IN THIS ISSUE

Year in Review 2

Illinois Development Director Begins 6

“Why We Do What We Do”an original poem by Monique Davis, IOA 8

Nexus 4th Annual Conference Roundup 9

Nexus Rebrands with a Fresh, New Image 12

2015 Ambassador of Excellence Award Winners 3, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23

Kidney Donor Sought for Foster Child 23

Changeis in the Air

A NEXUS NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2015 cornerst ne

1 | SEPTEMBER 2015

David Hutchinson

CEO“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Socrates

We just wrapped up our 4th Annual Conference, and I hope those of you who were able to attend came back to campus energized and excited about the positive changes happening at Nexus.

For those of you who could not attend this year, our theme was Agents of Change. We talked about Nexus’ expanding service line, our emerging Nexus Practice Model, and our new branding. We focused on how all of these transformations work together to make Nexus better able to carry out our Mission of strengthening lives, families, and communities. But the bigger message was that none of this change can happen without you. You are all Agents of Change!

Our journey toward transformation began back in 2008, when all Nexus services were residential and psychiatric inpatient. In 2014, we had a total of 22 separate services. In 2015, we added even more programs and services to our continuum.

All of these new services were a direct result of you — in all of your capacities — acting as Agents of Change. Your notable efforts have made Nexus stronger, more relevant, and more responsive to the needs of kids and families. As a result, our Mission is growing, and we are touching more lives than ever before.

There were many notable events and examples of staff acting as Agents of Change this year. I don’t have the space here to list them all. I invite you to watch the videos of my opening and closing conference speeches. They will soon be available on Nex-Net, and you’ll receive a notice about where to find them.

I do want to mention that a few of our recent accomplishments are highlighted in this issue of the Cornerstone. You’ll find information on our new look, message, and branding, and how it all works to support our entry into Nexus-wide fundraising. You’ll also find a story on our newest member of the Nexus family — Nexus Glen Lake — which, coincidentally, is located very near the location of our very first Nexus campus, founded in Minnetonka, MN, back in 1972.

In upcoming issues, you’ll soon see information about the emerging Nexus Practice Model, which is being finalized by the site Clinical Directors and Dr. Michelle K. Murray, VP of Clinical Services, and was developed with the help of Chapin Hall.

It’s an exciting time at Nexus. As 2015 starts to fade, I see even bigger and better things ahead for us. Our future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades!

View from the Corner Office

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 2

Brock Wolff

Nexus Highlights

COO

September is a very exciting month for Nexus. All of the sites, programs, and the Corporate office begin strategic planning and the budget process for the next year. The youth in our care start the new school year, and our staff head off to the Nexus Annual Conference.

I was once again honored to present our “Year in Review” at the Annual Conference. Here are some of our highlights from the past year.

FISCAL STRENGTHOverall, Nexus had a great year financially, and we continue to exceed budgetary expectations. At a time when most nonprofit child-service agencies are struggling, Nexus continues to thrive and grow.

NEW PROGRAMSIn 2015, we added Nexus Glen Lake to our continuum, and expanded the CTSS program in Minnesota. We made great inroads in North Dakota, and have high hopes that a site will open in that state soon.

NEXUS REBRANDINGNexus rebranded with a new logo and tagline, a more inclusive mission statement, a concentrated vision statement, and a new public branding statement.

COMMUNICATIONSThe communications team launched a completely redesigned website.

COA REACCREDITATIONNexus passed its COA audit and was reaccredited for another three years.

AWARDSVarious programs and departments won several awards throughout the year, including one for community partnership with the Bridging program, innovative programming, publications, and videos.

FUNDRAISINGFundraising efforts continue to thrive in Maryland, Minnesota, and Illinois.

ADMISSIONSWe saw a record number of out-of-state referrals to our sites.

HR’S NEW APPROACHOur Human Resource Department saw major changes, and our new flexible site-specific menu approach to recruitment and retention was well received.

ITIT made several upgrades to various systems, helped set up new sites and programs, and worked to improve the overall security of our data.

from the Past Year

Operations Outlook

3 | SEPTEMBER 2015

CLINICAL EXCELLENCEWe continue to make strides at all our sites and programs clinically, especially with expanding family work, trauma-informed care, and community impact; the Clinical team worked hard to introduce a Nexus-wide practice model this year. ONARGA ACADEMYOnarga Academy lowered its turnover rate, and saw its highest census ever. The campus also reduced staff injuries. The Hoop Dreams and Foster Care programs exceeded expectations in performance.

KINDRED FAMILY FOCUSKindred Family Focus completed 21 adoptions, which led to increased funding from DHS. The agency also licensed 23 new foster homes and opened its first home for victims of sex trafficking.

INDIAN OAKS ACADEMYIndian Oaks Academy opened the Lighthouse Group Home, increasing its overall beds to more than 130. The site celebrated its largest high school graduating class ever, with 12 graduates, and IOA youth provided more than 6,000 hours of community service to the area.

GERARD ACADEMYGerard Academy opened its new outpatient program, and remains in demand, with 60-70 kids on its waiting list. All counselors received University of Oklahoma training, and staff reduced medication errors by 61%.

WOODBOURNE CENTERWoodbourne Center exceeded its goal to have 40 kids in residential treatment by September 1. The site also integrated its clinical/milieu/nursing/school services and expanded its family, trauma, community, crisis intervention, and outcomes-driven programming.

MILLE LACS ACADEMYMille Lacs Academy named Jason Donahue as Executive Director and appointed a new Associate Director. MLA also expanded its recruitment and retention efforts, and provided admin support for the new Nexus Glen Lake program. The site also negotiated a new lease, and has plans for a new Family Garden.

This only scratches the surface of what each program has been able to accomplish this past year. We all have very much to be proud of, and the best is yet to come! Thank you all for all your hard work!

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–CORPORATE

Kimberly Sankey was nominated as Corporate’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence. Kimberly recently moved into her role as Communications and Fundraising Associate after 15 years with Nexus.

From a friendly greeting to the outstanding completion of any project, she demonstrates the Cornerstone Values in a professional and personal capacity, every single day.

Honesty is ingrained her nature. You always know you will get a straight answer — whatever you ask — and that often results in a lot of humor and laughs.

Responsibility is shown in her continuously high quality of work, no matter how large or small the project. Before you even have a chance to take a breath, Kimberly will have rolled up her sleeves and started to work.

Courage is demonstrated by her tireless pursuit of new knowledge and job functions. Over the past 2 years, she has pushed to expand the boundaries of her personal learning and information base, providing a critical function in her transitioning department.

Care and concern are shown for coworkers and the kids in meaningful activities like organizing teambuilding efforts and promoting site events. If you need something done, you want Kimberly on your team.

You can count on Kimberly at the Corporate office, at the sites, and as a friend and coworker to bring people together for a cause greater than one person, one role, or one site.

...Operations Outlook

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 4

Kindred Family Focus

The most basic rule of systems applies when we design treatment services that incorporate multiple approaches, meaning that one part of the system affects and influences the other parts of the system. We see that with our youth-guided practices, individualized and strength-based treatment, and trauma-informed care. These approaches are inextricably linked. In fact, it is very difficult to practice one of these principles without practicing the others.

