GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC ANNUAL REPORT FY 2020 / 2021
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Aletto David Ayers Dorothy Bellhouse Edward Berti David Champion Michael Clancey The Honorable Maurice Cohill, Jr. Susan Cyphert James Epstein Mark Ferrara Philip Gasiewicz Brenda McBride Brenda McNulty Mary Odem Karen Palmer Dale Perelman Stacey Preyss Nancy Purcell William Romine, Jr. Janice Snell Richard Stevenson Daniel Taylor Roger Towle Megan Troxell Robert Wise, Jr. Gayle Young
LEADERSHIP TEAM Nate Gressel Chief Executive Officer Michelle Gerwick Chief Financial Officer John Horgan Vice President of Operations Brandy Stark Vice President of George Junior Republic in Indiana Sandy Dillon-Dick Risk Officer Susan Boland Human Resources Officer Nate O’Lay Director of Business and Clinical Development Megan Grivas Director of Preventative Aftercare
TABLE OF CONTENTS A LETTER FROM OUR GJR PARENT BOARD CHAIR ...................................................... 4 A LETTER FROM OUR CEO .......................................................................................................... 6 A LETTER FROM OUR CFO .......................................................................................................... 8 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 10 GJR IN PENNSYLVANIA ................................................................................................................. 12 YOUTH DEMOGRAPHICS ..................................................................................................... 14 LONG-TERM STRUCTURED RESIDENCE ..................................................................... 16 BALANCED AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE .................................................................... 17 CHILDREN AND RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES ......................................................... 18 CARF ACCREDITATION ......................................................................................................... 20 SPECIALIZED SETTING CERTIFICATION ....................................................................... 21 GJR IN INDIANA ............................................................................................................................... 22 BY THE NUMBERS ................................................................................................................... 24 OLDER YOUTH SERVICES .................................................................................................... 26 FAMILY PRESERVATION ....................................................................................................... 27 GJR PREVENTATIVE AFTERCARE ........................................................................................... 28 BY THE NUMBERS ................................................................................................................... 30 COMPLIANCE .................................................................................................................................... 32 STAFF DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................. 33 YOUTH STORY: OVERCOMING ADVERSITY ...................................................................... 34 GJR IN INDIANA: OUTSTANDING ADULT SUPPORTER AWARD .......................... 35 OUR DONORS ................................................................................................................................... 36
Bryan Redfoot Director of Information Technology Fred Harris Facility Manager
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A LETTER FROM OUR GJR PARENT BOARD CHAIR As I write this annual letter, the future looks bright for George Junior Republic and Affiliates. Certainly, the pandemic has made the past year difficult. The overall number of youth in treatment has declined and hiring qualified staff has been challenging. Nonetheless, we are encouraged by certifications and accreditations received in recent months and the opportunities which lie ahead. Looking back in terms of where we are today versus where we were a year ago speaks to the strength and resolve of this great organization. In recent years, data suggests a higher prevalence of childhood trauma and challenging behaviors for youth we treat due to several factors including societal changes, differing treatment prescriptions, and changing federal and state guidelines. Therefore, George Junior Republic and Affiliates is evolving as well. New methods of treatment, along with our recently acquired certifications, will enable us to attract new clients and succeed in the long term. A year ago, we were working toward becoming a CARF accredited facility (formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), which will improve our services and expand our client base. At the time, there was much still to do and the outcome was uncertain, but George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania (GJR in PA) is now accredited for the next three years.
Further, GJR in PA, in order to comply with the Family First Prevention Act of 2018, has recently been certified as a Specialized Setting facility. The certification required many programmatic and policy changes but will greatly enhance our ability to attract and serve a broader client base. Two years ago, the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission approached GJR in PA with interest in establishing a Long-Term Structured Residence program to serve an adult population from a ninecounty region in northwest Pennsylvania. We agreed to apply for the opportunity, but didn’t know if we would be selected. Not only were we chosen for the program, but professional staff are in place and the program has accepted its first clients. George Junior Republic in Indiana has had a strong year of growth while also facing the challenges of the pandemic and staff retention. New programs such as Indiana’s Family Preservation Services and the existing Older Youth Services have led to significant growth in referrals.
