It’s that time of year again, when we at Redwood Community Services share our highlights, give thanks to all of you who make our work possible, and ask graciously and humbly for you to support our vulnerable children, youth and families through the holiday season.
This has been a very eventful year for RCS as I suppose it should be since we turned 20 years old in October. It seems unbelievable to think that we have been a part of supporting and empowering children and youth in Lake and Mendocino Counties for so long. What started as a Foster Family Agency has developed into a multi-program agency serving those most in need wherever they may be, foster care, group care, transitional housing, in their schools, in their homes, in their communities. RCS has been committed throughout, building child and family natural supports and keeping them closest to their families, and their communities.
RCS changed our name from Redwood Children’s Services to Redwood Community Services in order to better reflect our growing mission to serve the whole family and young adults’ 18 to 25 years old, as is best when trying to keep families together and truly impacting the lifelong trajectory for youth.
RCS went through a rigorous internal and external review in order to be qualified for national accreditation. After successfully completing our final site review RCS was accredited by the highest national standards of professional leadership through the Council on Accreditation (COA).
In close partnership with Mendocino County Department of Social Services we were able to be chosen as one of four counties in the State of California to transform our residential treatment programs into Residentially Based Services (RBS). This allows us, our county social services and probation departments to provide the highest level of individual and family treatment and support throughout the arch of care for the child. Meaning, treatment and supports are provided for the child and their families while they are in residential care, and the same treatment and supports follows the child into their homes, schools, and community until the family is stable and connected to their own support systems.
RCS, in partnership with Lake County Social Services and Probation were able to implement FAMILY Wraparound as an extension of the very successful Wrap Around program, with the goal of serving 45 families a year with services and community support when a family is in a struggling or vulnerable state, but before the level of concern reaches the need to remove the children from their homes.
All of these accomplishments could not be possible without the amazing, dedicated, mission driven staff and foster parents who work for RCS. These people go anywhere, do anything, and sacrifice so much in order to meet the children and families where they are. I am blessed and honored to serve with them each and every day.
This time of year is always so difficult for those of us who have suffered childhood abuse and neglect, and especially those who have lost temporary and in some cases permanent contact with families. The incredible support, generosity and gift giving that YOU have shown to the over 10,000 children, youth and young adults has been inspiring and brought so much affection and gratitude.
The children and youth often are amazed that there are people in the community that care about their situations and want so very much to help.
The donations that you provide during this time of year are a very big way that you touch their hearts, and show them that they matter. Many of our youth have grown up and now “pay it forward”, through service. Thank you for teaching them that giving matters.
Please continue to support our children and youth for the holidays and send your donations to:
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
P.O. BOX 2077
Ukiah, CA 95482
Lastly, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for all of the ways individually and collectively, you have been a part of mine and RCS’s journey. I have learned so much about service, mission, and healing. We have learned what it truly means to help, not hinder, from being a part of such a powerful and beautiful group of people.
Willow Anderson is Communications Officer and Recruitment Specialist for Redwood Community Services
