New Heights Mississippi - Fall 2014

Trustmark steps up as Backpack Hero ... 4

Honoring Mississippi’s Champions for Children ... 6

Junior League of Jackson partners with YV ... 4

Family Victories from Youth Villages Mississippi

Winter 2014

Back in family hands

Consistent message helps Chris turn behavior around — page 5

A model organization

Journalists highlight how Youth Villages succeeds in new book and tell Fred’s story, a youth who received help from several YV programs — page 4

A message from our director

Hernando Tupelo Greenwood

Columbus

Mississippi

Because you believe in children

Vicksburg Meridian Jackson

Brookhaven

Thanks to your help and support, Youth Villages Missis-

Natchez

Hattiesburg

sippi is reaching out to help more children and families Biloxi

than ever before.

I’m heartened by our recent partnerships that strengthen

YOUTH VILLAGES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

our relationships with the community and businesses.

Our recent partnership with the Junior League of Jackson adds a much-needed element to our monthly foster

Bryan Jordan, Chairman

parent support group meetings. In addition to providing meals, Junior League volunteers also use that time to of-

Katja Russell

fer life skills education to children attending the meeting.

Thanks to Trustmark National Bank, we provided more

Bill Giles, Vice Chairman Matthew Tarkenton, Secretary Paul Bower, Treasurer Mike Bruns, Chairman Emeritus

than 250 backpacks full of school supplies for Mississippi school children in

Marietta Davis

need.

Judith Edge

If you’ve ever wondered how this support, whether through volunteering

Nicholas R. Ehlen

or donating time or money, has an effect on kids, read about Chris and his

Jack A. Eiferman

mother, Leigh Anne.

Willie Gregory

Faced with a downward spiral of behavior from Chris, her young son, Leigh

Joanna Jacobson

Anne had run out of options. Chris’ school had turned its back, and despite

Karole Lloyd

Leigh Anne’s pleas, no one was offering to help.

Mark Medford

When the family was referred to Mississippi Youth Programs Around the

Johnny Pitts

Clock, Leigh Anne wasn’t sure anything would help. But she bought into the

H. Patterson Ritz

program, and Chris’ school came on board.

Michael Rose

There is still a way to go for Chris, but he’s back in his school and his grades are better.

Richard W. Talkov Scotland Thede

Without someone there to tell Chris and his mother it could be better and work toward that end, where would they be now? Who stands firm to help

David Tyler Chip Wade

families turn their lives around? Who shows these children and families there are people who believe in them and that success is achievable?

Patrick Lawler, CEO

You do. You know without help and support, there are thousands of children whose lives would be drastically different. And through your help and support, more children’s stories can be like Chris’.

Thank you for helping us make more children’s stories have a happier ending, and thank you for supporting Youth Villages.

MISSISSIPPI LOCAL BOARD Jill Beneke Michael Forster

Sincerely,

Wesla Leech Sean Perkins Ravi Raju Stephanie Rippee Katja Russell

Kathryn Simmons

Executive Director of Mississippi

Susan Smith

katja.russell@youthvillages.org

Amanda Jones Tollison

601-572-3727

Karla Steckler Tye

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Mississippi

Program Successat admission to the program.

*82.7% of youth were in state custody

As a national leader in the field of behavioral health, Youth Villages has measured outcomes of children and families participating in its programs since 1994.

NEW MISSISSIPPI BOARD MEMBERS

MISSISSIPPI PROGRAM SUCCESS 100

Outcomes

At one one-year year post post-discharge discharge

80

0

No involvement with the law

20

At home with family

40

76%

86%

89% In school or graduated

60

Raju, Perkins help with Youth Villages

The graph above represents the status of Mississippi youth one year after discharge through March 2014. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 62 percent.

YOUTH VILLAGES PARTNERS WITH MY BROTHER’S CUP Youth Villages Mississippi is pleased to announce a new partnership with My Brother’s Cup, makers of gourmet coffee in Tupelo. Now, you can enjoy the delicious rich taste of 100 percent Arabica coffee while supporting a great cause. Choose from flavors like Mountain Rain, Southern Roasted Pecan or Pumpkin Spice. Just be sure to enter the donation code “YV” when placing orders online at www.mybrotherscup.com. For every purchase, $1 will be donated to Youth Villages.

Kay Pittman, who owns and runs My Brother’s Cup with her husband, Mike, was drawn to Youth Villages after learning how effective the organization is in treating emotionally and behaviorally troubled children.

