On February 17th, I was honored to be part of the IFAPA Legislative Breakfast.  All day, the 17th, and all day the 18th, I spent time visiting with Iowa Legislators, including Senators, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Committee members, and more.  Iowa's Congress was receptive!  Well, how receptive ...time will tell.  IFAPA, myself, and others are left in the dark until next month when the Governor's Budget is announced, or at least more detailed plans/intentions.  YOUR prayers are needed!  I'm guessing you can tell how important this is to me, especially if I jump on a plane with less than a week's notice to show and rally some support! 

We can MORE than still use YOUR help!!!  Anything you can offer ...prayers, letters to Iowa Congress members and/or chairs, the Governor's office, ...  As the time gets closer, we'll need to make all the harder push!  Remember, this is a TEAM effort!  Also, please be remembering to be praying for Ms. Stout, Ms. Pierce, and all the staff with IFAPA.  Thank you.

Recently I was informed by several friends that the Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parent Association (IFAPA) is in dire need of YOUR assistance!  As we all know budgets are being cut across the board ...across the Nation.  Governor Culver has recommended the budget of IFAPA be cut by 100%!!!  I'm sure you can guess what a devastating effect this will have on foster youth, families, and communities across Iowa and the Nation.  Iowa is being watched by 49 other States, and this isn't how to lead an example. 

First and foremost, I ask you to PRAY!  Nothing is too big for God to handle, and this is pretty big.  Next, call Governor Culver's office at (515) 281.5211.  Foster youth cannot take anymore cuts, and especially not the loss of IFAPA!  I next ask you to spread the word and help us prevent the end of a 35 year-old organization, which has provided irreplaceable trainings for foster/adoptive parents and have saved countless young lives, that without IFAPA would not have been saved.  Below you will find information about a Legislative Breakfast.  There is power in numbers and we need all the power we can get.   

Iowa's foster youth can and will be a success ...with IFAPA's help.  Many know the role IFAPA has played in my life.  IFAPA will not be the only life-saving organization effected by this cut.  Organizations (such as the Iowa Friends of Foster Children) that are closely tied or serve under IFAPA's umbrella will cease to exist or lose their vital life-line of resources.  I simply cannot express the devastating "blow" this will have on the future of Iowa.  IFAPA is a staple of Iowa's Child Welfare and without this staple, workloads will increase throughout the state, education of how to properly care for foster/adoptive youth will decrease, and foster homes throughout the Iowa will dwindle.  The cost of all I have mentioned (which isn't even the start!) far out-weighs the small budget of the Iowa Friends of Foster Children.

Again, I plead for your help.  Without your help, I'm afraid Iowa will take 35 year's worth of steps back.  It's up to us to stop this from happening.  No matter if you are single, divorced, a parent, foster, adoptive, etc. ...it's only you that can make this difference.  I often say, "It takes a village to raise foster kids."  Fighting for IFAPA will take more than a village; it's going to take a State and Nation.  

I will continue to keep you updated, and I ask you to do the same through helpifapa@rustyjohnson.net.

I sincerely cannot thank you enough, and please trust, you cannot act too soon. 

-Rusty

IFAPA Legislative Breakfast

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 7am to 9am

State Capitol Building - Des Moines, IA

Legislative Dining Room (lower level)

View 2009 Legislative Agenda

If you don't know who your legislators are, visit the Iowa Legislature website.  Use your home address to search for your legislators and their mailing address, phone number and e-mail.

RSVP:

If attending the Legislative Breakfast, please RSVP the number attending to Stephanie Milessmiles@ifapa.org or call 800-277-8145 ext. 1.