-PYZ[ )HNNV [V\YUL` YHPZLZ TVYL [OHU
2LP[O THWZ V\[ M\[\YL! *VSSLNL PUKLWLUKLUJL
Family  Victories  from  Youth  Villages,  Massachusetts
*HYSVZ Q\TW Z[HY[Z OPZ SPML ;3 WYVNYHT JHYLLY JVHJO OLSW `V\[O WSHU MVY H M\[\YL
?aH]PVU»Z Z[VY`
0U OVTL ZLY]PJLZ OLSW `V\[O HUK MHTPS` ÄUK Z\JJLZZ
+*- @= WHY[ULY [V OLSW JOPSKYLU HUK MHTPSPLZ
-HSS
Lawrence
A message from Our director
Massachusetts
Woburn
Worcester Springfield Plymouth
4(::(*/<:,;;: 3,(+,9:/07 *6<5*03 George D’Errico William Foster Deborah Fung
=VS\U[LLY LMMVY[Z W\[ `V\[O VU WVZP[P]L WH[O We often talk about how rewarding it is to see youth thrive after working with our staff and being part of our programs, but we cannot forget the important role our community and corporate partners play in helping our youth. During the past few months, several volunteers and corporate partners have made a difference in the lives of the youth we work with. Carlos, a young adult in our transitional living program, was matched with a career coach during our first Job Prep Training Program, where executives from local businesses volunteered their time and expertise to help young adults in the
Robert P. Gittens Paul S. Grogan Margaret Hall Joanna Jacobson* Paul F. Levy Melinda Marble Robert M. Nephew Chris Pollara Mark E. Robinson Marylou Sudders Warren E. Tolman * member of Youth Villages’ national board of directors
TL program hone valuable job skills, including resume writing, interview skills,
*65;(*; <:
dressing for success and more. A story in this newsletter highlights not only the
Woburn (state headquarters) 400 West Cummings Park Suite 5200 Woburn, MA 01801 phone: 781-937-7900 fax: 781-937-7901
success of this workshop series, but also how both Carlos and his career coach, Michele, benefited from the experience. You’ll also read about local young professionals who raised more than $3,000 to fund positive social activities for youth in our programs whose families struggle to make ends meet. Positive extracurricular activities help youth build positive peer groups, manage their emotions and practice important social skills. These are just a few stories about how young people and their families benefit when a community gets behind them. I’m excited about the direction of our Commonwealth’s community organizations, government agencies and corporations. Together, we are doing whatever it takes to keep children in their homes, as well as helping young adults make a successful transition from the state system into adulthood. There has never been a better time to volunteer, donate or help us spread the word about our work. Thank you for supporting Youth Villages. When young people see a community coming together to help their own, they
Worcester 324 Grove Street, 1st floor Worcester, MA 01605 phone: 508-368-4300 fax: 508-368-4301 Springfield 30 Capital Drive, Suite A West Springfield, MA 01089 phone: 413-452-3600 fax: 413-452-3601
begin to see a place in that community where they can live, grow and succeed.
Plymouth 36 Cordage Park Circle Suite 211 Plymouth, MA 02360 phone: 781-937-7900 fax: 781-937-7901
Matthew Stone, MSSW
Lawrence c/o MSPCC 439 South Union Street Lawrence, MA 01843 phone: 978-349-8580
Executive Director of Massachusetts matthew.stone@youthvillages.org 781-937-7917
2
?A(=065 (5+ /0: -(403@ ;<95 ;/05.: (96<5+ Marianela is a testament to patience and perseverance. Her son, Xzavion, is proof that no one should ever give up on a child. Just 8 years old, Xzavion had already experienced the worst parts of being in a family. He regularly witnessed domestic violence. He was hyperactive and uncontrollable. He broke his arm after falling from a bookshelf he climbed. He became verbally and physically aggressive toward his mother and younger sister. Even after Marianela got out of the abusive relationship, other problems arose. She had to stop working full time to care for Xzavion. At her job, Marianela helped youth with behavioral problems, but it was different with her own family.
“I worked for 10 years for the Center for Human
Xzavion, center, poses with his artwork. His mother, Marianela, left, holds her daughter. Family Intervention Specialist Alicia Honeyghan stands behind Xzavion.
and her children,” Alicia said. “I think
battle for Xzavion,” Alicia said. “I sup-
she was overwhelmed with everything
ported her efforts to get Xzavion the
that was going on.”
help he needed at school.”
