Tedric Johnson, Author at Arrow Child & Family Ministries

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At Arrow Crossroads Community, creating opportunities for young women to engage in everyday community life is a vital part of programming.

These experiences help them build skills, confidence and a sense of belonging as they grow into responsible stewards and contributing members of their communities.

This summer, the Crossroads crew took part in the Cecil county fair. The outing was a huge success as the girls immersed themselves in the celebration of agricultural heritage, explored 4H youth exhibits and learned about modern farming through interactive displays.

Of course, the fun was just as important as the learning. The girls laughed their way through carnival rides, shared popcorn, cotton candy and pizza, enjoying every moment together.

“This was the best day of my life,” Aniyri, one of the participants, said.

For the young women at Crossroads this outing was an opportunity to connect and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The Arrow Center for Education Tangram recently welcomed students from Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Women In (WIN) Career Exploration Program for a powerful day of connection and learning.

As part of their immersive WIN experience, designed to help young women explore careers through real hands-on engagement, the students spent the day discovering what it means to work in the field of special education.

They learned about careers in teaching, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and behavioral support while engaging directly with Arrow’s team and students.

The experience also gave the students a deeper understanding of autism and neurological differences. They left with practical knowledge, a greater empathy and awareness for the children and families we serve.

“At the Arrow Center for Education, we believe in fostering community partnerships that inspire future leaders through meaningful career exploration,” an Arrow spokesperson said.

Arrow is grateful to Notre Dame Prep for choosing Tangram as a destination for this unique program. We look forward to continuing partnerships that open doors and spark purpose for the next generation!

Two Crossroads residents had an unforgettable night on August 1 at a sold-out Savannah Bananas game at Camden Yards, thanks to Arrow volunteer and Shifting Gears founder, Diana Liberto.

Diana and her family were honored on the field as a recognized foster family, and she invited two youth to join the celebration. They appeared live on ESPN, met the players and even had the chance to meet Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who presented the award to Diana.

“What made the night so powerful was that Kyle Van Noy shared he was adopted through foster care,” an Arrow spokesperson said. “His words of encouragement and kindness left the youth feeling truly valued and inspired.”

According to the Savannah Bananas website, their nonprofit initiative Bananas Foster celebrates the foster care community by providing families with unique game day experiences and opportunities to be honored on the field.

The Savanna Bananas are committed to educating and inspiring others to get involved all while celebrating those involved in the foster care community.

Thanks to Diana, Kyle Van Noy and the Savannah Bananas, two youth walked away with more than just a once-in-a-lifetime memory, but a spark of hope that will stay with them forever.

Back to school is a milestone for children and families and Arrow Child & Family Ministries is committed to making the season brighter. This year, Arrow offices across Texas and Maryland partnered with local organizations and community members to ensure students were prepared to start the year with confidence.

In Tyler, families enjoyed a day filled with fun and support thanks to BABET and The Discovery Science Place. Their partnership made the event extra special, combining community spirit with the excitement of a new school year.

In South Houston, Arrow hosted a large back-to-school event on August 2 that provided students of all grade levels with essential supplies. With the generous support of Southstone Church, children received backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils and more. Enchanted Givings also stepped up by assembling more than 60 boxes of school supplies, extending our reach to making a meaningful difference for families.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, there were several strides towards gearing up families for the school year.

First Arrow’s Foster Care and Community Services teams joined forces to launch a back-to-school supply drive! There were cookies, encouragement and even a special visit from therapy dog Carlito. Staff reminded community members that every notebook and backpack donated helps fill classrooms and hearts with the tools children need to thrive.

“Back to school is an important part of the year for our youth and families for the year ahead,” a spokesperson said. “It’s important for Arrow, as well as our community partners, to show up and make sure students have what they need to succeed.”

Plus, YHB Hospitality Group donated 76 back packs with school supplies, pajamas, a book and personal hygiene supplies to help get the kids in our care off to an awesome school year start. The backpacks were tailored to meet the needs of children ages two to 21.

From Tyler to Houston and beyond, Arrow is proud to stand alongside children and families, ensuring every student starts the school year on the right foot!

On May 1, 2024, 4Kids4Families launched Stage Two of Community-Based Care, marking a transformative step in how we serve children and families across region 4. With this shift, we took full responsibility for foster care case management, along with Youth Achievement (PAL), care management, legal affairs, community engagement, adoptions, kinship support and more.

