SPRING
New
HEIGHTS FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
2021
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR After 12 long months of fear, isolation and stagnation, we sit on the horizon of hope. Not just as we repair from the devastation of COVID-19, but also as we rebuild from a racial reckoning long overdue.
OREGON ADVISORY BOARD Sister Guadalupe Guajardo (Chair) Jaquelyn Reyes Alonzo, YVScholar Mariel Combs, Defenders of Wildlife Bill de la Cruz, De La Cruz Solutions David Durocher, Community Volunteer Nicholas Ehlen, Melvin Mark Brokerage Company
For the last three years, we’ve explored our role in systemic issues impacting equity and inclusion, held more intentional forums to have uncomfortable conversations, and embraced the joy of growing our knowledge and reducing our harm. In the past 12 months, our services and supports for 932 children, families and young people across Oregon never wavered. We shifted to virtual telehealth and in-person crisis response following COVID-19 screening assessments. As the early crush of the pandemic unfolded, we surveyed and responded to families with food insecurities and technology needs. This past December, donors and volunteers helped fulfill more than 250 holiday wish lists for kids, siblings and young adults in our programs.
Alice Galloway, Community Volunteer Ian Galloway, Federal Reserve Bank, San Francisco Robin Henderson, Providence Medical Group Joan Horstkotte, Emeritus Member Ann Mestrovich, The Standard Elijah Pahl, Kaiser Northwest Linda Jackson-Shaw, Community Advocate Pat Ritz, Footwear Specialties
Looking forward, we will continue to show up for families in crisis, young adults in transition and staff on the frontlines of this work. We will “seek first to understand, then to be understood,” (Steven Covey, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”). We will continue to push recognition of the incredible potential for all youth in our community.
International Colby Schlicker, Agency X Charles Swindells, Charles Swindells Law
Thank you to the individuals, companies and foundations listed in this newsletter for your commitment to be the force for families.
How are we doing? We’d love to hear feedback from you, so we can continue to improve and give you content you enjoy. Andrew Grover EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Andrew.Grover@youthvillages.org 503-675-2232
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A NEW BEGINNING FOR ARI In early December, Ari reached out to her LifeSet specialist, Justin, asking about community resources to help over the holidays. Like so many youth transitioning out of the foster care system, Ari doesn’t have a large support network she can fall back on. Christmas is an important time of the year for her, and she was very grateful that we could provide a Christmas tree, decorations and gifts through our annual holiday gift drive – she asked for several items for her first-ever apartment. While this determination and steady path toward selfsufficiency marks Ari’s journey now, she is no stranger to adversity. Ari and her siblings were placed in foster care ... when she was 12, and the lack of stability and community ... story continues on page 4
AT HOME
WITH FAMILY
NATIONAL PROGRAM SUCCESS
LOCAL SUCCESS
NO TROUBLE
WITH THE LAW
IN SCHOOL
OR GRADUATED
87
%
90
%
The figures represent the status of youth at one year after discharge through June 2020.
95
%
Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 45% (2,482 out of 5,510).
B U I L D I N G S T R O N G FA M I L I E S
STUDIES SHOW EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERCEPT PROGRAM In 1995, Youth Villages began providing intensive help for children with emotional and behavioral issues and their families through Intercept, intensive in-home services. Over the years, the program has helped more than 43,000 children from birth to age 18 and demonstrated high success rates. Two important recent studies have further shown the program’s impact and allowed the program to receive a national rating that may make it available to more families who need it.
The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse announced recently that the Youth Villages Intercept program model is rated as “supported” after two studies from the Center for State Childhood Data at the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall showed the program had positive impacts on the use of foster care. This means the program can be used by states through federal funding provided by the Family First Prevention Services Act passed by Congress in 2018.
“This is a milestone for Intercept and Youth Villages,” said Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler. “More than 30 years ago, we made providing intensive help for families the center of what we do. We’re pleased that Intercept has been recognized as one of the first 10 In-Home/Parent-Skill programs in the country to receive a favorable rating.” Two separate evaluations of Intercept were conducted using data made available by the state of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
In the first, researchers found that Intercept reduces the chances of out-of-home placement by 53% following an abuse or neglect investigation. The effect of
Intercept is sustained at six and 12 months after services end. In the second, the data showed the odds of achieving permanency were approximately 24% higher for children receiving Intercept than a comparison group. Intercept provides intensive in-home services and works in all the systems that surround the child: the family, school, neighborhood and peer group. The Intercept program was launched in Memphis and became an integral part of child welfare reform in the state of Tennessee. Youth Villages expanded the model, and it is now being implemented in 13 states.
The Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. It determines what services can be funded under the Family First Prevention Services Act.
“The Clearinghouse is helping states identify evidence-based interventions that really work to strengthen and restore struggling families,” Lawler said. “It is a transformational moment for child welfare in this country.”
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LIFESET™, AN EVIDENCEINFORMED PROGRAM MODEL DEVELOPED BY YOUTH VILLAGES, IS THE BRIDGE FROM FOSTER CARE TO SUCCESSFUL ADULTHOOD.
A NEW BEGINNING FOR ARI
story continued from page 3
...she faced in her childhood left her far behind her peers. When Ari enrolled in Youth Villages’ LifeSet program last year, this marked a drastic turn for her. No longer was she working toward a plan set by a case worker, or expectations set by foster parents. She was working toward her own goals. Knowing she would age out of care soon, Ari was determined to find stable housing and a new job to support her monthly expenses, while she prepared to pursue a degree in emergency medical services. By the time she was ready to move into her first apartment, she had landed a full-time job and was setting goals for her first six months of living independently. As her LifeSet specialist is fond of saying, Ari’s story isn’t about them. When we stop telling youth what to do and how to do it, and instead listen and support them in their own unique path toward self-sufficiency, it’s truly a beautiful thing.
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And for Ari, her journey is just beginning.
– 150 volunteer hours spent unpacking, sorting and wrapping gifts by more than 75 individuals including National Charity League – Oregon Rose Chapter; Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary; Youth Villages Oregon Women’s Auxiliary – 17 business and partners who generously gave financial and in-kind donations, including:
Not all superheroes wear capes! Last December, Superheroes helped provide holiday gifts and winter essentials to 251 Oregon youth – more than we ever served before. In a year marked by challenges and everchanging needs for young people and families, Superheroes made their holidays both positive and memorable.
When we started planning Holiday Heroes, we knew the tremendous needs of kids and families in our programs, coupled with state regulated freeze orders to reduce COVID-19 transmissions, would create challenges in fulfilling all of the wish lists. What we did not anticipate was the sheer volume of individuals, organizations and companies who would respond!
• Airstream Adventures NW
• Brew Dr. Kombucha
• Dutch Bros. Of Central Oregon
• Elves on a Mission
• First Citizens Bank
• First Tech Federal Credit Union
• IBM
• Keller Williams Realty Professionals
• Les Schwab Tires
• Merina+Co
• National Charity League – Oregon Rose Chapter
• R&H Construction
• Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
• TE Connectivity
• Walsh Construction
• Windermere Foundation and Windermere Realty Trust
• Youth Villages Oregon Women’s Auxiliary
– 700 individual gifts sent out to youth – 162 individuals who contributed cash and in-kind gifts
Every wish list item held a unique story of perseverance – kitchen supplies for a young adult who recently moved into their first apartment; fidget toys for a child struggling with distance learning; LED lights and a diffuser for a teenager creating a self-care space; and wipes and a crib mattress for a soon-to-be young dad. Thank you to all of the Superheroes – with or without a mask, you are truly the force for families.
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Justin, Johnathan and Deontae showing off gifts from their Holiday Heroes
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Right after forming, the Ambassador Board dove in to supporting our youth through our annual holiday gift drive – creating peer-topeer fundraisers; hosting virtual happy hours; securing corporate contributions; setting up in-kind gift drives with their employers; sharing about the holiday drive with their personal networks and on social media; and donating to the cause themselves. These are just a few ways the Ambassador Board combined to help engineer the most successful holiday drive Youth Villages Oregon has ever seen, providing 251 youth with holiday gifts and winter essentials.
AMBASSADORS
EMERGING LEADERS, EMERGING IMPACT YOUTH VILLAGES OREGON IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF OUR FIRSTEVER AMBASSADOR BOARD! FORMED IN NOVEMBER OF 2020, THESE EMERGING COMMUNITY LEADERS ARE ALREADY PROVING TO BE DIFFERENCE-MAKERS FOR THE KIDS AND FAMILIES WE SERVE.