George Junior Republic Preventative Aftercare also continues to grow and provide much needed services across 20 counties in Pennsylvania and several counties in Ohio. It is clear that the need for our services is growing. Our new certifications, accreditations, and facilities position George Junior Republic and Affiliates well for the future. The Board of Directors understands the challenges and the opportunities which lie ahead. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients and stakeholders. We deeply appreciate the hard work of our committed professional staff and administration. We are confident that George Junior Republic and Affiliates will continue to be a leader in the field and champion for those we serve. Best regards,
Richard R. Stevenson GJR Parent Board Chair 5
A LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The words unprecedented, extraordinary, record, first-time, unique, exceptional, and unmatched have been common buzzwords over the past 18 months. They are being used to express the idea or notion of situations that have not occurred or cannot compare to recent history. The pandemic has forced human services systems to think, react, and prepare differently and expect the unexpected. Yet, in an overburdened system, one thing has remained steadfast – people, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality need some help. The dedicated staff at George Junior Republic and Affiliates has been helping youth and families for 112 years. While these past 18 months have been some of the most challenging times for the organization, it has provided an unparalleled opportunity for George Junior Republic. In February 2021, GJR in PA concluded a multiyear project and received a three-year accreditation from CARF International. Thousands of international performance standards and measures were tested against the practices and policies of GJR in PA. CARF accreditation is one of the highest achievements a 6
similar organization can receive and is a testimony to the quality of the staff and organization alike. In addition, GJR in PA achieved a Specialized Setting certification in July 2021, aligning the organization with the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. These extraordinary achievements ensure the future programming and funding of our youth residential programs. Youth placed within the programs have an increasingly complex trauma history resulting in more challenging behaviors. In response to the changing needs of our youth and the landscape of our industry, GJR in PA will be a trauma-informed organization implementing the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) program model. Over the past year, PAC continued to provide services to the hundreds of youth and families across Pennsylvania and Ohio. Delivering communitybased services in the homes of those we serve has been exceptionally challenging. I admire our staff’s dedication to those we serve. PAC will be embarking on a unique opportunity by implementing Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based program
throughout its service lines to comply with the Family First Prevention Services Act. GJR in IN had a record year in delivering home and communitybased services to hundreds of children, youth, and young adults throughout Indiana. GJR in IN completed its first year of expanding service delivery to a vast geographic region in the state, along with a new array of services. GJR in IN is the largest provider of exceptional community-based services in the state of Indiana. While 2020-2021 has been a most challenging time, this period has provided George Junior Republic and Affiliates an opportunity to position the organization for the future. Many challenges lie ahead; they too will be met with unmatched organizational agility by the dedicated staff, administration, and board of directors.
Respectfully,
Nathan M. Gressel Chief Executive Officer
A LETTER LETTER FROM FROM OUR OUR CFO A CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER The pandemic has become an opportunistic accelerant for change. Knowing that county and state government funding streams are changing to support residential placements, obtaining a threeyear CARF accreditation and the Specialized Setting designation by our licensing body have positioned GJR in PA well for the future. No doubt, much effort, discipline, and the work of many supported the accomplishments of these tasks. Needed infrastructure continues to be built to support the aforementioned achievements. In fiscal year 2020-2021, a $715,000 investment was made in an organization-wide electronic health record system, which is over a third of the way through the implementation phase with an anticipated ‘go-live’ date of Spring/ Summer 2022. While it is not brick and mortar, building this ‘under one roof’ technology infrastructure is necessary to support operations and services offered to persons served across the affiliates. Our largest brick and mortar project this past fiscal year was the $720,100 renovation of a specialized unit to suit the needs for a Long-Term Structured Residence program. While larger construction projects have taken place on our 500-acre campus, this renovation is historic as GJR in PA opened its doors to an adult population for the first time in its 112-year residential program history. This new funding stream serves adults from a nine-county area.
The in-home services of PAC and GJR in IN continued to be delivered through creative means to offer ongoing support to youth and their families. The geographic footprint of services expanded in the state of Indiana through the Older Youth Services program and grew additional revenue of over $1 million. The program is recognized as a leader in transitional services for young adults.
staff maintaining their focus on common goals and objectives.
With all of the noted accomplishments, there was a global pandemic! The organization was fortunate to secure needed personal protective equipment, much with funds from grants through our contracting agencies. Since the inception of the pandemic lockdown, over $750,000 was dedicated as hazard and quarantine pay for staff.
Sincerely,
As we await operating and functioning in a more open environment, we celebrate the organization’s major accomplishments. The challenge for us all is to continue to lean into more accelerated change to meet our future and not look back!
