HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Force Support Squadron’s Child and Youth Programs hosted a workforce event at the Child Development Center here Jan. 28.
The superhero-themed event focused on team resiliency through lunch and activities.
“The CYP heroes event recognized all members of the Child and Youth Programs team, including teaching staff, clerks, cooks, and food service workers,” said Rachael Washington-Freeman, CDC director. “It is a reminder to the team that it takes a village to ensure the children in our care receive the best care.”
Focusing on workforce resiliency and in-person collaboration, Hanscom CYP continues to support mission readiness.
“CYP staff play a crucial role in the military mission,” said Washington-Freeman. “They come to work early and stay late to ensure the children are in a safe place while their parents are at work.”
Maria Salaam, CDC training and curriculum specialist, described being a hero as “someone you can count on, who collaborates and works together as a team, supports each other through the highs and lows, and secures trusting relationships with one another.”
The event brought together staff from all CYP sections, including the CDC, Family Child Care, School Age Program, Youth Center and Teen Center.
Attendees had lunch from a local food truck and potluck-style desserts. Activities included a superhero cape signing with a sign stating, “Not all heroes wear capes,” highlighting the many unsung heroes who serve others every day.
“Heroes are selfless, optimistic, supportive, reliable and determined,” said Washington-Freeman.
Anna Cordova-Gonzalez, a program assistant at the CDC, emphasized the importance of such events for staff morale.
“They help keep employees’ spirits high,” she said. “It also shows us that we matter and that we’re important. It helps us get to know each other as individuals.”
For more information about the Hanscom AFB CYP and other family support resources, visit www.hanscomfss.com.