Planting the seeds of hope and joy with our group home youth.
7. FALL INTO GIVING
As we gear up for the holidays, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year and to think about giving back.
8. A SECOND CHANCE
Grappling with family challenges and facing the possibility of losing their child, one family turned to Family Centered Treatment for help.
10. FROM DOUBT TO DESTINY
A follow up to the winner of the Warren C. Watson Scholarship winner - Charlie Smith.
Caring Times is published by HopeTree Family Services at 860 Mt. Vernon Lane, Salem, VA 24153. Advancement@HopeTreeFS.org Phone: (540) 389-2112
Select photos may represent volunteers and not actual clients of HopeTree.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jon Morris
Chief Advancement Officer Lisa Clause
Editor Chris Dodd
Writer/Contributor Denashia Dunnaville
HOPETREE FAMILY SERVICES
860 Mount Vernon Lane PO Box 849 Salem, VA 24153 hopetreefs.org (540) 389-5468
The latest news. recpgmotopm. and updates from around HopeTree.
Rocky Belcher is a determined former Therapuetic Group Home Resident that has made his way to Ole Miss thanks to HopeTree.
Education Supervisor, Chris Morris, puts TBRI® into action at HopeTree Academy.
Check out highlights from HopeTree's events around Virginia.
FROM THE CEO
“So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.”
IJoshua 24:13
love this scripture! Of course, God was reminding the Israelites of all the times that He had delivered them in the past and how He was continuing to bless them in the present. He reminded them that His grace had been with them throughout their journey. Even though they experienced some hardships and very trying times on their way to the promised land, God’s grace and mercy had been ever present.
This scripture also reminds me of HopeTree in a profound way. First of all, I’m reminded often that we stand on the shoulders of giants who have given their time and talents to help make HopeTree what it is today. I’m grateful for the people God has sent to HopeTree for this season, and I’m glad we are able to share some of our recent award winners in this issue.
Secondly, I’m reminded of all of our partners in this ministry who have financially supported us over the years. The Baptist Orphanage of Virginia started with a single donation of $1.50, and that seed has grown tremendously for more than 134 years. It’s through the incredible generosity of our partners like you that HopeTree has the resources to support former residents like Rocky Belcher to attend Ole Miss University.
Finally, I’m reminded that no matter how long God places me and the members of our team at HopeTree, that we are to be stewards of this amazing organization. Our goal is to serve as many people as we can and leave this organization better for the next generation of leaders and partners so we can continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, as we show His love to everyone, especially those we serve.
I’m filled with incredible gratitude for the opportunity to serve at HopeTree alongside some amazing servant leaders. I’m so thankful for partners like you that believe in the important work we do. And I’m so grateful that God continues to pour out His blessing on us.
Thank you for your partnership, for your investment in HopeTree, and for your prayers. God is doing some incredible things!
With gratitude,
Jon Morris President & Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT HOPETREE
Treatment 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 24-hour 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.
Family Centered Treatment® addresses the needs of a family as a whole, recognizing that what affects one family member affects all family members. The program is homeand community-based by nature, providing a more intensive multiple hours per week-and collaborative approach to addressing family system breakdown.
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.
During sessions clients often see the equine(s) as metaphors to something related to their goals. Some activities are designed and incorporated by the team to help the client reach their therapeutic goals, but these activities never involve mounted work.
