CARING TIMESSeptember 2013

HopeTree Academy Prepares for NewSchool Year

40 Years of Foster Care Legacy of a Lifetime

HopeTree Residents Get Community Kids Rolling

HopeTree Family Services

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Jimmy and Norma Powers have served as foster parents for 40 years. They explain the compassion behind their amazing commitment.

In This Issue

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HopeTree Academy begins the new school year with new leadership and a renewed focus on achievement.

Two dozen autistic youth enjoyed a great summer camp experience on the HopeTree campus.

HopeTree staff and residents volunteer to teach children with intellectual disabilities to ride bikes.

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New Academy Leadership

“What It Is...Is Love.”

Camp AuSome

iCan Shine

HopeTree Family Services provides residential care to at-risk youth as well as adults with developmental disabilities. All children are treated the same regardless of ability to pay. No discrimination will take place on the grounds of race, color, sex, or other classification protected by law. All children will have equal access to nutritious meals in accordance with federal law and USDA policy. The Developmental Disabilities Ministry shall develop, carry out, and regularly monitor policies and procedures governing discrimination in the provision of services to adult residents with developmental disabilities. HopeTree Family Services shall comply with all state and federal laws, including any applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 2101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, or ability to pay.

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Expressing Our Thanks

A Message of Hope

Thank you.

No one at HopeTree can ever say that enough; not staff, not residents, not family members. The support you provide throughout the year enables this ministry to change lives on a daily basis.

Participants in our Developmental Disabilities Ministry gradually improves their life skills.

Students at HopeTree Academy grasps a math concept today that eluded them yesterday.

A situation that caused anger in a boy or girl in Residential Care yesterday is not so serious today.

A young man in our WOODS program at Camp on Craig finds the self-control to deal with anger issues in a healthier way.

A long talk with a foster parent this afternoon makes a foster child feel loved and secure tonight.

These small steps that transform lives for the better are possible

because of your dedication and support. We are an extension of the love you have for at-risk children and youth, and for adults with intellectual disabilities. HopeTree provides the physical aspects of the spiritual and emotional care you feel.

Throughout our history, we have gladly served as the hands and feet of Christ for those in our care, just as you serve as Christ’s heart and mind; envisioning better lives for those in need and demonstrating the compassion to carry out that vision.

Thank you.

Dr. Stephen W. RichersonPresident & Executive Director

Caring Times is published 10 times per year by HopeTree Family Services, 860 Mt. Vernon Lane, Salem, VA 24153. CaringTimes@HopeTreeFS.org Phone: (540) 389-2112 Select photos may represent volunteers and not actual clients of HopeTree.Publisher...............................................................................................................................................Dr. Stephen RichersonEditor........................................................................................................................................................................Mark EarlyGraphic Designer..................................................................................................................................................Erin Cooper

Dr. Richerson speaks at the Hopes & Dreams Gala.

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Foster Care

Legacy of a Lifetime: Jimmy & Norma

“I may not have a birth mom in my life, but I have Grammy, a true mom, in my heart.” -- Jessica HopeTree Foster Child

Norma Powers was 15 years old when her father died. As a way of coping with the grief and loneliness of widowhood, her mother took in two four-year-old foster children. That act of kindness struck a note of compassion with Norma which has reverberated across generations of foster children.

She and her husband Jimmy have now provided over 40 years of foster care for HopeTree Family Services.

“Those girls were in my wedding.

I’m still their sister. I talk to them all the time,” said Norma Powers.

Although Jimmy and Norma had children of their own, they believed they had ample room in their home and their hearts for more children. So, in 1969, they joined the ranks of HopeTree Family Services’ foster parents. They have fulfilled that role marvelously ever since.

“Not for the entire 44 years; there were times when we felt like we needed to take a break when we had our own young children. But then when [HopeTree] would call, we never said ‘no’. We did what they needed us to do,” explained Norma.

