Message from the President and Board Chair: Families First

Family Service of the Piedmont is as strong and effective today as it has ever been. The last few years have been challenging for many nonprofits. But thanks to the guidance of our Board of Directors, our two Foundations, our hard-working staff, and our supporters in the community, our agency enters the 2012-2013 year mission-focused, on a solid financial footing and providing more clients with higher quality programs.

We served more than 16,500 clients last year at our offices, in their homes, and in the community. We touched the lives of 7,000 more through our community outreach and education. In our latest Annual Report you can read about three client families who not only found the strength to overcome crises in their lives, but also the courage to share their personal stories. They remind us that even in the darkest times, with just a little encouragement, hope and stability can be restored, and healing after trauma is truly possible.

Inspired by stories such as these, Family Service will keep putting Families First in the coming year and beyond. Our long-term vision is to maintain a thriving agency known for its expertise in providing high-caliber core programs. To accomplish this, we will:

Maintain Fiscal Stability. We will review each of our programs to ensure they are fiscally sustainable. We will use technology and innovation to provide an efficient support infrastructure. We will broaden and expand our fundraising efforts to offset losses in grant and government funding.

Focus on our Mission and Core Programs. In Victim Services, Counseling Services, Family Support Services, and Consumer Credit Counseling, we will continue to seek evidence-based, best practice programs that are cost-effective and outcomes driven.

Attract and Retain High-Caliber Staff. According to our latest internal survey, our staff satisfaction is the highest it has been, and turnover the lowest it has been, in the past five years. In addition, our most recent survey of clients showed that 96% of respondents said our staff treated them “in a professional and courteous manner” (the survey had an overall Client Satisfaction rate of 93%).

We continue to seek innovative ways to better our programs so that we can better serve our clients. For example, we are excited about a new project that will integrate behavioral health care with primary health care, providing a more holistic and comprehensive approach to well being. We are also offering daily walk-in clinics for mental health counseling at our Greensboro and High Point service locations to provide easier access to mental health and substance abuse services.

With the diligence and dedication of our staff, the leadership of our three Boards, and the support of our many friends and donors in the community, Family Service of the Piedmont will continue to put Families First as we look confidently towards the future.