IMPACT Winter 2013 2014 Issue

t

on young lives.

The Arrowsmith Program is founded on neuroscience research and over 30 years of experience. Arrowsmith identifies, intervenes and strengthens weak cognitive capacities (underlying learning dysfunctions) through a program of specific cognitive excercises. “Arrowsmith complements our existing program and will enhance our ability to make a difference in so many children’s lives,” said Dr. Brown.

Howard Eaton Ed.M., (LD author, founder and director of Learning Disability schools in Canada) states, "Relatively few parents and educators knew about how the brain can change itself and how this knowledge can be applied to children struggling in school. Children do not have to spend the rest of their lives

coping with the severe cognitive functioning problems that come with learning disabilities and attention disorders."

Howard added, "There is a significant amount of research on the effectiveness of the Arrowsmith Program. The most current results of the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan study indicate that after one year in the program, there is statistically significant progress in achievement skills.”

The Brehm School Foundation is very proud to have granted the needed $50,000 to launch the Arrowsmith Program at Brehm School in 2013. The funding sent instructors to Toronto for intensive training and covered the costs of resources to implement the program on campus. The Foundation has also committed another $60,000 from unrestricted donations and pledges for the 2013-2014 School Year to expand the program at Brehm to keep up with growing interest from our families. The Foundation also has plans to raise additional funds for OPTIONS to launch Arrowsmith within the year. We are so thankful to all of our donors who allow us to continue advancing Brehm and OPTIONS forward! <>

Photo: Patrick Rochon

2

“Brehm has always been dedicated to education, research and cutting-edge practices to best serve our students and their families,” said Dr. Brian Brown, Executive Director of Brehm and OPTIONS. “That’s how we discovered the Arrowsmith Program, which is a perfect fit for Brehm.”

r e t n i W

Making an

0

1

3

/

2

0

1

4

I

s

s

u

e

I m pa

There has never been a more exciting time for neuroscience.

OPTIONS students (left to right) Shelby S. and Autumn D. learn from Independent Living Counselor Leah Reynolds about how to know when meat is safely done grilling during a recent Culinary Diversity Dinner.

BREHM WELCOMES BACK NEW TRUSTEE graduated from Brehm in 1994 and was the first recipient of the Brehm Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.

Matt is currently a structure/geotechnical engineer at Black & Veatch, a global engineering, consulting, construction and operations company.

Matt Marosek

When asked about his many accomplishments since graduating from Brehm, Matt responded, “I received a B.S., Geology from Marshall University, B.S. Civil Engineering from West Virginia University Institute of Technology, M.S.M. Project Management from Colorado Technical University, Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Kansas and North Dakota, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and I was recently accepted into Kansas State M.S.C.E. program with the ambition to obtain an M.S.C.E. in Structural Engineering.”

Matt joined the Brehm Board of Trustees on July 18, 2013.

When asked what he hoped to experience as a new member of the Brehm Board of Trustees, Matt said, “To have the opportunity to give back to Brehm, and I believe that I will be able to provide a unique perspective to the Board as a Brehm alumnus. I offer to the board my life experiences, personal attributes and professional competencies and hope to have the opportunity to contribute to evaluating, planning, and executing Brehm's organizational objectives.”

Matt added, “I am also very grateful for many of the tools and skills that I learned while at Brehm.” <>

O u r 2 0 1 3 G r a d u at i n g C l a s s !

We are thrilled about our latest graduating class (our 30th year). Brehm’s best champions have always been those who have experienced Brehm themselves.

You can help Brehm by spreading the word to help us help other families. We still have availability for new students right now! As you most probably know, we have a rolling admission (no admission deadline).

So, please share your Brehm successes with others and have them contact admissions at any time at 618.457.0371. <> Thank you!

Donna Collins,

Brehm Director of Admissions donna.collins@brehm.org

2

W I N T E R

2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4

Y A

!

IMPACTING YOUNG LIVES

L E G A C Y

A

G I F T

L E G A C Y

G

Z

I F T

2013 - 2014 Carey Marie Walsh Memorial Scholarship

2013 - 2014 Carey Marie Walsh Memorial Scholarship “Brehm has changed my life!

