Be sure to go to our featured staff page to read all about staff member Lavern Kimbrough.

2011 Christmas Letter

Getting to know people behind the scenes…

This month we would like to introduce you to another one of our counselors, LaVern Kimbrough. LaVern came to CFS in early 2010 after working in the community mental health field for a few years. She felt led to CFS so that she could use Biblical principles and God’s Word in her counseling practice. The Lord opened some doors so that she could join our staff and we are so happy that He did!

LaVern is a native Detroiter. After graduating from Cass Technical High School, she became a certified biblical counselor and worked doing lay ministry in the church. She then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from William Tyndale College and then continued to receive a Master’s in Counseling/Psychology from Michigan Theological Seminary. Her specialties in counseling include: pre-marital and marital counseling, helping those struggling in leadership, grief and loss, inner healing, addictions, gender struggles, and general counseling. She sees couples, adolescents, families, and individuals for counseling.

Some of LaVern’s hobbies are golfing and traveling. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, and is an avid reader.

“Did you pay that much when you got us?”

Me: Sure did. (this child knows that children are not bought, but there are lots of fees to pay and travel, etc–it’s not free)

“Did you pay more than that?”

Me: Yup.

“more than $2,000?”

Me: Yup.

(incredulous now) “more than $3,000!?”

Me: Yup.

“Wait. That much for EACH of us?”

Me: Yup. Do you think you are worth it?

“No.”

Me: “You don’t think it’s worth that $$ to bring a child into a family. To give them a momma and a daddy. A family to love and a home. All the food they want and need?
I do. You are worth that and a whole lot more.” GOD thinks so, too.”

“In just a few years if you didn’t adopt me I would have to leave the orphanage and I wouldn’t have a place to go.”

(pensive) “do you ever regret getting us?”

Me: “No. Not ever. Not even a teenie bit.”

“Not even when we are bad?”

Me: “No, not even when you are very bad.”

“Do you have a favorite?” (I’ve gotten this question many times)

Me: “No, I don’t have a favorite. I love you ALL very much. And I would do it all again. You are all very special to me.”

This same child has asked me many times lately if I love them as much as the children I gave birth to. Can’t quite figure how on earth I could. Thinks that I would love my birth children more. Also, “were you excited when you got us?” Me: It is SO exciting when you get your child. At least as exciting as giving birth to your child, but in a different way. You are getting a child. What could be more exciting?”

My sweet child. I wish you could be convinced what a treasure you are. Yes. I would do it again. The $$$ means nothing. The smiles. The hugs. The laughter. Even the tears that you can have kissed away, now. THAT my dear. is Priceless.

Betty

Getting to know people behind the scenes…

This month, we would like to introduce you to another one of our employees, Renee Williams. Renee came to Christian Family Services in April of 1992 after working as an intern in domestic violence crisis counseling with H.A.V.E.N. in Pontiac, and as an intern with Teen Ranch, Inc. in Detroit. Renee is a huge asset to our counseling team and shows kindness and a caring heart towards all of our clients. We very much enjoy having her positive spirit and outlook in the office!

Renee has an Associate of Arts Degree from Macomb Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development from Oakland University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University. Renee’s counseling clients include adults, individuals, adolescents, families, and couples. She also provides pre-marital and marital counseling. Some of her areas of specialization are problems associated with abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), crisis counseling, marital or relationship concerns, Family life issues and problems, parenting, life transition and adjustment, loss and grief, anxiety, depression, problems associated with self-image, communication skills, and conflict resolution.

A Little About Renee…

Some of Renee’s interests and hobbies are:
Spending time with her family, photography, hiking, swimming, camping, drawing, and learning to play piano. She is also involved in the McRest program, which helps to provide shelter for the homeless in Macomb County.

This picture certainly captures an abundance far exceeding a thousand words. This is why we, in the adoption department, are delighted to be allowed, by God, to do what we do. Particularly, because both of these boys have some significant hurdles to overcome this side of Heaven. However, the Lord has placed them in a home that provides them with His love, care and nurturing beyond measure. How special to see the “older” brother receiving his newest sibling with tenderness and love. A lesson for each of us to remember to shower our loved ones with the same tenderness and love and remember that God has brought together each and every family by His design.

Getting to know people behind the scenes.

This month, we would like to introduce you to Julie Grant. She is an integral part in our agency in both the counseling and adoption departments, and we love having her here at CFS! Julie came to CFS as a counselor in 1998, after working in a hospital psychiatric unit for about 3 years. Julie also joined the adoption department in 2004 to counsel birthmothers through their unplanned pregnancies and adoption plans. She shows true compassion and kindness towards anyone who walks in the door!

A LITTLE ABOUT JULIE…
Julie graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in Psychology and an MA in counseling. Her areas of specialization in counseling are depression, anxiety, healthy self-image, sexuality,
boundaries and relationships, adjustment to life transitions,
chronic illness, and grief, as well as unplanned pregnancy counseling.

Some of Julie’s hobbies are cooking, jewelry making, and gardening.

http://bit.ly/lNQpST

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL…

Getting to know people behind the scenes

This month, we would like to introduce to you our newest employee, Allison Berens. She joined us in December 2010. The Lord brought her to us at exactly the right time, as only He can do! She is our Administrative Assistant (and so much more). She brings to her job true willingness, graciousness and a servant’s heart. We are grateful for the gift of her presence and very much enjoy having her here!

A LITTLE ABOUT ALLISON:

Allison recently graduated from Oakland University with a B.A. in Art History, and had been working full time as a nanny before coming to work as our new administrative assistant. She currently handles all of the telephone intakes, scheduling and adult adoptee questions, amongst other various office duties. She loves helping people and loves to be organized and detail oriented.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ALLISON:

Allison loves living in Michigan. (Yes, even during the winter. Especially then!)

• She loves to read.
• She loves to watch movies (a little more often than reading..) in her spare time.
• She loves to have a good laugh. A day without laughter is not a full day!
• She loves to work with people, but especially children. Oh, and animals too! She has contemplated pretty much every, and any career involving one of the two.
• Allison loves working with the people at CFS. She considers every day here a blessing.