It was a brisk morning in March, 2013 when two people happened to attend the same parenting conference in Pennsauken, NJ. One led a statewide behavioral health agency while the other provided educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. The two struck up a conversation and compared stories of their work as well as the challenges they encountered in their endeavors to serve children. “Why haven’t I ever heard of in-home counseling services?” asked the educator. “How can my staff keep functioning under all this stress and pressure?” asked the clinician. This initial conversation turned into many more discussions about the growing need for mental health services for children and the alarming gaps that currently exist.
What might be possible if children had the opportunity to dream bigger than their current circumstances?
What might be possible if parents were empowered with tools based on scientific research rather than criticism or blame?
What might be possible if team members felt fully prepared and totally supported in their work with these youth?
What might be possible if leadership and staff worked in partnership rather than at odds with each other?
Over time, a vision was born – of an organization that would provide a safe and nurturing environment for its staff; of a team deeply committed to ongoing learning and growing to better meet children’s needs; of leadership who exhibited transparency and honesty; of a place where people stopped surviving and began to THRIVE.
For an in-depth look at various chapters of our story, click here.