I’m Susannah Benson, and for the last nine years, I have been a part of the Aprendamos Family of Services team as a Social Worker for the Early Intervention program. Through my work, I help families navigate several systems that can help them improve their quality of life.
From negotiating the legal system and navigating custody, paternity, and kinship guardianship issues, to helping families find medical specialists, I facilitate processes to help connect families with resources. I also help connect families with care coordination and apply for programs like Supplemental Security Income, Developmental Disability Waiver Programs, or even employment opportunities. I also teach the Circle of Security and Nurturing Parenting programs for families.
When beginning early intervention services, many families may not be aware of the benefits a social worker can provide for them. It’s important to include a social worker’s services in your care plan because outside stressors can affect the family unit. Anything I can do to help alleviate even a little bit of these stressors is beneficial for families. Additionally, for families just beginning their journeys, I would advise them to enjoy and embrace the support and visits. The more people who are invested in sharing in the joy of your child’s growth and development, the better!
In my nine years with the organization, I have been able to be a part of many special moments in our clients lives. Some of my favorites are seeing families complete the kinship guardianship process. Kids deserve permanency, and once this process is complete, the relative caregivers have a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.
I look forward to continued partnerships with families that help build brighter futures for children in our community!
English
Spanish