“I like how the teachers here help me one on one and help me understand the material at my pace.

When I first came to Brehm I was still trying to learn my ABC's. Now, I've learned to read books. I am now a senior, and I am working on finding the right college or trade school in New Mexico, near my parents.”

The Arrowsmith classes and work I do during the day and evening are also making a big difference for me.”

– Scott H., recipient of the Carey Marie Walsh Memorial Scholarship

– Alex J., recipient of the Carey Marie Walsh Memorial Scholarship

To learn how you can make a memorial gift in the name of your loved one, contact The Brehm School Foundation today at 618.457.0371.

Greplytix report

Kylie’s Gifts

by Dr. Richard G. Collins Director of The Institute of Cognitive and Curricular Research richard.collins@brehm.org Greplytix is easy to use software that integrates data; management, analytic, and visualization tools to best assist student progress. Dr. Brown gave a Greplytix presentation over the recent Parents Weekend showing how we are using the software/ database on the Brehm Campus to measure the ongoing progress of our students. The holistic model demonstrated the rank ordered progress of our students across all of the behavioral, social, and academic competencies we are tracking and analyzing in visual/graph form.

“I struggled in the public school system with focus and attention in a mainstream classroom. I also struggled with taking tests, reading out loud and completing tasks,” Kylie said. “My parents knew that I needed help and started to research programs, and that is where my journey began.”

Kylie says before she attended Brehm, “I was scared, nervous, angry and afraid. I just felt really uncomfortable in my own skin.”

Kylie Cyr graduated from Brehm in 1997 and also attended OPTIONS. Then, she went on to attend John A. Logan College, Ohio State University, Boise State University, and Western Carolina University with a major in Communications.

Our parents tell me that they value this great tool. We also received very helpful suggestions to help us streamline and improve Greplytix.

Thank you!

Among her many professional accomplishments, Kylie became Admissions Director of SOAR (an adventure-based wilderness program and experiential education service for individuals and families dealing with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders) in 2008.

We will prioritize the targeted areas of performance and reduce the variables presented to students as a whole. Staff and parents will be able to track the full complement of competencies as we continue to move forward. Greplytix will be conducting beta-site evaluations with four schools for L.D. students starting in early 2014, and we will soon be talking to four public schools about using Greplytix in the public sector.

“I have always loved helping others, and one day I realized that I have an amazing story to share with so many families looking for help,” Kylie Cyr Peters (now married and expecting her first child) said.

“I’ve learned that I am a survivor and can overcome hurdles and obstacles that life will throw my way. I am a strong, confident woman now with a full toolbox of strategies to help me overcome anything.”

Joe Viscomi, our CEO, has also just presented at the International Dyslexia Foundation’s ‘Dyslexia and the Brain Conference’ at the Harvard Medical School Conference Center, which was well received. Joe and I will also have given a demonstration to the heads of L.D. schools at the International Dyslexia Association Conference in New Orleans by the time you read this article. We will return to New Orleans in January to present again at the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. The word is getting out, and we anticipate we will be marketing Greplytix in the fall of 2014.

Spread the word and wish us luck. <>

Designated donations to support Greplytix can be made via The Brehm School Foundation.

In September of 2013, Kylie was hired as an admissions recruitment and Alumni Relations representative for Brehm.

Welcome, Kylie!

“Brehm has changed my life and my family dynamic, and I want to help others achieve the same growth and success,” she said. “The teachers and staff are amazing and always have the best interest of the students at heart. To be a part of all of that is truly a gift!” <> 3

Brehm: Home Improvement Needs

By Walt Tomczak Chief Operating Officer, walter.tomczak@brehm.org and Brian Brown Ph.D. Executive Director, brian.brown@brehm.org Brehm’s campus has undergone a great deal of change over the past thirty years with dormitory and classroom expansions, new classroom buildings, and the construction of our dinning hall/gym (Student Activities Center).

The original dorms were constructed in 1982 with the last renovations taking place in 1998.

The dorms are showing their age and are now in need of major renovations.

The dorm hallways are too narrow, making it difficult for two students to pass each other.

In addition, the bathroom/shower rooms are small, and four dorms could benefit from a more efficient heating and cooling system.

