January Executive Director Column

Happy New Year to all members of our extended FACT family!

As we closed our calendar year, we are very thankful for the support and partnership of so many individuals and organizations in 2016. Your contributions, whether they were through funding, donating items, or giving volunteer time have enabled us to continue to provide our clients and families the support and services they need.

As we enter our new year there are continuing changes in our staffing configuration as we accommodate our significant growth in programs and services.  We have welcomed great new addition to the senior staff in the person of Sonni Bendetson, our new Director of Adult and Transition Programs.  Sonni comes to us most recently from the HELP Group and has not only a passion for the inclusion and self-determination of all the populations we serve, but also a particular expertise in the area of supportive employment.  We look forward to building our services in this area in the coming year.

As Sonni takes on this role, our esteemed founder and “soul” of FACT, Linda Andron-Ostrow will move to the position of Clinical Provider and Internship Program Manager.  She will supervise interns, provide therapeutic counseling and take on other tasks as needed. It is great to continue to have the deep understanding, passion and knowledge base of Linda at our fingertips as we continue staffing and programming transitions.

Another valued member of our team is changing her position a bit. Zoey Giesberg will continue to enhance the visibility of FACT as Community Outreach Associate and also as a member of the direct support team.  Zoey’s unique perspective and skill set has been of great value and we look forward to her sharing the great work of FACT with many potential supporters, employers and service providers to our clients. If you know of groups or institutions that would like to have a presentation on FACT and its services please let us know.

A couple other updates of interest: our board is seeking additional new members to join its ranks and to become non-board members of committees. The board is the ultimate guiding force for FACT and its members work hard to govern, support and promote our services.  If anyone is interested in learning more please contact me at [email protected].    Also, we are about to form new support groups, particular women’s groups; please check out the website for more information.

Things are exciting for FACT and our clients in the new year, and we thank you all for your support.

–Marc