Maxine’s Message

This month’s message is dedicated to you, the employees of Heartland AEA. During the last couple of weeks, I have had countless opportunities to observe our staff and to participate in a broad range of activities including an IFSP meeting, chat sessions, a meeting with program assistants, a Staff Advisory Council meeting, Lighthouse Project sessions and several job shadows. Your work is outstanding, and you inspire me as you carry out your responsibilities. Everywhere I went, I saw evidence of Heartland’s vision, mission and core values. Over and over, you go the extra mile. I wish that every community member, agency partner and parent could have the opportunity to observe you in action.

For example, at an IFSP meeting in a home, the social worker, therapists and teacher were all well prepared, shared progress data and listened carefully to the parents of the child they are serving. Heartland staff had communicated with the medical providers and demonstrated how they could support the family and the child. Through their skilled efforts and influence, the family was taking steps to gain additional information about their child in the face of the fear of what they might learn. It was the work of our team members over time that led them to this action. It was evident that these team members were making a dramatic difference in the lives of this child and family.

In another instance, I learned about how we are making a difference with our classrooms, schools and districts by providing support for understanding and interpreting data through professional learning communities. Keys to the success of this work are the relationships and trust that were carefully built over a long period of time.

The immigration forum that the Agency sponsored in February drew rave reviews from all areas of the community, increasing awareness and understanding of immigration. Also, hundreds of you are demonstrating your commitment to your communities by building homes, cleaning school grounds and streets and volunteering to spend additional time with children as part of your development of cultural competence.

Your successes and excellence are everywhere. There are many more examples of your accomplishments, and you can read about them in the Board of Directors meeting minutes after the Board has honored agency and district staff, in the HeartBeat where a different work group is being featured monthly as well as through the cultural competency events. There’s no doubt about it: Heartland staff are exceptional and are changing lives every day. That makes every day of work a pleasure. Thanks to each and every one of you.

If you celebrate Easter, I wish you a blessed Easter, or alternatively, a joyful spring.

Maxine