Staff Mail

Family Development

Eileen Marshall
Director, Family Development
 

The Family Development program is a key part of ComLinks’ objective to help low-income families achieve economic self-sufficiency. It is a model for delivering a network of services to clients seeking assistance.

Credentialed Training

Comlinks’ Family Development Program is part of a New York State initiative to redirect the way services are delivered to families. The result is a professional training curriculum—the Family Development Training and Credentialing Program. To date, 16 ComLinks staff have been trained and all received their Family Development Certification. In addition, ComLinks is a training provider for the Program, enabling other area service providers to obtain training and certification.

How the model works…

The Family Development model focuses on building a partnership of equality and respect between those seeking assistance and ComLinks credentialed staff members. ComLinks’ goal is to build trust. Confidential meetings with the family build a partnership while assessing the needs of the family. Through this ongoing relationship, the family sets goals, developing a formal written plan detailing the necessary steps for achieving them. Follow-up meetings note progress and provide constant reassurance and support. The plan is amended, as needed, to make sure it continues to meet the changing needs of the family. Services, such as Supportive Housing and/or Microenterprise loans, are used as stepping-stones to help build self-reliance and enhance the ability of the family to become self-sufficient.

Service Coordination

ComLinks’ ability to coordinate service delivery for a family is its strong point. Partnering with over 80 government and private agencies, ComLinks enhances the opportunities available for a family and minimizes the stress of working with multiple programs.

(Case Study)

Making Lives Better - Every Day!

A mother of two, “Carol” married at 17 and lived in an abusive marriage for 18 years. "I don't even know who I am anymore" were some the first words Carol spoke to a ComLinks Domestic Violence Intervention Advocate. Following Family Development methods, with the help of a ComLinks advocate, Carol began to build her goals for a better life, beginning with her strengths:

• She had survived for 18 years.
• She continued to be employed in a very responsible position with a well-known company.
• She had the courage to reach out for help …

ComLinks staff supported Carol with advocacy and safety planning. She met with a ComLinks Family Therapist to look at concrete ways to make necessary changes. Together they identified the obstacles that could prevent Carol from reaching her goals. Working with a ComLinks Legal Advocate, Carol obtained an Order of Protection, received custody of her daughter, and began divorce proceedings. She met with a domestic violence support group and was encouraged when she found others that could identify with her struggles.

Carol found the courage to leave her abusive husband. She first stayed with a friend and then found an apartment for her family. She sold her expensive SUV and bought an economical car. Because she had turned to alcohol to cope, Carol voluntarily sought and successfully completed residential rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. Carol obtained counseling for her son and continues to work on the issues that will ensure her own stability and safety. She has joined a singing group, goes to AA meetings, and is making new friends. She is using her talents.

Carol, at 35 years old, is making the choices in her life to become the woman she wishes to be. Comlinks helped her see the way.