As we change our practice in one area — for instance, moving toward youth-guided care — we naturally become more individualized and trauma-informed. Because these approaches are related, it also means that we have to be prepared to redesign our practices in other areas if we truly want to change our approaches in another. If we are not prepared to be more youth-guided and individualized as we become more trauma-informed, then our new approach won’t hold.

How One Thing Flows into AnotherDr. Michelle K. Murray

VP of Clinical Services

In order to welcome the shifts that are required, we simply need to apply the same principles we teach — the concepts of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).

CBT outlines the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The basic rule of systems again applies; as we change our thoughts, it changes our feelings, as well as our behavior.

We change our thoughts about youth-guided practice, individualized treatment, and trauma-informed care by becoming more educated about each approach. As we learn more information, we can evaluate our personal feelings about each practice, then commit to demonstrate new practices to support a behavior change.

Over the next several issues of the Cornerstone, I will address each approach in a more detailed fashion so that we can better relate each practice to the work that we do.

YOUTH-GUIDED PRACTICES

INDIVIDUALIZED AND STRENGTH-FOCUSED

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

THE COGNITIVE TRIANGLE

The Clinical View

Systematic Changes

Clinical

5 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Becky SchedinDirector of CQI & Research

Building skills and planning for the future

CQI Retreat

Nexus Continuous Quality Improvement staff came together in Galena, IL, to collaborate and share their collective knowledge and experience during the third annual CQI retreat. The mission of this meeting was to plan how CQI will help demonstrate and support the Nexus mission and vision.

Team members from Onarga, Indian Oaks, Kindred Family Focus, Gerard, Mille Lacs, Woodbourne, and Nexus Corporate reviewed recent CQI achievements and future goals, and discussed cross-functional collaboration and engagement during the two-day retreat. Staff participated in a workshop on data management and visualization using Microsoft Excel.

“I found the opportunity for togetherness and in-person sharing incredibly valuable,” said Lorie Gratke, QI Manager for Kindred Family Focus. “I could definitely imagine using the strategies and approaches we discussed to help our team formulate 2016 goals.”

Performance and outcomes measurement and management were also discussed, as well as the importance of gathering and utilizing consistent, quality information to support decision-making at all levels.

“As Nexus moves towards managing to outcomes, it is crucial that we understand the need for sharing meaningful information with our stakeholders, and building a collaborative culture that rallies around shared goals, in order to support all of our teams, disciplines, and stakeholders,” said Becky Schedin, Nexus Director of CQI & Research. “When we take our data and translate it to information that is shared and discussed, that information can then transform into knowledge, which leads to stronger lives, families, and communities.”

Quality improvement is the process of identifying, describing, and analyzing strengths and problems – and then testing, implementing, learning from, and revising solutions. CQI often faces the challenge to meaningfully engage staff, clients, and other stakeholders in the practice. The team did an exercise in cross-functional collaboration that involved applying a framework, working with others to develop a plan for a new project, identifying the data needed to support and illustrate performance and outcomes, and sharing the results.

“I found it incredibly helpful to test out a project plan using the framework,” said Steven Schreiber, Manager of Human Resources and QI at Woodbourne Center. “Hearing about the projects that other sites are exploring is very useful, and it gave me new ideas for how to bring everyone to the table.”

A common theme emerged when discussing the future of CQI; the group agreed that even with the tremendous progress made so far, there is a long road ahead and it is imperative that CQI continue moving forward collaboratively. Some potential areas of future focus include promoting training and awareness related to HIPAA and Personal Health Information (PHI), using a functional assessment tool across Nexus, and ultimately, continuing to analyze and use data meaningfully to support decision-making and positive outcomes across programs and disciplines.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to come together as Nexus and see that we are all headed in the same direction,” said Steve Greenlee, QI Supervisor at Onarga Academy. “The sharing of the work that we are doing is critical, and the intentionality of our collaborative efforts gives us a lot to look forward to.”

Quality CornerCQI

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 6

Moving Forward

Kim Luckey has been named the Illinois’ Director of Development for Nexus. She is working with Indian Oaks Academy and Onarga Academy, focusing on the creation and implementation of a formalized philanthropic plan for both sites.

As we continue to grow our program operations, and as state funding becomes less predictable, exploring the opportunities within private

fundraising is an important part of Nexus’ future. It also brings about the need to seek out diversified government funding.

Working closely with the Executive Directors of Onarga and Indian Oaks Academy, Kim will help determine special projects that can enhance the programs and facilities in Illinois.

“We are looking forward to working with Kim to identify new opportunities in Illinois. Development is an important aspect to the sustainability of non-profit agencies, and I am excited that we are taking a formalized

approach to our efforts,” said Indian Oaks Academy Executive Director, Mike Chavers.

“Onarga Academy’s team is excited to move forward in our efforts to increase support for our programs. We anticipate developing a great partnership with Kim as we establish new lines of support to serve some of the most at-risk youth in the state of Illinois,” commented Onarga Academy Executive Director, Dennis Wiley.

Kim comes to Nexus with a background in both development and government policy work. Most recently, she was the Vice President of Development for a child-welfare agency in Illinois, overseeing a six-person team and privately raising approximately $1.5 million annually.

Prior to her work in social service development, Kim raised funds for numerous political campaigns in Illinois at the local, state and federal level. She also spent several years in Washington, D.C., where she worked in the U.S. Senate and as a lobbyist.

Joins the Illinois TeamKim Luckey

Illinois Development Director, Kim Luckey

Quality Corner

DevelopmentFunding Our Future

7 | SEPTEMBER 2015

We all want to feel happy, but despite what fairy tales may tell us, happiness doesn’t appear by magic; it’s something that needs to be cultivated.

Studies show that circumstances have only a minimal effect on overall happiness. Science has proven that contrary to popular belief, the wealthy, beautiful, and unstressed are actually — on average — not happier than those who lack such qualities. The bulk of what determines happiness is due to personality and, more importantly, thoughts and behaviors.

With the ability to alter our own thoughts and behaviors, we can make ourselves happier just by recognizing that happiness is not a circumstance, it’s an attitude!

Creating a happier life isn’t as easy as flipping a switch, but you can work on turning up your happiness levels by shaping your life around the following pillars.

Invest in RelationshipsPositive relationships create good energy, and that’s why it’s important to nurture your relationships with friends and family, and to surround yourself with happy people throughout your day.

You can actually catch someone’s good (or bad) mood. Stick around those individuals who influence positivity out of you; your happiness will radiate to those around you! Let these positive people know you appreciate their role in your life; too often, these small kindnesses go overlooked.

Express GratitudeGratitude is so much more than saying thank you; it’s a sense of wonder, appreciation, and thankfulness for life. It’s easy to go through life without recognizing your good fortune. For many, it takes a serious illness or tragic event to jolt an appreciation for the good things in life. Why wait?

Can be CultivatedHappiness

Practice gratitude by waking up and going to bed with a grateful thought, and identifying at least one thing that enriches your life daily.

Cultivate OptimismGrow your optimistic thinking by getting in the habit of identifying the positive side of situations. If you’re not an optimistic person by nature, it may take time to alter your thinking. Start by recognizing negative thoughts as you have them, then take a step back and ask yourself these key questions:• Is the situation really as bad as I think? • Is there another way to look at the situation?• What can I learn from this experience that I can use in the

future?

