Meet Macel
Macel Janoschka is an attorney with First Truth Law where she represents individuals who have been injured as a result of negligence.
She has a passion for non-profit work and has served on numerous non-profit boards throughout the Roanoke Valley. She is a proud member of the CHIP Board of Directors. She also currently serves as the chair of the Roanoke Law Foundation. She has served as President of the Roanoke Bar Association (2021-2022), President of the Mill Mountain Theatre Board of Directors (2020-2021), and as President of Junior League of Roanoke Valley (2013-2014).
Macel is also active within her children's schools. She is the President of the Andrew Lewis Middle School PTSA and treasurer of the South Salem PTA.
She strives to follow the example found in this quote by President Harry S. Truman, "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
What strengths did you observe in the family?
I had the privilege to meet with a mom and her young son. Mom has two children, and is expecting baby #3 in October! Her oldest son was in first grade and was at school when we met with Mom. Mom currently is in a long-distance relationship as her partner had just taken a job in Northern Virginia. It was obvious that there are a lot of stressors in Mom's life right now. However, she had a quiet strength and determination about her that I really admired. She was focused on making the best decisions for her children and, with the assistance of the CHIP family case manager, she was putting a plan into place for when baby #3 arrived.
What did you learn from family?
Honestly, it was a sobering reminder of all of the things that many of us take for granted. That being said, the Family Case Manager was an abundance of information and resources for the mother. She was able to suggest practical solutions to some potential issues faced by the mom. She also provided information on additional resources the mom may find useful. I also really enjoyed seeing how excited her son was to see the family case manager when we arrived. She has been with this family since the beginning of the pandemic, and it was neat to see how connected and comfortable the family is with their case manager.
What were your takeaways?
CHIP is a vital part of the Roanoke Valley! Their focus on early intervention and strengthening families works and provides a much needed service to our community! I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for such an amazing organization.