessness, poverty, neglect, and abuse.

In this video, Shannel talks about the change in the course of her life, her journey to healing from trauma and the transition to self-sufficiency.

RSVP now for our New Year Grant Writing Training before the deadline!!

2012-01-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

Go here to RSVP
www.timeforchangefoundation.org/news-events/upcoming-events/

Mother & Daughter Reunited

2012-01-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

There are no words that could express my gratitude towardseveryone at Time for Change Foundation. I have a CPS case that has beenopen since 2/14/11 and I had done everything on my case plan except have astable residence for my child to start staying overnight and then be returnedto my physical custody.

Time for Change Foundation was the only place that would grant me overnights and a bed for my child with no funds or anything. Basicallythey were the only place in San Bernardino County that gave a safe place formy daughter and I.

For this, I am eternally blessed and grateful for everyonehere at Time for Change Foundation. Now I am able to have my case closed and cango back to my family in New Mexico. I will never, ever forget TFCF for givingme and my daughter a foundation to start this journey. You all have beena part of my new way of life and the start I needed to begin my new journey asa clean and sober responsible parent.

Thank You All and God Bless Time for Change Foundation.

Ebony Parker

What makes Time for Change Foundation unique?

2012-01-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

TFCF empowers homeless women and their children to break the cycles of poverty, abuse and neglect by providing them with Case Management Services, Independent Living Skills, Anger Management, Parenting Education Classes, Financial Education and Money Management, Employment Readiness, Family Reunification, Transportation and Leadership Development which enable our women to use their own voice, realize their power and reach their fullest potential advocating for themselves and their families.

Our housing program’s innovation stems from taking homeless women and their children from impoverished neighborhoods and conditions and placing them into a healthy environment, upscale neighborhood conducive to establishing healthy outcomes for their families. Using the guiding principles from the Gender Responsive Strategies evidence based research created by Dr’s Bloom & Owens, TFCF creates an environment through site selection, staff selection, program development, content, and material that reflects an understanding of the realities of women’s lives and addresses the issues of trauma they have experienced. Unlike others, they address root causes of homelessness like affordability, eligibility and credibility.

Our familymodel is replicable with proven outcomes helping families reach self-sufficiency. Research shows that our success is heightened because of the blended family dynamic within one household creating that healthy family and fostering positive relationships for children. Reversing the effects of poverty requires a social model that creates a paradigm shift enabling our families to shift into healthy behaviors, attitudes and increased education.

TFCF’s uniqueness is highlighted by the fact that they provide both direct services and advocacy. Normally, non-profits focus on one or the other. Moreover, this is truly innovative to have a leadership development program whose main objective is to train homeless women as advocates to work with and for those concerns that directly impact them and their children. It has been proven that when a woman is empowered to change her own circumstances, the ripple effect is helping her children to succeed and her community to blossom. These women learn the fundamentals of how to analyze the political landscape, engage governments and legislators, (federal, state and local), and use the power of the vote to impact the policies and laws most affecting them. The program is built on the belief that everybody has the opportunity to change the course of their life and should be civically engaged to better the society we live in.

In San Bernardino County, the few homeless shelter providers we have address the issue of homelessness as a cause and not as the symptom of a much larger social issue. Because these families are mostly people of color, low-income and undereducated, they do not receive high quality treatment and services. We on the other hand, provide a selection process for our population that is non-discriminatory regarding access to public welfare or other funding sources, but inclusive to all women despite their ineligibility and other disqualifications.

In addition, TFCF is very structured and provides homeless individuals with life changing programs and services (stated above) to help them transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Other homeless providers’ timelines range from 0-30 days of housing regardless of the client’s ability to transition into permanent housing, whereas TFCF assists families up to 12 months, allowing them to complete a series of benchmarks necessary to accomplish self-sufficiency. Once clients graduate from our program, they are capable of maintaining their personal households, accessing resources, and providing for their children’s well-being. We teach our women to become civically engaged in the community, giving them an opportunity to dialogue with local elected officials about their different needs and issues such as barriers to: eligibility to low-income housing, credibility, affordability and healthcare which are all crucial needs to establishing healthy, thriving communities. In San Bernardino County, TFCF is the only agency that has services directed towards children of incarcerated parents, so that they are able to intervene in the lives of these children who still show promise for a better future than their parents had. TFCF believes strongly in breaking intergenerational cycles.