Find your PurposePeople who strive to meet a goal — whether it’s growing a garden, caring for children, or finding spirituality — are happier than those without such ambitions because of the relationships nurtured during the process, the boost in self-esteem, and the feeling of purpose throughout the journey.

While research suggests that relationships provide the strongest meaning to life, some people find purpose in the hobbies they love. If you are having trouble identifying your purpose, ask yourself what excites and energizes you, how you want to be remembered, and think about your proudest achievements.

Live in the MomentThe simplest way to live in the now is to savor the small pleasures of everyday life. Focus on the positives in the present moment and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Don’t miss out on happiness by waiting for a day when you’re less stressed or less busy. Take advantage of the opportunities you have now!

No matter which pillars you find important in your own life, always remember that your happiness is in your hands. It may take some practice, but you have the ability to see the positive moments in every day and to appreciate life for what it is.

Live Well Health & Wellness

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 8

Comfort in Treatment

So many people ask, “Girl, why do you do what you do – Risking your safety, just to save a few.”

“Do you do it for the praise … for the credit …. for the raise?”“Do you help those kids out of sympathy – I know they’ve had rough

lives; “Why on earth do you do what you do?Can’t someone else give it a try?”

“Oh, I get it! You do what you do because you need a job ….”“But surely you can find something else that doesn’t require you to

work so damn hard”. “I just don’t understand why it is you do what you do …

You’ve got mandatory overtime, crisis, TCI …. All these ridiculous trainings and meetings ….

It seems like your life is just passing you by”…

“So, tell me friend – why do you work so hard?So often setting aside your personal life for these kids who have no

regard… Not for life, not their parents, not their case workers – and not even you! So, tell me please!! Because I just don’t know why you

do what you do”

So, I smiled at my friend – because, she really doesn’t know; There’s no greater reward than watching these young people grow.

So no, it’s not about the money … it’s not about the gifts or the praise ….

It’s for that 1 time out of 100 that kid had a good day.It’s rewarding enough to watch them struggle – just as long as they

try; To hear them recite advice you thought they weren’t listening toThat one time you sat with them all night while they cried.

So, it’s never about a job – this has to be a career;Not everyone is equipped to touch the same lives we reach while we

work here.Sure, our work is busy – with its own difficulties and such;

What We DoWhy We Do

Monique Davis

An Original Poem By Monique S. DavisAftercare Coordinator, Indian Oaks Academy

But how can you possibly deny help to a kid who needs your help so much.

You may not have understood it before, unless you live this as your truth. So, let me help you understand why it is, that at Nexus, we do

what we do.We fight for these kids – because they deserve it.

When the world has turned their backs on them – somebody has got to show them that they’re worth it.

We teach these kids – because someone once taught us.True growth requires inspiration, so giving back is an absolute

must.

The truth is, we are all here as a matter of choice ….To be able to give each of our kids the chance to finally have a voice.

So why? Why do we do what we do?We stand on the values and principles of our Cornerstones….

Honesty ….Responsibility … Courage ….

Care and Concern ….These are all effective tools – how could you possibly go wrong?

So, why? Why do we do what we do?Because our kids are worth it!

And they deserve it!But then again, so do we –

To stand side-by-side with a team who supports the same beliefs.

We are each Agents of Change; We show up day - after day – after day

Paving the path for troubled lives so they can finally learn a different way.

So why? Why is it that we do what we do?Ask yourself …. Who are we not to?

Poetry

9 | SEPTEMBER 2015

dinosaur eggs, launching frogs onto lily pads, taking silly selfies in the photo booth, and competing in dangerously tall giant Jenga matches. The talent show allowed our staff to share their talents.

Mark Nufer, Associate VP of Finance, opened the talent show with his amped-up version of the National Anthem. Bill Mojica and Steven Schreiber of Woodbourne serenaded us with impromptu musical numbers, accompanied by Dan Ulland from Corporate HR on the piano. Brad Wilfong of IOA performed stand-up comedy, and Monique Davis of IOA read her “Why We Do What We Do” poem, which is featured in this issue. Lindsay Mathews was called up and played piano for the group.

A big thank you to those who volunteered and to those who were put on the spot to perform.

The conference wrapped up on Friday with CEO David Hutchinson introducing Nexus’ new branding. COO Brock Wolff presented a review of Nexus accomplishments from 2014. Staff were also honored with Ambassador Awards.

Nexus’ 2016 Annual Conference will be held next September in Minnesota. We hope to see you there for another fun and educational conference!

Agents of Change at Heart Mild-Mannered Staff by Day...

Nexus welcomed 120 employees to the 4th Annual Conference in Oak Brook, IL, on September 23-25.

The conference kicked off Wednesday night with a dinner and some magical entertainment. Robert Ian, magician and hypnotist, entertained the crowd with various card tricks, illusions, and mind-blowing guessing games. Twelve brave souls joined him on stage for their chance to be hypnotized. The volunteers were transformed into opera singers and hula dancers. We were also honored to have a Martian and her translator join us, as well as a drill sergeant, and The King, himself, Elvis.

Thursday morning opened with a kickoff speech from CEO David Hutchinson. He addressed the many ways that Nexus staff are Agents of Change in the lives of the youth, families, and communities we serve. Attendees received sunglasses, t-shirts, notebooks, and hats to remind them of the characteristics of Agents of Change:• Agents of Change look toward the future. The

sunglasses remind staff to look forward.• Agents of Change engage and excite others in

the process. The t-shirt provides an opportunity to share our story of transformation.

• Agents of Change are curious. The notebook reminds staff to stay diligent; keep learning.

• Agents of Change know change is difficult and takes time. The hat is a reminder that it is difficult to change old ways of thinking.

Bob Davis-Mayo provided the keynote speech, and spoke to the group about change and what we can do to avoid the “dragons” that keep us in our comfort zones.

Thursday rounded out with breakout sessions, a carnival night, and the first-ever Nexus talent show! The carnival had staff knocking down trolls, throwing

Conference Roundup

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 10

Monique Davis performed an original poem.

Mark Nufer opened the talent show with the National Anthem.

Magician Robert Ian had the crowd spellbound.

Brad Wilfong performed a stand-up comedy routine.

11 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Hypnotized volunteers entertained the crowd as hula dancers, drill sergeants, martians, interpreters, and Elvis Presley.

Staff took silly selfies in the photo booth.

“Hello, shoe is calling, please?”

Our talented staff entertained us.

An intense game of Giant Jenga broke out between CEO David Hutchinson and CFO Alan Nordby!

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 12

Steps in Nexus’ Rebranding

2014 • Nexus decides to expand

efforts for across-site fundraising

• Bill Mojica is hired as Director of Development for Wood-bourne Center

• Nexus hires Minnesota public relations firm Pocket Hercules to help raise name awareness

• Pocket Hercules meets with key stakeholders to craft a message that will connect with potential donors

2015• “Changing One Life Changes

Everything” is adopted as the Nexus tagline – a statement that answers why donors should support us with their money, time, and experience

• PR firm suggests creating a symbol to depict the tagline

• A stylized “X” is created to convey our youth services, coming together, and joy and hopefulness

• PR firm creates new descrip-tor line to more accurately describe the services in our continuum: “Youth and Family Solutions”

• All three Development Direc-tors are in place to lead fund-raising efforts in Minnesota, Illinois, and Maryland.

