2013- 2014 annual report

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES SINCE 1908 Northwest Children’s Home

2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Letter from our Executive Director WHERE HAVE THE YEARS GONE? Growing up with parents who demonstrated values helps me every day, how fortunate I was.

I didn’t realize in 1977 when I started at the Children’s Home I would enjoy a 38-year career working with boys and girls who need to learn the same values I learned as a child. Where have the years gone?

Working with latency aged boys at Vision House for 3 years started a journey few individuals get the opportunity to experience. I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of capacities for an exceptional organization with dedicated staff and volunteers. I was hired in 1980 as Director of Activities for 9 years. What a fun job it was. In 1989 I was promoted to Director of Development and spent 9 years fundraising for the agency. I’m most proud of developing the Red Stocking holiday campaign that remains synonymous with Northwest Children’s Home. I accepted the position of Director of Residential Services in 1998. Working closely with program managers was very rewarding. Then, in 2002 I was promoted to Assistant Executive Director and for 3 years provided oversight for the operations of the agency. Since 2005 I have had the honor of serving as Executive Director. Although the position has been challenging and difficult decisions have had to be made, it has been extremely gratifying. The complexities of our agency are numerous and require the abilities of many to meet day-to-day challenges. Leadership by the Board and determination of the staff enables us to respond to those challenges.

If I had to choose my favorite aspect of the job, it would be working with amazing, dedicated Board members and staff for the betterment of children. I’ve had a terrific career over the years at NCH, but it’s time to hand the reigns over to the next Executive Director to guide the organization into the future.

Therefore, this coming year will be my last. I am profoundly grateful to be a part of such an important mission.

Sincerely,

Rod Wilson, Executive Director

WHAT BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES LOOKS LIKE

K-12

1:4

ACCREDITED SPECIAL EDUCATION

STAFF-TO-RESIDENT

RATIO

3.5 Acre campus in Nampa, Idaho

WEEKLY

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS

1,280

WORKSHOPS

22 Acre campus in Lewiston, Idaho

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ANNUALLY

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLANS FOR ALL RESIDENTS

104 children admitted into care for residential treatment and special education in 2013-2014

18

JEWETT

31

SYRINGA

16 27 12

girls ages 11-17

girls ages 11-17

VISION boys ages 5-12

QUEST boys ages 11-17

HOPPER boys ages 12-17

Individualized Treatment Residential services are geared towards emotionally and behaviorally impaired youth between 5 and 17 years of age. The residential programs serve abused, neglected and abandoned children and youth benefiting from mental health services.

Serving a total of 88 children residentially, we operate two Idaho campuses. Our 22-acre Lewiston campus has 4 residential treatment programs providing service to 68 children. Our Nampa campus on 3.5 acres has one residential treatment program for 20 girls ages 11 to 17. During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, 104 children received individualized treatment focused on healing from childhood trauma.

780 group therapy sessions

1,911 Individual therapy sessions

1 2

6 kids

8 kids

22 kids

9 kids 21 kids 22 kids

Nursing Services The nursing department of the Northwest Children’s Home provides medical care for all of the residents living at the Children’s home. There are 2 full time Registered Nurses and one Nursing Transport Aide. We ensure that the residents receive their annual physical and vision exams, and their biannual dental exams.

We arrange for all dental procedures, such as cleaning, cavities, root canals and wisdom teeth removal. We assess the residents after injuries and accidents and take them to the appropriate doctors/hospitals as needed. We ensure that they receive their medications and treatments in a timely fashion. All staff are certified in medication administration by the nursing staff.

2 Full-time nurses & 1 Nursing Transport Aide

130

750

Dental Appointments

70

Doctor Appointments

750 Appointment Transports

Vision Exams

60 Immunizations

Activities Department The Activities Department of Northwest Children’s Home includes Arts and Crafts, Wood Shop, Recreational Groups, Outdoor Groups, Swimming and various special events throughout the year. While promoted and used as a reward program, the activities chosen also expand upon the residents’ educational and therapeutic program goals. The Activities Department employees plan activities that would be age-appropriate and normal for any child, while also trying to involve the residents in those unique activities that are available to children in our wondrous locale.

