Shining Stars of Family Well-Being: Meet the 2023 Family Champion Award Recipients
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The 2023 Family Champion Awards brought to the forefront remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on families in North Carolina. Celebrated during the reTHINK Permanency: Unlocking Pathways from Foster Care to Permanency Conference, hosted by the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS), the awards ceremony was a momentous occasion.
The Institute for Family hosted an awards luncheon, where practitioners and advocates, joined by First Lady Kristin Cooper of North Carolina, gathered to celebrate the awardees’ extraordinary contributions and the significance of supporting family well-being. In her heartfelt remarks, Mrs. Cooper expressed her admiration for the dedication of those in the room, who are devoted to caring for children and enhancing their lives.
The conference, held in Raleigh, united family service professionals and advocates from across the state to explore permanency planning for youth in foster care. The awards luncheon was underwritten by Blue Cross NC’s Healthy Blue Medicaid plan, with the aim of acknowledging and supporting the outstanding work of these Family Champion Award winners.
Meet the remarkable 2023 Family Champion Awardees! These individuals are celebrated for their impact on the lives of children and families. Discover their aspirations, desires for change, and valuable advice for advocates and future social workers committed to family well-being.
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Maurice “Mo” Beam, Placement Specialist at the CHS Morganton Office, has been named a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner for his remarkable contributions to the well-being of countless young lives and the families that support them. For Mo, the most rewarding part of his work is the transformation he witnesses when doubt and confusion are replaced by hope, possibilities and potential in a child’s mind and heart. Removing these obstacles helps children see the bright future that awaits them.
Over his long and dedicated career, Mo has identified funding constraints as a significant stumbling block in providing the best support to children and families. He has seen how funding constraints affect the care provided and even influence policy decisions. Mo believes that in the past, resources were readily available for helping children and families. However, now it seems the focus has shifted to scrutinizing costs rather than evaluating the true impact of resources. Mo’s wisdom and experience call for a more balanced approach where the well-being of children remains at the forefront of decision-making.
The nature of Mo’s work demands significant emotional investment and time. However, he has discovered an extraordinary way of finding solace in it. With a heart firmly dedicated to the cause, Mo views his work and world as one. His passion is nourished by genuine connections with the children and families he serves, often seeing them as an extension of his biological family. Mo’s self-care practices are intertwined with work-related occurrences that bring joy and relaxation to his life.
Maurice “Mo” Beam
Placement Specialist, CHS, Morganton, NC
As partners and community members looking to support families better, Mo reminds us of the value of authentic human connections. While data, training, and financial support are essential, nothing replaces the power of looking someone in the eye and genuinely expressing concern for their well-being and success. Building solid relationships is the key to unlocking the potential for positive change.
Reflecting on what inspired him to embark on this noble path, Mo acknowledges his brother-in-law, a social worker for Mecklenburg County DSS, for over three decades. Watching him passionately impact lives in a professional yet caring manner left a lasting impression on Mo, igniting his desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
For young people interested in pursuing social work as a career, Mo offers some invaluable advice. He emphasizes recognizing and celebrating small victories, which can be as significant as major accomplishments. In this field, success may not come with grand gestures or fanfare. However, the positive impact on even one person’s life is worth celebrating. Moreover, he reminds future social workers that the role demands a deep emotional connection and understanding, a key element in making a real difference in the lives of those they serve.
Mo Beam’s dedication to supporting children and families in North Carolina has made him an actual Family Champion. His commitment to building genuine connections, finding hope in every situation, and celebrating minor victories sets an inspiring example for everyone working towards creating a brighter future for those in need. As we honor him in 2023, let us learn from his experiences and strive to make the world a better place, one genuine connection at a time.
Meet Teryl Bowen, LCSW, Permanency Services Social Worker at Wake County Health and Human Services in Raleigh, NC. Teryl has been honored as a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner for her outstanding contributions to families and children in North Carolina. Let’s take a closer look at how she supports families and significantly impacts her community.
