Children & Families First has served Delaware by connecting with its families for nearly 140 years. And such a long-standing nonprofit does not exist without a deeply connected staff.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it threatened that connectivity.
Children & Families First CEO Kirsten Olson made sure to prioritize the well-being of her staff during the pandemic. Her leadership allowed the company to endure the most difficult stretch of the pandemic while maintaining relationships.
Today, Children & Families First continues to thrive as it serves the Delaware Community, and Olson’s leadership of the company has made her a winner in the mid-size leadership category in the News Journal’s 2022 Top Workplaces Competition.
When COVID-19 forced most of Children & Families First’s operations to be conducted virtually, Olson wanted to keep the staff united, even though they were working from different locations.
“With a hybrid workforce, we tried really hard to help people feel connected, whether it’s through Zoom or Teams or now finally being able to start to have some in-person meetings with each other,” Olson said.
Children & Families First employs about 350 employees across four locations as it works to help prevent adverse childhood experiences, assist struggling families, and help community members to heal from adversity.
Under Olson’s guidance, the company’s employees benefit just as much as the people who they serve.
“I get to do something that is close to my heart and that makes a difference for the better in our world,” one employee said. “CFF allows me to be who I am and do what I feel I am meant to do in this world all while receiving support from the Leadership Team and from my peers.”
During the heart of the pandemic, Olson implemented weekly virtual town hall meetings where all staff members could voice their opinions, and have their voices heard.
This spring, the company held its first large in-person meeting since 2020.
Thanks to the connectivity that was maintained through technology throughout the past two years, the staff didn’t skip a beat as it transitioned back to an in-person workplace.
“It’s huge because we’re aligned in the way that we view the work, and how we all are dedicated to the same mission,” Olson said. “We may all achieve that mission or work toward that mission in a different way…But when we can consistently bring it back to this idea of supporting kids and families, we’re all rowing the boat in the same direction.”
About Author
