Thara Young, Family Support & Stabilization Assistant Program Director, Awarded Scholarship from Providers' Council

We are pleased to announce that Family Support & Stabilization Assistant Program Director Thara Young has been awarded the 2019 Providers' Council Graduate Leadership Scholarship! This scholarship is awarded to one person a year, and is for any employee of a member of the Provider’s Council who is entering or is currently enrolled in a Massachusetts-based Master’s degree program. The scholarship supports people working in human services as they continue their professional development through education.

Thara and Nanci in Thara’s office

Thara is currently enrolled in Boston University’s Master of Social Work program. She is on a clinical track, which means her degree will deepen the already-impressive knowledge and experience she brings when supervising specialists who work one-on-one with families in our FSS program. Her new insights will no doubt strengthen CFCS as we strive to offer the highest quality service we can.

Thara’s supervisor Nanci Lytes, who is the FSS Program Director, encouraged Thara to apply for this scholarship. Notably, Nanci was awarded this same scholarship by the Provider’s Council in 2017. “I feel proud of Thara’s accomplishments because I know how hard and diligently she works to maintain all aspects of her life,” Nanci said when asked about Thara’s award. “I am overjoyed to share this with her. She’s very deserving of this.”

In her personal statement for her application, Thara wrote about what her work means to her, and what her continuing education means to her work. With her permission, we are humbled to include her beautiful words here:

“There is great honor in being allowed to step into the center of a family’s pain and walk them through it. Empowering these families is what drives me. I know first-hand what it feels like not to have anyone advocating for you. The field of social work gives me the opportunity to fight for people when they feel helpless. It allows me to protect those who are fearful and vulnerable and empower them to see hope.

Although confident in the work that I do, I firmly believe that learning never stops. Part of growing and adapting to societal change is education and training. A graduate education would allow me to achieve my personal career goals but most importantly, would help me further my growth by receiving the necessary training needed to be a positive influence in this field.”

CFCS would like to thank the Providers' Council for their continued support not only of us, but of their support for dedicated and passionate social workers across Massachusetts. By supporting social workers like Thara, we can move together toward a brighter future where all people receive the help they deserve.