Board of Child Care All Staff November 2023 Core Value Award Winners

Imani N—Empathy
Youth Care Professional, Baltimore

Here is what her nomination said:

Imani has shown great empathy towards one of our complex youths. Imani can listen and respond to youth in crisis. Imani uses her TCI skills when dealing with complex youth she has been able to de-escalate many crises in the unit and out in the community. She has been one of the youth's favorite staff as she can understand and listen to Youth, no matter the conversation. She continues to show other staff the correct way to respond to crises and how to communicate effectively with Youth.

Congratulations, Imani, and thank you!

Alexandra G—Safety
Therapist, Strawbridge School

Here is what her nomination said:

Alexandra consistently demonstrates safety as a mindset. Recently, she demonstrated this by going above and beyond to emulate this trait while working with a youth in her care. She was able to quickly respond to a child in crisis calmly and efficiently to help de-escalate. When the child became physically aggressive and rapidly switched between escalated and baseline the school-based team made the difficult decision to emergency petition for hospitalization. Alexandra determined it was best for the youth's emotional and mental health to accompany him to the hospital and wait with him during the intake process, which lasted several hours after her scheduled workday ended, even when it became known the parents were unwilling/unable to go to the hospital. She remained with the child and continued to practice safe de-escalation strategies during this time, not knowing how long it would last or if the additional family would be able to relieve her to support the youth.

Thank you, Alexandra, and congratulations!

Garry K—Relationships
Facilities Supervisor, Mechanicsburg

Here is what his nomination said:

Garry is our maintenance director, but he is much more than that to the people he interacts with daily. As he drives up our lane each morning, the kids waiting for the bus say "Here comes Mr. Garry" and they all wait for him to pass as they wave. He always responds with a grin and a wave. Anytime he is in a unit, one can always count on him having plenty of "helpers". From breaking down boxes to carrying supplies, all of the kids are eager to help Mr. Garry. He unfailingly responds to any inquiry with "Sure, no problem, I can do that". He's just an example of an all-around "good guy"

Congratulations, Garry, and thank you!

Anthony “Curtis” H—Impact
Youth Care Professional, Denton

Here is what his nomination said:

Mr. Curtis has been with us only a short while, but he has made such a positive impact on all of the youth and staff. His quiet giving demeanor adds up to the youth starting their day right, as they wake for school. Mr. Curtis works overnight but has taken on the dreaded task of grocery shopping weekly for the cottage and also feeds the youth and staff lovingly made homemade meals a couple of times a week. He has also volunteered to prep our Thanksgiving dinner. Mr. Curtis makes a point to get to know everyone and is very respectful of others. He wants to do everything the way it is supposed to be done and also volunteers to help others. Making dinners that he is not required to do or even offering to drop off the mail on his way home. He has been a joy to have on our team.

Thank you Mr Curtis, and  Congratulations!

Teamwork Always:

Here at BCC, teamwork is a major contribution to the success of our organization. For our 'Teamwork Always' moment today, I would like to recognize the Program Team in Baltimore. In early October Stacey Newman and Austin Pannell, after running out of options, approached Carlos about a possible collaboration with the purpose of temporarily transporting a TFC youth back and forth, between his aunt’s house located in Baltimore and his school, located in Waldorf. The team immediately identified that the biggest obstacle to overcome was the identification of staff members willing to go above and beyond expectations and commit to a task that would have them both arrive and leave work significantly earlier and later than scheduled. To make the assignment even less attractive for staff to volunteer was a lengthy drive, in traffic, both ways. However, even with the great challenges faced, we all agreed to forge a transportation plan and initiate a search for volunteers within the Campus Supports ranks. It was not long before we had a roster of volunteers who answered the call to help our TFC youth with his transportation needs. The commitment to go and beyond expectations exhibited by this team, for our youth across programming, is the reason I believe they are deserving of recognition in the way of receiving the Team Work Always Award. Thank you to Chanise Wise, Marlina Lee, Isiah Brister, Austin Pannel, Stacey Newman, Janay Moore, Quintae Tinnin and Carlos Grajeda for your collaboration.

SAFETY as a mindset—We value life, spirit, and health above all else and take action to maintain the safety of our workplaces, programs, and services through a trauma responsive lens. We are personally accountable for our own safety and collectively responsible for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of our community.

