The following letter of commendation was sent out to all employees from Executive Director Rod Wilson following the publication of our 2008-2009 Annual Report.
Last month NCH held its Board of Directors annual meeting. Every year the written report includes letters from the board chairman and each of the administrative staff. Because of the recession, this has been an exceptional year for our agency. Throughout this year's letters was a common theme and we believe it is important that we share with you what we share publicly.
Our chair listed accomplishments of the year but then he said . . . "most importantly, children who had few other options in life received quality, compassionate care in a nurturing environment, which is the ultimate goal of Northwest Children's Home."
Among administrative staff comments:
. . ."thinking about what has made the Children's Home a great place for kids the past 100 years, it comes back to one common factor . . . the staff. . . . they are a special group of committed, caring individuals who take pride in their jobs. I see it all the time. They're patient, tolerant, enduring, unwearied men and women who give of themselves for the betterment of children, and they do this under all circumstances." [our] staff embraced the challenge [of the cuts we had to make this year] and "didn't complain. . . . they realize the reason they're here is to help children."
Despite NCH being negatively affected by the recession ". . . stability in staff turn over has created a positive effect for our residents. We have fewer goodbyes . . . and because [staff] stay longer, they get even better at what they do with the result that the kids experience more success. . . . It is heartwarming [that] former employees want to come back to work at NCH because they have missed this work and the kids--not individual residents--but the special kids we serve here.
. . . 28 employees, including four of our administrative team are re-hires. . . . We hope [that even after the recession ends] staff stability remains part of our culture"
"While we have had to tighten our belts and watch or reduce our expenses, all employees have continued their efforts to ensure that each child placed into our care receives quality treatment and education to guide them on their path to becoming healthy, productive members of the community. This is more than a job for most Northwest Children's Home employees. They have a passion for their work and dedication to our mission that produces the children's positive outcomes. Program reviewers with state agencies often comment on the quality care and the positive relationships they observe between the staff and kids. These relationships are the cornerstone of our treatment programs in each of the residences. Positive relationships with adults in our programs allow each child to work on the resolution of their issues in a safe, supportive environment.
The four administrators who came back to NCH--Scott Mosher, Rodney Kanikkeberg, Bruce Grimoldby and I-- started our careers at NCH as entry-level, direct care staff--we know first-hand the challenges involved in working with this population.
Know that you and your hard work are appreciated. The successful reputation NCH enjoys is a result of intertwining of efforts of all staff members: direct care, clinical, education, support and administration. Sincere thanks to each of you.
Rod Wilson
Executive Director