a good bye

Monday we say good bye to Andy Nicholas, Gustke Shelter supervisor, who is leaving the position at the shelter. Andy will be working closer to his home/ roots in the Glenville area. Andy has had two stints (or more!) with the agency, and always shows appreciation for the quality work and organization of the agency. We wish him well, and will stay in touch as he continues in the social work field. Andy has always been a good trainer and presenter, so look for him to lead some social work CEU events sometime/ somewhere.

Founders Day tomorrow!

Children's Home Society's founders day is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th at Heritage Farm in Huntington. There is quite a build up about a tug of war contest, with "captains" Dennis Sutton and board president, Keith Spears. Apparently this started last year at the Founders Day in Charleston (I could not attend). This should make for a good story afterward- so stay tuned!!! We hope for good weather, and a fun time for all, while we build a little comraderie and sense of connection to all the good people and good work of the agency.

message from Steve about Parkersburg site leadership change

Effective July 1, 2009, Shelley Plauche will be assuming the position of Parkersburg site director. Shelley will oversee the programs and operations of the Parkersburg site, including the Gustke Shelter, foster care and adoption, the Runaway and Homeless Youth programs, the Mid Town Family Resource Center, the school based social service programs (Truancy Diversion and the Homeless Student Liaison program), the early childhood programs, and the VISTA projects. She will also be the lead person for site marketing and development efforts in accordance with the agency’s strategic plan.
I will continue to be based at the Parkersburg site, and will be working on tasks and projects that further the agency’s strategic vision, such as my involvement in the various provider networks, new program development, assisting statewide efforts. I will be helping support Shelley and assist with further developing the leadership/ structure at the Parkersburg site. My only roles at the site will consist of transitioning project/ program supervision where applicable, and as it relates to the agency-wide strategic mission work.
I would be glad to discuss these transitions with anyone who has questions. Congratulations to Shelley for this assignment, and the acknowledgment of her skills and attributes by the agency, for her leadership of one of the agency’s most vibrant and positive sites, daily fulfilling the agency’s mission and impacting countless children and families.

This didn't come through as a flyer; but at least the information is there!!!

June 24, 2009, 6 pm at our Mid Town Family Resource Center at 1739 St. Mary's Ave., Parkersburg. Call: 485-0650 for information.

EACH OF US CAN CHOOSE WHAT WE DO
Join us for a comprehensive discussion of the ideas and theories of renowned psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs of Children’s Home Society is proud to sponsor this colloquium presented by CHS Regional Director Steve Tuck, MSW, ACSW. This event is free and open to anyone interested in exploring Glasser’s methods as a means to “significantly improve the way we get along with others.” Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Picture from Foster Family Appreciation Picnic this past Tuesday

Foster Family Appreciation Picnic- roaring success!!!

We had a great picnic for our big "family" tonight of foster parents, foster children, staff, families in general at Jackson Park in Vienna. I am sure tomorrow there will be some pictures!!! This was a great event; with much hard work put in by a LOT of people to make it a fantastic success. The weather held up great, no rain! There were a number of prayers and positive thoughts put out there, and they came through! The food was plentiful and diverse; perfect picnic fare! There were all ages, and the playground was a hit, the "cornhole" game, some basketball, and lots of good stuff. People mingled around and made new acquaintances, and felt the feeling of togetherness and support that our collective work with children brings.
Carna did a great job spearheading the effort, and the VISTA gals, and Sandy, all did great jobs soliciting community support; the staff came out in great numbers and worked hard at the event with the grilling, preparing, and clean up!!! The foster parents all got certificates and gifts, and the pinata was a tough one to break, but once it did, it set the kids scrambling for goodies. All in all, a great event to further our foster care work here from the Parkersburg site!!!!!

Ken Storey's MSW field placement start up

Ken Storey, with the Runaway and Homeless Youth Transitional Living Program, has started his field placement (foundation, general) for his MSW program (the Charleston program of WVU). Ken will be learning and assisting in the various other programs operated at the site, as part of this phase of his coursework. He has already begun learning more depth about the foster care program, including attending a PRIDE training session, and accompanying Carna on a family visit.