Futures for Children improves the quality of the educational experience to empower American Indian students through leadership development and mentoring.
The primary goal of Futures for Children is to increase the breadth and depth our programs, the Three Circles of Support: Youth Leadership, Friendship, and Families in Action. For more information about our programs click here.
Executive Committee
Peter Fagan, Chairman Emeritus~Sedona, AZ
Dr. David Beaulieu, Ph.D. Chairman~Milwaukee, WI Tribal Affiliation: Minnesota Chippewa, White Earth Reservation
Tracy Stanhoff, Treasurer and Finance Chair~Huntington Beach, CA Tribal Affiliation: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Mary Anne Larsen, Secretary~Santa Fe, NM
Margaret Hartman, Member at Large and Governance Chair~Dallas, TX
James L. West, President/CEO~Tijeras, NM Tribal Affiliation: Cheyenne
The DreamMaker Legacy Circle is a group of visionary Futures for Children supporters who, like our founder Dr. Richard Saunders, have made a lasting commitment to American Indian students by naming Futures for Children as a beneficiary in their estate plans. The name DreamMaker is to express what this illustrious circle does – makes dreams come true for Futures for Children students.
The following is a list of charitable vehicles for giving and provide estate tax benefits for you:
- Charitable Bequest/Will
- Retirement Plan
- Charitable Remainder Trust/Lead Trust
- Life Insurance Policies
- Gift Annuities
- Gift of Real Estate
- Gift of Art
For a description of the various vehicles, click Here
If you have already named Futures for Children as a beneficiary in your will or estate plans or would like information about joining the DreamMaker Legacy Circle, please contact Sandra Massey, Development and Communication Specialist, by calling 505-821-2828 x 129.
When remembering Futures for Children in your will, please use the following language:
I bequeath __________________________________ to Futures for Children (#85-0254951), a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of New Mexico with its principal office at 9600 Tennyson Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122.
We would like to thank you and welcome you to the distinguished DreamMaker Legacy Circle.
Below is our DreamMaker Dream Team (Advisory Committee). Please feel free to contact your estate attorney or any one of the following Dream Team members near you:
Arizona
Peter Fagan
Financial Advisor
PO Box 2969
Sedona, AZ 86336-2969
Tel: 928-204-1101
Fax: 928-204-1141
Email:
California
Sandy Baldonado
Attorney at Law
435 Yale Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711-4340
Tel: 909-626-1715
Fax: 909-962-6604
Email:
Joe Walloch, CPA
Walloch Accountancy Corporation
PO Box 7788
Redlands, CA 92375-0788
Tel: 909-798-1040
Cell: 951-966-1040
Email:
Georgia
Houston D. Smith, Jr.
Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordon
2302 Parklake Drive
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30345
Tel: 770-908-0029
Fax: 770-908-0920
Email:
Louisiana
Gerard H. Schreiber, Jr., CPA
One Galleria Blvd., Suite 1821
Metairie, Louisiana 70001
Tel: 504-832-1819
Mobile 504-452-1346
Fax 504-832-1897
Email:
Massachusetts
Kenneth L. Vacovec
Attorney at Law
Vacovec, Mayotte, Singer LLP
Two Newton Place
255 Washington Street, Suite 340
Newton, MA 02458-1634
Tel: 617-964-0500
Toll free: 800 TAXGROUP
Fax: 617-969-2002
Email:
Missouri
Julie Welch, CPA, CFP
Meara Welch Browne, P.C.
800 West 47 Street, Suite 430
Kansas City, MO 64112-1246
Tel: 816-561-6868
Fax: 816-561-6296
Email:
New Mexico
Pamela K. Misener
Financial Advisor
Waddell & Reed
2945 Rodeo Park Drive East
Suite 8
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tel:505-986-0125, Ext. 109
Fax: 505-986-8238
New York
Sidney Kess (Chair)
Attorney-at-Law & CPA
10 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 909
New York, NY 10020-1903
Tel: 212-489-7670
Fax: 212-489-7673
Email:
Chefs 4 Futures for Children: A National Campaign
Chefs 4 Futures for Children goes national on October 15 and 16, 2011 during UN designated World Food Day weekend! Dine at the following participating restaurants and help Futures for Children!
