Bedford programs cited as models for social service

Bedford’s Youth and Family Services department is among 23 Massachusetts-based agencies whose programs have been cited as models by the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.

Bedford was the only municipality among the recipients. The town was recognized for several initiatives, including the expansion of parent-education programming; the Bedford in Motion program, which promotes physical activity and healthy eating; a social services resources guide; and a “Celebrating Parenting” calendar.

Sue Baldauf, the director of Bedford Youth and Family Services, said she found it interesting to see the similarities in the various programs that Boston College highlighted. Regardless of how agencies are funded, she said, they share common strategies when providing human services.

“Municipal departments can be as innovative as organizations funded through state contracts and/or grants, and vice versa,” Baldauf said.

The Boston College Graduate School of Social Work’s 37-page report, “Leading The Way: Social Innovation in Massachusetts,” can be downloaded at www.bc.edu/schools/gssw/csi. [Click here to download PDF.]

Other entities cited include the Berkshire Area Health Education Center, the Pine Street Inn in Boston, and Work Inc., a Dorchester-based organization that helps people with disabilities find meaningful employment.