New Heights Georgia Fall 2012

Rocking out at drumming camp ... 3

Philanthropy students choose Youth Villages ... 7

Family Victories from Youth Villages Georgia

John makes successful home for three ... 4

Fall 2012

Harley’s Rough Ride Residential therapy helps youth get back to family ... 5

Men are needed!

Male mentors needed for youth at Inner Harbour ... 6

A message from our directors Three years’ help for Georgia’s most troubled youth

Atlanta Douglasville

Georgia

GEORGIA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

It’s amazing how big a difference one person can make in a child’s life.

Erika Birg

Here in Georgia, there are many

Kenneth A. Campbell *

children who seek the support and at-

Robert F. Clayton

tention of another person. And we have

Rick Crain

many volunteers and staff who deliver

Marietta Davis*

for children.

Rob Douglass

In this newsletter we highlight Katrina Word, who manages our mentoring

Lynn Goldman

Emily Acker and Kate Cantrell

Archie Jones Jr.

initiative at our Youth Villages-Inner

Karole Lloyd*

Harbour Campus.

Lynn Merrill

Katrina left a successful 15-year career to pursue her passion to help chil-

Jennifer S. Queen*

dren. As one of our valuable AmeriCorps volunteers, she noticed something

Robert L. Rearden III

about the children at our campus – they needed someone outside of their

Julie Seitz

regular schedule. She began a small mentoring program and noticed how the

Matthew F. Tarkenton *

children thrived, how they looked forward to weekly visits from their mentors.

David Tyler *

She saw value in how mentoring complemented the hard work the children were doing to overcome traumatic pasts and serious behavior problems.

*member of Youth Villages’ national board of directors

It wasn’t a pill or a revolutionary therapy. It was a person – someone with a and sacrifice to do something about it. One boy who’d never thought of at-

Youth Villages board of directors

tending college is now studying to become a social worker because his mentor

Mike Bruns, Chairman

regularly talked with him about it.

Bryan Jordan, Vice Chairman

heart big enough to see what the children needed and a sense of compassion

Like Katrina’s initiative to help children at Youth Villages-Inner Harbour,

Jimmy Lackie, Secretary

our staff works tirelessly to find the person, friend or family member who can

Paul Bower, Treasurer

be the one to show a child the path to success. One child may open up to a

Jim Barton Jr.

volunteer, or a barrier between a father and son is broken down through the

Eric Bolton

support of a family intervention specialist. No matter what it is, it happens,

Marietta Davis

and over time that relationship can strengthen as trust nurtures it into a life-

Judith Edge

changing relationship.

Nicholas R. Ehlen

Then, as an adult, the child who was helped may seek out a child who needs his help.

Joanna Jacobson Rev. Robert Earl Jones

Your support helps make sure that happens. Thank you.

Karole Lloyd Mark Medford Johnny Pitts Ray Pohlman

Emily Acker Director of Residential Programs-Georgia 4685 Dorsett Shoals Road Douglasville, GA 30135 770-852-6298 emily.acker@youthvillages.org

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Kate Cantrell Director of Programs-Georgia 1777 Northeast Expressway NE, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30329 404-320-2957 kate.cantrell@youthvillages.org

2

Ronnie Randall Pat Ritz Michael Rose Matthew F. Tarkenton Scotland Thede David Tyler Patrick Lawler, CEO

News & Events

*82.7% of youth were in state custody at admission to the program.

Program Success As a national leader in the field of behavioral health, Youth Villages has measured

Outcomes

outcomes of children and families participating in its programs since 1994.

At six month follow-up No involvement with the law

100 80

0

96% In school or graduated

20

At home with family

40

74%

No involvement with the law

60

91%

Drumming Instructors Rock Out at Drum Camp Each year, therapeutic drumming instructors from the Youth

The graph above represents the status of Georgia youth at six months after discharge through March 2012. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 55 percent.

Villages-Inner Harbour Campus travel to Little Switzerland, N.C., for the Blue Ridge Drum and Dance camp.