To find out more how you can help, visit www.timeforchangefoundation.org, follow us on facebook.com/timeforchangefoundation or join the conversation with us on Twitter (@Timeforchangefd).

A letter by one of our clients, Shannel

2012-01-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

Shannel (far right) and her daughter Anaiya
celebrating her "Student of the Month" award
with Parkside Elementary Principal

I was lost in this world. I didn’tknow what to do. I didn’t know how to find my way. One day I got on my knees topray and asked God for guidance and the sign I received was a list of shelters.I remembered that earlier in the year someone had given me a reference of atransitional living program called Time for Change Foundation. I called thenext day and told the case manager, Eula Charles, my situation and that I wasdefinitely ready for change. I was accepted into the program about a week ortwo later.

I felt a sense of relief on my first day at TFCF's "Sweet Dreams" house. Everyonewelcomed my daughter and I with arms wide open. I couldn't see the light atthe end of the tunnel just quite yet, but I just knew that my daughter and I found a safe place tocall home and build a future.

I felt that I was shown a lot of “'tuff love,” and I took it ascriticism in the beginning. For example, the second week I was there I was puton work duty for not following directions. I was to wake up at 6 a.m. and pullweeds from the garden, flip the dirt and trim the vines. Of course, I was mad,but eventually I realized that I was being taught hard work and resistance.

Because of my anger issues, theAnger Management class offered at Time for Change was really crucial for me. Ilearned so much about controlling my own emotions by not allowing a person orsituation to get the best of me. I learned forgiveness, and the fouragreements: be impeccable with your words, don’t assume, don’t take anythingpersonal, and always do my best. I learned what forgiveness really meant andhow to genuinely forgive.

During my stay I also learned a new positive habit ofgetting up and making my bed, straightening up the room, doing my chores, andkeeping my things organized. For me the biggest trial I experienced was keepingmy clothes nicely organized. It was a frustrating new habit to acquire, not to live out ofa bag; but once I constantly did this I became used to it, and now I’m keepingit going. I also learned a lot from several of the other classes like FamilyResilience which taught me how to make reading time with my child interesting. In Parenting,I learned positive ways of disciplining my child. In Financial Education &Money Management I learned how to write down what I’m spending to keep track ofunnecessary spending habits, and to not spend compulsively. I learned aboutcredit, credit cards and different banking accounts.

Overall, my experience was verypleasant, and satisfying! There were plenty of times that I would haveemotional break downs, but thanks to the motivational talks with Ms. Eula, Mrs.Carter, Mrs. Sanie , Mrs. Smith, andsome of the other women at Time For Change Foundation I started to see thebrighter side to all of the hard work, constructive criticism, and busydays. I felt a sense of success fromhelping out with the Foundation’s fundraisers, and community events.

In theend I gained my self-esteem back, I learned responsibility, acquiredindependent living skills, and became a better mother. I’ve matured and I’ve receivedmy happiness back. I’m so appreciative of having gone through the program, I’mso grateful. Thank You Time for Change Foundation!

"Sow a thought, and you reap an act;

Sow an act, and you reap a habit;

Sow a habit, and you reap a character;

Sow character, and you reap a destiny"

CharlesReade

Clients obtain employment!

2012-01-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of our three clients who just obtained security jobs for our upcoming permanent housing project, The Phoenix Square Wellness Center!

The kids make some candy!

2012-01-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the kids at Time for Change Foundation had a "sweet" time. Along with the help of our board member, Kismet Evans, the children had the opportunity to create their own candy from scratch. Using several different goodies and treats to make the mix, the kids had a ball placing the candy into different shapes, and later into the oven.

The pictures below will give you an example of just how much fun everyone had. It was also a fun time for our mothers who were able to help and partake in the delicious candy flavors!

Jenny's New Baby: Anna Marie

2012-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

We recently celebrated the birth of Anna Marie, Jenny's newborn daughter. Jenny has been with us for the last few months along with her other two daughters Malice (3), and Samantha (6). Below are some pictures of Jenny with her Baby at the hospital, along with our executive director, Kim Carter.

