From the director’s desk – spring 2019

Board President Mary Sue Ash launched the January meeting with her vision for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley in the coming year.  She said three words encapsulated her vision:

• Harmony
• Enthusiasm
• Wisdom

I have reflected on how those three words can guide our team in fulfilling our mission to strengthen children, families and communities.

Harmony: The quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.

As a team, we work together to identify and follow best practices—so that all the families we serve get the best that we can give. We are in the throes of a Quality Endorsement Improvement Process—working together to document our performance on 100 quality indicators.   Our goal is to achieve Blue Ribbon affiliate status by Parents as Teachers—the research and evidence-based home visiting model that guides our work.

We collaborate every day with United Way and other nonprofits, hospitals, and state and county agencies to serve families. Our Play & Learn Classes for toddlers and their parents are made possible through the cooperation of eight community organizations who offer space, and in some cases, staff support.  We participate on several human-service-related committees and coalitions to work in harmony and keep abreast of available resources and trending issues.

Enthusiasm: Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

It is truly a pleasure to work with individuals that are passionate and enthusiastic about their work with children and families and community partners.  Our staff brings a strengths-based approach to our work.  They raise the confidence of parents, helping them be their child’s first and best teacher.  If you ever need a shot of enthusiasm stop by a Play & Learn Class when 12 children and their parents are wrapping up the session singing Grand Ol’ Duke of York.

And it’s remarkable to see enthusiasm of the community in supporting this important work.  Just last week Donna and Pat Hayes sponsored their 12th Liquor Haus wine tasting event—for which they donate all ticket sale proceeds to the Family Resource Center.  The crowd at the Phoenix in Baldwin enjoyed great wine, food and great company.  Community enthusiasm from this event has raised a total of $80,000 over 12 years of enthusiastic support!

Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.

Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley celebrated 20 years of service in 2019.  Every day I witness examples of how the board and staff contribute to the organization’s strength, stamina and agility. Recently St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson, a board member, shared his wisdom about safety in a training with our parent educators and our invited guests, home visitors from Head Start.

This month we say farewell to parent educator Julia Kannel, who has served Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley with wisdom, enthusiasm and harmony, for more than five years. We wish Julia all the best in her new role at Pierce County.

Agnes Ring, Executive Director