HopeTree Family Services' Board of Trustees
Dr. Kim Baskette Professor & Program Director Roanoke
R. Wayne Brockwell Attorney Midlothian
Dr. Herbert O. Browning Retired Pastor Midlothian
Ronald J. Clark Project Manager/Consultant Hampton
William J. DeWorken Business Owner Chesterfield
Michael Dean Elmore Social Services Director Roanoke
Rev. George H. Fletcher, III Retired Pastor Zion Crossroads
Sydney Gustafson Attorney Chesterfield
Tracy Hale Insurance Broker Salem
Derek T. Hicks Commercial Real Estate Roanoke
Dr. Melissa A. Jackson Adjunct Professor Richmond
L. Richard Martin Retired Social Services Director Chesterfield
Dr. Kathy Matthews Chief Clinical Officer Richmond
Morgan M. Meador Attorney Richmond
John G. Mizell, Jr. Attorney Richmond
Mia Pumo Education Consultant Salem
Trinette Randolph Program Manager Richmond
Laura Riha Educational Support Specialist Roanoke
Patrick N. Shaffner Retired Business Owner Roanoke
Carla Shepherd Financial Professional Roanoke
Dr. Patrick Wood Pastor Smithfield
Richard Wright Reitred CEO Richmond
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
JOEL ELMORE
CHAPLAIN & ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR
Ministry does not often happen in the 9am to 5pm window. It happens over meals, meeting people in moments of crisis, celebrating life’s joys, and showing up for people on a consistent basis. Though all of these aspects are important, the centerpiece of ministry is the teaching of God’s word and through prayer. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” The reality is there has been some planting and some watering, but God has brought all of the growth that I have gotten to witness over the past several months.
For our youth, there has been a lot of watering and planting. This summer, we were the recipients of Impact Missions Camps. Impact Missions Camps is a missions camp conducted by the Baptist General Assembly of Virginia (BGAV). Students from various churches across the state helped with some much-needed painting in our Therapeutic Group Homes. This act of kindness left our students wondering, “Why. Why would someone give up their free time to do something like this?”
Throughout the summer, team members, volunteers from various churches, and I have tried to point our students to the “why.” Whether that was driving students to local churches to participate in Sunday worship or on Wednesday nights to youth groups, the aim was to feed the curiosity of our students.
To feed the “why,” we got creative and started a faithbased equine group. This group covered topics such as grace, grief and loss, identity, forgiveness, love, and others. Commenting on the success of the groups, Amy Carroll, Equine Therapist, said, “These groups have created a structured way for our residents to unplug from technology and experience the non-judgmental environment. These groups have created an open and
safe environment for residents to talk about the various Biblical topics, to hear from scripture, and experience the power of prayer.” These groups have been and continue to be powerful tools that impact our residents and fuel the curiosity of our youth.
As we transitioned into the end of the fall, the curiosity didn’t fade; it shifted and grew. On Tuesday mornings, we’ve been getting a glimpse of the person of Jesus by looking at his miracles. For our students who come, the driving force is curiosity. They are curious about who Jesus is and why he might die for them. This curiosity has grown, and it has made its way into the hallways and around lunch tables. Students ask me many questions about faith, including the most important one, “How do I follow Jesus?”
As their curiosity has grown, I have looked for ways to water it. I am working to develop a relationship with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Through those conversations, we were blessed to have Leo Bruno, an Area Director from FCA, come to share during devotional time. When he came, we simply had even more kids show up for devotions. And that moment was a reminder, I have been doing a lot of planting and watering in our student's lives. But God has been doing something much more special. He has been growing not just numbers, but students’ curiosity about the person of Jesus.
All of it points to this truth: we plant and water, but God gives the growth. As we plant and water, may we pray for the harvest. And as God grows the harvest, may we give Him all the praise and all the honor for bringing about growth in the life of our students.
Joel Elmore Chaplain & Activities Coordinator
FALL INTO GIVING LAST CHANCE FOR 2024 DONATIONS
As the leaves change colors and we gear up for the holidays, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year. Fall is also the perfect time to think about giving back. And guess what? Your last chance to make those tax-deductible donations before 2024 wraps up is here!
At HopeTree Family Services, we’ve had a year filled with promise, growth, and impact thanks to incredible supporters like you. Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or spread the word about our mission, we are so grateful. But as the end of the year approaches, we’re reaching out to you one last time to help us continue transforming lives.
What’s In It for You?
What’s In It for You? We know that giving is about the heart, but let’s not forget the benefits to your wallet too! Your year-end donation is not only an opportunity to support those in need, but it’s also tax-deductible. That means you can lower your tax bill while making a direct impact on our community. It’s truly a win-win!
