(Updated 12/19/17)
A quick look in the rear view mirror shows two very successful recent gatherings. On October 16, our first Community Focus event was held at Break the Cycle, an out-patient treatment Center in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, FL. This community agency began in Bunnell, FL in 2002 had recently opened a new facility in Daytona. The office was decorated with a tropical theme and each of the offices and group rooms showed this inviting décor. Our hosts were Robert Mogar, MSW therapist and Kim Young, owner. We had a great turn-out and NASW members were able to ask questions about the latest trend in substance abuse treatment. We found out the Break the Cycle has a grant to refer patients for a brand new treatment protocol using a drug called Vivitrol [Emoji] which is heralded as a cure for those with severe narcotic addiction. There was a wonderful array of food and drink sponsored by the Snack Jack's Restaurant of Flagler Beach. Raffle prizes were given out. The best conversation with our esteemed colleagues was truly invigorating.
Our Holiday Party at the new location of Counseling & Disability Services at its new location at the Coastal Center, South Daytona, Volusia County was also a smashing success. Phyllis LaVigna, LCSW, Tim Remmert, LCSW and Kevin Bowman, LCSW and myself were on hand to give tours and answer questions. Delicious holiday fare and drink were provided and attendees were able to tour the new office suite and view the spacious conference room and deluxe waiting area. Many of our NASW members brought their partners along, so we were able to get to know our colleagues from a family point of view. In stead of having a gift exchange this year, we decided to gather a donation for the Red Cross to help the hurricane survivors in Puerto Rico. The philosophy of our new "Community Focus Events" is to highlight an important community agency in a way that is friendly and stress-free. We do not offer ceus at these events, we just socialize and get to know each other. Stay tuned for the date of our next Community Focus event with Patricia Adams, LCSW at Lakeside Counseling in Port Orange.
And now looking ahead, we are so excited to have joined with the Duvall, St John's Unit for a great getaway and Mini-Conference titled, "Restore, Recharge and Renew," in Historic St. Augustine. This workshop takes place January 12th-14th, 2018. Most of the holiday hustle and bustle will be over by then and this will be a three-day weekend for many of us. The Christmas lights will still be up in the Ancient City and we have group adventures planned for Friday and Saturday nights.
Take a look at the flyer to see the many distinguished presenters we have been able to locate with the help of Jim Aiken, ACSW. George Jacinto PhD, LCSW and Paula Lupton, LCSW will present the Supervision Update, Katherine Campbell, PhD, LCSW will present Laws and Rules. In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, George Jacinto, PhD, LCSW will also present a special workshop on Diversity. The DSM-5 Update with Dianne Rullo, PhD, LCSW will illuminate the new diagnoses system and is a must for all in private practice. Keep up-to-date with the new social work technology with Earl Ledford, LCSW, CST, CAP, CET and experience the latest in PTSD therapies with yours truly. So Restore, Recharge and Renew and join us for a spectacular event. Feel free to bring your family, there is plenty to do in St. Augustine for all of you to enjoy.
You can't get the warmth and the comradery with our fellow social workers from Skype that we get in these up-close and personal interactions. So don't miss out!
UNIT LEADERSHIP
Elizabeth Engelman-Ferguson, LCSW - Unit Chair
volusiaflagler.naswfl@socialworkers.org
VOLUSIA/FLAGLER STEERING COMMITTEE
CCNLI
Marilyn DeLeura, LCSW
Marilyn.therapist@gmail.com
Unit Chair/CE
Elizabeth Engelman-Ferguson, LCSW
elizabethengelman@yahoo.com
Special Events Chair
Teresa Wright, MSW
horse47607@gmail.com
Membership Chair
Nancy Brighton, LCSW
nancybrightonlcsw@gmail.com
Unit Secretary
Jessica Hemesath, MSW
jessicahemesath@yahoo.com
Legislative/ PACE Chair
OPEN POSITION
Communications Chair
Leah Hampton, MSW
lchampto@knights.ucf.edu
Member –at-Large
Phyllis LaVigna, LCSW
magic32119@aol.com
Past Chair
Matt Gilmore, LCSW
mattygilmo@yahoo.com
VOLUSIA/FLAGLER UNIT
Join NASW today! 1-800-742-4089
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are no local events planned at this time. Please visit the Events page for other opportunities.
2017 Volusia/Flagler Unit Award Winners
Social Worker of the Year: Randy Herman
Elected Official of the Year: Judge Dawn Fields
Elected Official of the Year: Andrew Spar
Public Citizen of the Year: Gary Wandelt
Public Citizen of the Year: Patricia A. Oaks
FACEBOOK
Our Face book page just keeps getting better and better thanks to Leah Hampton. Check it out for more information regarding all recent and future events!
UNIT MEETINGS
As always, all unit meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at New Church Family at 3520 West International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach,( Route 92) at 6 p.m.