Marianela researched Youth Vil-
In addition, Alicia helped with get-
lages and learned more about its
ting the younger daughter in daycare
Development,” she said.
Intercept intensive in-home services.
and Xzavion in a performing arts
“I had the experience,
Youth Villages’ in-home programs
program.
provide help for troubled teenagers,
“Alicia does her job very well,”
but when it comes to
children and families in their own
Marianela said. “It’s like we’re a team.
your own home, it’s dif-
homes at times convenient for the
My son had to call her a few times, and
families. The intensive in-home ser-
she always answered. She’s a part of
ferent. I thought, ‘I’ve got
vices program is a proven alternative
us, and my son adores her.”
to do what I have to do.’
otherwise would be placed in foster
from the program a few months ago,
care, residential treatment, detention
and Xzavion and his sister continue to
centers, hospitals or other juvenile
do well in school.
I put my life on hold and
treatment for children and youth who
The family successfully discharged
left everything behind to
facilities. Diverting youth from these
find help for my son.”
out-of-home placements, Intercept
ing school. She’d like to be a patient
family intervention specialists provide
care assistant or nurse assistant. She’s
guidance and treatment resources for
dealing with her financial issues and
youth and families in their own homes.
working through them. Best of all, the
They struggled financially. “Things just became a big old mess,”
Alicia met with Xzavion and the
she said. “Instead of him getting bet-
family regularly, and was on call 24
ter, it got worse.”
hours a day. They established routines
Alicia Honeyghan is a Youth Villages
Marianela is working toward finish-
family is pursuing a positive future together. “I think we had to take a bad turn
at home, more structure and behavior
and turn it around for the good,”
family intervention specialist who was
planning. In addition, she became an
Marianela said. “Alicia helped us turn
assigned to help the family.
advocate for Xzavion.
it around.”
“Marianela works hard for herself
“Marianela didn’t know how to
3
16) 79,7 ;9(0505. 796.9(4 79,7(9,: @6<;/ -69 -<;<9, Michele Freadman wasn’t sure what to expect. She’d given her career presentation, a road map to success, many times before, but she hadn’t presented to this group. She’d mentored many college students at Northeastern University interested in pursuing a career similar to hers, but she hadn’t mentored Carlos.
Many corporate professionals recently volunteered their time and experience at Youth Villages’ Job Prep Training Program. At right, Carlos, left, discusses job preparation with Michele Freadman.
Freadman, deputy director for corporate security at the Massachusetts
carcerated because they lack sufficient
Port Authority, was one of many area
support in the crucial early adult years.
executives who participated in Youth
Through the program, professionals
Villages’ four-week job prep training
from the corporate world volunteer
course activities and agree to support
program for youth in the transitional
as trainers and are matched as career
the young adults after the program.
living program.
coaches to young adults enrolled in the
“Some things I already knew, but it
The goal of the job prep training pro-
TL program. The course covers such
did help a lot with refining things for
gram is to better prepare former foster
topics as the job application process,
me and getting opinions from others
youth to find, secure and maintain
resume writing, interviewing skills and
in the workforce,” Carlos said. “Mi-
employment. The sad reality for many
how to follow up with potential employ-
chele is a great coach; she’s trying to
of these young adults is that they often
ers. Volunteers facilitate the trainings,
help me out.”
end up unemployed, homeless or in-
provide one-on-one support during
continued on page 7
2,0;/»: >69205. -69 *633,., 05+,7,5+,5; 30=05. “I’m working on my dream,” Keith
specialist. Together they created
said. “But life threw some challenges
concrete goals to work toward,
my way.”
which included graduating from high
When Keith’s mother wasn’t able to
school, learning how to budget and
take care of him and his father lost
obtaining a driver’s license.
his job, Keith didn’t have a place to
“Many youth in Keith’s situation
go and became homeless. He ended
are never shown how to live inde-
up spending five years in foster care.
pendently,” said Paul Nelson, TL
“I give credit to DCF [Massachu-
specialist in Youth Villages’ Woburn
setts Department of Children and
office. “Things like getting insur-
Families],” he said. “My dad was a
ance, an apartment, menu planning
single parent and fathered me to the
and continuing education are things
best of his ability. But eventually DCF came in to provide me with the additional support I needed. It felt like
Keith was the first in his family to graduate high school. He’s making the most of his opportunities by going to college and maintaining a job.
