Patrick Ellis, Kinship Center’s Placement Program Director
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Patrick Ellis is Kinship Center’s new Placement Program Director. He will lead our foster care, adoption, and other permanency services.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: In working with youth and families, sometimes it’s all about the ah-ha moments. These are moments when a team member, youth, or a family member finds a turning point toward progress. It could be an elusive solution they’ve recently discovered or even the courage to express their truth. Moments like these are powerful because they remind me why we do the work we do, why we care so much about the success of others, and that sharing in these moments spreads enough joy and hope to reenergize us all.
Q: What do you want to accomplish as Placement Program Director?
A: I’m looking forward to continuing the outstanding services our Central Coast Placement Program has provided for many years. In addition, there’s a big need in our communities to provide safe, caring, and healing homes to youth whose needs require a special approach. I firmly believe there are huge-hearted people out there who want to be part of our network to provide kids and families with support toward success. To better meet the need of our communities, our network will need to grow to include an expansion of huge-hearted folks for our Intensive Service Foster Care (ISFC) homes in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. As I become more familiar with my role, our team, and our networks of supporters and partners, the growth of our ISFCs will be at the forefront of my mind.
Q: Can you describe the relationship/impact the work of the Placement program has on the community?
A: When you ask people what matters most to them in their lives, the vast majority will rank family with the highest importance. That’s no coincidence. And when I think about the children and families we impact by building stronger connections, breaking down barriers, and forging a path toward permanency, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride in the work our placement programs do to build up families, something that so many people consider so important.