From the Director’s Desk – Winter 2019
We look to 2019 with anticipation of the continued opportunity to strengthen children, families and communities in Polk, Pierce and St. Croix Counties. Why do we do this work? Because it makes a difference.
Research tells us that investment in early childhood pays dividends now and long into the future – not only to those families currently receiving support – but to society as a whole. Eighteen hundred babies are born annually to families in our service area. They will comprise our future student bodies, our future workforce and they will have families of their own and build communities of the future. Family Resource Center parent educators help foster healthy parent-child relationships and family well-being, monitor child development, promote school readiness, and connect families to resources.
Celebrating 20 Years
As 2018 comes to a close I reflect on the vision, leadership, and perseverance of those motivated individuals who founded the Family Resource Center 20 years ago. In 1997, a community needs assessment led by the St. Croix County Public Health Department identified high risk pregnancies and support of children among its top priorities. The work didn’t stop with identifying the needs. In one year’s time this group researched what was being done in other parts of the state, shared their findings at a community meeting, created a 501c3 Family Resource Center, established a board of directors, rented a site, and selected Parents as Teachers as the evidence-based home visiting model to guide its programming. This can-do attitude prevails to this day.
As an evidence-based program many things have changed over time, but what has not changed is the commitment, professionalism, and compassion of the employees, volunteers and public and private partners who make this important work possible. As a testament to their commitment, it is remarkable to note that three founding board members—Mary Lestrud, Sharon Reyzer, and Mary Sue Ash—have led the organization in the role of board president for 10 of the 20 years of the organization’s existence. Mary Sue assumes her third term as board president in 2019. To my predecessors, executive directors Tami McManus and Patty Draxler, thank you for building a strong brand of service, compassion and sustainability.
Looking to 2019
To our three departing board members, we extend our sincere appreciation. Thank you to Jack Pollitt, Cathy Shimon, and Larry Gee. You have made Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley stronger through your wisdom, talent and generosity. Thank you to outgoing board president Chad Fett for his positive, upbeat leadership and fun-loving spirit. We said goodbye this summer to parent educator Yazmin Alvarado-Soto. We thank her for her service and wish her well in her new endeavors. Welcome to our newest parent educator, Ashley Bruggeman, who joined our staff in September. And finally, we are excited to welcome new board members who will assume their roles in 2019: Warren Schneider, Barry Cain, and we welcome back Mark Tyler.
On behalf of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, we wish you all the best for 2019. Please do what you can to make a difference for children and families in our region!