Where Does Your Gift Go?
Your donation helps fund a variety of life-changing programs:
• Therapeutic Group Homes for Youth: Our dedicated teams provide safe homes and caring support for at-risk youth.
• HopeTree Academy: Our Academy team empowers at-risk youth with personalized education and support, helping them thrive academically and emotionally.
• Treatment Foster Care Services: We work with compassionate families who provide loving homes for children in need.
• Developmental Disabilities Ministries: We support adults with developmental disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling, independent lives.
• Sponsored Residential: HopeTree provides individuals with developmental disabilities a supportive, family-like environment where they can thrive and live independently with personalized care.
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: At HopeTree, we harness the healing power of horses to foster emotional growth and well-being for individuals facing life's challenges.
• Family Centered Treatment: Our FCT team strengthens families by providing intensive, inhome support and therapy to help them overcome challenges and build healthier, more resilient relationships.
Why Now?
By donating before December 31st, you not only get valuable tax deductions, but you help ensure that our programs are fully funded and ready to make an even bigger impact in 2025. Every dollar counts, and every act of generosity brings us closer to fulfilling our mission.
So, as you wrap up 2024, will you help us finish strong? With your support, we can continue to provide support for those who need it most..
How Can You Help?
It’s easy! Visit www.hopetreefs.org/donate to make your year-end contribution. Prefer a more traditional route? You can also send a check or money order using the business reply mail envelope attached to this newsletter. Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, your gift will go directly to the programs that are changing lives every day. Let’s make this holiday season one of hope, love, and generosity!
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of HopeTree’s circle of support. Together, we are changing lives, one donation at a time!
A Second Chance
Rebuilding Families Through Family Centered Treatment
In early 2024, one family found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with challenges that felt insurmountable and facing the heartbreaking possibility of losing a child. Struggling with drug abuse, self-harm, and behavioral issues, the family was desperate for a solution. Despite their best efforts with traditional counseling services, they received a chilling ultimatum: make significant changes or risk separation. It was then they were referred to HopeTree Family Services, where the Family Centered Treatment (FCT) program ignited a new sense of hope, offering them a chance to rebuild and heal.
What is Family Centered Treatment?
In order to understand how transformative this program can be, it's important to know what FCT entails. FCT iis an evidence-based trauma treatment model committed to family preservation and reunification unless doing so is not in the child’s best interest. Sessions are conducted in the clients’ homes, which allows clinicians to engage the entire family. The treatment unfolds in four phases: joining and assessment, restructuring, valuing change, and generalization.
FCT recognizes that every family is unique, and each referral to the program comes with its own story. Yet, the common goal remains to identify the underlying factors contributing to a child's disruptive behavior and address them. For this family, it was their child’s choices, such as using drugs, stealing, and missing school, which prompted a desperate need for change. These choices led to numerous hospital visits, instances of running away, and frequent family conflicts.
“I kind of felt like [my parents] were always just waiting for me to get in trouble,” the child shared. “I was very secretive, so they had to look for stuff that could possibly put me in danger.” During this time, the family felt like they were living in a constant state of chaos. “We barely talked to each other, and every time we saw each other we were pretty apprehensive,” the child explained.
Although the family yearned for meaningful change, their previous experiences with traditional counseling left them skeptical about long-term success. “They worked for a small amount of time,” the child shared. “I feel like I paid attention, but I was just very stubborn with changing myself.”
Unlike traditional therapy models, FCT empowers families to take charge of their own treatment by setting and achieving their own goals. In collaboration with the clinician, families identify which methods are effective to help them reach realistic, sustainable goals for improvement.
Why a collaborative family approach?
A collaborative family approach allows practitioners to address a child’s behavior while also identifying parenting behaviors that could thwart a client’s progress. FCT acknowledges that each family member may have their own set of traumas and mental health needs, which, if left unaddressed, could contribute to the deterioration of the family’s dynamics and resilience.
