We recently connected with Teresa Stivers and have shared our conversation below.
Teresa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
Twenty years ago, I met a young foster youth named Rajah. He was referred to Walden Family Services at 12 as a last-ditch resort because his County social worker thought he was on the path to incarceration, homelessness, or worse. Walden placed him with a loving family and a fantastic social worker to ensure he had the skills to become a successful, independent adult. Nationally, less than three percent of former foster youth obtain their bachelor’s degree. Rajah defied those odds. After graduating from college, Rajah began to work in the nonprofit field to help other youth like him. Today, he is a loving father who has broken the child abuse and neglect cycle. He serves on the board of directors for Walden Family Services, ensuring our high-quality programs continue to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. He has come full circle from the frightened young foster youth who has grown into a successful contributing member of his community. Since 1976, Walden Family Services has championed the vision that every child who enters foster care deserves the opportunity to realize their full human potential. Rajah exemplifies our mission and continues to work to ensure other youths have the same opportunity to become successful adults. We could not be more proud of Rajah and all the Walden youth who have persevered.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Walden Family Services is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976. We have offices throughout Southern California and serve over 1,500 children, youth, and families annually. We are a staff of highly trained social worker professionals and licensed therapists who support birth, foster, and adoptive families and the community at large in caring for children and youth. We provide support to children and families facing various challenges, including physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental health issues. Preparing families to care for children with special healthcare needs allows kids to grow up in loving homes rather than hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities, or group homes and congregate care facilities. Most importantly, living with a family helps children and youth build relationships that form the foundation for learning, experiencing social-emotional well-being, and living successful, fulfilling lives.
I feel privileged to lead Walden and its dedicated team of professionals making a real difference in the lives of children and families. Before Walden, I was a Program Director and Executive Director for the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation (CAPF), where I worked for over eight years. At CAPF, I oversaw all staff and programs. I helped launch and establish many signature programs, including the Guardian Scholars Program and Mary’s House, a transitional living program for former foster youth.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
While working for former San Diego Mayor Susan Golding as Deputy Chief of Staff, I honed my program management expertise. While advising the Mayor on city, state, and national issues, particularly on issues related to women and children, I came into contact with wonderful nonprofits vital to our community. I decided to pivot from politics to nonprofits so I could be involved in the day-to-day work of providing children, families, and youth access to services needed to thrive. It has been a rewarding transition over the last twenty years. I often tell young people stressed about their careers not to worry if they haven’t found their dream job. I found my true calling in my forties after a two-decade career in marketing and politics.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The Covid pandemic was particularly stressful for me. I became sick and experienced Long-Covid early in 2020. At the same time, I was caring for my ailing parents and trying to lead Walden through the crises. As a healthcare organization, we must protect the well-being of 1,500 children, youth, and families throughout Southern California. Many of whom have unique healthcare needs. At the same time, we needed to keep our staff of over 100 professionals safe while they were deployed in the field daily. It was incredibly challenging as many of our clients and team members were hospitalized or worse. I had to reach deep inside to keep my composure when I often wanted to break down and cry. Luckily, the Walden Well-Being Committee regularly reminds us to utilize our employee assistance program for mental and medical health help. Additionally, free online meditation, yoga, and exercise classes were offered. I took advantage of all programs to ensure I could lead our organization through these challenging times. Today, our organization is more robust for pulling through the crisis and working together to ensure every team member and client has access to resources for well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: waldenfamily.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldenfamilyservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waldenfamilyservices
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-stivers-6ba66222/
- Twitter: @waldenfs
- Youtube: @waldenfamilyservices7256
Image Credits
Teresa Stivers