The time has come to start updating the dorms in a planned, phased manner.

We have hired a local architectural firm who is working with the Brehm staff on preliminary designs for dorm renovations. We hope to have some initial plans available at our upcoming Brehm Strategic Planning Weekend on January 31st and February 1st at the Carbondale campus.

We hope many of you can join us. Brehm has accomplished great things over the years because of our families and their ongoing involvement and support. Strategic planning, which includes all of our stakeholders, provides short-term focus and long-range vision to meet the current and future needs of a growing body of students challenged with learning disabilities and differences.

(above) Students work together on a RIVER FLOW MODEL simulator, designing a habitat they think works best for their "tribes community." The river flow simulator promotes TEAM WORK and allows the students to learn about WEATHER, EROSION, and DEPOSITS in a HANDS-ON approach. When the instructor lets the river flow, the students can see firsthand which of their concepts worked and which did not.

º

Please mark your calendar, and let us know if you will be able to come. <> Welcome Erin!

Erin Camfield was hired as Foundation Associate in July. Erin is working with the Director of the Foundation, Russell Williams. “I look forward to bringing my developed skill set and learning new skills to help exceed our goal to further enhance the education of Brehm and OPTIONS students”. Contact Erin at 618.457.9162 or erin.camfield@brehm.org <>

4

W I N T E R

2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4

OPTIONS: Growing Pains

º

º

Brehm’s first ever summer program called Summer Scenarios was a fantastic success (and, of course ,a lot of fun!) Full of unique adventures and exploring for each tribe, Experiential learning was at the core of the program that finished up at the end of July with a graduation ceremony including an ice cream truck visit on campus and a trip to the skating rink.

By Char Reed, Director of OPTIONS charlene.reed@experienceoptions.org A visit to OPTIONS will substantiate the concept of growing pains.

In many ways, it’s a wonderful, beautiful reality for a program – to be “BUSTING AT THE SEAMS,” and we have been for some time.

It reflects that the instruction and support the program offers are working.

If a program is retaining students and, at the same time, attracting new students, it is because it is offering worthwhile opportunities to students and families. That is what is happening at OPTIONS. OPTIONS has more students than ever before. An examination of enrollment records will reflect that fifteen years ago, OPTIONS had an enrollment of thirteen students. Just ten

(left, center and above) Each tribe was given a “survival kit” including duct tape, clear tarp, waterproofing spray, boxes and decorations with their tribe’s color. They were briefed on water safety and the challenge goal (to cross the pond.) This was one of many fun learning challenges that focused on problem solving and teamwork.

º

years ago, the enrollment was nineteen students; last year, there were forty-three. This year, there are forty-nine students enrolled in programs at OPTIONS. This growth creates opportunities for new relationships and experiences in managing social relationships. It requires expanding instruction in the classrooms and in the apartments. It introduces the students (and the staff) to new learning experiences.

But, in order to maintain the quality of services delivered to students, the OPTIONS team also has been required to find creative ways to deal with a capacity crowd. Daily, that means classes in the staff workroom and in any other available nook and cranny. For fourteen hours each week, it means that the Associate Director abandons her office space so that it can be used for instructional purposes. Many of the staff have to park across the street, as our parking lot is usually full. In the apartments, group meetings have to be “sized down” or held elsewhere. We have no space where we can meet as an entire group, so we have to meet in smaller groups.

I won’t go into detail about the wait for the two student bathrooms in the instructional building; suffice it to mention that two student bathrooms are not enough. These are just a few of the challenges that OPTIONS’ growth has created.

OPTIONS is at a crossroads. A decision has to

2014 Strategic Planning Weekend

All the great things we have accomplished came out of past Strategic Planning Weekends.

All stakeholders (parents, alumni, alumni parents, board members, faculty and January 31st - February 1st staff) of Brehm School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence are encouraged to attend this inclusive retreat to celebrate our successes, evaluate our current needs and opportunities, and create goals for the future.

For more information, contact Heather Manis, Director of Human Resources at 618.457.0371.

If you cannot attend you may send an an email to heather.manis@brehm.org which will be read and also become part of the meeting minutes.

