by Morgan Phillips, Tulsa People Magazine
PART 3 OF 7 ARTICLES IN THE SERIES.
In the 1960s, American gender roles changed as more women sought careers. Around the same time, cities like Tulsa saw a significant rise in child abuse, divorce, domestic violence and substance abuse, Gail Lapidus says.
“People don’t do well in transitions of roles,” she explains. “If you know your role, you can usually function much better. These were all changing, and women were gaining more power and, with their income earnings, expecting more help from their spouses.”
At the request of FCS Executive Director Richard Borden, in the 1960s, Beeman often spoke to church and support groups on topics related to well-being and relationships. “He was innovative and creative,” Beeman recalls of Borden. “He recognized my ability to go out into the community and talk, so I got to be very well-known whether I wanted to be or not.” This launched FCS’ Family Life Education programs that have remained current with the times to address modern-day family stressors.
In the 1970s, family therapy emerged as an alternative form of counseling that worked with families and couples to nurture relationships. In 1979, after Lapidus received her master’s degree in social work, she was ready to advance her knowledge in family therapy only to find there was no one locally to teach it.
She and former FCS Clinical Director Barbara Bramble had the idea to bring a trainer to Tulsa for a ticketed community workshop, then to use the proceeds to pay for the trainer to stay and do intensive training for the FCS Family Therapy Department. The model was so successful, it continued into the 1990s.
“Some of the best family therapists were trained by FCS at that time,” Lapidus says. “We sort of became this little mecca (for family therapy).” FCS brought to Tulsa family therapy experts from all around the world to train staff and the community.
At one time, FCS provided field placements for all DHS child welfare staff working on their master’s degree in social work. FCS’ internship program continues to offer field placements for bachelor and graduate students from area universities. This year, the organization will assist 40 students with their study requirements.
“For the last seven decades, Family and Children’s Services has used its own resources to educate and train the future professionals in our field,” Lapidus says.
