Welcome to the TFI Family Services

Quarterly Newsletter!

INSIDE: 

We believe keeping our community informed of what is happening in Kansas is important. In this issue, you will find the following: 

• Foster Parent Highlight - A look into one of our selfless foster parents' lives.
• Program Highlights - TFI 60th Anniversary Staff Awards
• Growing Nurturing Families - A heartfelt success story

Amanda Pfannenstiel

Amanda initially became a licensed non-relative kinship placement (NRKIN), and after successfully fostering, she made the informed decision to become a general licensed foster home. Amanda has been instrumental in caring for and providing for children in need of care. She works in partnership with case teams, birth families and the children in care to provide a supportive home for families to work on reintegration. Amanda utilizes her empathy, compassion and trauma-based training to advocate and ensure that the children in her care receive the best care possible. Thank you, Amanda, for your dedication to TFI! 

TFI 60th Anniversary Staff Awards

Congratulations to Jim Lightle for receiving TFI's Acceptance Award

Jim Lightle, Permanency Support Worker in Winfield, KS, was nominated for the Acceptance award by peers and leadership for his ability to honor the fundamental dignity of all individuals. They state that Jim demonstrates acceptance every day in his interactions with internal and external parties, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality or class. Jim treats people equally and respectfully and promotes a positive environment for diverse populations. 

Congratulations to Cayley Bole for receiving TFI's Leadership Award

Cayle Bole, Director of Permanency, was nominated for the Leadership Award by peers and leadership. Cayley is the definition of a great leader. She allows her teams to work independently while also being available to answer questions or step in and help anytime a need arises. She empowers staff to explore options and solutions on their own before she offers advice, leading many below her to rise to leadership roles. She is willing to sit with children in the hospital and is willing to transport them all over the state. She is a rare example of someone who doesn't ask her team to do anything she wouldn't do herself. Cayley manages to do all of this with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.

GROW NURTURING FAMILIES

GNF Making a Difference...

Family Thrives Through GNF Support in Southeast Region

In our Southeast Region, the Grow Nurturing Families (GNF) program recently had the privilege of supporting a dedicated mother and her family, thanks to the work of therapist Macy Wade and family support worker Debra Clark.

This particular journey began after our team presented information about GNF to a partner organization through our Family First services. One of the attendees, a child welfare supervisor and longtime advocate in the field, recognized that her own family could benefit from the services we offer. She bravely reached out and completed the self-referral process with DCF, hoping to better support her daughter who was struggling with anxiety and emotional regulation.

With her husband working as an over-the-road truck driver, this mother often balances full-time remote work while parenting five children—one of whom was born during the family’s time in the program. She expressed interest in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and together, she and our team got to work.

Through weekly sessions, consistent practice, and daily “special time” with her children, this mother’s confidence as a parent grew. Her children looked forward to these play-based interactions and even eagerly anticipated the therapist’s visits, excited to see which toys had been brought that day.

What began as a strategy for one child evolved into a bonding opportunity for the whole family. The mom reported seeing positive behavior changes across the board when she could provide one-on-one time with each child using the tools she learned through PCIT. Her dedication and follow-through were remarkable, especially while managing a busy household largely on her own.

The family successfully graduated from the GNF program last month. Even after graduation, the mother continues to reach out to the team for guidance and support—evidence of the strong, trusting relationship built throughout their time together. We are proud of her progress and grateful to have played a part in her family’s journey toward greater emotional wellness. 

To learn more about Grow Nurturing Families and the difference it is making, check out the video below. 

KANSAS PERMANENCY

Kansas Permanency Making a Difference...

Kansas Permanency is excited to announce the expansion of our crisis department with the addition of part-time crisis workers. This strategic growth allows us to enhance our care and support to children and families during critical moments.

With this expansion, crisis workers will begin taking on increased responsibilities, including more on-call duties, providing direct support by sitting with children and assisting with parent/child visits. These added roles will ensure timely, compassionate responses during times of need.

Importantly, this shift will also allow case managers to be removed from the regular on-call rotation, enabling them to focus more fully on case management and long-term family outcomes. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to improving service delivery and supporting our dedicated staff.

We’re building a stronger, more responsive system for those we serve.

Kansas Case Management...

We aim to help children return home safely and quickly, because a loving family environment is essential for their well-being. When returning home isn’t an option, we focus on finding permanent, caring families through adoption or other lasting solutions. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every child has a safe, stable and loving place to grow.

Stay tuned for our next Family Focus Newsletter in October!