I had someone there in foster care.” Now 20, Keith is starting to over-
many of these youth aren’t told about.” School was always a struggle for Keith, but he was determined to be
offering TL in Massachusetts in 2009
the first in his family to graduate
come life’s challenges through
to help youth aging out of foster care
high school, and he was. Two weeks
transitional living, a program de-
get a good start on adulthood in the
after graduation, he enrolled full-
signed to support his transition to
crucial years between ages 17 and 22.
time at Northern Essex Community
independence. Youth Villages began 4
Keith was 19 when he met his TL
continued on page 5
Massachusetts  Program  Success
4,,; ;/, @= -(403@
=PSSHNLZ OHZ TLHZ\YLK V\[JVTLZ VM JOPSKYLU HUK MHTPSPLZ
:[HJL` )LSSLTVYL
(Z H UH[PVUHS SLHKLY PU [OL Ă„LSK VM ILOH]PVYHS OLHS[O @V\[O WHY[PJPWH[PUN PU P[Z WYVNYHTZ ZPUJL
;YHUZP[PVUHS 3P]PUN ,K\JH[PVUHS =VJH[PVUHS *VVYKPUH[VY ¡ >VI\YU Years with Youth Villages: 1 Education: BS, human services, Fitchburg State College “I decided to work for Youth Villages because of their commitment to the young adults in the TL program. It was very clear since my first interview that the young adults’ goals and well-being come first. The camaraderie and constant support from all of the staff make a fun and inviting atmosphere to work in.â€?
403,:;65,: SUMMER 2011
New offices opened in Plymouth and West Springfield.
The graph above represents where children are six months after being discharged from Youth Villages Massachusetts’ Intercept intensive inhome services.
JUNE 2011
MA Intercept program discharged its 400th family and grew to provide services to more than 100 families daily.
JULY 2011
MA TL program doubled in size since January to provide services to more than 80 young adults daily.
2,0;/ MYVT WHNL
I needed to get an idea of what it was about, but it
when things get rough.� Keith is a hard worker
of feelings, and techniques that help him stay focused
was too soon. I was burned
and employment has al-
on his goals. After his
out from high school.�
ways been a priority. When
initial setback at college,
“In addition to indepen-
the retail store he worked
Keith’s now excited about
ously holding a job. But it
dent living skills, we also
at closed, his former boss
returning.
was too much. He quickly
sometimes have to coun-
recruited him for a job at
became overwhelmed and
sel young adults through
a different store within the
the year after I graduated
was subsequently placed
intimidating, confusing or
same company, and he has
high school. I just wasn’t
on academic probation,
difficult situations,� Paul
maintained employment
ready for college,� Keith
putting him at risk of los-
said. “We don’t do the
during his time in the TL
says. “But things are a lot
ing his foster care place-
work for them, but we’re
program.
different now. I now know
ment and becoming home-
there to offer guidance
less again.
through self-discovery,
has helped Keith im-
sibilities and I’m ready
College while simultane-
Being in the TL program
“Things were really hard
how to handle my respon-
answer questions and be a
mensely, he said. Keith’s
to achieve my dream of
right away because of the
vital source of support and
learned about time man-
graduating college and
system,� he said. “I guess
encouragement, especially
agement, self-regulation
getting a really good job.�
“I had to enroll in college
5
@= 05 ;/, *644<50;@
Summer  fun  was  in  the  bag
This May, local supporters showed off their Baggo skills in support of Youth Villages’ inaugural Baggo tournament, It’s in the Bag! The evening got under way at Game On! in the Fenway area of Boston, where more than 120 young professionals came out for a night of friendly competition. The event raised more than $3,000 to help struggling families and young adults in Youth Villages’ programs afford positive extracurricular activities. Sponsored by Social Boston Sports and Fusion promotional strategies, more than 40 teams competed in the tournament for a chance to win great prizes generously donated by local businesses. Prizes included packages from Harpoon Brewery and a free batting cage party from Game On! A moving speech from Youth Villages Family Intervention Specialist Mallory Smith ended the night on a touching note. Mallory shared the story of a youth she previously worked with who turned her life around through the benefits of joining a gym. Mallory’s inspiring story emphasized
Pictured above, left to right, are Laurie Wenham, Lisa Novak, Curtis Freedman and Brian Cusick. Pictured on the left, guests Ashley Cakounes and Lauren Laio share a laugh while playing during the tournament.
how critical participation in such extracurricular activities as sports leagues, music programs and summer camps is to developing confidence, social skills and positive peer networks.
