Bridges Homeward Writer 11/8/21 Bridges Homeward Writer 11/8/21

Putnam Place’s Latest Outing: In The Treetops Of Massachusetts

Randi Souza, the Program Director for Putnam Place, is always organizing excursions like these because the opportunity to have fun and try new things is especially meaningful for residents in group homes!

Karen Stein 10/19/21 Karen Stein 10/19/21

Spotlight on CFCS: Claralys Gonzalez

Claralys Gonzalez started at CFCS as an intern in 2020. Today, she’s a Family Support Specialist in our Family Support & Stabilization program, who dreams of providing more therapeutic services to Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities!

Karen Stein 10/12/21 Karen Stein 10/12/21

Intensive Foster Care Hosts Awesome Movie Night

Our Intensive Foster Care Program recently hosted a movie night for youth in our care and their siblings in different foster homes to relax and have fun!

Karen Stein 9/20/21 Karen Stein 9/20/21

A Quinceañera for Kristina

16-year-old Kristina recently celebrated her quinceañera with her foster parents Carlotta and Kwesi. It was an outstanding way to incorporate Kristina’s culture into their lives together as a foster family!

Karen Stein 9/13/21 Karen Stein 9/13/21

CFCS Sends Record Number of Kids in Foster Care to Sibling Connections Camp!

Sibling Connections hosts a summer camp where siblings separated from each other in foster care spend a week together, reconnecting and having fun. This year, five groups of siblings in our foster care program attended, a new CFCS record!

Karen Stein 8/26/21 Karen Stein 8/26/21

Spotlight on CFCS: Garaudie Lenescat

“I like to think of milieu counselors as the foundation of the house. We support the residents emotionally, physically, with whatever they need.” Garaudie Lenescat shares what she does as a Lead Milieu Counselor at our group home for young women ages 16-21, Teens Learning Choices.

Karen Stein 8/23/21 Karen Stein 8/23/21

Seven of Our Favorite TLC Successes Of 2021 (So far)

Teens Learning Choices, our group home for young women ages 16 to 21, has seen some fantastic improvements over the past year! Here are seven awesome successes our residents at TLC have been experiencing recently.

Karen Stein 8/16/21 Karen Stein 8/16/21

Assistant Program Director of our Family Support & Stabilization Program Thara Young Earns Her MSW

Thara Young is a dedicated and passionate social worker who has been with us since 2014. Recently, she earned her MSW from Boston University! Congratulations, Thara!

Karen Stein 8/2/21 Karen Stein 8/2/21

Spotlight on CFCS: Lidia Rodriguez

“I work in-depth with families, sit down and have a conversation with them, help them set goals and make up a plan to reach their goals. That, to me, is amazing.” Lidia Rodriguez shares how she became a Family Support Specialist in our Developmental Disabilities Program.

Karen Stein 7/26/21 Karen Stein 7/26/21

Spotlight on CFCS: Chelsey Underwood

“When I came across CFCS and read about what the agency stands for, I was interested in working here because I share the same beliefs.” Chelsey Underwood shares how she became a case manager in our Developmental Disabilities Program.

Karen Stein 7/8/21 Karen Stein 7/8/21

How Do We Help LGBTQ+ Youth In Foster Care When There Are No LGBTQ+ Adults Around Them?

Though Massachusetts has made some positive gains for LGBTQ+ people, it hasn’t translated to better outcomes for youth, especially those in foster care. But we can change these inequalities when we welcome and involve LGBTQ+ foster families and social workers more in the child welfare system.

Karen Stein 6/9/21 Karen Stein 6/9/21

Executive Director Bob Gittens Discusses Group Homes on Comcast Newsmakers

Recently, Bob had the pleasure of talking with Comcast Newsmakers about the experiences of the residents in our group homes.

Karen Stein 6/2/21 Karen Stein 6/2/21

Celebrating Ava’s Adoption

Adoptive parents Kate and Matt first met Ava when she came to their foster home at just 5 days old. Ava is the first youth they’ve fostered they won’t ever have to say goodbye to!

Karen Stein 5/26/21 Karen Stein 5/26/21

Fanita Grubbs Wins the 2021 Vivienne Campbell Award

Fanita does a wonderful job creating an environment where children in her home feels safe and secure. She makes every youth in her care feel like a part of her family. Congratulations, Fanita!

Karen Stein 5/3/21 Karen Stein 5/3/21

Spotlight on CFCS: Devan Miller

“By being at Putnam in-person I’ve witnessed the challenges and triumphs of a group home that became much more than a residential facility.” Devan Miller shares about her experience as an intern at Putnam Place over the last school year.

Karen Stein 4/28/21 Karen Stein 4/28/21

Celebrating Samantha’s Adoption

“We will support and encourage her to do anything she wants to do. We hope she has the confidence to not let anything hold her back.” Congratulations to Jillian, Michael and Samantha on Samantha’s recent adoption legalization!