Rebranding Tells Our StoryNexus has been transforming, and like many makeovers, recently had a BIG REVEAL. A new logo, tagline, and descriptor line were introduced at the 4th Annual Conference.

With all of the internal changes happening at Nexus, it was time to make sure our public persona aligned with our expanded service line and our revised Mission statement to Strengthen Lives, Families, and Communities Through Our Cornerstone Values.

A Minnesota-based public relations firm — Pocket Hercules — was hired to give our Development team the tools they needed for fundraising. First on the list was creating a statement to tell potential donors why they should support our great work. That statement (tagline) conveys in 5 words all the positive outcomes that result from our work: CHANGING ONE LIFE CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Next, we embarked on a public awareness campaign for Nexus. Sponsorship ads began running on Minnesota Public Radio in July, and billboards were posted around the Minneapolis metro area in September.

The tagline worked great for radio and with a photo on billboards, but it raised the question: What image would we use when we were unable to use a photo? That led to the creation of a new logo.

The name “Nexus” itself means connection. And the word “Nexus” has an “x” at its exact center. The PR team designed a stylized “X” to portray both of these elements and to convey the hope and brighter futures we help create for youth and families.

Next, we updated our descriptor line, which said “A Family of Treatment Programs,” so it would be inclusive of Nexus services that are not treatment programs — foster care and adoption, for instance. The new descriptor, “Youth and Family Solutions,” describes our continuum, and expresses one of our long-term priorities.

The Cornerstone symbol remains a steadfast symbol of our treatment programs, and will continue to be displayed at the sites. The Mission statement, too, continues to inform everything we do. The new branding does not diminish these elements in any way. Our new brand is simply a refreshed public image to better connect with youth, families, and the community. You’ll be seeing it on marketing materials, stationery, ads, and signage.

changing one life CHANGES EVERYTHING

MILLE LACS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

13 | SEPTEMBER 2015

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–MILLE LACS

THE SHIP SETS SAILOn August 18, the Ship program at Mille Lacs Academy hosted its annual Boat Race at Kathio State Park. The race is one of MLA’s longest-standing traditions, and has taken place almost every year since the Ship “set sail” in 1992. The race takes place at Kathio State Parks’ swimming pond.

To compete in the race, youth are tasked with creating a wind-propelled vessel comprised of 100% discarded materials, such as recyclables and refuse.

All boats are launched simultaneously, and the first to cross the pond is the winner. Prizes are awarded for the top three finishers, as well as for categories such as “most creative,” “first to flip,” etc. In addition to the race, the boys enjoyed games, the playground, and a bag lunch. This is one race that never disappoints!

Megan Brixius, Senior Case Manager in Program II Navigators, was named Mille Lacs Academy’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence!

Megan exemplifies the Nexus Cornerstone Values daily with youth and staff through hard work, determination, relationships, and a lot of great humor. Staff and youth alike can go to Megan with questions, concerns, and guidance and get an HONEST answer from her; she is never too busy to lend a helping hand.

She shows COURAGE every day by taking on the tasks that others may not want to do and is never afraid to give staff and youth praise or constructive re-direction.

Megan exemplifies responsibility by always looking at what needs to be done and how she can help. If she brings forward a concern, she always has a solution to make it better and is willing to be part of that process of change.

She demonstrates CARE and CONCERN in her interactions with the youth and being a leader of change not only within her program, but throughout MLA. She works hard on making MLA a premier place to work by being actively involved in bringing forward activities and events for the staff. Megan also takes an active role in running and coordinating an Employee Support Group for all MLA staff.

Megan truly works to have a united building of staff and youth working side by side for a common cause and for the good of our youth, their families, our staff, and Nexus.

Youth ActivitiesMille Lacs

The Ship’s youth race boats made from recycled materials.

Prizes are awarded for top three finishers, as well as most creative, first to flip, and other categories.

DONOR CORNERMLA has long received generous donations of clothing and goods from supporters, staff, and the community. Now, there is a place to showcase these items! The new “Donor Corner” offers MLA staff a convenient place to peruse items that might fill a need for youth in their program. Thanks again to all those who have donated to MLA recently and in the past!

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 14

Director’s ReportAt a recent conference of Minnesota child care agencies, the Building Bridges Initiative was reviewed, and the presenter shared a definition of residential treatment used by an Illinois service organization named Damar Services, Inc. Their definition is “residential treatment should be oriented not so much around removing problems kids bring to care but toward establishing conditions that allow children and families to manage symptoms and crises more effectively at home and in the community.”

The presenter followed this definition with the question, “Could your program do this?”

As we work toward answering this question and being a program that helps youth and families develop the skills, structure, and support that assists them in achieving success at higher levels, we must continue to challenge the thoughts that can keep us rooted in the past. The ability to learn from the successes, strengths, failures, and weaknesses of our experiences helps us become a better conduit of assistive change for the youth and families we serve.

We have continued to examine the processes and thinking that has been part of MLA history, and to challenge those things through the following questions:• What do we really want for the youth, families, and

communities we serve?• What outcomes are we targeting with youth and

families to show success?• Are we committed to do whatever it takes to get the

results we are working for?• What will the youth gain from this? The family? MLA?• If we don’t change, what will it cost the youth? The

family? MLA?• What has it cost us in the past when we continued to do

what we have always done?• If not us, then who?

We must ask these questions and make adjustments to our course as an Academy. It can be hard to let go of things that have worked in the past, but when we are committed to helping our youth and families, what once seemed improbable can become the possible and the attainable.

Thank you to our teams for being willing to question yourselves, make adjustments as needed, to try new things, and for being committed to changing lives.

CAMPING MONTHIn August, all five of MLA’s programs participated in camping activities. The boys enjoyed fishing, canoeing, making tie-dyed shirts, and roasting s’mores. Among the fun, rest, and relaxation, the campers also saw some unique bugs that unexpectedly joined their party. Check out their adventures below.

CLIMBING TO THE TOPThe MLA climbing wall is back in business! A product of much fundraising sweat and toll, the climbing wall opened on campus in 2010. However, even though interest was high and staff were eager to use the wall for therapeutic recreation, the wall was not used to full capacity due to the lack of trained climbing staff.

Now, under the supervision of MLA Recreation Coordinator Marlene

Fure, many staff have been trained so they can teach and supervise youth for climbing. With Fure spearheading these efforts, the climbing wall is now being utilized by all four programs on a weekly basis!

Jason DonahueExecutive Director

15 | SEPTEMBER 2015

GERARD ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–GERARD

SUMMER CELEBRATIONOn Friday, July 31, Gerard Academy held its annual Summer Celebration, an event designed for youth and their families to build connections and relationships in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. More than 140 people attended and enjoyed games, grilled food, and a program celebrating youth discharges and other accomplishments.

Clinical Supervisor Kristin Danielson, organizer of the event, said “It is a time for youth who do have a direct family or special people connected to them to see how many more adults are in their lives and who they are connected to. For youth without a family, it also gives another meaning to the word ‘family.’ It’s all about how family is defined.”

However, it’s not just the youth who benefit. “It is also a chance for families to see they are not alone in their journey,” said Danielson. “Many families come into residential with significant amounts of guilt and shame and have been outcasts in their communities. This allows them an experience to feel a connection, as well as to put faces to the voices of the staff they talk to on the phone.”

