Child Welfare
Child Welfare 
---Contact your Grande or Locale while supplies last.
The Voyageurs Militaire (Military Travelers) founded a Child Welfare Program in 1923 to ease the pain and suffering of those children whose fathers never returned or who were unable to care for their needs after the "Big War." Today, this program has grown to include all children with emergent needs, and our efforts amount to over eight millions of dollars annually.
Click here to view or print the Where do I get Child Welfare Pins in Adobe PDF format.
Click here to view or print the Hobo Directory using Microsoft Excel.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare Assignments in Adobe PDF format.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare Assignments using Microsoft Excel.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare Requirements in Adobe PDF format.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare Requirements using Microsoft Word.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare pin sales chart.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare pin sales chart 4th Qtr 2010.
Click here to view or print the Child Welfare Remittance Form.
2010-2011 National Child Welfare Program Report
First off, I want to thank each of those participating Voiture Locales, Grandes, and Femmes for your generous support of “Our Children” and the National Child Welfare Program!
I want to thank our Advisor Bob Kaseman; my team: Bert Coon, Treasurer Nationale Child Welfare; Richard Spurgeon, John McLeod, Allan Sullivan, Harold Ray Sous Directeurs Nationale Child Welfare.
We could not have accomplished what we have without all of you.
Together we were able to present a check in the amount of $8,540.58 to the C.W. Ardery
Child Welfare Trust Fund.
I want to say something about “Our Children” before I go any further.
It was emotional for me to donate a quantity of unsold 2011 Child Welfare pins to the children and their aids at the Promenade Nationale Children’s Party.
I got up there as pins were being handed out and made sure that I gave them to one of their aids to hand out for each child and those who supervised them. The assistant was quite surprised and pleased that they also got a pin. I think the fact that we have a teddy bear as our pin caught the children’s eyes. It was such a great experience to see the smiles on their faces and the twinkles in their eyes! I am certainly proud of our organization. All the women and men of the 40ET8 and Femmes, cudos to you! You can be justly proud!
Now, back to the recap. 4,718 of the 2011 Child Welfare pins were sold. Donations were down from the previous year, however, I think we did well considering the economy.
Of the 50+ Grandes who could participate, we had 26 Grandes who sent in their Grande Consolidated reports. This is down by two from the previous year.
We received CW pin sales and/or donations from 33 Grandes. Wouldn’t it have been great if they would have sent in the mandatory Consolidated report? We would have been able to reflect 33 out of 50+ Grandes reporting/participating.
Out of the 26 Grandes who sent in consolidated reports, there were 29,214 hours expended and a total of $3,687,061.00 cash value invested in “Our Children”. Imagine how much we could have shown if all Grandes participated in the 40ET8’s oldest program?
The Child Welfare 2011 Awards are:
J T Digilio Jr – Chef de Chemin de Fer 2003 Award (awarded to Grande Voiture with membership of less than 1-499 which performed the greatest service to La Societe in Child Welfare). Awarded to Grande du Maine. Honorable Mention to Grande du Oklahoma.
Carl Neilson Award (awarded to the Grande Voiture with membership of 500-3,000 which performed the greatest service to La Societe in Child Welfare). Awarded to Grande du Arizona. Honorable Mention to Grande du Louisiana.
Charles W Ardery Jr Award – Honorary Chef de Chemin de Fer (awarded to the Grande Voiture which performed the greatest service to La Societe in Child Welfare). Awarded to Grande du Arizona. Honorable mention to Grande du Louisiana.
Some important things to remember:
May 1st of each year is the date which I must have received Child Welfare unsold pins in my possession. I (Directeur Nationale CW) get the unsold pins and am the sole source for “new” pins. Please sell your CW pins NOW, don’t wait! What can I do with them late in the year?
Bert Coon, Treasurer Nationale Child Welfare must receive all the monies (pins sold and donations). Bert likes money, NOT pins!!!!! Please don’t send CW pins to Bert!
It is important that you send in to Bert Coon, CW pin sold money and donations as you sell or receive them using the Child Welfare Remittance form.
