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11/16/2022 08:30 AMSometimes, the most innocuous event or encounter can have a profound effect on our lives. For Molly Fahey, the new social services coordinator at Madison Youth and Family Services (MYFS), that came in the form of a part-time job while in college.
Molly has been a long-time employee in Madison having worked as a teacher’s assistant, school secretary, and as MYFS administrative assistant before taking on her current role there. The fit was a natural one, says Molly, and it's one that, in many ways, goes back to a briefly held job she had during her years at Providence College.
“When I was in college, I had a job in downtown Providence that was in some ways similar to this. I worked at a drug store that had a middle aisle that had reduced-price items. So, the people who struggled came into that store, and that’s who our customers were. I go to know them. I got to know their stories, and they were people who hit hard times and really needed the support of a store like that. So, we got damaged items and marked them down to pennies to provide for them. I didn’t know in college that a job like the one I have now even existed, so I ended up in insurance. If I had known, I would gone right into a job like this.”
Molly says that her own children availed themselves of MYFS programming growing up, and she was always impressed with the impact that the agency had on her kids and the entire Madison community.
“We raised our kids here in Madison, so I knew about Madison Youth and Family Services because my kids were involved with a bunch of things here, and [I] was well aware of the good things they do,” says Molly. “When the assistant job came up, I applied because this is a place where I want to be. They do a lot of good work here and were pivotal for my kids in their formative years. I was aware of all the work that they did, so when the job came up, I was all in. I didn’t know it would lead to this job, but I’m so glad it did,” says Molly.
Molly says the simple and direct effort in helping her neighbors and seeing the impact is what motivates her and her colleagues.
“It’s helping a population of people that are struggling, and I have always been concerned and worried about this population and ready to jump in and do some problem-solving. How can I help people get the help that they need?” says Molly.
In Madison, Molly says it is a community effort between several organizations to ensure that no one falls through the cracks and that every resident gets an opportunity to succeed.
“We have tremendous support from the community as well. We work closely with Neighbor to Neighbor, which is part of the Madison Foundation, who really do incredible work. The Exchange Club [and] the Jaycees all support Youth and Family,” says Molly. “We also get donations of gift cards and we get [help] through the schools. They do events like the Holiday Drive to help our families. There are a lot of people in the Madison community who help us and certainly, help me, do my job. People will just come by and drop off a gift card, knowing that we will get it to someone who truly needs it.”
For those who may not know what MYFS actually does, Molly says most town residents would be surprised that even in a town like Madison with a reputation for affluence, there is a steady need for social services.
“We help families on a lot of different levels. We help families struggling financially. We provide counseling as well for kids up to age 21. We do a lot of work called Positive Youth Development. We have a whole team of people in the schools that perform all kinds of good work. Everything from mindfulness to youth development to asset building. Lots of programs that the whole agency is involved in,” says Molly.
Molly says that every town on the shoreline is struggling with these issues, which were only compounded by the pandemic. According to Molly, the shoreline is not immune to the same social issues that metro areas endure.
“I don’t think people realize how much of a need there is out there. There are a lot of people right here in Madison that need help,” Molly says. “There are so many people who work really hard but still have trouble making ends meet. Some end up with a health issue and end up disabled and need how to figure out how to get access to resources. We have kids who are displaced from their homes [and] who need help moving on to the next spot. Something as simple as getting health insurance for kids can have a huge impact.”
From financial assistance to counseling, mental health interventions, car repairs, and heating assistance, the Department is often a source of last resort for residents who have nowhere else to turn to, says Molly. The agency also has a focus on diaper donations.
Lack of something as simple as diapers can cause a cascade of impacts for those who live paycheck to paycheck, says Molly.
“We partner closely with Bare Necessities, who provide diapers for families. That expense, especially when you are having financial difficulties, is a lot,” says Molly. “They drop off diapers for us and we then send those out to our families. Diapers aren’t covered by SNAP benefits…and most people don’t realize what the impact can be. You have to provide diapers in order to drop your kids at daycare. It becomes a whole thing for people. You have to have a steady supply. There can be a ripple effect simply from a lack of diapers. What happens if you can’t leave your kid at daycare? That impacts your job, your finances, everything.”
Molly says that energy assistance will be a major issue this season as the oil shortage in New England which economic experts have been warning about, is already having an impact.
“Last year the State had more than $100 million for energy assistance, but this year started with only $70 million, so we are expecting a very rough winter,” says Molly. “We can help coordinate with energy assistance. The best thing to do is call us, and let us help you apply through our system. Anyone who is seeking that help should contact us, and we can help see if they qualify and to guide them in the process. We are always happy to help with that. Filling your tank this year is going to be very expensive and we don’t know what the costs will be in January.”
Anyone wishing to seek assistance from MYFS can call 203-245-5645. The Department urges anyone in need of heating assistance, especially in light of the expected heating oil crisis that is developing in New England, also contact the above number.
For those wishing to make a diaper donation, MYFS urges residents to contact Bare Necessities directly at 203-928-7558.