FROM THE HEART:  
NEWS FROM KIDS FIRST   |   April 2016

Greetings Friends & Supporters,

Spring is in the air!  ...It is a time for new beginnings, and for me that has never been more true. I have had the honor of serving as Executive Director of the Kids First Center for eighteen years, and will be retiring at the end of May 2016 (I've got one more Gala in me, folks!). And while leaving Kids First may be one of the hardest things I will ever do, I am also extremely excited for this next chapter of my life to begin. I am so very proud of all that we've accomplished during my tenure here as the founding director of Kids First, and will miss it all dearly - the people, the mission, the sense of community. Thank you all for being such an important part of this adventure. I am also quite confident, however, that the Center will flourish under the capable leadership of its new Executive Director, Nicolle (Nici) Carbone, and know that she will receive a warm welcome into the world of Kids First!
 
In other news this month, our April calendar includes several excellent programs, such as the Kids First Program for Stepparents in Portland and the Topsham Next Step Program - Putting Conflict Aside.
Of special note, we are offering our special half-day workshop, Kids First Intensive Co-Parenting Strategies for the Professional: How to Effectively Work with Divorced Parents in Conflict.
 
And mark your calendars - the GALA is right around the corner (May 19th) - help us make this GALA one for the records!
 
 
Sincerely,

Peg Libby
Executive Director
IN THIS ISSUE
Kids First Center Hires New Executive Director
CALENDAR: APRIL 2016


QUICK LINKS:
Kids First Center Hires New Executive Director
 

PORTLAND, Maine - Nicolle (Nici) Carbone, Esq. has been hired as the new Executive Director of the Kids First Center, a local non-profit agency that has been focusing on helping children and parents cope with the effects of separation and divorce since its founding in 1998. 

Nici comes to Kids First with a wealth of relevant experience. With a law degree, as well as a Masters degree in marriage and family therapy, she offers a deep understanding and appreciation for the two professions that originally came together and founded the Center.  Providing educational and collaborative opportunities for attorneys and mental health professionals around the complex legal and emotional issues surrounding divorce and separation is an important tenet of the Kids First mission. 

"This is a very exciting time for the Kids First Center," says Kimberly Kump, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Nici is a welcome addition to our agency, and we are confident that under her leadership, Kids First will carry on our mission of helping children thrive by supporting families throughout the state of Maine who are facing the painful challenges of divorce and separation. Our founding Executive Director, Peg Libby, leaves a legacy at the Center and we feel strongly that Nici is the right person to move us forward upon Peg's retirement in May."

Nici's interest in both family work and the legal world have helped to bring her to the Kids First Center team.  Nici has extensive experience with children and families, and particularly, a deep concern for the plight of children in difficult family situations.

"I am passionate about improving the experiences of children in our community," says Carbone. "The separation and divorce of a child's parents can be one of the most trying, and often traumatic, experiences of one's life. The Kids First Center helps children and parents address and process the grief, loss, and myriad range of emotions that come with this changing family dynamic. The Center also supports children by assisting their separating parents in putting their Kids First. I couldn't be more honored to be part of such an important organization."




APRIL 2016  |  CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2 - Portland (207-761-2709) Saturday
April 2 - Augusta (207-859-1514) Saturday
April 9 - Biddeford (207-761-2709) Saturday
April 9 - Belfast (207-338-2200 x109) Saturday
April 9 - Lewiston (207-783-3990) Saturday
April 21 - Portland  (207-761-2709) Thursday  
April 30 - Skowhegan (207-859-1514) Saturday

Similar Programs:  
April 2 - Rockland (207-596-0359) Saturday
April 9 - Bangor (207-942- 8200) Saturday
April 9 - Wiscasset (207-596-0359) Saturday
April 16 - Ellsworth (207-942- 8200) Saturday
 
Portland - Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.


Portland - Saturday, April 9, 2016 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Topsham - First meets on Monday, April 25  (207-761-2709) 


WORKSHOP:   "Kids First Intensive Co-Parenting Strategies for the Professional: How to Effectively Work with Divorced Parents in Conflict" 
(For Professionals) 
PRESENTERS:  Sarah Maloney, LCSW; Elizabeth Stout, Esq., GAL;
Susan Wiggin, LMSW, GAL; Steve Young, LCSW
Friday, April 8, 2016  8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Buy your tickets now! ~ Kids First GALA
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Westin Portland Harborview 


 


 

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CONTACT INFORMATION  |  QUICK LINKS


ADDRESS:  Kids First Center, 222 St. John. Street, Suite 101, Portland, Maine 04102
PHONE:  207-761-2709     FAX:  207-780-0059                                      
EMAIL:  info@kidsfirstcenter.org      









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