JFS Delaware's Partnership with CHILD, Inc.

CHILD, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that offers prevention, treatment, emergency shelter and advocacy services that strengthen families. The organization serves dependent, neglected, and abused children and their parents. They provide programs for those involved in domestic violence situations, especially children.

Anne Altemus, Program Director of the Domestic Violence Treatment Program, has been with CHILD Inc. for 35 years. “What I like about our Domestic Violence Treatment Program is that it treats the whole family,” said Altemus. “We have offender programs, we have victim or survivor programs, and of course we have programs for helping children heal. We are the only program in New Castle County that treats the whole family for intimate partner abuse or domestic violence.”

One aspect of the Domestic Violence Treatment Program is the Offender Intervention Services (OIS), which provides structured counseling interventions for both men and women who have committed acts of intimate partner violence or abuse. Participation in the intervention services can be either voluntary or court mandated.

“This field is not for everyone,” said Anne. “You must be able to work with an offender and someone who has been victimized or is a survivor. And not everyone can do that… What we focus on in the offender program is to accept responsibility for behavior while also treating them with respect so that they can understand what that means and apply it so that they can have a healthy relationship with their children, with their partner, or ex-partner.

As the clinical supervisor of the JFS Fellowship Program, Rebecca McAdams helps the fellows find their niche or specialty within mental health counseling. One such fellow was Zach King. Rebecca reached out to Zach about him potentially working with identified perpetrators at CHILD, Inc. Much to her surprise, Zach was all in. “That’s such a rare niche to have, and it also takes a lot of patience to do that,” said Rebecca.

Zach has been with CHILD. Inc. for several months now and has fully embraced the work, despite the challenges it provides. He also just recently passed his LPCMH licensure exam.

“We really had a need for someone who was interested in doing the work, who could actually do the work, and who had the skills to be able to do the work,” said Ann. “And the personality to fit in here. Zach was such a great match.”

Both Rebecca and Ann agree that agency partnerships play a crucial role in tackling the mental health demand and community issues in the state. The partnership between CHILD, Inc. and JFS Delaware is certainly a step in the right direction.

WHY JFS?

A client in our Care Navigation program for older adults and adults with disabilities program recently left us this note:

"I wanted to thank you for your help in arranging my rides to and from my doctor’s appointment (as well as a long wait in between) today. The volunteer was kind, pleasant. and an easy conversationalist! I am so grateful that your service is available. Thanks to you and your team!"

COMING UP

Join us on Saturday, April 6 at the Deerfield Golf Club for the JFS Delaware 125th Anniversary Celebration as we reflect on the past, honor the present, and look forward to a future of continuing to provide exceptional support services to all.

There will be cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres, along with a silent auction featuring the area's finest restaurants and businesses, new vacation packages, unique entertainment offerings, original artwork, sporting events, and so much more. Dress for the evening is cocktail attire. 

We will enjoy a night of fun and history as we celebrate the past 125 years, as well as honor the late Gilbert J. Sloan, PhD, a strong supporter of JFS for many years, by renaming the JFS Care Navigation Program the Gilbert J. Sloan JFS Care Navigation Program. Late in life, Dr. Sloan was also a beneficiary of this program.

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, click here.

A huge thank you to our presenting sponsors, Phyllis and Norman Aerenson, and our lead sponsors, Cole Schotz P.C. and PeopleHCM!

Have you noticed symptoms of anxiety in your child? The JFS Delaware Youth Anxiety Program is a FREE service that will help your child identify and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Our next group will take place at the Dover Public Library on Monday, March 4. Scan the QR code or click here to sign up. Call 302.478.9411 for more info.

Celebrating Black History Month at Carrcroft Elementary

Neyssa, JFS Family Crisis Therapist, planned and hosted the first annual Black History Month celebration at Carrcroft Elementary! Over 50 children sang "Lift Every Voice" on stage in recognition of black history. Students and staff were impacted and had a great time! We're so grateful for everyone at Carrcroft, and for all of our community partners.

Congrats to Christy!

Congrats to Christy on winning the raffle prize for our SOUPer Bowl Food Drive! And thank you to everyone who donated, we are truly so grateful for our wonderful community.

Job Openings:

• RISE Legal Case Manager
• RISE Housing/Workforce Development Coordinator
• RISE School and Community Case Manager
• Licensed Social Worker in Lewes
• Licensed Therapist LCSW, LPCMH, Psy.D
• PSSF Family Consultant
• JFS Fellowship in Kent County
• JFS Fellowship in Sussex County
• Care Manager - Older Adults, PT in Sussex County