“A lot of times we want to change the children when really the change needs to happen with the parent first,” said FCT clinician Allison Parker. “Once you make the change with the parents, it’s going to trickle down to the children.”
While the child fought their personal battles, they remained oblivious to the struggles their parents faced. One parent admitted to struggling with managing stress and communication before participating in FCT. In addition to concerns for their child, they had other children to care for, careers to manage, responsibilities to uphold, and a relationship to nurture. “I felt like my family was falling apart,” they recalled. “I thought I was losing my child, and in turn, the stress was tearing us apart.”
How does Family Centered Treatment work?
“My expectations for FCT were very low,” the child shared. “I didn’t expect it to work. I thought it was just going to make it worse.” Initially, they imagined FCT would simply involve their clinician coming into their home to instruct them on “how to family.” However, they soon discovered that FCT offered a transformative approach unlike any they had experienced before.
FCT depends on family involvement, so collaboration and engagement are essential for success. During the joining and assessment phase, practitioners focus on building rapport and understanding the family’s needs. “We do an assessment with the family to identify their areas of family functioning,” said Allison. “We do this three times during treatment, and the first time this family took theirs, the area they needed to work on was communication.” This phase allows the family to individually express the changes they wish to see and enables the clinician to observe their family dynamics firsthand.
“You’re at home, your guard is down more, and it allows her to see our interactions as a family and in a home setting,” one parent noted.
Once everyone is familiar with one another, the FCT model transitions to the second phase: restructuring. This phase focuses on implementing changes through engaging activities that foster effective family interactions. “If your butt is sitting in the chair for longer than 15 minutes, then you’re not doing FCT,” said HopeTree Family Services Family Centered Treatment Program Director Maggie Cox.
“I really, for the most part, thought it was just going to be a lot of sitting and talking, but Allison always comes with the supplies and everything she needs for the enactment that is most beneficial to us,” the parent explained.
The family openly acknowledges that they weren’t on board with every activity suggested by their clinician. However, FCT is all about discovering what practices resonate best with each family. “It almost gives us second chances,” the child shared. “Just because this one thing won’t work doesn’t mean nothing will.”
Eventually, the family uncovered activities that became their favorites. One memorable exercise involved shattering a pot and writing on each piece things that could tear a family apart. “As a family, you put it back together, tape it up, and write on the tape the different activities and things you can do to put a family back together. That was awesome,” the child recalled. Another activity involved each family member documenting their traumatic experiences year by year from childhood to gain insight into how those events shaped who they are today.
While FCT focuses on the entire family, practitioners also assign individual activities. “I had to use I statements because I wasn’t speaking up for myself enough and putting forth what I needed,” the parent shared. “It allows us to hear what we’re not saying to each other and also shows us that it’s okay to speak and to be heard.”
For this family, each activity became a steppingstone toward improved communication. It allowed them to appreciate each other’s perspectives and recognize what triggers misunderstandings. “As soon as Mom started being more open, the child started to be more open and listen, which was really nice to see,” Allison shared.
The next phase of FCT, valuing change, encourages families to apply their new skills and implement activities without the clinician present. This phase is critical because it sets the stage for the family to sustain the changes made during treatment. “This allows us to make habits that we didn’t have in the past and break some bad habits,” the parent expressed. “Instead of just talking, we’re doing part of the work too.”
Recognizing communication as a challenge, the family set their own goals, such as having regular family dinners and implementing a chore chart to ensure accountability and minimize conflict.
“It saved my family,”
-FAMILY-CENTERED TREATMENT PARTICIPANT
The final phase of FCT is generalization. During this phase, the family is preparing to successfully end the program and must create a plan to continue their progress independently. They noticed the small yet meaningful ways they were sustaining the lessons learned. “It went from us being able to talk to each other in front of Allison to becoming a routine almost,” the child shared. “Now I feel like I get kind of anxious whenever I don’t tell [my parents] something, even if it’s minor.”
With improved communication, they discovered that their family dynamic flows more smoothly, has less tension, and more compromise. “The child took responsibility and apologized for the things they had done that got us here,” the parent shared. “Now we don’t have to fight them tooth and nail to do what they should do as a child.”
