IFSI's 8th Annual Retreat

        ”The Best Ever!”

   We Salute You Dr. Myers! 

   8 Is Not Enough! We're Ready for the 9th!

   IFSI Recognizes Volunteer's Dedication

   Valuing Change at IFSI

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Message from the 

Executive Director 

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Question: What do chopsticks, a James Brown imitator in a bad wig, African drums, a bird, the Meringue, and a Vietnamese bride who refused to kiss her Cambodian groom have in common?

Answer: Intercultural Family Services, Inc.'s Eighth Annual Retreat.

I am always struck by the wonderful diversity of the staff at IFSI. However, the proximity of staff during our retreats always highlights and showcases their many similarities, differences, and talents, and this year's retreat was no exception. Staff joke that working at IFSI is like working at the United Nations, but we get along better. I feel privileged to be the steward of such a multicultural and multifaceted group of people. It is truly my honor to participate in the many cultures represented at IFSI, and it is truly amazing to see so many people with disparate backgrounds embrace each other with a spirit of humor and joy. 

The work we accomplished at our Eighth Annual Retreat and the sense of camaraderie fostered by it cannot be purchased at any price. These things can only be achieved by hard-work, determination, and the ability, necessity even, to walk in the shoes of others and view life from their perspectives. I hope that I and everyone at IFSI prove worthy of these gifts. 

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By Pheralyn Dove 

Warm coastal breezes greeted Intercultural Family Services, Inc.'s (IFSI) staff, board, family members and friends as they gathered for the agency's eighth annual retreat, held at the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, Maryland, June 22nd through June 24th, 2001. Approximately 161 individuals participated in this weekend getaway that is annually underwritten and sponsored by IFSI.

Highlights on Friday night included departmental overviews, live entertainment provided by the staff, and a "Signs of the Zodiac" dance party hosted by the Board's Secretary/Treasurer, Miriam H. Evans. On Saturday, participants attended an intensive workshop centered on enacting IFSI's seven core values, facilitated by Teresa A. Nance, Ph.D., and Kermit Moore, Ph.D., both professors at Villanova University's Communications Department. Of special interest was Saturday afternoon's "Quiz Game" on IFSI's history. Designed by Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo, who distributed prizes, this activity encompassed four judges and three competing teams. 

Leisure activities included an agency-hosted basketball game, shopping at a nearby outlet mall, and all that Ocean City has to offer, such as the beach, boardwalk, and superb seafood restaurants. The Retreat Committee members, headed by Chairperson Kevin Bennett, worked hard to plan and execute this excellent affair. 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo said: "During our annual retreat last year we were able to identify the seven core values we strongly believe are essential in performing our daily tasks. These values are very much aligned to the mission of the agency. The program managers, on the other hand, were able to develop core value statements. This is a big accomplishment - you proved that nothing is impossible if we work as a team. I am proud to be a member of this agency!

Warm coastal breezes greeted Intercultural Family Services, Inc.'s (IFSI) staff, board, family members and friends as they gathered for the agency's eighth annual retreat, held at the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, Maryland, June 22nd through June 24th, 2001. Approximately 161 individuals participated in this weekend getaway that is annually underwritten and sponsored by IFSI.

Highlights on Friday night included departmental overviews, live entertainment provided by the staff, and a "Signs of the Zodiac" dance party hosted by the Board's Secretary/Treasurer, Miriam H. Evans. On Saturday, participants attended an intensive workshop centered on enacting IFSI's seven core values, facilitated by Teresa A. Nance, Ph.D., and Kermit Moore, Ph.D., both professors at Villanova University's Communications Department. Of special interest was Saturday afternoon's "Quiz Game" on IFSI's history. Designed by Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo, who distributed prizes, this activity encompassed four judges and three competing teams. 

Leisure activities included an agency-hosted basketball game, shopping at a nearby outlet mall, and all that Ocean City has to offer, such as the beach, boardwalk, and superb seafood restaurants. The Retreat Committee members, headed by Chairperson Kevin Bennett, worked hard to plan and execute this excellent affair. 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo said: "During our annual retreat last year we were able to identify the seven core values we strongly believe are essential in performing our daily tasks. These values are very much aligned to the mission of the agency. The program managers, on the other hand, were able to develop core value statements. This is a big accomplishment - you proved that nothing is impossible if we work as a team. I am proud to be a member of this agency!

