New Heights East Tennessee - Spring 2013

Career coach mobile center visits with TL youth ... 3

Andru’s second time gets successful results ... 4

Family Victories from Youth Villages East Tennessee

Holiday Heroes out in full force for children ... 7

Spring 2013

Family adjustment Aleigh and her family had their ways — and they changed them ... 6

A commitment to home Larry and Robin believe children need love and a good place to live ... 5

Johnson City Morristown

A message from our director

Knoxville Chattanooga

youth villages board of directors Mike Bruns, Chairman Clarksville Cookeville Nashville Bryan Jordan, Vice Chairman Dickson Jimmy Lackie, Secretary

Linden

You believe children can be helped

Columbia

Paul Bower, Treasurer Jim Barton Jr. Eric Bolton Marietta Davis

Paris

Dyersburg

Our staff does incredible work. Helping ensure children and families

Jackson

Memphis

Judith Edge Nicholas R. Ehlen Jack A. Eiferman

succeed is sometimes challenging, sometimes easier, but always requires

Joanna Jacobson

the input and assistance of the youth, family and whatever resources are

Rev. Robert Earl Jones

available.

Karole Lloyd

Sometimes those resources come in peculiar ways. In this newsletter, we

Mark Medford

highlight Tiana, a bright young girl who was extremely difficult. Her parents

Johnny Pitts

were having trouble reaching the belligerent, aggressive and defiant girl.

Ray Pohlman

Tiana spent significant time in residential facilities, and her parents were at

Ronnie Randall

a loss for what to do. Her adoptive parents loved her, supported her and did

Pat Ritz

everything they knew to provide a safe, loving home, but it wasn’t working.

Michael Rose

Well, Tiana figured it out by herself. One of her peers in the residential

Richard W. Talkov

facility was repeatedly upset because she didn’t have basic things families

Matthew Tarkenton

provided for their children. Tiana realized she had all this girl was wishing for,

Scotland Thede

and she was taking it for granted.

David Tyler

She returned home a different girl, and worked with one of our staff to

Patrick Lawler, CEO

find ways to cope with certain behaviors and emotions. Tiana is on track to graduate high school one year early and attend college near her home next fall. You can read more of her story on our website, www.YouthVillages.org.

Sometimes it can be a counselor, school official, mentor, family member or someone you’ve just recently met – and they can change the way you see your life. Tiana’s friend was open and honest, and shared her problems with her. Through that, Tiana saw how fortunate she was. I think back to the many occasions where I’ve had the ability to help someone by sharing an experience or highlighting something good about someone they may have forgotten.

We can all do that more often. And when it involves children, we cannot do it enough.

Thank you for helping children like Tiana.

Amanda Tillman Director of East Tennessee 865-560-2550 amanda.tillman@youthvillages.org

2 New Heights

Contact Us Chattanooga 5741 Cornelison Road 6400 Building Chattanooga, TN 37411 phone: 423-954-8890 fax: 423-954-8880 Johnson City 3915 Bristol Hwy #101 Johnson City, TN 37601 phone: 423-283-6500 fax: 423-283-6550 Knoxville 9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite E475 Knoxville, TN 37923 phone: 865-560-2550 fax: 865-560-2580 Morristown 225 West First North Street, Suite 302 Millennium Square Building Morristown, TN 37814 phone: 423-522-2200 fax: 423-522-2180

T a c

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

Get a Resume, Get a Job

state Outcomes Program Success At one year post-discharge

Career coach visits with TL youth

100 80

0

No involvement with the law

20

At home with family

40

84%

91% In school or graduated

60

85%

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently began Career Coaches, mobile centers with services similar to a Tennessee Career Center.

Recently, a Career Coach visited the Youth Villages Knoxville office to help youth in the transitional living program create resumes, seek jobs and review

The graph above represents the status of East Tennessee youth at one year after discharge through March 2013. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 50.2 percent.

interviewing skills.

The Career Coach has computers, copiers and fax machines available to job seekers. In addition, computers aboard the Career Coach have Internet access and are equipped with Microsoft Office software. Career Coach staff conducts valuable workshops such as résumé writing, job search strategies and interviewing skills.

In the above photo, Mia, seated, and TL Specialist Tina Cole work on creating a resume. At right, career coach Sarah Beane discusses job interview skills with the youth.

New Heights 3

The Youth Villages transitional living program provides young adults leaving state custody the intensive support and guidance they need to make a successful transition to adulthood. The program helps young people learn to deal with the minor and major problems that come with adulthood. They help participants find housing and health services, learn how to access transportation and meet their basic needs. Specialists teach life skills like time management, budgeting, menu planning and grocery shopping.

