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Strengthening FSO Boards of
Directors to Ensure Family Success
A Conference for FSO Boards of
Directors and Executive Directors
sponsored by
New Jersey Alliance of
Family Support Organizations
May 19, 2007
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The
first annual conference for members of Boards of Directors and Executive
Directors of the Family Support Organizations was held on Saturday, May 19th
at the Westin Hotel,
Forrestal
Village,
in Princeton. Approximately 65 people were in attendance with representation
from almost every FSO in
New Jersey.
For the very first time, Board members from North, Central and South Jersey met
face-to-face and greeted each other as peers. They spent the day conversing,
sharing issues of mutual concern, and learning about the current state of
affairs in the child behavioral health system and the role of Boards of
Directors.
A
distinguished cadre of speakers graced the day beginning with Commissioner Kevin
Ryan of the newly established Department of Children and Families who, child in
tow (he was on baby duty this particular Saturday), greeted participants with a
vibrant commitment to families with the following messages:
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The
importance of the family, even a single loving adult in the lives of
children.
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The
role of family as helpful and central rather than problematic and difficult.
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The
notion that government can never replace family, but is dedicated to
creating a responsive service delivery system that can effectively respond
to children’s needs.
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The
dilemma we face in NJ with overuse and dependency on residential placement
which often creates problems rather than solving problems for kids.
This was
followed by a similar message of support from newly appointed Director of the
Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, Vernita Blocker, who also stayed
to attend morning workshops. Arthur Penn, president of the Board of Directors
of the National Federation for Children’s Mental Health, addressed participants
with a summary of some of the issues and achievements of a national board of
directors; Mr. Penn congratulated the FSO Boards and encouraged them to continue
to grow and prosper, and to remain dedicated to diversity and families.
Carolyn
Beauchamp, President of the New Jersey Mental Health Association (MHANJ), an
advocacy voice for the children’s behavioral health system and a committed
partner to the Family Support Organizations, spoke of the essential and binding
role between Board members and Executive Directors and the interplay of these
two dynamic forces in the service of advocacy for children and families in New
Jersey. Ms. Beauchamp also highlighted the progress made over many years in the
quest for mental health parity legislation, which is now on the verge of
passage.
Morning
and afternoon workshops provided participants with an introduction to several
areas of responsibility regarding the role and function of a non profit board
that are essential to maintaining strong and vibrant organizations. Attendees
were treated to an overview of financial management by Steve Adams, former CFO
of the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services and current CFO of the
Division of Mental Health Services; Laurie Roemelle-Roberts from the NJ
Partnership for Philanthropy provided participants with an understanding of the
kinds of activities appropriate to boards and agencies for current and future
fundraising activities; Steve Ross of the NJ Center for Non Profit Corporations
presented information on Board Development and Communication while Sue Benedetto
(Monmouth FSO Executive Director) and Kathy Collins (Monmouth CMO Executive
Director) gave a brutally honest assessment and series of recommendations for
how FSOs and CMOs can become effective partners and establish a strong working
relationship despite difficult challenges and growing pains. Feedback from the
workshops indicated that significant information was shared and the process was
greatly appreciated:
“The Fundraising session was
extraordinarily helpful. Presenter was excellent.”
[I liked the workshop on]
“CMO/FSO partnership. They shared personal experiences. They had lots of
handouts and were very honest. Excellent Job!”
“The workshop on financial
management and fiscal oversight was the most valuable to me. I also liked the
different variety of speakers.”
Participants gathered informally at the end of the day to share ideas and wind
down. Comments about the day filtered in through feedback surveys with some of
the following highlights…
“I thought all of the guest
speakers were excellent and inspirational. I thoroughly enjoyed them sharing
their knowledge with us.”
“I loved meeting and
conversing with other Board members.”
“I was able to obtain
valuable information on my role as a Board member.”
“It was very inspirational
just to hear and feel the energy in the room.”
“Just keep it going…”
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