5

be made as to whether the enrollment will be “capped” and maintained, or whether the program will expand – in terms of both facilities and services. It is an exciting prospect and one that requires careful consideration and planning.

At the root of each consideration will be protecting the quality of services OPTIONS provides each student. The foundation of its existing strengths and the multifaceted talents of its stakeholders will shape the vision for the future of OPTIONS. <>

ANNUAL HONOR ROLL OF DONORS From July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013

Carol Brehm Society Gifts from $25,000 and above Mr. James D. Gibbs and Mrs. Kaye L. LaFollette Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Jacobs Myrandas Child & Family Foundation Roberts Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wojtowicz Dr. Mark E. Zmijewski and Mrs. Jennifer Jones Founder's Club Gifts from $10,000 - $24,999 Ms. Cheonae Kim Mr. Mark and Rev. Stacy Tate Mr. and Mrs. John Calamos Thomas and Charleen Walsh Family Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hackett Mr. and Mrs. Dale Garth 1982 Society Gifts from $5,000 - $9,999 Mr. Craig and Dr. Gerry Schermerhorn Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Phelps Mr. and Mrs. Craig Wielansky Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Coscia Mr. and Mrs. J. David Wrather, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Richard G. Collins Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barnes Mr. Edward J. Blake, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kueppers Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Rak GE Foundation George A. Bates Memorial Foundation Headmasters Club Gifts from $2,500 - $4,999 Mr. Edward Brill and Dr. Michele Levin Marathon Oil Company Ms. Elena Duarte, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. William Ryan Henry Luce Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter Blackmore Mr. and Mrs. John Wrather Mr. and Mrs. G W. Christopherson Dr. Ronald Hurston Mrs. Floy O. Daugherty Schwab Charitable Fund Drs. Christopher and Cathy Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Neil Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Black Blue Ribbon Club Gifts from $1,000 - $2,499 Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Leiter Mr. and Mrs. Aashish Ponda Mr. Philip G. and Dr. Sarah Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Mark Clancy Ms. Stacie Graham Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Chapekis Mr. Jonathan Puth and Mrs. Mira Courpas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. McCall Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Brumback, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Anastasios J. Karalis Dr. Michael L. Safran and Dr. Geraldine Keyes Mrs. Rita O. Dodd Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ferry Mr. and Mrs. Michael Andreas Mr. and Mrs. Dana M. Barkley Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery J. Burds Dr. and Mrs. James Chapin Ms. Wanda Krause Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Laird Mr. and Mrs. E. William Le Fevre Mr. and Mrs. Peter LeBlond Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Meehan Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Sheriff Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Shure Mr. and Mrs. Menlo Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sweeney Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, LLC Fannie Mae SERVE Matching Laclede Gas Company Benefactors Gifts from $500 - $999 Ms. Jo Ann Alley Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Gellert Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Tomczak Dr. Robert Agranoff Dr. Jeffrey S. Kellogg and Mrs. Lisa Devon Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Carson Greene Ms. Anne Hurston Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Greg Wessels Mr. Jeffrey A. Bilyeu Ms. Kathryn D. Christopherson Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kuehn Mr. and Mrs. James Wexstten Mr. and Mrs. Steven Fox Mr. Eric Claeys and Ms. Susan Weber Mrs. Barbara L. Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vaughan Ms. Jeannine J. Banning Mr. and Mrs. Willard J. Reagan Mr. and Mrs. Eric Drattell Mr. John K. Graham Ms. Julia A. Johns Mr. and Mrs. William R. Kifer