A drawing from little Ronnie

2012-01-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

We found this to be too cute, and had to share it with you.

"Look at my robot!" Ronnie told us. And in case you missed him, here's a picture of Ronnie.

Gift of Love Christmas Shoot

2011-12-27T17:08:00.001-08:00

We recently participated in the Gift of Love Christmas Party which was hosted by several agencies. They were kind enough to provide us with this photo-shoot of our clients!


Chandra & Ronnie


Anaiya & Shannel

Haley & Erica

Truvaia & Ebony

Johnita & Juanita

Anthony & Selena

Truvaia

Dianne

Ronnie

Chandra

Jeanette

Selena & Anthony

Tuff Time Toys puts a smile on the childrens' faces

2011-12-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Tuff Time Toys is the work of Gary P., who had a dream to build handcrafted toys for children. He reached out to us a few months ago to ask if our children would like a supply of his toys. As you can see below, the children now have quite a few of the carefully hand-made items. From houses, to toy trucks, to even miniature cars, Tuff Time Toys brings old-fashioned fun and games back into play!

Carved from wood, the detail on each toy is incredibly intricate. I’m not sure exactly how long it would take to build just one of these items, but I know as with any great piece of art, a lot of time, sweat, and effort go into the process.

When the children received their toys, they were extremely excited. "Thank you so much for bringing these toys to us, John!"

I had to explain to them, "I didn't bring you the toys! It was Mr. Gary from Tuff Time Toys!"

"Mr. Gary? Wow! He is the nicest man, ever!" replied little Ronnie.

Please visit Tuff Time Toys' website, and support the amazing work they do by visiting http://www.tufftimetoys.com/. 25% of each purchase is donated to Time for Change Foundation.

Keep them together

2011-12-22T15:29:00.001-08:00

As this holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the powerful bond a mother has with her child.

At Time for Change Foundation we believe that children are the priority. That is why we have been dedicated for almost ten years towards making sure that homeless children and their mothers are able to grow together in a safe and nurturing environment.

Recent studies show that child homelessness is on the rise (one in 45 children are currently homeless, a total of 1.6 million). The need for keeping families together is greater than ever. Our "Sweet Dreams" home provides homeless mothers the opportunity to provide a warm bed, regular meals, and uninterrupted care for their children. With your help in these trying times, we can make a difference in their lives.

As we reflect on what we're most thankful for, please consider making a generous gift that extends your compassion and concern towards those less fortunate; and remember:

Together we can help prevent child homelessness.

To join us in saving lives, please make a gift and click here.

Read our most recent annual report, click here. (5.01 MB)

Mailing address:

Time for Change Foundation

P.O. Box 25040

San Bernardino, CA 92406

Check out our new blog
Please watch our most recent video and learn how you can make a difference in the life of a homeless mother and child:

Time for Change Foundation

Early Christmas Gifts

2011-12-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

12-21-2011 | Photos taken in our "Sweet Dreams" and "Mt. View" facilities.

We were blessed with some early Christmas gifts by Glauce, a woman with a love and passion for the homeless women and children that are at Time for Change Foundation. Arriving at Sweet Dreams around 5:30pm, we helped Glauce unload what appeared to be over 50+ gifts! As the children ran to the door, they noticed the pile of gifts that were being brought in, "Are they ours?" asked Anaiya. "Yes! They are everybody!" replied Glauce.

Once the presents were all stacked up by the Christmas tree, we learned that each child had 4 presents a piece, plus an additional present for both the mothers and our other clients. Glauce was kind enough to let each one of the women and children open an early Christmas gift. Anaiya was so excited about her present, "Mommy! This is what I've wanted all year!" she said.

Interview with KCAA on SB 1266 (alternative custody arrangements for incarcerated women)

2011-12-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Click below to hear the entire interview with KCAA and TFCF's Kim Carter

American Medical Response donates to TFCF!

2011-12-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

(Andy Serobyan, AMR Account Executive & John Kunkel from TFCF)

We were blessed once again today with a generous donation from American Medical Response (AMR) who provided us with over 10 bags of women and children's clothing. Although times are hard in this current economic climate, it brings us great joy and encouragement to see that there are folks who are willing to provide a helping hand.

