D.A. Blodgett - St. John's

We're Hiring! Looking to grow your career in social work or counseling? Join our team and make a difference in the lives of children and families. Now hiring for: -Mental Health Therapist -Multi-Systematic Therapist -School Based Therapist -Social Worker - Children’s Support Coordinator Ready to make an impact? Apply today at: dabsj.org/careers

Honored to have been part of this look into an important aspect of foster care: Kinship Care. Tune in to see our very own Brooke Van Prooyen sharing why the connection to community matters so much for children.

Yesterday DABSJ team members gathered for our annual all-staff picnic, called Engagement in Action Day! Together we celebrated our DABSJ team members and their 999 years of cumulative service! From trivia, to fowling, and a delicious taco bar, the day was filled with fun and so many special memories were made! Thank you to all our incredible team members for everything you do for children and families every day. 💜

Curious to learn more about our new CEO, Joel Bell? Check out this Q&A with Crain's Grand Rapids Business where Joel shares more about his journey, leadership style, and his passion for driving DABSJ's mission forward. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gx6KPRyh

🌟 Board Member Spotlight 🌟 We are so grateful for the service of our Board Secretary Brendan Geary, who has served on the Board since 2020.   From Brendan: "Being a part of DABSJ is important to me because it enables me to share in the work of lifting up our most vulnerable community members. As a member of an adoptive family, I know the challenges and rewards that come from fostering and adopting, and DABSJ enables me to support the folks doing that work today. It's a wonderful and incredibly rewarding community, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of it."

We’re thrilled to announce that DABSJ has achieved certification in the Sanctuary Model! 🎉 It’s a nationally recognized framework for trauma-responsive care and has transformed how we support children and families. Years in the making, this is something everyone – from case workers and managers to our reception and facilities teams – takes part in, because we all are part of creating a place of safety and healing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gp5npd8N

It's National Dog Day, so let's take a moment for our campus dog Raya and all the joy she brings to our team, children, and families! You're a good girl, Raya! 🐾

So many of our families have been back to school last week and this week, and our team is too! Kent School Services Network - KSSN clinicians are in schools and ready to support students and their families as they face challenges in and out of the classroom. Wishing everyone a great school year! 📷 : KSSN clinicians Madison and Emily

🌟 Board Member Spotlight 🌟 We're so grateful for the service of Ed Spillers, our Vice Chairperson. From Ed: "Serving as the Board Vice-Chair of DABSJ is deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to align my personal values of love, faith, and advocacy with the agency's mission of empowering and uplifting children and families. As a late discovery adoptee with a lifelong commitment to child welfare, I am profoundly honored to fight for and believe in the potential of every youth, contributing to a cause that is both personal and essential to the well-being of our community."

Why choose a career in foster care? "I chose foster care originally with the kids in mind, but after almost 7 years, I’ve stayed because of the parents. Having a front row seat to seeing families overcome difficult barriers and finally getting their version of, “Happily Ever After,” is a gift that will never be lost on me. A career in foster care gives everyone an opportunity to make ripple effects towards making the world a better place. DABSJ has provided me with growth opportunities, relationships I’ll cherish forever, and a voice in an intimidating system. DABSJ doesn’t just speak their values, they act on it; I feel empowered working alongside my coworkers every single day and watching them fight the good fight." Kaylee, Foster Care Team Lead NOW HIRING for Foster Care Supervisor, learn more at dabsj.org/careers #jobs #FosterCare