Complementing the work of our local Advisory Board, the Ambassador Board plays a unique and important role for Youth Villages Oregon. Common amongst all the Ambassador Board members is a desire to give back to the community and make a tremendous impact for youth facing challenging circumstances. In leveraging their networks and giving their expertise, these emerging leaders are doing much more than helping solidify our partnerships with businesses and the community; they are actively bringing new voices to the table and making sure our entire community knows the value of investing in youth. In the coming year, the Ambassador Board will work to bring in new community partnerships for our annual back-to-school and holiday drives; expand its membership to more emerging leaders in the community; and leverage their individual talents and networks to support the growth of Youth Villages Oregon. Interested in learning more, or do you have an emerging leader in your network who is just the right fit for this board? Get in touch with us by calling 503-635-3416.
Founding Ambassador Board Members Sam Bridgnell – First Citizens Bank Ethan Eisenstein – Smarsh Candace Elliott – First Tech Federal Credit Union Nikki Gardner - Keller Williams Realty Professionals Rachel Parrott - DE&I Speaker, Strategist & Consultant Angela Perry - Community Advocate Rudy Quintanilla – TE Connectivity Hana Watari – Graduate Student, Pacific University Daniel Whitmore – Merina+Co
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
DEEP CONNECTION WITH DUTCH BROS. COFFEE OF CENTRAL OREGON WITH JOSH KIMZEY: OWNER/OPERATOR
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How did you become involved with Youth Villages? A few years ago my wife, Samantha and I started the To The Moon Project in Grants Pass, Oregon, in memory of her mother, Cheryle, who had for years provided backpacks and supplies to at-risk and foster youth – and the proceeds from this went to a local organization serving kids. When we moved to Bend in 2017, we wanted to find an organization we could partner with to carry on this mission through Dutch Bros, and also find a way for our employees to get involved. After meeting with Youth Villages Oregon’s development team, we knew this was an organization that had the same heart and passion that we had for foster youth and disadvantaged youth.
What stood out to you about Youth Villages specifically that aligned with your values on giving and community engagement? That first impression of Youth Villages Oregon really stuck with me, and I knew your work was aligned with what we wanted to do, and being able to carry on Cheryle’s legacy through an organization that treats kids and cares for kids in a similar way. And then being able see how impactful and far reaching your work is, the professionalism of your organization and your passion for serving youth, was really incredible. That’s why we were so grateful to support Youth Villages Oregon this year during our annual Buck for Kids day fundraiser, and to continue our support of the back-to-school and holiday gift drives.
“BEING ABLE SEE HOW IMPACTFUL AND FAR REACHING YOUR WORK IS, THE PROFESSIONALISM OF YOUR ORGANIZATION AND YOUR PASSION FOR SERVING YOUTH, WAS REALLY INCREDIBLE” Why is investing in your local community important to you and to Dutch Bros? With Dutch Bros, this was really birthed in its infancy with the founders, with a desire to use this business and its success to make the world a better place and give back to the community that we’re fortunate to be able to serve. Those ideals aligned with me and Samantha as owners and operators, and for us it’s about paying that forward, leading by example so we can show our people how business is more than money, it’s about serving our communities and making a positive difference in the lives of those whom we share it with. The employees at DBCO also have this heart for service already, so it’s really important for me to be able to provide them opportunities to get involved in more than just coffee. So, throughout the year, we try and be that leader in the business community, seeing how we can make the most impact and providing enough opportunities where it will really resonate with our employees that achieving and being fulfilled can be very different things. At Dutch Bros Coffee, we work so hard at creating meaningful moments for our customers and that doesn’t stop at just the window. I want to create meaningful moments for our employees, as well as they discover and grow and become the best version of themselves, and to find that fulfillment in supporting something they really care about like they did with the backpack drive and holiday gifts this year.
What are you most proud of in the last year? Looking back on the wide range of challenges that we faced in 2020, I think what I’m most proud of was that when tested at a high level, we stayed consistent with who we are and have always been. It’s easy to be positive and enthusiastic when things are easy and going well, and I have been in awe of our people at our shops who remained consistent and unshakeable in that positivity and optimism, proving that this is who we are rain or shine. Our community certainly faced a lot of adversity this year, and it gave us the opportunity to really live out our values, and that’s what I’m most proud of. Being uncertain about what the future holds caused us to feel a greater appreciation for the now and we had a few opportunities to show our gratitude to the front line workers, industries and NGO’s that carried the brunt of the load. Frontline Fire, Health, Emergency, Community Relief and Educational personnel that went above and beyond everywhere as we all navigate the unknown together.
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OREGON CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN JULY 1, 2020 TO DECEMBER 31, 2020
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUTH VILLAGES. THE FOLLOWING DONORS MADE GIFTS TO YOUTH VILLAGES BETWEEN JULY 1, 2020 AND DEC. 31, 2020. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF OF YOUTH VILLAGES GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THESE THOUGHTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS.
