October is the most amazing month and this year has been spectacular! All of this beautiful weather (even if it is a bit chilly today) also reminds me of everything I have to be grateful for - so I thought I might share a bit of this gratitude with you! 

Linking Heart Thanks!

	Two Linking Hearts Participants Share a Hug

Linking Hearts was a great success again this year. I was unable to attend, so I was thrilled when Robyn sent me this from one of our area foster care workers:

"Many times teens will be dismissed by adoptive families when only reading their profile because of their age, but if they have the chance to meet that teen in person, it gives them a different perspective. I was just talking to one of our adoptive families a couple of weeks ago and I was unaware that they met their sons for the first time at Linking Hearts.  They had never seen a profile on them or anything.  They were just at the event and so were the boys.  After the event, they made an inquiry and several months later they were staffed and chosen for the boys.  Their adoption was finalized in December 2010."

Special thanks to the Greeks of Missouri S&T (who contributed over 750 volunteer hours) without them there would be no Linking Hearts. Also the dozens of case workers from the 25th Circuit and from around the State for staffing the event and bringing youth. The financial support of Wal-Mart DC 6069, Town and Country Bank, Rolla Noon Kiwanis, Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club, The Centre, Adoption Exchange, and Key Sports made is an event to remember. What a wonderful community - thank you!

Thanks Steve Jobs!

	The Amazing iPad Put to Great Use!

You really have no idea what an amazing tool the iPad is until you see it in the hands of one of our Capable Kids! Audrey likes my favorite app - the one with fish, running water, and the best splish sound when you reach in to grab a fish! This great tool has youth working muscles and trying new skills that seemed very difficult before the advent of this great technology.

Susie has a group of fraternities and sororities at S&T engaged in a challenge to see how much money they can raise to help us purchase more iPads. It seems like every time we bring this lovely piece of equipment to a family the children fall in love. It has such amazing applications for communication and fine motor skill development that I would have never imagined possible.

We are not the only ones who are so grateful to Mr. Jobs - please take a look at this blog about the impact of one person's life. It is a great article for everyone about the importance of living a life not just for one's self.

This month is also our Annual Fundraising Luncheon - Building Ties, Changing Lives. I look forward every year to seeing so many of our wonderful supporters. If I don't get to see you there or don't get a chance to thank you for all we are able to do because of your support, please let me thank you now! I am so very grateful for the wonderful people who make up this Partnership! Thank you,