Inner Harbour campus Events, success from our Douglasville campus

This year, nine AmeriCorps trainees, Michael Gordon from the Youth Villages-Bartlett Campus, three classroom teachers, Sadi Sobhan and Program Coor-

Innner

Captain

dinator Tom Harris attended the

Harbour’s

Planet

AmeriCorps

and

volunteers

represen-

teachers immerse students in

recently held a

tatives

West African drumming, includ-

blueberry festi-

from the

ing classes in djembe, dunun,

val on the cam-

Captain

krin, balaphone, kora, African

pus. The day

Planet

dance and more. Harris and his

of fun included

Foun-

students also tune and repair

blueberry

dation

drums during the camp.

desserts and

recently

drinks made

toured

raffled to benefit Inner Harbour’s

from blueberries grown on the Youth

the Inner Harbour Campus, with a

therapeutic drumming program,

Villages-Inner Harbour Campus, as

special focus on the garden. One of

raising more than $3,300, which

well as activities for volunteers and

the Inner Harbour classes made a

pays for African dance classes for

children.

vegetable dish, served in gourds, from

all of the students at the campus

vegetables picked in the garden.

for two months.

camp.

Seven African drumming

Two dununs (bass drums) were

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Volunteers Intercept specializes in diverting youth from out-of-home placements such as foster homes and reuniting chiltm

dren with their families in the community. Family intervention specialists provide services to the family, rather than just to the youth, meeting with families an average of three times weekly and remaining on call around the clock.

Specialists collaborate with other providers, case workers and courts to formulate a collaborative treatment plan.

John keeps his kids together John keeps rewards handy, and seems to forget how many times he repeats instructions, as if each time were the first.

As two children with special needs take advantage of every space in a sparse, tidy living room, he metes his instructions, over and over again, quick to smile and praise when they’re followed.

Miles, 12, the oldest and third sibling, enters with a hearty hello, giving his brother and sister a renewed energy John attempts to rein in. It doesn’t work. The children laugh and run about for a few minutes.

John, father of Miles, Meonah, 10, and Matthew, 8, shrugs it off. This is just the beginning of his evening.

“It’s a challenge,” John said. “But we’re working to-

John, far right, has his hands full with his children, Miles, Meonah and Matthew. But the family is close and happy, and they all work together to make the home work.

Youth Villages Family Intervention Specialist Kimberly Hardy is also pictured.

gether on a good routine and they’re getting better.”

Their energy drained for the moment, the children settle into personal projects. Meonah practices writing her letters, while Matthew plays at the other end of the living room. Miles sits in the kitchen eating a snack.

All three children were in foster care for eight years before John regained custody in September. Youth Villages Family Intervention Specialist Kimberly Hardy worked with the family to help ensure John had support in dealing with children who have special needs.

“John has done very well learning how to deal with special needs children,” Kimberly said. “He also had to learn how to communicate with caregivers and therapists.”

His children at times don’t want to be touched. They don’t like the feeling of a toothbrush on their teeth. They can have tantrums at any time. John learned about those moments, de-escalation techniques and community recontinued on page 6

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What we do works for Georgia’s kids • Youth Villages is one of the state’s largest providers of children’s behavioral health services.

• Since 2008, we have helped more than 1,000 children and families in Georgia in our inhome and residential programs.

• Our commitment is firm: we have invested more than $21 million in the state since 2008.

Success story Youth Villages’ residential treatment campuses provide intensive mental health treatment based on the Re-Education of Emotionally Disturbed Youth (Re-ED) therapy model. A structured routine helps children settle into a regulated lifestyle with clearly set expectations and a system of rewards and consequences. Emphasizing accomplishments and competence-building activities, Re-ED reinforces positive behavior changes and allows children to build trusting relationships with their counselors, teachers and other adults.

Harley — from hard tale to hugs There were times when Harley’s mother, Dana, wondered if they’d make it through the night.

“We always slept with one eye open,” she said.

In fact, she knew something was wrong when Harley was only 5 years old. He began having violent outbursts, throwing and breaking things.

He had no regard for his safety, and Dana didn’t know when it would happen.

“The more structured the environment, the more Harley fell apart,” she said. “He would try to jump out of the car when the wrong song was playing.”

He was referred to the Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus. It was there Harley worked with Residential Counselor Charmaine Simmons.

