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Message Thursday, May 15, 2025Introducing Our Quarterly NewsletterWelcome to the first edition of the 4Kids4Families Quarterly Newsletter! Each issue will bring you updates, upcoming events, community highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights into the work happening across Region 4. From celebrating milestones to sharing ways you can get involved, this newsletter is your go-to source for staying connected with the heart of 4Kids.A Word From Jon Mark McMullen, Our Senior VP

We're excited to share a special message from Jon Mark McMullen, Senior Vice President of 4Kids4Families. Celebrating One Year of Community Based CareOn May 1, 2024, 4Kids4Families began a new chapter in Region 4 as we stepped into the role of Single Source Continuum Contractor for Community Based Care. One year later, we’re proud to celebrate the meaningful progress we've made alongside our East Texas community—progress rooted in partnership, accountability, and a shared belief that every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive. Perhaps the most powerful measure of our first year’s impact is in the area of permanency. Across East Texas, more children are finding their way home or into forever families. Reunifications have increased by 10%, and over the past twelve months, 186 adoptions have been consummated—each one marking the beginning of a new chapter for a child and their family. These outcomes are made possible by the dedication of our 95 case-carrying staff, who maintain an average caseload of just 12.5, allowing them to build deeper, more supportive relationships with the children and families they serve. This progress didn’t happen in isolation. Our commitment to quality and consistency is strengthened daily by the work of our Quality & Compliance team, who now oversee more than 250 provider contracts across the region. Their vigilance and partnership help ensure that every child has access to services that are safe, effective, and aligned with our regional values. Region 4 has also seen encouraging signs in other key areas. Our intake team averages over 90 placements per month while maintaining one of the lowest rates of children without placement (CWOP) in the state. We’ve also seen a 10% higher sibling placement rate compared to the state average—keeping families together whenever possible. Supporting all of this is the quiet but crucial work of our internal teams. From our Learning & Development staff who trained 67 new case-assignable team members, to our IT department

that successfully deployed three hub locations to serve our region, to the Data team providing the insights that drive sound decisions—every corner of 4Kids4Families has contributed to this first-year success. As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for our East Texas communities—our providers, foster parents, CASAs, child welfare boards, and countless others—who have partnered with us in this work. Together, we've built momentum in year one. In year two and beyond, we’ll continue working toward the day when every child in Region 4 has a safe, loving, and permanent home. Upcoming EventsYouth Achievement Graduation Celebration Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of 20 graduating foster youth later this month. This event is a joyful time to honor their resilience, hard work, and bright futures. Stay tuned for photos and highlights in our next issue! Jacksonville Tomato FestJoin us at the Jacksonville Tomato Fest on Saturday June 14th, where 4Kids4Families will be hosting a Cooling Station to help you beat the heat! While you cool off, stop by to learn more about becoming a foster parent and how you can support children and families in our East Texas community. We’d love to see you there!Have an event to share? Add it to our public calendar! Help connect our community by submitting events that support chYour paragraph textildren and families in Region 4.

Foster families often step up with little notice—and having access to basic supplies and clothing can make a big difference. Here are some incredible resources available to our community: The Fostering Collective Closet 201 Winchester Dr, Tyler, TX | Open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Legacy Closet 4600 McCann Rd, Longview, TX | By Appointment (Email: legacyoflongview@gmail.com) Rusk County Legacy House 301 W. Elk St, Henderson, TX | By Appointment (Email: molandfamilyintexas@gmail.com) Annie’s Closet 365 FM 2972, Rusk, TX | By Appointment (Call 903-806-6751 or email rhondabrown1@att.net) Clothed in Grace 800 Ed Hall Dr, Suite 223, Kaufman, TX | By Appointment (Schedule online) Grace & Love Closet 831 TX-179 Loop, Pittsburg, TX | By Appointment For The Sake of One Closet422 Hickory St, Texarkana, AR | Open Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 a.m.

Your Questions, AnsweredHave questions about foster care, how to get involved, or what’s happening next in our community? Submit your questions using the form below, and we’ll feature answers in our next newsletter! Wendy’s Wonderful KidsAs part of our commitment to innovative, data-driven approaches under Community Based Care, 4Kids4Families is proud to highlight the success of our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

Program, launched in November 2023 and funded through a grant from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This specialized program focuses on finding permanent, loving homes for some of the most vulnerable children in foster care—those who have waited the longest, often moved the most, and need the strongest advocacy. On average, the youth referred to the program have spent 5.4 years in care and experienced more than 12 different placements. These are children who have historically been considered hardest to place—but through focused, child-specific recruitment efforts, we're seeing real results. Since its launch, the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids team has already achieved 22 matches with permanent families, and 8 adoptions have been finalized. Each of these outcomes represents more than just a statistic—it’s a transformation in a child’s life, and a testament to what’s possible when we commit to going further for the youth who need us most. The success of this program is a reflection of our region’s deep belief that no child is too old, has moved too many times, or has waited too long for the stability and love of a permanent home. Through innovation, persistence, and partnership, we’re helping to change the narrative for children in East Texas—one family at a time. Looking for Visitation Spaces Around the RegionAs we continue to serve children and families across East Texas, we are seeking support from our community.Visitation Space Needed: We are currently in need of safe, welcoming visitation spaces where children in foster care can meet with their biological families. These visits are a crucial part of the healing and

reunification process, helping children maintain important connections while parents work toward restoring their families. If your organization, church, or business has space available, we would love to partner with you. Contact Us