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FALL 2021

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SPRING

HEIGHTS 2021

FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES

BACKPACK HEROES TO THE RESCUE THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR DONORS AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, WE SENT OUT BACKPACKS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, AND LAPTOPS TO MORE THAN 125 LOCAL YOUTH RECEIVING SERVICES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES OREGON. YOU ARE OUR BACKPACK HEROES!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

• LOCAL SUCCESS Chris’ Story – pg.3

• RECOGNIZING DR. DEENEY Youth Villages Oregon Honors Dr. Deeney with Prestigious Ritz Family Award for 53 Years of Service– pg. 3

• DONOR SPOTLIGHT Trish Bradley – pg.8

UPDATE

FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This summer we quietly celebrated the ten year anniversary of Youth Villages and The Christie School (ChristieCare) merger – the largest nonprofit merger in Oregon, at its time. The pandemic hampered plans to gather but I want to hold space here to honor this significant merger.

Our story begins in 1859 with Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) and evolves into The Christie School in 1908 when our current facility was completed. Organization leadership transitioned from SNJM to The Christie School in the 60s – around the time we hired Dr. Deeney to develop a pediatric psychiatry program. For most of our history, we were a residential facility for children – those left behind on the Oregon Trail and continuing to help those with mental health and child welfare issues, today.

OREGON ADVISORY BOARD Bill de la Cruz, De La Cruz Solutions (Chair) Charles Swindells, Charles Swindells Law (Incoming Chair) Sister Guadalupe Guajardo, Community Advocate (Outgoing Chair) Jaquelyn Reyes Alonzo, YVScholar Mariel Combs, Defenders of Wildlife David Durocher, CEM Services LLC Nicholas Ehlen, Melvin Mark Brokerage Company Alice Galloway, Community Advocate Ian Galloway, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Alice Galloway, Community Advocate Robin Henderson, Providence Medical Group Joan Horstkotte, Emeritus Member

I was hired in 2001, as tensions were building to do more for these youth. Our residential care teams did incredible work to support youth with very challenging needs. While residential treatment centers continue to be a necessary service, it can’t be the only one. I was part of the team tasked with scouring the country to find a lasting solution. We found Youth Villages and a value system that believes families are doing the best they can and kids do best with their family.

Ann Mestrovich, The Standard Elijah Pahl, Kaiser Northwest Linda Jackson-Shaw, Community Advocate Pat Ritz, Footwear Specialties International Colby Schlicker, Agency X

As we celebrate a decade of collaboration, I want to highlight staff, donors, and board members who built the foundation of our work here. Thank you for being part of our journey and a force for families.

Pete Stofle, WorkBoard Inc.

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

Use this QR code to complete our survey.

CHRIS’S STORY

Youth Villages started in Oregon through a historic merger with The Christie School in 2011. The Christie School was a residential treatment facility for youth with significant mental health needs. It operated from 1906 until 2015, when Youth Villages made the decision to help these same young people, and their families, through intensive community-based supports. “As hard as it’s been, if I had to change anything, I wouldn’t,” says 37-year-old Chris. For more than half of his life, Chris was angry. Angry his biological parents put him up for adoption; angry his adoptive father died in front of him at 5-years-old; angry that every adult male he looked up to was lost to death or jail by the time Chris was in junior high school. He was stuck in the effects of his childhood trauma and grief, unable to understand, and communicate what was happening to him: “When you go through this, you don’t see the future. story continues on page 4

INTERCEPT AND LIFESET OUTCOMES

LOCAL SUCCESS

INTERCEPT 1,245 Total Youth Served* (2012 – 2020)

LIFESET

of families were satisfied with Intercept services

225 Total Youth Served* (2015 – 2020)

of youth were satisfied with LifeSet services

Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 45 percent (2,482 out of 5,510).

RECOGNIZING DR. DEENEY

YOUTH VILLAGES OREGON HONORS DR. DEENEY WITH PRESTIGIOUS RITZ FAMILY AWARD FOR 53 YEARS OF SERVICE Youth Villages Oregon is excited to announce Dr. John M. Deeney as the recipient of the 2021 Ritz Family Award, in celebration of his 53 years of service to Youth Villages Oregon, The Christie School and ChristieCare. The award, named for honorees Pat and Trudy Ritz, recognizes those who have made a longstanding commitment to serve vulnerable children and families in our community of care. Dr. Deeney began providing children’s psychiatry services to The Christie School in the summer of 1968. He was recruited as part of efforts to modernize Christie’s treatment program for girls living on campus. Dr. Deeney began under the tenure of Sister Veronica Ann Baxter, who had a psychology background and wanted the Christie program to be more sophisticated. Together, Dr. Deeney, Sister Veronica and Elsie Roblin, a social worker, established a new method that clarified clinical plans, treatment goals and resources for each child in the program. This was innovative work at that time, and Dr. Deeney was leading the advances in the state. During the first ten years of Dr. Deeney’s time at The Christie School, kids often stayed for lengthy periods. The school and the community recognized the need for shorter periods of treatment

