Trustmark steps up as Backpack Hero ... 4
Honoring Mississippi’s Champions for Children ... 6
Junior League of Jackson partners with YV ... 4
Family Victories from Youth Villages Mississippi
Winter 2014
Back in family hands
Consistent message helps Chris turn behavior around — page 5
A model organization
Journalists highlight how Youth Villages succeeds in new book and tell Fred’s story, a youth who received help from several YV programs — page 4
A message from our director
Hernando Tupelo Greenwood
Columbus
Mississippi
Because you believe in children
Vicksburg Meridian Jackson
Brookhaven
Thanks to your help and support, Youth Villages Missis-
Natchez
Hattiesburg
sippi is reaching out to help more children and families Biloxi
than ever before. I’m heartened by our recent partnerships that strengthen
YOUTH VILLAGES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
our relationships with the community and businesses. Our recent partnership with the Junior League of Jackson adds a much-needed element to our monthly foster
Bryan Jordan, Chairman
parent support group meetings. In addition to providing meals, Junior League volunteers also use that time to of-
Katja Russell
fer life skills education to children attending the meeting. Thanks to Trustmark National Bank, we provided more
Bill Giles, Vice Chairman Matthew Tarkenton, Secretary Paul Bower, Treasurer Mike Bruns, Chairman Emeritus
than 250 backpacks full of school supplies for Mississippi school children in
Marietta Davis
need.
Judith Edge
If you’ve ever wondered how this support, whether through volunteering
Nicholas R. Ehlen
or donating time or money, has an effect on kids, read about Chris and his
Jack A. Eiferman
mother, Leigh Anne.
Willie Gregory
Faced with a downward spiral of behavior from Chris, her young son, Leigh
Joanna Jacobson
Anne had run out of options. Chris’ school had turned its back, and despite
Karole Lloyd
Leigh Anne’s pleas, no one was offering to help.
Mark Medford
When the family was referred to Mississippi Youth Programs Around the
Johnny Pitts
Clock, Leigh Anne wasn’t sure anything would help. But she bought into the
H. Patterson Ritz
program, and Chris’ school came on board.
Michael Rose
There is still a way to go for Chris, but he’s back in his school and his grades are better.
Richard W. Talkov Scotland Thede
Without someone there to tell Chris and his mother it could be better and work toward that end, where would they be now? Who stands firm to help
David Tyler Chip Wade
families turn their lives around? Who shows these children and families there are people who believe in them and that success is achievable?
Patrick Lawler, CEO
You do. You know without help and support, there are thousands of children whose lives would be drastically different. And through your help and support, more children’s stories can be like Chris’. Thank you for helping us make more children’s stories have a happier ending, and thank you for supporting Youth Villages.
MISSISSIPPI LOCAL BOARD Jill Beneke Michael Forster
Sincerely,
Wesla Leech Sean Perkins Ravi Raju Stephanie Rippee Katja Russell
Kathryn Simmons
Executive Director of Mississippi
Susan Smith
katja.russell@youthvillages.org
Amanda Jones Tollison
601-572-3727
Karla Steckler Tye
2 Winter 2014
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New Heights
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Mississippi
Program Successat admission to the program.
*82.7% of youth were in state custody
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.
NEW MISSISSIPPI BOARD MEMBERS
MISSISSIPPI PROGRAM SUCCESS 100
Outcomes
At one one-year year post post-discharge discharge
80
0
No involvement with the law
20
At home with family
40
76%
86%
89% In school or graduated
60
Raju, Perkins help with Youth Villages
The graph above represents the status of Mississippi youth one year after discharge through March 2014. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 62 percent.
YOUTH VILLAGES PARTNERS WITH MY BROTHER’S CUP Youth Villages Mississippi is pleased to announce a new partnership with My Brother’s Cup, makers of gourmet coffee in Tupelo. Now, you can enjoy the delicious rich taste of 100 percent Arabica coffee while supporting a great cause. Choose from flavors like Mountain Rain, Southern Roasted Pecan or Pumpkin Spice. Just be sure to enter the donation code “YV” when placing orders online at www.mybrotherscup.com. For every purchase, $1 will be donated to Youth Villages. Kay Pittman, who owns and runs My Brother’s Cup with her husband, Mike, was drawn to Youth Villages after learning how effective the organization is in treating emotionally and behaviorally troubled children. “The more we learn about Youth Villages, the more we want to support what they do. We are fully on board with this cause,” Pittman said. For more information, please contact the Pittmans at 662-491-0923 or coffee@mybrotherscup.com.
