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.