The past year has brought both growth and challenge, but through it all, we’ve remained anchored in our mission: helping kids and strengthening families. Every department, every team, every role has played a part in building something meaningful.

On May 2, 2025 — one year later — teams across region 4 came together to celebrate one full year in Stage Two—a milestone marked by purpose, pride and progress.

As part of the celebration, we proudly named Crystal Lopez our Champion4Kids of the Year, honoring her outstanding dedication, compassion and commitment to the children and families we serve.

To everyone who helped us reach this moment, thank you. Your integrity, excellence and heart continue to make a lasting impact across East Texas!

On Monday, May 19, a beautiful chapter came full circle as Marcus Giovanni Westley Dennis was officially adopted into his forever family.

Arrow Case Manager Michaela Zocchi was honored to witness the emotional hearing, where more than 10 DHS workers — spanning from Marcus’ first CPS caseworker to his final foster care advocate — gathered to celebrate this life-changing moment. Also in attendance were Marcus’ biological sister and her adoptive family, adding to the deep sense of connection and support in the room.

The presiding judge, who had overseen Marcus’ case since he entered care at just five years old, shared heartfelt reflections before declaring Marcus the legal child of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis. In a powerful act of belonging, Marcus chose to take both their last name and Mr. Dennis’ middle name as his own.

It was a moment marked by joyful tears, long journeys and the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.

Congratulations to Marcus and the Dennis family! 💙

Arrow was proud to serve as a sponsor of the 48th Annual Military Appreciation Event, held on the historic land of Aberdeen Proving Ground. It was a privilege to join fellow businesses and community organizations in recognizing the incredible service and sacrifices of our military members and their families.

The event opened with heartfelt remarks from Harford County Executive and former Senator Bob Cassilly, along with Michael Pherson, president and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. Both speakers paid tribute to the strength, resilience and commitment of our armed forces.

Major General James Turinetti IV, Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground, expressed deep gratitude to the community—including businesses, schools and nonprofit partners—for supporting the installation’s 2,856 residents and approximately 21,000-member workforce.

Arrow is honored to stand with those who serve and we remain committed to supporting the military families who call this community home!

Huge shoutout to the incredible generosity of our East Texas communities as more than 200 prom dresses were collected for youth in foster care. Each donated by individuals and organizations from Paris to Tyler.

We were proud to partner with The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) of Whitehouse, where students and instructors provided complimentary hair and makeup services to help young women feel their best for prom night.

TSPA has made an ongoing commitment to sponsor 1–3 youth in foster care in each incoming freshman class and will offer monthly appointment days for girls in care.

The prom, hosted in Tyler, welcomed youth ages 16 and up whose legal county and placement fall within region 4. It was a joyful, confidence-boosting celebration made possible by the dedication of our Youth Achievement Team (YAS) and the many community members who stepped up to show our youth just how valued and supported they are.

This was a reminder that when community comes together, beautiful things happen.

This past Wednesday, the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Baltimore County Excellence in Education Teacher Awards, an event that shines a spotlight on the outstanding educators who go above and beyond to shape the future.

We’re thrilled to announce that two exceptional staff members from Tangram School were nominated for Awards for Excellence in Education, sponsored by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce:

Each year in March, more than 176 Baltimore County Public Schools, along with several non-public school principals, submit nominations for this prestigious recognition. Candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that verifies the impact they’ve made in education and in the lives of their students.

Benjamin Gordon, Assistant Teacher: nominated in the EIE–Student Support Personnel category

Jovool Baltazar, Art Teacher: nominated in the EIE–Secondary Schools Teacher of the Year category

We’re proud to announce Jovool Baltazar won in her category!

Both Jovool and Benjamin exemplify what it means to serve students with heart, creativity and unwavering dedication. This recognition is a well-earned reflection of the meaningful work they do each day to inspire and uplift.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners! Your passion and commitment help prepare students in our community to thrive as the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

This month, Arrow leaders joined education advocates from across the nation in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). Together, they championed the importance of maintaining a full continuum of special education services for children and youth with diverse needs.

Arrow representatives met with the offices of Maryland federal officials, including Congressman Andy Harris, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Senator Angela Alsobrooks. These meetings opened the door to meaningful conversations about increasing federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), preserving critical Medicaid support for treatment services, and promoting equity and dignity for people of all abilities.

It was an honor to represent Arrow’s mission on the Hill—and to do so alongside our dedicated NAPSEC partners.