Family Continuity
In This Issue
Thank You
In the News
Family Corner
Real Stories
FC-No Tag Line   
SINCERE THANKS TO THESE RECENT  FAMILY SUPPORT FUND DONORS

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May good luck be your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger
to you. 

 

An Irish Blessing 

  

 

 

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Newsletter                                March 2013
Greetings from the CEO,  
 

March is National Social Worker month, a time to think about our employees and those around the country who work so hard to improve the lives of families and individuals in every community. It is fitting that we can also announce below, Governor Patrick's signing of the state's first Workplace Safety bill that, while promoting safety throughout all human service agencies and jobs, was a major legislative priority of the social work profession.

 

Since any profession is also judged by its achievements, it is also an opportunity to highlight some of the many lives that have been changed with the support of helping professionals. Each month, we share a "Real Story", which in fact relates an actual experience of a client, and like Maria's story that follows, it illustrates the hard work of not only professionals, but also our resilient  families, and it is in this partnership that the value of our profession becomes clear.

 

Our social workers, mental health clinicians, mentors, family partners, volunteers, receptionists and administrative staff all contribute to these successes. This month is a time to thank and recognize them.

 

Sincerely,    Family Continuity logo  

Skip Signature  

Earl "Skip" Stuck

 
 In the News
Governor Signs First Human Service
Worker Safety Bill
  
Commonwealth of MA Seal

 

We are excited to announce that after  three years of hard work from many advocates, on Friday, February 15, 2013, Governor Patrick signed the NASW-MA Chapter's Social Work Safety in the Workplace legislation into law. This is a huge victory for the profession and the clients and communities we serve. Officially titled "An Act to Promote the Public Health Through Workplace Safety for Social Workers", many of you know its history and Family Continuity's place in the story.

 

In 2008, Diruhi Mattian, a 53 year old social worker working for Family Continuity was killed by a 19 year old client during a routine home visit. In response to her death, NASW-MA, schools of social work, Family Continuity and other private and state agencies convened the Maximizing Social Worker Safety Task Force to address workplace safety for social workers.  This legislation is a result of the work of this group and requires employers of social workers and human service providers to create safety plans for their workplaces and better prepare their staff for the potential for danger in the work.

 

In her press release, Carol Trust, NASW-Massachusetts' Executive Director said, "This victory was possible because of the combined efforts of several groups and individuals, including the Statewide Social Work Safety Task and the NASW-MA Chapter Board of Directors which authorized staff to prioritize this campaign". In addition, she singled  several individuals for their leadership, instrumental in the process, 
"We want to give special thanks to the following people: Skip Stuck, CEO of Family Continuity for his role on the Task Force and in the end stages of the legislative process, Eva Skolnik-Acker for her wisdom, passion, and dedication in developing the Safety Training program, and Julie Balasalle for her diligent staffing of the Safety Task Force and her bravery in speaking publicly about her own experience of being assaulted when she was a front line social worker."

 

We are proud that in Diruhi's name, Massachusetts has made a major step toward improving the training and preparation of all human service workers  to create a safer environment for their critically important work. Read full text of safety legislation here.  

Family Corner
What do Kids need the Most?   
    
All kids need the basics of life - like food, warmth, shelter and clothing. But they also need to feel loved and secure. By giving our children all the things they need, we can help them be safe, strong and thrive. Each of the ten items described in this article are important. There is no set priority of need; at any given time, each may, in fact be the MOST IMPORTANT thing a child might need, only to have the need change an hour or a day later. Read on to see what "kids need the most"
 

 

 Real Stories 
Maria's Story    

 

When you are in the middle of a difficult situation, it is hard to see any end in sight, but with support, we know that 

Support

things can turn around for every family... Here's a letter from Maria, who talks about the difference that learning how to communicate can make....

 

My family and I first became involved with Family Continuity a few years back.  I must admit my children weren't too thrilled with the first few visits to the home for counseling - It was like pulling teeth without Novocain.  The kids just weren't having it.  Then our counselor, Norma brought a game with her and they really enjoyed it.  She found a way to get them talking and playing at the same time.  I must say it changed everything.  We learned different techniques on how to talk to one another.  My days became easier and less stressed.  There even was a point when we didn't have a meeting, but the kids wanted to know when the next time was.
Continue reading Maria's story here.