During a normal week, each program has 4 hours of craft shop, 4 hours of recreation and, during the summer, 14 hours of swimming. Additionally, on a rotating basis, each program is offered special day-length and over-night activities. Over the course of a year each resident participates in these activities multiple times, some more than others, depending on behavior. Over the past year, the Activities Department provided recreational activities to the residents on 324 days. During this time approximately 120 residents have been served by the Activities Department with 1280 separate activities.

TEN

EIGHT

NINE

Insect collecting workshops

Canoe Trips

Fishing Trips

TWO

THREE

Idaho Fish & Game nature walks

Roller skating workshops

FIFTEEN

TWELVE

EIGHTEEN

Ice skating workshops

LCSC Basketball Games

Music Classes

FOUR

STEELHEAD

Snake River Adventures Boat Trips

In the classroom

FIVE

WSU

Dam & Hatchery Tours

Grizzly Bear Observatory Tour

Education Center Educationally, this past year was both exciting and productive. Our staff formed meaningful relationships with students. Together, they experienced great growth, in large part due to the experience and stability of the Education Center. Staff expertise helped students improve both academically and behaviorally. About a fifth of our kids attended public school, part- or full-time. Several chose to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities and were successful in their pursuits. One of our students was awarded athlete-ofthe-week at a local high school. Several students benefited from our scholarship program, which is truly wonderful for students who choose to apply for it. All told, 2013-14 was a great year in terms of benefits to our kids. Staff also took part in several valuable trainings. There were, predictably, challenges this year.

Simultaneously, we celebrate our triumphs and resolve to disentangle our difficulties.

One of our goals is to ensure that our students are in the most appropriate and least restrictive educational environment. Students who earn trust at home and in their residential cottages are rewarded with additional privileges and responsibilities, including transitioning to public. At any given time, we have approximately 20% of our kids in part- or full-time public school.

SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are an extremely important part of NCH and its Education Center’s services. Each year, we award about five scholarships to former students/residents. These allowances are primarily granted for academic or vocational pursuits, and are given to students who need a legitimate helping hand. Particularly gratifying this year was a scholarship to a student who entered college to study computer programming.

His words were assuring: “I’m going to see this through, without question.”

Education Center Wins

20%

Students integrated into full-time or part-time public school

50%

Teachers providing 10 years of service at Education Center 5 scholarships awarded to former residents

“I’m going to SEE THIS THROUGH, without question.”

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS Students and staff worked hard to develop skills in core and elective subjects. They participated in numerous special events. During winter quarter, our kids joined together for NCH’s annual career fair. This occasion encouraged them to research several occupations, choosing one to present to their fellow students, staff members, and parents. Our multicultural fair in May culminated students’ and teachers’ studies of various peoples and places. Again, they were able to share the fruits of their labors with others.

Students also went on various field trips and activities, among them: museums, nature hikes, pizza/food reward outings, run club, the gym, CrossFit classes, and fishing trips.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Training is ever important in maintaining a skilled staff. In addition to our significant standard trainings, the Education Center staff participated in a two-day training with Dr. Tom Valore from the Positive Education Program (PEP) in Cleveland, OH. The Education Center adopted the strengthsbased Positive Education Program in the mid-1990s. This program has immeasurably improved relationships and learning among both students and staff.

Our biggest challenge this year is an ongoing one: to procure adequate education funding from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The Administrative Team and Board of Directors have and continue to work toward resolving this important issue.

As the 20th century Irish philosopher C.S. Lewis said, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” We have the water cans out, and they are full.

Human Resources & Training It is the job of the training department to oversee and deliver our custom designed eighty hour orientation and supervision program for new staff. The program is designed to comply with Idaho Licensing Guidelines and contract responsibilities for the State of Washington. In addition, six and half days of classroom training help prepare staff for their jobs. All new staff is required to meet with the Director of Clinical Services to understand the expectations for supervision, mandated reporting and HIPAA. Recertification of staff is an ongoing responsibility and is delivered regularly to stay in compliance with Licensing. Additional trainings are offered to update staff on policy changes and corrections to current procedures. The training department convenes meetings bi-monthly with Flex staff to keep them up-todate on changes in the organization.