Andru tRies again — and gets results Andru’s in his second stint in Youth Villages’ transitional living program, and it’s paying off. He’s enrolled in a local college, interviewing for jobs, working on money management and

Your support has allowed the most statistically vulnerable youth in the nation today to make a positive start on adulthood. Since 1999, more than 6,000 teens have earned jobs, found homes and stayed crime free thanks to your help.

i

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s

p

looking for an apartment. You could say he’s getting it together.

s In addition to the GED, Steven

Not so long ago, that wasn’t the case.

t

helped Andru with other adult

m

necessities, such as getting health

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insurance, managing money, finding

p

employment and going to college.

t

Living in a car that would soon be

“Before, I was more passive about

a

taken away, Andru was in dire straits.

things happening to me,” Andru said.

c

He wanted to get out of foster care

“Now I’m not shy about asking ques-

and do his own thing, but he trusted

tions or asking for help.”

people who took advantage of him.

During his senior year, he dropped out

Andru found additional support he

of high school.

needed.

“I was too trusting, and I learned the hard way,” Andru said. “I’ve worked at factories and other places, doing what I had to do.”

learn how to be more assertive.

Because of his high school status,

s

m

b TL Specialist Steven Knapp and Andru

He became a fighter for his future.

In addition to finances, part of Andru’s struggle was personal. He had to

m

Through the help of a friend’s father,

He recently began studying computer technology at a local college and is looking for a job.

“There’s a lot more collaboration

“

t home was the best one he’d been in,

w

his adjustment to adulthood has taken

w

some time.

h

“Now that I look back, I have grown

a

a lot in a short amount of time,” Andru

t

said. “Without Youth Villages, I don’t

a

ran into some resistance from some

between us,” Steven said. “At first, it

know if I’d be in college – maybe later,

o

schools. Andru had to learn how to

was as if he didn’t know how to receive

but not now. I’d probably just be work-

c

be his own advocate. Youth Villages

help. Now, he’s working with me to

ing in a factory.”

f

Transitional Living Specialist Steven

better his future.”

getting a GED was difficult, and he

Knapp helped.

4 New Heights

And while Andru said his last foster

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At Youth Villages, we see our foster parents as crucial allies in helping children overcome past trauma and move on to live successful lives. We know that a loving family who treats their foster child like one of their own is more important, more life-changing and more empowering than anything else we can give a child. Because we know that, we provide our foster parents with 24/7 support. Call 877-983-6786 to learn more.

A commitment to making a good home If you’re not in it for the right reasons, Larry says, you won’t last long.

He’s been foster parenting with his wife for going on two years, and they’ve settled into what they do pretty well.

Foster parents Larry, left, and Robin, right, with Bradley and Johnathan.

They’re both quick to smile and offer something

“I wanted a family,” he

“Larry initiated it,” Robin

Even after she left for a bit,

to eat or drink, but don’t

said. “I wanted someone to

said. “He thought we would

they welcomed her back as

mistake that for being

love me and take care of

be good at doing this.”

if nothing had happened,

carefree. In their time foster

me.”

parenting, they’ve seen

Bradley’s not a typical

Robin prayed on it and they signed up for Youth Vil-

their share of the benefits

15-year-old. Mild-mannered

lages’ free classes to become

and challenges of fostering

and well-spoken, he pre-

foster parents.

children.

fers to be outside riding his

“You have to be com-

bicycle than inside playing

mitted to the kids,” Larry

video games. He enjoys

said, holding Johnathan, 17

working on computers, just

months, who was adopted

not playing games on them.

by the family in February.

He was in foster care on two

“When they come here

separate occasions, totaling

they’re at home.”

about nine years.

They got Johnathan first

“It went pretty quick with

and she continued her difficult behavior.

“That girl took a piece of my heart with her when she left,” Larry said. “She still

Two years later, they’ve had a wealth of experiences and fulfillment that only making a home for children can bring.

calls from time to time and calls me dad.”

The family regularly attends church. When the children don’t have church clothes, Robin buys them. For Larry and Robin, it’s not a process or

when his mother fostered

Bradley,” Robin said. “I

with them. She terminated

never thought I’d love these

making a good home, then

her rights, which led to the

children like they were my

being committed to help-

adoption. Prior to Johna-

own, but I do.”

than, Robin and Larry

Larry and Robin had long

“I just thought we’ve got this big old house and we

set of rules. It’s first about

ing the children who come through their door.

adopted Bradley, 15. He was

discussions before commit-

both want kids around,”

one of four siblings in foster

ting to be foster parents.

Larry said.

care and stayed with them

Robin was more hesitant,

for a few respite visits. They

but they both knew in their

great. Larry recalled one

“There’s no difference. All

were looking to adopt, which

hearts they could make a

girl who came to visit and

the children need love and

fit into Bradley’s plans well.

good home for children.

was especially difficult.

a good place to live.”

But it hasn’t always been

“They’re all my children,” Larry, who has a biological son, said.

New Heights 5

I

ntercept 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 24/7. We tailor services to meet each family’s needs, and our ongoing outcome evaluation studies have demonstrated that 90 percent of youth are successful up to two years after discharge from the program.

EVERYONE HAD TO ADJUST A LITTLE job interviews, and we had fun, but I think it was the first time for me that I got an honest answer from her.”

