Director's Corner

New Beginnings
Summer is winding down and by the time this is published, children will be back at school and the routine will be in full swing. Others will be embarking on new job ventures and other community activities. This is a transition time for many of our staff, foster parents, and care providers as well as the children, adults and families whom we serve.

The summer picnics are a highlight in our Treatment Foster Care and Developmental Disabilities service locations. This summer I have been privileged to attend four picnics. Two more are scheduled in September. At each event the level of care given to those whom we serve impressed me. I witnessed wonderful interaction between staff and children and adults, between care providers and adults, and between foster parents and children. This included everything from what someone liked or didn't like on a hamburger without having to be reminded to learning a new sign from a client who is fluent in American Sign Language. There were numerous examples of such positive interaction at each location. My reaction to seeing these interactions is a great sense of pride in our care providers, foster parents and staff for their commitment to helping others overcome challenges.

This month has seen some changes in our Clinical Services Program. The most obvious change has been a move for the Roanoke staff. In July they moved "up the hill" to a new home, still in Brammer Village. It was time for a move since staff were using closets as offices in the former building. Even though the space has doubled, the new location is nearly full already. One of the reasons for the need for more space has been the growth of the Mental Health Support Services program. This is an individually based service for adults and older teens who have multiple challenges. We currently are serving individuals in our Roanoke and Danville offices and will soon be expanding services to the Lynchburg area.

The Adoption Program is involved in a project with several of our local Department of Social Services Partners in Piedmont and Southwest Virginia. We have co-sponsored two "Heart Galleries" which are photographic exhibits of Virginia children who are waiting for adoption. The first Heart Gallery was held in Abingdon in the month of August. The second one will open in mid-September at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. The Heart Gallery is a national initiative to highlight children in local communities who are ready for adoption.

Each of our four programs continues to grow and thrive because of the faith and trust our communities place in our ability to provide care for those whom we serve. We appreciate that vote of confidence.

Sue Bentley
Executive Director
DePaul Family Services