Please make the check payable to National Child Welfare and enter an accurate description of the money sent in the check memo line. Eg. Pins sold, or 20 pins sold and dollar amount of donation, or donation only.
Please do NOT wait! We need these to keep the operation going (eg. Purchase new year pins).
August 1st each year is the deadine to have the Grande Consolidated CW report in my (Directeur Nationale) possession. This is a mandatory report (if you don’t do anything – you still enter the Grande membership times $.25 on the report and get it in to me, Directeur Nationale).
Here is the “new” Child Welfare team for this year. Please note the assignments of Grandes.
You will be hearing from them monthly. If you don’t, please contact me and I will get you coverage.
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Advisor: |
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Robert Kaseman bobkat6@juno.com |
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Directeur Nationale Child Welfare (NC4D) |
Treasurer Nationale Child Welfare (NC4T) |
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Conrad "Bob" Hoffman |
Bert Coon |
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25542 State Route 1 |
12 Brainard Street |
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Guilford, Indiana 47022-8705 |
Whitesboro, New York 13492-1512 |
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choffman@etczone.com |
bac1339@gmail.com |
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home 1- 812-576-4275 |
home: 1-315-736-3323 |
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cell:1-315-796-9997 |
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Sous Directeur Nationale Child Welfare West (NC4S) |
Sous Directeur Nationale Child Welfare Central (NC4S) |
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Joseph Donovan |
Gary L. Reno |
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4660 N River Rd Spc 12 |
1301 Robin Circle |
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Oceanside, CA 92057 |
Kearney, MO 64060 |
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jdonovan002@hotmail.com |
greno001@kc.rr.com |
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tel. 1-760-721-9405 |
tel. 1-816-628-5773 |
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West Region responsibility |
Central Region responsibility |
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Alaska |
Illinois |
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Arizona |
Iowa |
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California |
Kansas |
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Colorado |
Latin America |
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Hawaii (n/a) |
Michigan |
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Idaho |
Minnesota |
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Montana |
Missouri |
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Nevada |
Nebraska |
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New Mexico |
North Dakota |
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Oregon |
Ohio |
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Utah |
Oklahoma |
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Washington |
South Dakota |
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Wyoming |
Texas |
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Wisconsin |
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Sous Directeur Nationale Child Welfare South (NC4S) |
Sous Directeur Nationale Child Welfare East (NC4S) |
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Richard Spurgeon |
David W. Webb |
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5010 E. Rayclark Road |
4662 F-30 |
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Fremont, Indiana 46737 |
Greenbush, MI 48738 |
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mcvetrich@hotmail.com |
daveandkaren@core.com |
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cell 1-260-316-2010 |
tel. 1-989-724-6106 |
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home 1-260-495-9421 |
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South Region responsibility |
East Region responsibility |
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Alabama |
Connecticut |
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Arkansas |
Dist of Columbia |
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Florida |
Delaware |
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Georgia |
France |
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Indiana |
Germany |
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Kentucky |
Maine |
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Louisiana |
Maryland |
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Mississippi |
Massachusetts |
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North Carolina |
New Hampshire |
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South Carolina |
New Jersey |
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Tennessee |
New York |
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Virginia |
Pennsylvania |
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West Virginia |
Rhode Island |
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Vermont |
How is the Child Welfare Program going to move forward?
To-date, there are 27 Grandes which have signed out 2012 CW pins. Some are already paid and some donations have been received. Merci to you go getters, “Our Children” are proud of you as are we !!!!
The Sous Directeurs will be contacting the remaining Grandes in their assigned regions to find out how many CW pins you want sent to you. They will be soliciting for pins and donations.
You can’t be too old or don’t do anything. The Child Welfare Program needs your help!
There is a child out there who needs all of us. I am asking you please, please come to their assistance. It bothers me deeply to see a little child in need, unhappy, and crying. They didn’t ask to be brought into this world or their situation. We need you to rally to their assistance.
If you don’t want to sell pins (helps your Voiture, Grande programs also), then make a donation and that is what we are going to ask.
