One must only look at the news headlines each day to see that we live in a broken world. This reality can prove difficult for adults to navigate, much less the most vulnerable in society-- our children. As the weight of this knowledge falls before us, it can be so easy to lose sight of the light, of the hope...
But then, emerging from the darkness and unafraid to face it, we see the Difference Makers.
Those who have the audacity to challenge the brokenness, and the courage to restore it. We honor them here:
But then, emerging from the darkness and unafraid to face it, we see the Difference Makers.
Those who have the audacity to challenge the brokenness, and the courage to restore it. We honor them here:
MST THERAPIST/MONROE
When Victoria moved to Monroe, Louisiana to join our MST Therapy team, she made a huge leap of faith. Victoria moved away from her family, friends, and all that she was familiar with, to make an impact on a city completely new to her. She knew she didn't want to work with just any clients, Victoria was seeking out most challenging cases we had to offer.
Victoria made that leap with a heart to serve and a willingness to fully embrace our community. Victoria has already been praised for her work by collaterals at DCFS, OJJ, and FINS—some of our biggest referral sources. They are already requesting her by name. She shows a commitment to excellence in everything that she does—from the tedious MST paperwork to her commitment to give her all to each family she works with.
Victoria has a positive spirit and an infectious smile. Her love for the families that she serves comes out in the compassionate way that she approaches them. Many of the families and parents of MST clients are exhausted and overwhelmed. Some are even at a point of saying that they no longer want their children and are looking for ways to send them away. The impact can be devastating. Victoria has been able to step in and help mothers, fathers, and grandparents see their children differently and offer love and acceptance. The things we all need. Her work has made all the difference and introduced hope back to these families.
Victoria made that leap with a heart to serve and a willingness to fully embrace our community. Victoria has already been praised for her work by collaterals at DCFS, OJJ, and FINS—some of our biggest referral sources. They are already requesting her by name. She shows a commitment to excellence in everything that she does—from the tedious MST paperwork to her commitment to give her all to each family she works with.
Victoria has a positive spirit and an infectious smile. Her love for the families that she serves comes out in the compassionate way that she approaches them. Many of the families and parents of MST clients are exhausted and overwhelmed. Some are even at a point of saying that they no longer want their children and are looking for ways to send them away. The impact can be devastating. Victoria has been able to step in and help mothers, fathers, and grandparents see their children differently and offer love and acceptance. The things we all need. Her work has made all the difference and introduced hope back to these families.
AR SPECIALIST/MONROE
Jade Harris works as our Accounts Receivable Specialist. Her work ensures that we can continue to serve our clients. She investigates and troubleshoots issues that would otherwise interrupt treatment.
Jade is driven, inquisitive, and insightful. Those qualities make for a perfect fit with her profession. She is also passionate, encouraging, and willing to grow personally, which makes her a perfect fit for the Center. As a teammate, Jade is willing share openly and with vulnerability. Those that know her best are better because of who she is and her willingness to invest in relationships.
Jade has a heart for our mission to serve the community. She puts in the time, energy and effort to make sure that the services we provide in the community are covered in the way they should be. She works tirelessly to ensure that the children she will never meet have the services they desperately need.
Jade is driven, inquisitive, and insightful. Those qualities make for a perfect fit with her profession. She is also passionate, encouraging, and willing to grow personally, which makes her a perfect fit for the Center. As a teammate, Jade is willing share openly and with vulnerability. Those that know her best are better because of who she is and her willingness to invest in relationships.
Jade has a heart for our mission to serve the community. She puts in the time, energy and effort to make sure that the services we provide in the community are covered in the way they should be. She works tirelessly to ensure that the children she will never meet have the services they desperately need.
FAMILY PRESERVATION /CROWLEY
Monet David provides Family Preservation Therapy to families in South Louisiana. These services are designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children safe. Family Preservation was built upon the conviction that many children can be safely protected and treated within their own homes when parents are provided with services and support that empower them to change their lives.
One of the biggest hurdles our therapists face is when parents do not wish to initially cooperate with services. Recently Monet worked with one such family. The mother was hostile and blamed Monet for the circumstances at hand, but Monet was able to maintain her composure and professionalism throughout their time together. She reached out to the mother with grace and was able to connect with her. Monet understands that the families we work with are often afraid and unsettled by uncertainty. She was able to stay self-aware and offer a stable presence. She is both an amazing clinician and person.
Monet is fearless and genuine. She is serving to both clients and co-workers. New therapists at our rapidly growing Crowley office quickly learn that Monet is someone willing to lend a hand and offer guidance. She gives freely of her time and takes every opportunity to share what she has learned about staying organized in the sometimes chaotic world of in-home family therapy. Monet is truly gifted in her field.
