CYC Goes Global
/CYC is proud of the tremendous impact that our staff and programs have in Chicago. We love to celebrate and acknowledge our talented team each day for all that they do - many others are taking notice too!
Our wonderfully dedicated leaders have garnered the attention of social work specialists across the globe! Recently, Tina Ayala (Sr. Director of Program and Operations, School Age and Teens) and Piotr Wojnicz (Director of ESI and Continuous Quality Improvement) were invited to share their expertise at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, in Germany.
Tina and Piotr were honored to be guest lecturers to present at the symposium titled “Social Work with Vulnerable Children and Families: Approaches and Experiences from Germany & the United States”. The seminar focused on contemporary pedagogical and methodological approaches utilized by social work professionals in supporting vulnerable children and families through a trauma-informed care lens. Experts shared practical examples, programs, and experiences from both Germany and the United States, showing how each nation equips the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.
During their time in Augsburg, Tina and Piotr also visited the Juze am Schlössle Youth Center and its wonderful team. Here, they had the opportunity to share their insights on some of the most successful and beloved programs offered at CYC. In exchange, they learned about and experienced activities provided by the youth centers in Augsburg. Throughout their time in Germany, it became clear that the needs of children around the world are remarkably similar. All children are eager for the opportunity to explore, have the space to be creative, and to feel part of their community! Organizations like CYC help to support holistic development by providing experiences that help build the skills that children need for every stage of life.
These experiences broadened the exposure of CYC Staff to innovative programs in Germany, while also introducing CYC to a global audience. This learning exchange paves the way for future collaborations with other European universities! We would like to thank Dr. Barbara Rink and Dr. Nicole Klinkhammer of Augsburg, for supporting CYC to establish the foundation of such a wonderful partnership, and planning this incredible symposium. The future of CYC is bright with possibilities, and we are excited to use what we have learned to continue expanding the ways that we support Chicago communities!