Family Centers' board member Van Dyke and staff member Emily Segal were recognized by the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA) for their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of families.
The ceremony, held at the Trumbull Marriot on May 6, honored human services professionals and volunteers who have shown exceptional dedication to strengthening families in Connecticut. Van Dyke and Segal were both presented with CCFSA's Family Champion Award, which recognizes individuals who have devoted themselves to helping families achieve their full potential.
Van Dyke played an instrumental role in HealthCare Connection's merger with Family Centers in 2008. As president of the organization's Board of Directors, Van Dyke recommended HealthCare Connection's programs join Family Centers' diverse service mix to create a more holistic approach to integrating routine health, mental health and human services efforts. He continues to serve as a member of Family Centers' Board of Directors, and is co-chair of its Bright Beginnings committee. Van Dyke is a resident of Stamford.
Segal, of Valhalla, NY, has been a social worker at Family Centers' School Based Health Center at Stamford High School for the past nine years. With her compassionate ear and ingenuity, Segal helps kids navigate the confusing, and often stressful, teenage years.
To help kids cope with the stressors of adolescence and give them the best chance to overcome various obstacles, she has created a number of discussion and support groups to give kids a forum where they can voice their concerns. Last year, Emily formed a nutrition and yoga group to help girls overcome body image issues. She also facilitates a peer leadership group where upperclassmen help freshman students adapt to the pressures of high school. Emily also incorporated Stamford High's first Gay/Straight Alliance to bring a greater sense of tolerance and support around teens struggling with their sexual identities.
The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies, Inc. (CCFSA) is a statewide network of independent, non-profit, family service agencies that deliver services from over 90 offices located throughout the state of Connecticut. Member Agencies are community-based, licensed by the State of CT and nationally accredited. Governed by volunteer boards of directors drawn from their respective communities, Family Service Agencies have been effectively serving CT families for over 100 years. CCFSA employs a professional staff to assist in achieving its mission.