Clinical Director Karen Wolf said, “It is such a positive experience for all of us to share a day like that. Being away from schedules and routines for a little while and just having fun is sometimes the best therapy there is.”

Kristin Danielson won Gerard Academy’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence award at this year’s Annual Conference. Kristin is a Clinical Supervisor for Gerard’s Villa Program.

She started with Gerard Academy in 1992, when the program was located in Mason City, Iowa. In 2008, she moved to the Austin, MN, campus as a Clinical Supervisor for a younger boys program.

“Kristin’s dedication to the youth and their families that she serves is superior, and her commitment to them is next to none.”

Kristin serves as a mentor and role model to her staff while encouraging them to think outside the box and pushing them to always be learning and growing in their positions. She challenges her staff to see things from the youth and family’s lens so they can separate themselves from the situation and better understand and respond to the child. Kristin emphasizes the important impact that each staff can make on a child’s life while at Gerard.

Kristin exemplifies the Cornerstone Values in everything she does. She provides consistent, honest feedback in a thoughtful and meaningful way. She shows responsibility by ensuring her dorm is functioning at the highest level, while maintaining low staff turnover rates. She encourages families and youth by engaging them and giving them tools to help work through difficult life situations. She shows care and concern in her everyday interactions with all the staff she supervises, her co-workers, and clients.

Celebrating Family & FriendsGerard Academy

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 16

Celebrating Family & Friends

GERARD GOLF TOURNAMENTGerard Academy held its 15th annual golf tournament in August at the Austin Country Club. The event was originally scheduled for July, but was rescheduled due to heavy rain.

This year’s event had two lead sponsors: Bremer Bank

and Lee F. Murphy Insurance Group. Minnesota Director of Development, Joelene Evenson, approached both businesses about the sponsorship. She says, “Special events offer great opportunities for awareness and engagement, and they are an entry point for donors to begin a relationship with our organization.”

More than 100 golfers participated in this year’s tournament. Admissions Coordinator Loren Nerison, who heads the golf committee, was pleased with the turnout. “We lost a few teams as a result of the reschedule, but gained the same number of teams back that wouldn’t have been able to play the original date. The golfers seemed to enjoy the day, despite the cool and windy conditions.”

With the $7,000 raised, Gerard will purchase 45 new bicycles for the youth, as well as provide two $750 scholarships for students at Riverland Community College.

Gerard has had a unique partnership with Riverland for several years; high school students at New Dominion School get a chance to explore a college class and experience success with higher education. Although students don’t receive college credit for the classes, the program provides an opportunity to explore higher education in a safe setting.

“Through the partnership with Riverland, we’re able to give our kids a college-like experience. Kids who once believed they could never go to college, come out of that program believing that they can succeed in college,” says Brent Henry, Executive Director at Gerard. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our youth, and we want to pass that opportunity on to someone else. These scholarships allow us to do that.”

Nerison added, “What we do is all about relationships, so it’s nice to have Bremer Bank and Lee F. Murphy join our team of other sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t pull this off.”

Director’s ReportStephen Covey said, “If I were to summarize in one sentence the single most important principle I have learned in the field of interpersonal relations, it would be this: seek first to understand, then to be understood.” That is exactly what the four directors at Gerard Academy are trying to do. To get a better understanding of what the staff are thinking, we scheduled luncheons with all support staff and treatment teams to have an open discussion around these questions:• What are some successes you have had at Gerard? • What’s the biggest hassle in your job?• What could we do to improve overall results or make

Gerard more effective?• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Gerard?• What has been your most exciting work experience?• If you could make any changes about your job, what

would they be?• What makes for a great day at work?• What can we do to make your job more satisfying?• What can we do to support your career goals?• Do you get enough recognition?• What can we do to keep you with us?

On top of our vision statement, “Premier Provider; First Choice,” I believe Gerard Academy needs to strive to also be a premier employer. We want to create a culture where our employees can grow and develop, both professionally and personally, and where open and honest dialogue can take place. We are striving to create a workplace where our staff can bring their best self to work everyday, because that’s what the youth and families we serve deserve.

We want our culture to convey three powerful messages, if not always in words, certainly in our actions. These messages are: 1) You matter and make a difference, 2) What we are doing matters and makes a difference, 3) Together, we can create something extraordinary.

We have exceptional staff and we look forward to hearing what we can do to become a premier employer.

Brent HenryExecutive Director

ONARGA ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

17 | SEPTEMBER 2015

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–ONARGA

ONARGA CELEBRATES HEROES WHO SERVEOnarga Academy hosted a special dinner for the Academy’s youth on Friday, September 11. Thanks to support from the Onarga Military School Alumni Association and the Onarga Fire Fighters, Onarga residents recognized the 9/11 anniversary with a cookout, named “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The celebration included an evening of food, games, and short documentaries honoring the heroes of 9/11. Local police officers and military personnel also shared in recognizing our nation’s heroes.

Onarga Academy

Lisa Davis, Unit Coordinator on Program 4 Victory Lane, was named Onarga’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence!

Lisa previously worked for Onarga Academy as a Case Manager, and after pursuing other career opportunities, thankfully returned to Onarga in March of 2014. She embodies the Cornerstone Values everyday, especially Care and Concern. She implemented multiple systems to improve employee morale and retention on her program by celebrating staff birthdays, developing “Staff of the Month,” recognizing staff accomplishments, planning fun retreats and holiday parties, making sure everyone laughs every day, and redecorating the program to not only reduce or eliminate supervision “hot spots,” but also to create a space that’s highly conducive to safety and change for the clients.

Her work ethic is beyond reproach, as she holds herself, as well as the employees, to incredibly high standards. Lisa gets the job done on time and in a thorough manner, even if it means staying past her scheduled time. She recognizes employees as the number one asset and has spent countless hours coming up with ways to recognize them, be it through changing the schedule, accommodating for PTO, or just being flexible. Because of the great team she has helped build, we are seeing definite progress with the youth.

Lisa’s feedback, support, and innovation has strengthened Program 4.

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 18

Honoring Our Heroes

Director’s ReportOnarga Academy annually recognizes staff achievement by providing Years of Service and Cornerstone Awards. We have experienced a recent surge in admissions that have tested our programs throughout all levels of care.

Strong therapeutic milieu indicators that equate to quality programming include culture (youth and staff), leadership, training, accountability, and staff turnover. It was during our Years of Service and Cornerstone Awards that I was reminded of the capacity of our staff to handle the increased pressure.

The Academy possesses strong leaders within all of our programs, many of whom received these recent awards. Staff longevity oftentimes equates to resiliency and competencies that can be mentored for those less experienced. In challenging times, strong infrastructure and systems can create stability, yet it is always the staff that is our greatest asset.

Dennis WileyExecutive Director

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION 2015Onarga Academy staff members were recently celebrated at the Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. Among the staff recognized was Clinical Director Mike Simpson for his 25 years of service at Onarga. Executive Director Dennis Wiley honored Simpson’s commitment to the Academy with a special plaque.

Cornerstone Awards are also given out at the ceremony. These awards recognize employees from each department who demonstrate the Cornerstone Values in their day-to-day interactions and efforts and are committed to growth, both in themselves and in others.