Northwest Children’s Home staff is trained in suicide prevention, de-escalation skills, physical restraint, child abuse and neglect, mandated reporting, prevention of abuse, program training, dispensation of medications, control of infectious disease, fire safety, search training, use of seclusion and close observation procedures and water safety for activities. Also, the training department designs and creates trainings regularly to be delivered at various meetings with various departments.

Employee Milestones as of June 30, 2014 3 Years Javier Rinehart, Martin Brothers, Fred Fowler, Leon Alberts, Jill Copeland, Busin Kim,

Brooke Vivian, Will Leaton, Steve Umphenour, Tom Briscoe, Patti Atkinson, Brianna Parry, Kim VanAusdle, Kitty Leach

5 Years Abbi Watson, Sarah Brantner, Tom Jordan, Nicole Moss, Sandy Parker 10 Years Christy Lunceford, Ronda Granlund, Sabrina Martinez 15 Years Dave Wetzstein 25 Years Bruce Grimoldby, Scott Mosher, Matt Russell 30 Years Beverly Daniels

The following people received Employee of the Quarter for the reporting period: Beth Kegley, Will Butler, Busin Kim, Kelley Bartz, Anna Holmes, Tania Hanchett, Nick Chesnut, Steve Umphenour, Debbie Hutchens, Nate Dalton, Lindsay Stryhas, Marvin Leister, Kristin Cordero, Leon Alberts, Melody Kujava-Finnell, Amy Guier, Rebecca Alderink, Alma Hudson, Taylor O’Harra, Savannah Kuther, Ronda Granlund, Mike Goodroad, Tina Slyter

Food Service Department July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 has seen many changes for the kitchen from the federal regulations of the National School Lunch Program to the physical changes of the new walk-in freezers and refrigerator. The kitchen staff is thankful to donors who made the walk-in freezers and refrigerator possible. The kitchen staff feeds the residents and staff three meals and two snacks per day. We prepared and served 85,924 meals and 44,708 snacks during the fiscal year.

Our staff also provided meals for Board of Directors meetings, off-campus Recreation Department activities, Education Center breakfast and lunch, and transport meals. We have been fortunate to partner with the Idaho Food Bank and Salvation Army. They help with a smile.

FOUR

85,924

Cooking demonstrations Provided by a Nutritionist

Meals provided

SIX Kitchen Staff Members

44,708

$15,570

Snacks provided

in-kind food donations

FUNDRAISING Lewiston Campus Fundraising plays an integral role in supporting our residents ability to Build a Brighter Future. It takes hundreds of volunteers, thousands of dollars, and an ever growing donor base to make Northwest Children’s Home a successful operation. It’s a combination of cash gifts, memorial and tribute funds, grants, special events, corporate partnerships, monthly pledges, bequests and in-kind donations that make our life changing services possible.

We thank you for your continual support and belief in our mission, vision, and most importantly, our kids.

There are a variety of community groups and volunteers who donated their time and resources to make Northwest Children’s Home a safe haven for abused, neglected and abandoned children. Volunteers dedicated working hours towards planting flowers, building walls, painting residential rooms, cleaning, general building maintenance, stuffing envelopes and making quilts for our children. Our staff appreciates your hard work.

2013-2014 Helping Hand Award Recipients: Y-105, Idaho Food Bank, Veronica Miracle, Eric Pardue, Jonathan Parker, Idaho State Senator Dan Johnson, Idaho State Representative Thyra Stevenson, Idaho State Representative John Rusche

2013-2014 Event Volunteers: Regence BlueShield of Idaho Employees, Donna Safley, Russ Martin, Christa Adams, Brenda Ryan, Lisa Davis, Mike & Kim Salisbury, Beverly Simpson, Carrie Johns, Ty Andrews, Sabrina Martinez, Jill Copeland, Beverly Daniels, Mtn. Top Photography

FUNDRAISING Syringa House Funds raised during 2013-14 were mainly used for general operations of the Syringa House, a Northwest Children’s Home program. The service of housing, educating, counseling, clothing and feeding the most needy of children of society. Overall with the help of donations and grants we are able to keep our doors open and have maintained our total net assets in order to continue serving children. The challenge over the next year will be to continue to market our programs in order to maintain a strong census and then to continue to be diligent in scrutinizing costs in order to get the most efficient use of the assets we have at our disposal.

