Unfortunately, these days, it can be difficult to connect to certain health services. This is particularly true if a person is dealing with specific mental health or social service needs. As a person who works in outreach and community health, I have seen first-hand how overwhelming the system can be and how difficult it is to navigate. Luckily for our region, there are dedicated professionals who are willing and able to help. Recently, I had the good fortune to sit down with Cleveland Way and Rebecca Foust from the System of Care, which is one of the many great programs of the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder.
“I am very passionate about my job and the important role that I play here,” said Rebecca Foust, Lead Family Coordinator for the System of Care. “When my children were in their teens, I went through a difficult divorce, and my family was assigned a Targeted Case Manager named Sharron. She came into our lives at a time when it felt like the world around us was falling apart. I often say that she saved me. She would visit me and the kids and just sit and listen. She provided me with the support and encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward and advocating for my children and myself. One day, she said to me, “Have you ever thought about going back to college to become a social worker to help other families like yourself?” While Rebecca wasn’t ready at that time to pursue a career in social work, she, with the support of her new husband, eventually took the leap and went back to school. Flash forward, and she graduated Cum Lade from Penn State in social work.
According to the Joinder website, the staff at the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care is dedicated to coordinating holistic support for children and families facing emotional challenges. Their system operates on core values of youth and family-driven care, trauma-informed practices, and cultural competence, ensuring that every individual receives personalized attention and tailored solutions. Through collaborative efforts, they empower families to actively participate in decision-making processes and cultivate a supportive environment where children thrive.
“As the Lead Family Coordinator within the System of Care, my role is centered on empowering families and supporting them through their journey within the mental health and social services landscape,” said Foust. “The System of Care is designed to ensure that children, youth, and families receive integrated, community-based services that are both effective and respectful of their individual needs. My work bridges the gap between families and service providers, helping to ensure that families have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Within this role, I can use my personal experience to help support and empathize with parents and caregivers. I am a mother of 3 children, one of whom has significant special needs and mental health challenges. Over the years, I found myself overwhelmed with trying to navigate the world of mental health. Often, this would lead to my own battles with depression and anxiety.”
Foust went on to say that one of her key responsibilities is to ensure that families are informed and actively involved in all aspects of care planning. She collaborates with various agencies and service providers to ensure families have access to the resources and support they need. This involves understanding the challenges families face and providing advocacy and guidance, helping them navigate complex systems and access services such as counseling, education, and healthcare.
In addition, Foust works closely with a multidisciplinary team, including social workers, therapists, and community outreach personnel, to create a comprehensive, individualized plan for each family. She supports families in identifying their strengths and areas where they may need additional assistance, ensuring that the care they receive is holistic and culturally sensitive.
Another important aspect of Foust’s role is to lead family engagement efforts. She often helps facilitate family meetings, workshops, and support groups, offering families a sense of community and connection with others facing similar challenges. “Building a supportive network for families within the system is crucial for their long-term success and well-being. Because of this, it is important that we develop support groups and programs that are for families by families. We have created a support group for the Lycoming County area called Family Voice Together, which is a parent-run, parent-driven support group to help families and caregivers who are dealing with children that have mental health issues and or behavioral issues.”
Foust went on to say Family Voice Together meetings allow participants to engage in community, have conversations, develop friendships, and provide support and advocacy for each other. Meetings also include presentations and trainings that are relevant to parents and caregivers to help them understand new treatments, different agencies, local support, and how to navigate the mental health system. “When parents feel supported and encouraged, they will be able to become their own child’s best advocates as they grow up,” said Foust.
Family voice-together meetings will be held the last Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West End Christian Community Center at 901 Diamond Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. The first Family Voice Together meeting will take place March 27, 2025. Light snacks, coffee, and water will be provided. These meetings are intended to be a safe space where parents and caregivers can be open and honest with one another about their struggles and frustrations.
For more information, you can check out System of Care online at http://www.lycomingclintonsystemofcare.com.