We thank the following participating restaurants in major cities throughout the US:
Starbucks
Albuquerque, NM
12251 Academy Road NE only
Will offer FREE COFFEE starting October 16 until October 23 for those who dine at the Chefs 4 Futures for Children at any of the participating restaurants in Albuquerque (coupon will be provided to diners).
Thank you for being a part of the Futures for Children Marathon team!
You can represent Futures for Children at the Duke City Marathon on
Sunday, October 23, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Registration is now closed.
All Futures for Children marathon team participants and their guest are invited to a complimentary Pasta Party on
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 5:30 pm at our Futures for Children office.
Meet the team and have a nice meal before the marathon. During this time we will distribute your race packet, which includes your shirt, race bib and timing chip.
Please RSVP for the Pasta Party by emailing Vicente Silva at , by Wednesday, 10/19/11.
We also ask that you would support Futures for Children by raising funds. Please ask family, friends, etc., to donate to Futures for Children to support your walk or run. Please contact Vicente Silva at or 505.821.2828 ext 133 for more information about the fundraising procedure.
Thank you for your support!
Go Futures for Children Marathon Team!!
Futures for Children Native Jam Night!
Thanks for Making Native Jam Night a Great Success!
Performers included:
- Native Roots
- Plateros
- Saving Damsels
- Shelley Morningsong
With Harlan McKosato, Host of Native America Calling
We are proud to announce the following sponsors:
- Albuquerque The Magazine
- KUNM
- Native American Calling
- Native Voice One
- Southwest Stages
- Rock The 9
- Starbucks
- The County Line Bar-B-Q
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Southwest Productions
- Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico
- American Indian Chamber of Commerce New Mexico
- Thinkhappystuff.com
- Basil Leaf
We wish to thank Flintco, LLC for the sponsorship of the Live Radio Broadcast!
Our Founder - Dr. Richard Saunders
A True Leader
It is impossible to understand the history and mission of Futures for Children without understanding our founder and his vision for the future. Dr. Richard Saunders was a sociologist and educator who believed that in order to make positive social change, it is important to address the causes of the obstacles in children’s lives, like those that our American Indian students face, instead of merely addressing the symptoms of negative social conditions. He asked, “What do we do to get at the causes of poverty and overcome them, rather than to deal with the results of poverty…?”
Dr. Saunders founded Futures for Children in 1961, which, at that time, worked to serve communities in South America, and he also founded its sister organization, Futuro para la Ninez. In 1968, Futures for Children began applying the same principles that helped South American communities to assist American Indian communities. His philosophy for Futures for Children and for positive social change was this: “People everywhere will do remarkable things when they work together for the well-being of their children.” He laid the foundation for our "Self-Help" method, which encourages people to identify and overcome the challenges within their own communities.
When working in American Indian reservation communities, Futures for Children strives to preserve the principles that guided his work: non-paternalism, non-interference, cultural respect, and maximum community participation.
At Futures for Children, we draw inspiration from Dr. Saunders’s sociological insight and love of humanity that helped him found Futures for Children. His principles guide us into the future.
Thank You for Supporting Albuquerque Chefs 4 Futures for Children!
We would like to thank the following Albuquerque restaurants for generously supporting Futures for Children during the week of the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow:
Starbucks - 12251 Academy Road NE only http://www.starbucks.com/store-locator
Will offer FREE COFFEE on Tuesday, April 26th for those who attend the Chefs 4 Futures for Children Launch Party at Flying Star.
Self-Help is based upon the idea that communities have not only the ability to define their most pressing needs, but also the capabilities and resources to address, meet, and solve those needs. The Futures' mission, curricula, training, and programs support the community's initiatives.
