Letter from President & CEO

As a Job Coach, Kimone's role is to teach the youth life skills such as how to cook, how to clean, nd anything else you need to know to successfully live on your own. She tells the story of a kid she works with who struggled with time management. He would often miss his bus home from the program.Kimone worked with him for a long time, teaching him how to keep an eye on the time and make sure he has everything ready to go home even when he's having a good time with the other kids.

He doesn't miss his bus anymore. These small victories are what make the job so meaningful to Kimone because she knows that's a skill this youth will take with him through life.

Kimone's favorite part of her job is connecting with the kids. She knows from her lived experience that legitimizing their feelings makes them feel like real people. Someone recently referred to Kimone as their mom because she makes them feel safe. The youth are excited to tell her about their day and are open to tell her things and discuss whatever is on their mind. "As workers we should meet the kids where they are,"Kimone explains."We should validate them, welcome them, check in on their day.They are so much more than what it says on their individual sheet. Make them realize they matter."

Over the past year, Oliver has been promoted to Vice President of Residencies. Before that, his role consisted of providing consultancy across the campus, to coach staff on building stronger connections with BGV clients. He focused on teaching the fundamental principles of Motivational Interviewing and managing resistance. He also takes pride in raising staff awareness about their direct impact on the successes and failures of the families they serve.

In his current role, Oliver oversees various responsibilities, including DCF Licensing, Department of Public Health compliance, facility management, hiring, and payroll, all while fostering strong bonds with the operational staff.

Oliver's words:
"What I appreciate most about BGV is its commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the populations we serve. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here; instead, employees are encouraged to think creatively and adapt to achieve greater success..."

The most valuable aspect for me is the trusting professional relationships I've cultivated with the staff. Despite my position, I've created an environment where staff feel comfortable expressing their questions, thoughts,concerns, and ideas. We operate under the ethos of 'Ten Toes In/ signifying our full commitment to consistency in protocols and prioritizing the well-being of the children we serve.'

BGV embraces the unique challenges associated with the care, support, and development of the most precious resource we have in Connecticut - our children. I am consistently amazed at the broad range of services BGV provides combined with the compassion and commitment all staff demonstrate day in and day out. The BGV team's understanding of how to appeal to the hearts and minds of the children and families they serve is extraordinary.

Treatment of mental health issues in our society is a complex matter. BGV's hands-on, expertly-trained, intensive assistance and care methods demonstrate time and again that with commitment a well-run organization can make a lasting difference and drive positive outcomes in the lives of children and their families. All children - under all circumstances - deserve to feel safe, cared for, and supported. My dream for BGV is for the organization to have the resources - both human and financial -to insure that any child who is the unfortunate victim of abuse, or battling mental health issues, has the unwavering opportunity to establish a solid emotional and intellectual foundation to thrive in this world.