Director's Corner

ANNIVERSARY MONTH
As we begin our celebration of our 30th Anniversary, it gives me an opportunity to reflect on our past and look forward to our future. We began as a very small Treatment Foster Care agency, which was incorporated on March 1, 1977. We have grown to assume a large role in Virginia in services to people of all ages who have special needs and challenges. Due to farsighted leadership, we have initiated new programs as needs have developed in our clients' lives. My predecessor, Herb Beskar, was able to bring to life several services that have enhanced the lives of many individuals. His leadership encouraged staff members to try new ideas and think creatively about how needs could be met.

As a part of our 30th Anniversary celebration, we have produced a short video, which highlights our four programs. The video features stories about the children, adults and families we serve, as told by our staff members. It shows the difference we are making in the lives of many people, young and old, in Virginia.

As I reflect on our accomplishments and on the video, I realize that there is a common element, our staff. We would not have had 30 successful years without the dedication and commitment of our staff members. This commitment shows in many ways. Sometimes it is an In-Home Services clinician staying with a family until a crisis can be resolved. Other times it may be a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker going out to talk with a child regarding a difficult situation even though it means that she is starting her Christmas Holiday late. It is the Day Support Mentor making sure there are special supplies on hand for a participant to express his particular artistic talent. It is the Adoption Specialist who helps a child get ready for a new family by driving many miles for a special visit to a former home or community. Or it is the Finance Department staff nember who stays up late to make sure fostre parent and care provider checks are sent out on time even though the computer program crashed. All of these examples point to our dedication to serve our clients and to our determination to go above and beyond what may be expected.

As we celebrate our past, we continue to share with our communities. For our 30th anniversary our agency has committed to doing 3000 hours of community service for the year. Each service location will be doing different volunteer activities to make our neighborhoods and communities stronger places. There is more elsewhere in this newsletter about what we are doing. This commitment is a testimony to the attitude of service to others found throughout our staff. With this outlook, I know we will enjoy at least another 30 years of overcoming challenges and building brighter futures.

Sue Bentley
Executive Director
DePaul Family Services