Northern California Nonprofit CEO Named Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers
Agency Celebrates 40 Years of Helping Foster Children
Santa Rosa, CA, April 16, 2018 – Alternative Family Services (AFS) Founder and CEO, Jay Berlin, PhD, has been named Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The award will be presented at the NASW National Conference this June in Washington, DC. Dr. Berlin’s significant contribution and advocacy for thousands of foster youth and families over the past 40 years exemplifies the social work values and ethics required to receive this prestigious award.
“This award truly does not belong to me alone. Not by a long shot. Over the years hundreds of devoted foster parents, social workers, therapists, office staff and dedicated volunteers have joined together to create a community where kids can thrive and succeed,” says Berlin. “The work is about creating and supporting community.”
Founded in 1978, AFS is one of the largest foster care, adoption and foster children’s mental health agencies in Northern California. In honor of its 40th anniversary this year, AFS is hosting a number of complimentary regional events where individuals and businesses can mix, mingle and learn how to support foster youth in their communities.
“Anyone can help a foster youth through volunteering, donating, or fostering a child. Even just learning about and bringing conversations around foster care to the forefront can have a positive impact,” says Jennifer Harper, AFS Director of Development and Marketing.
Learn more and register for a regional event near you at http://www.helpfosteryouth.org/40th.html.
National Association of Social Workers
Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
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For more information, please contact Jennifer Harper, AFS Director of Development & Marketing at 510-759-1271 or jharper@afs4kids.org.
