Last week we heard from Family and Children's Place CEO Pam Darnell about the organization that celebrates 140 years in the community.
Our Kristi Dutton continues the interview today as the organization reflects on the difference they've made over the years.
So since 1883, Family and Children's Place, even through the various names, has had 140 year presence in this community.
What difference has that made?
So we know that we we estimate based on our data that we have served over 275,000 children and their family members over our history.
And so we know, based on some of the information that we have, this organization over 30 years ago did adoptions.
And I actually was on a call with a woman.
I just called her to thank her for her support about a year ago.
And she was so thankful for my call.
And I would not have known this had I not called her.
Her daughter was adopted at this organization 40 years ago.
And she also received services later.
She wanted some of our home visiting services.
So that's just one example of the impact that this organization has had for 140 years.
All of our services that we now operate, five different services we track data about how we help kids and families.
But an outcome to us is not how many families that you serve.
How many children did you see?
We count all that and it's important.
But the real outcome is what is the change that happened in the life of that child or family and family members because they got our services.
You've had your career here at this place for almost 30 years, and it's a place that you've poured your heart into, but a place that if you had your wish, you wouldn't need it.
What keeps you.
Going?
You know, you're exactly right.
And often people will say, How do you all do this?
It's so hard.
And it is hard.
But you know what?
I grew up in a home where my parents never finished high school, never graduated high school.
They got married when they were 16.
And they both came from families who really lacked significant resources.
So it's always been sort of in my DNA that kids and families need help.
It's always been a part of me that I really felt compelled to call it a calling, whatever.
But I just felt compelled that children and families in crisis needed help.
And it didn't always mean they weren't doing what they should be doing.
Despite that, the hard work and the very best efforts of my mom and dad.
There were times we didn't have everything we needed, but they worked hard.
And it wasn't because of a lack of that that we lacked the things that we needed.
So it's just always been a part of me.
How can I help kids and families who don't have the resources that some other kids and families do?
I believe that every child, no matter where they live, no matter the circumstances of their birth, no matter who they are, they deserve every opportunity for the very best education that they they can have, just like everyone else who has resources.
And really helping families to have what they need is how we will, number one, prevent child abuse.
And number two, help make sure that every single family and every child in our communities can really grow and thrive and be successful later in life.
It is really important to me, you know, that my career was dedicated to helping kids and families in crisis.
Pam Darnell was named one of business first most admired CEOs in 2021.
She announced that she will retire in November of 2024.