If you do sell pins, we still would appreciate your donations.
What is the old adage? “Be nice to your kids, they pick your rest home”! Well, “our Children” won’t, but they will be forever indebted to you. What better payment than to see a little child’s tears wiped away and a smile on their face!
Merci for all that you do and remember that we are here for the Organization of La Societe and it’s programs!
Child Welfare (May, 2011)
Did you ever notice that it’s like trying to pull teeth to get someone to fill out a report? Do you belong to a Voiture Locale which doesn’t fill out reports or at least doesn’t like to fill out a report and is very vocal about it? Better yet, does your Voiture just make up estimated figures?
We are all volunteers! No matter how you call it, that’s what we are. This statement alone is enough to rile up the masses and yet if you ask them to give you a hand, they say “what do you need?” or “I’ll help”. I guess that’s human nature.
Can you think of a better program than Child Welfare? Do you know that it is the oldest program of the 40ET8 ? Yeah, we sell Child Welfare pins to replenish the Charles W. Ardery Memorial Child Welfare Trust Fund. That is a fact, but there is much more to it than that.
There is each and every Voiture Locale’s moral obligation to be involved in the 40ET8 programs. My Locale’s has been Nurses Training Scholarships. We really go after it and it is difficult especially in these economic times. It’s hard to get volunteers, we are all getting older, things cost more, etc. We can make up any and every excuse in the world but the bottom line is we do it!
I can tell you that at every promenade of our Voiture, you either bring a canned good or give the Aumonier a dollar. We fine Voyageurs for some of the silliest things and all have a good laugh over it. Our Aumonier seeks out veterans, children, families in need of assistance and gives them the canned goods and monies collected from the Voyageurs at the promenade. Does it help? Yes. Is it appreciated? Yes. Is it reported? Verbally to the Voyageurs. Have we been told of the Charles W. Ardery Memorial Child Welfare Trust Fund? Yes. Have we used it? No.
I can tell you that our Aumonier had contact with a veteran’s family. The veteran was dying of a brain tumor, the wife was down and out with bills, the children didn’t have the money to come home and spend Thanksgiving with their mom, have dinner and see their dad. Our Aumonier took up a collection asking for more than the usual dollar. On Thanksgiving morning he was at Kroger’s picking up Thanksgiving meals, he delivered them to the family at their home. The whole family was together for Thanksgiving, got to eat together, and see their dad for his last Thanksgiving. Was it strictly Child Welfare? Maybe for the grandchildren, but it was only a Thanksgiving meal or was it more than that? The children were grown and experiencing tough times. Did it work? Yes. Did we do our duty? Most certainly! Did we feel the warm and fuzzies over it? Yeah, more than some would admit. A few tears never hurt anyone! And I saw some when the Aumonier reported back to our Locale.
So, just what is the Charles W. Ardery Memorial Child Welfare Trust Fund and how do we use it? The primary function of the Charles W. Ardery Trust Fund is to provide reimbursement of funds expended by Voitures Locales or Grandes in the emergent needs of children 17 years or younger. Simple enough explanation, huh?
Emergent cases should be the prime consideration and should be undertaken where established agencies are unable to move rapidly or cannot act. What are established agencies? Red Cross, churches, welfare are just a few examples. One time assistance to a family is all that is allowed and aid should not replace or supplement that which is available through established agencies.
Applications for grants must be made through Voiture Locale or Grande Voiture and must be submitted on the forms available through Voiture Nationale. All items must be completed and signed by the Voyageurs indicated on the form. No funds will be reimbursed unless the purpose is charitable and within the terms of the Trust agreement and the items purchased are made by a Voyageur
Expenditures greater than $100.00 per child or $400.00 per application serving families over four children must have prior approval from the Disbursement Board or Correspondant Nationale.
What you have read is important, so read it again if you must.