“The more we learn about Youth Villages, the more we want to support what they do. We are fully on board with this cause,” Pittman said.

For more information, please contact the Pittmans at 662-491-0923 or coffee@mybrotherscup.com.

Katja Russell, center, Youth Villages executive director of Mississippi, with new Mississippi board members Ravi Raju, left, and Sean Perkins

Board members play a significant role at the local level establishing Youth Villages as the leading provider of effective programs for troubled children and their families. In Mississippi, two new members, Ravi Raju and Sean Perkins, recently were appointed.

“This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on a large group of deserving children who need our community’s support,” Raju said. “When I had the opportunity to go on a ride-along and witness an inspirational session between student and specialist, I was completely sold on the need and effectiveness of the program.”

Raju works at Camgian Microsystems in Starkville, and Perkins works at Regions Bank in Jackson. Both have extensive experience serving their communities.

Raju has served on Leadership Jackson, the Central Mississippi Growth Foundation and the executive committee of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Perkins has served on boards for the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Jackson 2000, Urban League of Greater Jackson and the Mississippi Children’s Museum.

“As we expand our services to meet the needs of more children, our local board will be critical to helping ensure we’re able to do so,” said Katja Russell, executive director of Mississippi. “With members like Ravi and Sean, we know we have community allies who share our passion for helping children and families.”

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Mississippi 3

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS HOW YV SUCCEEDS Youth Villages is highlighted as a model organization in the new book “A Path Appears” by renowned journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Kristof, columnist for The New York Times since 2001 and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, co-wrote the book with his wife, WuDunn, after they spent years

YV staff welcomed members of the Trustmark team to celebrate Backpack Heroes. More than 250 stuffed backpacks were distributed to youth across the state.

reporting on human rights issues in the developing world.

Youth Villages is one of the organizations recognized. In a chapter titled “Coaching Troubled Teens,” Kristof and WuDunn identify Youth Villages’ intensive in-home services that help troubled youth live successfully as an effective approach.

“YV argues that with the right support and scrutiny, half of

TRUSTMARK STEPS UP AGAIN TO BE BACKPACK HEROES For the second year in a

the 600,000 kids in America being raised in effect by the state

row, Trustmark National

(including foster care) could remain with their families or rela-

Bank provided more than

tives, saving tens of millions of dollars annually and reducing

$3,000 in school supplies for

the trauma and upheaval for those children,” they write.

Youth Villages’ Backpack

The book features the story of Fred Burns, a Mississippi

Heroes campaign. More than

native who was helped by several Youth Villages programs

250 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to

and now participates in Youth Villages’ transitional living

children of all ages in Youth Villages programs.

“Trustmark supplied Youth Villages with everything

program.

“With this new stability in his life, Fred began to excel in

from crayons for the younger children to scientific calcu-

sports and academics. He became the first member of his

lators for high school and college students,” said André

immediate family to graduate from high school, and he did

Conway, community relations manager at Youth Vil-

it in style: he was valedictorian, with a 4.25 GPA. Fred ac-

lages. “We are very grateful to have such strong support

cepted an academic scholarship to Mississippi State Uni-

from the business community.”

versity, was successful as a walk-on to the football team, and

Trustmark’s participation was spearheaded by Angie

later transferred to Jackson State University to major in

Steadman, branch manager, who coordinated with each

computer engineering.”

branch to ensure the correct supplies were ordered.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF JACKSON PARTNERS WITH YV meetings each month for its foster parents. Through partnering with the

More than 25 Junior League volun-

Junior League of Jackson, those meet-

teers participate in the project that

ings now include homemade meals for

runs through May. In addition to the

the families as well as activities for the

project, Junior League volunteers also

children addressing nutrition, read-

held special events for the families

ing, exercise, self-esteem and disease

during the holidays and plan a family

prevention.

fun day in the spring.

“Partnering with Youth Villages in Help for foster parents and foster

Enrichment project.

“We’re grateful for this partnership

this way gives our members an op-

with the Junior League of Jackson,”

children reached a new level when

portunity to volunteer in a meaningful

said Katja Russel, executive director

the Junior League of Jackson began its

way,” said Tianna Raby, six-year mem-

of Mississippi.

Foster Care Enrichment project.

ber of the Junior League of Jackson

Youth Villages hosts parent support

4 Winter 2014

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and chairwoman of the Foster Care

Mississippi

Youth Villages’ MYPAC uses the family-driven, strengths-based wraparound approach.

Our primary service coordinators visit with the child and family in their home at least weekly to provide intensive case management. Family members and natural supports for the child and family are an integral part of each child and family team. If a family lacks natural supports, our coordinators will help build a family’s support system.