For Teryl, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that she has made a positive difference in the lives of children and families. Her dedication to her work is evident in her passion for helping those in need. Alongside this, Teryl recognizes the value of her fantastic team, further reinforcing her work’s rewarding nature.
Teryl is not only a passionate social worker but also a forward-thinker. When asked what policy or practice she would change to support children and families better, she highlights the need for a universal placement referral form for all agencies. In Teryl’s opinion, the current process is time-consuming and cumbersome. Teryl’s suggestion aims to streamline this procedure, allowing social workers to spend more time preparing and supporting the children during their transitions.
Permanency Services Social Worker at Wake County Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC
“For young individuals who are interested in a career in social work, Teryl suggests doing thorough research and seeking input from experienced social workers. Volunteering at organizations that provide social work services can also offer valuable insights into the profession’s diverse opportunities.”
Working as a social worker can be emotionally demanding. Teryl practices self-care diligently to maintain her energy and passion. She finds solace in prayer, music, nature, indulging in her favorite bakeries, and confiding in her team for support. Teryl recognizes that supporting families requires collective effort. As partners and community members, we can play a crucial role by advocating for increased funding and resources. Strengthening families equips them to better care for their children, regardless of their family structure.
Acknowledging social workers’ challenges, Teryl emphasizes the importance of providing support to those in the profession. She commends free conferences like the one that honors social workers and offers valuable tools and information to enhance their practice.
Children are Teryl’s inspiration for pursuing this profession. For young individuals who are interested in a career in social work, Teryl suggests doing thorough research and seeking input from experienced social workers. Volunteering at organizations that provide social work services can also offer valuable insights into the profession’s diverse opportunities.
Teryl Bowen’s story exemplifies the significant impact that one dedicated and compassionate social worker can make on the lives of children and families. As a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner, she is a shining example of how genuine care and advocacy can transform communities and inspire positive change. Her work is a testament to the power of social work in building more robust connections with families and helping them thrive.
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Meet Tiffany Bickel, a dedicated and experienced Permanency Planning Supervisor at New Hanover County Health and Human Services. With an impressive 23-year career in child welfare, Tiffany is honored as a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner for her focus and passion on foster care and adoption.
Her journey began in Child Protective Services in Mecklenburg County, and she later transitioned to the world of foster care and adoptions in New Hanover County. Tiffany finds immense joy working with youth needing permanency, recognizing the significance of providing every child with a stable and loving home. Alongside her team, Tiffany is committed to thinking creatively and exploring various placement options to ensure foster youth experience an environment of normalcy and support.
Her belief in finding the right match for every child showcases her unwavering dedication to the well-being and future of those under her care. Through her compassionate and innovative approach, Tiffany continues to positively impact countless children’s lives, ensuring that each one finds their place in the world.
Tiffany Bickel
Permanency Planning Supervisor, New Hanover County Health and Human Services
Meet Cheryl Donahue-Wright, an exceptional Social Worker at Communities in School at James B. Dudley High School in Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, NC. As a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner, we honor Cheryl’s dedication to her role as a social worker. With a passion for supporting students and families, Cheryl is crucial in providing vital resources and assistance to those in need.
Her work at James B. Dudley High School reflects her commitment to nurturing a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels supported and valued. Through her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach, Cheryl continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive academically and emotionally.
Cheryl Donahue-Wright
Social Worker, Communities in School, James B. Dudley High School – Guilford County Schools, Greensboro, NC
Discover the compelling story of a dedicated social worker and her profound influence on the lives of alumni from the foster care system.
Meet Lori McNeil, an Intensive In-Home Specialist at the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (Charlotte Office). Lori is recognized as a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner for her unwavering dedication and passion for supporting children and families. Lori’s impact on countless lives in North Carolina has been remarkable.
The most rewarding aspect of Lori’s work is witnessing families she supports achieving their goals and maintaining stability as a unit . Often, these families require assistance navigating various agencies and community resources. Lori takes great pride in helping them discover support systems they may not have been aware of, positively impacting their lives.
