Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Christensen.
Hi Janelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Tuesday nights were my favorite night of the week during my childhood. From age nine to about fourteen, my Tuesday nights were magical because of Maxine Gray. I don’t believe I knew what a social worker was until I started watching “Judging Amy” with my sisters, but after the first episode, I was hooked. Although she was only a fictional character, Maxine’s incredible ability to read people, to get things done, to change circumstances of children for the better through Child and Family Services was inspirational to me. I recognize now the cliché of this portrayal of a social worker and that there are many additional roles that social workers fill, but it was Maxine’s courage to stand up for her beliefs and clients through all obstacles that lit my fire and started me on a path to where I am today.
The primary mission of social workers is to aid the vulnerable, impoverished and oppressed. I would like this to be my focus in my personal life and my career, and the Family Support & Treatment Center has been such a phenomenal place to put that into practice.
I’ve been involved with the Family Support & Treatment Center in various ways since 2010. Starting out as a volunteer, I spent time with children in the nursery building safe relationships with them while completing my undergrad program, then stayed for an undergraduate internship. I’ve since been the agency’s Nursery Houseparent, Education Specialist, Parent Advocate, and even receptionist for a little while. I returned to Family Support as the Executive Director after completing my Masters of Social Work at Columbia University.
I’m passionate about helping individuals and families live a happy, healthy life and truly believe that the services offered at Family Support make a lasting difference for our community. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with and be a part of such a fantastic team.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I found out I had been accepted into my dream program at Columbia the same week I found out I was pregnant with our first baby. Several people assumed I would no longer be going and I second-guessed how realistic it was to have a baby in the middle of a 10-month graduate program. With fantastic support from my husband and other family, I was able to start the program, have a baby 6 weeks in, move across the country, and complete all of my coursework, including an internship. It was a time of huge growth for me as an individual and for my family.
We’ve been impressed with Family Support and Treatment Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a private, nonprofit organization established in July 1984 with a primary purpose of preventing and treating child abuse. We believe is supporting all individuals and families in living happy, healthy lives. Prevention programs include parenting classes, prevention education to youth empowering them to prevent their own abuse from happening, and a 24/7 Crisis Respite Nursery where parents can get support with childcare. Treatment is clinical therapy for victims of abuse and other trauma beginning at age 18 months through the lifespan. We specialize in working with kids and have a facility that is top-notch when it comes to play therapy. While our services often are a safety net for those who are in crisis, we also seek to support all members of the community in living the best lives possible.
Our agency is trauma-informed and client-centered. We can respond appropriately when people are in crisis and we support them in maintaining independence or control in their lives while still getting some help that can transform their lives. It is powerful to hear stories of clients who have benefitted from Family Support and I am proud of the difference that it makes in the lives of individuals and the trajectories of entire families.
The entire community should know this service exists for them! Parenting (and life, generally) is hard and everyone can use support at times. Good parents are not just those who silently carry that burden alone, but those who recognize their resources and take advantage of them! It truly takes a village to raise a family and we are proud to be a part of that village.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Daring Greatly
Google Calendar
The Show Up Podcast
Contact Info:
- Email: info@utahvalleyfamilysupport.org
- Website: utahvalleyfamilysupport.org
- Instagram: @uvfamilysupport
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uvfamilysupport