>/(; 6;/,9: :(@ ()6<; @= +V\NSHZ >HNULY
<56--0*0(3 2 9(0:,: -69 36*(3 @= 796.9(4: Youth Villages’
(YLH 7YVNYHT 4HUHNLY *HWL *VK HUK 0ZSHUKZ (YLH 6MĂ„JL VM 4HZZHJO\ZL[[Z +LWHY[TLU[ VM *OPSKYLU HUK -HTPSPLZ
The Cape Cod office of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families was chosen to pilot cases where
New England staff
children were in danger of being placed
held a spirit run in
in residential care. We met with Youth
April in conjunc-
Villages to learn more about the pro-
tion with the long-
gram and to meet the staff. Having been with the agency
running annual
for 34 years, first as a social worker, then a supervisor and
Youth Villages 5K in
currently a manager, I have had the opportunity to work
Memphis, Tenn.
with many agencies and models. The hardships families
Staff, along with
face today are much greater than they were 30 years
friends and family,
ago. Given these changes and the agency relying less on
came together over
residential care and more on community-based services,
a potluck lunch at
working with Youth Villages was an exciting venture.
Hopkinton State
Youth Villages has exceeded my expectations. The cases
Park to enjoy one
I referred to them were extremely complicated and all the
another’s company,
referred children could have easily ended up in residen-
support the cause and cheer on the runners of the New
tial care. I was impressed with the intensity of the service
Engand Spirit Runners team as they proudly crossed the
and the willingness to adopt our mantra of “whatever it
informal finish line in the sand. The New England Spirit
takes� to maintain family stability. This model works for
Runners team raised more than $2,400 in support of the
our families, and I hope our office can have a long, suc-
programs in New England and is looking forward to plan-
cessful relationship. Youth Villages provides a truly unique
ning a more formal run next year.
and valuable service to our community.
6
1605 6<9 ,--69;:
A  Note  of  Thanks
Become  a  force  for  families Finding time to participate in volunteer opportunities, even for a few hours, can be a struggle.
To all those who have supported our work by making a gift between Jan. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011, thank you. Your
But Michele Freadman is a reminder of how
continued support and generosity allow
much impact you can have on others’ lives when
us to provide the most effective services
you ask yourself each morning: What can I share
to children and families across the Com-
today that will help someone else? What will I
monwealth. We give special thanks to
learn today that will enrich my life?
those who contributed $500 or more dur-
Recently, 14 of the area’s top business leaders
ing this timeframe:
made those questions a personal mission, volunteering 10 hours over the course of four weeks to help Youth Villages
@= =PZPVUHY`
support youth aging out of foster care. As a group, these area profes-
(UVU`TV\Z
sionals became a driving force in changing the way 12 young adults
@= 3LHKLY
viewed the working world. As individuals, they helped each young
;OL 4J2H` -HTPS` *OHYP[` -\UK
adult believe that their dreams were possible and provided concrete tools to help them achieve success. “Being a mentor in the Job Prep Training Program is truly inspir-
1VPU V\Y UL[^VYRZ
ing and has been a valuable learning experience for me,� said Michele Freadman, deputy director of corporate security at the Massa-
www.facebook.com/youthvillages
chusetts Port Authority. “This program represents a real opportunity to help one another grow, realize our own potential and to invest in www.twitter.com/youthvillages
our society for a better future.�
2YPZ[PU >YPNO[ +L]LSVWTLU[ 4HUHNLY RYPZ[PU ^YPNO['`V\[O]PSSHNLZ VYN
16) 79,7 ;9(0505. 796.9(4 MYVT WHNL Carlos, an aspiring chef, didn’t give
Most of the youth participating in
www.youthvillages.wordpress.com
Carlos secured a second job at a new
the job prep training program have
bistro that is due to open soon. He’s
never been exposed to successful
even talking about going to culinary
business professionals, let alone had
school.
the opportunity to receive one-on-one
“It’s important how people perceive
Michele a good initial feeling about
support from them. This program pro-
me,� Carlos said. “I appreciate the
their relationship.
