November 25, 2020

Dear Children’s Home Society Team Members:
 
As I reflect on how best to express my thanks to all of you as we approach Thanksgiving, I was struck by the words of Dr. Bryon Robinson, writing for Forbes, in his recent article, A Pandemic Thanksgiving: Gratitude For What We Do Have. He writes:

Thanksgiving is supposed to be fun and for many of us a sacred time to count our blessings. If we allow the pandemic to steal our joy, it can compromise our mental health and turn the season into a sad and scary time…. No matter how dire the circumstances, it’s still possible to find blessings in the disappointments and celebrate a stress-free, grateful Thanksgiving.

Studies show that when we express gratitude, it increases our happiness by 25%. It’s simple science; whatever we focus on expands. When we express gratitude to the people we work with (for who they are and what they do), not only does it lift us up—it lifts them up, too.

Robinson recommends making a list of what we are grateful for, such as “the coworkers, your career and other people and things, even pets—that make your life rich and full.”

I intend to practice this “attitude of gratitude.” And at the top of my own list is all of you. I know this year has been challenging, in so many ways, but in spite of it all, you keep doing your best work, living our mission. For this I say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all staff in the Black Hills and Sioux Falls. 

I would like to share this recent example of living our values from one of our residential treatment unit leaders, Lisa Johnson. Note the tenacity from the team, how they worked together and the kindness from all:

“We have had a child here for over three years. She has grown so much and made great progress. There have been many people who have cared for her, helped her to find her strengths, supported her, and built such strong relationships. She has had some family in and out while she has been here. She has endured such trauma, so many losses in her almost 12 years. The staff at Children’s Home have provided safety that she has not experienced outside of this place. We have been waiting for the right placement to be found. It is a blessing that she will be with family who wants her and her siblings. 

After being here for over three years, she was given just one day to learn about her discharge, say goodbye, and try to process all of the emotions that go with this. She is happy, excited, so scared, and sad. She has gone through so many emotions today; we are rushing her from one goodbye to the next because there was no preparation. We knew we were waiting on a home study for her aunt, and that it was being rushed. She knew she might be going there. We wish many pieces could have been different with her family involvement. She is going without strong relationships, not knowing anything about her new town, or school. I sincerely hope that aftercare services will occur, or there is a great chance of this not working out.

Even with this short notice, our staff have stepped up to provide the best last day for her. Several staff came in early to pack all of the belongings she has from her entire life. Staff came in on short notice, on their day off, during a holiday week, to be sure they can sign her discharge book, and wish her well. Her therapist was scheduled to be off this afternoon, but changed plans to celebrate this girl’s hard work. She was the winner of the First Premier Art contest; Deb Moritz has been in contact with people to be sure that we can let her know that her drawing won! School staff are putting together a discharge party for her, and a time to present her award for this contest. Mari DeBerg has been working to notify this child’s Big Buddy, who has been the most consistent person in her life. 

I am so proud of our staff and their dedication to those we serve. They are here because they want the very best for these children. On a day that we should be celebrating, knowing that she is ready and things are in place, we are hurting and full of worry. A one-day notice was not fair to her or the staff who have cared for, and about her, for years.

We all know this work has ups and downs. I wanted you to know how today was for our Unit staff and all the other staff connected to the care of this amazing girl. We are thankful as she is ready to move on, as she has grown and worked for this. I pray that her aunt, new school, and other supports are ready also.”

Thank you, Lisa, for the eloquent and heartfelt story. I am so thankful to you and your team and to those staff who went above and beyond to create a meaningful life experience, all the way through discharge, for this special girl.

This story is just one example of many across the entire agency that represents why we all are here. Each of you are at the top of my gratitude list, today and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and your families.

Gratefully,

Michelle M. Lavallee
Chief Executive Officer
Children’s Home Society
605.965.3137 office | 605.366.3948 cell
michelle.lavallee@chssd.org
www.chssd.org