What’s New
at Bridges Homeward
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!
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!
Catherine Martin 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.
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.
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.
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!
You’re invited to CFCS’s Annual Meeting 2021!
Our virtual Annual Meeting will be on September 9 from 7 to 8:15. After our program, there will be opportunity for discussion and Q&A with CFCS staff! Register today at https://www.yot.me/events/9514
Thank You to Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Cambridge Landscape Co.!
We want to give a very special thanks to Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Cambridge Landscape Co. for sponsoring our virtual Gala this year, despite the challenges the pandemic has brought!
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.
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.
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.
CFCS Observes Juneteenth with a Celebration of Our Staff’s Cultures
Recently, our staff, group home residents, and Board members came together to celebrate Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
The 2021 Circle of Friends Gala Is CFCS’s Biggest Fundraiser Ever!
We had no idea our very first (and hopefully only) virtual Gala would turn out to be CFCS's most successful fundraising event in our entire 147-year history!
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.
Thank You to Cradles to Crayons!
We want to express our gratitude to Cradles to Crayons, an incredible non-profit that donates essential items to youth in our care. We are grateful for their continued support!
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!
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!
The 27th (Virtual) Circle of Friends Gala is ONE WEEK AWAY!
We have answers to your frequently-asked questions. Plus, a special announcement about a generous donation match by our Gala’s biggest sponsor!