Awards were given out as follows:

20 Years: Woody Cowan 15 Years: Kathy Judge10 Years: Barb Wagner, Jeff Bell, Chrissy Ashline, Stacy Jewell, Debora White, Angie Park5 Years: Kevin Barnett, Sandy Krekeler, Jennifer Cook, Debra Foulks, Ty Herron, Rebecca White3 Years: Brandon Norton, Kathy Styck, Nick Pacholski, Scott Johnston, Barb Ikins, Jim Schrader, Rodney Riblet, Nadia Abuamouneh, Ray Ramos, Amber Estes

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Administration: Chrissy AshlineFoster Family Home: Kelsy White Grand Prairie School: Tara Lemenager, Laura WadeNight Staff: Bob Nichols, Mark Shaw, Rodney Riblet, Ron Provine Maintenance: Corey MatthewsGroup Home: Cherie LeppardTLP: Zach BarnesProgram 1: Jessica Montgomery, Barb GobenProgram 2: Jacob Caldwell, Anne PaceProgram 3: Amber Estes, Alicia GonzalezProgram 4: Rolando Alvarez, Erin CowanHoop Dreams: Matt Cavanagh, Joe Griffin

CORNERSTONE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

(l-r) Clinical Director, Mike Simpson is honored for his 25 years at Onarga Academy.

Mild-Mannered Staff by Day...

INDIAN OAKS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

19 | SEPTEMBER 2015

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–INDIAN OAKS

COMFORT IN TREATMENT AT CHRYSALIS AND BOLDERIndian Oaks Academy operates two inpatient, psychiatric units at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. The Chrysalis program for girls opened in 2005, with the Bolder boys’ unit following in 2008.

This past June, Clinical Director Rebecca Nestor passed the reins of managing those programs to Jack Flight, who joined Indian Oaks as

the new program manager for Chrysalis and Bolder. Recently, he, Executive Director Mike Chavers, Clinical Director Rebecca Nestor, and Assistant Program Manager Brianne Brinkman met with the Riverside Behavioral Health Administrative Team to discuss future initiatives.

Thanks to Riverside Ambulance Service, we will expand our ability to provide transportation help, when needed, to young people coming to the units. And, we are moving forward with a restraint reduction initiative. That initiative includes the creation of a comfort room and mobile comfort stations, funded by a generous gift from the Riverside Medical Center Foundation.

A comfort room is a designated space that is designed to calm the senses. People who use the room can experience visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile stimuli. A comfort room is furnished with items that are physically comfortable and pleasing to the senses to provide a sanctuary from stress. Items can include things like yoga mats, music, computers, a bed or rocking chair, wall murals, soft lighting, books, bubble wrap, hand lotion, aromatherapy, weighted blankets, a chair that vibrates with speakers, music, and more. A variety of items is provided

Matt Hedding-Hess was selected as Indian Oaks Academy’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence.

Matt reached far beyond the boundaries of his most recent position as Redeploy Youth Mentor and has made a positive impact in the local community.

Matt’s efforts are progressive. He implemented the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) programming in area public schools and developed the LGBTQ youth group, Outside the Lines. This group has grown rapidly and serves not only Redeploy youth, but youth from the community, as well. Outside the Lines provides a much-needed service to the community.

Matt facilitates meaningful groups with the Outside the Lines members and organizes several community events like art shows in downtown Kankakee, Day of Silence, Color Run 5k, reading at the local Barnes and Noble, etc.

Matt shares our Cornerstone Values in the community and is a living example of the Nexus mission— Strengthening Lives, Families, and Communities Through Our Cornerstone Values.

Indian Oaks

Pictured L to R: Jack Flight, Program Manager; Rebecca Nestor, Clinical Director; Mike Chavers, Executive Director; Brianne Brinkman, Assistant Program Manager

Comfort in Treatment

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 20

Comfort in TreatmentDirector’s ReportTwice a month, we hold a leadership meeting made up of more than 40 attendees. It’s a far cry from the small group of less than a dozen people who met years ago. We start each meeting with Mission Moments – those successes (whether our kids’ or staff’s) that remind us how we truly strengthen lives. Here are some of our recent Mission Moments:

Welcoming Cecelia Contreras-Dardon, new Clinical Supervisor of the girls’ Phoenix program, and Steven Chambers, new Assistant Principle at Safe Harbor School to the table. They are committed to our kids.

Accounting Specialist Pam Dudley shared that at a recent breakfast at the local IHOP with Safe Harbor Teacher Samantha Boehl, they were greeted by a resident at our boys’ TLP and employee at the restaurant. “He greeted us with a warm smile, and was quick to help our waitress with our order.” In just a short time, he has proven himself a great employee there, and could not be more proud of his accomplishment. Thanks go to staff for helping him be successful.

Journey Home Unit Coordinator Kim Banks participated in a discharge consultation for one of our ILO (Independent Living Option) youth, who was preparing to emancipate. He explained how he has been with IOA in three different levels of care – residential, TLP and ILO. When asked what he learned from his time at IOA in all three capacities, he answered, “I learned not to be ashamed of my mental health issues. I learned that it’s going to be okay. I learned that it is part of me and who I am, but does not define me.”

Paul McMillion, Counselor on the NCAA boys’ program, accompanied a youth to a dental appointment. The youth was nervous and apprehensive about his appointment, and Paul did his best to assuage his fears. Later that day, we received a report from the dental practice about how impressed they were with Paul’s efforts to help the youth make it through the appointment.

One IOA client is slated for discharge, after 13 years in residential treatment; he is a true success story. Because of the hard work of the All Stars and NCAA programs, he is able to return home, and says, “The only reason I can is because of IOA.”

Mike ChaversExecutive Director

because specific items work best for specific populations.

The room is used as a tool to teach individuals calming techniques that help decrease agitation and aggressive behavior (and, therefore, restraints). The goal of the comfort room is to develop practical skills that can be used both in the inpatient setting and at home, after being discharged from care.

“The comfort room is a tool we can use, when necessary, to avoid episodes of restraint and seclusion,” explained Flight. “It’s not used as a reward for good behavior, or as a privilege that’s taken away as a punishment.” The mobile comfort stations (carts) will also contain some of the same stress-relieving items and supplies found in the actual comfort room. Many facilities with comfort rooms believe the effects have been significant in reducing restraints and seclusion.

“We want to help our youth develop the skills necessary to allow them to become less frequent consumers of our care,” said Flight.

Comfort rooms teach individuals calming techniques in order to decrease agitation and aggressive behaviors.

Health & Wellness

WOODBOURNE CENTER YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

21 | SEPTEMBER 2015

PROJECT SERVEAs part of Project SERVE, incoming freshmen and transfer students from Towson University came to Woodbourne to enjoy sports and games with our youth, and to help around the campus. Project SERVE is a community service initiative where students spend three days volunteering in the community. This is Project SERVE’s second time visiting Woodbourne.

Due to changes within Project SERVE, fewer students were able to come to campus this year. Julie Greene,

Project SERVE facilitator, spoke highly of her time at Woodbourne last year. She said those who weren’t assigned to Woodbourne’s campus were jealous. “They were like ‘Aw, you get to go back to Woodbourne?’”

“The volunteers here get to interact with the people they are serving,” Greene says, unlike other volunteer sites they visit.