Michelle Gerwick Michelle Gerwick Chief Financial Officer
Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the organization continues to invest, build, and grow all facets of its needed infrastructure, expand its geographic footprint, and step into new program services. All of these are necessary to remain relevant in an ever-changing health and human services sector. Of course, none of this is possible without dedicated 9
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW REVENUE
EXPENSES
SPECIALIZED RESIDENTIAL
45.89%
PERSONNEL
IN-HOME SERVICES
28.69%
CLOTHING/FOOD/SUPPLIES
7.60%
TRANSPORTATION
2.03%
REGULAR - DRUG & ALCOHOL - RESIDENTIAL
13.76%
73.26%
OLDER YOUTH SERVICES
9.18%
OCCUPANCY
5.68%
OUTPATIENT SERVICES
2.04%
FACILITIES/OPERATION
11.43%
LONG-TERM STRUCTURED RESIDENCE - ADULT
0.44%
TOTAL
TOTAL
100%
15.84%
100%
11.38%
PREVENTATIVE AFTERCARE
PREVENTATIVE AFTERCARE
13.73%
GJR IN INDIANA
22.41%
GJR IN INDIANA
BY ENTITY
BY ENTITY
61.75% 10
GJR IN PENNSYLVANIA
74.89%
GJR IN PENNSYLVANIA
COVID-19 OVERVIEW
2.07%
SANITATION STATIONS
6.05%
FUNDING RECEIVED
PPE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES
$1.03 MILLION
EXPENSES SANITATION STATIONS
$17,016
PPE & MEDICAL SUPPLIES
$49,668
HAZARD & QUARANTINE PAY
$753,718
TOTAL
EXPENSES BY %
91.88%
$820,402
HAZARD PAY
58%
225
STAFF VACCINES ADMINISTERED
GJR STAFF VACCINATED
55
YOUTH VACCINES ADMINISTERED
40% YOUTH VACCINATED
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GJR IN PENNSYLVANIA: ORGANIZATIONAL WORKFORCE In late February 2020, a team of GJR in PA staff members sat down to review and update the organization’s Infectious Disease Response Plan. In a memo dated March 12, 2020, employees were notified a training on the updated plan would occur on March 13, 2020. Luckily, the organization was proactive in taking these steps prior to Pennsylvania’s shutdown on March 19, 2020. It is hard to believe COVID has become a part of our daily vocabulary. The tasks completed and the organization’s accomplishments would not have been possible without a strong, dedicated, and talented group of staff members. Staff truly make or break an organization. In the case of George Junior Republic and Affiliates, the staff has supported the mission and those served even through the most challenging of times. The organization continues to actively recruit new staff for the adult, residential, and community-based programs. Although several nonprofits did not to survive through the pandemic, GJR and Affiliates has been afforded new opportunities for growth and development. Over the past year, the organization developed a Cultural Competency, Equity, and Inclusion committee. With staff representation from all three operating companies, the committee actively assesses ways to build a more diverse and inclusive culture. To that end, Juneteenth is now recognized as an organizational holiday. Although the organization’s workforce is rarely referred to as front line workers, please take time to thank and applaud the employees for their steadfast dedication to those they serve.
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YOUTH DEMOGRAPHICS 1%
4% 15%
7%
44%
5% 53%
RACIAL COMPOSITION
AGE 34% 37%
9-12
13-15
WHITE
16-17
18+
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC OR LATINO TWO OR MORE RACES OTHER
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AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY BY PROGRAM
7%
DRUG & ALCOHOL
16%
DIAGNOSTIC
7%
40%
PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT
240
120
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL
375
12% INTENSIVE SUPERVISION UNIT
18%
218
SPECIAL NEEDS
269
SPECIAL NEEDS RTF
DIAGNOSTIC
400
DRUG & ALCOHOL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
INTENSIVE SUPERVISION UNIT SPECIAL NEEDS
DAYS
SPECIAL NEEDS RTF
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LONG-TERM STRUCTURED RESIDENCE (LTSR) As part of the 2019 Strategic Plan, expansion of GJR in PA's continuum of care led to creating the Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR) program. Using the solid inf rastructure and supports already established, GJR in PA provides a recoveryfocused setting to address the behavioral health needs of adult residents in a safe and secure environment. The LTSR program is a highly structured and therapeutic residential treatment program designed for up to 15 adults who meet the criteria for psychiatric hospitalization yet can receive adequate care in a residential setting.
