An ICA Success Story

Ms. N., a 36-year-old mother of 5 children ages 4 to 16, from Vietnam, was approaching her 60-month TANF (i.e., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) lifetime limit. She had issues with employment, due to younger children needing care before and after school as well as having difficulty speaking English. A Family Support Team Meeting was held at the International Institute. A Senior Counselor from the Institute was present who was also from Vietnam. They immediately had a connection that resulted in Ms. N. accessing more services, employment, worked out children's school problems AND assisted Ms. N's oldest son with services he needed. Success!!!

Submitted by ICA Champion Nan Downing, Family Support Division, MO Department of Social Services

A Champion Behind the Scenes

Security Guard Marie Coates organized the Children's Division, South Broadway's first Community Halloween Trick or Treat. Marie embodies the concept that protecting children and providing safe community activities is the job of staff at all levels. She recognized that children living in the area surrounding the Broadway office had no organized safe trick or treating event.

Marie decorated the security guard's station, encouraged the staff to donate candy and small toys and with help from Children's Division staff put the word out. Local businesses advertised the event and Marie even came into the office on her day off to pass out goodies. She and the staff dressed in costumes. Trick or Treaters included employees' children, a Bosnian Boy Scout troop enjoying their second year of a non-Bosnian holiday, and foster children as well as children from the neighborhood.
Marie Chatman, security guard is a valued member of the South Broadway Child Protection Team, doing her part to help make the community a safe place for children and adults.

Next time you're in the S. Broadway office, check out what could be the world's longest philodendron in Marie's office! However, if you're a Stephen King fan it might give you the "creeps" (pardon the pun).

22nd Child Advocacy Day is January 27, 2004

Child Advocacy Day, sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families, is an annual event held in Jefferson City on the last Tuesday of January each year.

January 27, 2004 is an opportunity for child advocates to come together and show their support for children by participating in workshops, visiting exhibit booths to learn about new services and programs, discussing critical issues with their legislator(s), and networking with other child advocates. Anyone who wants to support children through legislative action is encouraged to attend. There is no fee to attend and you do not need to pre-register.
It is highly recommended that you call your Senator or Representative in advance to make a 15-minute appointment with her/him for Child Advocacy Day. You can find out who your legislators are by going to the State of Missouri home page at www.mo.state.us.

The event is held at the Capitol building in Jefferson City with registration at 9 am in the Capitol Rotunda (south carriage door). Parking is available in the Madison Street Garage for a fee and is free on the west side of the Capitol building. For more information and a schedule for the day's events, please contact Peggy Pearl at (417) 836-5880, or e mail Michelle Mathews at MathewsM@missouri.edu. Also feel free to call Marcia at the St. Louis Neighborhood Network , (314) 772-0646 and she can fax you a copy of the day's events.

A Champion of ICA Practice

Salena (named changed to protect client's privacy) is a true success story and a true champion and testament to how Family Support Team Meetings and an Individualized Course of Action truly help. About two years ago, Salena's 16-year-old son asked a teacher for help because his mom was a drug addict. This prompted the removal of the Salena's two children and one grandchild. Salena talked about being angry at first. She talked about how she didn't trust the system and didn't believe she would ever get her kids back. However, over time Salena's Children Division case manager did gain her trust and through that trust they were able to create some individualized case plans that changed Salena and her children's lives. After a year of hard work in substance abuse treatment as well as a number of other services and supports, Salena's children were returned. Salena recently celebrated a year of sobriety. Salena's oldest son, now 18, graduated high school. Salena's daughter remains in school and her baby is developmentally on target. Recently, Salena participated in a Quality Service Review. The review showed positive outcomes for the system and the family. To support herself and to enlighten agency workers, Salena has told her story at two conferences this summer. She is an inspiration to all that hear her story. She is an example of what hope and teamwork can do.
--article submitted by Dawn East,
LCSW, Independent Consultant for the Center for the Protection of Children

NOTICE

St. Louis Neighborhood Network's Speaker's Bureau If you would like to learn more about the St. Louis Neighborhood Network, please call (314) 772-0646. We can send a speaker out to your organization, school, or business to inform you about the St. Louis Neighborhood Network and how we partner people and agencies toward the goal of building safe children, healthy families, and strong communities.