“The broader mission of empowerment reflects our vision and community-based strategy to prevent unnecessary entrance into foster care,” said Gwen Knotts, a public health nurse who is founder and CEO of the San Bernardino-based agency.

“We’re helping communities build a system of services to assist vulnerable children and families,” said Patricia Small, a community volunteer and Knotts Family Agency board chairwoman.

Initially focused on foster care and adoption services, the Knotts mission has widened through increasing foundation, business and public agency support.

More than 2,500 individuals and families are served each year by Knotts. They receive critical support for resilience, mental health, care coordination, parenting, youth mentoring and leadership development, financial and environmental literacy and job training.

Programs are delivered countywide through the Foster Family and Adoption Agency, a Family and Community Resource Center, and a Training and Research Institute, which houses state-of-the-art phone banking and community research capabilities.

The Fundraiser Summer Soiree supports Knotts Family Agency’s children learning resource center and parenting program. Tickets are $50. For information, contact Sandy Oquin at Knotts at (909) 880-0600 or visit online at www.knottsfamilyagency.org