Directors Desk

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge our Family Resource Center Team is doing its best to serve families, stay safe and contain the spread.  While we yearn for normalcy, we continue to demonstrate ingenuity in creating the new normal.   We look to 2021 with hope. 

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a Parents as Teachers national conference virtual session about COVID-19 and Early Childhood, led by Wisconsin pediatrician Dipesh Nasvaria.  An associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Nasvaria also serves on the board of Parents as Teachers National.  He encouraged us to pay attention to the emerging scientific findings and to demonstrate calm, caring, and confident compassion for everyone who is “postponing life” during this difficult time.

Dr. Nasvaria shared an excerpt of an article he had written early in the pandemic, posing that limiting social interaction during this challenging time is an expression of love: “This, ultimately, is love. Love for our fellow humans that we may not know, nor ever meet. Love that we care for their well-being, their existence and their contribution to our society. It makes me happy to see that. These threats do not single out political affiliation, race, ethnicity, sex, religion or immigration status. They are human-endangering and require a human-protecting response. When we protect all, we PROTECT ALL.”

Transitions

Jeena Norenberg joined us in September as Office Manager/Program Administration Coordinator.  Earlier in her career Jeena served as a parent educator at Family Resource Center.  Jill Cordova joined our parent educator team in September and recently became certified in the Parents as Teachers home visiting model! Welcome Jeena and Jill. We were sad to see parent educator Erin Knegendorf leave us this fall to pursue new opportunities.

On behalf of the staff and board, thank you to Tony Gould for serving as 2020 president of the board.  Tony was always there for guidance and counsel—especially as we navigated all the decisions surrounding COVID.  Welcome to incoming president Mark Tyler who will take the reins in January.  We are delighted to welcome Julie Foss to the Family Resource Center Board of Directors.  Julie is the Vice President of Finance and Accounting at at Nolato Contour in Baldwin. A mother and grandmother, Julie and her husband reside in Clear Lake.

Our year end appeal was sent out in early November.  Thanks to all who have donated so generously. Your support helps us strengthen children, families, and communities in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties.

Be well. Stay safe. Happy new year.