The Combined Board of the Hastings Children’s Aid Society (HCAS) and the Children’s Aid Society of Northumberland (CASN) is very pleased to announce the new name for their soon to be amalgamated organization. As of April 1, 2012 when the amalgamation will be finalized, the new Society will be known as Highland Shores Children’s Aid. This name reflects the geographies of the two societies within the Hastings highlands and hills of Northumberland and along the shores of the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario.

Protect. Care. Empower. These are the words that will embody the philosophy and goals of the new organization. First and foremost, it will protect and care for children and youth in need in the counties of Hastings and Northumberland, while at the same time empowering children and families to be all they can be through various means of educational support.

The Combined Board is also excited to announce another significant step forward in the amalgamation process. Mark Kartusch has been appointed as Executive Director of the amalgamating societies effective January 12, 2012. Mark will assume leadership during the transitioning of the two organizations as Executive Director of both HCAS and CASN and will become Executive Director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid when the amalgamation is completed on April 1, 2012.

He brings experience and expertise to the role having been involved in the field of child welfare for more than 20 years. Over the course of his career, Mark has gained valuable experience in the positions he has held with a number of Children’s Aid Societies across the province and more recently, through his work with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services on amalgamation activities.

Over the past eight years, Mark has been Director of Services for the Hastings Children’s Aid Society, a role that has allowed him to make a significant difference in the lives of many children and their families. He takes over the helm of the two organizations at a pivotal time in their history.

In January of 2011, the boards of directors of HCAS and CASN first announced they would develop a merger plan to bring together both organizations to create a new Children's Aid Society to serve the combined regions of Hastings and Northumberland. Since that time, Len Kennedy, Executive Director of HCAS and Rosaleen Cutler, Executive Director of CASN have provided leadership to their respective organizations to ensure amalgamation planning and the subsequent implementation process has focused on development of a new organization founded on a commitment to the best interests of children and families. Both Executive Directors have been committed to the change process and have successfully brought their respective societies to this point. With the time of amalgamation drawing closer, Len and Rosaleen will now each pursue new opportunities.

“In his twelve years overseeing the operations of the Hastings Children’s Aid Society, Len Kennedy has made a significant contribution to child welfare. Over the time of his leadership, he forged additional community partnerships which resulted in new protocols and prevention programs that were of benefit to many children and families in our community. Len ensured that the needs of residents outside of Belleville were well served through the opening of an office in Quinte West and via the redevelopment of the HCAS office in Bancroft. He also oversaw the redevelopment of the Belleville main office site to meet the long-term needs of HCAS and the families we serve. As a result of his financial stewardship, the organization is very well positioned to move to a new stage of its history and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank him for his commitment and caring. We wish him the very best as he lends his expertise to new opportunities that await him”, said Reverend Dr. William Smith, Chair of the HCAS Board of Directors.

Marilyn Curson, Chair of the Board of the Children’s Aid Society of Northumberland, echoed those sentiments adding, “Rosaleen Cutler has had a long commitment to the field of child welfare. This has been evident in her more than three years as Executive Director of CASN. Rosaleen’s strong leadership skills during this time of change have been greatly appreciated and she leaves behind an organization that is well positioned for the future. Her commitment to the success of the amalgamation has been evident since the planning process began. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Rosaleen for her excellent work to prepare the Society up to this significant point in its history. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Commenting on the appointment of Mark Kartusch as Executive Director for the amalgamating Society, Darcey French, Co-Chair of the Combined Board commented, “We are extremely pleased that Mark has accepted this new position. He not only brings considerable experience in child welfare to the role, but also a passion and optimism that will be of great benefit as he focuses on continuing to provide the best possible service to the children and families of our communities. We look forward to the significant contribution he will make at the helm of the transitioning organizations and then as Executive Director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid serving the communities of both Hastings and Northumberland.”

Karyn Kennedy, Co-Chair of the Combined Board added, “I wish to thank Rosaleen Cutler and Len Kennedy for their many years of service to their respective Children’s Aid Societies. Their contributions to the families and children their agencies serve, as well as their leadership to the amalgamation planning are invaluable and we wish them both well.”

On his appointment as Executive Director of the transitioning societies and ultimately, of Highland Shores Children’s Aid, Mr. Kartusch said, “I thank the Combined Board for this wonderful opportunity to help guide our two societies in the final steps toward amalgamation. I look forward to working closely with all staff to build on the strengths and celebrate the unique identities that are inherent in both organizations. Most importantly, our focus for the future is to ensure the amalgamation is a step forward in providing the best possible service to the children, youth and families we serve. I would like to recognize the positive impact made by Len Kennedy and Rosaleen Cutler to their respective societies. Our new organization will greatly benefit from the strong foundations they have established.”