Harley sits outside his home with his mother, Dana. Harley had significant behavioral and psychological issues to overcome to be successful at home. During his stay at Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus, he learned how to cope with his frustration. At home, Harley’s parents learned how to handle situations to help ensure Harley and the rest of the family had a safe home.

Harley, 12, was diagnosed with severe pediatric bipolar disorder and also exhibited some symptoms of personality disorder with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder tendencies.

“Harley was a great kid and needed a lot of work and attention when he first came here,” Charmaine said. “We worked on setting boundaries and learning coping skills to handle his frustration.”

That coupled with proper medications set Harley on a path of change. His mother and father visited the scenic campus regularly, where they would go fishing at the Youth Villages-

make sure their son was safe.”

When he went to Youth Villages-Inner Harbour, Harley didn’t want to be touched.

Dana said his behavior seemed to change overnight. Now it’s different at home.

As Harley’s time at Youth VillagesInner Harbour came to an end, his mother said he would give her hugs and hold her hand. He’s come back to the family, so to speak, giving everyone peace of mind.

Inner Harbour’s pond. Sometimes they would take Harley to a public park.

“I used to feel so disconnected from Harley because I

“Harley’s parents have really worked hard to get through

didn’t recognize what he was doing,” Dana said. “Now, we

this situation and create a safe home for Harley,” Charmaine

know when Harley needs to be alone and when he’s ready

said. “We also showed the family how to handle situations and

for others.”

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Volunteers John plans ahead from page 4

Male mentors needed It didn’t take long for Katrina Word to realize the children at the Youth

sources to learn more about autism.

“I’m happy to have my children back,” John said. “But this is more

Villages-Inner Harbour Campus needed to see how much those in the community cared about them.

than just a full-time job. I’ve learned

“They were thirsty for outside atten-

how to plan ahead and also make

tion,” she said. “They behaved so well

sure they eat well and get plenty of

with outside people and individual

rest.”

attention.”

John overcame alcohol and sub-

Not long before that, Katrina was a

stance abuse to create a home for his

manager at a local bank and decided

children.

to change careers.

“If he hadn’t taken the steps for

Katrina Word, left, with Erik, 15.

The Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus needs male mentors to become role models for troubled

“You don’t walk away from finance,

custody, the children would have

but I realized I didn’t want to do it any

been placed for adoption,” Kimberly

more,” she said. “I wanted to help chil-

on the waiting list for male

said. “He struggled at first, but he’s

dren and saw an opportunity to pursue

mentors now. For information,

not afraid to ask questions and learn,

my dream.”

and he’s always had a strong love for his children.”

She returned to school and earned

teenage boys. There are boys

contact Katrina Word, Youth Villages volunteer and mentor

a second degree, then went to Youth

coordinator:

John said Kimberly and represen-

Villages-Inner Harbour as an Ameri-

770-852-6328 or

tatives from the Georgia Department

Corps volunteer. That was when she

of Family and Children Services were

saw the need for a mentoring program.

Katrina.Word@youthvillages.org

100 percent behind his effort.

Katrina has grown the program from a

one-on-one time with a mentor for him

few mentors and mentees to more than

to begin to realize his potential.”

“I knew the challenges I was facing,” John said. “But they kept me

40 children with mentors. In addition

positive. They worked with me all

to the mentoring program, she hosts

and reference check and are then

the way.”

corporate visits to the campus as well

matched with a child with complemen-

as helping with development and com-

tary needs or interests. They meet at

munity outreach.

least one hour each week with their

John has family and friends who help him out, but the children and he are tight – it’s clear they’re close to one another and their father, who has

But through mentoring, Katrina sees the biggest effect on the children.

dreams about their future success.

“I’d like to see them get the best

“One child at Youth Villages-Inner

Mentors go through a background

mentees.

“We’re not asking for a mentor to be a preacher or a parental figure,”

Harbour was from another state,” she

Katrina said. “The children just need

education,” John said. “I want them

said. “He didn’t have family and friends

someone to be there and spend time

to graduate high school and be suc-

visiting regularly, and like most teens,

with them. It is amazing to see how the

cessful.”

wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with

kids transform through mentoring.”

