I became an In-Home Support Counselor with the Family Care Network because “I wanted to help children and families.”

July is National “Make a Difference to Children” month, and there are many people within the Family Care Network’s family who have dedicated their lives—personally, professionally or both—to making a difference to the children and families we serve. While we could spotlight any one of them, we’d like to acknowledge a group of professionals who work at ground zero in serving our children and families: our In-Home Support Counselors (IHCs). IHCs are staff members who have dedicated their professional lives to working directly with children, parents (both biological and foster) and other treatment team members to bring about real change and support those we serve in reaching their goals. In honor of July being a month about making a difference, it’s a good time to thank this group of people for making a difference day in and day out in very profound ways here at FCNI!

Melanie started with the Family Care Network in 2007 with a lot of heart and a strong desire to learn more about foster care and children’s mental health services. As a Psychology major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Melanie secured an internship with the agency to fulfill a course requirement, as well as to explore the world of human services for future career prospects. As an intern, Melanie was immersed in training from the get-go, learning about the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and mental health services, in addition to specialized FCNI training centered on the essential elements of Wraparound and strength-based practices.

During her Intern training, Melanie was shocked to learn how many people in her community are in need of mental health services or a stable out of home placement. Prior to FCNI, Melanie thought that the traumatic and difficult circumstances that often lead people to the agency only existed elsewhere. And as a young girl who always dreamt of serving the disenfranchised abroad, Melanie was hit hard with the reality that there are people living in her own community who are in desperate need of stability, community resources and support.

Following her graduation, Melanie returned to FCNI as an In-Home Support Counselor where she applied her experience as an intern and her education to work in a team setting to support children and families. Melanie shared that her favorite aspect of working as an IHC was “Building relationships with families, and really fostering hope in their lives.” In one case, Melanie grew very close with a mom whose daughter was being served in FCNI’s Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS). Melanie explained how she was inspired by the mother, stating, “She was really dedicated to becoming a better mom and to keeping her family together. We really bonded over her dedication.” So enamored with the mother and daughter, Melanie became the girl’s volunteer mentor following her graduation from TBS.

Being an IHC is an all-encompassing position, and challenged Melanie to grow both professionally and personally. As Melanie explained, “I learned a lot about myself—my strengths, weaknesses and limits.” Melanie also learned much about the strength of the human spirit and how consistent care goes a long way towards helping someone heal. Melanie captured the essence of being an IHC best when she stated, “I felt fortunate to be a part of our clients’ lives when they encountered their many ups and downs. The kids and families are so great, so much more than their behaviors or circumstances. And being able to remind them of their worth, that they aren’t defined by being a foster child or whatever, and planting the seeds of hope in their lives, that’s what the position was about for me.”

Not only did Melanie’s tenure at FCNI solidify her personal commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, but it also directed her professional decision to leave the agency in order to earn her Masters in Social Work. And while Melanie’s time here is over for now, we know that her influence will be felt and those seeds of hope that she helped to plant will work to make a positive difference in the lives of those she served. We thank Melanie and all of our IHCs for continuing to plant these seeds and make a difference in the lives of those in need on a daily basis.