Of the 2,000 names listed on the Florida Network’s Wall of Gratitude, each person plays an essential role in helping families during their darkest times. In this series, “Stories Under the Roof”, we will introduce you to some of these remarkable professionals and the stories that motivate them to show up and make a positive difference in the lives of Florida’s youth and families each and every day. Today, we would like to introduce you to Jim Stephens, who has been a Youth Care Specialist with the Hillsborough County Child & Family Counseling Program for over 23 years.
Has the pandemic changed your perspective on your work?
Yes. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused us all to appreciate the necessity of our profession and challenged us to rise to an unprecedented level of commitment to the children and families in our community who are in need of our services.
What do you want to tell the general public about the work you do?
Our work is committed to the improvement of outcomes for the children and families we serve.
What is keeping you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is the teamwork and dedication of our staff who provide direct care and services for children and families.
What are you most looking forward to when this is over?
The improvement and strengthening of our skills and commitment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A “thank you” to everyone who has sacrificed and endured through this struggle to help improve the lives of others, whether it is their family, friends, coworkers or clients.
The Network is so grateful to have someone as dedicated and passionate as Jim working to improve the lives of Florida’s families for over 23 years! Jim’s enduring motivation to serve others is what makes the Network work.