What HopeTree needed them to do was provide a stable home environment for young boys and girls who needed to know they were

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worthy of someone’s love. Arguably, Jimmy and Norma have done that better than anyone around.

“It’s wonderful to be a father for these kids who have never had one. And that’s what I want to be; a father to these kids. I’m trying to give them a good life and be a family for them. Sooner or later, they’re going to be out on their own and they’ll need a family,” said Jimmy.

On the outside, Jimmy and Norma may not look like anything special. After Jimmy retired from the military, he drove a school bus for Bedford County Schools and served on the local volunteer rescue squad. Norma has dedicated her life to making their home as warm, welcoming, and loving as possible.

But on the inside, they have an amazing love for children that comes from only one source.

“Because Jesus gave His life, died on the cross for our sins, that’s nothing but love; that’s unconditional love. He’s given me so much love, I’ve got tons of love to give these kids,” Norma said.

That love has been returned in myriad ways over the years. Many of the Powers’ foster children contact them on a regular basis through letters, phone calls, or spontaneous visits. One of the more public expressions of love came in May when they were awarded the Golden Halo Award for Foster Care by the Children’s Trust of the Roanoke Valley.

Later in the Spring, Norma was voted Top Mom by the viewers of WSET-TV in Lynchburg, VA based

on the nomination letter sent by one of their current foster daughters.

“I’ve had so many people say ‘You have such good kids’ and I just want to say ‘They didn’t come that way’. You have work with them and not give up on them,” Norma said.

The secret to not giving up on foster children for over 40 years?

“You have to love them unconditionally. And not just tell them you love them, you have to show them you love them,” she adds.

Do you have compassion for children?

Open your heart and home to a foster child.

We won’t ask for 40 years, just 90 minutes. Attend a foster care orientation session and discover how much of a diffence you can make in the life of a child.

Visit us online at HopeTreeFS.org or call us:

(540) 444-0566 Salem office(804) 201-9006 Richmond office

Make A Difference

Follow the featured videos link on HopeTreeFS.org to see more of Jimmy and Norma sharing about their mission of love.

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and Residential school in the state of Virginia. I feel like we have the staff to make this work and I feel like our children are ready for these experiences,” Austin-Casey said.

In addition to the Academy’s existing environment of small classes, personalized instruction, and wide array of electives, including, art, music, and vocational classes, Austin-Casey will lend her own expertise in Special Education to enhancing the school’s educational offerings.

“We are very well equipped for the child coming from the alternative setting, from a situation where

HopeTree Family Services believes a quality education is vital to a child’s future. Therefore, we take great pride in announcing that our on-campus school, HopeTree Academy, has a new Education Administrator with a proven track record of providing exemplary special education services to Virginia students.

Maxine Austin-Casey took the helm of HopeTree Academy in July and immediately began charting an ambitious course to not only continue the Academy’s traditionally strong 6th-12th grade academics, but to enhance them.

“I envision us being the best Day

New Leadership for HopeTree Academy

Excellence in Education

HopeTree Academy Administration (L-R): Ellie Wiley, Office Manager; Karen McCoy, Education Supervisor; Tim Robers, Lead Teacher; Mark Kelso, Social Worker; Maxine Austin-Casey, Education Administrator/Principal.

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Over the years, HopeTree Academy has excelled at equipping at-risk youth with the tools they need to move forward in their lives. The Academy offers an array of diplomas accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities.

Furthermore, HopeTree Academy accepts day students from several surrounding school systems.

Often students who can no longer attend their ‘home’ school for any of a number of reasons are able to continue their coursework at HopeTree Academy. Upon completion of their classes, these students receive diplomas from their home school rather than the Academy.

there may be drug abuse or abusive homes, or the child who just needs remediation,” Austin-Casey said.

“We are also offering two new life skills classes that deal with social skills and skills that will take them directly into the workforce,” said Austin-Casey.