YV LEADER 10,000 to 24,999
$
$
OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation Youth Villages Oregon Employees Our Family Campaign In-N-Out Burger Foundation Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Charitable Trust The Swigert Foundation Les Schwab Tire Centers
YV PROTECTOR 5,000 to $9,999
$
Dutch Bros. Lam Research Clark/Lewis Family Foundation Juan Young Trust June & Julian Foss Foundation Windermere Foundation
YV BUILDER
FRIEND OF YOUTH VILLAGES 100 to $999
$
$
First Tech Federal Credit Union David and Terry Durocher Daniel Hatfield The Holzman Foundation WRG Foundation Providence Health & Services David and Ginny Bennett Horstkotte Family Charitable Foundation Estate of Thomas Edwards Mr. John Graeter Anita and Gerald Lindsay Cedar Glen Estates Leotta Gordon Foundation Mary’s Woods Mr. David Drinkward Scott and Kelly Eisenstein Joan Horstkotte Karina Stark Merina & Co National Charity League OnPoint Community Credit Union Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Winnowski Family Foundation
R&H Construction
1,000 to $4,999
Kami Semick Mr. Brian Shipley Bob and Diana Mitchell First Citizens Bank - Lake Oswego Judge Merri Souther Wyatt Mr. Gary Parlet Walsh Construction Co. Ms. Janet Markman Leslie Nickels James Mitchell Andrew Berlinberg Ethan Eisenstein & Megan Knudsen Christina and Mark Wood George Grauke Robert Scanlan and Gay Hart Ms. Carolyn Sadle Mr. Andy Green Tomas Navarro Dr. Michael Deeney Mr. Bradley Wulf Mr. Steven Fierberg Ms. Loren Reynolds Vijayakumar Ramachandrarao Patricia Bradley
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IF YOU MADE A CONTRIBUTION DURING THIS TIME BUT IT IS NOT LISTED, PLEASE CALL 503635-3416.
Ms. Katie Hardman Ms. Megan Combs Sherry Francis U.S. Bank Foundation Mr. Alexander Phan Stephenie Winter Sermeno Mr. Marlon Howard Heather Brymer Candace Elliott Alexander Phan Allie Fuller Angela L Kane Chris and Shauna Lugar Darci & Charlie Swindells Joey Kerns Judy Jensen Lora and Bill de la Cruz Margaret Cantwell Mr. James Petersen Mr. Josh Hackenjos Ms. Angela Perry Ms. Angela Stevens Ms. Jennifer Seidelman Nike, Inc. Robert van der Hoest
HONORARIUM
Robin and Robert Henderson
Benjamin Keller
Tiffanie Danley
In honor of Joshua Keller
Timothy Hardy Traci Brown
Mr. Erik Bjorge
Cari Howard
In honor of Christine Cato
Cindy Cruz Daniel Metcalf
Mr. Keith Legg
Debbie Chen
In honor of Bea Legg
Elise & Donald Varga Katelin Wille
Mr. Mark Dabney
Lynzie Zawadzki
In honor of Ann Mestrovich
Marc Zemp Sarah and Steven Cantor
Mr. Sydney Bell
Mr. Chris Suarez
In honor of Lisa Latham
Ms. Liza Davis In honor of Annamma Vithayathil Ms. Michele DesCombes In honor of Jenna Wayland Ms. Nikki Gardner In honor of Chris Kurtz Richard Dabney In honor of Ann Mestrovich Teri Patapoff In honor of Jonathan Whitmore
Mr. John Crowell Mrs. Katy Marriner
Mrs. Solveig Holmquist
Mrs. Mary K. McClure
In honor of Charlie Swindells
Ms. Mary Bartlett Ms. Mary Goss
Ms. Carole Cooperman
Nancy Buller
In memory of Fred Horstkotte
Natalie Frainey Rob Levy
Ms. Elizabeth Holliday
Sarita Dua
In honor of Brenden Dunne and
Wilmer Fon
Jordan Heinrich
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YOUTH VILLAGES
PERMIT NUMBER 1324
PO BOX 368 Marylhurst, OR 97036 p: 503-635-3416
U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 33,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Searcy, West Memphis Florida: Lakeland Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Indianapolis, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville Massachusetts: Marlborough, West Springfield, Raynham, Woburn Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville Ohio: Worthington Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C. New Heights Oregon is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email cynthia.vanelli@youthvillages.org or call 901-251-5000. ©
2021 Youth Villages, Inc.