Caring Times - Winter 2022

CARING TIMES

HOPE COMES HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Highlights from programs and developments at HopeTree Family Services

10. CHANGING LIVES, ONE AT A TIME

Foster parents for nearly five years, Andrew and Jessica Martin talk about their journey into fostering two dozen children.

Trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can be overwhelming. Support can come from fellow humans — and supportive horses, too.

16 OF EACH, 16 FOR ALL

When a youth's life is disrupted, HopeTree strives to provide a living space that feels like home. Learn how you can help.

KEEP ROCKIN', KEEP WALKIN'

Organized by the Wednesday Wonder Women, Round Hill Baptist Church celebrates the 20th Anniversary of a Walk and Rock for Hope event that raises money for HopeTree.

The Cancer Care Ministry, is a hope ministry. While prayer, visits, and assistance is involved, the ministry is centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their caregivers, family and friends.

Keesee Chapel, an iconic part of HopeTree's Salem campus, undergoes renovations as the building's function has evolved since opening in 1956.

HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state.

FROM THE CEO

It is hard to believe that the Holiday Season is upon us! So much has happened at HopeTree since the calendar turned to 2022; this year has flown by. Like everyone else, we continue to struggle with COVID and with the staffing crisis. But as exhausting as those issues are, I continue to be lifted by our team members who are at HopeTree. Our team is amazing! They live our core value of “ministry” by going above and beyond the call of duty often. They provide quality care and services, even when our residents or other staff members come down with COVID. It truly is a blessing to work with alongside them every day.

Even though this past year has been challenging, it’s been extremely gratifying! God has truly blessed HopeTree in so many areas. We started two new services this past year - Sponsored Residential and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Sponsored Residential will serve adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy will serve the youth in our current programs plus youth and adults from the community. We also opened Titmus Cottage in a unique partnership with Roanoke County and Roanoke City DSS that will provide a comfortable setting for youth in foster care who cannot find an appropriate placement.

I’m also grateful for our supporters and donors who invest in our ministry with their financial contributions, their donations of goods and materials, along with those who invest their time in volunteering for HopeTree. We don’t take your trust likely in what we are doing and how we are doing it!

If you are considering a year-end gift to HopeTree, I can assure you it’s going to be put to good use. We are planning on starting two new programs over the next several months. Family Centered Treatment will serve youth and families in danger of coming into foster care or some other level of congregate care and will also serve those families who’s children are already in care, but the goal is to reunify the family. Outpatient therapy will provide outpatient counseling options in a variety of settings for those we currently serve as well as members of the community. We expect our Equine program to continue to grow and our existing programs of Foster Care, Developmental Disabilities Ministries, Therapeutic Group Home and HopeTree Academy continue to provide quality services.

Thank you for your love, care and concern for HopeTree and those we serve. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to fulfill our mission every day! May you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

Jon Morris President & Chief Executive Officer

Our Vision

To be a beacon of light in the community so all may have hope for a bright tomorrow.

Our Misson

Through God’s love, we foster hope by empowering families, youth, and adults to lead fulfilling lives.

Core Values

Ministry

We are servant leaders. We strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus and demonstrate Christ’s love to everyone we come in contact with. We believe we are here for the purpose of going the extra mile while serving those in our care and one another.

Excellence

We pursue excellence. We commit ourselves to personal. professional, and organizational growth in order to be the best provider of human services in Virginia. We will constantly measure, evaluate, and refine our approach and focus on solutions.

Stewardship

We recognize that HopeTree and the resources we are blessed with are not our own. We commit to apply our time, money, talents, and other gifts wisely. We will work collectively to grow the resources entrusted to us so we can continue this good work.

Accountability

We are accountable to God, our funders. our clients, our board, and one another. We will do the right things at the right time for the right reason. And when we fall short. we will be honest and make it right.

