Staff Spotlight: Flo Rhue
Last month we highlighted our newest staff member. This month, meet our agency's very first staff member: our director, Flo Rhue. Since she was hired to develop the Children's Services program 33 years ago, Flo has been a champion for meeting the needs of vulnerable children in our community. We are so fortunate to have such a passionate, caring, and skilled person leading The Salvation Army Children's Services.
Plus, she just ran her 6th Boston Marathon!
Get to know Flo:
What is your role at The Salvation Army and what does it entail?
My role at The Salvation Army is Director of Children’s Services. I have the great privilege of being responsible for overall administration of the Children’s Services Department. My role includes program development, expansion and improvement, licensing and regulatory oversight, contract and budget planning and implementation, personnel management, customer relations, program evaluation, oversight of placement services, resource family recruitment and retention.
What drew you to a career in social work?
I had many early influences in my life that led me to social work, particularly my father who was an incredibly giving and generous in spirit individual and was a great example of caring for others. Although I was heading towards a career in criminal justice, I found that opportunities arose in social work that really captured my heart.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?
It would certainly be less children needing foster care and more intact families.
What is one piece of advice you have for people considering becoming foster/adoptive parents?
That if you have the heart for caring for children you can make a huge impact on a child’s life even in a short period of time, never underestimate the impact you are making even if its unspoken.
What are you doing for self care these days?
I am an avid runner, so I find that it helps to keep me centered and to destress when I need it.
Just for fun...what are your favorite:
- Animal - Labrador Retriever
- Color - Blue
- Food - Most days I yearn for a healthy salad, but I love salty treats, so chips and popcorn anytime followed by some dark chocolate!
- Ice Cream Flavor - Hmmm, that's a tough one because I am lactose intolerant and don't eat it but if I could it would be mint chocolate chip!
- Sport - I follow all Philly sports teams - but baseball was my first love and my Fightin' Phils are my favorite team of all time. Go Phillies!
- Vacation Destination - Ireland - I am 99% Irish, so this is my dream vacation! I have only been once but am heading back with my family later this year.
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