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Change and uncertainty have been pervasive over the past year. For the GJR in PA LTSR team, it was also a year of planning and preparation for a historic moment in providing services for adults. In March 2021, the f irst client was admitted to the program, and today the program continues to grow and develop in new and exciting ways. Many aspects of program development have been completed, including all necessary actions for licensure and billing, program development, and staff ing. The LTSR team acknowledges the dedication within GJR in PA and the collaboration and partnership with the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, Beacon Health Options, Southwest Behavioral Health Management, and the nine counties the LTSR serves (Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Washington, and Westmoreland). Above all, we appreciate the ongoing conf idence of those who support GJR in PA and the continued service of our neighbors of all ages.
BALANCED AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE (BARJ) The Pennsylvania Juvenile Act provides the structure for restorative justice to take place within the juvenile justice setting. Delinquent youth at GJR in PA must participate in restorative justice activities focused on youth accountability to victims, youth competency development, and community projection. Over the past year, participation in community service projects and fulfilling restitution hours were limited due to our mitigation efforts; however, youth could work towards their obligations to victims and their communities.
288
7,952
NUMBERS
Number of PA youth participating in the BARJ program.
Total number of hours worked by PA BARJ youth.
250
92
$58,142
Total number of youth participating in Victim Awareness Groups.
Total number of PA youth whose fines and restitution were paid in full.
Total amount paid in restitution by PA BARJ youth.
BARJ BY THE
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CHILDREN AND RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES (CARE) Implementation of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) program model has accelerated at GJR in PA over the past year. CARE is an evidence-based practice program listed on the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse as a level 3 promising practice with high relevance to the field of residential care. The CARE program model is supported to decrease behavioral incidents, improve the quality of relationships between children and staff, decrease the use of psychotropic medications, and decrease physical restraints. The GJR in PA CARE implementation team, consisting of over 25 employees with various skill sets and responsibilities, has created excitement about this change in the culture and highlighted how our current treatment model is rooted in the CARE practice principles. With the help of CARE consultants Thomas Endres and Richard Heresniak from Cornell University, the implementation team is making significant strides in educating staff and establishing congruency throughout the organization. In March 2021, an implementation team leadership retreat occurred to understand the CARE principles better. The team reviewed the staff surveys distributed across the organization in December 2020 to assess the organizational culture and highlight the strengths and barriers to implementing CARE principles. After the leadership retreat, the implementation team determined it would continue to meet each week to assess its progress on implementing CARE into the organization at large. Meetings began in April and continue today. Fifteen staff members have become CARE model trainers. Integrating the CARE program model concepts into the new staff hiring process will begin in October 2021. Our goal is to train all direct care professionals in CARE principles by October, and the remaining support staff by December 2021. The CARE concepts will then be incorporated into the daily milieu to provide a framework for decision-making for all persons served. 18
*George Junior Republic was saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas Endres, CARE Consultant. Our thoughts are extended to his family and his team at Cornell University.
PRINCIPLES OF CARE Developmentally Focused All children have the same basic requirements for growth and development.
Family Involvement The child’s ethnic and cultural identity is tied to the family and contact with the family is an indicator of successful treatment.
Competency Centered
Trauma Informed
Helps children develop the ability to manage their environment as well as motivating them to cope with challenges and master new skills.
All activities, expectations, routines, and interactions should be designed to acknowledge the impact of stress and trauma on a child’s development.
Relationship Based The ability to form relationships is associated with healthy development and life success.
Ecologically Oriented Children learn though interacting with their environment in order to grow and develop.