As a dedicated professional, Lori emphasizes the need for better initiatives to enhance the quality-of-care services in North Carolina. She advocates for civic engagement to ensure that the healthcare system prioritizes people’s well-being, easing the burden of healthcare costs and improving access to essential resources for those in need.
As the curtains close on the 2023 Family Champion Awards, we are left in awe of the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the lives of children and families in North Carolina. Throughout the awards ceremony and reTHINK Permanency Conference, we witnessed the deep emotional investment and time required to support family well-being and the solace found in genuine connections with those in need. These Family Champions have shown us that success lies in grand gestures and in celebrating the small victories that pave the way for positive change. Their collective wisdom calls for a more balanced approach, where the well-being of family remains at the forefront of policy and decision-making.
“Lori firmly believes that everyone, including partners and community members, can play a part in better-supporting families.”
Meet Lori McNeil, an Intensive In-Home Specialist at the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (Charlotte Office). Lori is recognized as a 2023 Family Champion Awards Winner for her unwavering dedication and passion for supporting children and families. Lori’s impact on countless lives in North Carolina has been remarkable.
The most rewarding aspect of Lori’s work is witnessing families she supports achieving their goals and maintaining stability as a unit . Often, these families require assistance navigating various agencies and community resources. Lori takes great pride in helping them discover support systems they may not have been aware of, positively impacting their lives.
As a dedicated professional, Lori emphasizes the need for better initiatives to enhance the quality-of-care services in North Carolina. She advocates for civic engagement to ensure that the healthcare system prioritizes people’s well-being, easing the burden of healthcare costs and improving access to essential resources for those in need.
Working in this field demands significant emotional investment and time, and Lori strongly emphasizes self-care practices. She takes necessary breaks, journals to process her emotions, disconnects from distractions, spends quality time with her family and friends, and seeks therapeutic support when needed. Her spiritual beliefs also play a crucial role in maintaining balance and motivation in her position.
Lori firmly believes that everyone, including partners and community members, can play a part in better-supporting families. By demonstrating consideration, effectiveness, and advocating for others, a unified team can be formed to foster employee morale and create a supportive environment for families.
Lori draws inspiration from her experiences growing up in a single-parent home, witnessing her mother’s resilience in overcoming adversity and persevering through challenging circumstances. Her transparency and personal stories during sessions serve as a source of inspiration to others, fostering deeper connections and growth.
For young individuals aspiring to pursue social work as a career, Lori offers valuable advice. She encourages them to explore the field, understand its essence, and assess whether they possess a deep connection and compassion for the profession. Volunteering within communities can provide valuable insights into service and the sense of accomplishment from helping others. Lori advises cultivating qualities like kindness, patience, non-judgment, emotional stability, and the ability to set realistic expectations and boundaries, as social work can be emotionally and spiritually rewarding, even if not always financially.
Lori McNeil’s dedication to supporting families in North Carolina radiates through her work, and her recognition as a Family Champion Award Winner is well-deserved. Her compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference continue to impact the lives of numerous families in the community positively.
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As the curtains close on the 2023 Family Champion Awards, we are left in awe of the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the lives of children and families in North Carolina. Throughout the awards ceremony and reTHINK Permanency Conference, we witnessed the deep emotional investment and time required to support family well-being and the solace found in genuine connections with those in need. These Family Champions have shown us that success lies in grand gestures and in celebrating the small victories that pave the way for positive change. Their collective wisdom calls for a more balanced approach, where the well-being of family remains at the forefront of policy and decision-making.
As we honor the exceptional work of these awardees, let us take to heart their invaluable advice for advocates and future social workers committed to family well-being. Their experiences highlight the importance of authentic human connections, self-care, and a deep understanding of the emotional demands of this profession. With gratitude and admiration, we congratulate the 2023 Family Champion Award winners for their outstanding contributions, and we are inspired to continue supporting families and transforming lives across North Carolina.