ACCS Small Insights Logo
March 2010 · Volume 1 · Issue 2
Greetings!
 
In this issue of Insights, we take time to highlight the Athens County Children Services Board, a group of community volunteers who agree to guide our agency.
 
Also, we are celebrating National Social Work Month throughout March. If you know a social worker who is making a difference in your community, please take the time to thank them.

As always, we encourage you to forward this newsletter to your friends and family who may be interested in the work that Athens County Children Services does each day to support families and keep children safe.

Thank you!
 
Sherri Oliver
Insights Editor and Public Relations & Community Events Coordinator
March is National Social Work Month
The National Association of Social Workers celebrates March as Social Work Month.  The theme this year is: Social Workers Inspire Community Action.  The staff at Athens County Children Services staff embrace this challenge every day in their work with families.
 
The staff of Athens County Children Services are on the front lines daily advocating for clients, developing new programs and delivering services.  They assist  families of Athens County as they struggle with issues such as homelessness, poverty, alcohol and substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence and parenting challenges.  At times there are barriers in the various systems in which the families are involved.  The staff at ACCS help families navigate the systems helping them overcome barriers to healthy functioning.  
 
Why would somebody want to enter the social work field?  Our staff value the uniqueness of each individual and believe that through support people can reach their full potential.  Social Workers want to make an impact on the clients and communities they serve.  The are motivated to help remove the barriers that hold people back from being the person they strive to be and live fulfilling lives.  They use the social science skills learned in academic programs and the skills they have learned from those they serve in the community.   Social Work is a profession built upon hope while being grounded in problem solving expertise.  ACCS social work staff use their acquired skills and hone their craft in order to individually serve each child and family they encounter. 
 
The Social Work staff at Athens County Children Services strive to inspire and empower positive change for families.  Their continual focus is to protect children through strengthening families so that promising futures can be secured for each child in Athens County.   
 
Sheila Shafer
 
Sheila Shafer
Deputy Director of Programs
Athens County Children Services
 
An Invitation
We would like to invite you and your family to join the staff and Board of Athens County Children Services as we hold our annual Pinwheels for Prevention ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, April 5 and will last for approximately one hour.
 
Join us as we welcome Bob Garbo, Executive Director of Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action. We've invited him to speak on his experiences working with families in poverty over the past 30 years. We're so excited to have Bob Garbo at this year's Pinwheels Ceremony!
 
We will then plant hundreds of pinwheels on the front lawn of Athens County Children Services to raise awareness about the prevention of child abuse in our community.

ACCS Board

An introduction to our board
 

ACCS Board

 Athens County Children Services is the public agency charged under the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5153, to provide for the care and protection of abused, neglected and dependent children in Athens County.  The agency is administered and operated by a nine person citizen board appointed by the Athens County Commissioners for a four year term.
 
The ACCS board members for 2010 are Nancy Schell (Chair), Chris Innis (Vice Chair), Barry Oches, Ph.D. (Secretary), Paula Carpenter, Mary Mitchell, Tommy Adkins, Lacy Russell, Romola Hopkins, Ph.D., and Rita Irwin. Representing various parts of the county as well as a range of perspectives, the board members are described by Barry Oches as having the "life experience to apply some wisdom and common sense to the decisions made."
 
The responsibilities of the ACCS board include upholding the agency's mission with a clear vision for its future; fiscal oversight and approval; the hiring and evaluation of the Executive Director; setting policies that effectively guide the agency operations as well as enhancing the agency's public standing. The ACCS board will be participating along with staff and community partners in a strategic planning process determining agency goals and activities for the future.
 
The ACCS board meets monthly and approves agency expenditures, policies or operational issues.  There are a number of Board committees that focus on specific board areas.
 
Being a board member can be challenging as members must become familiar with agency funding which very complex, representing the needs of children and families as well as guiding the agency towards the future. Says board member Barry Oches, "The board shoulders the responsibility of taking the long view."
 
Chairperson Nancy Schell states, "It's a privilege and an honor to serve on the ACCS board. I have learned so much about the agency and have an increased respect for the difficult and sensitive work they do. We currently have a great board; our members have diverse backgrounds but a common interest in the well being of Athens County families and agency staff."
 
ACCS board meetings are meetings open to the public.  Meeting notices are sent to local newspapers and radio to inform the public or can be found on the agency website. Please come a join us for a board meeting.

 
Andrea Reik, Executive Director
 
 
Andrea Reik
Executive Director
Athens County Children Services
Upcoming Events
 
March 2010
National Social Work Month
This year's Social Work Month celebration showcases the expertise and dedication of professional social workers in helping to improve community life. 
 
March 12-13
Girl Power Lock-In at Trimble Elementary/Middle School
The theme this year is "Go Green, Girls!" and the focus of the lock-in is to educate girls about health, wellness, alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention while building self-esteem and healthy relationships.
 
April 2010
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month aims to educate families and community members on what child abuse is and how to stop it from happening.
 
April 5, 2010
Pinwheels for Prevention
10am - 11am 
Join Athens County Children Services as we plant pinwheels to recognize the efforts of the community in preventing child abuse. Bob Garbo, of Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action, will join the group to share his experiences of working with families in poverty.
 
April 24, 2010
KIDFEST!
10am - 2pm
The 21st annual Kidfest at the Ohio University Convocation Center! Bring your kids out to jump in the bouncy house, meet Scooby Doo, and get information on family-friendly businesses and organizations. Proceeds raised by this event go to special needs children and their families.
 
Contact Information
 
Sherri Oliver
Editor/Public Relations and Community Events Coordinator
Athens County Children Services
 
Please send any feedback, questions, or comments to Sherri Oliver at [email protected]

Our Mission

Protecting Children
Strengthening Families
Securing Futures
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Contact Us

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call:

740-592-3061
(Mon-Fri, 8 am - 4:30 pm)
 
1-877-477-0772
(After-hours, weekends, holidays)
 
If you would like more information on foster care and adoption, please call:
 
740-592-3061
(Mon-Fri, 8 am - 4:30 pm)
 
 
Children Waiting
James, Wesley, Meskle, Jonathan, and Tatem
(May 1998, May 1999, July 2000, October 2002, September 2005)
 
Are you up for a challenge? Are things just a little too quiet around your house? These five beautiful and active siblings are sure to
make your life more interesting. Each child has their own unique personalities and special characteristics that they will bring to your home.
 
James, Age 11

James is 11 and enjoys spending one-on-one time with people playing board games.  
 
Wesley, Age 10

Wesley, age 10, is a sports guy and is involved in a community wrestling program.
 
Meskle, Age 9

You will find Meskle writing in her diary, whether it is about her day or poems - she is a talented 9 year old.
 
Jonathan, Age 7 
 
Seven year old Jonathan enjoys play with cars and motorcycles.
 
Tatem, Age 4

Tatem is a busy 4 year old who likes to play with action figures, especially Transformers.
Census 2010:
 Kids Count!

Census 2010 - Children Count Too!

US Census forms will be mailed out to households in Mid-March!
 
Who should be counted?
 
 Everyone-even babies! All infants, children, and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of nationality, citizenship status, race, age, or gender. If you have a baby or toddler in your household, remember to include them in the count.
 
Why is the census important?  
 
Census data are used to determine the number of representatives your state receives in the US Congress, as well as your community's representation in the state legislature. Census data are also used to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds each year to communities for establishing and improving schools, hospital, roads, and senior services.
 
(From 2010.census.gov)