People

We love and care about people. All people have dignity and deserve our respect. Each HopeTree employee is important. We will be intentional in earning the respect of our team members, colleagues, partners, and those we serve. We will assume positive intent of everyone we engage, as we accept that everyone is doing their best. We value healthy relationships, team work, collaboration, support, and creating a healthy work environment.

Therapeutic Foster Care is out of home care by foster parents who received specialized training to provide care for a wide variety of youth while their families work to resolve the issues that brought the child into care.

Our Family Support Program offers individualized coaching and skill development for parents or other caregivers to develop and enhance parenting skills and capacities. We operate offices in Salem, Martinsville, and the greater Richmond area.

Therapeutic Group Homes, located on our Salem campus, provide long-term care for youth aged 11 to 17 years old with an IQ above 67 who need a structured setting in order to best cope with their emotional and behavioral challenges. We enable residents to find stability and make healthier life choices.

HopeTree Academy, is a fully-accredited secondary educational program for students in grades 7 through 12 that require an alternative or specialized setting in order to achieve academic success while they cope with their individual circumstances.

Developmental Disabilities Ministry serves the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. With community-based homes across Virginia, DDM allows for maximum quality of life, growth, and independence through individual choices and life desires.

Sponsored Residential homes provide 24hour support for one or two adults who are intellectually and/or developmentally disabled. These individuals may be transitioning from a natural family environment or from a program that has recently closed or downsized.

Locations

HOPETREE SHOWCASES EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR DISPLACED CHILDREN

HopeTree Family Services is addressing the need for safe placements for children in foster care with the unveiling of temporary housing for displaced children. On Thursday, November 11, HopeTree held a ribbon cutting and open house where guests were able to tour the building that will serve as a stopgap for those children unable to find immediate placement in a foster home. Attendees included representatives from Roanoke City Department of Social Services, Roanoke County Department of Social Service, the office of Delegate Joseph McNamara, the office of Delegate Sam Rasoul’s offices, Elevation Church, Molina Healthcare, and officials from the City of Salem.

There is a massive shortage of foster homes, kinship family placements, and staffed beds in group homes and residential treatment centers. When a child in foster care is displaced, a social worker or law enforcement personnel must stay overnight with the child. Over a six-month period in 2021, 163 children, ranging in age 7-17 years old, in foster care were displaced for at least one night in unsuitable sleeping arrangements.

Working with the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Departments of Social Services, we renovated Titmus Cottage, located on their Salem, Va. Campus, to house such children when there is not a foster family readily available. These efforts align with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s initiative outlined in the Foster Care Safe And Sound Task Force Work Plan that launched on April 1, 2022. In total, the cottage will have four bedrooms to accommodate up to eight children until a more permanent placement can be arranged. The average length of stay will vary depending on factors such as available homes or arrangement. Many children may only need a bed for one night, although some have waited 10 or days more to find a suitable placement.

“We are excited to partner with Roanoke County and Roanoke City DSS to utilize Titmus Cottage as a hospitable option when an appropriate placement is not possible,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “It can be traumatic when a child is displaced, so we will continue to collaborate with DSS and other partners to ensure that those children who need a safe place to stay can find one as soon as possible.”

Many items could be obtained through the generosity of donors such as Molina Healthcare, Elevation Church, and the Titmus Foundation. “We have committed supporters helping us achieve the financial needs for the project,” explained Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer of HopeTree. “By investing in the future hope of HopeTree, these groups are helping us remedy this community crisis. We thank them for making this home a reality.”

CHANGING LIVES, ONE AT A TIME

and Andrew Martin, HopeTree Foster Parents

When Andrew and Jessica Martin are asked how many children they have, the answer is complicated. The couple out of Ashland, VA are biological parents to two boys, and for nearly five years have been foster parents with HopeTree. In that time, they have had two dozen children come and live with them. Of those 24, three were adopted.

Andrew and Jessica’s journeys into foster parenting started differently for each of them. A native of Wisconsin and the youngest of eight siblings, being part of a large family was nothing new for Jessica. She began babysitting at a young age and has since worked in a variety of daycares and preschools. There has never been a time when she was not helping children.