Transformative Outcomes
The family is excited to complete their treatment program. They’re ready to apply the lessons learned, habits formed, and communication skills acquired to support one another through future challenges. Their transformative journey with the FCT program has not only fostered resilience but also reignited a profound sense of love and connection that will forever reshape their family dynamic. They look forward to carrying these insights into their daily lives and nurturing an environment where each member feels valued and heard. “I am extremely proud of them because they have done so well,” Allison expressed. “I’m also sad because I don’t get to work with this amazing family anymore. It’s kind of bittersweet.”
As they prepared to complete the program, the family reflected on their journey with gratitude. They credited the FCT program with not only saving their family but also helping them emerge stronger than ever. “It saved my family,” the parent expressed. “I believe it’s because of our struggles and the support from FCT that we’ve emerged stronger than ever.”
From Doubt to Destiny
A Follow Up To The Warren C. Watson, Jr. Scholarship Winner
When Charlie Smith first walked through the doors of HopeTree Academy, doubt clouded his mind. He didn’t want to be there, and graduating felt impossible. Convinced that this school would be just like the others, he couldn’t see that he was taking the first step toward a brighter future. As a reluctant teenager, how could he have known that this unfamiliar environment, far removed from the friends and teachers he once knew, would lead him to become the inaugural recipient of the Warren C. Watson, Jr. Scholarship?
Charlie enrolled in HopeTree Academy in 2022 after facing expulsion from his previous public school. He recognized that his actions, such as skipping class and neglecting his studies, had forced his family to seek a change. When it was time to explore new options, Charlie’s mother, Kimberly Miller, took a closer look at HopeTree Academy. After discovering that this private day school offers tailored approaches for students with unique educational and behavioral needs, she thought, “The curriculum and smaller class sizes would be a better fit for his education.”
Karl Miller, Kimberly Miller, and Charlie Smith
Charlie didn’t agree. “I was pretty mad,” he recalls. “Not having my phone and not being able to go to the bathroom when I wanted; it felt like I was being treated like a child.” Everything began to change when Charlie started to build relationships with the positive role models at the academy.
“When Charlie first came to us, he was very defensive in the classroom,” recalls Dr. Laurie McCracken, HopeTree Academy's Director of Education. “We saw small changes over time as he realized he could trust us. Once he learned that, we saw a huge difference in him and a lot of progress.”
Dr. McCracken emphasizes the importance of establishing relationships with students to ensure their success, which is why academic staff use TrustBased Relational Intervention strategies. These strategies are designed to help students understand that the staff is here to support them and their goals. With support from Charlie’s parents, the team determined and implemented the best approach to help him learn, develop new communication skills, and identify the next steps for his future.
“He became prouder of himself,” Kimberly shares. “He was getting A’s and B’s, which was totally different from the past.”
As Charlie thrived academically and behaviorally, the Watson family was working with HopeTree Family Services to establish a scholarship fund honoring Warren C. Watson, Jr. This scholarship, available to
a graduating high school student involved in any agency program, recognizes academic achievement while celebrating character and community involvement. To be eligible, students must be nominated by an educator or staff member.
Charlie, who once doubted he would even graduate, became the first student nominated and selected to receive the $5,000 scholarship. “As soon as we heard about the opportunity, we immediately thought of how much progress he had made since coming here,” said Dr. McCracken. “He made us all proud.” After graduating from HopeTree Academy in 2024, Charile currently studies electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College, where his tuition, fees, and books covered by the Warren C. Watson, Jr. Scholarship Fund. In fact, he only had to buy a calculator during his first semester!
“I turned my life around completely,” he reflects. “It instilled a lot of pride in me to be honored with this scholarship.” Charlie admits that realizing and achieving his dreams would have been far more challenging without the support of the Watson family and the team at HopeTree Academy.
“Thank you for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” Charlie expressed. “I will carry the values I learned here throughout my life.” His final message to current HopeTree Academy students? “Even when you feel like you’re out of options, never give up.”
