BCC’s Leadership Statement on the Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people.
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace
May God bless you with tears,
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war.
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world.
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
– A Franciscan Blessing
On Friday, November 19th, 2021, a “not guilty on all counts” verdict related to Kyle Rittenhouse was announced to the world. This verdict reopened wounds for many and reminded us that justice seems out of reach and many times not just for people of color. It is clear, we still have a long way to go in achieving a racially just and equitable society. This verdict, while extremely disappointing, is not an anomaly. In addition, there are a variety of opinions and feelings about the verdict.
Board of Child Care stands with and by our colleagues of color. You have our support, our voice, our empathy, and our action. We will use our power, platform, and privilege to lead meaningful, strategic, and systemic change at BCC. We will change what we can and know that making a place where everyone in our BCC experiences a healthy culture where each of us can engage with joy and purpose is one of our most important challenges. We will use our empathy skills to seek first to understand and work hard to find common ground in our rich diversity at BCC.
Coping as a Community
Speak up when you experience or witness intolerance, mistreatment, or bias in action. No matter what the issue, say something. If you don’t know what to say, start by asking, “What did you mean by that?” Listen, then respond calmly based on facts. Saying nothing when such instances arise condones the discrimination or microaggression. Here’s a powerful and short clip on microaggressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDd3bzA7450.
Create an inclusive environment for everyone. Seek different perspectives and respect points of view and communication styles that are different from your own. Don’t know how to talk about race? The National Museum on African American History and Culture offers a great resource – check it out here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race.
Process your feelings. Disappointments like this can feel traumatizing, especially for members of marginalized groups. Talking to your supervisor, in teams, with friends and loved ones can help. BCC also makes mental health resources available for times when you may need more support through an Employee Assistance Program.
Flex Our Core Value of EMPATHY. Seek first to understand, as there may be differences of opinion. Try to stand in your colleagues’ shoes to understand what support they might need to feel community and belonging at BCC.
We can only heal and grow better together by listening and learning, by having courageous conversations, and by cultivating a trusting environment where all people feel safe, respected, and empowered to voice their ideas, thoughts, and concerns. When we behave this way, we can set an example for our communities in the Mid-Atlantic. We need to do better—and we can.
Warmly,
Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola
President & CEO
Our 2021 re-accreditation site visit is complete!
Some reflections from BCC’s Chief Operating Officer
We just finished a three-day virtual site visit with CARF international and EAGLE, BCC’s two national accreditation bodies. Seven reviewers (4 from CARF, 3 from EAGLE) from across the United States and Canada spent time making sure BCC was meeting the mark across 1,700 + different standards. These ranged from governance and leadership, to finance, to program operations, to client rights.
This was a re-accreditation visit for BCC. We get recertified every three years by CARF, and every four years by EAGLE. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to do our visit last year, so we worked with both CARF and EAGLE to complete this accreditation jointly between the two teams. We would usually welcome our reviewers onto campus for several days, but had to adapt to a virtual-only visit this go round. Lots of time spent on MS Teams!
So how did we do? Both EAGLE and CARF teams had their exit debriefs yesterday. These are unofficial, verbal downloads of what the reviewers will be putting in their reports. In both cases, we will not get the official report until CARF and EAGLE have both reviewed the site visit notes. BCC holds these accreditations to learn how we can improve and do better. There were some areas they recommended we adjust to better meet certain standards, but overall I am extremely pleased with how we did. We received compliments on the content and quality of our client and HR charts and even got some kudos on some things that BCC is doing that they are not seeing other organizations do in our space (especially in the areas of advocacy, state-level partnership to serve new populations, our alumni grant program, and the Caminos program).
At the end of the review, I’m proud to see we received perfect marks in the following categories!
- Leadership
- Governance
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Planning and Management
What happens next?
- In both cases, the reviewers make a recommendation up to CARF/EAGLE, who will then officially deliver our accreditation result.
- Once we get our official results, we’ll submit a Quality Improvement Plan (or Corrective Action Plan) to address any areas noted that we need to adjust in order to meet the standard.