Veola regularly visited school and advocated for Aleigh, who turned her schoolwork around. She began singing with the school choir in addition to the church choir. She even received help from her grandfather while she was practicing a Motown song – he knew how the original tune went.

Veola and Aleigh

Aleigh said. “I knew I was getting

Grandma and grandpa had to change the old ways.

Or maybe adjust them a little so Aleigh, 18, didn’t feel as if she were moving farther toward those ways than she thought necessary.

Aleigh liked her friends and sneaking out to be with the “in” crowd, but it

older, and at that retreat, I made up my mind to be my own person. I made up my mind to do better.”

Youth Villages Family Intervention Specialist Kristin Ingram first worked with the family to help them understand and respect one another.

“I just got tired of arguing,” Aleigh said. “I try every night to give my grandpa a hug and tell him I love him.”

But she’s still Aleigh – only now her

wasn’t a positive situation.

“Aleigh had issues with respect,”

Most important, Aleigh was accountable for where she was going and what she was doing. The arguing became less frequent, and tension in the home subsided.

Kristin said her visits three times

independence and strong will are

said Veola, her grandmother. “She was

a week with the family weren’t very

simply transferred to future success

hanging around a bad crowd and they

productive in the beginning.

rather than one night’s fun.

all encouraged each other.”

Aleigh knew she was getting older

“There was a lot of button pushing going on,” she said. “And Aleigh,

and the time had come to place a pri-

at first, told me what she thought I

ority on her future. She realized this

wanted to hear.”

She’s thinking Marine Corps then college.

“Aleigh’s going to take up for herself and not be quiet,” Kristin said. “She’s

Then Aleigh began to change. She

doing well in home and at school. I

Away from friends and family, she

opened up more about what was going

think the family just needed to take

heard other children her age share

on.

a moment to understand each other

during a church retreat last summer.

their experiences about growing up,

“She saw we were really going to bat

peer pressure and other issues facing

for her in court and at school,” Kristin

teens. She saw what was happening.

said. “We role-played some silly ques-

“I didn’t mean to hurt Granny,” 6 New Heights

tions applicants sometimes get during

and maybe look at how to meet in the middle.”

H

Holiday Heroes bring joy

Join our efforts Become a force for families There are numerous ways to help. Mentor, foster parent, volunteer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the more than 450 children we help every day in East Tennessee.

Please call Jennifer Judge at 901-251-4826 or e-mail jennifer.judge@YouthVillages.org to find out how to help.

9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite E-475 Knoxville, TN 37923 865-560-2550

Children and families participating in Youth Villages programs in East Tennessee were able to celebrate the holidays through the Holiday Heroes program, where individuals and corporate partners fulfill a child or family’s holiday wish list. East Tennessee individuals and organizations donated nearly $30,000 to provide holiday gifts for more than 200 children and families in East Tennessee. Thank you for being a Holiday Hero.

Thinking of a planned gift?

Whether you’re planning such a gift as writing a will or setting up a trust for Youth Villages or another nonprofit, we have information on our website devoted to donations and

Marler Stone

planned giving that can help.

Simply go to youthvillages.org/plannedgiving

Thank you for supporting Youth Villages The following donors made gifts of $50 or more to Youth Villages between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 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 901-251-4821.

YV Builder First Tennessee Foundation

Friend of Youth Villages Boones Creek Christian Church Mr. and Mrs. Martin Brown Ms. Sara Buchanan Dr. Matthew Cary Mr. Mike Chesney Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Diatikar

Ms. Phyllis Dill Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dorman Mr. Paul Forsyth Ms. June Fulbright Ms. Stephanie Herman Mr. Joseph Jacobsen Mr. Nikolaus Jordan Knoxville Ice Bears Mr. Harold Mason Mr. William McCarter Ms. Joellen Meredith Mr. Markus Micha NAEHCY Mr. and Mrs. J. E.LOGO Rausin YOUTUBE SPECS Mr. Todd Schott on light backgrounds Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mr. David Spann Mr. and Mrs. Doug Tabor The Cup Mr. Robert Wilson Ms. Sarah Wooten Mr. and Mrs. Philip Zaretzki Mr. Fernando Zepeda

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You will find an introduction to planned giving, and a section entitled “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 more information, please contact Marler Stone at 901-251-4820 or e-mail marler.stone@ youthvillages.org.

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Memorials Caroline des Granges Wallis Mr. Paul Forsyth

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www.twitter.com/youthvillages www.facebook.com/youthvillages www.youthvillages.org

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www.youtube.com/youthvillages New Heights 7

YOUTH VILLAGES 9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite E475 Knoxville, TN 37923 (Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than 20,000 children and their families from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Jeffersonville, Madison Massachusetts: Arlington, 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 Oregon: Portland Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.

New Heights East Tennessee is published by Youth Villages

Managing Editor: Amanda Tillman

Associate Editor: Chris Pennington Please call 865-560-2550 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.