On August 7th, West Texas Together (WTT) hosted their second Lunch and Learn for Child Welfare professionals. This has come out of a need identified by coalition partners to develop the skills of our local workforce.
West Texas offers a dynamic and challenging landscape. Serving children in crisis is no different. Rural child welfare research tells us that social workers need to be well versed in a wide range of topics and well connected to their community resources. As a community we can invest in their knowledge of best practices and local resources.
Over eighty local professionals gathered at Midland Bible Church to hear about the resources provided by The Springboard Center, Buckner Children and Family Services, and One Accord for Kids. Of those in attendance, fifteen child serving organizations were represented, fostering a sense of unity around the protection of vulnerable families and kids and creating bonds over lunch provided by Performance Chemical and The Catwalk Podcast. Again it was amazing to bring like minded people together.
Reflecting on the event, social workers were grateful for the opportunity to hear what happens in a 12 step program meeting and the heart behind The Springboard Center. Many heard about Buckner’s family preservation program for the first time. Many were very glad to hear about One Accord for Kids’ zip code searchable database for free or reduced cost services called Family Help West Texas. You can find that at familyhelpwtx.org.
This is our last Lunch and Learn for Child Welfare Professionals of 2024 and will resume on quarterly cadence in 2025. If you have training or resources you want to share with West Texas social workers you are encouraged to reach out to Matt Waller at mwaller@oneaccordtx.org. If you would like to stay connected with WTT or partner on projects to support vulnerable West Texas families please take a minute to fill out this form.