New Heights Massachusetts - Fall 2011

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Family  Victories  from  Youth  Villages,  Massachusetts

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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

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;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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&#x20AC;?

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 Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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.â&#x20AC;?

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.â&#x20AC;?

ways been a priority. When

initial setback at college,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to indepen-

the retail store he worked

Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

on academic probation,

difficult situations,â&#x20AC;? Paul

maintained employment

ready for college,â&#x20AC;? Keith

putting him at risk of los-

said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do the

during his time in the TL

says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But things are a lot

ing his foster care place-

work for them, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready

College while simultane-

Being in the TL program

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things were really hard

how to handle my respon-

answer questions and be a

mensely, he said. Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

to achieve my dream of

right away because of the

vital source of support and

learned about time man-

graduating college and

system,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess

encouragement, especially

agement, self-regulation

getting a really good job.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to enroll in college

5

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Summer  fun  was  in  the  bag

This May, local supporters showed off their Baggo skills in support of Youth Villagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inaugural Baggo tournament, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Villagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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. Malloryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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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

anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;whatever it

informal finish line in the sand. The New England Spirit

takesâ&#x20AC;? 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 othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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support youth aging out of foster care. As a group, these area profes-

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sionals became a driving force in changing the way 12 young adults

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viewed the working world. As individuals, they helped each young

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adult believe that their dreams were possible and provided concrete tools to help them achieve success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a mentor in the Job Prep Training Program is truly inspir-

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ing and has been a valuable learning experience for me,â&#x20AC;? said Michele Freadman, deputy director of corporate security at the Massa-

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

chusetts Port Authority. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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.â&#x20AC;?

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16) 79,7 ;9(0505. 796.9(4 MYVT WHNL Carlos, an aspiring chef, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important how people perceive

Michele a good initial feeling about

support from them. This program pro-

me,â&#x20AC;? Carlos said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an option.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;At first, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be a good match,â&#x20AC;? Michele said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carlos

their success and willing to help them

seemed neutral. It seemed as if he

improve their skills.

wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really engaged in the program

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Michele is my career coach,â&#x20AC;? Car-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carlos said it was important to remember and reflect, but he wants something more,â&#x20AC;? Michele said.

los said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s introduced me to her

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you have to scratch the

contacts, showed me restaurants and

surface, then he really shines. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.â&#x20AC;?

future.â&#x20AC;?

or me.â&#x20AC;?

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seeing these participants have

family.

research the postings together and

hope and realize that people care is

evaluate each job description to pre-

inspirational,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Helping them

deeper side of him,â&#x20AC;? Michele said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

pare for upcoming interviews. Since

achieve fulfillment puts my life into

saw a person I respected.â&#x20AC;?

completing the training program,

perspective.â&#x20AC;?

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Instead, they found common

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I eventually was able to see a

7

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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.

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