Mr. Simon Noble and Mrs. Patricia Beeck Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pereles Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Poremski Mr. Paul Steege Mr. and Mrs. James Wexler Advocates Gifts from $250 - $499 Dr. Yvonne D. Jones Mr. Jim Ross and Mrs. Christine Mackey-Ross Ms. Beth W. Gifford Southern Illinois Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Weiss Mrs. Carol J. Graham Mr. and Mrs. Gary Montgomery Ms. Mary Strother Dr. and Mrs. John Ranzini Mr. Theo G. Morris and Ms. Marian Appiah-Kubi Mr. Scott M. Donovan Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Jim Jacobs Mr. James M. Bangel and Ms. Louise Gomer Bangel Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bunchman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Evans Mr. Eugene Gellert Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Lach Ms. Sheila Murphy and Mr. Dennis Kearney Mr. and Mrs. Neal Peyser Mr. and Ms. George Ruskan Mr. Hugh Sakols Ms. Lydia Walter Hampton Inn Mr. and Mrs. Rod Arends Mr. and Mrs. Bob Batal Dr. and Mrs. Brian P. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Gonzales Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Hamburg Mr. David Hirschberg and Ms. Cheryl Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Roger Keech Dr. Michele Kemp Mr. Steven J. Potter and Mrs. Terri Kollman Mr. and Mrs. Halsey Sandford Mrs. Anne M. Swaim Mr. and Mrs. Allan Weiss Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Stewardship Gifts from $100 - $249 Ms. Mary E. Hart Mr. and Mrs. Albert Novara Mr. and Mrs. Quinton Crabtree Ms. Pam Altman Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Fowler Dr. and Mrs. Gary Friend Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Kornblet Dr. Raphael Lee and Dr. Kathy Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Edwin P. Marosek Mr. and Mrs. Steve Peyser Mr. David Poldoian and Ms. Carolyn Zacarian Drs. Krishnakant and Smita Raiker Ms. Beth Ritter Dr. Robert A. Shively Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Weintraub Mrs. Jennifer L. Phillips Mrs. Meghan E. Collins-Morse and Mr. Daryl Morse Mr. and Mrs. Garland S. Cassada Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Dennerline, III Ms. Karen G. Fisher Mr. Leonard Goldberg and Ms. Maureen Gebhardt Dr. and Mrs. Philip Goldfarb Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Landis Dr. Mark Linzer Mr. and Mrs. Roger D. Miller Morse Family Mr. Morgan Tate Dr. John H. Heiligenstein, II Mr. and Mrs. Michael McDonnell Ms. Maria Quinlan Mrs. Lisa M. Laird-Farley Mr. and Mrs. David Huntoon Ms. Jennie Reeves Mr. Wayne Goodwin Mr. Michael B. Sims Miss Christina A. Blessing Mr. and Mrs. Gary Miller Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Perrin Dr. and Mrs. Tal Brown Mrs. Martha F. Ikner Mrs. Marilyn Adaire Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Arnold Mr. and Mrs. John Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm J. Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bartolotta Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Bartolotta Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Bradbury Mr. Jackson Carpenter Mr. Barry T. Cervantes Dr. Matt Denis Ms. Leslie Des Roches Mr. Riccardo DiMonte Ms. Barbara A. Drew Mr. and Mrs. Myron Eberle Mr. George L. Fonyo Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Gomes, Jr. Mr. Robert Grimmer Dr. Herbert Gross Mr. Mark D. Hassakis Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Holland Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Honeycutt

Mr. Murray Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jensen Mrs. Doris L. Kraft Mr. and Mrs. Steve Krause Mr. and Mrs. Doug A. Laczynski Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Landis Mr. and Mrs. Roger L. Lapp, Jr. Ms. Cindy Leeck Mrs. Barbara W. MacKenzie Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Morris Mr. and Mrs. John P. Murphy, III Mr. James J. Murphy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Naes Ms. Andrea Norton Mr. and Mrs. Paul Podjasek Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ramaker Dr. and Mrs. Mark Reuter Mr. Steve Shill and Ms. Suzanne van de Velde Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shultz Mr. and Mrs. T. Timothy Tuerff Vacek Family Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Van Dyke Mr. and Ms. Charles K. Vineyard Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. Wickens The Yvonne and Phillip Dressel Foundation

W h y

G i v e

By Dr. Gerry Schermerhorn, Brehm Board of Trustees Vice-President We have been a Brehm family since 2007 when our son, Chad, enrolled as a mid-year junior. The following school year, Chad’s younger brother, Alex, joined him at Brehm as a freshman.

Although their interests and challenges were notably different, both young men had been identified with Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as language-based learning disabilities. After the frustrations we had experienced with our local public school, we were so grateful to have found an environment where their learning differences would be not only understood but also addressed in a constructive, creative, and effective manner.

