New at Family Service Madison

We are delighted to share the first edition our Family Service Madison Newsletter with you.

 

2015 has been a year filled with growth and change, bringing us new opportunities and challenges. We want to be certain that everyone who has been part of our FSM family is kept up to date on the exciting changes happening here. This month we welcome our new CEO Russell King and bid a bittersweet farewell to Dave Johnson as he retires as full-time CEO.

 

We invite you to share our journey. Hopefully our monthly updates will provide opportunities for you to join in our continuing efforts to provide human services and promote wellness in our community.

  
IT'S BEEN GREAT!

 

After 20 years as CEO, I am moving into a part time role working on management contracts for Family Service Madison. These contracts allow us to expand and grow as we help out other agencies that need some support in areas where we have expertise. These areas include executive management, financial systems, billing services and HR. We are currently working with 5 agencies and I will be looking to expand that number. I will begin my new role on April 27, 2015.

 

The FSM board has done a great job in the search and hiring of our new CEO, Russell King. Thanks to the search committee for all their hard work and finding such a great fit in Russell. Welcome to Russell who comes with a lot of experience and will be a real asset to FSM.

 

It is difficult to move on after working with such great people here at FSM and in our community. I have had the privilege to lead FSM since 1995 and it has been the best job of my professional career.   I want to thank all the current and past board and staff for your support and hard work which allowed the agency to grow and prosper.  I will always look fondly on my tenure and the relationships formed with all of you that were instrumental in our success. 

 

But change is a constant part of our existence and it is time for my wife and me to enjoy our grandkids and the Brewers/Packers and Badgers a little bit more.

 

Parting is such sweet sorrow but I will be around in my part time capacity and I hope to maintain my personal relationships with staff and community folks.

 

Dave Johnson 
Meet our new CEO

 

FSM's new CEO, Russell King, brings to FSM nearly 30 years of non-profit experience. Most recently, Russell served as executive director of MARC, Inc., the largest provider of community and center-based employment and day services for adults with developmental disabilities in Dane and Sauk counties. Prior to that position, he was president and executive director of the Wisconsin Homecare Organization for 16 years. His unique set of skills include: fundraising, board development, marketing, press and public relations, and developing organizational messages among various stakeholders, funders, and partners. Moreover, Russell has successfully balanced a dedication to mission, the need for visionary entrepreneurial initiatives, and the application of sound business management.

 

Away from the office, Russell's passions include being a dad (he and his wife, Rhonda, have three boys and three girls, ages 27 to 14), coaching youth sports, fishing, and reading. Russell also published four books, won state and national awards for poetry, served as president of the Council for Wisconsin Writers, and originated the post of Wisconsin Poet Laureate. 
Save the Date
 

2015 We Are Family

Fundraiser for Family Service Madison

 

Thursday, August 13th

5:30 - 8:00 PM

 

CUNA Mutual Conference Center

5810 Mineral Point Road

Madison, WI  53705

 

Information/Questions

Sherry at 608-316-1153

[email protected]  
A Special Thank You

In 2013, school social worker, Colleen Condon convinced Steps to Success Program Director, Marcus Murphy, to admit a child she had referred into the program. She saw potential in him that was yet untapped and knew that with the right support and guidance, he could blossom. Colleen was right and, after his successful graduation from Steps, this young man has gone on to be the longest standing program mentor Steps has had. But that is just part of the story.

In 2014, Colleen and her fiancé, Adam Kuen were married. Here is the message they extended to their guests:

Instead of a traditional gift, we would love it if you helped us give back a fraction of what we've been given. If you feel moved by any of the organizations below, you can help us pay it forward to those we care about, feel inspired by, and feel called to stand by. We are where we are today because of the love and guidance of our families and the supports they were given. Family Service Madison supports families like no one else in the Madison area-we have seen the lives of Colleen's students transformed by their services.

Colleen's and Adam's guests ended up donating a total of $2100!

Here is a picture of Adam and Colleen with some of the musical instruments that Steps purchased with the donation:   THANK YOU Colleen and Adam!! 
Featured Program
Steps to Success

Founded in 2001, The Steps To Success Intensive Day Treatment Program provides comprehensive mental health service to middle school youth, male and female, ages 11-14 who are struggling in their home, school and/or community environments due to mental health and behavioral challenges. These children are unable to sustain full school programming and require an intensive mental health intervention to get back on track. Youth may present with both mental health and juvenile justice issues. Available services include assessment, case management, art therapy, group counseling, individual therapy, family therapy, home support, school support, experiential education, competency-skill building, medical oversight by a registered nurse, child psychiatric consultation, crisis response and aftercare support.

The STS program is offered Monday-Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 at the Family Service Madison office, located at 128 E. Olin Avenue. Individual programming needs such as family therapy, school visits and individual therapy are scheduled throughout the week and are unique to each child.

Here's what some have said about Steps to Success:

 

Parent:

"Steps to Success has been fabulous with helping my son to face the most challenging thing for him and that is his temper. My son was once that kid that nobody wanted to be around because of it. Steps to Success staff has helped my son to be more in control of his temper/anger and aware of others feelings. Since then, he has become a role model for others and also a leader. I'm glad to have had my son as a part of Steps to Success program. Thank you"

 

Parent:

"My husband and I really appreciate your patience, and your ability to remain neutral in body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and how you worded things. Those are all very important when dealing with (a child like ours)."

 

Treatment Provider:

"Steps is not just a program that jumps into lives for a few months as a "quick fix". It creates long-term knowledge and benefits families for years beyond a child's graduation date."