TURNING CHRIS AROUND WITH GENTLE HANDS MYPAC staff worked to create consistent message at home and at school

ing at first with the school,” Leigh Anne said. “They would point out all the negative things Chris did.

I asked them, ‘Can we talk

To claim Chris was a

about the positive things he

handful meant you had

did?’”

enormous hands.

While Kaila and MYPAC

“Or more than one hand,”

Primary Service Coordi-

said Kaila Virgil, Youth

nator Jameeka Williams

Villages Mississippi Youth

worked with Chris and

Programs Around the Clock

Leigh Anne in the home,

mental health therapist.

they also talked with school

“Chris was having three-to-

staff and established consis-

four critical events a week.”

tency between school and

Chris’ mother, Leigh

home. Chris learned ways

Anne, called them “erup-

to cope with his anger and

tions,” and they occurred

frustration. Kaila set up a

mostly at school. Chris

feelings chart of more than

would become defiant and

40 feelings with accompa-

physically and verbally

nying photos. Chris would

aggressive. The behavior

point to what feeling best

continued when he was put

described how he felt when

into an alternative school.

“The school basically told us ‘We’re over it,’”

he was asked.

Chris with his mother, Leigh Anne

A little more than two

“Chris started communormal behavior dramati-

nicating better with his

Kaila said. “They told us

years ago, Chris’ school

cally changed following

mother and with school

they wanted him out of the

referred him to Youth Vil-

visits with his father. The

staff,” Kaila said. “Then the

school.”

lages’ MYPAC. When Kaila

visits stopped, but Chris

school and Leigh Anne saw

Leigh Anne had no an-

first visited the home, her

still needed help. At school,

they were both on the same

swers to Chris’ tantrums.

goal was to get everyone in

Chris would want to call his

team. More importantly,

Without support from Chris’

the family engaged.

mother to be sure she was

they both wanted to help

safe. Much of his problem

Chris.”

school, her confidence was

“Everyone brought some-

shot. She was at the break-

thing different to helping

behavior stemmed from

ing point.

Chris,” she said. “I worked

not being allowed to call. In

phone his mother once a

“I kept telling myself,

Chris was allowed to

with Chris to get him to

addition, the lack of com-

week. He had signals he

‘Just get through this fit,’”

understand it was OK to feel

munication and cooperation

could give school staff so

she said. “It was tough, but

happy or sad instead of be-

between the school and

they’d know when he was

I tried and did whatever

ing aggressive.”

Leigh Anne strained their

beginning to get frustrated.

relationship.

Chris’ transformation

it took to get him to calm down.”

Chris suffered abuse from his father. Previously

“There was a lot of bicker-

Winter 2014

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Mississippi 5

HONORING MISSISSIPPI’S CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN The 2014 Champions for Children spring luncheon took place on April 8 at the Youth Villages office in Ridgeland.

Donors who qualified as Champions for Children by giving $1,000 or more over the course of one year were honored.

Each was presented a glass vase with red tulips and a framed certificate thanking them for their support.

Katja Russell, executive director of Youth Villages Mississippi, gave an in-depth presentation to the audience about how their financial contributions enable Youth Vil-

Staff from Capitol Resources and YV’s Katja Russell

lages to make a bigger impact in the lives of children and families.

In addition to the honorees, several friends of Youth Villages attended the luncheon, as well as members of the Mississippi board.

“It’s humbling to be among so many who chose to support Mississippi’s youth,” Russell said. “I was happy to be able to show them what their contributions not only allow us to do, but also see how their help makes an immediate, positive change in the children.”

Champions for Children honored include Capitol Resources, Cooper and Frances Morrison, CSpire Wireless, Dean and Ann Blackwell, Hiram Creekmore, Hu and Ashley Meena, Scott and Starr Miller, John and Lind

Magnolia Health Plan team members with Russell

Bussey, John and Jan Gadow, Magnolia Health Plan, Tellus Operating Group, and Terry and Tracy Godfrey.

Katja Russell, Youth Villages executive director of Mississppi (far left) and community relations manager André Conway (far right) with local board members (l to r) Susan Smith, Jill Beneke, Kathryn Simmons and Dr. Michael Forster

CHRIS TURNS AROUND

borhood elementary school.

The home now is relaxed. Chris

from page 5

grills hot dogs and hamburgers for the family. He plays all kinds of sports and

around,” Kaila said. “We want him to be able to check his behavior on his own consistently.”