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GJR IN PA ACHIEVES CARF ACCREDITATION CARF International (formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) is an international accrediting body in health and human services. In the world of human services, accreditation sends a strong message of an organization’s commitment to continuous improvement by implementing updated practices and direct feedback from all stakeholders while addressing the needs of the communities served. Preparation for the accreditation survey was an arduous process beginning with a complete examination of internal programs and business practices to assess conformance and survey readiness. These processes resulted in restructuring a multitude of program and license specific policies and procedures into a comprehensive set of six areaspecific manuals that were approved by the Board of Directors. All staff members were trained on CARF standards, policies and procedures, emergency responses, environment of care expectations, and several programming areas. Environmental safety inspections were completed by both external experts and trained internal teams. With each step of preparation, various groups of employees were involved, and CARF standards became assimilated into daily practices and the overall organizational culture. After the CARF accreditation survey, the surveyors conducted an exit interview to summarize their findings and review the next steps. According to the administrative surveyor, an estimated 1,776 standards were examined during the survey, with a final score that translates to 97 percent. The surveyor reported, “You knocked it out, completely out of the box.” He went on to say, “The organization’s staff members are its greatest asset,” and recognized “longevity with the organization of over 40 years with several staff members.” On April 14, 2021, following more than two years of preparation and a three day fully virtual accreditation survey, GJR in PA received the following written notice from Brian J. Boon, PhD, President and CEO of CARF International, “It is my pleasure to inform you that George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania has been issued CARF accreditation based on its recent survey. This accreditation will extend through February 29, 2024." To maintain conformance with all CARF standards and a state of continuous survey readiness, the CARF administrative oversight team and a survey readiness team comprised of employees representing most areas of operations within GJR in PA continue to meet regularly. 20
GJR IN PA RECEIVES SPECIALIZED SETTING CERTIFICATION The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018 is a federal law that prioritizes service delivery to children and families in the least restrictive environment, preventing removal from the home whenever safety permits. The law allows states to use federal payments for trauma-informed, evidence-based prevention services for children who may otherwise be placed in congregate care settings. When remaining in the home is no longer a safe option for children, FFPSA directs federal funding towards family-like settings or other Specialized Settings that are best suited to a child’s individual needs. The original intent of the FFPSA was for all congregate care facilities to become Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP). National accreditation and implementation of trauma-informed treatment models are both requirements of QRTP certification. In February 2020, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed course, granting providers the ability to apply for a Specialized Settings certification. According to FFPSA, a Specialized Setting is a trauma-informed child residential facility or supervised independent living program that provides care and treatment to one or more specific populations:
• Youth who are, or at risk of becoming, sex trafficking victims • Youth who are transitioning to adulthood • Pregnant, expecting, and parenting youth
In April 2020, GJR in PA applied for a Specialized Setting certification for the population of youth who are, or at risk of becoming, sex trafficking victims. Since that time, the organization has taken significant steps to ensure that our agency meets the Specialized Setting standards defined by the Office of Children, Youth, and Families. Multiple processes and procedures were created and adopted to ensure compliance. On June 29, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and Families, Western Region, certified GJR in PA as a Specialized Setting facility. 21
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GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC IN INDIANA: YEAR IN REVIEW George Junior Republic in Indiana (GJR in IN) employees understand the power of a safe home. Our belief remains that all people deserve safety and security in their lives. Family comes in many forms, and GJR in IN continues to encourage this notion within our communities and by educating one family at a time. Over the past year, despite all the challenges presented, the number of families served by GJR in IN reached a record high. The organization’s primary focus was delivering quality, evidence-based services, with over 1,400 children and adults of all ages served. Given the local and national trends, GJR in IN maintained a high staff retention rate, which speaks to the organization’s quality and staff. Adaptable and client-centered services, in addition to flexible and customized services, supported the model of care. Although the delivery of services looked different this year and included virtual services, masking, social distancing, and outdoor meetings, the staff ensured that the youth and families served received the highest quality of services rendered.
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GJR IN INDIANA
AGE BREAKDOWN 40
BY THE NUMBERS
37%
35
30
25
22%
20 16%
1,400+
15 10% 10
YOUTH AND FAMILIES SERVED
7%
7%
5 1% 0
0-5
6-12
13-17
18-23
24-40
40-60
61+
15% 3%
2% WHITE
RACIAL COMPOSITION
80%
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC OR LATINO TWO OR MORE RACES
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900+ REFERRALS
28% INCREASE FROM FY 19-20
SERVICE AREAS
3% 7% 46%
13%
Home Based Services Older Youth Services
REFERRALS BY PROGRAM
31%
Older Youth Services and Home Based Services
45
COUNTIES SERVED OLDER YOUTH SERVICES COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (Home-Based Therapy, Home-Based Case Management, Supervised Visits, Parenting Assessments
COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY PRESERVATION DIAGNOSTIC AND EVALUATION
13
NEW COUNTIES ADDED
25
OLDER YOUTH SERVICES In July 2020, GJR in IN received new contracts and became the only Older Youth Services (OYS) provider in 34 counties, a third of the state's total. As the census continues to grow, the OYS program currently provides services to over 350 youth. In early 2021, the Indiana Department of Child Services received a Chaffee Pandemic Federal Grant, which made $1.7 million available to GJR in IN to support older youth impacted by COVID-19. With funds available between April 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021, identified services are reimbursable at the actual cost of care.
