A Conversation with Karen Welford – Part 1

Welcome to this episode of Archways’ Threads, where host Michelle Lennon speaks with Karen Welford, a pioneer in family support and strengthening practices. With over 40 years in the field, Karen has seen family support evolve from intuitive acts of kindness to a well-defined practice rooted in evidence and the science of human development. Join us as we explore the principles that have shaped family support, the importance of community resources, and the ongoing impact of respect, equality, and collaboration in working with families.

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background

01:56 - The Start of Family Support

04:31 - Impact of Early Intervention Programs

07:32 - Family Support as a Formal Practice

13:01 - Supporting Families Holistically

17:45 - Building Family Connections and Community

20:45 - Empowering Families Through Community Involvement

23:57 - Adapting to Challenges: COVID Play Group Initiative

This episode highlights that family support doesn’t just serve individuals in isolation but sees the family as a whole. By addressing broader needs—such as housing, job placement, and mental health support—the field acknowledges the interconnectedness of family members and their environments. This holistic view goes beyond the boundaries of clinical work, allowing family support providers to facilitate impactful changes that resonate throughout every family member’s life.

Michelle and Karen explore how family support encourages community participation and leadership, empowering families to take on roles beyond their households. By giving families tools for involvement, such as joining parent advisory boards or advocating for community resources, family support practices help individuals connect and contribute to the systems that shape their daily lives, from schools to local governments. In empowering families this way, family support fosters a community of resilient families that build strength from each other’s successes and shared experiences.

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