Casey is entering her 32nd year of education, much of it spent in the Salem community which surrounds HopeTree’s main campus. She says the Agency’s mission and setting were the perfect combination to lure her away from the Salem School system and allow her to continue pursuing the reason she became a Special Education teacher.

“HopeTree has always been that dream for me. At least ten years ago I had the opportunity to visit HopeTree and bring my students from Salem High School over for a Senior picnic and I enjoyed all the facilities. “I wanted to work with special needs students because that was an area where I thought I could really help a child,” said Austin-Casey.

“We’re working with their mental health, academic ability, and we’re assisting them in gaining vocational skills. All this equates to students transitioning to the workforce or going on to college. We aspire to do our best so these children can move forward in life,” Austin-Casey said.

“I wanted to work with special needs students because that was an area where I thought I could really help a child.” -- Maxine Austin-Casey

Teacher Wayne Perkins oversees a project.

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Connect With Us

For more information about HopeTree Academy and its many academic and vocational programs, please call (540) 389-4941 or visit HopeTreeAcademy.org.

Contact Us

See more of our interview with Maxine Austin-Casey and check out an overview of HopeTree Academy by visiting the featured videos link on HopeTreeFS.org.

Watch & Learn More

Why Chose HopeTree Academy?

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Support Students Like Jamie

Use the enclosed envelope to contribute to a child’s education. Help other students stand proud of their accomplishments in the years to come.

These words are not Jamie’s, but they could be. Although written by another student a decade ago, they could easily be the words of virtually all the students who attend HopeTree Academy.

Students often enter our school bearing the burden of learning disabilities, truancy issues, or detrimental family situations that make learning nearly impossible. Once inside our doors, however, they encounter marvelous teachers who first value them as individuals, then begin to instruct them as students.

Jamie graduated from HopeTree Academy this summer with her full diploma and the confidence that she can take her place in the work force or continue her education as her interests and desires lead her.

Your support of our education efforts can help ensure this same outcome for all our students. Please support HopeTree Academy with your prayers and your generosity.

I stand here today proud about all of the accomplishments I have made. I greatly appreciate all the staff and peers’ positive push towards my future.

I have done so many things I would never have done if it hadn’t been for the peers and staff here.

I have had times when I wanted to give up, but it was with everyone’s help that I got back up and kept going.

So I would like to thank everyone who has picked me up when I was down and gave me positive encouragement. “

“Working for a Positive Future

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Get Involved

There are a lot of ways you can support HopeTree

HostWe have a series of Hope Events (Walk for Hope, Bike for Hope, etc.) around the state each year to generate support for HopeTree. Please consider joining an event or starting your own. We'll provide all the pieces you need to promote the event and offer support all along the way. ShareWe are proud of our ministry and hope you will be, too. Please let us share our story with your friends and neighbors during an informal gathering over dessert and coffee. We will do the cooking. All we ask is a few minutes to speak to your group.

VolunteerIf you have a specific talent or skill you would like to contribute, let us know. Perhaps you and some friends might want to form a work group and help us with a major project. We can always use cheerful, helping hands.

Give •Donate via credit card on HopeTreeFS.org or with a secure electronic funds transfer through your local bank. Of course, you can still send a paper check.

•Designate HopeTree Family Services as your charity of choice for your grocery store’s rewards card.

•Donate stocks, bonds, Certificates of Deposit, Money Market Accounts, and other financial instruments.

•Determine if your company provides matching gifts for charitable donations.

If you have any questions about HopeTree Family Services or would like to participate in one of the ways described here, please call the Director of Development at (540) 389-2112 or(804) 545-1202.

Thank You Horntown Baptist and Chincoteague Baptist Churches for hosting a Walk for Hope on the Eastern Shore.

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To recognize someone who has impacted your life, complete the form on the reply envelope included with this magazine and return it to the Advancement Department along with your gift.