Woodbourne Center relates to several of the students’ future goals, from starting a nonprofit that looks after kids with disabilities to students pursuing occupational therapy careers. One student, Rayana Yarborough, expressed her interest in working at Woodbourne after graduation. “This is the one [volunteer site] I was most excited about,” she says. “I already know that I want to come back and volunteer.”

A GENEROUS DONATIONThe congregation at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church generously donated $1,220 in Staples Gift Cards to Woodbourne School. Ms. Diane Flayhart, Co-Chair of the Ministry and Missions Team, met with us recently to discuss giving campaigns for Woodbourne. Ms. Flayhart and other church members decided to make an immediate impact on the start of the 2015-2016 school year by donating gift cards for school supplies.

Ms. Anne Harper, former Woodbourne School therapist, sparked a relationship between Woodbourne Center and the Towson Church. Members of the congregation willingly donated more than 30 gift cards to the campaign. “I was quite surprised at the turnout of our membership to help with this cause on such short notice,” says Ms. Flayhart.

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–WOODBOURNE

Bill Mojica, Director of Development, was named Woodbourne Center’s 2015 Ambassador of Excellence.

Bill always maintains a positive attitude and strong work ethic. He looks for creative approaches to strengthen our organization and has a clear vision for the future of Woodbourne — a future where we have a broad impact on the community and a deep connection with those who join us in service.

Bill worked tirelessly to raise the bar at Woodbourne — exceeding both our expectations and maybe even his own. In his first year, he built a vast network of partners and started the work of putting Woodbourne front and center on the map of Baltimore’s family and child-service organizations. He more than doubled his projected results in his first year, and far exceeded them again in his second year. Bill organizes events with community organizations, local businesses, and nearby universities to strengthen our ties with volunteers, donors, and other resources for our youth. He identified and won more than $100,000 in grants that will have lasting benefits for Woodbourne’s operations and facilities for years to come. He has been integral in planning for a new vocational program on our campus that will give our youth a unique opportunity. He has done all of this and more, while also playing a mean drum solo in our graduation ceremonies.

Bill’s humor, vision, and commitment have inspired the communities surrounding Woodbourne and, perhaps, most importantly, the people within this organization.

Moving ForwardWoodbourne

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 22

Moving Forward

Director’s ReportIn light of recent events, we have connected with Blue Love Across America. The nonprofit “is committed to building safer neighborhoods and trusting relationships between police departments and the communities they serve.”

Our community, as well as Woodbourne’s staff and residents, have been affected tremendously after recent incidents. We plan to host several group forum meetings between the kids, staff, and some of our local police department. After an initial meeting with Major Burris of the Baltimore City Police Department, we are very optimistic about the potential of this partnership.

Congratulations to the Woodbourne Center staff! After several months of struggles with census, we finally turned the corner and met the goal to meet and exceed the budgeted number. It’s a culmination of several changes that we‘ve made on campus to improve our client and family experience.

Our biggest hurdle is curtailing AWOL behaviors. Results have come from the staff solidifying ways to restructure campus, increase family involvement, discover and improve client engagement strategies, and enact higher-level intervention strategy for the kinds of behaviors that exceed our normal Plan of Action. Our staff and kids have become accustomed to using those intervention strategies in response to lesser behaviors.

Woodbourne Center hosted the RTC Coalition meeting in August for the first time in several years. This is a meeting that includes Executive/Administrative Level staff from every RTC in Maryland and representatives from DJS, DSS, and Value Options. This gave us another good opportunity to promote the new image of Woodbourne Center and its staff.

Anthony WilsonExecutive Director

RAVENS 5K FUN RUNOn September 9, five staff members and three students from Woodbourne participated in the Baltimore Ravens 5K Fun Run. The run celebrates the kickoff of the Ravens’ 2015 season and

benefits the House of Ruth and One Love Foundation. Monica D’Ambrogi, Health Promotion Consultant at Amerigroup, invited Woodbourne to be on her organization’s team.

Students and staff enjoyed an evening with Ravens Alumni, cheerleaders, and other runners throughout Baltimore. Although the temperature was stifling, every runner finished at their own pace and had a great time. The finish line was inside M&T Bank Stadium, and our students loved watching themselves end their run on the big screen.

JACKIE GIBSON DEPARTS WOODBOURNELongtime employee and Administrative Assistant, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gibson recently departed Woodbourne, after serving for 25 years. “I began my journey at Woodbourne fresh out of high school, at age 19,” Gibson said.

“I feel like I have a good relationship with every staff,” Gibson said. “I love this position.

I get to help people, in every aspect, clients, families, workers, lawyers.”

Gibson’s longevity at Woodbourne gave her the chance to witness the growth of many youth. “I really like seeing clients that I used to work with,” she says. “To see clients leave here and come back to visit, totally different from before, that’s awesome.”

Woodbourne is very much connected to Gibson’s own family. Her father was the head cook and kitchen supervisor for 35 years. “Prior to me starting at Woodbourne Center, I would come in with him on the weekend and help,” she says. “That’s how I got interested and began my Woodbourne quest.”

Gibson met her husband, a floor technician, at Woodbourne. Gibson’s sister, Lavinia Jackson, will take her place as Administrative Assistant, passing the knowledge she gained at Woodbourne Center to the next generation of her family.

KINDRED FAMILY FOCUS YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS A FAMILY MEMBER

23 | SEPTEMBER 2015

AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCEAWARD WINNER–KINDRED

FOSTER CHILD NEEDS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

More than 80,000 people sit on the kidney transplant waiting list – a list that has doubled in size over the past 10 years. The need for donors is evident, and Kindred Family Focus is asking for one more.

A 2-year-old, medically fragile foster youth is in need of a kidney transplant. This little girl has End-Stage Renal Disease, which means she only has 90-95% of kidney function. Due to other health issues, she is not a good candidate for dialysis, making it critical that a donor be found soon.

This little girl is in the care of Kindred Family Focus foster parents, Dan and Pam Jager, where she has been since May 2014 because of her high care needs. The Jagers enjoy this little girl’s bright personality and good-natured spirit.

“Caring for her has been a wonderful experience even though it requires a lot of work and

assistance from in-home nurses,” the Jagers reported. “Even when she isn’t feeling well or is having lab work, doctor appointments or hospitalizations, she continues to smile, laugh, and engage with others.”

Recently, she experienced some deterioration in her physical abilities, but she continues to give her all, and tries to do as much as she can. No matter how she is feeling, being outside, swinging on the swing set, and going for walks with her caregivers are always her favorite activities.

“She is truly a joy to all who come in contact with her, and is quite the heart-stealer,” said her caregivers.

Anyone can be tested to be a living donor. An ideal candidate should have a genuine interest in donating, be in good health – free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease – and have a compatible blood type with the recipient, although it is not required.

Mary Hofmann was name Kindred Family Focus’ 2015 Ambassador of Excellence.

Mary has worked for Kindred Family Focus in its Northeast Office for eight years. She exemplifies the Cornerstone Values throughout her daily duties as a Case Manager.

She is a team player, offering to take additional youth on her caseload, take on extra tasks, and assist and support her team members. She is also a tremendous support for our parents. Mary is available for phone calls at odd hours and is calm in a crisis. One of our foster parents describes her as the best boss they’ve ever had.