and began to partner with local mental health clinics to continue the healing process. Over his five decades of service, Dr. Deeney has worked to meet the changing needs of children and families. While needs have changed, he has focused on helping each child meet their full potential and build a strong foundation for life in the community. He has worked with children who have created very successful lives as concert musicians, university professors, authors, etc. Dr. Deeney believes that children in Youth Villages’ care have a better chance at being successful than ever before. We, as a community, have a better understanding of mental illness and treatment options. We are also more aware of our responsibilities in ensuring the success of all kids today. After all this time, Dr. Deeney holds true to one core belief: “Everyone has his or her own story. You can’t generalize the population we serve and be correct all the time. The stories of these children are all a little bit different… But everyone has his or her own story to tell.”

Twenty years after receiving help Chris launches clothing line, releases music, autobiography.

CHRIS’ STORY story continued from page 3

You think you’re stuck right where you are.” Chris took his anger out on the adults in his life – teachers, community members, and the one person who stayed by his side, his mom. Every day at Youth Villages, we work with youth who have experienced significant childhood trauma or mental health needs. Kids who face these kinds of challenges need intensive support to make sense of what has happened to them and move on to what they’re capable of. Chris’ mom did her best to support him through his anxiety and depression but after exhausting all other options, secured placement at The Christie School when he was 15-years-old. His one-year stay in residential treatment ended up being a needed break from the fastpaced crowd he was caught up in. Counselors worked with Chris to channel his energy and communicate his emotions in a safe way. The services Chris received helped him understand his anxiety and grief like an ocean wave – to learn the flow as the wave comes in, how it crests, and how it flows out. But it was his connection to a counselor who cared about Chris, and represented a man Chris could look up to and relate to, that had the biggest impact. When Chris left care and returned home, it wasn’t easy. Completing our services does not solve all problems for a family. Our work with Chris and his mom twenty years ago – and more than 30,000 youth across the country in our care today – is meant to build the tools, skills, and confidence for a family to navigate hardships that may come their way. Today, in Oregon, a youth like Chris can receive the same intensive supports…in his home, as a result of The Christie School merger with Youth Villages ten years ago. And the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive – 86% of youth live at home or independently; 96% in school, graduated, or employed; and 91% have no trouble with the law. As a father of two, Chris is pursuing the passions, some of which he developed during his stay in residential – music, art, and mentorship. Chris launched a clothing line, and a music label. He is releasing a music album this year and an autobiography next year. Chris’s advice to any youth struggling: “Never lose hope in yourself or underestimate your abilities. Stay loyal and humble to those who have good intentions for you. All money’s not good money. Don’t let people trick you off the street.” And his best friend? “My mom. She’s the best mom in the world.”

Chris sporting his art through his clothing line, Dapper

Clothing Company.

Thanks to all our corporate partners in 2021: Amazon (PDX7 – Salem, OR), CFM Advocates, Churchill Mortgage, Columbia Bank, Dutch Bros. of Central Oregon, Dutch Bros. of Portland/Gresham, Dutch Bros., Wilsonville, Clackamas & SE Portland, First Tech Federal Credit Union, G5, Intel, Merina+Co, National Charity League – Morningside United Methodist Church, Oregon Rose, Old Navy, R&H Construction, St. Charles Health Systems

Thanks to the individual donors who supported us in 2021: Stephanie Allison, Anonymous, Nick Ball, Jessie Barford, Julia Bartlemay, Cynthia Bartmann, David Durocher, Candace Elliott, Les Fahey, Cheryl Grochau, Daryl Keighley, Halie Kellett, Eileen Kravetz, Megan Krystofik, Larry and Diane Kurtz, Jennifer Maslen, Caitlin McCann, Jeanne Mellett, Ann Mestrovich, Allison O’Reilly, Gayle O’Toole, Anne Pamplin-Evenson, Angela Perry, Vicky Radenkova, Susan Soto, Monica Tran, Sierra Wagner, Eric Weberg, Mike and Kay Wells, Gemma Wilson, Claudine Wilson, Margie Wilson, Shay Witten, Lynzie Zawadski. 5

A Gift Today Supports a Lifetime of Impact Your end of year giving guide to help youth and families this year Give a one-time or monthly gift online: youthvillages.org/donate You can designate Oregon under the Donate To drop down section Send a check with your one-time gift made out to Youth Villages Mail to: Youth Villages Oregon Attn: Shauna Lugar, Director of Development PO Box 368 Marylhurst, OR 97036

Recommend a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund through your fund administrator When granting through your DAF, please use the following information: Tax ID: 58-1716970 Mailing address: Youth Villages Oregon PO Box 368 Marylhurst, OR 97036

Please reach out to Shauna Lugar to let her know once the gift is made at Shauna.Lugar@youthvillages.org or call 503-675-2256

Give a gift of stock or from your IRA Please reach out to Shauna Lugar to receive these instructions at Shauna.Lugar@youthvillages.org or call 503-675-2256 6

Looking to make a difference this holiday season? Help make the holiday joyful for the youth in the Youth Villages Oregon programs by becoming a Holiday Hero today! Individual, group and corporate supporters are all welcome – everyone can be a hero!