Katja Russell, center, Youth Villages executive director of Mississippi, with new Mississippi board members Ravi Raju, left, and Sean Perkins
Board members play a significant role at the local level establishing Youth Villages as the leading provider of effective programs for troubled children and their families. In Mississippi, two new members, Ravi Raju and Sean Perkins, recently were appointed. “This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on a large group of deserving children who need our community’s support,” Raju said. “When I had the opportunity to go on a ride-along and witness an inspirational session between student and specialist, I was completely sold on the need and effectiveness of the program.” Raju works at Camgian Microsystems in Starkville, and Perkins works at Regions Bank in Jackson. Both have extensive experience serving their communities. Raju has served on Leadership Jackson, the Central Mississippi Growth Foundation and the executive committee of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Perkins has served on boards for the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Jackson 2000, Urban League of Greater Jackson and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. “As we expand our services to meet the needs of more children, our local board will be critical to helping ensure we’re able to do so,” said Katja Russell, executive director of Mississippi. “With members like Ravi and Sean, we know we have community allies who share our passion for helping children and families.”
Winter 2014
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Mississippi 3
BOOK HIGHLIGHTS HOW YV SUCCEEDS Youth Villages is highlighted as a model organization in the new book “A Path Appears” by renowned journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Kristof, columnist for The New York Times since 2001 and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, co-wrote the book with his wife, WuDunn, after they spent years
YV staff welcomed members of the Trustmark team to celebrate Backpack Heroes. More than 250 stuffed backpacks were distributed to youth across the state.
reporting on human rights issues in the developing world. Youth Villages is one of the organizations recognized. In a chapter titled “Coaching Troubled Teens,” Kristof and WuDunn identify Youth Villages’ intensive in-home services that help troubled youth live successfully as an effective approach. “YV argues that with the right support and scrutiny, half of
TRUSTMARK STEPS UP AGAIN TO BE BACKPACK HEROES For the second year in a
the 600,000 kids in America being raised in effect by the state
row, Trustmark National
(including foster care) could remain with their families or rela-
Bank provided more than
tives, saving tens of millions of dollars annually and reducing
$3,000 in school supplies for
the trauma and upheaval for those children,” they write.
Youth Villages’ Backpack
The book features the story of Fred Burns, a Mississippi
Heroes campaign. More than
native who was helped by several Youth Villages programs
250 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to
and now participates in Youth Villages’ transitional living
children of all ages in Youth Villages programs. “Trustmark supplied Youth Villages with everything
program. “With this new stability in his life, Fred began to excel in
from crayons for the younger children to scientific calcu-
sports and academics. He became the first member of his
lators for high school and college students,” said André
immediate family to graduate from high school, and he did
Conway, community relations manager at Youth Vil-
it in style: he was valedictorian, with a 4.25 GPA. Fred ac-
lages. “We are very grateful to have such strong support
cepted an academic scholarship to Mississippi State Uni-
from the business community.”
versity, was successful as a walk-on to the football team, and
Trustmark’s participation was spearheaded by Angie
later transferred to Jackson State University to major in
Steadman, branch manager, who coordinated with each
computer engineering.”
branch to ensure the correct supplies were ordered.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF JACKSON PARTNERS WITH YV meetings each month for its foster parents. Through partnering with the
More than 25 Junior League volun-
Junior League of Jackson, those meet-
teers participate in the project that
ings now include homemade meals for
runs through May. In addition to the
the families as well as activities for the
project, Junior League volunteers also
children addressing nutrition, read-
held special events for the families
ing, exercise, self-esteem and disease
during the holidays and plan a family
prevention.
fun day in the spring.
“Partnering with Youth Villages in Help for foster parents and foster
Enrichment project.
“We’re grateful for this partnership
this way gives our members an op-
with the Junior League of Jackson,”
children reached a new level when
portunity to volunteer in a meaningful
said Katja Russel, executive director
the Junior League of Jackson began its
way,” said Tianna Raby, six-year mem-
of Mississippi.
Foster Care Enrichment project.
ber of the Junior League of Jackson
Youth Villages hosts parent support
4 Winter 2014
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New Heights
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and chairwoman of the Foster Care
Mississippi
Youth Villages’ MYPAC uses the family-driven, strengths-based wraparound approach. Our primary service coordinators visit with the child and family in their home at least weekly to provide intensive case management. Family members and natural supports for the child and family are an integral part of each child and family team. If a family lacks natural supports, our coordinators will help build a family’s support system.
