Over the past year, the FCS Board of Directors has undertaken a review of our strategic plan, conducting conversations in the community to learn about needs and trends, reassessing the FCS Mission and Vision, and determining the agency’s values. The FCS Staff have been partners with the Board in this effort, sharing our own insights and experiences to improve our community.

Coinciding with that work and due to a generous donor, we’ve been able to undertake a much needed update to our website.  We can now better share the impact of our programs and services; inform you about upcoming events; and provide helpful information.  As part of that effort, we are pleased to kickoff this blog where we will highlight issues and stories relevant to our community and Mission.

During May we celebrate two special groups of people who are very important at FCS.  For more than 50 years, the US has designated May as Older Americans month to honor the vitality and diversity of seniors and their contributions to society. We are especially aware of this because of our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a federally funded program which mobilizes seniors across the country to make a difference in their communities.  Here in Monmouth County, we recruit, interview and offer our neighbors who are 50+ opportunities to volunteer in meaningful work to help those in need including two FCS programs focused on elementary school children, Reading Buddies and Healthy Buddies.

At the same time, Older Americans month calls attention to the social, physical and emotional needs of seniors as they age. Here at FCS, we’re acutely aware of the serious problems that seniors can face as several of our programs provide them with critical support.  Our Adult Protective Services investigates incidents of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults and, most frequently, those clients are elderly.  In addition, our Home Care program provides both home health and supportive aides to help 200 seniors with daily living activities, enabling them to remain in their homes instead of being admitted to nursing homes.

Coincidentally, the week of May 6 was designated as National Nurses week.  For us it is apropos that our seniors and nurses are recognized at the same time. We are very proud of our team of nurses who regularly visit our home care clients to monitor their health and supervise the work of our home health aides.  Many clients have complex, chronic medical conditions, physical limitations and/or signs of dementia.  Many are isolated as they live alone and have no immediate family or none living nearby.  It is through the support and care of the FCS Staff that they maintain their dignity, independence and connection with our community.

Delly Beekman,

CEO

Delly Beekman, is CEO of Family & Children’s Service.  A long time non-profit volunteer and advocate, Ms. Beekman recently served a two-year term as president of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., and has been a member and leader of the Junior League of Monmouth County since 1977. For ten years she managed Leadership Shore, a community leadership program offered by Brookdale Community College. Until her appointment as CEO, Ms. Beekman served on the FCS Board for 23 years.