I’m incredibly proud of our teams for the amazing work they do every day – and especially for how they came together this week to really showcase how BCC shines! Great job everyone!
– Kristian
Kristian Sekse is BCC’s Chief Operating Officer. One of his areas of responsibility is Quality Improvement (also called Quality Assurance), which is the team responsible for maintaining BCC’s audit, compliance, survey, reporting, and risk management programs. This team oversees BCC’s accreditations and certifications.
Read more from Our 2021 re-accreditation site visit is complete!Liturgical Colors
The BCC Compass – November 2021
Expanding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion competency through Professional Development.
Professional Development opportunities, in concept, appears to be super easy to organize. “I get to grow as a professional, for free, with my co-workers” who wouldn’t want that? However, when it comes to creating and maintaining workplace environments that are knowledgeable and forward thinking, the intentionality behind creating professional learning opportunities becomes even more important. At the Board of Child, we believe that educating our communities on core Diversity and Inclusion Competencies is the foundation to promote inclusion on all levels of an organization. To take on this huge responsibility it was important for us to identify partners and teachers in an industry that is so broad and dynamic.
As an EDI facilitator my first job is to be aware that I am the “knower of nothing”. Regardless of how much formal education I have completed, books that I read, and trainings that I have led, there is no way that I can ever be an absolute expert on all things Diversity and Inclusion. What I do know is that my passion, my lived experiences, and of course my professional training provide me with a foundation to bring people together to learn about and move in a justice mindset. I pride myself most on being able to identify other professionals to partner with to ensure that the policies, initiatives, and learning opportunities that our agency creates is effective and truthful.
This year our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee worked hard to identify outside partners that could assist in our learning journey. To ensure that our goal of educating our employee population was attainable, the committee decided to host 4 professional learning opportunities on a quarterly basis focusing on the following topic areas: Anti-Black Racism, LGBTQ+ & Affirming Care, Cultural Humility, and Equitable Workplaces. To ensure that the content being delivered was interesting and relevant, we chose to partner with Diversity Trainers from diverse professional backgrounds with experience and passion for the subject matter. Collaboration is essential for any human service organization, especially for matters of Diversity and Inclusion. This journey can’t be done alone and its important to reach out and build community with professionals who can push your organization in the direction of inclusivity.
Tapping into social media networks like LinkedIn, Instagram and Clubhouse are both casual and professional ways of searching for Diversity speakers. Google is another great tool to use to identify other organizations that are doing great work in the community. Attend networking events where you have an opportunity to share the EDI journey that your organization is on an solicit the advice from others. As you can see, creating professional development opportunities, especially about Diversity and Inclusion is no easy task. It takes time to research and find the right person to partner with and speak to diverse audiences on matters that cause for vulnerability and unlearning, and that’s okay. In the end you are creating partnerships with longevity and professional development opportunities that will be impactful.
Read more from The BCC Compass – November 2021Core Value Award Winner October 2021: Impact Tina Champagne-George
BCC Recognizes October 2021 Core Value Award Winner Tina Champagne-George
The Board of Child Care would like to recognize Tina Champagne-George as the October 2021 Core Value Award winner for Impact!
Ms. Tina's nomination reads:
"Tina C George offers safety with our Youth by watching the environment due diligence, informing maintenance to keep things fixed at all times, keeping sharp objects in the locked closet, helping Youth to make wise choices, teaching them life skills to perform out in the community at their best, Educated the Youth the world can be dangerous and scary so depending on their reaction and their attempt to play a part within society should be with a positive outlook. Tina embraces the Youth like her own, offers an empathetic ear, consoles them when needed, and uses the techniques taught by our TCI trainers."
Congratulations, Ms. Tina, and thank you!
Impact Drives Lasting Change
We seek to make lasting change in the lives of those we work with by providing services that are inclusive, measurable, and durable. We maximize our impact by investing in staff and board development. Feedback presents opportunity for action, which enhances and strengthens our programs and their outcomes.