TURNING CHRIS AROUND WITH GENTLE HANDS MYPAC staff worked to create consistent message at home and at school
ing at first with the school,” Leigh Anne said. “They would point out all the negative things Chris did. I asked them, ‘Can we talk
To claim Chris was a
about the positive things he
handful meant you had
did?’”
enormous hands.
While Kaila and MYPAC
“Or more than one hand,”
Primary Service Coordi-
said Kaila Virgil, Youth
nator Jameeka Williams
Villages Mississippi Youth
worked with Chris and
Programs Around the Clock
Leigh Anne in the home,
mental health therapist.
they also talked with school
“Chris was having three-to-
staff and established consis-
four critical events a week.”
tency between school and
Chris’ mother, Leigh
home. Chris learned ways
Anne, called them “erup-
to cope with his anger and
tions,” and they occurred
frustration. Kaila set up a
mostly at school. Chris
feelings chart of more than
would become defiant and
40 feelings with accompa-
physically and verbally
nying photos. Chris would
aggressive. The behavior
point to what feeling best
continued when he was put
described how he felt when
into an alternative school. “The school basically told us ‘We’re over it,’”
he was asked.
Chris with his mother, Leigh Anne
A little more than two
“Chris started communormal behavior dramati-
nicating better with his
Kaila said. “They told us
years ago, Chris’ school
cally changed following
mother and with school
they wanted him out of the
referred him to Youth Vil-
visits with his father. The
staff,” Kaila said. “Then the
school.”
lages’ MYPAC. When Kaila
visits stopped, but Chris
school and Leigh Anne saw
Leigh Anne had no an-
first visited the home, her
still needed help. At school,
they were both on the same
swers to Chris’ tantrums.
goal was to get everyone in
Chris would want to call his
team. More importantly,
Without support from Chris’
the family engaged.
mother to be sure she was
they both wanted to help
safe. Much of his problem
Chris.”
school, her confidence was
“Everyone brought some-
shot. She was at the break-
thing different to helping
behavior stemmed from
ing point.
Chris,” she said. “I worked
not being allowed to call. In
phone his mother once a
“I kept telling myself,
Chris was allowed to
with Chris to get him to
addition, the lack of com-
week. He had signals he
‘Just get through this fit,’”
understand it was OK to feel
munication and cooperation
could give school staff so
she said. “It was tough, but
happy or sad instead of be-
between the school and
they’d know when he was
I tried and did whatever
ing aggressive.”
Leigh Anne strained their
beginning to get frustrated.
relationship.
Chris’ transformation
it took to get him to calm down.”
Chris suffered abuse from his father. Previously
“There was a lot of bicker-
Winter 2014
continued on page 6 n
New Heights
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Mississippi 5
HONORING MISSISSIPPI’S CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN The 2014 Champions for Children spring luncheon took place on April 8 at the Youth Villages office in Ridgeland. Donors who qualified as Champions for Children by giving $1,000 or more over the course of one year were honored. Each was presented a glass vase with red tulips and a framed certificate thanking them for their support. Katja Russell, executive director of Youth Villages Mississippi, gave an in-depth presentation to the audience about how their financial contributions enable Youth Vil-
Staff from Capitol Resources and YV’s Katja Russell
lages to make a bigger impact in the lives of children and families. In addition to the honorees, several friends of Youth Villages attended the luncheon, as well as members of the Mississippi board. “It’s humbling to be among so many who chose to support Mississippi’s youth,” Russell said. “I was happy to be able to show them what their contributions not only allow us to do, but also see how their help makes an immediate, positive change in the children.” Champions for Children honored include Capitol Resources, Cooper and Frances Morrison, CSpire Wireless, Dean and Ann Blackwell, Hiram Creekmore, Hu and Ashley Meena, Scott and Starr Miller, John and Lind
Magnolia Health Plan team members with Russell
Bussey, John and Jan Gadow, Magnolia Health Plan, Tellus Operating Group, and Terry and Tracy Godfrey.