Warren C. Watson Jr. Scholarship Fund
Created to honor Mr. Watson’s life and philanthropy. This scholarship is available to a graduating high school student that has been involved with HopeTree Family Services through any program.
To learn more about the Warren C. Watson Jr. Scholarship Fund or how to apply for the scholarship, contact HopeTree's Advancement team at advancement@hopetreefs.org or call 540-389-2112.
Warren C. Watson, Jr.
From Foster Care to Future Lawyer
How HopeTree Helped a Determined Youth Reach Ole Miss
In a time where many struggle to find their footing, Rocky Belcher’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Today, Rocky walks the campus of the University of Mississippi as a pre-law student, thanks in large part to the unwavering support he received from HopeTree. His journey, however, began with immense challenges.
Growing up in Franklin County, Virginia, Rocky’s childhood was marked by instability. Raised in a single-parent household, he faced hardships that many would find insurmountable. At just ten years old, he and his siblings were taken from their mother due to unsafe living conditions and entered the foster care system. “Life wasn’t good,” Rocky shared, reflecting on his early years. Despite being uprooted multiple times, he clung to football and school—his only constants.
HopeTree came into Rocky’s life during one of his darkest periods. After struggling with depression and a suicide attempt, Rocky found himself with nowhere to turn. Enter HopeTree, which not only provided him with a safe place to stay but also gave him the tools and support he needed to start addressing his trauma. “One of the great things that HopeTree does is show kids it’s okay to talk about what’s happened to them,” he said. “They create a space where you feel cared for and listened to.”
While at HopeTree, Rocky’s resilience began to shine. He achieved “level four” in the organization’s therapeutic system, a recognition voted on by peers and staff that celebrated his growth and maturity. This milestone symbolized his ability to overcome his past and embrace his potential.
But Rocky didn’t stop there. Despite being the first in his family to pursue higher education, he didn’t let the daunting application process deter him. His dream of attending Ole Miss became reality, inspired in part by watching The Blind Side. When financial barriers threatened his future, HopeTree stepped in again, providing a critical scholarship that covered a significant portion of his tuition.
“Every step I take on campus is a step in the right direction,” Rocky reflected. “It’s a step that wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.”
Rocky Belcher
Today, Rocky is on a mission. His experiences have inspired him to pursue a career in law, with hopes of advocating for others who feel voiceless. “Kids like me need someone who believes in them,” he explained. “If someone believes in you, it can change everything.”
Looking to the future, Rocky envisions starting a nonprofit to support at-risk youth, providing resources such as tutoring, clothing, and funding for college essentials like computers. “There are so many kids out there with all the potential in the world. They just need an opportunity,” he said.
Rocky’s story is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a reminder of the incredible impact a community can have when it invests in its young people. For donors, supporters, and friends of HopeTree, his journey is proof that your contributions create ripples of hope and transformation.
As Rocky works toward his law degree, he carries with him the lessons learned at HopeTree: that everyone has worth, every dream is valid, and every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
“Every step I take on campus...wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.”
-ROCKY BELCHER STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI FORMER
THERAPEUTIC GROUP HOME RESIDENT
Rocky Belcher
Chris Morris, Education Supervisor HopeTree Academy
Trust, Connection, & Transformation
TBRI® in Action at HopeTree Academy
Christopher Morris, an Education Supervisor at HopeTree Academy, has spent his career building relationships with students. His recent connection with a young boy from HopeTree’s residential program underscores how personal care and intentionality can change lives. With the support of Dr. Challen Mabry, Chief Clinical Officer of HopeTree Family Services, Morris exemplifies the profound impact of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) in fostering connections and empowering youth.
A Troubled Start
The student, a 12-year-old with a history of foster care disruption, struggled with emotional regulation and social connection. After a challenging weekend, he refused to attend school. Despite efforts from clinicians, he remained withdrawn, raising concerns about his mental health and well-being.