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
Futures for Children continues to make progress emphasizing the Youth Leadership Program and Youth Leadership Summit retreats, and we are even considering an expansion of our service area to other locations. I recently attended a Youth Leadership Summit and participated in some of the activities with our students, visiting them and watching their interactions with each other. What I saw was American Indian youth developing self-esteem, self-confidence, and the ability and eagerness to work together to accomplish tasks. The Youth Leadership Program encourages students to contribute to their communities and fosters a commitment to civic engagement. Such qualities are important and applicable in many of life’s settings, including school. We strive to give our students the opportunity to develop these qualities so that they may become responsible leaders in their communities.
It was my pleasure to have visited the offices of Futures for Children in Albuquerque to participate in a very interactive meeting with its leaders and staff. During this meeting, we took many considerations into account regarding an expansion of the Youth Leadership Program to other sites.
For example, we considered how we may ensure that the quality of the program isn’t compromised if it is implemented at a distance. Even if our staff is unable to directly oversee the program, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the curriculum and training so that they meet the same high standards. In addition, new sites should be evaluated to determine if they fulfill financial criteria and if they have the administrative and management capacity to expand the program. It is important to consider the new site leaders’ capabilities to implement and maintain a quality program, including the continuing ability to support the site through fund development.
As we considered these different aspects of expansion, we began to develop a set of criteria, similar to “accreditation” standards, for the program. I have been on the board for a number of years and have gotten to know the leadership team and staff in the context of board meetings and visits to program sites. So, it was a pleasure to watch them in action as they defined the qualities of an excellent program and considered how to evaluate and maintain those high standards. During the meeting, I witnessed the staff’s dedication to program quality, which spoke volumes for the organization’s ability to maintain high standards for all of our three current programs—Youth Leadership, Friendship, and Families in Action.
Recently, the Youth Leadership Program reached out of its traditional service area to include the Mescalero Apache community in New Mexico. We are developing this site as a test case for expansion. So, I’m glad to report that our steps toward increasing our service area are already in progress.
I also attended my first board meeting as chairman this April. I am very thankful for the great, productive conversation we had during this meeting. It illustrated that there is lots of work to be done, but also that there are committed members of the board with a solid collective sense of the vision for the future to move forward with that work. All committees to fund development, governance, and finance have engaging agendas for the coming year. I am encouraged that our members have the same vision as each committee focuses on its individual responsibilities. It will be my pleasure to chair such a marvelous board with such committed people.
Thank you for your support as we continue our efforts to support our American Indian children and families.
David Beaulieu, PH.D.
Chairman of the Board
Privacy Statement
Our Privacy Policy:
• We do not sell or share any information on our donors.
• We do not provide donor information of any kind to any other organization or business.
• We do maintain records of all monetary gifts made to Futures for Children, both designated and undesignated gifts.
• We do maintain biography files on donors and friends of Futures for Children. The information in these files is of the nature found in newpapers, magazines, other publications, and public records.
• We provide prospective and former donors the same protection as active donors with respect to the use of personal information.
• We maintain physical, electronic, and organizational safeguards to protect information of donors, friends, and prospective donors of Futures for Children.
• We review our policies and practices, monitor our computer networks, and test the strength of our security in order to help ensure the safety of the information we maintain.
• We value our donors and friends and we take their personal privacy seriously.
For further information, please feel free to contact the Futures for Children Development department.
Futures for Children is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization. You may download our 501(c)(3) form here. All gifts are tax deductible.
Youth Leadership
The Youth Leadership Program assists children in developing leadership skills while developing projects that contribute to the betterment of their communities. Each Youth Leadership group executes a project that benefits their community. The curriculum provides a framework in which students, guided by Project Coach volunteers, engage in activities focusing on improving leadership and confidence, both individually and as a group. Students learn to challenge their personal limits and achieve personal and group goals.
Friendship/Mentorship
In the Friendship Program American Indian children in grades K-12 are matched with mentors from across the United States and around the world. Through letters, emails, and phone conversations, mentors encourage their student(s) to complete high school and pursue a post-secondary education.
Families in Action
In the Families in Action Program, parents and family members are encouraged to identify barriers to academic success and proactively develop solutions that assist their students in overcoming these barriers.