One of the biggest hurdles our therapists face is when parents do not wish to initially cooperate with services. Recently Monet worked with one such family. The mother was hostile and blamed Monet for the circumstances at hand, but Monet was able to maintain her composure and professionalism throughout their time together. She reached out to the mother with grace and was able to connect with her. Monet understands that the families we work with are often afraid and unsettled by uncertainty. She was able to stay self-aware and offer a stable presence. She is both an amazing clinician and person.
Monet is fearless and genuine. She is serving to both clients and co-workers. New therapists at our rapidly growing Crowley office quickly learn that Monet is someone willing to lend a hand and offer guidance. She gives freely of her time and takes every opportunity to share what she has learned about staying organized in the sometimes chaotic world of in-home family therapy. Monet is truly gifted in her field.
CASA ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR/MONROE
Shuronda Hampton is a Team Leader for our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) team here in Monroe. This is a vital role in the CASA program, as each supervisor is tasked with providing guidance, supervision, direction, and support to volunteers advocating for foster children in court system.
In order to maintain excellent standards, our CASA team reports to the Louisiana Supreme Court regularly. One of the key elements of advocacy is that CASA's schedule face-to-face meetings with the children they are serving each month. What we have seen time and time again is that the numbers for Shuronda's advocates are always stellar. There is a reason. She is willing to do whatever it takes to support her volunteers, and that support ultimately trickles down to the children being served by our program.
Recently, Shuronda drove a volunteer 2 1/2 hours to Ville Platte, Louisiana to see a child that had recently been relocated there. This child was having tremendous difficulties adjusting to the move as well as other serious problems. It was a difficult situation, and this child's CASA volunteer was relieved that Shuronda was by his side offering encouragement. The impact this visit had on the child was visible. It is not often that children in the system have people go out of their way to show them that they are loved.
Shuronda has many qualities that make her stand out. She is a woman of integrity. She will follow through and do things to the best of her ability. She cares deeply for others and is willing to help whenever she can. Shuronda has carefree spirit and has a way of making you smile. She is truly a broker of hope.
In order to maintain excellent standards, our CASA team reports to the Louisiana Supreme Court regularly. One of the key elements of advocacy is that CASA's schedule face-to-face meetings with the children they are serving each month. What we have seen time and time again is that the numbers for Shuronda's advocates are always stellar. There is a reason. She is willing to do whatever it takes to support her volunteers, and that support ultimately trickles down to the children being served by our program.
Recently, Shuronda drove a volunteer 2 1/2 hours to Ville Platte, Louisiana to see a child that had recently been relocated there. This child was having tremendous difficulties adjusting to the move as well as other serious problems. It was a difficult situation, and this child's CASA volunteer was relieved that Shuronda was by his side offering encouragement. The impact this visit had on the child was visible. It is not often that children in the system have people go out of their way to show them that they are loved.
Shuronda has many qualities that make her stand out. She is a woman of integrity. She will follow through and do things to the best of her ability. She cares deeply for others and is willing to help whenever she can. Shuronda has carefree spirit and has a way of making you smile. She is truly a broker of hope.
CAC FORENSIC INTERVIEWER/MONROE
Tiffany O’Neal is a Coordinator for our Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana. She offers an outlet for children that have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, or other significant trauma to open up about their experience and begin the process of healing. Last year Tiffany conducted over 175 forensic interviews. The reality of that number is sobering, yet Tiffany remains steadfast in her dedication to being a hope bearer for anyone who walks through the CAC door.
You may not know this, but our CAC not only interviews children, but also provides forensic interviews for adult victims with physical and developmental delays. As Tiffany was preparing for one such interview, her heart for serving others became clear. She was determined to make sure the interview room would comfortably accommodate his wheel chair. She moved tables and re-arranged microphones. She poured over every small detail, down to what direction the door would swing when opened or closed. It was important to her that this man felt at ease-- that they could sit across from one another, and talk eye to eye. He was able to tell her everything that had happened to him and give important details. As the interview came to a close, the team of law enforcement and social workers in the nearby observation room were moved to tears as he thanked Tiffany for talking and listening to him.
Tiffany can always be counted on to follow through and give her very best. Known for being a true team player, she is the first one to volunteer to lend a hand when a job needs to be done. Tiffany is active in contributing to the culture and spirit of the Center. She never hesitates to share stories, both personal and professional, that lift us up and make us laugh-- no matter the burdens of the day she may be carrying. She is committed to being the light.
You may not know this, but our CAC not only interviews children, but also provides forensic interviews for adult victims with physical and developmental delays. As Tiffany was preparing for one such interview, her heart for serving others became clear. She was determined to make sure the interview room would comfortably accommodate his wheel chair. She moved tables and re-arranged microphones. She poured over every small detail, down to what direction the door would swing when opened or closed. It was important to her that this man felt at ease-- that they could sit across from one another, and talk eye to eye. He was able to tell her everything that had happened to him and give important details. As the interview came to a close, the team of law enforcement and social workers in the nearby observation room were moved to tears as he thanked Tiffany for talking and listening to him.
