2021 was another year of challenges and a test of our endurance. Many endured pain, some endured loss, we all endured another year of pandemic and the stress and anxiety that come with it. 

Nothing magical happened when the clock struck midnight on January 1^st and launched us into 2022. Nonetheless, it gave us the start of a new year with new possibilities and more chances. Every day that we wake up we get a chance for something- to be a better parent, to be a better partner, to be a better employee or boss, or simply just to be here another day.

2022 will undoubtedly bring it's own set of challenges. You might have to remind yourself why you do what you do more often but hold on to your “why”. If you are reading this, know that the work you do is important and your presence is needed here in this program.

As Dolly Parton said, "We cannot adjust the wind but we can adjust the sails."

Wishing you well this new year.

In each newsletter, you’ll see a feature called GEM (Going the Extra Mile) where we  highlight a FaDSS worker who has gone above and beyond. 

Kelli Welding has been a FaDSS Specialist with Community Action of Eastern Iowa since 2005. She primarily serves families in Clinton and Jackson counties. Prior to joining the FaDSS program, Kelly worked as a Head Start Family Service worker and a Head Start State Supervisor. 

Kelli goes above and beyond in her work with families. She likes to send personalized cards and letters to families celebrating events and accomplishments. She includes the children because "showing care to the child is showing care to the parent". 

Some interesting things about Kelli are that she was in a rock band in college after she answered a newspaper ad for a lead singer. Now she sings in a worship band at church. Kelli married her high school sweetheart after they met while working together in food service. They have four daughters, one granddaughter and one grandson. Kelli is couning on those numbers to explode exponentially. 

The FaDSS program is lucky to have a GEM like Kelli!

The Operation Threshold FaDSS program serves a capacity of 82 families in Blackhawk, Buchanan and Grundy counties. In FY21, the program served 117 families. The program is supervised by FaDSS Coordinator Mindy Dolan who oversees five FaDSS Specialists. The combined experience of staff is over 48 years! 

A FaDSS participant served by Operation Threshold had this to say about the program: "My Specialist is like an old cozy pair of shoes. She has sole and soul. She is always there for me when I need to talk, she has never made me feel uncomfortable, and she has always supported me and lifted me up. She is a listening ear and an encouraging word. The tangible advice and links to resources has made a huge difference in my life. She gives me hope so I can look at things more positively."

Vroom.org is a website developed by the Bezos Foundation to provide free science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into brain building moments. 

Vroom tips and tools supports the brain development of children birth through age 5. The activities are short and simple and available in several languages. The website includes guides, printable materials and specific resources for the professionals supporting families. 

A previous lunch and learn webinar describes how families and FaDSS Specialists can utilize the materials. To check out the recorded webinar, please visit the FaDSS BIG book webpage. FaDSS Specialists are encouraged to explore using Vroom.org to engage families.