Leigh Anne said her home is more

turned him into one of the favorites at

has neighborhood buddies who visit

his school. The principal there made

and play. He has begun regular school

a big deal out of Chris leaving, inviting

without incident. He’s not completely

school, did his homework, then went

all the children and staff into the hall

out of the woods, but mom and staff

outside and played,” she said. “It’s a

to watch Chris receive his notice that

agree the journey has been significant.

complete 180 from who Chris was just

he would be going back to his neigh-

“He’s doing well, but that’s with us

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Mississippi

calm now.

“The other day he came home from

a few years ago.”

JOIN OUR EFFORTS

THANK YOU The following donors made gifts to Youth Villages between

Become a force for families

March 31 and Sept. 30, 2014. 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 601-572-3750.

There are numerous ways to help. Foster a child, volunteer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have

YV Protector ($5,000 to $9,999) Hu and Ashley Meena

YV Builder ($1,000 to $4,999) Dean and Ann Blackwell Hiram Creekmore John and Jan Gadow

Friend of Youth Villages (up to $999) Larry Adams Tyler Ball Henry Barbour Stephanie Bell Machelle Bernheim Robert Branch Susie Burns Jack and Sigrid Conway Coxwell and Associates PLLC Wade and Betsy Creekmore Adair Cunningham Dick and Pam David Henry Dick Cecil Dorrell Jennifer Downey Brooks Eason Evan Dillard Jan Evers Eye Works Inc. Dr. Michael Forster Sandra Goodwill Lisa Gravener Breanna Griffin Lester Hailey Russell Harrison Jane Heineke Jack and Leigh Herrin

Clare Hester G. Douglas Higginbotham Christopher Hutchinson Hannah Jenkins Virden Jones Junior League of Jackson Don and Judy Lacy Wesla Leech Renee Linebarger John Lundy Lee Ann Mayo Kenneth McClain Sherry McWhorter Metrix Solutions LLC Harold Miller Scott and Starr Miller Randi Mueller Luther Munford J. W. Newman Mr. and Mrs. David Orlansky Thomas Payne Pileum Corporation Angela Porter Cody and Nicole Rader RH Plumbing Inc. Mary Jane Ridgway Don Roberts Judy Robinson Roderickis Robinson St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Mark Salvatore Kyle Seage Kathryn Simmons Susan Smith Clayton Stanley Kayo Sykes Amanda Tollison George Tompkins The University of Southern Mississippi Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter Andy White Jerry Whittington Georgia Wise Jennifer Young

YOUTH VILLAGES HELPED BY THE KING OF HARTS’ LOUIE T kingofharts.com

Youth Villages is grateful and honored that Melissa Joan Hart chose us as the charitable partner for her new boys clothing line, King of Harts. Proceeds from the collection’s Louie T-shirt support Youth Villages’ programs.

Hart, star of the television show Melissa & Joey, recently launched King of Harts with her husband, Mark Wilkerson. Proud parents of three young sons, the pair were inspired to create a line of “cool, durable and quality boys clothes.” Hart was the

a direct impact on the future of hundreds of children we help every day in Mississippi.

Often, our children come from extremely disadvantaged

André Conway

situations. A great way to help the youth in our programs is to get involved with our two major programs, Backpack Heroes in the spring/summer and Holiday Heroes in the winter. For information on how you can make a difference, please contact André Conway at 601-572-3750 or by e-mail at andre.conway@youthvillages.org.

Thinking of a planned gift?

If you’re planning a gift in your will or trust for Youth Villages, you can find help on our website.

Simply go to youthvillages. org/plannedgiving and you’re there.

You will find an introduction to planned giving and a catego-

Steve Benskin

ry titled “How Can I ...,” which lists all the vehicles included in a plan, including wills and bequests, gifts of appreciated stock or gifts of real estate. In addition, there is a section on “why do I need a will,” a glossary of terms, an estate intention form and much more. For information, please contact Steve Benskin at 901-2514820 or e-mail steve.benskin@youthvillages.org.

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

child star of Clarissa Explains It All and teen star of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

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YOUTH VILLAGES 805 South Wheatley Street, Suite 240 Ridgeland, MS 39157 (Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than 22,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Massachusetts: Arlington, Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, Worcester Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville Oklahoma: Tulsa Oregon: Portland Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.

New Heights Mississippi is published by Youth Villages Please e-mail Andre.Conway@youthvillages.org or call 601-572-3750 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 local solutions to help children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully. We help more than 22,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family RestorationŽ 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.