2014-15 bya annual report-10-12

2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORTBIRMINGHAM YOUTH ASSISTANCE

We are BYA! You are BYA!Birmingham Youth Assistance

2436 W. Lincoln, Ste. F102 Birmingham, Michigan 48009

(248) 203-4300 FAX (248) 203-4301

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.birminghamyouthassistance.org

Get Social with us on

2014-2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ChairChristine Gannon

Vice-Chair Reuben Myers

SecretaryJill Reichenbach Fill

TreasurerRichard Stasys

Past ChairRichard Stasys

Andrew G. AchoJudith Adelman

Roy BishopGregory BurryDet. Lee Davis

Mary Jo DawsonRuss Facione

Jill Reichenbach FillChristine Gannon

Det. Jerry HallDet. Chris Koch

2014-2015 GENERAL CITIZENS COMMITTEE

Dante Lanzetta, Jr.Ann Nazareth

ManningTom McDanielReuben Myers

Dr. Daniel NeradVicki Sower

Richard StasysShelley Goodman

TaubJames C. Van Dyke

David R. Walker

ADVISORY MEMBERSSheriff Michael Bouchard

Jason ClinkscaleConnie Jaroh

A. Randolph JuddDavid RogersSusan RogersRachel RotgerAnne Van Dyke

OFFICE STAFFCaseworkerNikki Keller

Office ManagerDiedra Righter

RedRaiserAs with all nonprofit organizations, fundraising is critical to BYA. Without the funds raised from our generous donors and through fundraising events, we would be unable to carry on with our work serving youth and families in the community. So thank you!In April of 2015 we held our latest RedRaiser at Birmingham’s newest restaurant, the Triple Nickel. The restaurant generously donated all of the food so that more than 90% of the revenue from the sale of more than 200 tickets would go to supporting BYA. The event netted more than $4200. Those who attended were among the very first to check out the delicious menu offerings, at the just opened Triple Nickel, all while enjoying an evening of fun and good conversation.As in any successful partnership, these RedRaisers (we now have held three of them) have been win-win events. In addition to supporting the work of BYA, they have created some ‘buzz’ to help these new establishments get off to a great start. We plan to hold more of these events as new restaurants continue to open in the Birmingham area. And to all of you who have attended our RedRaisers or supported BYA in other ways, please accept our heartfelt thanks!

Tom McDaniel, Chair

Chair’s ReportAre you new to the work of Birmingham Youth Assistance? If so, I invite you to take some time to read through our Annual Report and learn about how we work to fulfill our mission through the services and events mentioned on these pages. Then come back and read my letter, because I want to talk about YOU…(For those of you, who are familiar with our work, feel free to go straight to the beginning of my letter.*)

Finished reading the rest of the report? Great! Now, let’s talk about YOU:*It was Dame Jane Morris Goodall, British primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace, who wrote:

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.

What YOU do makes a difference, and YOU have to decide what kind of difference YOU want to make.”

Goodall spent her life studying the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees. She also worked with young people to implement positive changes through education, focusing on the environment and a better understanding among different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, socio-economic classes and nations. Goodall wanted to assist young people to develop as confident and positive individuals.

— article continues on page 8

2 BYA 2014-2015 Annual Report

Caseworker’s Report 2015 New Case StatisticsPrevention ...................................39Minor in Possession-Alcohol ......2Possession of Marijuana .............7Possession of Tobacco ................2Possession of E-cigarette............1Possession of Fireworks .............1Unlawful Entry ..............................2Retail Fraud ...................................1Larceny ..........................................2Larceny in a Building ...................1MDOP/Trespassing .......................3Total new cases for 2014/2015 ..61

34th Annual Kids’ Dog ShowWhat is more delightful than a gym full of happy children and their pets? This holds especially true when they are vying to see which dog has “the waggiest tale” or is “the best treat catcher.” The 34th annual Kids’ Dog Show was held on Sunday, February 8 at Berkshire Middle School. 75 dogs turned out for this fun, family entertainment that would not have been possible without our judges, generous sponsors, and volunteers.Our dog show judges this year were Birmingham Mayor Stuart Sherman, Beverly Hills Council President John Mooney, Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub, Premier Pet Supply owner Mike Palmer, and Laura Respecki from the Southern Michigan Obedience Training Club (SMOTC). Our celebrity guest judge was Shannon Murphy of 95.5 Mojo in the Morning. Also on the judging panel was BYA

volunteer Jim Van Dyke, who chaired the Kids’ Dog Show for many years and built it into the successful event we know today. Special thanks go to Berkshire principal Jason Clinkscale, who is in his fourth year as this program’s dynamic emcee. Adding to the atmosphere at the event were TapSnap Detroit with a photo booth and Good Karma Rescue with cute adoptable puppies.We are indebted to our sponsors Premier Pet Supply, Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, Canine Couture Pet Groomers, and SMOTC. Their generous contributions helped make this event possible. Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supply, dedicated many hours of his time to planning the Kids’ Dog Show, in addition to donating merchandise and supporting the event financially. He was honored at this event when the Oakland County Board of Commissioners presented him with a Proclamation honoring his work in the community. Also invaluable to the event’s success were the numerous volunteers from BYA and the teen volunteers that came from Berkshire Middle School’s Junior Honor Society, and Seaholm & Groves High Schools. We can’t wait for the 2016 dog show, which no doubt will be the waggiest Kids’ Dog Show ever!

Ann Nazareth Manning, Chair2015 KIDS’ DOG SHOW SPONSORS:

Premier Pet Supply • Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, Inc. Southern Michigan Obedience Training Club (SMOTC) • Canine Couture Pet Groomers

2015 Dog Show First Place WinnersBest Costume Charlotte Logusz & Ellie (Kai Ken)Best Behaved Allison O’Donnell & Benny (Portuguese Water Dog)Best Treat Catcher Lilly Schaal & Sammy (Labrador Retriever)Most Personality Maya Bernard & David (Newfoundland/Poodle Mix)Best Trick Will Northrop & Malachy 42 (Papillon)Waggiest Tail Keegan Kosiba & Mace (Mutt)Best Looking Riley Sauter & Louie (English Goldendoodle)Best in Show Allison O’Donnell & Benny

This year the populace is finally “peeling back the onion,” whether it’s about the mission of Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA), the clientele we serve, or the volunteer and sponsor base that makes it all possible. People are taking the time to look beneath the first layer and educate

themselves on what our work here at BYA is all about. We’re shedding the “bad kid” image, at last. We’re becoming more progressive with public relations & fundraising and the community is taking notice. BYA is much more than casework services, as you can witness by reading the balance of this annual report. Working with families in the community is what we are all about. Each committee operates under the auspices of change, advocacy, and the hope to make things better. Life can be a struggle. I’ve watched some of the strongest people I know fall, despite being educated, smart, and affluent. None of us are immune. There’s a game I play with the young people I counsel in which winning is determined by the choices you make among 15 pencils. The objective is to not get stuck with the last pencil. You can pick either one, two or three pencils on each turn. I always win, even though they all try hard to beat me. I win because I make better choices. I make better choices because I have more experience playing and more knowledge regarding the strategy of how many pencils to draw on each turn. Such is life …As the public continues to peel back more layers of the onion, they’re realizing that BYA is not what they perceived it to be, nor is it for “bad kids.” It’s for “our kids.” BYA works with “real life.” It helps families navigate through simple solutions, as well as through difficult life circumstances and poor decisions.

Nikki Keller, MS, Caseworker

3BYA 2014-2015 Annual Report

2015 Camp ReportFor over 50 years, Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) has provided camp scholarships to area children whose lives could be enriched and improved with a summer camp experience. Unfortunately, summer camp may not be obtainable for many of those who would most benefit from a camp opportunity because of the various challenges they face in their lives.Camp is a time for the children to play, have fun, and just be kids. BYA is committed to helping these children and families. We believe a camp experience provides an opportunity for youngsters to learn many positive life lessons such as character development, self-confidence, skill development, and team building.This summer we were thrilled to offer camp scholarships to 36 area youth. Birmingham school counselors, teachers, the BYA caseworker, and other staff refer those students who are in most need and are eligible by virtue of living in the area served by the Birmingham Public Schools (BPS). Parents can also make a referral. Most parents, especially for first time campers, select a day camp for their children while others prefer a residential overnight camp. Funding for the camp program consists of grants, private donations, and proceeds from the BYA fundraising events held throughout the year.BYA has again been fortunate to partner with the local Birmingham Tim Hortons. They made it possible to send four children to the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation Camps; two boys went to Campbellsville, Kentucky and two girls went to Parry Sound, Ontario. The camp experience was fully funded by the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation at a cost of about $2,200 per camper, including airfare, bus transportation, and all other costs. We truly appreciate and are very grateful to work with our local Birmingham Tim Hortons on selecting campers for this outstanding camp experience.Youth receiving scholarships attended camps including BPS Summer Fun Camps, the Birmingham YMCA, Camp Copneconic, Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Camp Skyline, and other specialty camps. Summer camp is one of those positive alternatives that really help to make a difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve. For more information about our summer camp scholarships, please contact the BYA office at (248) 203-4300.BYA makes the camp experience a reality for kids!

Richard Stasys, Chair

Breakfast with SantaBreakfast with Santa was again a wonderful and successful event. Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) has been offering this fun filled family event for more than 20 years. Held at The Community House in Birmingham on Saturday, December 6, 2014, our breakfast has become a family tradition for many of our area families. We are always excited to see our returning participants, often with new younger siblings!We would like to thank our truly awesome teen volunteers from Seaholm, and Groves High Schools, Stoney Creek, Notre Dame Prep, Mercy High School, Brother Rice, and Berkshire Middle School, who acted as Santa’s Helpers. The teen volunteers entertained children with crafts, face painting and temporary tattoos while they eagerly anticipated their turn with Santa. Thanks also to the Seaholm Orchestra members, their beautiful gift of music helped set the tone. All of these special

teens gave up part of their Saturday morning to help make our event a success. Thank you to the Birmingham Optimists, Bloomfield Tennis & Fitness, and Wellman Plastics Recycling for their generous sponsorships of Steve the Magician and Wilma the Clown. These talented performers kept the children (parents too!) highly entertained as they waited to see Santa. We were very happy to welcome back Santa Dave! Santa was able to spend quality one-to-one time with all of the children, which surely was the highlight of their morning.Thank you to The Community House for their partnership of this event. This year both seatings were well attended. We appreciate the help of our wonderful BYA volunteers and a special thanks to Andy Acho and Russ Facione, our breakfast emcees. Without the help of our dedicated volunteers, events such as this would not be possible.

Mary Jo Dawson and Reuben Myers, Co-chairs


Youth in Service Appreciation Awards

Attending Officials:Hon. Diane D’Agostini,

Judge of the 48th District CourtChief of Oakland County

Youth Assistance Mary Schusterbauer

Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Taub

City of Birmingham Manager Joseph Valentine

Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad

Birmingham Public Schools School Board

Geri RinschlerChief of Police for the City of

Birmingham Donald StudtCity of Birmingham Mayor

Stuart Sherman

Representatives were in attendance for: Congressman Dave Trott

Representative Marty Knollenberg

The nominees came from:Birmingham Covington School

Berkshire Middle SchoolDetroit Country DayDerby Middle School

Brother Rice High SchoolGroves High SchoolMarian High School

The Academy of the Sacred HeartSeaholm High School

April 22, 2015 marked the 5th annual Youth in Service Appreciation Awards breakfast co-sponsored by Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) and the Birmingham Optimists, an event that both organizations had been holding separately for decades.The event was held in Birmingham at The Community House, a longtime

supporter of both BYA and The Birmingham Optimist Club. This year, we honored 10 middle school and 21 high school students. These students had been nominated by their counselors, teachers, or other civic service leaders for their outstanding contributions to our communities. As a past chairperson of BYA and a longtime member and past president of the Birmingham Optimist Club, I had the pleasure of welcoming the honorees and their families and friends. Greetings were extended from the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division by Mary Schusterbauer, Chief of Oakland County Youth Assistance. Christine Gannon, the current chairperson of BYA, and Richard Stasys, the current president and member of the Birmingham Optimist club and BYA, also welcomed everyone to the event.Family members, school administrators, local, county and state government officials, as well as members of Oakland County Youth Assistance, BYA, and the Birmingham Optimist Club, were among those celebrating the incredible work and unselfish hours of time given by the honorees. We are truly honored and very proud to recognize all of the youth of the community who were nominated.After a delicious breakfast, the nominees were recognized for their individual achievements. Both James Van Dyke, attorney and a veteran board member of BYA, and I greeted the honorees, along with the noted attending officials.

Among the nominees was Marian High School student Adriane Roberson, a very impressive young lady. She was individually recognized and received the 2015 Jane Parker Ward Award. This is an award that is given every year to a student that the committee believes stands out amongst the nominees. Birmingham Optimist, Dan DeBoer had the honor of presenting the Jane Parker Ward award along with a $500 scholarship to Adriane.Adriane has been a shining star of the community in many ways. She is a member of the Delta GEMS, a program sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Through their organization, she has worked with the homeless and less fortunate. She has been instrumental in engaging impoverished children in wholesome parties and other events. She also gives her time and talents to tutoring these children.This young lady has logged over 400 hours of service to her community through her involvement with the Delta GEMS during her first three years of high school. During her summers, she volunteered over 80 hours for the Summer in the City program in Detroit and earned a Certificate of Distinguished Service.I would like to thank the public officials, teachers and school officials, families and friends, as well as all of the volunteers from BYA and The Birmingham Optimist Club. These

Middle School Nominees: Sophia Ericson, Miles Frierson, Cameron Jajonie, Katherine Kiefer, Margaret MacDonell, An-thony Marx, Antonio Narra, Ethan Podolsky, Paige Tait, Ania Uzieblo

High School Nominees: Emily Benderoff, Brandon Burnham, Carli Cosenza, Grace Elliott, Cameron Fish, Elizabeth James, Natalie Leitman, Sam McGlynn, Haley Mullins, Laura Nagley, Daniel Oleynik, Jordan Palmer, Ava Randa, Charlotte Reader, Olivia Ruiz, Carley Salerno, John Stevens, Adriane Roberson, Delaney Ryan, Zachary Van Faussien, Jillian Claire Waun

— article continues on next page


Touch-A-TruckOn Saturday, May 16, 2015, Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) was excited to host our 8th Annual “Touch-a-Truck” event at Bingham Farms Elementary School. Despite wet and chilly weather, families with children, young and old, had a chance to get up close with vehicles that you usually admire from afar. This event is pure fun and places an emphasis on family time. It is truly fun and exciting to see the reactions that youngsters have when they get to climb on and in vehicles they usually see on the streets working.The bus loop was filled with vehicles from the City of Birmingham, the Village of Franklin, the Birmingham Public Schools, the Village of Beverly Hills and private businesses and owners. This year we were excited to offer some new additions to our event. We had a race car donated by the Sunny Media Group, an ambulance donated by Star EMS, a 12-yard dump truck with a wing plow donated by the Oakland County Road Commission, and the Ford Tonka Truck donated by Ford Motor Company. Kids of all ages were able to sit in the cab of a boom crane, “drive” the race car, and check out the Beverly Hills and Franklin emergency vehicles. Most families took advantage of the chance to purchase lunch barbequed by our volunteers and enjoyed a delicious hot dog or bratwurst. Thank you to Costco in Bloomfield Township for donating our lunch menu items.

Also, thank you to committee mem-bers for volunteer-ing their time: Ann Manning, Reuben Myers, Dick Stasys, Christine Gannon and Sara Scott. We could not put on events like this without your dedication.I want to express a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to our truck donors that took time out of their busy schedules to help make this event such a success: Laramie Crane Co., Franklin Fire Dept., the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Durham Transportation (Birmingham Public Schools), the City of Birmingham’s DPW, Star EMS, Ford Motor Company, Sunny

Media Group, Oakland County Road Commission, and Beverly Hills Public Safety Dept. Without their generosity and dedication, we couldn’t offer this wonderful event.

Russ Facione, Chair

The mission of Birmingham Youth Assistance is to strengthen youth and families and to reduce the incidence of delinquency, abuse and neglect through community involvement. Birmingham Youth Assistance is a partnership of: the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division; the City of Birmingham and the Villages of Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin; the Birmingham Public Schools; and community volunteers.

dedicated individuals all helped to make the 2015 Youth In Service Appreciation Awards breakfast such a success.Finally, I would like to give a special round of applause to all of our individual sponsors, whose generous contributions make this event possible. BYA and The Birmingham Optimist Club could not do what they do without the contribution of time, treasure and talent from all of our dedicated supporters.

David R. Walker, Chair

Youth in Service Appreciation Awards — continued from previous page


2014-2015 AGENCY & BUSINESS DONATIONS

Berkshire Middle SchoolThe Birmingham Bloomfield

Chamber of CommerceThe Birmingham OptimistsThe Birmingham Principal

Shopping DistrictCostco of Bloomfield Township

Beverly Hills Veterinary Association, Inc.Birmingham Community Education

BPS Community Education CouncilsBloomfield Fitness & Tennis

Canine Couture, LLCChurch Women

of the Birmingham AreaCity of Birmingham

Euro RehabFiduciary Consultants - David Wind

First United Methodist ChurchGroves/Seaholm Merchandising Mgt.

The Lyon FoundationPremier Pet SupplySouthern Michigan

Obedience Training ClubTim Hortons

The Triple Nickel - Jack Rhinehart

Village of Beverly HillsVillage of Bingham Farms

Village of FranklinThe Village Women’s Club Foundation

Wellman Plastics Recycling

2014-2015 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

Dee & Andy Acho

Judy & Joel Adelman

David Bartilson

Nancy & Lawrence Bluth

Sheriff Michael Bouchard

Marceline & Gerald Bright

Sheila & John Bryce

James Buchanan

Katie & Chris Conti

Mary Jo & Chip Dawson

Richard Durda

Jeffrey Farber

Christine Gannon & Sara Scott

Dorothy Garrison

Kyra Grathwohl

Susan & Geoff Hill

Connie Jaroh

Laurel Kalkanis

Tina & Douglas Krizanic

Brian LaFerriere

Barbara Lewis

Margo Lesser

Tom Longhway

Ann Nazareth Manning

Susan & Tom McDaniel

Dr. Daniel Nerad

Gayle & William Orlow

Ann & Robert Parker

Sharon & Ed Pugh

Eunice & Milton Ring

Susan & David Rogers

Kristine & William Schaufler

Kathleen & Michael Schwartz

Thomas Schellenberg

Victoria & Charles Sower

Helaine & Arthur Steur

David Underdown

Sarah & Joseph Valentine

Ann & James Van Dyke

David R. Walker

Marcia & Stephen Wilkinson

Robert Williams

Cynthia and Thomas Yates

Hon. Joan E. Young

Mentors Plus ProgramThe Mentors Plus Program is a committee of Birmingham Youth Assistance. The program comes under the auspices of the Family Division of the Oakland County Circuit Court. I have been the Chairman of this Committee since 1997.The program matches pre-screened volunteers with children based on various criteria. Sometimes the child might be one who has been identified as being in a risk group for potential difficulties. He or she might simply be a child who needs an adult influence, other than that of their parents. The other arm of the program involves intervention with regard to children who have begun to experience difficulties and are perhaps going to be in or are already in the juvenile court system.There are many children waiting for positive role models to add an essential component to their lives. We continue to seek qualified male and female volunteers who are willing to spend time each week with a child. The minimum commitment for a mentor is at least an hour per week for one year.Personally, my last mentee reached the age of 18 and has gone on to become a college student and is enjoying other experiences that will make him a successful adult.Children are referred to the Mentors Plus Program through a variety of venues. The process is overseen by our Caseworker, Nikki Keller. Ms. Keller essentially pre-screens the children referred to Birmingham Youth Assistance to determine how best to bring our services to bear on a child’s specific circumstances.Sometimes, the children are referred to Ms. Keller through the schools or by their

parents or the liaison officers for the local police departments. If the Mentors Plus Program did not exist, with the added benefit of an on-site social work professional, these children would possibly be diverted into the juvenile system at a much greater tax-payer expense.If anyone is interested in joining the Mentors Plus Program as a mentor or has a nomination of someone who would like to be a mentor, I would like to encourage you to please contact the BYA office at (248) 203-4300 and speak to our Office Manager, Diedra Righter or our Caseworker, Nikki Keller. I would be more than happy to speak personally with anyone that might be interested in making a difference in one child’s life, one day at a time. I can be contacted at any time, as well: (248) 758-9900. All it takes is “a little nudge” to change the direction of a child’s life!The program requires a minimal commitment of time. That commitment will certainly make an enormous difference in a child’s life. I believe there are more than equal benefits to the mentor in making a contribution to a child and helping them achieve their full potential.

David R. Walker, Chair


2015 BYA Champion of the YearBirmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) is pleased and proud to recognize Andrew Acho as its 2015 Champion of the Year. Andy has served the BYA Board with unfailing loyalty, creativity, and generosity since joining over two decades ago in 1991. In addition to giving of his time and many talents, Andy also has been a major financial supporter.Andy’s most visible role over the years has been as the dynamic emcee of the annual children’s Breakfast with Santa. He also is a faithful volunteer at BYA’s other events such as Touch-a-Truck and the Kids’ Dog Show. Since BYA began its RedRaiser fundraisers in 2013, Andy has stood out as their most proactive supporter, often selling 50% or more of the tickets. Through these events, Andy has helped raise the awareness of BYA to the wider community, in addition to raising substantial funds used to support the organization’s valuable work. Andy has worked hard to secure financial sponsors for BYA events, and recently arranged for a scholarship at a local tennis club for a deserving young person. “Andy is always thinking about BYA and how to make things better for the youth and families we serve. He is never-ending in his support for our work in this community, constantly introducing us to friends and family and sharing our mission near and far. It is an honor and a privilege to work with Andy, he truly is a champion for BYA,” says Christine Gannon, outgoing chair of BYA. Judith Adelman, a longtime BYA Board member adds, “Andy has always been available to help in any way he could while being an outstanding member of his company, his community and his family. What a wonderful choice!” Andy is a nationally recognized expert on practical environmental initiatives that help make the world a better place and save money. Since retiring from Ford in 2006, after 46 years of service, Andy has become a valuable resource for organizations interested in protecting the environment and improving performance. In 1996, Andy was appointed chairman of the Great Lakes Recycle Board, made up of eight Midwest governors. In 2001, he was one of the first people to be honored nationally with the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) President’s Award for his outstanding commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. Andy serves on the boards of organizations including WHC, Sunny Media Group, and the HFHS Ophthalmology Board of Advisors. He is a contributing author to the book Becoming a Green Innovator, and a keynote speaker for BigSpeak Speakers Bureau. Andy and his wife, Dee, live in West Bloomfield and have two grown children. His son Steve is a performer and entertainer, and his daughter Lisa is executive director of Animal Adoption Solutions. In addition to his many professional achievements, Andy is an accomplished tennis player whose USTA league team won the national championship in March 2015.

Andy Acho with Reuben Myers

On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, Bir-mingham Youth Assistance (BYA) of-fered a presentation on the subject of healthy eating habits by nutrition and lifestyle counselor Linda Kaminski MS, RD, CDE. Linda shared her profession-al expertise as she spoke on the topic: “Improve Your Mood: Don’t S.C.A.R.F. your Food!” Those who attended learned from Lin-da, “The Nutty Nutritionist”, how nutri-tion affects one’s mood, behavior, and outlook on the day. The information shared included learning about foods to avoid, as well as foods that are natu-ral mood and energy enhancers. The Family Education Committee of-

Family Educationfers a special thank you to Seaholm High School for the use of their Media Center and Frank Street Bakery who generously provided a delightful array of healthy snacks. Birmingham Youth Assistance was also involved in a multi-sponsored col-laboration with BBCC, Seaholm FLEX, Patriotweek.org and the Birmingham Education Foundation. The goal was to help families navigate their way through troubled times and assist them with accessing the appropriate commu-nity entities.On January 28, 2015, expert speak-ers: Judge Michael Warren, founder of Patriotweek.org; Tobi Russell, Co-Di-

rector/Owner of Rochester Hills Coun-seling; Martin Alvin, Oakland County Circuit Court Juvenile Referee; and Dr. Daniel Nerad, Superintendent Birming-ham Public Schools, spoke to issues related to sexting, substance abuse, and mental health.The information was very well received, and the Seaholm FLEX program did an excellent job hosting the event.The BYA Family Education committee seeks to offer quality programs on top-ics that are not otherwise covered in our community. Have an idea of something that you’d like to learn more about? Send your idea to BYA at [email protected].


About Youth Assistance

Birmingham Youth Assistance wishes to thank

The First United Methodist ChurchThe Community House in Birmingham

Birmingham Public SchoolsBingham Farms Elementary

Berkshire Middle SchoolSeaholm High School

for providing space for meetings and BYA programs.