Friends Gifts from $50 - $99 Mr. Joseph Guerra and Ms. Susan McMichael Mr. William B. Berger and Rev. Julia Allen Berger Mr. and Mrs. William Pickart Ms. Sarah Renshaw Hairbrains Ms. Tracy L. Stolz Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Maher Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Williams Ms. Arda Konialian-Beck Dr. and Mrs. James J. McDonald Ms. Carol Hess Mrs. Andrea Keene Mr. Allen Kohn Ms. Christine E. Strusz Ms. Jennifer R. Conwell-Barnes Ms. Connie Abercrombie Ms. Merrie T. Barney Ms. Jane H. Barr Ms. Vickie L. Cyr Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Elsperman Mr. and Mrs. Charles Flournoy Mrs. Scherrie V. Giamanco Mr. and Mrs. Harris Goldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hand Mr. and Mrs. Steve Heeney Mr. Jimmy Higgins and Ms. Jordan Tate-Higgins Katherine G. Klingler Mr. Ralph Korte Mr. Greg Kupiec Mr. Michael Murray Ms. Renee Ouellette and Mr. Eric Morin Mr. Paul and Dr. Suma Peter Mr. John S. Rendleman Mr. and Mrs. Manuel A. Eskildsen Mr. and Mrs. David Sherman, Jr. Dr. Kevin Smith and Mrs. Patty Berg-Smith Mr. Alan Sturges Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery C. Vincent Mrs. Dorothy Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Whittaker Egyptian Revival Flexway Trucking, Inc. Murdale True Value, Inc. Newell House

While we had serious initial reservations about sending our boys “away” to boarding school, our reluctance was countered by the welcoming warmth and infectious enthusiasm that greeted our family on our first visit to Brehm that chilly February day.

Certainly, the administrators and teachers we met were impressive in the obvious passion and commitment they showed for their work and their ability to efficiently comprehend and articulate how our sons‘ needs could be met. But by far, the deciding factor for our family was meeting students who openly shared part of their school day and related their own experiences at Brehm, as well as their plans for the future.

Both Chad and Alex have graduated from Brehm, and both have progressed through OPTIONS to the Extension Program. While their support needs have lessened as they have matured and gradually developed more independence, they remain part of the Brehm/ OPTIONS community. Traveling their respective paths thus far, each son has encountered triumphs, as well as hurdles and even detours. Throughout this journey, we as parents have remained confident that they are part of a safe, supportive, and student-centered culture guided by knowledgeable and dedicated professionals.

We will be forever grateful for the truly comprehensive education our sons have received at Brehm with its focus on their social and emotional development in addition to their academic progress and vocational preparation.

Brehmies Gifts from $5 - $49 Mr. and Mrs. A. Charles Roland, III Mrs. Maureen Whitsett Ms. Jane E. Goode and Mr. Robert V. Crow Bandana's BBQ Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Behm Mr. and Mrs. Alan Brennaman Mr. Sal A. Costello Mr. and Mrs. William Cyr Mrs. Tammy B. Greenberg-Duble Mr. John Hardison and Mrs. Cynthia Schalk Mr. and Mrs. James Harr Dr. J. Calvin Holsinger Mr. Don Nies Mrs. Natalie B. Phelps Tate Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Schreiber Mrs. and Mr. Melissa Stoner Mr. and Mrs. Sanford W. Weiss Mrs. Cynthia S. Woods Mr. and Mrs. Alan DeBoom Mr. Michael Hosmon Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Kosuth Ms. Jamie S. Niman Siemianowski Family Mr. and Mrs. James Wooldridge Cool Spoons Frozen Yogurt Pritchard Family Mrs. Elizabeth Graff Ms. Patricia Baker Ms. Patricia J. Dakin-Sinclair Ms. Tenisha A. Miller Mrs. Dorothy Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Dustin J. Rickman Brehm has taken every measure to ensure the accuracy of the list of donors for the dates above. We apologize if we inadvertently overlooked an organization or individual who supported our work.

W e

We give to Brehm with the understanding that for a private, non-profit school, tuition monies cover basic costs, but more is needed to go beyond the basics. As a family, we feel privileged to be able to contribute to the further development of the Brehm mission and vision. We give in recognition of Brehm’s profound impact on our sons’ lives, as well as the lives of so many past, present, and future students. <>

Make a safe and secure online donation 24/7 (one time or recurring) at Brehm.org/foundation or ExperienceOPTIONS.org/foundation.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted.

