12/18/2009
Arbor Sponsors the Mega Job Expo in Maryland

12/07/2009
ResCare – New Deal in the UK

12/01/2009
2nd Arbor E&T Bake Sale raises $500 for SHARE

11/25/2009
Notification of Breach of Private Information

11/23/2009
Mon Valley Bridge Open House

11/20/2009
SuperJobs Seasonal Hiring

11/18/2009
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2009, Allen County

11/16/2009
Arbor Welcomes New Texas Regional Vice President

11/06/2009
A moment to honor our veterans

10/22/2009
Arbor Fights the Flu

10/16/2009
ResCare Comments on Indiana Governor’s Announcement

10/07/2009
In the News: Arbor and Green Guide Network

10/01/2009
Tremendous Project in Cincinnati

9/28/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Five

9/22/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Four

9/15/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Three

9/15/2009
Arbor Sponsors Literacy Gala

9/08/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Two

9/01/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview One

8/26/2009
Snohomish County Enlarges Dislocated Worker Program

8/20/2009
Pennsylvania Governor Visits Harrisburg Summer Youth Program

8/18/2009
Canoga Park Job and Resource Fair

8/13/2009
VIPs in SuperJobs Cincy

8/12/2009
U.S. Department of Labor’s 2009 United We Serve Initiative Begins

7/28/2009
An Innovative Summer Youth Project in Oregon

7/21/2009
Tulsa iJobs Program in Full Swing

7/20/2009
ARRA 2009

7/17/2009
Green Strategies Workgroup

7/15/2009
Green Jobs

7/6/2009
Arbor TANF Partnership in Nebraska Receiving Positive Feedback

7/1/2009
Arbor E&T is Thinking Green

Five Project Directors: Interview Five

By Jamie M. Barnes

This August, while working on another assignment, I was able to interview five of Arbor’s project directors (PDs) in four different programs. I learned so many interesting facts and had such a great time doing the research that I decided to share the fun with you.

JB:  Ms. Uson, how long have you been project director of Polk ELC?

CU:  I was brought on new to the project as the director when it opened in July of 2007. 

JB:  Ah, there from the start. How would you describe your management style?

CU: I would describe my management style as honest, straight-forward, consistent, and accountable.  I believe that honest communication is the key to successful relationships with employees, customers, funders and community partners.  In fact, leading by example has been the foundation of my leadership style.  I truly believe that it’s the leader’s job to set the daily example of a strong work ethic, commitment to the customer and company, accountability for the quality of work, and a passion for serving others.       

JB:  So, with your strong belief in leadership and accountability, what would you say is your greatest success as PD?

CU:  I see my greatest success daily with our customers.  Hearing stories from customers about how the ability to afford quality child care for their family has assisted them with self sufficiency, whether that is in maintaining their employment or allowing them to continue their education.  Hearing the stories from parents of how their children are thriving in their educational setting and seeing children reading and benefiting from their quality education experiences is exciting, and the sense of pride and accomplishment from parents and children is an overwhelming success!  The other success is in building a new project from the ground up and seeing the daily successes of the team and the customers. 

JB:  That’s wonderful. You and your team must be very proud of Polk ELC’s success stories. How would you describe your program to someone who has never heard of it?

CU: We provide eligibility and enrollment services for School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Programs for the families in Polk County, Florida.  Our subsidized child care services allow families who are income-eligible to gain financial assistance with quality child care for their children, allowing them to gain or continue employment or further their education.  We have several programs at Polk ELC. The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is a free educational program for all four year-olds in the state of Florida.  The goal of this program is to offer a free, quality educational program to families of four year-olds to ensure the children are prepared to start school.  We also offer Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services.  The CCR&R program is free to all families.  CCR&R offers critical and helpful information on how to choose quality child care for families, offering tools and resources to assist families with choosing the right child care setting.  CCR&R also offers educational components for parents on child development, and supports parents as their child’s first teacher.  CCR&R works in collaboration with other community partners to offer additional support and resources to meet the needs of the families.  Lastly, we offer financial management and payment services for approximately 400 child care providers in Polk County, Florida.  This includes processing monthly payments for School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten for child care providers.

JB:  Wow, that’s huge. Who typically walks into the Polk ELC seeking assistance? Has this changed over the years, demographically?

CU: Our typical customers are young single mothers with multiple children, who are struggling to make ends meet while working or going to school, paying for quality child care for their children, and affording the basic necessities for their family.

JB:  What is your typical day as a project director like?

CU: Life as a project director for this project is never boring, which is exactly how I prefer it to be!  There are many daily challenges and tasks to complete in managing all aspects of the project.  Our day always starts with “mini staff meetings” which allow the team to come together to share information, best practices, and ask questions and express concerns.  The rest of the day is spent answering e-mail and calls; interacting with staff and customers to ensure effective and efficient service delivery and excellent customer service; meetings with funders and partnering agencies; meeting project and report deadlines; and answering more e-mail!  I think the most enjoyable part of the day is playing and interacting with the children that enter our offices.  There is nothing better than hearing a child’s laughter and experiencing the true bond between a parent and child!

JB:  I’m glad you have some time to enjoy yourself during the day; sounds like you’re very busy! What is the most memorable day you have experienced in your program?

CU: There’s not one in particular that stands out – there have been so many memorable days in the young life of this project - seeing the many successes of our customers, being part of the success stories, and experiencing first hand how the services we provide truly impact the lives of our customers and their children.  Experiencing the growth and success of this project and the committed team that has the heart, passion and daily commitment towards serving others has been truly rewarding and inspiring. 

JB:  Does a sense of humor play a part in your day, Ms. Uson?

CU: Humor is VERY important when working with families and children.  As a leader, humor is critical to relieving stress and making the long work hours more enjoyable!  We have a bunch of practical jokers on the team so life is never boring!  We try to make “funny” a daily activity!

JB:  What is the best thing about being Project Director in your program?

CU: The best thing is knowing the services you work so hard to provide everyday touch the lives of, and truly benefit, the families and children of Polk County! 

JB:  Can you pinpoint the time you decided on your career path? Did someone inspire you to work with families and children?

CU: I decided on my career path when I was very young.  My parents are “home missionaries,” so I grew up in a mission-driven environment.  At a very young age I began to serve along with my parents to assist families and children in disadvantaged communities.  My education is in Social Work and I am committed to a lifetime of service to others.  I would definitely say that my parents inspired me to be a mission-driven individual with a giving spirit and passion for helping others!

JB:  That’s great. I don’t think we hear those stories often enough these days. Do you have some “words of wisdom” you’d like to share?

CU: My father always told me that the footprint you leave on this world is not how much you gain, but how much you give.  I truly believe that!  Do what you can everyday to give to someone less fortunate than you!

JB:  And the final question – what do you do when you are not wearing your project director hat?

CU: I’m not sure I ever fully take off the project director hat; I think all truly committed project directors probably just wear multiple hats at a time!  I love to spend time with my husband and children.  We love the beach and visit often!  I love a challenge and am a tri-athlete so when I’m not working or spending time with my family, you’ll find me on my bike, in the water or running!