Earlier this week, several members of our EmberHope Connections team had the opportunity to attend the Families First Treatment Association (FFTA) conference in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana. Representing our organization were Warren Sheridan, Vice President of Permanency Services, Justin Thaw, Vice President of Permanency Programs, Libby Smith, Therapeutic Foster Care Recruiter & Licensing Specialist, and Cindy Ponce, Foster Care Recruiter & Licensing Specialist.
The FFTA conference brought together child welfare professionals from across the nation to share innovative ideas, evidence-based practices, and new tools to improve outcomes for children in foster care. For our team, it was an inspiring and energizing few days packed with professional development and powerful reminders of why this work matters.
“We were immersed in valuable sessions focused on the latest best practices in foster care,” said Warren Sheridan. “We can’t wait to work toward implementing some of these new innovative practices to better serve our children and families.”
In addition to the informative workshops, the team had the chance to explore the rich culture and energy of New Orleans—connecting with fellow professionals, enjoying the city’s cuisine, and reflecting on the important work ahead.
A standout moment from the conference was a live painting session led by renowned American artist John Bukaty. Bukaty shared his personal story of healing from childhood trauma through the power of art, using his journey to advocate for children with similar experiences. His message deeply resonated with attendees and served as a moving reminder of the impact that compassionate care can have on a child’s life.
“Our experience at the conference was truly enriching,” Sheridan shared. “It reaffirmed our commitment to providing exceptional support for foster families and the children we serve.”
As EmberHope Connections continues to grow and evolve, opportunities like these help us stay at the forefront of best practices—equipping our team to better serve Kansas families with empathy, innovation, and hope.
Interested in learning more about EmberHope and how you can get involved? Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent, want to support youth through donations or volunteer opportunities, or simply want to learn more about the work we do, we invite you to explore our programs and join us in making a difference.
