The 20th Annual Conference was held on September 27th & 28th, 2007 in Frankenmuth, MI.

This year’s conference was a huge success. It was the 20th anniversary of the Michigan Home Based and Family Services Association. Three of the original five Founders were present to receive the President’s Award and share stories of the creation and implementation of the association.

Bottom Row L - R: (founders) Ken Visser, Carl Latona and Monty Sharobeem. Middle Row: Shelley Miller-O’Neill, Jill Peck, Robin Johnson, Carla Waite and Mary Diepstra. Back row: Jim Hulbert, Kim Boulier and Jill Clark.

During the annual meeting, two new members At Large were nominated and voted on the Board; Please welcome Lori Garrettson from Judson Center and Jenna Waterbury from Washtenaw County’s Catholic Social Services.

Participant Comments:

Q. How would you rate the conference overall?

• Overall the conference was very informative. I definitely learned things that I can take back and share with staff.
• Both keynote speakers were excellent
• Liked the overall schedule
• This year every workshop looked great. Hard to pick which one to go to!
  

Q. How would you rate the location of the conference?

• Location was very nice.
• Each breakout session seemed to have enough room & a comfortable setting
• It was good that everything needed was within hotel or very close by.
  

Q. What were your favorite Workshops? Why?

• David Austin Sky - For People Like Us: Dealing with Stress and Negativity - Very Engaging & thought Provoking
• Cea Cohen Elliott - Laugh for the Health of it - Because they were "light" & joyful
• Sean de Four - Substance Abuse: Relapse Prevention/Planning - Interesting and entertaining
• Jill Clark - Using Experiential Activities in Home Based Counseling - Made me feel engaged and happy