Born in Hanover, Va., Andrew was also part of a large family as the second oldest of six children. With careers as a business owner and police officer, Andrew was not constantly around children. For years, Jessica wanted to foster but

Andrew was always apprehensive. His fear was that fostering another child would take away from their own biological children or leave them feeling like less of a priority.

However, over time Andrew conceded to attend an informational session about foster parenting. This class changed the dynamic of their lives and household. “When we did [the informational session], I knew this was something we had to do,” Andrew recalled.

Any apprehension Andrew felt was quickly put to bed the night they picked up their first foster child. The couple’s six-year-old biological daughter was to share a room with the twelve year old foster child, a notion she was at first against. They were initially only going to foster younger children, but had to explain to their daughter why the age of the family’s new foster daughter did not matter. “We told her she’s living under a bridge right now,” Jessica explained. “That she doesn’t have somewhere to sleep, it’s cold out tonight. We need to take her in.” Their biological daughter then gathered up a bunch of her dolls and teddy bears as a gift for

Jessica

their new foster daughter. “She realized that she (foster daughter) had nothing and she (biological daughter) had something that she could give,” added Andrew. “Both of our biological kids have given of themselves when I didn’t think that would happen.”

When the Martins told family and friends about their decision to foster, many were surprised. Some even tried to talk them out of fostering. Since then, they have seen a lot of change in those advocating against foster care. Many are supportive and others have gone on to foster kids of their own or even adopt a few of the children that the Martins had fostered.

Jessica noted, “We’ve seen a lot of change in family and community through meeting these kids, getting to know them, and seeing how it works.”

“Fostering is the hardest and most rewarding thing we’ve ever done,” Jessica admitted. The couple had not experienced the challenges that

came with fostering children. Some issues came with raising teenagers, such as handling boyfriends and girlfriends, or dressing appropriately. Other tests came from helping the foster children work through some serious issues. The couple pointed to their relationship with the Lord as the reason why they open their home and continue fostering. Jessica said the times when it is the hardest is when they are asking whether it is still right for them. “It is during those times that it takes knowing this is what God has for us to do. We believe that where God guides, God provides. If God has called us to foster children then, even when difficult, He’s going to provide what is needed.”

The rewards the Martins have received are plentiful since becoming foster parents. Talking through their issues and providing a much-needed structured environment can dramatically change the course of the lives of these children. Seeing how far those children have come is a treasure one cannot measure monetarily. “When these kids come, and their trauma and needs are so great, it really is being touched with the love of God that is bringing this healing to [them,]” clarified Jessica.

Support for dedicated foster parents, such as the Martins, can come in many forms. Jessica said, “Fostering 20-some kids isn’t for everyone, but maybe you change the life of just one child. Maybe they stay forever, maybe they don’t.”

She also suggests that if fostering is too much, then supporters could provide respite for foster parents by babysitting, watching a child for the weekend, or to simply take them a meal. The biggest support Jessica added was to pray for them. “Everyone can play a part in the lives of these children and the changes that are happening.”

CONFIDING IN UNCONVENTIONAL FRIENDS

HopeTree Horses

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of mental health psychotherapy featuring interactions with equines. Clients work towards therapeutic goals in a session by interacting with the equines. It is an alternative to traditional, sit down talk therapy; however, the goals are the same as talk therapy.

Many of the clients come from hard situations or family conflict. Some might be experiencing complex trauma or mental health diagnoses, while others have not yet begun to process their challenges or even realize their needs. Whether a child or adult, each client is accompanied by three team members: an equine specialist, a mental health professional and an equine — all of whom are considered equal and vital. Each one-hour, private session occurs within the arena. It involves no horseback riding, grooming or petting, and the horse is unnamed. Instead, clients are encouraged to assign the horse a metaphor, such as a piece of themself, a person in their life or an emotion that relates to their personal goals. They are given the opportunity to build a representation of goals or issues in their lives using objects or anything in the arena, whether a rope or a bird flying overhead.

