NYFS Staff Members Receive Family Champion Awards

From Newtown Youth and Family Services: Since 2006, the Celebration of Family Champions has become an opportunity for The Connecticut Council of Family Services Agencies to recognize individuals from each member agency who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen and support families in Connecticut.

To celebrate these family champions we first recognize that it is a person’s individual talent, skill and dedication that changes lives forever. Each of the Councils 2017 champions achieved this honor in their own personal way, by demonstrating the best of what their agency has to offer, consistently giving more, reaching further, and taking bold steps to strengthen and improve the lives of families throughout our state. This year CCFSA honored Beverly Simone, Empowering People for Success clinician, “She easily engages with clients who have previously struggled with many systems and life experiences, and she fosters relationships with each individual based in genuine empathy, working to understand the challenges and strengths of each family member she encounters.” says Jill Pluta, Clinical Director. Also honored were Christine Stowe and Jennifer Bulluss, Community Assistance Counselors in the Newtown Public Schools. “Christine very quickly developed supportive empathic relationships with staff and administrators in the school district and was able to offer daily support around classroom challenges, personal crisis, as well as trauma, grief and loss work after the tragic events of 12/14”. “She is warm, supportive, non- intrusive, and created an atmosphere at her assigned schools which allowed staff and administration to feel she was both assessable and approachable. Jennifer successfully gained the respect and trust of staff and administration and was able to offer support during challenging circumstances including the return to the newly built Sandy hook School” says Jessica Ward, Assistant Clinical Director. “We are very fortunate to have these three excellent role models at our agency; they are true champions justified by their work in our community” says Candice Bohr, Executive Director.

Photo caption: Diane Manning (Chairman CCFSA), Beverly Simone, Christine Stowe, Jennifer Bulluss, Candice Bohr and Roderick Bremby (Commissioner of Department of Social Services)

Photo courtesy of Newtown Youth and Family Services