Blog
Sharing Our Year in Review
2021 was another “unprecedented” year. Yet, like most years, woven into the fabric of our families remained the joys, accomplishments and dreams fulfilled, while confronting the reality of some sadness, opportunities and longings. This is the human experience we all share—every race, culture, gender and sexuality.
I am proud to say that this year, ASCI’s work in kinship care has been innovative, insightful and inspirational in the face of the unpredictability of COVID-19, vaccinations and variants! I firmly believe families have made us a resilient organization in the new normal. We listen to them and learn from them. In the same way we work with families, we work with one another to:
- Acknowledge the truth. Before you start, know what is real.
- Start strong. Always identify the strengths first.
- Stay positive. Address opportunities and not problems.
- Take a breath. Always reflect before making decisions.
- Stay determined. Identify where to innovate and change the status quo.
- Be humble. No one is more important than anyone else.
Each of the National Kinship Review stories below is a result of these six principles. There were times we acknowledged hard truths and seized opportunities to show strength and positivity. Many times, we had to take a breath to keep it real. We experienced unpredictable moments when we had to change course and get creative. And we always embraced our humanness; we are stronger when we remain humble.
When I was reflecting on 2021 highlights to share with you, that word “unprecedented” came up again, so I Googled some synonyms to replace it: extraordinary, unique, remarkable, miraculous and unheard-of.
So, as we look back on 2021…
- We celebrate the extraordinary staff and families who define ASCI—the amazing spirit that energizes our dedication to family.
- We embrace our staff and families’ unique features, which give us strength through our diversity.
- We honor our staff and families’ remarkableaccomplishments in keeping children safe and thriving.
- We recognize the miraculous, everyday miracles that often go unnoticed—the smile or touch that demonstrate our value for family.
- We salute the unheard-of—the times our staff and families go beyond the expected to keep children with their families and in their communities, because every child has the moral right to be with their kin.
The “unprecedented” happens around us all the time—even on an everyday basis. So, remember to keep your eyes, minds and hearts open to see them.
I share, with gratitude, our year in review.
Dr. Sharon McDaniel, President & CEO