"This year," continued Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo, "our challenge is to define the standards of conduct and relate it to the seven core values we choose to practice and uphold at IFSI. We had two pre-retreat workshops and I am confident that we will accomplish our goal for this retreat. Just remember - we are unique as an organization - we are Diversity in Action."

Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo went on to outline the agency's humble beginnings, and how it progressed to its current status of more than 100 employees and a proposed budget of $6.3 million for fiscal year 2001-2002. She also discussed plans for the future, which include securing a license to operate foster care; developing a multicultural community center and establishing a drug and alcohol clinic.
In addition to Ms. Evans, other board members present were Janyce Hughes and Robert Hughes (no relation), who read Board President Henry Fader's speech in lieu of his absence.

The speech addressed many important issues facing IFSI's clientele and staff, such as the rise of an immigrant population and the barriers they face in Philadelphia. Mr. Fader's speech ended by motivating IFSI staff to, "Think about, on a daily basis, whatever it is that you do for IFSI and your clients, to think about how you can 'touch a life.' How you can make an individual feel special and give them the confidence to overcome the problems that they face." He further assured everyone that "The Board of Directors is behind you in whatever solutions you find to these massive problems and to assist you in touching those lives and making them better."

Prior to joining the Board, Ms. Janyce Hughes distinguished herself as an employee for the agency for 14 years. Now that she has moved on professionally, Ms. Hughes said, "I am blessed and honored to serve on the Board. When I was here I felt the urgent need for change. We are constantly growing, constantly changing - our goal is to reach new horizons. I love this agency. It's like my family. I hope we understand spiritually that change is needed in order to grow." 

As noted earlier, a most delightful component of this year's retreat was the staff entertainment program on Friday night following presentations about IFSI's departments and special projects. Conceived, coordinated and produced by SCOH Supervisor Gwen Debouse-Chism, this fun-filled theatrical event not only outlined the agency's seven core values in a creative skit, but was also a parade of cultures. It included a Merengue dance by Latina women staff; a hilarious "chopstick" comedy routine by Jack Trieu; African drumming by Joan Wright; a presentation by Laura Reed about IFSI's mascot, the IFSEE Bird; a soulful rhythm and blues routine featuring Harry Myers as James Brown and Chris Trahey as Brown's sidekick, Maceo; and a mock Vietnamese traditional formal wedding enacted by Tu Duong and Bunrath Math and directed by Dr. Theresa Voung. The grand finale featured the IFSI international chorus singing "We Are the World," with special lyrics adapted by Ms. Debouse-Chism.

By the time Saturday morning's workshop on the core values commenced, IFSI staff were revved up and ready to go. Dr. Nance and Dr. Moore began the session by dividing the staff into 14 groups and instructing each individual to write down their three most valuable personal assets. This activity set the tone for what was to come. Each group was assigned to create a business that would incorporate each person's assets.

"The point of this exercise was to show you that you are a team and that everybody has valuable input," explained Dr. Nance. Next, Dr. Moore gave each group a core value to concentrate on, as far as developing behaviors congruent with that particular value. The values include: Respect, Effective Communication, Commitment, Quality of Services, Trust, Professionalism and Empowerment. Because there were seven core values and 14 groups, each core value was assigned to two groups. In the end, the two groups with the same core values were asked to combine their results and come up with one all-encompassing statement regarding the enactment of the core value in daily interactions at IFSI. The objective was to incorporate each group member's perspective.

Dr. Nance and Dr. Moore applauded the energy and excitement IFSI employees displayed during this interactive workshop.

According to Dr. Nance, "These core values - these words - are powerful words. They are easy to say but harder to live. That's why it is so important to go through the really hard work of getting everyone's voice heard on these values. We've asked you to summarize what you've learned on these important values, not just what the words are, but how we live them."

