November 16, 2015
Join us in welcoming Tracy M. Levine to One Family Illinois as the new Chief Operating Officer. Tracy was previously Vice President of Foster Care and Older Adolescent Services at Lawrence Hall Youth Services and holds a BA in Sociology and Communication and an MSW, both from the University of Michigan. She brings a wealth of experience in child welfare, including case management, clinical services, licensing, and supervision.
We are happy that she is bringing her expertise and relationships to help us further our work at One Family Illinois. We recently interviewed Ms. Levine to share with you her thoughts about her new role at One Family Illinois.
What do you look forward to most in your new role as Chief Operating Officer at One Family Illinois?
I am really excited to meet the children and families in the Villages, as well as all of the staff. I look forward to learning more about our strengths and challenges and how I can work collaboratively with the team to move the agency forward, as well as connecting us with the greater Foster Care community and ensuring we are providing quality trauma-informed services.
What do you think is the most successful part of our Village model of care?
I have always been intrigued with the micro-community that the Village creates, with the inherent support of neighbors who are also Foster Parents, and the accessibility of staff and resources. The Villages’ mission to keep siblings together, or at least within proximity, is essential for children who are experiencing the trauma of separation from their primary caregiver(s).
Like most families, there are house rules. What “house ” rules had you found to be helpful at your previous workplace?
Be patient. Be fair. Be available and accessible. Balance support and accountability, as well as independence and teamwork. Listen with an open mind. Be a part of the solution.