Fall 2021 – Q&A with Miki Jordan Wayfinder Family Services CEO

Has Wayfinder returned to in-person services?

Wayfinder Family Services President & CEOYes, I am thrilled to share that some services which we have been offering remotely have returned to in-person or hybrid formats! This summer, we welcomed back:

  • Residents of the Davidson Program for Independence and Hatlen Center programs: adults or youth who are blind or visually impaired stayed in apartment-like settings and learned life and employment skills.
  • Teens and young adults who are blind or visually impaired stayed on our Los Angeles campus for four weeks, getting ready for the workplace through our Transition Services program.
  • Special Education School students participated in summer school, while others enjoyed virtual lessons at home.
  • Campers of all ages in our Camp Bloomfield program enjoyed a hybrid experience this summer, with in-person field trips and picnics and nationwide Zoom panels.

Our residential programs have been uninterrupted since the pandemic began, thanks to our dedicated frontline staff and staff behind the scenes who implemented safety measures, acquired and distributed PPE and are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our residents and one another.

What have you learned from this past year?

I continue to be humbled by our staff, our families and our children who have taught me lessons in grit and resilience and given me a constant sense of hope. We realized after just a few weeks that this would be a marathon and not a sprint. Through multiple pivots and innovation, we have emerged stronger than ever, and lived up to our name: we are truly Wayfinders and we never give up. I can’t think of a greater group of leaders and staff to be on this journey with. I continue to be optimistic about our collective future, thanks to the

 


 

OUR MISSION

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn. This mission is guided by our values:

OUR VALUES

Inclusive
We stand up in support of equity and social justice, and we stand against injustice and racism. We strive to build an equitable world for our clients and staff.

Empathetic
We seek to develop a deeper understanding of our children and families. We work to embed empathy into our decision-making, interactions and actions.

Collaborative
We can’t do it alone and we must do it together. We work in partnership to address the holistic needs of children and families.

Whatever it takes
We never give up. We will always be there for our children and their families.

Innovative
We are agile and forward-thinking. We continually seek out better ways to help children and families thrive.

Driven
We take every opportunity to move forward in our strategic direction and to create meaningful change.

Family
We provide families with a supportive community and resources so they can thrive. We want every child to grow up in a loving family.

 

Please consider a gift to Wayfinder today. We need your support, now more than ever.

 

September 19, 2021