For those whom know, I am a Government employee for the state of Oklahoma. The shutdown has somewhat affected my employment, but not drastically. I am blessed to be a state employee, so while I must take a few furlough hours a pay period to stretch the budget until things open back, I am still able to continue serving in my position.
My win I wish to share is that I have been granted the opportunity to work on the executive team of my dear friends company. This speaks volumes to the importance in networking! My friend and I have always been huge supports to each other and share a common vision. I now get to fulfill something that has been on my heart for years and that is to make steps toward establishing a good group home for our highest risk/needs youth. I can get on quite the soap box when it comes to congregate care and the fact that it is a double edged sword of sorts. Despite how much I hate seeing kids placed in these settings, I have come to accept it is a near necessary evil so to speak. Our vision is to help make ours stand out by truly focusing on rehabilitation and not status quo. Kiddos need to discharge to lesser restrictive placement as timely as possible, or there exists a much higher risk of becoming institutionalized. I look forward to serving in both of these roles and building this community more! Blessed for the opportunity to further serve within my state, community, and help families.