My JOB!
Although work this week has been long and exhausting, I can truly say, "I love my job". As we are wrapping up 2008, getting presents ready for foster children, attending work Christmas parties, and setting goals for the new year I am just so overcome by pride and excitement for the job that I do and the people I work with.
I am proud of our agency. We have had a year of changes. A new computer system, a more family centered approach through Family Team meetings, WIGS (Wildly Important Goals), etc. Change is hard for people, especially when the changes disrupt "the way it has always been done". However, I am seeing such positive results from these changes. Our foster care department is fully staffed and fully trainined - something that has not been accomplished in the 7 years I have been employed there. This may seem trivial but not having turnover is essential in the support we give families. We are sending children to permanency in a more timely manner - whether that be going home to their family, a relative or through the adoption process. My unit finalized 34 adoptions this year - not that I am trying to brag....well, yes I am. They are incredibly hard working individuals who have a passion for helping children!
I have even noticed that there has been a bigger commitment and coming together of citizens in our community. We have around 350 children in foster care in our county, yet we were struggling to find foster homes for these children. We averaged 35-40 homes which meant many of our children had to not only leave their homes and families, but also leave their community, school, friends to be placed in foster care. This year the Resource Development workers have steadily raised our number of foster homes and hope to have 50 homes by the end of the year and even more next year.
During the Christmas season, the community has reached out in so many ways to show foster children, their biological families, and foster families how much they are cared for. Floyd County EMS held a Breakfast with Santa, at which every child got their picture taken with Santa, a gift, and breakfast provided by Chicfila. Another local business held a dinner exclusively for 3 or 4 foster families at which Santa made an appearance and brought toys for all of the children. The children were ecstatic. So were the foster parents, who rarely get to take their families to a sit down restaurant.
This morning Christmas presents were delivered to our office. A certain company in Atlanta and citizens from Rome sponsor all of our foster children, providing every gift they ask for on their list! Over the next week, the case managers will be transformed into Santa's little helpers -delivering presents to all of the children on their caseload.
As I reflect on being thankful for my job, as stressful as it can be at times, and stand in awe of the magic of the season, I send Santa my own wish list. All I want for Christmas...is to find forever families for these children.
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