What type of cases will be considered? The emergent needs of children are the primary interest of the Charles W. Ardery Trust Fund. Emergent for this purpose is defined as: “A situation which has developed of a serious nature which demands prompt action.” This situation can be caused by natural disasters, flood, tornado, hurricane, fire, volcano, etc. Additionally, those situations caused by society may be considered. For example: loss of parental support, inability of civil agencies to act, civil disaster, etc.
Applications involving replacement of clothing: As situations vary from child to child, area to area and season to season, the Disbursement Board will accept without further explanation the following wearing apparel, provided cost does not exzceed $70.00 to $100.00 per child, or $400.00 per case, of four or more children.
As a guideline: a change of clothes usually will relieve the emergent need. All purchases will be supervised by a Voyageur at the direction of the Voiture Locale. Underclothing – minimum 3 complete changes, maximum 6 changes. Socks – boys 6 pair, girls not to exceed 6 changes. Outer clothing – minimum 2 changes – maximum 3 changes (to include pants, shirts, skirts and blouses. Outer wear – sweater or sweat shirt (only as season demands). Coats, etc. – 1 only as season demands. Shoes – 1 pair street shoes; if required, 1 pair gym shoes. Accessories – belts, ties, scarves, hat or cap, mittens or gloves, pajamas, robes, overshoes should never exceed 1 each as season demands. Make a list as recommended in item 4 of the application for funds instructions.
The Disbursement Board realizes that the personal tastes of the individual child may lean towards designer clothing (jeans, shirts, boots, etc.). However, you risk reduction in reimbursement if the individual cost of any of the above mentioned items exceeds the nominal cost determined at major department stores, Any adjustment to the guidelines established requires further explanation on the back of the application by the Voiture Locale. A listing to include size, description, detail and price of each item of clothing purchased for each child must be attached to the claim.
Applications involving subsistence: food, rent, utilities, fuel and the other necessary items should be weighed very carefully in regard to the situation. In most cases, alternative sources of assistance are available. In the event your investigation determines Charles W. Ardery Trust Fund assistance is needed, be sure that only the emergent need is satisfied. Food stuffs should be purchased in sufficient amounts to endure until other means become available. Candy, pop, cigarettes, toys, etc., should not be included. However, paper goods (napkins, toilet tissue) personal hygiene items and laundry detergents may be purchased in sufficient quantities to satisfy the needs.
Staple foods should be bought and the amount of perishable foods purchased should not exceed the ability to store. Canned or processed meats would be more desirable than fresh.
Situations demanding medical expenses for children should be weighed very carefully as, in most cases, civil agencies will handle these. Because of the dollar amounts involved , this trust cannot contribute to other funds being raised for a specific child. In most cases involving medical expenses, the Disbursement Board will consider those which involve examinations to determine the cause of extent of the illness. After the cause is determined, established agencies must be contacted to effect the cure. All those providing services should be requested for a charity disount.
Hearing aids, glasses, orthopedic devices, etc., may be purchased. However, care should be taken to see that devices as mentioned above are obtained at the most reasonable cost. A number of reductions are given especially for children. Example: Major department stores have optical departments which offer glasses at a more reasonable cost than opticians.
When completing the application, you must realize that you are explaining to the Disbursement Board the justification for making assistance available to the child and requesting reimbursement.
This is just a run down of things required to participate in the Charles W. Ardery Trust Fund. If you follow these guidelines and instructions you have a better chance for reimbursement.
This is exactly why the Child Welfare program is so vital to the 40ET8 and “our children”! Oh, and by the way, buy a pin! Will you?
Child Welfare 40ET8 Article (Feb, 2011)
Since 1921 we Voyageur Militars have made Child Welfare our most endearing responsibility.
We strive our best to take care of “Our Children”, for surely we have made them our very own.
They are family!
It is the most satisfying and humbling work that we have the honor of experiencing. I can’t speak for
the rest of you, but children pull on my heart strings and make me very emotional. It shakes me to the bone seeing kids who go wanting. What have they done in their young and tender lives to deserve this need?
Of course, where would we be without the assistance of La Femmes? Let us forever treasure their Child Welfare activites, their leadership, devotion and assistance to the Child Welfare Program and “Our Children”.