Foster RELATIONSHIPS within our community—Openness and honesty with all stakeholders make for both the best program outcomes and team culture. Inclusive practices are the building blocks for trust. We create space for conversations that grow transparency about our decisions, promises, and understanding of one another.

Listen and respond with EMPATHY—Empathy will guide our programming and culture at all levels. A supportive work and program environment means valuing the voices of all people, ensuring equitable representation, and growing a desire to know and understand others. We recognize that with empathy we will better understand what type of care and encouragement to provide.

IMPACT drives lasting change—We seek to make lasting change in the lives of those we work with by providing services that are inclusive, measurable, and durable. We maximize our impact by investing in staff and board development. Feedback presents opportunity for action, which enhances and strengthens our programs and their outcomes.

Read more from Board of Child Care All Staff November 2023 Core Value Award Winners

Board of Child Care All Staff 8-23-2023 Core Value Award Winners

It is my pleasure once again to announce the winners of our Core Value Awards.

For those staff who may be new to BCC, each winner receives a framed certificate and a $50 amazon.com gift card. All nominators will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card.

Take a moment between now and our next All Staff meeting to share something great you observed about one of your teammates. You can even do it right from your phone!


Diana T —Safety
Health & Wellness Coordinator, PA

Here is what her nomination said:

“Diana Thomas has been extremely welcoming to new summer staff; friendly and helpful in many ways.  She took time out of her day to help new hires (who were unable to attend original training) get CPR training completed to help accomplish our goal to be in ratio with the youth as soon as possible.

She always stopped in to ask if we needed anything and provided hot spots when the internet would not cooperate."

Thank you, Diana, and congratulations!

Hannah M—Relationships
Medical Coordinator, Caminos Baltimore

Here is what her nomination said:

"Hannah is a new member of the Caminos Maryland team - she joined the program in April, taking on the role of the Medical Coordinator. Since joining the Caminos team, Hannah has stepped right into her role on the Administrative team - she has worked to establish positive relationships with our external stakeholders, collaborated with LTFC parents to secure care for the youth in their homes, and has brought forward solutions to workflow challenges experienced by the program.

And even though her job requires her to spend a lot of time completing paperwork and communicating with external stakeholders, Hannah makes sure that she spends time with the kids.... sometimes even coloring on the walls while waiting for x-rays to be done (no worries, it was coloring paper)!"

Congratulations, Hannah, and thank you!


Saychelle R.—Empathy
Youth Care Professional, Baltimore

Here is what her nomination said:

"Ms. Rivers always hears the youth out. Whether In crisis or agitated. When a youth was embarrassed to come forth about an accident she had made on herself she ensured them that accident happens and suggested using the bathroom before going to bed. She hurdled help with the cleanup and made sure the child did not feel sad or embarrassed."

Congratulations, Saychelle, and thank you!

Jessica W.—Impact
Assistant Program Director, Baltimore

Here is what her nomination said:

"Jessica Weeg is the Assistant Program Director of Clinical Services for our Maryland Residential programs. She identified a problem in our Maryland Residential program that was negatively impacting our efficiency. Through her diligent and detailed efforts, she was able to ensure the needed corrections were made on all fronts."

Thank you Jess for making an impact behind the scenes to keep our systems running smoothly and correctly!

Teamwork Always:

Here at BCC, teamwork is a major contribution to the success of our organization. For our 'Teamwork Always' moment today, I would like to recognize the Program Team in Baltimore. Thank you to everyone who supported Kira’s first visit in two years with her mother. The staff in House 4 listened to Kira talk about her upcoming visit for several weeks and helped her to process her emotions. Campus Supervisor who found staff, (thank you to Ms. Crystal), to drive all the way to Cumberland to rescue us when the van broke down. Kira was able to spend 4 hours with her mother and they loved every minute.  She reconnected with her great-grandmother via Facetime while visiting with her mother. Kira will be seeing her mother weekly with their plan being reunification now pending DSS approval.

SAFETY as a mindset—We value life, spirit, and health above all else and take action to maintain the safety of our workplaces, programs, and services through a trauma responsive lens. We are personally accountable for our own safety and collectively responsible for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of our community.

Foster RELATIONSHIPS within our community—Openness and honesty with all stakeholders make for both the best program outcomes and team culture. Inclusive practices are the building blocks for trust. We create space for conversations that grow transparency about our decisions, promises, and understanding of one another.

