March 2013
The L.I.N.K. A Letter from Leslie... This is the time of year when the Joint Finance Committee which is composed of senators and representatives, Democrats and Republicans, begins to write the state’s budget. They hold hearings for each department of the government. In keeping with our tradition, Children & Families First testifies where there are critical issues that relate to our work. I testified at the Division of Family Services hearing and Board Member Ellen Levin spoke at the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Services. Board Member Tony Lewis spoke at the Division of Public Health and another Board Member Pam Harper spoke at the Division of Social Services. Our testimony highlighted what we see as important budget points and is also an important opportunity to share the work we are doing in those areas. All board members who testify are part of the Board’s Advocacy Committee. On Feb. 12th we hosted two visitors from Bulgaria. They came to the United States to attend Pew’s Home Visiting Conference in Washington to learn more about evidence-based practices to address the needs of the Roma population in their country. Romas, sometimes called Gypsies, are very poor, have higher rates of infant mortality, earlier death rates and frequently leave school at a very early age: females typically drop out in 4th grade; males drop out in 8th. The visitors met with staff from ARC, Healthy Families America and Nurse-Family Partnership. They went out on home visits and even had a chance to meet with Lt. Gov. Matt Denn who is an advocate for home visiting services in our state. It was a great opportunity for shared learning about different cultures while seeing commonality between peoples who are poor. March brings a few of our agency traditions. On March 2, we hold the annual A Taste for Art fundraiser in New Castle County. A Taste For Art brings together students in area culinary programs with local artists for a great evening. The food is terrific and artists donate a percentage of any item purchased to CFF. On March 12, the Board has its annual meeting at the Dover Sheraton. The evening begins at 5:00 pm with cocktails, followed by dinner and a short business meeting. We will be welcoming three new board members and thanking Tom Collins, our current Board Chair, for his years of service. The new slate of officers includes Jennifer Jonach as Chair, Katy Connolly as Vice Chair, Barbara Ridgely as Secretary, Pete Hazen as Treasurer and Paul McCommons as Assistant Treasurer. The evening is free for staff and you can RSVP to Jeanne Johonnett. It is a great opportunity to meet our board and celebrate our accomplishments.