Did you know that we support Child Welfare with $.25 from each of our membership dues?
Did you know that this $.25 is earmarked for the C. W. Ardery Trust Fund?
Did you know that we (Grande and Nationale) want each and every Locale and Grande to honor our Child Welfare activites with a Child Welfare report?
Did you know that Voiture Locale and Grande Voiture Directeurs will use the same report?
Kind of makes it simpler doesn’t it?
Did you know that not only do we want you to favor us with a report, but we will also ask you to send in your Child Welfare report (Locales to Grande, Grande consolidated to Nationale)?
Each Voiture Locale must submit a Child Welfare report even if it just indicates the number of members and the $.25 per member from each Voyageur’s dues which is earmarked for the C.W. Ardery Trust Fund.
The Grande Directeur of Child Welfare will collect all reports, consolidate them on this same form, checking the block in front of the Grande Voiture du (place name of Grande), and indicate Grande Voiture membership as of July 1st, 2011, and then forward to the Directeur Nationale Child Welfare by August 15th, 2011.
In short, we want you to blow your own horn. We want you to sound off about what you do to make Child Welfare shine.
A great example of what is happening at the Voiture and Grande level is to check out
www.fortyandeightgrandeduindiana.org . Click on Child Welfare and take a look at the pictures and by-lines. Read what is happening for Child Welfare! Richard Spurgeon is not only the Grande Child Welfare Directeur but also the Sous Directeur Nationale for Child Welfare. Richard’s mode of operation is to not only e-mail/snail mail you but he likes to talk to you face-to-face. If you are a Grande under Richard’s area of responsibility, I promise you’ll hear from him. He has opened up his farm and heart for “Our Children” as well as being involved in a number of different Child Welfare activities.
Am I embarrassing Richard? I hope so! I know he’ll kick butt on me at our next contact though.
Does Richard go it alone? Absolutely not. He has good people assisting at the Voiture Locale/Cabane and on up the chain.
In all seriousness, I’m writing you this because it is a good example to share and we want your pictures, stories, articles and reports. We all must empathize, share, and communicate with each other. This is exactly how we motivate and all get on the same page and share ideas to better the Child Welfare Program.
We are all here to assist you! If you haven’t heard from your Sous Directeur Nationale Child Welfare or Grande Directeur Child Welfare give me a phone call (812-576-4275), e-mail (choffman@etczone.com), snail mail (25542 State Route 1, Guilford, IN 47022). I promise we will handle the situation.
Awards
Did you know that there are awards presented yearly recognizing Child Welfare contributions?
At Promenade Nationale each year, The National Child Welfare Committee meets to judge entries for awards. It is recommended but not required that those Voiture Locales and/or Grande Voiture Directeurs who wish to enter their report for competition prepare a binder or notebook containing photos of events, newspaper clippings or articles, copies of cancelled checks, copies of Voiture or Grande Newsletters to substantiate the work accomplished throughout the year (see above example), and submit this form via chain of Locales to Grande Directeurs and Grande Directeurs to Nationale Directeur Child Welfare.
John T. Digilio, Jr. Award
Awarded to the Grande with membership of 1 to 499 that performed the greatest service to La Societe in the Child Welfare Program.
N. Carl Neilson Award
Awarded to the Grande with membership of 500 to 3,000 that performed the greatest service to La Societe in the Child Welfare Program. A plaque is given to 1st Place with Honorable Mention to 2nd Place.
Charles W. Ardery, Jr. Award
Honorary Chef de Chemin de Fer Award to the Grande Voiture that performed the greatest service to La Societe in the Child Welfare Program. A plaque is given to 1st Place with Honorable Mention to 2nd Place.
Where can I find informative instructions about Child Welfare Program?
On the Resources drop down menu click on Forms & Petite (report forms and instructions are there).
You see, Child Welfare is more than “sell pins”! Yes, selling of pins and donations are what helps us to replenish the C.W. Ardery Trust Fund, but remember these are truly “Our Children” and we want you to know important facts about what is happening in the Child Welfare Program.