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By Erin Keller

On June 14, 2001, IFSI's staff and Board paid tribute to long standing Board Member Dr. Albert E. Myers. Dr. Myers has been involved with IFSI since 1982, when he was the Director of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches and the agency operated under the Council's auspices. He encouraged the agency staff to form their own community based organization with 501 (c)(3) status, and in 1984 the agency, under Dr. Myer's able stewardship, was incorporated as the Philadelphia Refugee Service Center. After the incorporation staff thought that Dr. Myers, his goal for the agency achieved, would no longer be involved with the organization, but he stayed on as a Board Member, and during the agency's lean years Dr. Myers and the PA Council of Churches provided spiritual, temporal, material, and financial assistance. Evelyn Marcha-Hidalgo, Executive Director/CEO and Board Member, describes Dr. Myers as "one of the pillars of the organization." Due to his outstanding contributions to IFSI, he was overwhelmingly voted Board Member Emeritus by the Board of Directors.

The tribute had an all-star lineup which included special remarks from Board Members Richard F. Smith, Miriam H. Evans, Janyce Hughes and Evelyn Marcha-Hidalgo. Staff members Than Cam Trieu, SCOH Case Manager, and Laura Reed, SCOH Supervisor, also saluted Dr. Myers for his dedication to the agency. 
After the remarks, Gwen Debouse-Chism and Ella Parks, accompanied by Karen Karosas on piano, entertained the audience by singing "No, No Not One." Following the performance, IFSI staff welcomed Dr. Myers in a multitude of languages, including French, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish. 

Ms. Marcha-Hidalgo and Mr. Henry C. Fader presented Dr. Myers with the "Philadelphia Bowl" in honor of his many years of service. After Dr. Myers thanked everyone, Renee Jenkins, accompanied by Ms. Karosas on piano, sang a beautiful rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings."

The Board and staff of IFSI sincerely thank Dr. Myers for all of his efforts on our behalf. God bless and good luck with your retirement.

8 Is Not Enough! 
We're Ready for the 9th!

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IFSI Recognizes 
Volunteer's Dedication

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Valuing Change at IFSI

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By Mary Kaye Farrell

Whether you are SNIFF, SCURRY, HEM or HAW, there is a place for you at IFSI. Always looking for materials to complement her mission and vision of "Diversity in Action," Executive Director/CEO Evelyn Marcha-Hidalgo began the New Year by circulating to the management staff copies of a book titled Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. Most employees recognized the author's name from The One Minute Manager. Like other readings, it was mandated that these materials be shared with other staff as well. 

Most individuals agreed initially that there was one character in this little modern fable with whom they identified most closely. However, everyone seemed to agree that they have found themselves in each of these roles from time to time. Laura Reed, a ten-year veteran of the agency, has worn many hats over the years. She stated that her recent participation in the Services to Children in their Own Homes (SCOH) Plus Pilot Project put her in the role of "SNIFF," the character who sees change early in the game and adjusts quickly. Reflecting back on a discussion with a Case Manager who felt that he did not handle change well, Ms. Reed was quick to point out that his ability to "leave signs" for others along the way made him a fantastic social worker. She further stated that this gentleman never fails to offer encouragement to clients and most likely resembles the character of "HAW," who leaves signs for his reluctant friend "HEM," who is afraid of and often denies that change is happening.

Denise Cutrone, Director of Quality Assurance and Improvement, agreed with Ms. Reed that "becoming complacent" will hurt a person's chance for success in today's quick-paced world. Ms. Cutrone stated that she, "… couldn't identify with 'SNIFF,' who is a visionary." "I have to work on this," she said, but also noted she was satisfied with her role in the agency as "SCURRY," a character who notices everyone adjusting to change and quickly modifies himself. Ms. Cutrone also discussed her opinion on those who are especially resistant to change. "You don't need resistant people. They are difficult employees who hurt your survival." 
Marie Mullins, Office Manager at IFSI's Behavioral Health Clinic spoke of 
"re-evaluating and refocusing [her]self" as the chief benefit of reading this book. "Change is about focusing on a vision," she stated. Ms. Mullins, like many other staff, reiterated her excitement about furthering our agency's vision through 
the development of our Core Values and Standards of Conduct at the staff retreat.

All in all, most staff stated they were pleased to have the opportunity to read this short but insightful parable of two animals and two tiny human characters interacting in a maze. Who Moved My Cheese allowed staff to analyze and transform the way they view changes in their personal and/or professional lives. In the end, we all make choices. IFSI's Executive Director/CEO is encouraging everyone to be aware of and accept change. Individuals must change for the better by looking ahead, as well as aim to educate other people so that no one is left behind.

Ms. Mary Kaye Farrell is a SCOH Supervisor.