Since the session is held outside, clients can engage all their senses. The equine gives immediate feedback through action or inaction, but it is non-judgmental, so the client feels

safe. Words might not be exchanged, yet the experience helps clients build bridges and develop trust, or perhaps learn how to manage emotions and empower their own problem solving. One example: if they feel safe, they approach or allow others to approach, if they do not they will move away. This often enables clients to learn relationship building skills and self-awareness in one of the best possible waysexperientially with immediate feedback. This experiential feedback in real time enables clients to adjust their behavior and learn to regulate emotions to build relationship and trust with the equine. This is often an invaluable lesson that can be transferred to human relationships in their lives and how clients approach relationships and challenges. There are even time when this enables them to become the expert in their own healing.

Staff for the specialized program are certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Sessions are provided to students and residents here at HopeTree, and community collaborations are being developed to extend session availability to others, including those for whom traditional talk therapy was unsuccessful. “The sessions are extremely impactful, and clients can catapult progress in reaching their goal,” said Amy Carroll, HopeTree’s equine-assisted psychotherapist. “I’ve seen some real break-throughs.”

The HopeTree Horses require routine veternarian care, medications, farrier services (horseshoes), as well as food, water and shelter. They also require grooming equipment, blankets, and additional equipment to make sure they are feeling their best for each client.

For $5,000, you can meet all these needs for a horse - and in doing so help our clients continue on their path to a brighter future.

Learn how to sponsor a HopeTree Horse at hopetreefs.org/support

Life is all about coping with the hand that you've been dealt. For the residents in HopeTree's Therapeutic Group Homes, their journey has brought them here so that they may have a structured setting in order to best learn to cope with their emotional and behavioral challenges. At full capacity, HopeTree is able to accommodate up to 16 youth in their two groups homes - one for girls and one for boys. The average stay is three to six months with the ultimate goal to get residents back home, into treatment foster care, or independent living with support for college or vocational training.

The youth we serve today is drastically different than those from even as recently as five years ago. These youth arrive at our group homes with severe behavioral issues and complex trauma. From the start, we want them to feel comfortable and at ease. We want to provide an inviting environment and surroundings in which they will live. While we excel at enhancing the emotional, educational, physical, social, and spiritual development of each adolescent, the facilities themselves are in urgent need of updates and replacement.

The list below includes a few of the items we need to procure. Specifically, we are looking for 16 of each item so that all residents receive the same accommodations. At the end of the day, we want to provide an updated living space so that it can feel more like home, no matter how long a resident stays with us.

Keep Rockin', Keep Walkin'

Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer

The Wonder Women are a group of ladies currently led by Irene Hunley who are truly wonder-ful! This year marks the 20th Anniversary of a Walk and Rock for Hope event that raises money for HopeTree Family Services. This group of women gather donations and organize a walk for the church to participate in after church services each October.

“The Wednesday Wonder Women of Round Hill Baptist Church appreciate the success of the programs that HopeTree offers families in crisis,” explained Ms. Hunley. “This is what keeps us involved and will continue to do so as long as we are able. We are blessed as a small church to have the support of our congregation.”

This year, the sun shone as the congregation gathered for the service held in this small, historic church in the town of Round Hill in Loudoun County. Senior Pastor Chip Corbin and his son-in-law Pastor Cale Duncan make this a family commitment to the community. Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer at HopeTree

was invited to speak during church about the services offered by the Agency and the many needs they have for families.

After the service, the members young and old drifted to the fellowship hall where many folks had brought casseroles, fried chicken, salads, special food for the kids, and a bounty of desserts. The walls had been decorated with a shirt from each of the 20 years of walks. And a bulletin board shared pictures and information about the walk. The conversation and mood felt like being part of a family meal where long time church members and guests were welcomed.