Dr. Mabry, familiar with the boy’s positive rapport with Morris, reached out for assistance. Morris didn’t hesitate. "I walked over to the cottage, sat beside him on the sofa, and started a conversation," Morris
recalls. Their shared background—both having roots in the same community—sparked a bond. "We talked about where we grew up, and his face lit up. That connection deepened our relationship."
What is TBRI®?
TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.
TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential.
The Power of Showing Up
Instead of pressuring the boy, Morris offered understanding and support. He encouraged the child to return to school, framing it as a choice: "If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me." The approach worked. The next day, the boy came to school, smiling and carrying an unopened Dr Pepper, a meaningful gesture for someone with few personal possessions.
"He shared the soda with me, which meant a lot," Morris says. "It wasn’t just a drink—it was a symbol of trust and gratitude."
Dr. Mabry highlights the importance of these small yet transformative moments. "Chris modeled connection over compliance, showing the student that he mattered. That’s what TBRI is all about— building trust and meeting kids where they are."
Beyond Academics
Since that day, the student has thrived, attending school consistently and forming healthier relationships. Morris continues to provide individualized support, greeting students by name
“It wasn’t just a drink—it was a symbol of trust and gratitude,”
-CHRIS MORRIS EDUCATION SUPERVISOR, HOPETREE ACADEMY
and prioritizing their needs. "No matter what I’m doing, it’s not as important as what a student needs at that moment," he says.
Dr. Mabry emphasizes that creating connections doesn’t require a professional degree. "Chris’s willingness to sit with the boy, listen, and share a moment made all the difference. It’s a reminder that anyone can play a role in transforming lives."
A Philosophy in Practice
Morris’s dedication stems from his belief in the transformative power of relationships. After over three decades in public education, he has embraced TBRI as a guiding framework. "I’ve learned that connection is key," he says. "If students know you care, they’re more likely to respect boundaries and work through challenges."
For Morris, this philosophy extends beyond his professional life. "The boy reminds me of my own son," he shares. "That personal connection drives me to show up and support him, just as I would for my family."
A Model for HopeTree
Morris’s actions serve as a powerful example for HopeTree Academy staff, who gather daily to reflect on TBRI® strategies and celebrate successes. "Chris’s involvement demonstrates the importance of modeling the behaviors we want to see," says Dr. Mabry. "He’s not just an administrator—he’s in the trenches, making a real difference."
Through the combined efforts of HopeTree Academy and HopeTree Family Services, students like this young boy are finding stability, connection, and a sense of hope. It’s a testament to the power of intentional relationships and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
HOPETREE HAPPENINGS
2024 Acorn Award Winners
The Acorn Award is one of HopeTree's highest employee awards that we present every quarter. Team members are able to nominate anyone in the company that exemplifies our core values, especially our core value of ministry and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. The Acorn Award honors servant leaders and those individuals that make HopeTree special.
Congratulations to our Acorn Award winners from this year!
Andy Dunn
Lisa Lambrecht
Challen Mabry
Heather Hinkle
Christie Burke SPRING 2024
Hope Smith
Kharis Holzknecht
Samantha Edwards
Dr. Laurie McCracken SUMMER 2024
3-Year CARF Accreditation
Alicia Pigg Allyson Miller-Havens
Sherry Prince FALL 2024
In July the agency welcomed CARF, the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for our Site Survey Visit where three surveyors visited our Salem Campus, Martinsville Office, and Richmond Office to review the agency's compliance with all 1600 CARF Accreditation Standards. The surveyors conducted a comprehensive review of agency and program policies and procedures, client records, outcome data, and interviewed external stakeholders, leadership, staff, and those we serve. We are pleased to share that we were awarded a three-year accreditation.
The following programs/services received accreditation:
• Foster Family and Kinship Care (Children & Adolescents)
• Group Home (Children & Adolescents)
• Specialized or Treatment Foster Care (Children & Adolescents)
Achieving accreditation demonstrates to the public and funders/stakeholders HopeTree's commitment to continuously improve our services and helps distinguish our services in the community.
