Camp Cafe Reunites Children Separated By Foster Care



April 28, 2005 -- Camp Caf, the flagship program of E-caf, Empowering Children and Families Everywhere, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, was founded, in 2002 by veteran, child-advocate and single father, Rob Rodriguez, as a means to reunite siblings of families who had been separated by foster care. In Texas alone, the U.S. Children's Bureau estimates that more than 20,000 children currently are in foster care-a system intended to protect abused or neglected children and give them support and stability.

"E-caf, our organization, was born out of practical necessity," said Rodriguez, Executive Director of E-Caf. "I'd worked with several children who informed me that they periodically ran away from their foster homes in order to meet-up with their siblings and spend time together. The system does not always ensure visits with siblings. I adopted a son in 1999 who was also separated from his teenage sister, so I decided to create a safe outlet and resource for other foster siblings to keep in touch and get the support they needed."

Camp Caf brings together children from several families every summer and allows them to reconnect through a series of games and activities that foster positive interaction and rebuild trust within the family. Camp participants are supervised, supported and encouraged by social workers, counselors, parents and other volunteers.

"Camp Caf has had tremendous positive response from the children who have taken part," said Janina O'Neal, Shelter Director for St. PJ's Children's Home in San Antonio. "They established some positive and long-lasting relationships and had a great time doing it."

The birth and success of Camp Caf has helped E-caf launch other support programs. For fathers there is a support and empowerment group known as the Dad'Zone, while Mujer de Poder, (Woman of Power), serves minority mothers and their children to establish and develop positive and nurturing relationships. E-caf has already received recognition and funding for both programs from The City of San Marcos. "We've been lucky to have received several grants already," said Rodriguez, "but, as with all non-profits, we are always in need of financial support and additional resources that will enable us to expand our services and coverage area."

About E-caf
E-caf, Empowering Children and Families Everywhere, is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization, established in 2002 and is dedicated to serving families in San Marcos, Texas; Hays County and other areas in need.

E-caf also provides seminars, workshops and public speaking on a donation basis to raise money for additional programs and services. Workshops and keynotes cover topics such as "Successful Foster Care," "Teambuilding and Trust," and "Nurturing Positive Family Relationships." Donations are made directly to the non-profit organization.

For more information on E-caf, contact Rob Rodriguez at 512.393.9369.

About St. PJ's Children's Home
Celebrating 113 years in existence, St Pj's Children's Home provides on-site counseling services and shelter to families that have been abused and neglected.

For more information visit www.Stpjhome.org.





Camp Cafe Reunites Children Separated By Foster Care