Furey exits DYS

At 40, Division of Youth Services Director Eloise A. Furey is ready to make way for an equally competent successor to her 12-year social services legacy when she steps down from her post on Saturday.

The final decision to retire from her first and most fulfilling dream career was borne out of long and hard months of self-deliberation, as she answered a persistent longing to become a full-time mother and wife.

“I am looking forward to my retirement so I can offer my full-time support to my family,” said Ms. Furey.

As a Mount Carmel School 9th grader, Ms. Furey already knew then what she wanted to pursue in life. Her interest in volunteer work and the social sciences were clear manifestations that she would later trod on a social services career path.

And she sure did, with flying colors.

At age 20, she was instrumental in the completion of the very first CNMI needs assessment study on child abuse and neglect back in 1980.

Home for the summer, Ms. Furey took part in the landmark project when she was tapped by Dr. Isamu Abraham, then the Department of Public Health secretary.

“I consider Mr. Abraham as my mentor, when I was growing and throughout my professional career,” Ms. Furey said.

That assessment study paved the way for the creation of local statutes that would protect the rights and needs of abused and neglected.

Ms. Furey started her career at the Division of Youth Services in 1984 as a front line social worker tasked with a 70-case work load, and slowly worked her way to the directorship position.

“I’ve been there and done that. Social work is full of challenges. I know what it’s like to be on the front line and work with heavy case loads. So I can relate with my staff, as front line public servants, who are out there attending to the needs of our families and children,” she said.

Ms. Furey believes she has always been fated to become a social worker. Her passion for volunteer work and helping troubled families and children were the characteristics that best qualified her to lead a group of government social service providers.

“I was fortunate that our leaders entrusted me to take on this responsibility which I took very seriously over the years as I led my staff and set the pace for community members as well, to join in prevention programs that help build and strengthen local families,” she said.

As director, her biggest contribution to DYS has been the creation of effective prevention programs that have provided families the support and guidance they need outlined in state plans she has spearheaded since 1995.

“I feel that collaboration and cross-training of professionals was something that I have undertaken here at DYS,” she added.

The outgoing director also attributes DYS’ evolution, from a small voice in the community to a clear and vigilant cry against abuses made to children and individuals, to the growing community support and cooperation.

For Ms. Furey, the most precious of rewards in the noble field she has served for over 12 years is the thought of making a difference in each family she is able to assist.

Though happy about the upward direction the youth services has taken since its inception, Ms. Furey admits there is still a lot of work to be done.

But Ms. Furey dismissed worries as she expressed confidence that effective Dec. 16, she exits DYS with 41 competent and experienced staff who will continue the work she has started.

“I wouldn’t be the public servant I am now without my staff, and most especially if it were not for the love and support of my family — my husband, my daughters, parents, sisters, and brother,” she said.

Though she will cease to be a government employee starting Saturday, Ms. Furey has pledged her voluntary services to DYS in the very near future.

“I would like to make a commitment to become a volunteer. It’s my mission in life,” she said.