If you are interested in making a donation, feel free to contact us by calling 909.886.2994.

Make a monetary contribution today by visiting www.timeforchangefoundation.org

Press: San Bernardino Sun, "Kim Carter says too many women suffer too many hardships

2011-12-19T10:40:00.001-08:00

Kim Carter knows the fear and gnawing hunger of homelessness.

She's been there.

But she also lived the experience of a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

When Carter founded the Time for Change Foundation in 2002, she did so with a passion to help women in need by providing essential resources when they are ready to change the course of their lives.

Since then, she has dedicated her life to providing women the tools necessary to recover from the effects of homelessness, drug addiction, abuse and incarceration.

"I started the foundation in the garage of my home," she said. "I know how it feels to be homeless, but I've been steadfast and stayed the path. I've had to fight to stay in existence, but God doesn't put any more on you than you can bear."

Her husband Mark and his business partners helped her establish the foundation.

Over the years, the foundation has helped more than 500 families get back on their feet.

The foundation now has two homes and a seven-unit apartment building that serves as emergency shelter, and transitional housing for needy families."It is a permanent solution to a longtime problem," said Carter, 48. "San Bernardino is second in the nation in poverty and if we don't have a housing stock, we will have even more homeless."

Carter, who lives in San Bernardino, believes in a homestyle solution to the problem, not an institutional one.In the program, families live in comfortable, neat and homey environments, sharing chores, attending workshops, taking turns cooking meals that meet nutritional guidelines.

No junk food. No bad TV. Children don't watch MTV but wholesome family shows instead.

"We give these women and children a safe place to heal, recover and grow. We provide hope. Our main objective is to help women recognize their value and use a strength-based approach to address their need," Carter said.

"Children are our future - if we don't address the problem with parents, we will let a whole generation of children go down the drain."

The results so far are gratifying, but so much more needs to be done, she said.

"There is evidence that when children live in good enviroments, they go from struggling to academic achievement - even getting awards. We've had children come here who had been living in abandoned vehicles and homes without lights."

Kids who were diagnosed with autism and would run and hide now are on the computer, putting together puzzles, talking and thriving, Carter said.

"We still hear from people who've been in the program - we get invitations to birthday parties, graduations, pictures of families. Sometimes we still help them by providing some basics - but we do it on a shoestring," she said.

"We still need public assistance to keep the shelter doors open and keep those children from falling through the cracks."

via San Bernardino Sun

California Wellness Foundation

2011-12-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2011 - It was a great experience to join the California Wellness Foundation in the celebration of Gary L. Yates' 20 years of grantmaking. Dr. Robert K. Ross, from the California Endowment, was present at the event as well.

Gary L. Yates (California Wellness Foundation) and Kim Carter (Time for Change Foundation, executive director)

Kim Carter, and Dr. Robert K. Ross (California Endowment)

Learn how you can help save homeless women and children

2011-12-16T13:15:00.001-08:00

Shop with a cop

2011-12-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

It was an extremely happy day for our kids as they headed down to Wal-Mart to take part of, "Shop With a Cop." The smiles on the children's' faces as they walked down the aisles with the officers were priceless. We are very grateful for the love and care offered by Colton Police Department for their involvement in the community, and for making this a very special day for our clients and their children at Time for Change Foundation

Gift of Love Christmas Party

2011-12-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolf?

Our clients had the privilege of enjoying an exciting day at this Christmas event dedicated to homeless women and children. Not only were they able to hang out and party with the police and sheriffs department (who hosted the event along with several other agencies), but they were also treated to a tour into the firetrucks, participate in loads of games, wall climbing, and even go-cart driving! What an amazing day!

The kids were able to decorate cookies with their mothers while the generous hosts made them a special five-star rated Christmas dinner feast! This event was truly filled with so much love and care.

To all who made this event possible, words cannot express how thankful we are for taking time out of your lives to put a smile on a mother and child's face. You all went that extra mile to make sure this day was the most amazing day ever! We thank you so much for caring.

Learn how you can save the lives of homeless mothers and children.

2011-12-16T09:00:00.001-08:00

Save the lives of children like Ronnie

2011-12-15T17:12:00.001-08:00