DONOR SPOTLIGHT Trish Bradley

How did you become involved with Youth Villages: Twenty-three years ago, I reached out to a social worker with the State of Oregon seeking assistance with my 15 year-old son, Christopher. By that time, he had had several years of problems at school and at home and had stopped going to school all together. We had been through so many interventions at school including a variety of counselors, psychiatrists, child development specialists, brief encounters with the juvenile justice system, as well as two stays in an adolescent psychiatry unit. I was in panic-mode. The social worker informed me about The Christie School; however there were no beds available at the time. After about a month, a bed opened up and Chris was escorted out of our home and taken to The Christie School. He remained at The Christie School for more than a year.

What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families: The Christie School gave both my son and me a respite...from each other and from the chaos happening in our lives. He was clearly on a road to ruin (associating with kids who were misguided, early stages of alcohol abuse, smoking, defiance toward me, my rules and my expectations at home). Chris’ dad passed away when he was 5-years-old and as a single parent, I felt TOTALLY overwhelmed….a failure….and a poor excuse for a mom. His placement in a safe controlled environment gave him the structure that I couldn’t provide.

Why do you personally support Youth Villages with your philanthropic investment: I support Youth Villages, because I have the resources to do it. And because I know that if Youth Villages (then, The Christie School) could help what I thought was a hopeless situation, it could help other families, too. I’m not sure my son would be alive today if it weren’t for this organization.

Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages: We ALL KNOW a family or a child who is struggling. Some of these folks might even be in our own extended families, or our neighbor’s kids. We hear about and read about these kids ALL THE TIME. Instead of looking past it, we can support those who are making a difference in a child’s life. This difference eventually impacts all of us….our friends, our neighbors and our world.

OREGON CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN JANUARY 1, 2021 TO JUNE 30, 2021

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUTH VILLAGES. THE FOLLOWING DONORS MADE GIFTS TO YOUTH VILLAGES BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2021 AND JUNE 30, 2021. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF OF YOUTH VILLAGES GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THESE THOUGHTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS.

YV VISIONARY 50,000 to $99,999

Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

YV PILLAR

YV PROTECTOR 5,000 to $9,999

Clark/Lewis Family Foundation John Graeter

25,000 to $49,999

Hoover Family Foundation

David & Terry Durocher

Horstkotte Family Charitable Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation

Northwest Natural

Darci & Charlie Swindells

Samuel S. Johnson Foundation

The Healy Foundation

TE Connectivity

WRG Foundation

YV LEADER 10,000 to $24,999

MAS Family Charitable Foundation

YV BUILDER 1,000 to $4,999

Mariel Combs & Jason Yamamoto Kaiser Permanente Steve Reinisch Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary St. Charles Health System The Standard Foundation Windermere Foundation

YV FRIEND $

100 to $999

Mary Bartlett Barbara Borthwick Steven & Sarah Cantor Adam & Courtney Crowell Richard Dabney Diana Douglas First Tech Federal Credit Union Ian & Nicole Galloway Alice Galloway Charie Gonzales

Bill & Debra Barr Rick Haselton & Sara Rubenstein CareOregon Robin & Robert Henderson

OnPoint Community Credit Union

Cedar Glen Estates Amina Ibrahimovic

Walters Family Foundation

CFM Advocates

IF YOU MADE A CONTRIBUTION DURING THIS TIME BUT IT IS NOT LISTED, PLEASE CALL 503-635-3416. 10

Eileen Kravetz Kathleen Marquardt Dennis McCoy Ann Mestrovich & Warren Dabney Hester Nau Frank Noonan Daniel Nowlan Elijah Pahl Chad Parsons Jonathan Shapiro Steve Slusarski & Nancy LaPaglia Lee Weinstein Terry Whitmore

MONTHLY CHAMPIONS

Daniel Whitmore

Andrea Barney

Katherine Wiley

Sam Bridgnell Ian & Nicole Galloway Charie Gonzales Kimberly Munkres Rachel Parrott Fred Roach Colby & Christine Schlicker Daniel Whitmore

YOUTH VILLAGES

NONPROFIT ORG

PO BOX 368 Marylhurst, OR 97036 p: 503-635-3416

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

(Address Service Requested)

YOUTH VILLAGES

Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 32,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Searcy, West Memphis Florida: Lakeland Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Indianapolis, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Louisiana: Metairie Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville Massachusetts: Boston, 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, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville, Wilmington 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. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.

2021 Youth Villages, Inc.