Please visit us today!

The Gift of Education and Independence

Brehm School Foundation | 1245 E. Grand Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 | 618.457.0371 Like us on Facebook

6

W I N T E R

2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4

Follow us on LinkedIn

L I FETIME G IV ING RECO G NI TI O N Updated as of October 2013

P L AT I N U M B E N E F A C T O R Lifetime Gifts of $150,000 and above

Anonymous Family Mrs. Carol Brehm The Clarkson Group Mr. Mike Stevens and Mrs. Anne Fischetti Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Phelps The Brehm School Foundation was happy to host the OPTIONS Parents Weekend Reception at Brehm’s Student Activities Center in October.

GOLD BENEFACTOR Lifetime Gifts of $50,000 to $149,999

Mr. Philip and Dr. Sarah Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barnes Dr. and Mrs. Richard G. Collins Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Mr. and Mrs. John Cooney Mr. Edward A. Bayne and Ms. Lea Delacour Mr. Stephen Frates Mr. J. David Gibbs and Mrs. Kaye L. LaFollette The General Electric Foundation Ms. Robin Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Jacobs Shaner Management, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sweeney Mr. Mark and Rev. Stacy Tate Mr. and Mrs. Craig Wielansky Dr. Mark E. Zmijewski and Mrs. Jennifer Jones

DID YOU KNOW?

CORPORATE/FOUNDATION MATCHING GIFTS: Many companies match 501(c)(3) charitable organization gifts of spouses, retirees, and surviving spouses of retirees in addition to gifts from current employees. If you work for a company that matches gifts, you can double your gift by following your employer's matching gift procedures. Please contact your personnel or human resources office for eligibility information and to obtain a matching gift form. <>

BREHM/OPTIONS ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

S I LV E R B E N E F A C T O R Lifetime Gifts of 25,000 to 49,999 $

$

The Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Support Foundation Mr. Edward Brill and Dr. Michele Levin J & B Cooney Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Barry Edelman Mr. and Mrs. William Eppard Dr. Ronald Hurston Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kueppers Mr. and Mrs. Earl J. Magdovitz Dr. Reuben Elbert Mayo Mrs. Martha McGregor Myranda's Child & Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Milligan Dr. and Mrs. V. D. Pierce, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Rak Mr. Craig & Dr. Gerry Schermerhorn Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Sheriff Thomas and Charleen Walsh Family Mr. and Mrs. Allan Will Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wojtowicz 7

C O N TA C T

I N F O R M AT I O N

q YES, I want to provide the ongoing support that is critical to Brehm and OPTIONS students through the Brehm School Foundation. Please accept my gift of $________.

Name__________________________________________________________ Home Address ___________________________________________________ City ______________________________ State _______ Zip ____________ Preferred Phone __________________________________________________ Please circle one: Cell Home Business Preferred E-mail _____________________________________________________ Affiliation (circle one):

Alumna/Alumnus Friend

Business

Parent

Grandparent

Staff

q I wish to DOUBLE MY GIFT (pledge or donation) by applying it to the SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID MATCHING CHALLENGE:

A generous anonymous donor has pledged $100,000 to the Foundation to provide tuition assistance to eligible Brehm and OPTIONS families. In an agreement with the donor, the Foundation is seeking to double the impact of this gift by raising $100,000 in matching funds. q I am paying by check made payable to “Brehm School Foundation.” q I am paying by credit card (Please circle one):

Visa

Mastercard

__________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number Expiration date __________________________________________________________________ Cardholder signature (required) q Please accept my pledge of $______________________________.

I will fulfill my pledge by _____________________________ (date).

Please apply my gift to: q General Fund q Staff Development q Student Scholarships/Financial Aid Fund q Student Programs q Other (please specify) _____________________ Questions? Contact the Brehm School Foundation, at (618) 457-0371 or FoundationInfo@Brehm.org The campaign/fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30.

The Brehm School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, ensures the continuing advancement and mission of Brehm School and OPTIONS.

IMPACT-W13