New Name For Longtime Nonprofit
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA 50-year-old nonprofit in Tippecanoe County has a new name. Executives say Family Services Inc. has become Willowstone Family Services to alleviate confusion with government agencies and departments. April 8, 2015
News Release
LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After 50 years of operations under the name Family Services Inc., the nonprofit social services agency serving Tippecanoe and surrounding counties is changing its name to Willowstone Family Services. New signage and an updated website will be unveiled on Monday, April 13.
“We chose a name both to reflect what we do and to distinguish us from government agencies and departments that were similar to our earlier name and caused confusion,” said Rebecca Sullivan, chief executive officer, at a news conference Wednesday at the organization’s headquarters in the Howarth Center, 615 N. 18th St. “We believe our new name, Willowstone, depicts strength, flexibility and stability, words that describe our organization as well as qualities healthy individuals and families need to flourish.”
The name “Willowstone” is a metaphor for what the organization helps its clients achieve, she said. “Willow trees branches are flexible, yet able to shade and protect, and their roots grow deeply, providing stability. The tree also represents the life span, which is appropriate because we serve all ages, from newborns to those in their later years. The ‘stone’ portion of the word expresses the strength individuals gain as they work with us. And we reflect that, too, in our tagline, ‘Strengthening Individuals and Families Across the Lifespan.’”
“Over the years, our organization has evolved its services, responding to the needs of the communities we serve,” said Sarah “Sally” Byrne, president of the organization’s board of directors. “A new name that captures the breadth of our services is fitting.”
Today’s programs include counseling, alcohol and drug intervention and assessment, homecare and resources for parents of newborns through age 3.
Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, noted the organization’s longevity and also said, “Equally impressive is the number of people you serve every year. In 2014, more than 4,185 people benefited from your various programs.”
Dennis said the organization’s two alcohol and drug abuse programs are especially beneficial. “As a former police officer, where I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that can come from behaviors while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, I’d like to comment that your program to help youth better understand where that path can lead is vital, and truly important,” he said. “Your role in helping those deal with addictions is live-saving for the individual and paramount to those who love that person.”
Tippecanoe County Commissioners’ assistant Paula Bennett also spoke at the news conference, representing the commissioners and noting the importance of Willowstone’s counseling services. “Counseling helps us know ourselves, improve our relationships, grow emotionally and frankly, sort life out. You are a valuable resource here, and I hope today’s announcement puts Willowstone Family Services in a well-deserved spotlight.”
Ron Campbell, Lafayette city council member, hailed Willowstone’s work with young children. “I’m drawn to the work you do to instill roots and strength right from birth, visiting parents after the birth of a child, and letting them know about resources to help their family thrive. Then, those who need services, can get assistance from you until their child turns age three. Those are critical years in a child’s life. Whatever we can do to help our youngest is a worthy effort.”
About Willowstone Family Services
Founded in 1964, the organization now known as Willowstone Family Services, is headquartered in the Howarth Building, 615 N. 18th Street. In 2014, it served more than 4,185 people in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties, from newborns to those in their later years. Its five program areas include:
-Center for Counseling, offering individual, couples and family counseling;
-Insight, an early intervention program serving Tippecanoe County youth in grades 7 to 12 who are using and/or abusing alcohol, marijuana and/or other drugs;
-Addiction Services, a Tippecanoe County program that assesses potential substance abuse and likelihood of future abuse or relapse to design treatment plans;
-Reliance Homecare, offered to aging individuals or those with disabilities in Carroll, Tippecanoe and White counties, providing in-home housekeeping, laundry, cooking and personal care services;
-Baby TALK and Healthy Families, where staff members visit parents in Carroll and Tippecanoe counties when a child is born, providing resources and information, and the Healthy Families sector provides parent and child development support services in home visits, serving children up to age three.
Source: Willowstone Family Services