350+
YOUTH SERVED
of youth were able to identify at least one supportive relationship within six months of services. 26
of youth who participated in the satisfaction survey rated the services satisfactory or above.
of youth receiving room and board assistance had safe, stable housing within 6 months of receiving assistance.
FAMILY PRESERVATION On June 1, 2020, GJR in IN began serving families through a new contract known as Family Preservation. This program provides families in-home services coordinated by a single provider to keep youth safe and in their homes. As a result of these service enhancements and the efforts of GJR in IN staff, Indiana children have remained in their homes, with their caregivers, at a significantly higher rate.
200+
CHILDREN SERVED
average referral source satisfaction score
25
FAMILIES SERVED THROUGH REFERRALS
of families in the program for 90+ days were not the subject of a new substantiated report of abuse or neglect. The state goal is 91.33%.
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PREVENTATIVE AFTERCARE: A GROWING AFFILIATE While the past year has presented unprecedented trials for the George Junior Republic system, Preventative Aftercare’s (PAC) community, school, and home-based services faced a particularly unique set of challenges. PAC staff adapted, providing support via telephone and Zoom, completed youth and family health and wellness checks, and at times, delivering personal protective equipment (PPE), food, and other supplies to families in need. During periods of “lock-down,” in-person service delivery was essentially halted. As the world began to reopen, staff shifted to providing services outdoors, conducted screenings of families for symptoms, planned for socially distanced encounters, and of course, remained masked at all times. Challenges continue to put pressure on our ability to deliver contracted services throughout our impressive geography. Despite these many difficulties, the future of PAC is filled with opportunities. Over the next year, PAC will work to incorporate evidence-based treatment modalities into all county-funded programming by implementing Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based approach to change behavior. This program supports the transition to the Family First Prevention Services Act that focuses on the prevention services for children at risk of out-of-home placement and allows more significant reimbursement percentages for our county partners. In addition, the organization is actively pursuing additional opportunities for more standalone, Medicaid-funded programming to diversify our revenue streams. We are adding supports to track better the quality of programming provided and to audit our documentation and workflow processes internally. Our transition to Streamline Health®, the agency’s new electronic health record, will provide additional opportunities on both of these fronts. PAC’s ongoing leadership transition has allowed us to not only evaluate what we’ve done in the past but to identify what we need to do in the present to remain relevant in the future. That future remains bright for this GJR affiliate.
PREVENTATIVE AFTERCARE BY THE NUMBERS
AGE BREAKDOWN 500 50% 400
300
870+
20%
200
YOUTH AND FAMILIES SERVED
18%
100 4%
0
0-5
5%
6-10
3%
11-14
15-17
18-19
20+
1%
5% 12%
34%
49% WHITE
10%
RACIAL COMPOSITION
IDENTIFIED GENDER
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC OR LATINO
65%
TWO OR MORE RACES OTHER
24%
30
MALE
FEMALE
NON-BINARY
FAMILIES SERVED BY PROGRAM 536
Intensive 103
Truancy 14
Drug & Alcohol
47
Family Based Mental Health Blended Programs
109
0
100
200
300
400
500
Intensive services continue to be the most frequent service provided. The flexible nature of this program allows PAC to tailor services to the needs of each individual client. Blended and Truancy programs work in tandem with Intensive services to meet the specific needs of youth in an effort to reduce absenteeism or to address multisystem issues (behavioral, truant, and/or drug and alcohol). As we look to secure the future of PAC programming, evidencing the quality of services will become even more important to remain competitive with more highly standardized, Medicaid funded programs currently available.
600
FAMILIES SERVED BY COUNTIES PAC services continue to fill a niche in counties with other robust service offerings. To remain relevant, a change was made from Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART) to Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence supported program which will allow counties to receive federal reimbursement for a portion of their costs. Further work to identify additional outcome measures is under way. The implementation of the agency’s new electronic health record will be crucial to these efforts.
