July 2020 

A Celebration to Remember! 
Arba-Della Beck's Retirement Parade

On June 5, Arba-Della retired as FamilyMeans’ President. To celebrate her tenure, while complying with public health directives, we held a parade celebration. Even a pandemic could not stop the agency from demonstrating its appreciation for her 24 years of leadership! Over 70 entries participated in a parade including past and current board members, current and former staff, volunteers, and nonprofit peers. Signs conveyed greetings, well-wishes, and Arba-Della’s favorite interview question. Other memorable moments included family pets such as a hen named “Arba-Della Peck”, a Lakeview Health ambulance siren salute, tandem bicyclists, a tribute to the former Garden Tour event, and the arrival of her then week-old grandchild via stroller. While not the send-off any of us envisioned for her, she was delighted by the memorable event!

Client Feedback

In early 2020, the agency took part in the shared insights (a.k.a. client satisfaction) process with the Listen 4 Good (L4G) organization. L4G promotes an intentional feedback cycle of design, collection, interpretation, response, and innovation. Clients are invited to share more about what shapes positive interactions with agency programs, and allows for comments to help build more client-centered offerings in the future. Over 200 national agencies participate, which is helpful to benchmark aggregate data with peer service providers. This initiative does not replace program-specific surveys, but rather allows the agency to gain high-level insights to our overall approach. Click the button below to view a summary of our initial findings.

Program Updates

Counseling & Therapy has begun to allow limited in-person sessions for specialized therapy treatments in our outpatient clinic in Stillwater and the Center for Grief & Loss. These sessions are subject to additional public health protocols to ensure the safety of both clients and FamilyMeans staff. General counseling sessions continue to be offered via telehealth (video conference) for new and existing clients. Click here to set-up an appointment!

Caregiving & Aging continues to provide virtual and telephone support to clients one-on-one and in group settings, including education and support groups. Volunteers stay connected with respite clients through telephone and video calls. A pair of volunteers even created musical videos to share with Day Out! group respite clients. Learn more in the July Caregiving & Aging Newsletter! Click here to read the newsletter!

Youth Development will begin this month with in-person, outdoor, small group sessions for Landfall and Cimarron participants. Digital activity and support sessions for teens and children will complement our in-person programming. Click here to learn more!

Financial Solutions continues to counsel clients online and via telephone. Given the uncertainties of personal finances due the pandemic’s effects on the economy, consider speaking with one of our certified financial counselors who can provide clarity and tools for your budget. Click here to set-up an appointment!

Group education for your business or team is available! Learn about budgeting and debt repayment opportunities via zoom!

NEW EDUCATION – How to Manage Your Finances through Strained Economic Times
Financial stress on employees can be detrimental to a business. This one hour workshop via Zoom can help your staff to gain the confidence to better manage their personal finances and reduce stress. Our instructor, Suzy Wheeler has over 30 years of experience in Financial Counseling and Financial Literacy Education to help guide your employees to success!

Click here to see education topics and set-up a training!