Meet Mari DaCruz
Tell us about your new job with Klingberg…What has been your career path with Klingberg?
I am currently the Recruitment Specialist for Klingberg Family Centers Therapeutic Foster Care & Adoption. My job is very exciting. It allows me to be active in the community by raising awareness about the need for therapeutic foster/ adoptive homes. It also allows me to promote Klingberg’s outstanding Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption program and recruit foster/ adoptive families for the thousands of adolescents in Connecticut looking for a permanent home.
I began working at Klingberg several years ago on the Senior Boys Unit. I found my work to be challenging yet extremely rewarding. I learned so much from my co-workers and clients. My work on the Boys Unit helped to build my confidence, understanding of trauma, self-awareness, and how crucial it is to work as a team. After a couple of years, I transitioned to Assistant Supervisor of the Safe Home. This was very different than working with adolescent boys since the population varied (girls, boys, adolescents, little kids). It was a hard job but I enjoyed how busy and exciting it always was. We were always on the go! About three years ago, I moved to the Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption at Klingberg. The transition was amazing because instead of directly working with the children in treatment, I was now helping them to begin a new chapter in their lives. I was now attending meetings about placements, giving suggestions/ recommendations about care, and building connections with foster children and foster families. It’s also been helpful to be able to draw on my residential and Safe Home experience when communicating with prospective foster children transitioning out of treatment or building relationships with foster families.
What should someone do if they are interested in foster care or adoption?
If someone is interested in foster care and adoption, contact me at (860) 832-5536. I’m more than happy to talk about the kids, our services, the process, and answer any questions the individual/ family may have.
Can you share a special memory about your work with the Klingberg Kids?
When I was a CDS on the Senior Boys Unit, I was a team mate to an adolescent boy who barely spoke to me. He was very guarded and tough. I tried to connect with him frequently through talking, joking around, and activities he enjoyed but it never worked. I think that within a year of him being on the unit, we maybe had a handful of two-way conversations. Eventually he transitioned out of our program. A few years later I was grocery shopping and as I’m putting groceries into my trunk I hear, “Hey Team mate!”. I turned around and there he was- all grown up! He walked over and said hello. He told me he was working part-time and transitioning to independent living. He was smiling and engaging. We only spoke for five minutes but it was a great conversation. I was happy that he stopped to say hello to me and that he was doing well.
What have you learned about what it takes to be a good parent for Klingberg Kids?
I’ve learned that good parenting for Klingberg Kids comes down to patience, a great sense of humor, support, an understanding of trauma/ loss, genuine passion for helping children, and commitment.
Also, good parents come in many forms. Our program honors and embraces all families—including empty nesters, single parents.
What makes you come to work every day to do this difficult work?
I continue to do this work even though it can be difficult at times. There are thousands of children who need homes in Connecticut; many of them are adolescent youth.
How do you recruit parents? What type of opportunities are you looking for to meet potential parents?
I recruit potential foster and adoptive parents by visiting, attending, or speaking at any event or activity where people are interested in learning about foster care and adoption. If someone is a member of a faith-based organization, club, council, or team and believes members would be interested in learning about foster care and adoption, call me and I’ll be there! If you are interested and would like a more one to one setting, just give me a call and we’ll meet for a cup of coffee.
What is the best way to reach you?
Mariana C. DaCruz
Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption Recruiter
Klingberg Family Centers Specialized Foster Care & Adoption
370 Linwood Street
New Britain, CT 06052
(860) 832-5536
Fax # (860) 826-1238
marianad@klingberg.org