37
Bradford
80
Chester 41
Cumberland 32
Delaware 2
Fayette Indiana
12 31
Lebanon
40
Mercer
57
Montgomery 17
Northumberland 6
Snyder Susquehanna
18
Warren
18 128
Westmoreland
156
York 131
Franklin Co., OH 3
Madison Co., OH
0
50
100
150
200
31
COMPLIANCE LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION The primary responsibility of the Compliance Department is the oversight of licensing and certification activities for the entire organization. This past year, the department fulfilled audit requirements for over ten outside licensing bodies while monitoring staff training surrounding fraud, waste, and abuse in accordance with federal law. GJR in PA successfully completed the three-day site review by CARF International, and in February, the organization earned CARF certification. In June, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families completed our Specialized Setting certification, another significant step the organization achieved, aligning the organization with the Families First Prevention Services Act. George Junior Republic is one of the premier human services organizations and residential providers in the nation. Numerous successful internal and external audits completed by many independent licensing bodies across the country speak to our resiliency and transparency. External Audits completed over the past year:
• CARF International • PA Department of Human Services, Office of Children Youth and Families (CYF) – annual licensing audit • PA Department of Human Services, CYF – Specialized Setting • PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) • PA Department of Human Services, OMHSAS – outpatient licensing • Allegheny County CYF • McKean County DHS – fiscal audit • Pike County CYS • Somerset County CYS • York County CYF • State of Delaware – licensing bureau
• State of Maryland – licensing division 32
STAFF DEVELOPMENT Annually required staff training and refresher training courses for George Junior Republic employees is a massive undertaking and far exceeds the requirements of our licensing bodies. Thousands of training hours occurred over the past year with fidelity, despite the pandemic and restrictions placed upon the organization. Cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, trauma-informed care, and professional development have been the primary focus of the Staff Development Team.
505
1,515
450+
17
IN PERSON EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS PROVIDED
HOURS OF TRAINING
STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION SESSIONS
ADULT CPR SESSIONS PROVIDED TO YOUTH ACROSS CAMPUS
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OVERCOMING ADVERSITY As a child and teenager, Summer experienced unfathomable trauma, neglect, and abuse. Her mother suffered from an addiction that would cause her to traffic and sexually exploit Summer in exchange for money and drugs. Influenced by this exploitation, Summer gave birth to her daughter at age 14. Due to her age and her own substance abuse issues, Summer could not parent her child appropriately and enlisted her grandmother to help. While her daughter was in her grandmother’s care, Summer continued to spiral downward, living the only lifestyle she had ever known. In 2018, as she was about to be discharged from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Indiana, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) referred Summer to GJR in IN's Older Youth Services program. When admitted to the program in February of that year, she had very few personal possessions beyond her clothes. With the support of GJR in IN staff and her DCS team, Summer began to make progress in recovery. During this time, she was determined to remain substancefree and regain custody of her daughter. Summer worked extremely hard, complied with all program expectations, and utilized the supportive services offered to her. Eventually, Summer secured housing, and her daughter was returned to her care. Even more impressive has been her ability to raise her child as a single mother while finishing a degree in nursing. Today, Summer is 21 years old and works in a medical facility near her home. She enjoys her job; however, she states her best job is being a mom. Her determination and hard work have positioned both her and her daughter for a successful future.
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Summer (right) with her daughter
OUTSTANDING ADULT SUPPORTER AWARD In June 2021, Mary Beth Morgan, a GJR in IN case manager, received the Outstanding Adult Supporter Award during the Indiana Normalcy Conference. This award celebrates an adult who supports or works in partnership with older youth in foster care. This adult is someone who empowers young people to use their voice and supports them during their transition to adulthood. The Indiana Youth Advisory Board sponsored the sixth annual conference. The conference is organized by older youth and provides youth sessions and resources on normalcy. Attendees included youth currently or previously in foster care, Department of Child Services (DCS) staff, service providers, foster parents, and other. Steven Bellamy, a youth served by GJR in IN’s Older Youth Services program, nominated Mary Beth. “Mary Beth, is hands down, the best caseworker and supporter I have ever had. Her consistency has meant the world to me. Anytime I needed to talk, she always found time to listen and hear me out. I know she works with many youth, but that has never stopped her from meeting my needs and showing up for me when I needed her,” stated Bellamy. “I recently transferred colleges. When I had to transition to virtual learning due to COVID-19, I was frustrated and really worried about how I would be able to complete my schooling in a virtual environment. I told Mary Beth how I was feeling, and she quickly eased my anxiety with words of encouragement, motivation, and positive affirmation. I was happy to nominate Mary Beth for this award because the definition of the award describes her perfectly. She is a constant source of empowerment and encouragement when things can feel overwhelming. She always dove in feet first with any challenges I presented to her. She is an extremely talented caseworker, and I will be forever grateful for all she has done to help me grow as a person.”