Frye, Clara E.Mr. Moyer L. Bryant

Gouchenour, Isabell Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer Gray, Jean L.New Horizons Sunday School Class

Hambrick, Julia E.Mr. Eric WilliamsonMs. Shirley B. Newcomb.Ms. Grace B. BradleyForever Young ClubMrs. Jean M. Smith

Hawens, Annie B.Ms. Mary T. Butler

Hayes, Gertrude R.Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith

Jones, Henry Mr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Vinson

Judd, Garnett Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

Knight, Christine Mr. & Mrs. Jack H. Williams Lane, Adam W.Mrs. Merilene D. Paciulli

Milby, Mark D.Ms. Shirley M. McKinleyMs. Carolyn WalshMs. Ruth A. CarmodyMrs. Pam Milby

Children’s Ministry MemorialsJanuary 1 - April 30, 2013

Allen, Carol M.Mr. & Mrs. Herman L. Allen

B., Annie LillianMs. Teresa B. Jones

Barnett, Howard S.Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith

Barnett, Theodora S.Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith

Bryant, Ivel Mr. Moyer L. Bryant

Campbell, Wayne Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

Dollman, Charles W.Mrs. Betty D. Hall

Doss, Kathryn Ms. Linda S. Pote

Foster, Dottie Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

The following contributions have been given to HopeTree in honor or in memory of someone who has touched lives.

Honors & Memorials

Children’s Ministry HonorsMay 1 - July 3, 2013

Shiloh Cottage Mrs. Mary C. Saunders

Hall, Betty D.Miss Lois Sue Hash

Mischenko, Mathew Ms. Irina Y. Volchansky

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To recognize someone who has impacted your life, complete the form on the reply envelope included with this magazine and return it to the Advancement Department along with your gift.

Developmental Disabilities Ministry MemorialsJanuary 1 - April 30, 2013

Lewis, Alvin Mrs. Lucille L. Sloan

Shaver, Ted Mrs. Shari M. CrenshawPairs & Spares Class

Winstead, Malcolm E.Ms. Barbara L. Winstead

Developmental Disabilities Ministry HonorsJanuary 1 - April 30, 2013

Brendle, Ava A.Mr. & Mrs. Arthur O. Houston

DeLoatche, Bryant Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Carter, Jr.

Gravely, Cindy Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Carter, Jr.

Hylton, Gail S.Mr. & Mrs. William C. Tignor

Southside Home Mrs. Shirley M. Fisher

Wilson, Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Bill M. Gentry

Zepp, Anna Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. FarmerMs. Kay HickmanMs. Ann WatkinsMs. Shirley A. FaisonMr. & Mrs. Ralph L. DenningMs. Pamela L. MalloryMr. & Mrs. Sheldon P. Clayton

Nichols, Kenneth Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

Nuttall, Rachel P.Mr. Everett Nuttall

Sawyer, Annie Mrs. Kathryn A. Skipwith

Shirley, Irene J.Mrs. Verne E. Massey

Spady, Mollie Ms. Barbara Keenan Mrs. Sallie Belle G. BenedettiMr. & Mrs. R. R. Nixon

Stewart, Ann Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith

Stewart, Russell Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith Stout, Nora L.Mr. Currie W. Stout, Sr.

Sullivan, Ethel Ms. C. Sue Bradley

Turner, Woodrow Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

Watts, Elbert H.Mrs. Elizabeth H. Foltz

White, Murry K.Mr. & Mrs. Sonny L. Smith

Wilson, Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Bill M. Gentry

Woodell, Eugene Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Farmer

Varney, Hester L.Mr. & Mrs. Jack R. Gunter

Vinson, Milton T.Mr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Vinson

Honors & Memorials

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Service Locations

HopeTree Family Services provides a wide range of services for at-risk children and youth from locations in:

•Bedford County•Chester•Craig County•Henry County* •Salem

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities in the following locations.

•Abingdon•Blue Ridge•Chase City*•Farmville•Fredericksburg•Martinsville•Richmond•Salem•Virginia Beach

For more information on the services available in these locations, how to support those services with your contributions or volunteer efforts, or gain access to those services, please visit HopeTreeFS.org, or call:

Richmond office at (804) 545-1202

orSalem office at(540) 389-2112

*These locations will be opening for service later this year.

The men of Ruth Camp Cambell Cottage II are looking forward to living in the Blessings Home. Your support will make it possible.

We continue to make progress toward funding the Blessings Home’s construction. Our goal is to have all the necessary funds raised by December 31, 2013, and you can help make that happen.

Contact David Wilson at DavidW@HopeTreeFS.org or (540) 389-2112 to discuss naming opportunities and make a contribution.

Blessings Home Report

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Community Support

Kids Helping KidsHopeTree staff and residents teach kids with disabilities to ride bikes.

Karla helps Logan get started on his bike.

Sixteen volunteers from HopeTree Family Services recently devoted a couple of hours per day for a week to teach young children with intellectual disabilities how to ride bicycles.

The effort was part of a growing national movement called iCan Shine. Founded by a group in Pennsylvania, the week-long camp provides children with specially outfitted bicycles and volunteers who help them become comfortable on the bikes. Riders gradually progress from bikes with rollers rather than rear wheels to traditional bikes.

Among the HopeTree volunteers were residents Karla (pictured above right) and Samantha. Each enjoyed the opportunity to help the younger children they were paired with to overcome their personal challenges and master the skill of riding a bike. “It’s good to see him out there because when he started he really wasn’t paying attention and now he can focus,” said Karla.

“It makes me feel great because I taught him how to do something. It’s nice to see that when they fall, they get back up and do it again,” Samantha said of her partner, Logan.

iCan Shine is just one example of how HopeTree encourages residents to participate in community events.

Upcoming EventsMark your calendars now to attend the events in your area!

Brunswick StewNovember 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Come enjoy a hot, delicious bowl of stew on our Salem campus compliments of your HopeTree family.

The Horne Home WalkSeptember 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Join us as we Walk for Hope at the Horne Home in Martinsville. We’ll have live music and barbecue, so don’t miss out on the fun!

See what helping these kids meant to HopeTree staff and residents. Watch the video on the HopeTreeFS.org featured videos page.

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Camp AuSome!!

“These kids are capable of going to college, holding jobs, and having families. But many times their needs are overlooked because they are verbal and because they are smart.”

Ecstatic shouts of joy resound around the pool. Enthusiastic splashing abounds as flailing noodles fill the air. While it looks like a typical summer day at the community pool, this particular group of swimmers is not quite typical.

They are a group of summer campers from the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. For the second year in a row, HopeTree Family Services is hosting their summer retreat; Camp AuSome.

“These kids are capable of going to college, holding jobs, and having

You can experience the joys of Camp AuSome yourself by watching the video on the featured videos page at HopeTreeFS.org.

Visit the featured videos page on HopeTreeFS.org to see some of our past events.

Call Erin Cooper at (540) 389-2112 or email

ErinC@HopeTreeFS.org to learn more about these events or to find out how to stage your own

Hope Event.

families. But many times their needs are overlooked because they are verbal and because they are smart,” says Camp Director Shelly Ionescu.

Camp AuSome is designed to give boys and girls with autism the opportunity to experience summer camp activities just as their friends and classmates do.

While HopeTree Family Services does not specifically offer programs for autistic children and youth, the Agency is more than happy to share it’s facilities with BRAAC. Last year’s two-week session was so successful, and popular, that the 2013 edition was extended to four weeks. During those four weeks, campers practiced vital social skills and coping strategies all adults need to be successful in life.

“What we’re hoping to do is give them the opportunity to develop those skills in a fun, day camp setting,” added Ionescu.

Host An Event!

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