John begins to sweep the kitchen

his life. One of the teacher-counselors

One mentor went through training

as the children sit together on the

at Youth Villages-Inner Harbour

and became a foster parent for his

sofa. Miles sings along with the

agreed to become his mentor. They

mentee, eventually adopting him. The

opening song to “Bob the Builder” on

talked a lot and worked out together at

mentee mentioned earlier is pursuing

the television. They’re settled, eating

the mentor’s gym. The mentor asked

a degree to become a youth counselor

a snack. It’s apparent this is the fam-

the boy to strive for more, and now

or social worker.

ily’s together time.

this young man is attending college

“I had to work things out, but it

“Our mentors are incredible, and

near his home. He needed a male role

every one of them brings their own

was up to me – I was the last option,”

model, and thanks to our mentor, this

magic,” Katrina said. “The children do

John said. “Someone else in my situ-

young man found avenues to success

better in school, but most importantly,

ation, I’d tell them my story and tell

he would’ve never thought of on his

the kids are happier.”

them it can be done.”

own or in a group setting. It took that

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Contributions The following donors made gifts to Youth Villages between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2012. The board of directors and staff of Youth Villages gratefully acknowledge these thoughtful contributions.

If you made a contribution during this time but it is not listed, please call the Youth Villages Development department at 404-320-2969.

Protector $5,000-9,999

Builder $1,000-$4,999

Friend of Youth Villages $100-$999

JPMorgan Chase Mrs. Catharine D. Smith Mr. and Mrs. James A. Parrish, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Campbell Credit Suisse

Captain Planet Foundation United Way of Greater Atlanta McKenna Long & Aldridge Ms. Marietta Davis Darden Restaurants Ms. Susan Burns Mendicino Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Tarkenton Ms. Katelyn Jones Ms. Temeshia Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen White Robert Wood Johnson Foundation United Way of Tampa Bay Georgia State Personnel Administration Mt. Zion United Methodist Women Publix Super Market - #485 SunTrust Mr. Charles Turpin

Carey Cox Wyatt Foundation Mr. Gordon Sherman Mr. William Mecke Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas Mr. Glenn Carr Master Sgt. John Ashmore SunTrust One Pledge Campaign Dr. Jocelyn Cox Ms. Patricia Walsh Mr. Jay Forlini Ms. Barbara Brewton Mr. Joseph Dees Mr. Kenneth Robinson Ms. Kathleen Evans Ms. Emma Leinweber

Thank you, Westminster!

The Westminster Philanthropy 101 class recently visited the Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville.

The visit was part of the summer classes’ curriculum.

Students had the opportunity to read the Harvard Business School Case study on Youth Villages and then to visit the campus to see our work firsthand.

Youth Villages was also honored to be chosen by the students to receive a generous donation from the Glenn Family through the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning.

Many of the students and the teachers, Stan Moor and Sally Finch, also contributed to support our work in Georgia.

A big thank you to the students and faculty of Westminster Schools!

Mary Norman, director of development for Youth Villages Georgia, stands at far left with the philanthropy class at Westminster School. Westminster philanthropy students recently donated more than $600 to Youth Villages.

How you can help!

Mary Norman Director of Development 404-320-2969 mary.norman@youthvillages.org

There are numerous

Stay in touch online youthvillages.wordpress.com www.twitter.com/youthvillages

ways to help. Volunteer or donate such needed

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

items as clothing, furni-

www.youthvillages.org

ture and other supplies.

Please call or e-mail me to find out how to help.

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YOUTH VILLAGES

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

1777 Northeast Expressway NE, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30329

(Address Service Requested)

A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than 20,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Jeffersonville, Madison Massachusetts: Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, Worcester Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Greenville, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.

New Heights Georgia is published by Youth Villages

Managing Editor: Mary Norman

Associate Editor: Chris Pennington Please e-mail Mary.Norman@youthvillages.org or call 404-320-2969 to have your name removed from our mailing list.

Founded in 1986, Youth Villages is a private nonprofit organization with a national reputation for offering the most effective programs and services to help emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully. The organization helps more than 20,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family Restoration™ approach involves intensive work with the child and family, a focus on measuring outcomes, keeping children in the community whenever safely possible, and providing unprecedented accountability to families and funders. The EFR approach produces lasting success for children, with success rates twice that of traditional services at one-third the cost of traditional care.