1. I wanted to take a moment to recognize the work of Samantha Brehm.  Ms. Brehm has been working with a family for some time and the father was recently released from jail.  Ms. Brehm was able to increase the amount of time she spent with the family to assist the father in obtaining a job.  The father has a great deal of difficulty reading and completing job applications so Ms. Brehm spent much of her time helping complete the applications.  Ms. Brehm’s hard work paid off and the father got a job!  The only problem was that the father had to start the job the next day and needed a pair of new work boots in order to start but the family had no money.  Within hours, Ms. Brehm was able to secure the funds for the work boots and purchased the work boots for father so that he could start work the next day.  Ms. Brehm went above and beyond with this family and her work is greatly appreciated!
  2. I need to take a moment to commend Stephanie Kerns on providing an excellent example of how to handle situations when abuse is reported as it was on recently.  Once the abuse was reported Steph immediately called me and then my supervisor after I was not available.  Steph took photos of the injury and called the father to come pick up the children.  Steph did all of this while remaining at the home and with the children to ensure their safety.  This is not always the case because some providers actually leave the home and then call in the abuse report.  Steph also stuck around after the children left to inform a hostile mother of what was going one.  Steph remained calm, focused and professional throughout this crisis and again, provides an excellent example of what all providers should do in cases where abuse is reported.

Sincerely,

Gregory J. Gerdeman, MSW, LSW

Berks County Children and Youth Services

We appreciate Greg,  our dedicated working partner at Berks County CYS for taking the time to point out the excellent service and ‘grace under pressure’ evidenced by our superb Family Resource Specialists, Samantha Brehm and Stephanie Kerns.  We appreciate them too!!