Letter From MFBSA President,
Jonelle Bollig

March 26, 2007

Dear Fellow Members of the Minnesota Family Based Services Association:

I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve as the President of MFBSA as we enter into our 26th year of service.  At this past conference, we had the chance to look back and reflect upon all of those who have served in this role over the past 25 years and the many accomplishments that have resulted from such great efforts.  As an association we have been able to maintain a common thread through those years, a purpose, to provide support, training and networking to enhance the client and family-centered, strength-based work we do.  It is with this mission in mind and a dedicated group of individuals making up this years board of directors working with me that I intend to continue the progress of those before me.

This year’s board is compromised of individuals from all corners of the state who have volunteered to come together throughout the year to discuss current events and issues that relate to the work we do and the people we serve.  They also work together to make accomplishments in the areas of legislation, state-wide networking of associations, and membership, as well as the many weeks of planning and organization that go into the production of the annual conference.

As we enter into this next quarter of a century together, I am very excited to have such involvement throughout the state with our current membership and friends of the association.  I encourage any others who would like to play a more active role in the association to do so by becoming a regional chair or representative or by helping out on any of the committees.  It is a hope of mine for this year to reactivate some of the regions by bringing new people on board with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, so if you or someone you know is interested please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us today! 

Other plans for the year to come are to continue to update the web page.  MFBSA.ORG has been expanding and will continue to do so offering links and opportunities as well as information on current board members and upcoming trainings in all areas of the state.  We are also looking at getting a list serve complied of all of our members with hopes of getting trainings, brochures and other materials out to you even faster via email.  And lastly, but definitely not least we are planning another fabulous conference at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud for 2008.  Any ideas for presentations or potential presenters can be sent to the board over email and will be discussed during our planning meetings.  This is your association and your input and suggestions are always welcomed.  We look forward to another great year and hope to see all of you at the upcoming trainings and 26th annual conference!

Jonelle Bollig, MS
Presidents MFBSA