A letter from our Director:
To My Heros:
I am not much for talking in front of people, especially
about things I feel strongly. So here is the speech I couldn’t
give. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to work with the TFC
team, the children but most of all you, the families. In these times of
turmoil in a country so divisive and divided, you give me hope. As a
stood at the dinner and looked around, I saw the most extraordinary people who
have each done some extraordinary things this year. Two of our children
aged out and continue to consider their TFC family, their forever family. Those
parents continue to support and advocate for them as they transition to
adulthood. Four of our children were facing a transition to family
members they had never met in states far from here, more than that they were
facing disruption to all the progress they had made with and because of their
TFC families. In the face of this outcome, two of our families said no,
we will keep them as our own and took guardianship, making a lifelong
commitment to those children. Three families opened their homes to
children who were struggling in their placements which kept them in our program
and gave them continuity. One child needed more intensive services and
supports than our program could provide. Her TFC family has visited and
kept in contact with them. Another family who had only every provided respite
for this child and has a more suitable home situation has stepped up to become
another support and potential placement after treatment, another child who
wasn’t lost or forgotten when their needs rose and who knows they have value to
those who have cared for them. We accepted our first medically fragile
child and her TFC mother has slayed dragons and insurance paperwork to get her
the medical care and equipment she needs and has done so without the supports
she needs. The school marvels at how much progress has been made in
this child, from appearance to behavior.
The acuity of children coming
into Treatment Foster Care is rising and several families have faced behavioral
crises of children that were unlike anything they had dealt with before. Every
time they faced it with compassion for the child. Their fellow TFC families
stepped up when needed and provided respite to these children knowing what they
could face. We took children from other counties further away then we are use
to and the TFC family and Social Workers did what it took to support these
children to maintain contact and connection with their bio parents. We have 5
families who are considering or preparing for the adoption or guardianship of
children in their care, again making a lifelong commitment to care and provide
for these children. One family whose TFC child was reunited with family and had
his final court date, sent a letter sharing his joy and appreciation for all
his TFC family did for him and for helping him find God, who he now says guides
and supports him every day. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt every
child in your home has improved and grown under the love, care and direction
you have provided. You make my heart swell with gratitude and admiration.
I am truly humbled by what you do everyday to make this world and a child’s
life better.
Personally, I am grateful for the grace you have all shown
me as I learn and make mistakes in this new role. I hope you know,
despite the Interim in my title, I am dedicated to the service and support of
you and this program. I would be remiss if I didn’t say, none of
this would be possible without the TFC Team. Monique, who keeps us all
straight and on track, plans trainings and events. Karen, who sings your
praises and is always out their looking for new families to support you and our
children. Briana, Nanette and Christanna have been a blessing to me in
learning and growing in this role. From what you have shared with me, I
know each of you appreciates and value all that they do everyday for you and
the children in our care. I value their dedication and commitment to you, the
children and The Arc and their desire to always find new and effective ways to
support everyone. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of them and
each of you. A dinner is the smallest of tokens to express my appreciation.
Please know you are all my heros! Gratefully – Kim
Albert
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