Once the potluck lunch was complete, the group met for a picture. Then some sat on the porch to rock and others walked the two miles through the neighborhood. Over $2,025 was raised to help the programs at HopeTree. The Wonder Women also baked cookies to be distributed to those served by the Agency. Also, Roberta Hough sews quilts with the others in her group to share with girls at HopeTree Therapeutic Group Homes. This church is truly a blessing to HopeTree!

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

MARK KING, DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT SERVICES & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

One of the greatest honors that I have had in my 33 years of ministry is being the Chaplain here at HopeTree Family Services.

Our Mission at HopeTree, expresses why I love this place and my position, “Through God’s love, we foster hope by empowering families, youth, and adults to lead fulfilling lives.” This Mission statement gives me the honor of serving every client, family, employee and our guests in the community with the Gospel of Hope. For it is the good news of liberty through and in Christ Jesus that makes this company unique. For being a faith-related institution gives us opportunities for sharing that ‘Good News.’

My priority for our Chaplain Care Services is to help meet the spiritual needs of the staff and clients we serve across the Commonwealth of Virginia. That mean if anyone has need of Chaplain/Pastoral Care Services at Hope Tree that my door is always open to answer prayer requests with reverence, visiting the sick with confidentiality and giving an open door for furthering Christian Education.

With a company as large as ours the task of being the Chaplain is a challenge but one that I relish every day. Within the Chaplain Care Program that we have at HopeTree I have had the pleasure of extending Christian Education in practical life situations. Over the last three years

we have built a team of self-giving employees with the opportunity to be a part of our ‘Cancer Care Team.’

What is Cancer Care? It is a bunch of wonderful employees who have been trained specifically to help others when diagnosed with Cancer. Beside myself we have seven staff members across the state who are and being trained and supported by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Cancer care ministry, is a hope ministry. While it involves prayer, visits and assistance, it is centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their caregivers, family and friends. This requires an understanding of the impact of cancer, how people react to it and how God has called His people to respond. Above all, it requires us to have within ourselves an unfeigned hope that we can take to those in need.

This Bible-based ministry training program through the Chaplains Office at HopeTree has been developed to equip God's people with the tools needed to bring hope with those who are living with cancer.

Pray for the Chaplains Ministry as we provide training and care for our HopeTree Community. Pray for our continued service in excellence to those less fortunate with the Good News of Christ. As I tell those who choose our services, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

More Than a Building

A

Special

Project for the Enhancement and Renovation of Keesee

Chapel

Since opening in 1956, approximately 1,000 professions of faith have been made and thousands of children had their first exposure to Christ at Keesee Chapel. Through the years, the building has expanded it’s use to become a place for worship, reflection, understanding, and celebration.

In January of 2022, HopeTree set out to make the necessary updates and renovations to this iconic building nestled in the heart of the Salem campus. Renovations to the chapel included:

• New Principal Cross

• New Pulpit

• Praise Banners

• Interlocking Chairs

• New Flooring (Carpet and Vinyl)

• Upgraded Sound System

• Projectors & Dropdown Screens

• Training Area Tables & Chairs

• Additional ADA Restroom

The goal was to enhance spiritual and educational experiences for all that enter the chapel’s doors. Whether it’s a HopeTree resident

being able to pray without interruption, or a youth group utilizing the audio/visual upgrades for their services, we wanted all to feel welcome and empowered in this modernized space.

As of October 2022, HopeTree had successfully completed the renovation project and met the $25,000 matching gift challenge set earlier this year by the Charles B. Keesee Foundation. In total, $68,075.76 of funding was secured for the updates and renovations to Keesee Chapel.

The matching gift challenge was met as a result of generous contributions from more than 80 donors and individuals. Lisa Clause, HopeTree Chief Advancement Officer, states, “We are happy to exceed our goals to renovate the Keesee Chapel. We had many individuals and churches support this project including the generous support of Elevation Church and the Keesee Foundation. The Keesee Matching Challenge really put us over the top. Now we have a beautiful chapel to share with the community.”

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.