From the Director: The Buzz of Inspiration
The workspace is still abuzz here at the Resource Center for Family Focused Practice (RCFFP) following the 2024 Partnerships for Well-Being Institute. We had such an amazing experience and learned so much from our colleagues and community partners during three productive days of learning, sharing and strategizing to improve programs and policies that positively impact outcomes for families. If you didn’t get a chance to attend but want to know more about what we covered, be sure to check out our event highlights article.
There is definitely a celebratory vibe going strong here at RCFFP, and this edition of Wraparound Connections is no exception. In the article, “Aligning for Action: California’s Wraparound Initiative Taking Flight to New Heights,” contributing author and longtime Wraparound champion Jarred “Jay” Vermillion explores the past, present and overwhelmingly bright future that is the vision of high-fidelity Wraparound. This article reads so positively, I think, because of what he calls Wraparound’s guiding principle: unconditional care, or what he describes as “relentless effort.” Wraparound is, indeed “relentless”— in that it wants to be there for children and families when they need it, and as early as they need it, so that their lives are not disrupted by services, but rather strengthened and improved at that precise moment in which they could use a helping hand.
We all need a helping hand from time to time, and we know what a difference it can make when that help comes at the precisely perfect moment—or do we? Sometimes, when that help is there just as we need it, it doesn’t stand out quite as much. It’s not Superman saving us from a fifty-story fall off a building just before we hit the ground, but rather that kind, mild-mannered person who took our hand at the top of the building and guided us in the right direction to prevent the fall altogether.
But it was there. And if you reflect back on someone who has provided that kind help throughout your life, it hints at what a powerful thing Wraparound has been, is, and can continue to be for vulnerable children, families and communities.
Speaking of “relentless effort,” this edition of Wraparound Connections contains several articles by inspiring authors who embody this quality, including Lauren Mendez—who entered foster care at age 15, aged out at 21, and is now a 27 year old youth engagement ambassador and champion for positively transforming the child welfare system to one which incorporates the invaluable perspective of those with lived experience—and parent partner Polly Huffer, who explores strategies to support parents (and their children) to succeed in school. We also celebrate another bright and shining Wraparound family success story from Lynne Jones, who interviewed the Corres-Garcia family in the article, “I No Longer Felt Alone.” The RCFFP team has also collaborated to pen, “Bon Voyage, Jenit!” a tribute to one of our most cherished departing team members Jenit Chadha. In addition, we encourage you to check out the latest edition of Acronym Corner, this one focused on de-jargoning terms associated with mental health (dare I say MH) services?
On behalf of the entire RCFFP team, thank you for everything you do to support vulnerable children, families and communities. To us, you are indeed better than Superman: You are our heroes, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to provide training and services to support your absolutely vital role in changing practice and transforming lives.
We hope you enjoy this Summer 2024 edition of Wraparound Connections!
Nancy Hafer, M.S., Director, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice