2011 North Carolina Fall

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Sisters of Mercy Foundation supports Youth Villages ... 4

Congratulations to our recent graduates ... 5

Day Foundation invests $42 million in YV ... 5

Family Victories from Youth Villages, North Carolina

Fall 2011

Draygon excels
Through MST, youth improves at home and at school

Also inside: Back to school tips Holiday Heroes ramps up

A message from Our director

NORTH CAROLINA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Doug Cruitt — Winston-Salem Lee Prevost — Cary Elizabeth Skvarla — Pinehurst Kristin Wade — Charlotte John White — Durham Carole Wilson — Raleigh Leigh Young — Asheville

A commitment to serving the state’s most vulnerable youth
It’s no doubt that uncertain times lie ahead as state and local governments, corporations, foundations and individuals strive to do more with less. As a provider that produces outcomes nearly twice the national average while operating at a reduced cost, Youth Villages continues to successfully serve youth and families no matter what the economic outlook. In fact, our strongest partnerships are often formed when the demand for proven, costeffective services increases. This growing desire for impactful, efficient services is evidenced by the success of our transitional living program, a service funded primarily through private dollars. We recently received a generous gift from the Sisters of Mercy of NC Foundation (page 4) and will serve more than 80 youth across the state this year (read the inspiring story of Gem, a TL participant, on page 4). In addition, Youth Villages was awarded a grant of $42 million from The Day Foundation of Memphis, Tenn. A large portion of this gift, which requires matching funds, will support the TL program. As a Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency, Youth Villages continues to grow our evidence-based intensive in-home model, Intercept. After maintaining a full team in our Raleigh-Durham area, we are expanding this service to our Greensboro office in the coming months, with plans to eventually deliver Intercept throughout North Carolina. While the months ahead may seem ever changing, what remains constant is Youth Villages’ commitment to serving our state’s most vulnerable youth and families through cost-effective programs while helping them find longterm success. Thank you for taking time to learn how Youth Villages is transforming the lives of youth and families across North Carolina.

YOUTH VILLAGES NORTH CAROLINA OFFICES
Asheville 38 Rosscraggon Road, Suite 38C Asheville, NC 28803 phone: 828-654-7700 fax: 828-654-7701 Charlotte 2815 Coliseum Centre Dr., Suite 230 Charlotte, NC 28217 phone: 704-357-7920 fax: 704-357-7921 Concord 363 Church St. North, Suite 200 Concord, NC 28025 phone: 704-262-1320 fax: 704-262-1322 Raleigh-Durham 100 Capitola Dr., Suite 310 Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-474-6400 fax: 919-474-6401 Fayetteville 2944 Breezewood Ave., Suite 203 Fayetteville, NC 28305 phone: 910-486-2200 fax: 910-486-2201 Greensboro 7900 Triad Center, Suite 350 Greensboro, NC 27409 phone: 336-931-1800 fax: 336-931-1801 Greenville 2428 Charles Blvd. Greenville, NC 27858 phone: 252-215-5700 fax: 252-215-5701 Hickory 101 Government Ave. SW Hickory, NC 28602 phone: 828-315-7700 fax: 828-315-7701 Pinehurst 5228 North Carolina Highway 211 P.O. Box 1138 West End, NC 27376 phone: 910-673-8520 fax: 910-673-8521 Wilmington 5041 New Centre Dr., Suite 209 Wilmington, NC 28403 phone: 910-392-8990 fax: 910-392-8991

Annie Smith State Director [email protected] 910-673-8501 2

DRAYGON PUSHED FAMILY; NOW PUSHES FOR CHANGE

Meet the YV family

Marla Avery
Family Counselor — Wilmington, N.C. North Carolina Topps Coordinator
Why did you choose to work for Youth Villages? “I really liked their values and enjoy working to help others. Youth Villages was very well organized and I observed that the staff working there were very dedicated to the families that they serve.” Where are you from originally? “I am originally from Plymouth, N.C.” What do you like best about your job?

Draygon, center, with his stepfather, Chuck, and his mother, Tawnya

“I like when I have worked with a family and things begin to turn around for them in a positive way. I enjoy working with the parent or guardian to decrease the frustrations and behaviors in the home. It brings me great joy to see the family complete treatment successfully.” What’s something most people don’t know about you? “When I was 6 months old, I had spinal meningitis with a temperature that reached 105. I was in the hospital for several months and was lucky not to have hearing problems or other health problems.”

Draygon was pushing his luck, over and over. After one too many arguments at home, suspensions from school and run-ins with the authorities, his mom was ready to turn anywhere for help. The family was referred to Youth Villages’ Multisystemic Therapy program, a program that delivers counseling where families need help most: in their own homes, neighborhoods and their children’s schools. The family had worked with counselors before. They were leery of another counselor coming into their home. “I was scared of where Draygon was headed,” his mom, Tawnya, said. “I wanted to see a future for my son and a change for our entire family.” But when the family met Chantal Stepney, their Youth Villages counselor, their worries faded away. “We loved her from the start,” Tawnya said. “She wasn’t judgmental. She was here to help our family, no matter what.” That’s the moment the family embarked on a challenging, often grueling six-month journey toward change. They started by reducing friction and arguments at home. “We agreed not to yell at each other,” Tawnya said. “We agreed to pull Draygon aside and talk to him calmly as soon as we’d notice him getting upset.” Chantal helped the family develop a behavior chart with a set of rewards and consequences. Draygon signed a behavior contract, agreeing to abide by the rules and to accept the consequences if he didn’t. The relationship between Draygon and his stepdad, Chuck, also improved. Part of Draygon’s reward was spending time with Chuck and doing things they both continued on page 7

NORTH CAROLINA 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.

*82.7% of you at admissi

100 80 60

Outcomes
82%
At home with family

At Six month Follow up Six-month Follow-up

86% 74%
No involvement with the law In school or graduated

40 20 0

Figures represent youth served at least 60 days in the Multisystemic Therapy program. Response rate is 53 percent.

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GEM JUSTIFIES JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Growing up in a poor Raleigh neighborhood filled with drug and gang violence shaped Gem’s life forever. The first time she entered a courtroom, she knew it was where she wanted to be — as an attorney or judge on the other side of the room. “Where I lived, I saw a lot of criminals and people getting arrested for drugs,” Gem said. “I want to help change the amount of drugs being put on the streets, and I also want to help make the justice system fair.” Gem has a tough road ahead – tougher than most. But she has help. Sarah, Gem’s transitional living specialist, is there to talk, go with her to appointments and work with her on budgeting money. “We can talk about anything and everything,” Gem said about Sarah. “She is there when I need her and helps me get information I cannot find.” Gem finished high school. She’s working at her first job and has a stable roof over her head – she elected to stay in foster care past the age of 18, until she is enrolled in college and ready to live on her own. Youth Villages founded its transitional living program in 1999 to help former foster youth who lack family or other support make a successful transition into independent adulthood. Program participation is voluntary. Current and former foster youth may enter the program anywhere between the ages of 17 and 22, and are assigned a transitional living specialist with whom they meet once or several times a week based on need. Together, they figure out the young adult’s life goals and work out a strategy for getting there. Gem doesn’t have to make that difficult plunge into independent adulthood on her own. Unlike so many other former foster youth, Gem has Sarah to help her make tough decisions, to support her when the going gets tough, to push her to strive further and reach for her dreams. She continued on page 6 has someone who will help her get her first apartment and enroll in college. When Sarah first met Gem, she was living in a foster home but wasn’t attending high school any longer. “I was sleeping late every day,” Gem said. “I wanted to go back to school, but I wasn’t really motivated because I had no clue where to start. And I also didn’t really think Sarah could help me.” After taking some time to talk and get to know each other, Gem decided to give Sarah a try. They made a plan to enroll Gem in GED classes, have her take the GED test in February and apply for college by March.
Gem, right, with TL Specialist Sarah

SISTERS OF MERCY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS YOUTH VILLAGES
Youth Villages received a generous $43,400 grant from the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation to support the transitional living program in the Greensboro area. The TL program provides young adults leaving foster care, juvenile justice and mental health systems the intensive in-home support and guidance they need to make a successful transition to adulthood. Created in 4 1999 to address the growing concern of unprepared youth aging out of foster care or state custody, Youth Villages’ TL program has served 4,082 nationally and 200 youth in North Carolina since the program expanded to the state in 2008. Since its inception, the program has maintained an average success rate of 80 percent of youth living at home or independently; reporting no involvement with The Sisters of Mercy North Carolina Foundation supports the work of selected tax-exempt healthcare, educational and social service organizations. The Foundation seeks to assist projects that are designed to improve the quality of life for women, children, the elderly and those who are poor. the law; and in school, graduated or working.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RECENT GRADUATES!
Many youth in the transitional living program recently celebrated their high school graduations. Graduates include: Greensboro Antonio Kahlil Paradise Hickory Heather Raleigh-Durham Gem Imani Keith Latashia Monica Porsha Shatora
Latashia, left

Heather

Antonio

Gem, left, and TL Specialist Sarah

THE DAY FOUNDATION INVESTS $42 MILLION IN YOUTH VILLAGES
The Day Foundation recently awarded a matching grant of $42 million to Youth Villages to help expand the organization’s transitional living program that helps older foster children become successful adults. It is the largest single grant ever awarded to Youth Villages and one of the largest ever to a social services organization. Philanthropist Clarence Day, who began the foundation, was a longtime Youth Villages supporter, donating more than $14 million to the organization before his death in 2009. His approach to philanthropy and support of Youth Villages were highlighted recently in the book “Give Smart: Philanthropy That Gets Results” by Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman. Because the transitional living program is funded mostly through private donations, the grant is crucial in helping Youth Villages maintain and expand the TL program. While Youth Villages is helping 1,452 young adults this year through the TL program in North Carolina and seven other states, there are thousands more in need. Each year, as many as 30,000 children will turn 18 and “age out” of state custody, being left on their own to make their way in life as an adult. Prior funding from The Day Foundation allowed Youth Villages to begin offering transitional living services to young people in North Carolina in 2008, and since then, the program has helped almost 200 young people in the state. A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages is a certified Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency and offers a wide variety of services to help children and families live successfully in North Carolina. “We are so grateful to the Day Foundation for helping strengthen and grow this important program in North Carolina,” said Annie Smith, director of Youth Villages North Carolina. “With matching support from local or state governments or private individuals and foundations, we can expand transitional living services to more young people here who desperately need it.” 5

YV CELEBRATES CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
Charlotte: Employees recently met with community members at the MeckCARES Resilience Festival, held earlier this year. Agencies throughout Charlotte joined to celebrate the diversity and resilience of families, while helping raise awareness for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Concord: To honor children and families who have struggled with mental health, green balloons were released by Youth Villages staff members. The color green was used during the 1800s to label individuals with mental health disabilities. The children’s mental health community decided to use the color green to symbolize a new beginning in life, growth and health. Raleigh-Durham: Staff paid tribute to Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week by wearing green ribbons throughout the week. Megan Castle, Youth Villages CABHA clinical director, also presented on Multisystemic Therapy, a key service being delivered to youth battling mental illness, at a special night meeting of the Wake County Collaborative, a group comprising community members and mental health leaders who address the needs for services in their area.
Concord staff release green balloons for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. George Edmonds, Youth Villages western regional manager, represents Youth Villages at the MeckCARES Resilience Festival in Charlotte, N.C.

MAYOR BELL VISITS DURHAM OFFICE
a hostess at a fast-food restaurant.

GEM
from page 4 As soon as Gem was enrolled in GED classes, Sarah helped her find her first job as “I wouldn’t have my job if it wasn’t for Sarah,” Gem said. “I was scared. Sarah picked me up to take me to the interview. I was going to wear jeans, but she told me to change and put on some slacks to look nice. On the way there, we practiced interview skills. Then she tricked me to get out of the car, or I wouldn’t have gotten out because I was so scared. But they hired me on the spot.” Gem and Sarah are now working together to help Gem find balance between school and work, especially when schedules conflict. Gem received her GED and graduated.

Durham, N.C., Mayor Bill Bell, center, recently toured the Youth Villages Raleigh-Durham location, met with staff and had the opportunity to hear from Mariah, right-center, a Youth Villages transitional living client and current sophomore at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, N.C.

Now, she and Sarah will work to apply for college.

6

Be a Holiday Hero this season
This year, Youth Villages will help more than 300 children and families in North Carolina who desperately need someone to be their Holiday Hero. You, your company or organization can become a Holiday Hero by partnering with Youth Villages to give children and their families a holiday they’ll never forget. Here’s how it works: n Each child fills out a wish list. n Heroes receive the wish list, purchase gifts and arrange to have them dropped off or picked up. n Each gift should be unwrapped and bagged together with the child’s name attached. n Heroes may also send a donation to sponsor a child and Youth Villages will do the shopping and wrapping. n We ask that Heroes spend a maximum of $75 per child. To sponsor a child or for more information, contact: Stephanie Hoyle 704-357-7943 [email protected] support.youthvillages.org/holidayheroes_NC

YV COMMUNITY TIPS: BACK TO SCHOOL
From homework to athletics, going back to school can be a demanding time for many families. Youth Villages’ Multisystemic Therapy consultants offer the following tips to help families have a positive and productive school year: 1. Set up an afternoon routine that includes homework or quiet time where distracting activities (TV, video games, phone) are not allowed until assignments are completed. You might find less “I don’t have any homework” excuses if mandatory quiet time is enforced regardless of assignments. 2. Bed times should give your teen enough time to unwind and get about nine hours of sleep. Remove TVs or other distractions from their room if they have a hard time falling asleep. 3. Build a relationship with school staff at the beginning of the year. Get to know the teachers’ expectations, let them know how often you would like to be communicated with, and check in often on your child’s progress. 4. Modeling always provides the best example for your teen. If your behavior shows you value education, your teen is likely to follow suit. Try reading while your teen completes homework or checking their homework when it is completed. Providing praise for a job well done or restrictions when school expectations are broken models a positive attitude about their school success. 5. Find out what after-school activities like clubs or sports are offered. Positive activities can help provide supervision, build social skills, provide connections with more positive peers and promote other healthy behaviors.

DRAYGON
from page 3 enjoyed together. “We started to really talk,” Chuck said. “And we noticed how much of a difference it made for Draygon to know that we would be consistent as parents.” Chantal and Tawnya shared behavior plans with Draygon’s teachers and school officials, and the teachers agreed to update mom every time Draygon was having a bad day. “She taught me a lot,” Draygon said about Chantal. “She taught me how to think before I act and to consider the consequences. I don’t get into trouble as much. She made my life better.” Draygon recently got called to the principal’s office at school. But this call was not about another suspension. Impressed by Draygon’s good behavior in school, his principal invited him to his office to chat over a cup of hot chocolate and Oreos. Their Youth Villages counselor is no longer there, but the family sometimes revisits the work they did with Chantal. “We slipped once and then had a family meeting and got our workbook back out,” Tawnya said. “We have to keep working at it.”

Stay in touch online
www.youthvillages.wordpress.com

www.twitter.com/youthvillages

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

www.youthvillages.org

7

YOUTH VILLAGES 2815 Coliseum Centre Dr., Suite 230 Charlotte, NC 28217 (Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages will serve more than 18,000 children and their families this year from offices in the following cities:
Alabama: Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami, Tampa Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Massachusetts: Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, Worcester Mississippi: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Charlotte, Concord, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington Oregon: Portland Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Texas: Dallas Washington, D.C.

New Heights North Carolina is published by Youth Villages

Associate Editor: Chris Pennington
Please e-mail [email protected] or call 704-357-7943 to have your name removed from our mailing list.

Managing Editor: Stephanie Hoyle

Founded in Memphis, Tenn., in 1986, Youth Villages has built a national reputation for offering the most effective programs and services to help emotionally troubled children and their families. The private nonprofit organization provides a fully integrated continuum of services, including residential treatment, in-home services, foster care and adoption, mentoring and a transitional living program for young adults aging out of foster care.

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