The Heartfelt Mission of Color me SAFE Foundation: Empowering Families in Crisis within the community fabric. There are organizations that stand out for their dedication and heart, and Color me SAFE Foundation is one such shining example. Color me SAFE Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Color me SAFE, LLC, and has been steadfast in its mission since the fall of 2022: offering a lifeline to families embroiled in child welfare crises.
Our Mission
Color me SAFE Foundation‘s mission is clear and impactful: to empower and educate families. The Foundation strives to arm families from all walks of life with the guidance, educational resources, and solutions necessary to navigate the complexities of child welfare with autonomy and strength. The vision that drives us is a world where no family must face a child-related crisis without support, irrespective of their financial means. Success for the Foundation is not quantified in numbers but in its effectiveness in keeping families united and safeguarding the well-being of children.
Providing Hope
The child welfare system is designed to protect and unite families, but sometimes it falls short, potentially leading to further victimization and injustice. This is especially true for families who are uninformed or financially constrained. Our team has fifty years of combined experience,
specializing in cases involving CPS. Additionally, providing guidance (not legal advice) on divorce and custody issues, co-parenting, and situations involving domestic violence, as well as any other circumstances where children are directly involved.
Providing Advocacy for Equity
We provide Advocacy for Equity – we are an ally to all families, working collaboratively with therapists, educators, and legal professionals to advocate for families against the challenges posed by the child welfare system. Their approach targets the disparities and inequities within
the system to ensure that no family faces a crisis in isolation.
Introducing two South Asian Initiatives
We are excited and humbled to announce two groundbreaking initiatives, “SAATHI Support Group (S2G)” and ‘Ask Auntie!’. Acknowledging the unique needs within our South Asian community, the SAATHI Support Group (S2G), and ‘Ask Auntie!” initiatives under the Education & Awareness Programs aim to build a bridge of support, offering a community-focused environment for families and youth to share and grow together, complemented by the guidance of lived experiences and resources.
SAATHI Support Group (SG2)
SAATHI Support Group (S2G) is a beacon for South Asian families, guiding them through the intricate dance of balancing dual cultural identities. S2G’s mission is to empower through education, cultivating awareness that helps families flourish in their multicultural world. The vision is a tapestry of discussions and support systems weaving through topics like generational
differences, child welfare, cultural identity, bridging gaps with their children, mental health and so many other topics relevant to the South Asian community. S2G stands for more than just support; it represents South Asian Advocacy and Togetherness for Healthy Integration, a true embodiment of their commitment to community and to maintain and balance cultural harmony.
SAATHI Support Group (SG2) by Color Me Safe Foundation
S – South denotes our community
A – Asian
A – Advocacy highlights the group’s role in advocating for and supporting South Asian families.
T – Togetherness reinforces importance of community support and uplifting one another.
H – Healthy family underscores the commitment to fostering family resilience and unity amidst the journey of cultural integration.
I – Integration of South Asian families into Western society while maintaining their cultural identity. It encompasses the efforts to help these families blend their Eastern cultural heritage with their lives in America, promoting a balanced coexistence of both cultural worlds.
Ask Auntie! Support Group
‘Ask Auntie!’ takes a different but equally vital approach, offering a nurturing space for South Asian students, particularly as they embark on the transformative middle and high school years. The mission is to create a safe space, and non-judgmental community that encourages resilience and well-being, with a vision of fostering open communication through asking
questions and sharing, and a strong sense of belonging. The pillars of “Ask
Auntie!”—Authenticity, Understanding, Nurturing, Trustworthy, Inclusive, and Empathetic—illustrate the initiative’s commitment to supporting students with sincere, empathetic guidance as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
‘Ask Auntie!” Support Group by Color Me Safe Foundation
A – Authentic: This represents the genuine and sincere approach we take in engaging with students. The initiative is rooted in honest and open communication, where students can express themselves freely in safe space, and receive support and advice that is true to their personal experiences.
U – Understanding: Emphasizing our empathetic approach, we strive to fully comprehend the unique challenges and experiences of South Asian students. This understanding forms the basis of our guidance, ensuring it is relevant and meaningful to everyone.
N – Nurturing: Our approach is caring and supportive, aiming to foster growth and resilience in students. We provide guidance that helps them not only navigate current challenges but also equips them with skills and confidence for their future. T – Trustworthy: Building trust is at the core of the “Ask Auntie” initiative. Students can confidently share their thoughts and concerns, knowing they are in a safe and confidential space, and non-judgmental space. Our commitment to trust ensures that students feel secure
and supported.
I – Inclusive: The initiative is welcoming to all South Asian students/teens, regardless of their specific cultural backgrounds, beliefs, or experiences. We embrace diversity and ensure that every student feels included and respected.
E – Empathetic: At the heart of the “Ask Auntie” initiative is empathy. We strive to deeply understand and connect with the emotions and experiences of our students/teens, ensuring that our guidance is compassionate and considerate.
Embracing the essence of our initiatives, both “SAATHI Support Group (S2G)” and Ask Auntie! are dedicated to enriching the hearts and minds of the South Asian community and its future generations.
Multifaceted Support System
Color me SAFE, Foundation transcends economic barriers, providing extensive support services to empower families and communities. Here’s a closer look at our multifaceted support system:
- Direct Family Consultations & Guidance : We provide families with guidance when dealing with a child welfare crisis, typically when families are dealing with ongoing CPS cases.
- Parenting Strategies Program: We support families with financial limitations by offering access to the color me SAFE Parenting Strategies Program. Families can voluntarily enroll in the program to strengthen their foundation, and it is frequently recommended by courts or by CPS.
- Education & Awareness Initiatives: We work with communities to provide training and general awareness sessions to parents, educators, and others to identify, prevent and mitigate potential family/child crises.
As we move forward, we hold close the adage, “It’s not what you leave to your children, it’s what you leave in your children,”— a reminder that our greatest gift to them is the strength, understanding, and character we help develop along their journey.