Listen and respond with EMPATHY—Empathy will guide our programming and culture at all levels. A supportive work and program environment means valuing the voices of all people, ensuring equitable representation, and growing a desire to know and understand others. We recognize that with empathy we will better understand what type of care and encouragement to provide.

IMPACT drives lasting change—We seek to make lasting change in the lives of those we work with by providing services that are inclusive, measurable, and durable. We maximize our impact by investing in staff and board development. Feedback presents opportunity for action, which enhances and strengthens our programs and their outcomes.

Read more from Board of Child Care All Staff 8-23-2023 Core Value Award Winners

Board of Child Care Q1 2023 Core Value Award Winners

The Board of Child Care would like to recognize Jasmine Mayo, Diane Baerga, Sheena Santana, and Jasha "Shay" Washington as our Q1 2023 Core Value Award Winners!

Jasmine Mayo—Safety
Regional Navigator, OMHC (Pasadena)

Here is what her nomination said:

“Jasmine Mayo, the new Regional Navigator, has made such an impact on our agency in such a short time of being employed. However, I want to focus on her ability to provide safety support to her Regional Navigator survivors.

Jasmine has been able to provide support and services while building a trusting and safe relationship with those on her caseload.”

Thank you, Jasmine, and congratulations!

Diane Baerga—Relationships
Administrative Assistant, Caminos West (PA)

Here is what her nomination said:

“Diane Baerga keeps good communication and relationship between Caminos Program and Residential. She is a liaison to help Caminos Staff incorporate with residential, using PA Regulations. Example: She was the guide during the DHS Inspection and, she helped to keep everything in compliance with PA Regulations. Caminos had a successful inspection.”

Congratulations, Diane, and thank you!

Sheena Santana—Impact
Youth Care Professional, Caminos West (PA)

Here is what her nomination said:

“Sheena is a go-getter and is always taking the time to complete tasks to help make the program run smoother for the youth and her co-workers. Sheena never stops working and taking on tasks even when she has a full plate herself.

When Sheena arrives on campus on Sunday mornings, she gets everything going for the week and gives the kitchen a thorough cleaning before the second staff member is set to arrive. Sheena also helps the youth feel more comfortable on campus, by branching out of her comfort zone and cooking and preparing meals to the youth’s liking and cultural background. She has spent much time improving her Spanish and can now hold productive conversations with the youth.

“Sheena has impacted the program positively in many ways and continues to each day.”

Congratulations and thank you, Sheena!

Jasha "Shay" Washington—Empathy
Awake Overnight Youth Care Professional (Hagerstown)

Here is what her nomination said:

“Shay’s great and positive attitude during tough times here in the Falling Waters facility has made the staff and youth turn negative outcomes into positive outcomes. She is making a great impact on all that she comes across.”

Congratulations, Shay, and thank you!

SAFETY as a mindset—We value life, spirit, and health above all else and take action to maintain the safety of our workplaces, programs, and services through a trauma responsive lens. We are personally accountable for our own safety and collectively responsible for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of our community.

Foster RELATIONSHIPS within our community—Openness and honesty with all stakeholders make for both the best program outcomes and team culture. Inclusive practices are the building blocks for trust. We create space for conversations that grow transparency about our decisions, promises, and understanding of one another.

IMPACT drives lasting change—We seek to make lasting change in the lives of those we work with by providing services that are inclusive, measurable, and durable. We maximize our impact by investing in staff and board development. Feedback presents opportunity for action, which enhances and strengthens our programs and their outcomes.

Listen and respond with EMPATHY—Empathy will guide our programming and culture at all levels. A supportive work and program environment means valuing the voices of all people, ensuring equitable representation, and growing a desire to know and understand others. We recognize that with empathy we will better understand what type of care and encouragement to provide

Read more from Board of Child Care Q1 2023 Core Value Award Winners

Rosh Hashanah

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

 

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Follow Me and I’ll Make You Fishers of Men

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!

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Many Thanks to David Daughaday

David has concluded his term on BCC’s Board of Directors effective June 30, 2017. During his tenure he served as both chair of the finance and asset management committees as well as Treasurer.  His leadership and thoughtful questions and suggestions will be sincerely missed, and we wish him well as he begins his next grand adventure – retirement!

From left to right: Laurie Anne Spagnola, David Daughaday, Guy Everhart
David receives a piggy bank as a small token of appreciation for his years of service as the Board treasurer.

 

David receives a piece of art made by one of the youth on campus.
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