Art Meets Heart
I believe that every person on the planet has a unique ability to be an advocate for others. In my case, that advocacy is through art. Why art? Why not?! Art is an important vehicle for change. It teaches us history, challenges our minds to invent, and, I believe, brings us closer to understanding all that God, the most perfect artist, created.
Saying So Long, but not Good Bye
Today is my last day working as a sales associate at the Family & Children's Service Thrift Boutique. I have loved working here and am sad to leave, but I am also happy to finally begin a new phase in my career as a social worker.
Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse
This Sunday, June 15th is Father’s Day. It is also World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; a day set aside to shed light on the importance of preventing, identifying, and responding to this serious, often hidden problem. It’s estimated 2.1 million older Americans face abuse and neglect every year, and for every reported case, experts believe as many as five cases go unreported.
Welcome to our first blog post!
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.