Lake Orion is a far cry from Chicago, but new Orion Youth Assistance social worker Debbie Barsamian said she is settling in well at her new position.
Barsamian moved back to Michigan after working in Chicago, where her husband was transferred. A Southfield native, she began working for Youth Assistance in January.
‘I worked with Oakland Family Services for eight years,? said Barsamian, 35. ‘All of that time was spent working with families and youth.?
Barsamian, who currently calls Royal Oak home, continued working in family services while she was in Chicago, and was happy to find the position in Lake Orion when she returned.
‘I was very excited about the opportunity to work in a community,? she said. ‘All of my previous positions were in a school setting, and I like working with kids.?
Barsamian has spent the past 12 years working with children, something she calls her ‘passion.? She got her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University and her graduate degree from Wayne State.
‘I really didn’t know too much about Lake Orion before I started working out here,? she said. ‘It’s been a learning process. Everyone seems warm and welcoming of me and the program.?
Barsamian said Lake Orion seems like a community where families are very connected with their neighbors. She hopes more people will step up and volunteer to help with Youth Assistance programs.
‘It’s an exciting time,? she said. ‘We have our Extend Program, with high school students mentoring middle school students…We also have Mentors Plus, where adults serve as mentors who come in once a week for an hour.
‘We’re looking for people who would like to give back…possibly seniors, retired people.?
Youth Assistance also needs parent volunteers to sit on board committees.
‘I work along with the board, and they really identify the needs,? Barsamian said. ‘We’re still looking for a lot of volunteers…we have a parent/education committee, and that’s a real area where parents need support.?
Barsamian would also like to see Youth Assistance have programs for teen groups and skill building/self esteem enhancement.
‘I’ve always felt a need to be there and help people,? she said. ‘I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where open communication was encouraged.
‘That’s not always the case with every family,? Barsamian continued. ‘What’s happening in a child’s mind is always different from a parent’s perception.?
Orion Youth Assistance will honor 48 local kids at their annual Youth Assistance Recognition program at the Knights of Columbus on April 6.
‘We are always taking donations for the Youth Assistance program so we can have extra programs,? said Barsamian.
Youth Assistance will soon have a website on the Internet, linked through the Lake Orion Schools site at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for Orion Youth Assistance can contact Debbie Barsamian at 693-6878.