Katja Russell, Youth Villages executive director of Mississppi (far left) and community relations manager André Conway (far right) with local board members (l to r) Susan Smith, Jill Beneke, Kathryn Simmons and Dr. Michael Forster
CHRIS TURNS AROUND
borhood elementary school. The home now is relaxed. Chris
from page 5
grills hot dogs and hamburgers for the family. He plays all kinds of sports and
around,” Kaila said. “We want him to be able to check his behavior on his own consistently.” Leigh Anne said her home is more
turned him into one of the favorites at
has neighborhood buddies who visit
his school. The principal there made
and play. He has begun regular school
a big deal out of Chris leaving, inviting
without incident. He’s not completely
school, did his homework, then went
all the children and staff into the hall
out of the woods, but mom and staff
outside and played,” she said. “It’s a
to watch Chris receive his notice that
agree the journey has been significant.
complete 180 from who Chris was just
he would be going back to his neigh-
“He’s doing well, but that’s with us
6 Winter 2014
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New Heights
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Mississippi
calm now. “The other day he came home from
a few years ago.”
JOIN OUR EFFORTS
THANK YOU The following donors made gifts to Youth Villages between
Become a force for families
March 31 and Sept. 30, 2014. 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 601-572-3750.
There are numerous ways to help. Foster a child, volunteer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have
YV Protector ($5,000 to $9,999) Hu and Ashley Meena
YV Builder ($1,000 to $4,999) Dean and Ann Blackwell Hiram Creekmore John and Jan Gadow
Friend of Youth Villages (up to $999) Larry Adams Tyler Ball Henry Barbour Stephanie Bell Machelle Bernheim Robert Branch Susie Burns Jack and Sigrid Conway Coxwell and Associates PLLC Wade and Betsy Creekmore Adair Cunningham Dick and Pam David Henry Dick Cecil Dorrell Jennifer Downey Brooks Eason Evan Dillard Jan Evers Eye Works Inc. Dr. Michael Forster Sandra Goodwill Lisa Gravener Breanna Griffin Lester Hailey Russell Harrison Jane Heineke Jack and Leigh Herrin
Clare Hester G. Douglas Higginbotham Christopher Hutchinson Hannah Jenkins Virden Jones Junior League of Jackson Don and Judy Lacy Wesla Leech Renee Linebarger John Lundy Lee Ann Mayo Kenneth McClain Sherry McWhorter Metrix Solutions LLC Harold Miller Scott and Starr Miller Randi Mueller Luther Munford J. W. Newman Mr. and Mrs. David Orlansky Thomas Payne Pileum Corporation Angela Porter Cody and Nicole Rader RH Plumbing Inc. Mary Jane Ridgway Don Roberts Judy Robinson Roderickis Robinson St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Mark Salvatore Kyle Seage Kathryn Simmons Susan Smith Clayton Stanley Kayo Sykes Amanda Tollison George Tompkins The University of Southern Mississippi Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter Andy White Jerry Whittington Georgia Wise Jennifer Young
YOUTH VILLAGES HELPED BY THE KING OF HARTS’ LOUIE T kingofharts.com
Youth Villages is grateful and honored that Melissa Joan Hart chose us as the charitable partner for her new boys clothing line, King of Harts. Proceeds from the collection’s Louie T-shirt support Youth Villages’ programs. Hart, star of the television show Melissa & Joey, recently launched King of Harts with her husband, Mark Wilkerson. Proud parents of three young sons, the pair were inspired to create a line of “cool, durable and quality boys clothes.” Hart was the
a direct impact on the future of hundreds of children we help every day in Mississippi. Often, our children come from extremely disadvantaged
André Conway
situations. A great way to help the youth in our programs is to get involved with our two major programs, Backpack Heroes in the spring/summer and Holiday Heroes in the winter. For information on how you can make a difference, please contact André Conway at 601-572-3750 or by e-mail at andre.conway@youthvillages.org.
Thinking of a planned gift? If you’re planning a gift in your will or trust for Youth Villages, you can find help on our website. Simply go to youthvillages. org/plannedgiving and you’re there. You will find an introduction to planned giving and a catego-
Steve Benskin
ry titled “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 information, please contact Steve Benskin at 901-2514820 or e-mail steve.benskin@youthvillages.org.
Stay in touch online youthvillages.wordpress.com www.twitter.com/youthvillages www.facebook.com/youthvillages www.youthvillages.org
child star of Clarissa Explains It All and teen star of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
Winter 2014
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Mississippi 7
YOUTH VILLAGES 805 South Wheatley Street, Suite 240 Ridgeland, MS 39157 (Address Service Requested)
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES
A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than 22,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Massachusetts: Arlington, Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, Worcester Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville Oklahoma: Tulsa Oregon: Portland Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.
New Heights Mississippi is published by Youth Villages Please e-mail Andre.Conway@youthvillages.org or call 601-572-3750 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 local solutions to help children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully. We help more than 22,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family RestorationŽ 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.