“I’m so proud of her,” beamed Kristen Williams, Program Supervisor of Foster Care and Adoption at C&FS, as she explained how she helped a mother reunite with her baby girl. We asked Kristen about how she makes a difference this National Social Work Month.
Kristen reflected on the trust that she and the mother were able to build over their time working together. The mother knew that she could go to Kristen when she needed help – whether that meant emotional support, connecting to community services, or finding supplies for her baby to have at home. Likewise, Kristen knew that the mother was doing her best in a difficult situation.
Providing connections to resources is one way C&FS’ social workers advocate for families in the reunification process. “Something as seemingly simple as being able to provide a kid a place to sleep at night is so rewarding,” said Kristen. She pointed out that without the passion that social workers have for the clients, the families would go without many things. She encourages fellow social workers to “celebrate the little things.”
Social workers take a special pride in empowering others. Thank you to all of Child and Family Services’ social workers for their significant role in connecting families to the services they need in our community.