Each year, Syringa House provides residential treatment services to approximately 30 girls ages 11-17. The majority graduate from Syringa House’s treatment program – meaning that they completed all their educational, behavioral, personal, and family goals while in our care. Almost all are reunited with a family member, placed with a foster-care family, or referred to another program to continue their growth. Many of the girls earn a high school diploma or their GED with a High School Equivalency while they heal. We also assist each girl with their educational tutoring and guidance so that when they are reunited with their families, they are prepared to continue attending K-12 school in their communities.

We would like to recognize the following companies and individuals who reached out this past year in support of Syringa House.

2013-14 Helping Hand Award Recipients: Sygenta Seeds, Sunwest Bank, Thrivent Financial, Micron Technology Foundation, Inc., Molina Medicaid Solutions, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and Jan Williams

2013-14 Southern Idaho Advisory Board Members: Rebekah Baker, Anne Baxter, Betsy Bolland, Alison Brown, Lynne Caba, Rachel Cossel, Sherry George, Connie Petersen, Sara McCandlish, Alana McKague, Pam Obenauer, and Debi Pillow

FRIENDS OF NORTHWEST CHILDREN’S HOME Bob Wyman Trust Clarendon Foundation Community Action Partnership Elsie & Clifford Lathen Trust Happy Day Corporation Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections Idaho Fish & Game Idaho Food Bank Joe Hall Ford John H. & Orah Brandt Foundation Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston Police Department Lewiston School District Nez Perce County Court Services Nez Perce County Prosecutors Office Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. Public Health Idaho North Central District Services Alternatives, Inc. The Gibney Family Foundation The Lightfoot Foundation Vocational Rehab Washington Division of Social & Health Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Troy, Chair Charlene Thomason, Vice-Chair Arnie Kadrmas, Treasurer Sam Canner, Immediate Past Chair John Keatts Mike Thomason Donna Safley John Hilderbrand Beverly Simpson Russ Martin Leslie Schrette John Bradbury Mike Salisbury Sherry George

Financial Position

3%

50%

47% CURRENT YEAR ACTUAL Jun 30 2014 Current Assets Cash - operations Cash - restricted Marketable securities, at market Accounts receivable Allowance for uncollectible accounts Prepaid expenses Total Current Assets Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Accumulated depreciation Net property and equipment Endowments Total Noncurrent Assets TOTAL ASSETS

1,476,221 2,059,211 2,988,584 454,948 (34,742) 114,799 7,059,021

Total Assets=

Total Net Assets=

Total Liabilities=

9,842,194 (5,558,379) 4,283,815 187,863 4,471,678 11,530,699 Jun 30 2014

Current Liabilities Accounts payable Accrued wages Accrued payroll taxes and withholdings Other accrued expenses Deferred revenue Long term liabilities Total Current Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities Lease Payable Total Noncurrent Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES Beginning net assets Change in net assets Net Assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

143,541 163,613 89,951 201,359 4,078 602,542 0 0 602,542 8,839,431 2,088,726 10,928,157 11,530,699

OPERATING REVENUES Residential Fees Education Fees Other Service Fees Program Grants Non-Cash Support Other Income CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUND RAISING Contributions and Fund Raising Interest and Dividends Investment Gains (Losses) Total Support and Revenues

5,756,825.00 310,849.00 0.00 125,429.00 49,290.00 166,705.00 2,362,800.00 57,911.00 302,937.00 9,132,746.00

LEWISTON CAMPUS

NAMPA CAMPUS

P.O. Box 1288 Lewiston, Idaho 83501 208-743-9404

1723 S. Horton Nampa, Idaho 83686 208-467-5223

www.northwestchildrenshome.org