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CARE TEAM RECOGNIZED FOR IMPORTANT WORK IN STARK COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Stark County Educational Service Center’s CARE Team Initiative recently was honored with the “2019 Everyday Hero Ohio” award. Ohio Children’s Trust Fund with Governor Mike DeWine recognized the CARE Teams and their Family Support Specialists for their efforts in fostering optimal outcomes for children, youth and families.
The Stark County CARE (Coordinates & Aligns Resources to Engage Empower & Educate) Team Initiative is a comprehensive, holistic, county-wide system of care that is comprised of a team of administrators, school counselors, teachers and staff, as well as, family support specialists and community agency providers. Each CARE Team meets regularly to develop strategies and align resources to promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual supports for every student to be successful. CARETeams are able to foster healthy development, intervene early, and provide specialized assistance for those with severe, pervasive or chronic barriers to learning.
The Family Support Specialists (FSS) serve on the CARE Teams and provide the critically important connection between the families, students and school personnel. They Connect families to school and community support services and programs and facilitate family involvement in their child’s learning. For many families, the Family Support Specialist is a true lifeline to overcome life challenges.
“We are so honored to recognize the work of our CARE Teams and Family Support Specialists for the dedication they give every day to empower and impact students and families! These “everyday heroes” have dedicated their time, efforts, and lives to support students and families!” expressed Kay Port, Director of CARE Teams.
The CARE Team initiative is one of Stark County’s best examples of collaboration. The CARE Team initiative partners and collaborates with the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Stark County Educational Service Center, Stark County Family Council, Stark County Family Court, Stark County Job and Family Services, Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, Stark Education Partnership, and The United Way of Greater Stark County. These partnerships offer school personnel immediate access to community resources.
We congratulate the CARE Team leaders, Kay Port, Carla Bidlack, Lynette Blasiman and Crissy Mudd, all members of Stark’s 110 CARE Teams and their Family Support Specialists on this prestigious award.