VILLAGE OF BEVERLY HILLSChris Wilson, Village Manager

John Mooney, Council PresidentLee Peddie, Council President Pro-Tem

Rock Abboud, Council MemberBob Borgon, Council Member

James Delaney, Council MemberPhillip Mueller, Council Member

Jon Oen, Council Member

VILLAGE OF BINGHAM FARMSKathryn Hagaman, Village Clerk/Administrator

Jeffrey Modell, PresidentMel Ettenson, President Pro-Tem

Jeff Douville, TrusteeLarry Freedman, TrusteeCarl Grenadier, TrusteeBret Russell, Trustee

Dorothy Warren, Trustee

VILLAGE OF FRANKLINJim Creech, Village AdministratorJames Kochensparger, PresidentPam Hansen, President Pro-TemH. Frederick Gallasch, Trustee

Brian Gordon, TrusteeJudy Moenck, TrusteeTom Morrow, TrusteeMike Seltzer, Trustee

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dr. Daniel Nerad, SuperintendentRobert Lawrence, Board President

Christopher Conti, Board Vice-PresidentMichael Fenberg, Board TrusteeGeri Rinschler, Board Trustee

Walter Rothschild, Board TrusteeSteve Scheidt, Board Trustee

Jessica Thomas, Board Trustee

CITY OF BIRMINGHAMJoseph Valentine, City Manager

Scott Moore, MayorStuart Lee Sherman, Mayor Pro-Tem

George Dilgard, CommissionerRackeline J. Hoff, Commissioner

Tom McDaniel, CommissionerMark Nickita, Commissioner

Gordon Rinschler, Commissioner

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Michael J. Gingell, ChairpersonBill Dwyer

Marcia GershensonNancy Quarles

Shelley Goodman Taub

2015-2016 Calendar of EventsSaturday, December 5, 2015

Breakfast with Santa at The Community House in Birmingham

Sunday, February 28, 2016 The Kids’ Dog Show

at Berkshire Middle SchoolWednesday, April 20, 2016

Youth in Service Appreciation at The Community House in Birmingham

Saturday, May 21, 2016 Touch-a-Truck

at Bingham Farms Elementary School

Look for us at Day on the Town and the Birmingham Farmer’s Market

in the Kids Zone!For more information visit our website at

www.birminghamyouthassistance.org

2015-2016 BYA Calendar of Events & Sponsors

OAKLAND COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT FAMILY DIVISION

Hon. Lisa Gorcyca- Presiding Judge, Family Division

Hon. Mary Ellen BrennanHon. Linda S. Hallmark

Hon. Cheryl A. MatthewsHon. Karen D. McDonaldHon. Elizabeth Pezzetti

Hon. Joan E. Young

Her quote speaks volumes today. Each one of us has an impact on our corner of the world, every day; for better or for worse. So what kind of difference will YOU choose to make?For over five decades, the volunteers and staff of BYA have provided services to the youth and families in our community, aimed at helping them make good choices and develop as confident and positive individuals. All of BYA’s programs are offered through the coordination of a group of passionate and talented volunteers who are committed to working to make a positive, life-changing difference for the youth and families in this community. What kind of difference will YOU make?We can’t do this work alone. We need individuals, people who are willing to step out of their comfort zones, and take on the challenges in our community, to step up and volunteer. We need individuals, young and old, who believe that they can make a difference and then go ahead and do just that. YOU have something amazing to offer – your experience. YOU can make a difference for this community. YOU can help BYA and be part of a community that cares for our children. For our youth and families.Our young people need YOU. Our community needs YOU. Thank you for all your encouragement.

Christine Gannon, Chairperson

Chair’s Report — continued from page 1

Oakland County Youth Assistance has been dedicated to the pre-vention of juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect since 1953. Twenty-six offices in Oakland County provide programs to serve youth and their families, under the auspices of the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division. Youth Assistance programs work be-cause they are com-munity based and de-veloped by volunteers who have their fingers on the pulse of the community. The Coun-ty of Oakland does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to its programs, activi-ties or services as re-quired by Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The County of Oakland is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.Birmingham Youth Assistance has been a non-profit community-based service organization committed to youth and their families through a variety of programs and resources since 1962. BYA op-erates with the sponsorship and generosity of the Oakland County Circuit Court—Family Division, as well as the City of Birmingham, the Villages of Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin, and the Birmingham Public Schools. Principle funding is supplied through the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

2014-15 bya annual report-10-12

Documents