Catherine Martin Promoted to Communications Manager

We’re pleased to announce that Catherine Martin has been promoted to Communications Manager! Catherine steps into this role after working as CFCS’s Communications and Development Coordinator in our Advancement Department for the past two and a half years. Catherine studied English at Smith College and has an MA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College. In her spare time, she likes to write, watch movies and discover new authors. 

What does your new job entail?  

It’s sort of my old job but on steroids! Since joining CFCS I’ve managed our website and social media, had a large hand in coordinating our two major events, the Gala and the Annual Meeting, done a lot of fun design work and generally worked to constantly improve CFCS’s communications strategy, both publicly and within our organization. I’ll still be doing all that, but with the support of a wonderful intern and a little more heft behind my voice. My boss Steve Kumins and I are working on some really exciting stuff right now that we can’t wait to unveil in 2022! 

What’s your favorite thing to do at your job?  

I love that in my job, I get to work closely with staff from all of our six programs. I love learning about and sharing the thoughts and values of my colleagues, many of whom inspire me. I love taking photos. And I love that on occasion, I have the privilege of connecting with our clients, sharing their amazing strengths with our audience and giving them the microphone whenever possible.  

Do you have a philosophy/motto with which you approach your work?  

Before CFCS, I had absolutely no background in social work or family services. So when I came here, it was a steep learning curve. And one thing I learned very quickly is, it’s too easy to perpetuate negative stereotypes of the youth and families we work with. In my opinion, the perpetuation of these stereotypes directly supports the systems – racism, xenophobia, ableism and classism to name a few – that exacerbate inequalities in the child welfare system. Language matters. 

So my number one rule is always to listen to my colleagues and follow their lead. I work on improving my craft (writing and communications) in my own ways, but how I talk about our clients and their stories is always guided by how our Program Directors and staff think these stories should be portrayed. They are the experts. They’re doing this work. It’s my job to share their work in an accurate and respectful way.   

Do you have a goal you want to achieve at CFCS?   

Becoming Communications Manager was a big goal! And I’m looking forward to seeing how this big secret 2022 project I’m working on will turn out. But my main goal is always to raise CFCS’s profile. We’re an amazing organization! More people should know about us!