2011 Financial Reports
For Fiscal Year July 1, 2010~June 30, 2011
Revenue and Support - Accrual Basis: $1,326,927
Foundations & Grants : $45,038
Board of Directors: $333,649
Mentorship: $432,358
Annual Fund, Bequest & Individual Donora: $446,957
Other Income: $24,857
Return on Investments: $44,068
Expenses - Accrual Basis: $1,877,526
Community Programs: $1,387,293
Public Education: $232,275
Management & General: $161,302
Fundraising: $96,656
Net Income/(Loss): ($550,599)
Revenue and Support - Cash Basis: $2,146,177
Foundations & Grants : $45,038
Board of Directors: $1,232,204
Mentorship: $461,053
Annual Fund, Bequest & Individual Donora: $338,957
Other Income: $24,857
Return on Investments: $44,068
Expenses - Cash Basis: $1,903,813
Community Programs: $1,426,546
Public Education: $225,450
Management & General: $158,800
Fundraising: $93,017
Net Income/(Loss): $242,364
Cash basis revenues include net $819,250 of cash received for campaign pledges, mentorship dues and budget receivables which are not included in accrual basis revenues. Cash basis expenses include net $26,287 expenses paid which accrual basis expenses do not.
A Message from the President/CEO of Futures for Children
These are challenging times for every non-profit, a tune that you have heard numerous times over the last few years. However, I am pleased that our financial update for FY 2010 reflects a 12% administration rate – making an investment in Futures for Children both effective and efficient. But, the financial update is only one part of the picture of Futures for Children in FY 2010. I would like to celebrate the story of the many other assets from which Futures has benefitted over the last year.
I will begin with the Board of Directors of Futures for Children – a board that is skilled, hard working and fully committed to the work of Futures. The Chairman’s message in our Annual Report is a perfect example of the level of board expertise enjoyed by Futures for Children. There is no ghost writing involved, so his message reflects the high level of leadership and the deep commitment of the Board of Futures to our work and the young people we serve.
The story of Olivia Redhorse in our Annual Report reflects the hard work and determination of our students. In the face of overwhelming odds, young people just like Olivia breathe their hopes and dreams into our work. In the face of the many mundane and difficult tasks faced by our wonderful staff to deliver programs over a 3,000 square mile area, it is the students that inspire us on a daily basis.
Whether one starts with the children and journeys to the board members, or follows the reverse trail does not matter, because Futures for Children is a huge circle of support surrounding native students. In addition to determined students and committed board members are 177 community volunteers, almost 900 mentors, and many generous donors that together forge a track record of success. The people in this circle who contribute time, money, and energy are the building blocks for future growth. There are many more American Indian young people who are poised and ready to turn the legacy of destruction they have been handed into a legacy of a brighter future.
Jim West
President/CEO
Our Vision
Futures for Children seeks a world in which social and economic justice includes American Indian people. We partner with supporters to encourage American Indian students to develop into young leaders who find their voice and take action, while taking pride in their cultural identities.
Our programs promote:
• Self-confidence and empowerment
• Cultural values and learning
• Leadership development
• Goal-setting
• Integrating Native and mainstream life
• Improving one's community
• Family support and involvement
• Community mentoring and support from mentors who live outside of the reservation
History of FCC
40 years of academic success for american indian children.
Since 1968, Futures for Children has provided mentoring and training in Hopi, Navajo and New Mexico Pueblo tribal communities to more than 15,000 American Indian students and their families.
Futures for Children provides these educational services through Three Circles of Support designed around the principle of self-help: Mentorship, Youth Leadership and Families in Action.
Over 150 volunteers from tribal communities work with Futures for Children to deliver and monitor the program and to create educational success among their children. Over 1,500 mentors world-wide provide support and encouragement to promote educational achievement.
Unfortunately, many American Indian children miss out. Schools on American Indian reservations have the highest teacher turnover. Resources are severely limited. 28% of American Indian students in the Futures service area drop out before graduating from high school (U.S. Census 2000). Less than 4% of American Indians hold college degrees. But Futures has a history of success: 95% of Friendship students are promoted or graduate. 45% of Futures Friendship students go on to college or post secondary educational pursuits.