Category Archive for "Board of Child Care"

Behind The Tassel-CJ

Posted on October 24, 2017 at 1:25 pm.

A New Path Chosen

Diagnosed with ADD at an early age, C.J. struggled throughout his childhood and was headed down a path of self-destruction. He found himself in jail and was admitted to BCC’s Falling Waters Campus. While he was there, C.J. discovered a sense of community that did wonders for his self esteem and communication skills. C.J. became very active in the local high school while BCC staff kept him on track with his academics. When offered the chance to graduate on stage with his senior class, C.J. chose instead to graduate at Falling Waters. It was one of his proudest moments. After leaving the BCC, C.J. wanted to join the armed forces yet he was unable to score high enough for enlistment. Using the skills learned at the BCC, C.J. studied until he was able to earn the rank of a U.S. Marine.

Rosh Hashanah

Posted on September 20, 2017 at 3:30 pm.

At sunset yesterday, Wednesday, September 20, our Jewish friends will begin the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and conclude on the evening of Friday, September 22. The year will be 5778.

Here is a traditional greeting to offer: L’shana tovah u’metukah – “For a good and sweet year.”

This is pronounced l’shah-NAH toe-VAH ooh-meh-too-KAH (oo as in food).

Please join me in wishing everyone who is celebrating a very happy new year!

L’shana tovah u’metukah!

This is a great opportunity for all of us to celebrate the good things of the past year and look forward to a new beginning with God’s blessing.

I want to share with you a brief video for the celebration. Last year a group of people from different communities around the world recorded a special blessing song for Rosh Hashanah. The video was done by 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center. This is the link to the video: I hope you enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/sHlLYhYNbc0

Hope and Peace to all – Rev. Stacey

Follow Me and I’ll Make You Fishers of Men

Posted on September 19, 2017 at 3:58 pm.

Scripture Reference: Matthew Chapter 4: Verses 18-20
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of galilee, he saw two brothers-Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew-throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come follow me, and I will show you how to be fishers of men.” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Simon and Andrew probably thought this was where they were supposed to be in life. They probably thought this was what they were meant to do for a living. That maybe they reached their potential and this was all they would do and be in life. However, Jesus comes along with an offer they couldn’t refuse. He tells them to “follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” In other words, you think what you’re doing now is good, but if you follow me I can show you greatness. They were content catching fish. Jesus called them to change lives.

There are levels in our lives that God wants to take us too. Levels that include amazing opportunities and blessings. Levels that include helping others and having a positive impact in a negative world. Simon and Andrew would not have tapped into the greatness of God if they weren’t willing to follow Jesus. Jesus is telling us today that He can do great things in our lives and takes us to heights that we never imagined, if we’re willing to follow Him. If we’re willing to leave “our nets” and follow Him, He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than we should ever ask or think, according to the power that lies in us!

Inspiration for the New School Year 2017 – 2018

Posted on September 11, 2017 at 10:11 pm.

A Back-to-School Message from Mr. Shawn Elbert, Director

At the start of a new school year, we feel a sense of excitement. After having time off in the summer

to relax and rejuvenate, we approach the upcoming school year with a renewed sense of purpose, determination, and eagerness to teach. We look at our empty classroom and school as a blank canvas and we imagine what we can create in the minds of our students. We know each year will have its share of ups and downs, successes and failures; however, each opportunity is a chance to learn. A chance to challenge ourselves. A chance to step up to the plate.

I was recently watching the Little League World Series and thought about my days playing baseball. I remembered the times watching from the dugout with my teammates as the opposing pitcher would “warm-up” on the mound. We wanted to see how fast he threw the ball. If he was throwing slow and controlled, we all chomped at the bit to get a chance to bat. If he was throwing some “heat” with a lot of movement in the ball, some of us (including myself) would be hesitant to stand in the batter’s box to face him. We didn’t know what to expect. If I wasn’t confident I could hit the ball, I would often stand further away from the plate. It made me feel safer in the batter’s box. Our coach would encourage us to be disciplined batters, not to be afraid, and to step up to the plate. We may not have known what pitch he was going to throw and how fast he would throw it, but we wouldn’t have a chance to hit it if we weren’t ready for the challenge… if we didn’t step up to the plate.

This school year will undoubtedly present its share of challenges. We may have many things “thrown at us” that we haven’t seen before. It may be a challenging curriculum, challenging behaviors, or a sense of not having enough time to complete lessons. It may feel overwhelming and the task may feel daunting. The good news is we were built to accept the challenge. There is something inside of us that helps us to step up to the plate.

So this year I encourage each one of us to accept the challenge before us. Maybe

we want to be the best teacher, student aide, behavior staff, or social worker we can be this year. Maybe it’s to be the best parent, spouse, sibling, or friend we can be. Whatever the challenge is, let’s all remember that with God ALL things are possible! If we believe, keep the faith, and help one another, there is no limit to what we can do.

But first, we have to step up to the plate!

Thank you so much for your contribution in support of our Back to School appeal! While we appreciate online contributions, if you are having any trouble using our online form you are also welcome to mail a check to:

Board of Child Care
Attn: Back to School
3300 Gaither Road
Baltimore, MD 21244

You may also call (410) 922-2100 x5430 to make a contribution over the phone during regular business hours.

Thomas L. Curcio, former President/CEO and youth advocate passes away.

Posted on August 23, 2017 at 3:05 pm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kristian Sekse
(443) 845-4395 (cell)
ksekse@boardofchildcare.org

BOARD OF CHILD CARE ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF THOMAS L. CURCIO, FORMER PRESIDENT/CEO

Baltimore, Md. – August 23, 2017 – “On behalf of the Board of Child Care (BCC) Board of Directors, our employees, and program alumni, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Thomas Curcio,” stated Guy Everhart, chair of the board of directors. “Our hearts and prayers are with the Curcio family.” Mr. Curcio, passed away August 22, 2017.

Mr. Curcio started his career in the field of child welfare more than 45 years ago. In 1993, he took over as executive director (later becoming president and CEO) of the Board of Child Care and led BCC through remarkable growth. When Mr. Curcio assumed his leadership post, BCC had an annual budget of just $3 million and served 50 youth on one campus. Upon his retirement on June 30, 2014, the organization spanned Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and served hundreds of children and young adults annually.

During Mr. Curcio’s leadership the Board of Child Care received several honors including Organization of the Year Award and Best Practice Award for Innovative Programming from the United Methodist Association. In 2009 Mr. Curcio was named Administrator of the Year by the same association. A year prior, he received the Samuel Gerson Nordlinger Child Welfare Leadership Award from the Alliance for Children and Families.

An Ellicott City resident, Mr. Curcio graduated from Gannon University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He held both a master’s in criminal justice from Long Island University and a master’s in social work from Hunter College, School of Social Work.

Family and friends may call at the Candle Light Funeral Home by Craig Witzke for a memorial gathering on Friday, 6-8pm. Services and Interment private. For further information and/or to post condolences, please visit www.candlelightfuneralhome.com

About the Board of Child Care

The Board of Child Care has a long history of serving children and families in the community. The organization began as three United Methodist orphanages that opened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which later merged in 1960 to become the Board of Child Care.

Today, the Board of Child Care’s $32 million annual budget provides programs that enrich communities, one family at a time. It offers residential treatment, mental health, special and early learning educational programs, and community-based programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic. To see a map of all program locations and descriptions of each BCC program, visit boardofchildcare.org.

Behind the Tassel – Cambria

Posted on July 20, 2017 at 1:37 pm.

PICTURED FOR SUCCESS!

Get Help

About Board of Child Care