Tiffany can always be counted on to follow through and give her very best. Known for being a true team player, she is the first one to volunteer to lend a hand when a job needs to be done. Tiffany is active in contributing to the culture and spirit of the Center. She never hesitates to share stories, both personal and professional, that lift us up and make us laugh-- no matter the burdens of the day she may be carrying. She is committed to being the light.
CRISIS & ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR/SHREVEPORT
Jessica Oliver is the Crisis Intervention and Assessment Coordinator for The Center for Children and Families in Shreveport. When a child is in a critical situation, speed of service and quality of care is everything. Jessica understands how crucial it is to quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of clients during this time. She brings stability to families in the midst of chaos, and leads them with genuine compassion on the path to hope.
Jessica is a servant at heart and a natural leader. She is selfless, passionate and caring. She gives her all to each client and to the community. Her passion for the mission creates an energy that is contagious. Jessica is the go-to person for local probation officers and DCFS workers thanks to her reputation for excellence in service delivery. Collaterals in the helping profession have quickly learned that if there’s a way to serve a child, Jessica is determined to find the way.
With our Shreveport office growing, Jessica has put in great effort to invest in the culture and community of our organization. She has become a cornerstone of the Shreveport team, and her unquenchable spirit is life giving to both her clients and her co-workers. Jessica has incredible foresight, and a strong vision for how the Center can make a greater impact throughout the Northwest region of the state-- and she is unwavering in her commitment to seeing it happen.
Jessica is a servant at heart and a natural leader. She is selfless, passionate and caring. She gives her all to each client and to the community. Her passion for the mission creates an energy that is contagious. Jessica is the go-to person for local probation officers and DCFS workers thanks to her reputation for excellence in service delivery. Collaterals in the helping profession have quickly learned that if there’s a way to serve a child, Jessica is determined to find the way.
With our Shreveport office growing, Jessica has put in great effort to invest in the culture and community of our organization. She has become a cornerstone of the Shreveport team, and her unquenchable spirit is life giving to both her clients and her co-workers. Jessica has incredible foresight, and a strong vision for how the Center can make a greater impact throughout the Northwest region of the state-- and she is unwavering in her commitment to seeing it happen.
REINTEGRATION SPECIALIST/MONROE
As a Reintegration Specialist, Synkiva Foy served as a bridge for troubled youth transitioning from juvenile detention facilities back into the community, and more importantly, back into their family life. The majority of a work day for a Reintegration Specialist is spent out in the field, working with family members, probation officers, and community resource aids to fight for what is in the best interest of a child’s life-- even it means facing hostility or opposition from the child himself. This job is not for the faint of heart, and Synkiva completed her work with a drive steered by her personal belief that if she could help just one child succeed in life, then the challenge was worth it. Synkiva found her life’s mission in turning a hopeless situation into a brighter tomorrow.
No factor of a case was ever too small or too big for Synkiva to give her all to. Whether the task was filling out paperwork, making a home visit, or helping a client apply for college, she remained committed to the bigger picture of what she was doing. Soon after accepting a position here at The Center, Synkiva found herself facing one of her most difficult cases. The task at hand: Paving the way for a child to be reunited with his estranged family upon his release from a correctional institution. This journey required countless hours and unshakeable determination to lay the foundation for a successful transition from the juvenile facility back in the home of family members who were more than hesitant to re-engage. But Synkiva wouldn’t give up, and today this family is reconciled and working towards a successful future. Synkiva knew that if she believed in this family, that they would in turn be hopeful for themselves.
Synkiva’s ability to incorporate Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Empowerment into the most desperate of situations was reflective of who she was as an individual. Through flawless effort, she brought those core values not only into the lives of her clients and their families, but also into the life of everyone she encountered. She held this standard of values very close to her heart. No arena was ever too frightening for Synkiva to step into, and it is in those arenas that she shined the brightest.
No factor of a case was ever too small or too big for Synkiva to give her all to. Whether the task was filling out paperwork, making a home visit, or helping a client apply for college, she remained committed to the bigger picture of what she was doing. Soon after accepting a position here at The Center, Synkiva found herself facing one of her most difficult cases. The task at hand: Paving the way for a child to be reunited with his estranged family upon his release from a correctional institution. This journey required countless hours and unshakeable determination to lay the foundation for a successful transition from the juvenile facility back in the home of family members who were more than hesitant to re-engage. But Synkiva wouldn’t give up, and today this family is reconciled and working towards a successful future. Synkiva knew that if she believed in this family, that they would in turn be hopeful for themselves.
Synkiva’s ability to incorporate Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Empowerment into the most desperate of situations was reflective of who she was as an individual. Through flawless effort, she brought those core values not only into the lives of her clients and their families, but also into the life of everyone she encountered. She held this standard of values very close to her heart. No arena was ever too frightening for Synkiva to step into, and it is in those arenas that she shined the brightest.
