West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC) has promoted Krystle Bailey to Care Coordination Manager.
Krystle has more than ten years’ experience in child welfare including working in Children’s Protective Services, residential, and foster care.
“One of her greatest strengths is taking the time to really listen and see people. She is a very genuine person. She truly cares and people can see that. She also works hard to understand cultural issues and meet people where they are.”- reference for position.
Years in Non-profit – 11
Why you wanted to be in this field?
I have a strong desire to keep families together through promoting reunification, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
What is your role at WMPC? What are your responsibilities in this role?
I am a Care Coordination Manager and responsible for providing supervision to the care coordinators to ensure excellent oversight for children in the foster care system and other services through WMPC and its partner agencies.
What do you anticipate being the most rewarding part about your job?
Using my experience to have a broader impact in the system and teaming with DHHS and private agencies within Kent County to help eliminate barriers toward reunification, improve permanency timelines and reduce numbers of children in residential settings. Additionally, I look forward to facilitating cross system collaboration to enhance the lives of children and families served.
Knowing WMPC is a pilot, what inspired you to want to work for WMPC?
To make a greater impact in Kent County through mentoring and building supportive structures around child welfare workers which will in turn, improve the lives of children and families in the community.
What is one thing you wish people knew about foster care?
- Trauma is real!
- People can change.
- Keeping families together is our #1 goal.
How has your experience in the nonprofit industry changed your perspective?
Children and families have many different systems involved with their lives. In order for their needs to best be met, it’s imperative that the systems and providers involved all work together to address those needs and highlight the unique strengths of the child and family.
What is your hope for WMPC and the Kent County foster care system?
My hope is for larger systemic changes, particularly around LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and building an anti-racist child welfare system.