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A holiday message from FCS CEO Delly Beekman
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Dear Friends,
This a bittersweet holiday week for me, as I am retiring from Family & Children’s Service. I have been involved at this exceptional agency for more than 30 years: first as a volunteer with the Adult Protective Services program, then as a Board member, and finally as the CEO for the past six years. It has been inspiring to awaken each day as CEO, knowing that I am coming to work with an outstanding team of over 100 dedicated social workers, nurses, home health aides and other professionals and support staff who have committed their careers to caring for other people. The essence of the agency is captured in our mission and vision and in our amazing staff and volunteers who daily advocate and intervene for the needs of our clients, ultimately to ensure the dignity and independence of those in our care:
- The bedridden woman whom our home health aide visits during the week to give a bath, prepare meals, and provide some companionship
- The beleaguered caregiver of a spouse with dementia who receives services so that their partner can go to the doctor or enjoy lunch with a friend
- The frail and vulnerable widow who is being exploited financially by a family member or “new friends” whose situation is investigated and resolved by our social workers
- The grandfather who volunteers to read each week to first grade children, advancing their reading skills and love of literature.
- The adult son with developmental, mental health or physical disabilities whose bills we pay each month, ensuring that he won’t become homeless
At the same time that we are helping our community, we have been building our own community within FCS where we try to extend that care to one another, to celebrate the joys in our lives, to support one another through life’s challenges, and to console one another during sad times.
I am very grateful to have worked alongside my colleagues here at FCS and to have had the opportunity to learn from them as well as from the dedicated members of our Board of Directors, the staff at the County Office on Aging, and my peers in the human services community. I am also very thankful to our donors for their generosity and commitment to providing resources to help our most vulnerable neighbors.
It is exciting to realize that 2019 is our 110
th
anniversary! The services of FCS have evolved over the past 110 years to meet the changing needs of the community. As I begin this next phase of my life, I will be eagerly watching as FCS continues to grow and thrive.
Warm regards,
Delly
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As the year draws to a close, our thoughts turn gratefully to all those who have helped us fulfill our mission to support people during challenging times, especially the hundreds of people who contributed to the success of this year's Operation Sleighbells. In just a few weeks, we collected and distributed thousands of coats, hats, pajamas and toys to more than 1,700 area children.. children who would otherwise go without.
Learn more.
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Volunteers have played an important role in the 109-year history of FCS, and for more than 60 of those years, the Navarumsunk Auxiliary has led the way. This dedicated group of women has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for FCS through the years. Now, they are on to planning next year's fundraisers!
Learn more.
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This holiday, what inspires you to give? FCS' Director of Development Diane Gribbin writes about what motivates us to give and why in this month's blog post,
Giving is Personal.
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Looking Back on 2018. Looking Ahead to 2019
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FCS had a busy and successful fundraising year, culminating in late October with the annual Leading Lights Gala. More than 170 friends, supporters and guests turned out in style to celebrate 109 years of FCS, and to honor our three Leading Lights... former FCS Board member Kathy Goullet, former FCS Golf Classic chair Ron Gillaspie and Monmouth Park Racetrack.
Read More
And most importantly,
mark your calendar for next years's Gala, to be held Saturday, November 16th at Navesink Country Club. Hope to see you there!
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Auxiliary Luncheon & Fashion Show
Branches, West Long Branch
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Day at the Races
Monmouth Park Race Track
Sunday, June 30, 2019
FCS Golf Classic
Rumson Country Club
Monday, Aug. 26, 2019
Navarumsunk Bridge Benefit
Rumson Country Club
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 (tentative)
FCS Leading Lights Gala
Navesink Country Club
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
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FCS offices will be closed December 24th, 25th, 26th and January 1st so our staff may enjoy time with their families. We will also close early at 2 pm, on Monday, January 31st.
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Happy Holidays from all of us at FCS!
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191 Bath Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
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