On a Personal Note: A view of the horizon

A magnificent view to the horizon.

And a precipice.

I am awash with an immense sense of possibility and in the next breath dizzying vertigo. The joy in being there for our families, the exhilaration of seeing our “brand” solidify—and the aching knowledge that we could cultivate and support so many more foster families so kids are not flailing and unseen.

All around us are the components we need to build the bridge to a thriving national model. It’s time to bring them together into the strong, impactful infrastructure that will nurture 2N Regions and Communities nationwide.

We on the Executive Team—Jen Moran, Esther Fuerster-Ashkenazi and I—are ready to contract, to no longer be involved in the day to day running of 2N Regions and communities. We are ready to see our local 2N Teams take the reins while we fuel them—and new emergent 2N Regions nationwide —with systems, data, best practices, training materials, educational resources through web-based and in-person conferences.

This is what I am spending my time thinking about, planning and implementing every day. And in that process, reaching out to so many wise and experienced people in so many realms who are helping us build that sturdy bridge to a future where whole communities step up to hold kids and the families that love them.

We will contract in order to expand, so that more and more 2N Regions can thrive and flourish independently—but with our support—a Second Nurture for Second Nurture!

Susan Silverman, CEO

Word from Susan Silverman, Spring 2022

Dear Friends!

This spring newsletter I wanted to start with a thank you note.

Thank you for making all the things you are reading about in this newsletter possible. The word inspiration always felt a little schmaltzy to me, and not really specific enough to be sincere. So I will say that throughout my meetings all day, I am constantly whispering “wow”.

“Wow” to the professionals at our social service partners who are day to day working with teens who have been trafficked, are parenting their own young children, or are on probation. Professionals who are fighting to keep siblings together, to find an adolescent or teen or Transition Age Youth the support and love and person to say: “I see you”; that's what we all need. Fighting to find a safe and loving home for a child whose primary family needs some time. Fighting to bring as much dignity as possible to the life of a child who is moved from one place to another unfamiliar place with their belongings in trash bags.

I am whispering “wow” to the clergy and other leaders who are creating communities in which families are supported to step up and foster successfully, teary “wows” to the families who are welcoming these young people into their homes and hearts, and a huge “wow” to the foundations who are thinking and acting strategically for the sake of each child and, as a result, for a better society. Last, but not the least, a “wow” to you, who has supported this work generously and lovingly.

I am now starting a bi-monthly blog on our website with brief thoughts I'd like to share from a personal perspective on the world of foster care. See the first installment here.

Susan Silverman, CEO