Gov. Tom Vilsack spoke on the importance of reaching out to families in need Tuesday during his address to a crowd of about 175 people in the South Ballroom of the Memorial Union.

Vilsack’s remarks opened a retreat for program providers for the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency program (FaDSS).

“[Your work] is a remarkable human story,” Vilsack said. “It’s more than about policies, and it’s more than about programs. It’s about doing something truly meaningful.”

Rose Vasquez, director of the Department of Human Rights, said FaDDS is a program that assists families at risk of long-term welfare dependency. FaDDS case-workers meet with specific families and develop individualized plans for success.

“Every time I’m asked to speak to a group, I’m confronted with a dilemma — whether to speak from the text my staff provided or to speak from the heart,” Vilsack said. “Today, I’m going to speak from the heart for a few minutes.”

The governor praised FaDSS providers for their dedication to the families with which they work.

“Some people may think that my job as governor is extremely difficult,” he said. “It struck me that my job is a relatively simple job.

“It struck me as I read the case studies of the people you work with. Those case studies had a great impact on me. In addition to thanking you, I want to recognize you for how difficult [your] job is,” he said.

Vilsack commended the program workers for never giving up on the families they worked with, even in the face of large setbacks. He said groups like FaDSS are truly committed to family and community.

“It’s easy to be pro-family when you’re dealing with a family that’s well off,” he said. “It’s easy to be pro-community when you’re dealing with people who go to church dinners and Little League games, but that’s not all of us.”

Vilsack concluded by saying that his first months in office, he was not determining his schedule. Recently though, he has started choosing which events he attends.

“When I saw this on the June calendar, it was a no-brainer,” he said. “I wanted to be here. I really appreciate the things you do.”