I am excited to announce Family Service of the Piedmont’s involvement at the forefront of a new initiative to tackle homelessness in Guilford County. The agency was recently selected to manage implementation of the “Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness” (see our most recent newsletter). I would like to thank the United Ways of Greater Greensboro and Greater High Point for choosing Family Service to fill this important role. Working together, and in collaboration with the various local service agencies involved, we can be much more effective in attaining our shared goal of eliminating chronic homelessness county-wide.

Family Service is fortunate to enjoy existing relationships with a great many groups and organizations whose missions coincide with our own – and new partnerships are being forged all the time. A good example of what collaboration can achieve is given by the High Point Children’s Cabinet, which this spring celebrates five years of serving the needs of children in High Point. The Cabinet has been instrumental in bringing together various children’s organizations and programs, and in highlighting issues and solutions to address child welfare.

Another partnership for Family Service was created this winter when local company AIG United Guarantee approached the agency about a volunteer project for their staff to work on. The resulting overhaul of children’s areas at Family Service’s Greensboro office was more extensive – and delightful – than any of us could have hoped! Family Service is extremely grateful to all the United Guarantee staff members who contributed to the project. This company has certainly demonstrated community leadership in developing projects with non-profit organizations!

And I can’t mention volunteers and agency supporters – especially in the spring – without mentioning our Oyster Roast fundraisers. These fabulous events continue to demonstrate an outstanding level of dedication from volunteers and donors alike. The recent High Point Oyster Roast was a case in point, and I would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a success. (You can read about Greensboro’s sister event in our upcoming summer newsletter.)

Also in the spring, Family Service of the Piedmont joins service and advocacy organizations across the nation to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our activities are centered on raising awareness of these important issues, and advancing efforts to bring much-needed prevention and treatment services to child and adult victims of abuse and sexual assault.

Awareness-raising has also been the recent mission of Family Service of the Piedmont Board Chair Lynn Black, who is working to communicate our message - as outlined in this video - to community associations around the county.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Family Service of the Piedmont’s Ronnie Slaughter, who in January was named by the United Way of Greater High Point as their 2007 Loaned Executive of the Year. I am continually amazed by the tremendous levels of care and professionalism that Family Service staff display to our clients, and in their community involvement. Ronnie is just one of the agency’s many shining stars, who work tirelessly to bring support, advocacy and healing to victims of violence and families in need, each and every day.

I would like to thank all our staff, our volunteers and our community supporters for their commitment to Family Service of the Piedmont’s vision of building safe and healthy families. Together, we can do so much more!