vides young adults access to a network
environment I grew up in, but my old
of professionals who are committed to
life isn’t an option.�
“At first, it didn’t look like we’d be a good match,� Michele said. “Carlos
their success and willing to help them
seemed neutral. It seemed as if he
improve their skills.
wasn’t really engaged in the program
“Michele is my career coach,� Car-
“Carlos said it was important to remember and reflect, but he wants something more,� Michele said.
los said. “She’s introduced me to her
“He’s a gem – you have to scratch the
contacts, showed me restaurants and
surface, then he really shines. He’s
trade her for another career coach
other places in Boston, and helped me
extremely motivated and has a bright
if he wanted. Good for both that he
be more confident.�
future.�
or me.� Michele even told Carlos he could
Carlos regularly speaks with
Michele is glad she volunteered.
bonds in a love for the Celtics and
Michele about job postings. They
“Seeing these participants have
family.
research the postings together and
hope and realize that people care is
evaluate each job description to pre-
inspirational,� she said. “Helping them
deeper side of him,� Michele said. “I
pare for upcoming interviews. Since
achieve fulfillment puts my life into
saw a person I respected.�
completing the training program,
perspective.�
didn’t. Instead, they found common
“I eventually was able to see a
7
@6<;/ =033(.,: >LZ[ *\TTPUNZ 7HYR :\P[L >VI\YU 4( (KKYLZZ :LY]PJL 9LX\LZ[LK
( WYP]H[L UVUWYVÄ[ VYNHUPaH[PVU @V\[O =PSSHNLZ ZLY]LZ TVYL [OHU JOPSKYLU HUK [OLPY MHTPSPLZ MYVT VMÄJLZ PU [OL MVSSV^PUN JP[PLZ! (SHIHTH! (UUPZ[VU )PYTPUNOHT +V[OHU /\U[Z]PSSL 4VIPSL (YRHUZHZ! 1VULZIVYV 3P[[SL 9VJR -SVYPKH! 3HRLSHUK 4PHTP ;HTWH .LVYNPH! ([SHU[H +V\NSHZ]PSSL 4HZZHJO\ZL[[Z! 3H^YLUJL 7S`TV\[O :WYPUNÄLSK >VI\YU >VYJLZ[LY 4PZZPZZPWWP! )PSV_P /H[[PLZI\YN /LYUHUKV 1HJRZVU ;\WLSV 5L^ /HTWZOPYL! 4HUJOLZ[LY 5VY[O *HYVSPUH! (ZOL]PSSL *OHYSV[[L *VUJVYK -H`L[[L]PSSL .YLLUZIVYV .YLLU]PSSL /PJRVY` 7PULO\YZ[ 9HSLPNO +\YOHT >PSTPUN[VU 6YLNVU! 7VY[SHUK ;LUULZZLL! *OH[[HUVVNH *SHYRZ]PSSL *VS\TIPH *VVRL]PSSL +PJRZVU +`LYZI\YN 1HJRZVU 1VOUZVU *P[` 2UV_]PSSL 3PUKLU 4LTWOPZ 4VYYPZ[V^U 5HZO]PSSL 7HYPZ ;L_HZ! +HSSHZ >HZOPUN[VU + *
New Heights Massachusetts is published by Youth Villages Managing Editor: Matthew Stone Associate Editor: Chris Pennington Please e-mail Kristin.Wright@youthvillages.org or call 781-937-7931 to have your name removed from our mailing list.
-V\UKLK PU @V\[O =PSSHNLZ OHZ I\PS[ H UH[PVUHS YLW\[H[PVU MVY VMMLYPUN [OL TVZ[ LMMLJ[P]L WYVNYHTZ HUK ZLY]PJLZ [V OLSW LTV[PVUHSS` [YV\ISLK JOPSKYLU HUK [OLPY MHTPSPLZ >P[O VMÄJLZ PU 3H^YLUJL 7S`TV\[O :WYPUNÄLSK >VI\YU HUK >VYJLZ[LY [OL WYP]H[L UVUWYVÄ[ VYNHUPaH[PVU WYV]PKLZ PU[LUZP]L PU OVTL ZLY]PJLZ HUK H [YHUZP[PVUHS SP]PUN WYVNYHT PU [OL *VTTVU^LHS[O VM 4HZZHJO\ZL[[Z 7SLHZL ]PZP[ ^^^ `V\[O]PSSHNLZ VYN [V SLHYU TVYL