Casey Family Services' Baltimore Division hosted an event celebrating families in honor of National Family Week, coordinated by Casey staffer Vickie Holley-Stokes. The November event attracted more than 200 people, who were able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner at the division's offices. A variety of family activities were offered, including making family trees, taking family pictures, and working on arts and crafts. Books, free of charge, were offered to families, as well.

National Family Week, founded in 1968 by Sam Wiley, a teacher and administrator, embraces the premise that children live better lives when their families are strong and that families are strong when they live in communities which connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services. These "connections" can include access to high-quality transportation, employment opportunities, education, child care, and positive relationships within and among family members. The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) now supports national promotion of the day.

Therefore, the Baltimore event served as the perfect setting for AECF President Doug Nelson to acknowledge the organization's commitment to assisting financially struggling families by establishing Casey Family Services' Baltimore division as an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) site, where eligible community members are getting help in applying for a tax credit of up to $4,000, available to families with incomes under $35,000 (with four children).

"Inviting the Foundation to work with us in delivering services to our community truly demonstrates the meaning of integration," says Anna Williams, division director. "The event was enjoyed by all and hopefully we began a new Thanksgiving tradition and will host this family dinner every year."