What was the most challenging part of starting this project?
Barbara: It definitely can be challenging to explain a social business that is rooted in such a deep theory. Attachment is something that plays a role in each of our lives every day but it can be difficult for some to grasp in regards to its impact. Secondly, it has been challenging to reach those struggling with attachment needs as many families aren't aware of what's at work.
Meredith: True, explaining what can be a complicated story is difficult at times. Also, finding a starting point when you want to help everyone has been challenging.
What is the attachment theory?
Barbara & Meredith: Attachment theory centers on the emotional bonds between people and the belief that our earliest relationships with caregivers, specifically with our mother, influences our development, relationships, and mental health long-term. It suggests that our interactions with our spouses, colleagues, and friends in adulthood are directly related to the beliefs we internalized about the world and our place in it as young children. This theory was originally formulated by John Bowlby and consists of decades of research.
THE PROJECT BOND
BARBARA & MEREDITH
Rewards comes in many variations. What do you find the most rewarding part of your work?
Barbara: Social workers and social entrepreneurs often get - "your job must make you feel really good." Of course there is a sense of fulfillment, but in my mind the objective has always been about rights, fairness, and justice rather than trying to do a good deed. Empowering people to attain the happiness, quality of life, stability, family life or treatment they deserve and overcoming obstacles - that is what is rewarding. It is also rewarding to have ownership over doing something you're so passionate about - especially as a woman and a social worker. Instead of competing for jobs within systems I believe social workers can make great impact by taking the route of social entrepreneurship so it is very rewarding to be taking this journey.
Meredith: My favorite moments are definitely working with my families, being there for the highs (and lows), and helping them establish peace within their lives. I love seeing things come together, too. It's super rewarding to put hours of hard work into your dream and seeing it come to fruition.
Where are you both from?
Barbara: We're both from New York and we grew up on the south shore of Long Island. Meredith is from Merrick and I am from Wantagh.
How did you two meet?
Meredith: We were working together at a non-profit organization on Long Island and found ourselves drawn to one another's similar qualities: hard working, lifelong learner, affinity for wine and dessert. We became friends first and established Project Bond later on.
Barbara: Meredith and I met in 2008 and worked closely together with a few families in the beginning. We always saw eye-to-eye, had similar approaches in our work and through our conversations we realized we had a lot in common. I think one night we decided to grab dinner and never stopped dining together ever since! Very few people can find a best friend and business partner in one person so I think we both feel very blessed!
Tell us more about The Project Bond.
We believe that healthy relationships and emotional wellness can change the world. We believe that every person deserves the best possible start in life in order to reach their greatest potential. We believe that investing in our most important asset, relationships, is a proactive step and the intervention point for answering challenges faced by families, professionals, and society as a whole. Initially Project Bond took off in the attachment parenting world as a proactive/preventive service for parents. We are currently shifting our focus to providing services for adoptive families.
When was the moment when you felt you needed to start this community?
Barbara: I remember that moment so well. Meredith and I were working very closely with adoptive families. We had grown frustrated with not seeing the kids receive effective, attachment-sensitive approaches they needed from schools, hospitals, and clinicians. It was an ongoing struggle. On August 2nd 2012 to be exact, we were at Meredith's home in deep conversation. We looked at each other and said, "We have to do something." I went to Italy the next week and when I got back it was crunch time!
Meredith: Yep, August 2nd! We had been frustrated for a long time and were trying to cope with the lack of appropriate services. We kept saying, "someone has to do something," and realized shortly after that we could be that someone!
What are your backgrounds & degrees?
Meredith: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and began working in the field right out of high school. Initially, I mentored children with autism at a local after-school program and then began working with these individuals privately. I started at the non-profit where I met Barbara in 2008 and have been there ever since. I currently work full-time for a Home and Community-Based Services program with children with mental health needs and their families.
Barbara: I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have been working in the field for over 5 years. I've worked intensively with children and families but have also had great interest in policy, macro-level issues and program development. In my current full-time job I am supervising and further developing a program for kids with disabilities in foster care.
NOW TRENDING