Core Value Award Winner October 2021: Empathy Kristin Lilly
BCC Recognizes October 2021 Core Value Award Winner Kristin Lilly
The Board of Child Care would like to recognize Kristin Lilly as the October 2021 Core Value Award winner for Empathy!
Ms. Kristin's nomination reads:
“We had new minors come to campus from Afghanistan in our Caminos Program. This was a new population with new backgrounds. Kristin did a lot of research and shared that research with the team. She took on one particular minor and noted that he had major anxiety with the transition. She ensured that the minor felt heard, consistently used a translator, and made herself available (sometimes even after her time on the clock). She expected nothing in return except for the minor to know that he was supported and seen for what he needed as resources in the program.
Congratulations, Ms. Kristin, and thank you!
Listen and Respond with Empathy
Empathy will guide our programming and culture at all levels. A supportive work and program environment means valuing the voices of all people, ensuring equitable representation, and growing a desire to know and understand others. We recognize that with empathy we will better understand what type of care and encouragement to provide.
Core Value Award Winner October 2021: Relationships Teximarie Cruz
BCC Recognizes October 2021 Core Value Award Winner Teximarie Cruz
The Board of Child Care would like to recognize Teximarie Cruz as the October 2021 Core Value Award winner for Relationships!
Ms. Teximarie's nomination reads:
"Ms. Texi was originally a talent member at our Campolina Way Level 2 program. After a few months of working with the Youth there, Ms. Texi expressed interest in joining the Caminos West program. When Ms. Texi started, she immediately jumped in headfirst and became very engaged with the Youth. She was not shy and did not hesitate to learn more about the program or the population the program serves and immediately became a preferred staff for several of our Youth. We appreciate Ms. Texi, as do the Youth!"
Congratulations, Ms. Texi, and thank you!
Foster Relationships within our Community
Openness and honesty with all stakeholders make for both the best program outcomes and team culture. Inclusive practices are the building blocks for trust. We create space for conversations that grow transparency about our decisions, promises, and understanding of one another.
Core Value Award Winner October 2021: Safety Anthony Velez
BCC Recognizes October 2021 Core Value Award winner Anthony "Tony" Velez
The Board of Child Care would like to recognize Anthony "Tony" Velez as the October 2021 Core Value Award winner for Safety!
Mr. Tony's nomination reads:
"After being in BCC's custodial department for two years, Mr. Tony recently joined the Caminos West team as direct care staff. During Mr. Tony's first week, the Caminos West program faced a challenging time when a youth in Cottage 4 was experiencing psychosis and severe anxiety. Mr. Tony was able to keep that Youth engaged and safe by consistently providing the Youth with things to do and learning how to communicate with him better when the Youth was struggling to do so."
Congratulations, Tony, and thank you!
Safety as A Mindset
We value life, spirit, and health above all else and take action to maintain the safety of our workplaces, programs, and services through a trauma responsive lens. We are personally accountable for our own safety and collectively responsible for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of our community.
Jim Young Memorial Golf Tournament September 2021
Thank you to everyone who made the 2021 Jim Young Memorial Golf Tournament a great success! Please check out some more of the event photos HERE
The day began with clouds and light rain which gave way to warmth and sunshine by the time lunch was over and everyone was ready to hit the links! We had a special youth guest from our UMHC Mechanicsburg Campus who shared about the Impact the Board of Child Care’s programs are making in their life. Thanks to the generosity of the tournament sponsors and players, we surpassed our fundraising goal of $50,000. The timing could not be better as we are about to begin renovations of several of the Pennsylvania living units to prepare for a new program opening in 2022 (more on that soon).
Although the gorgeous weather gave way to wind and rain later in the afternoon, the clouds cleared in time to celebrate with our closing ceremony recognizing the day’s winners. However, the real winners of the day are the youth and families BCC’s programs support.
Even as we continue to face uncertainty, it is inspiring to see a gathering of people still focused on SAFETY, strengthening RELATIONSHIPS, giving with compassion and EMPATHY to make an IMPACT through enriching communities, one family at a time.
Read more from Jim Young Memorial Golf Tournament September 2021