Florence Crittenton News — December 2009
Newsletter Archives
In this issue:
Seiko Velder: Our New Childcare Director
In October, Seiko Velder joined FCS, assuming the position of Childcare Director. Seiko has 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education. Born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan, she spent seven years working as a teacher in the Japanese elementary school system. In 2004, she came to the U.S. and settled in Colorado Springs. She fulfilled her desire to keep working with children by becoming a Head Start teacher/manager.
“In Japan, pre-schools are all group-oriented, with very little attention given to the individual child, “Seiko says. “What I loved about Head Start was the care given to children’s individual and special needs. It inspired me so much that I decided that Early Childhood Education was what I wanted to do.”
She earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado, Denver, then moved up the ranks to serve as a child development supervisor for the Head Start program back in Colorado Springs.
In the summer of 2009 she moved to San Francisco. While excited to be living in a new city, Seiko admits that it’s taken some getting used to Northern California ’s unpredictable weather. “I came in the summer,” she says, “and was expecting sunshine!”
Seiko brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to our childcare program. We are delighted to have her join our team!
Green Thumbs + Big Hearts
 Wyeth C. and Philip G. have a knack for growing pumpkins and raising cash. Beginning in 2006, they started planting pumpkin seeds in Sonoma County. Each fall, they’d harvest the pumpkins, transport them to market, and donate the proceeds to worthy causes. In 2008, they donated more than $1,100 FCS. This year, their thumbs and big hearts grew a major donation of $2,525. Thank you Wyeth and Philip for helping FCS achieve its mission of ending poverty one family at a time.
Gwen Henry's Farewell Bash
 On October 29, FCS friends and supporters gathered at the sultry Sheba Piano Lounge on Fillmore Street to celebrate Gwen Henry’s long career of service. After a decade at FCS, Gwen retired and packed her bags for Texas. Before leaving, she was warmly appreciated by colleagues and well-wishers, who shared stories, cocktails and Ethiopian finger food. She also received proclamations from public officials including U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisors Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi, and State Senator Mark Leno.
As Associate Director at FCS, Gwen oversaw Parent University, a city-sponsored collaboration with Edgewood Center that targets underserved families in the city’s Southeast Sector. Before that time, she worked in the Mayor’s Office of Children Youth and Their Families. She also managed the San Francisco Unified School District’s Child Development Program.
After 20 years of dedicated service to the city’s children and families, we wish Gwen – and her grandchildren -- all the best as they frolic beside the pool in San Antonio.
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