OCS DCL-2022-09 A Message from ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras FY2022
Dear Colleague Letter
DCL#:
DATE:
TO:
SUBJECT:
ATTACHMENT(S):
Dear Colleagues,
The purpose of this communication is to share a message from January Contreras, the new Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Assistant Secretary.
Dear ACF Partner:
It is an honor to take on the responsibility of serving as the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Today, I write to introduce myself and commit to leading with a spirit of partnership with you, our community of ACF partners.
First, thank you for all that you do to support children, families, and individuals across the country. Communities are stronger because of your service.
Through my more than twenty years in public service, I have led state agencies, a federal office, and a non-profit legal aid center. I have experienced what it’s like to meet the needs of many with limited resources, adapt to changing rules and circumstances, and serve individuals directly on the front line. Each of these professional experiences will be important in the work ahead.
Every day, in my legal aid work, my colleagues and I served people who were fighting for survival: a child in the foster care system, a young teenager arriving to the U.S. alone, a domestic violence or human trafficking survivor, a struggling parent or youth experiencing homelessness. I know that our collective work can make a difference in helping people thrive - or even survive. We witnessed this up close as already existing disparities faced by individuals and families were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Together our talented ACF team and you — state, tribal, local, territorial, philanthropic and community partners — will advance equity, and deliver results that make a difference in people’s lives. Collaboration is key to accomplishing any mission, especially one as vital as ACF’s.
Thank you for your partnership in communities across this country. I look forward to learning more in the coming months about how we can continue to collectively strengthen the well-being, safety, and economic mobility of those we are entrusted to serve.
Most Sincerely,
January Contreras
ACF Assistant Secretary
/s/
Dr. Lanikque Howard
Director
Office of Community Services