Morgan (left); Bellamy (right)
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THANK YOU DONORS
ANNUAL DONORS ACE Fix-It Hardware of Grove City, Inc.
As the organization has undergone transformation and innovation based on the vision for our future and a reaction to a global pandemic, our mission remains constant — George Junior Republic and Affiliates is committed to the care and support of our youth and families. Our primary focus is providing opportunities that enhance the lives of those we serve.
AJAX Commercial Cleaning, Inc.
George Junior Republic and Affiliates continues to be a leader in the field of human services. We thank and recognize those who have supported our mission through monetary and in-kind donations. Your generosity and support provides us with the opportunity to positively affect thousands of lives each year. Thank you for allowing us to enrich the lives of so many.
Warden Buck Burger
Allegheny Mineral Corporation American Endowment Foundation Catherine Anglea Arts & Education at the Hoyt Dorothy Bellhouse Edward Berti Jenna Cacciola Grady Calhoun David Cashdollar Charities Aid Foundation of America Michael Clancey ComDoc, Inc. Commonwealth Charitable Management Diehl Automotive of Robinson/ Grove City, Inc.
Thank you,
Harry Elder Erie Arts and Culture Fidelity Charitable Grant Firespring Foundation Gregory Fischer
Brad Landfair Director of Development
William Ghrist Jay Ginsburg Jean Goffinet John Grieve Grossman Yanak & Ford, LLP
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IN-KIND DONORS Grove City Agway
Brian Rudnick
All Saints Parish
Charles Holquist
Cheryl Savocchia
Sharon Ball
Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc.
Schafer Construction
Chick-fil-A Crosspointe
Sandi Katlahenry
Michael Schleigh
Church of the Beloved Disciple
Kristine King
Scott Electric Foundation, Inc.
Anita Dollens
John Kosar
Sharp Properties
Donut Bank
Kroger
Virginia Smith
Dunkin Donuts
Leechburg Pharmacy LTC
Sonntag Excavating, Inc.
Konda Gosney
Hannah Lin
Sean Stumler
Chris LaMar
Living Disciples Sunday School Class
Teresa Raymer Insurance Agency
Sandi Miller
Lonestar Tool & Die Welding
TJ Kavanagh Foundation, Inc.
The Mix
Anthony MacDonald
Megan Troxell
Old Navy
McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP
Rex Vehrs
Amanda Reegan
Mercer County State Bank
Starbucks
Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church
Stephen Libs Finer Chocolates
Roger Nasci
Jennifer Stumler
Alexia Northrop
Switchyard Brewery
Matthew Ortega
Chad Tevault
Stephanie Painter
Wellspring Church of the Nazarene
Pepsi Beverages Company
Heather Wilder
Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company The Pittsburgh Foundation PNC Bank Foundation PNC Charitable Trusts Precision Tools Service, Inc. Sarah Rankin Rite Aid Foundation KidCents
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ABOUT THE COVER The CARE sign displayed on the cover is an outgrowth of the CARE implementation team. The team established strategies for infusing the CARE concepts into the various GJR in PA departments and residential units. Small groups developed out of the implementation team designed and painted the CARE letters. CARE serves as a reminder to all staff to focus on the foundational CARE principles as they work with members of their team and the persons we serve.
© 2021 GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC AND AFFILIATES Graphic design and photography by Kelly Ruder, design and marketing coordinator. George Junior Republic is a private nonprofit childcare facility incorporated under Pennsylvania law. Gifts and bequests, therefore, are tax deductible. The official registration and financial information of George Junior Republic may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. A copy of the Drug & Alcohol Program Annual Report is available for review through the chief financial officer, whose office is located in the Administration Building on the George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania campus.
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GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC AND AFFILIATES 233 GEORGE JUNIOR RD. PO BOX 1058 GROVE CITY, PA 16127
ANNUAL REPORT FY 2020 / 2021
GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC AND AFFILIATES 233 George Junior Rd. | Grove City, PA 16127 P. 724.458.9330 | E. development@gjr.org www.gjr.org 40 #2031 9-2021
@georgejuniorrep