The other day my boss calls me and asks me if I could "take a stab" at a project for her. Of course, I said "yes" because I don't think I have ever said "no" to my boss, ever--or in fact, to any boss, ever. I am just not wired that way. She then tells me as part of our contract renewal for our foster care and preventive services programs they would like to apply to start a Special Medical and Developmental Preventive Program and she wants me to write the proposal, this week. Yikes.
Initially, I was overwhelmed and in fact about five minutes after I sat down to start to write decided that I needed a nap first. Which I took yesterday, but I have been going strong all day today and am having the best time writing a program from the ground up. We are proposing to serve 100 kids in the Bronx and East Harlem with a staff of about 20 workers and I can be as creative as I want. Its basically a program that is intended to serve families who are at risk of their children going into foster care. To be eligible for the program either the parent of the child has to have a chronic or terminal illness, mental retardation or developmental disability or other special medical need.
If you have ideas for a program pass them on and better yet, if you have an idea for a program name pass that on too.
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS 2019
6 years ago
5 comments:
"Help me help my child" To long? Not the right fit? Your project and attitude sound ambitious. Way to go and good luck!
Tara, As you know, I was able to create a program for adoptive families--I had a lot of freedom, I just needed to meet certain goals. What are the goals/targets for your program. --supporting them in staying together. One program we used with them was "Strengthening Families" it was an intensive family group for children and parents. I did have to tailor it to meet the needs of the kids in Harlem. (the way the program was written it was a little suburban if I recall, but it had some good basic stuff.)
Another thought is a "lifebook" kind of group. Perhaps having the families put down their life story together--through art, photos--it gives them an opportunity to process some of the hard things, and good things in their family.
We should really chat. I'd love to brainstorm with you if you would like. I know it is a huge, but exciting job! I'll email you my number :)
Hi Tara,
Sounds like a great project! You are still in Palm Springs right? (Just curious because you mentioned the Bronx). I am currently doing contract work with a state program called California Children's Services (CCS) that provide in-home therapy as well as other supportive services to help families with children who have developmental disabilities/mental illness, etc. You can look up their website for more information. Its not specifically targeting prevention of foster care placement, but I think in-home services gives the family the support they need to cope with the stressors of having a child with special needs, and may in turn help prevent foster placement. Email me if you want to talk more.
Of coarse she asked you to do it! Why wouldn't she?! That is awesome. You'll do a great job, I'm sure it will be amazing.
As if you don't have enough on your plate approving/rejecting everybody's FASP. LOL. This is a great undertaking and I'm glad you're the one to do it. The wheels are turning in my head about a name;I'll get back to you on that one. Of course, I've considered something such as "Beautiful Gates," "Hannah's Help," or "Take This Thorn out of My Side!" because I'm so Christian. LOL. But, I will give this careful thought and share soon. No so anonymous....Freda
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