Mary is knowledgeable about resources in the community and tirelessly seeks out services for foster parents and youth. Mary experienced significant transitions with the change in leadership during the merger our agency went through last year. She has embraced the new practice policies and has been instrumental in retaining foster families in the Northeast region. Mary regularly volunteers to serve on committees and assist in facilitating training and groups for foster parents.

The Cornerstone Values truly describe Mary. She is honest with her feedback and support to others, she works in a responsible and ethical manner, and is courageous in her dedication to our work while experiencing significant changes. Mary is genuinely concerned and cares for the foster youth and families she serves. She works tirelessly to bring positive change to youth and families, while embodying the mission of Kindred Family Focus.

Hoping for a MiracleKindred Family Focus

The Clinical View

Foster parents Pam and Dan Jager

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 24

Hoping for a Miracle

Below are some frequently asked questions for living donors to consider. What does a donor evaluation include?Before becoming a donor, you’ll undergo a physical and complete a medical history to ensure that you do not have any concerning health conditions. A series of laboratory, urine, and X-ray tests, as well as an EKG and CT scan are completed to screen for organ function, illness, and disease. These tests are done in the hospital on an outpatient basis. Results from your previous and routine health exams are also reviewed.

What are the health risks associated with being a donor?The risks of donation are similar to those involved with any major surgery. Current research indicates that kidney donation does not change life expectancy or increase a person’s risks of developing kidney disease or other health problems.

Will giving a kidney affect my lifestyle?A person can lead an active, normal life with only one kidney. Studies have shown that one kidney is sufficient to keep the body healthy. After recovering from surgery, a donor can work, drive, exercise, and play sports. Being a donor does not impact a person’s ability to have children.

Will I have trouble keeping or getting insurance after the donation?A recent article that evaluated data on a donor’s ability to obtain life, disability, or health insurance after surgery found that the majority of donors surveyed did not experience any problems. All donors are encouraged to have health insurance in place before beginning the evaluation.

Who pays for the medical costs?Donors are financially responsible for their routine health exams. However, all other testing required for the living donor evaluation, as well as the hospitalization costs and services provided during the donation process are covered either by the recipient’s insurance or Medicare.

If you are interested in donating to this little girl, please contact Kindred Family Focus Social Worker Nancy Kagel at nkagel@nexus-kff.org.

Director’s ReportOur work continues to expand as we add clinical services, including our new programming for victims of sex trafficking. We are working on developing foster care placement options with trained providers. We’re also developing a clinical expertise (CTSS) that facilitates therapy to the client and family while they are in care, and then supports them after discharge with similar services. We’ve added a full-time designated licensor – our first – as we continue to see new foster care licensing requests in the Metro area.

As evidenced by the recent deaths of youth by suicide in MN foster care programs, it is clear that our client base has significant mental health needs. Kindred is reviewing tools that allow us to routinely assess for self-harming behaviors.

On a brighter note, about 300 parents, kids, and staff attended our annual Fun Day at Valley Fair. The weather was perfect. We grilled at the local park and everyone was full of positive energy. Our Fun Day is a great way to say thanks to our parents and staff.

The Dale Yoakum Memorial Scholarship Fund provides an annual $200 scholarship to a Kindred Family Focus foster youth; the scholarship assists with the cost of additional education. We are pleased to announce that Princess R. and Dyvon D. are this year’s recipients. Princess is planning to enroll at Northland Community College to train as an auto body collision specialist and Dyvon is planning to participate in Goodwill Easter Seals job training for customer service/contact center careers. Congratulations to both Princess and Dyvon!

This fall, I plan to facilitate discussion groups in each KFF office to allow foster parents the opportunity to vent and ask questions about the regular changes to child welfare in MN; it’s necessary that they feel heard.

George HendricksonExecutive Director

25 | SEPTEMBER 2015

NEXUS GLEN LAKE OPEN HOUSE

PROGRAMMING

NEW SITE GETS HEAD-START ON CHANGING LIVES

After more than a year of gathering local county feedback and planning the facility, Nexus Glen Lake opened its doors on September 8. Based in Minnetonka, MN, the 12-bed residential treatment program serves girls ages 14-19 with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties, and multiple prior residential placements with unsuccessful outcomes.

Nexus Glen Lake provides intensive residential services in a small-group setting to stabilize young women and prepare them for successful reintegration into the community. The program is also highly specialized and individualized to each girl’s needs with a strong focus on experiential activity, family connection, emotional regulation, skill-building, community connection, and independent life experiences.

The site also features on-site education provided by Hopkins School District #270. Ideally, youth will exit with the skills to succeed on their own, connect with others, pursue post-secondary or vocational education, and give back to the community.

To celebrate the opening of this new program, Nexus Glen Lake will host an open house on Friday, October 23. The open house will feature information sessions, refreshments, and site tours.

Nexus Glen Lake offers female-centered services that enable youth to nurture each other, build relationships, openly process feelings, and offer support to their peers. In addition to individual therapy, group therapy and counseling occur multiple times a week.

Opens its DoorsNexus Glen Lake

Operations Outlook

SEPTEMBER 2015 | 26

Getting a Head-Start

One of the site’s unique features is the Parent Partner. A Parent Partner is a parent who has lived the experience of having a child in residential treatment. They assist with family finding to help secure a permanent

family placement option for youth who do not have one.

Leading this new program is Associate Director Lynn Starr. Her experience includes program management, clinical social work, therapy, and residential treatment for adolescent girls.

Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Nexus Vice President of Clinical Services, said, “We are very fortunate to have Lynn leading our Nexus Glen Lake program. Her experience with adolescent girls’ programming and her knowledge of residential program development and implementation will give us an immediate strong start and a powerful long-term vision for this new program.”

The site has hired 22 staff and taken in its first five youth. Within its first few weeks of operation, Nexus Glen Lake is already well underway towards changing lives and making a lasting community impact.

Director’s Report

Lynn Ericson Starr has been named Associate Director for the new Minnetonka- based Nexus Glen Lake program.

In her new role, Starr will direct all aspects of development, implementation, and maintenance of the Glen Lake treatment program, including staffing, budget, milieu, client therapeutic plans, and family–centered treatment. She was selected after a nationwide search for a director who could provide strong leadership and direction for the new adolescent girls’ program. Her experience includes program management, clinical social work, therapy, and residential treatment for adolescent girls.

The Nexus Glen Lake program is designed to be the last residential treatment program these girls will need. It establishes strong family and community connections to help ensure lasting success. Individual, group, and family therapy, experiential therapy, positive recreation, and trauma treatment are incorporated into the treatment model. On- site education is provided through the Hopkins School District #270. The program also prepares girls for independent living and future employment.

Plans for the Minnetonka- based facility began more than a year ago, when local counties reported a desire to treat adolescent females in the Minneapolis area, rather than sending them out of state for treatment, said Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Nexus VP of Clinical Services.

“Nexus has decades of established experience treating girls,” Dr. Murray said, “and the Nexus Glen Lake program is built on female treatment best practices and active family involvement to help youth maintain success following treatment,” she said.

Lynn StarrAssociate Director

View from the Corner Office

Have an idea for a story? Contact Nancy Baldrica, Cornerstone editor nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org763-551-8671

Nexus is a national, nonprofit organization that helps youth and families rehabilitate and reintegrate through a continuum of diversified services from residential to in-home counseling.

Nexus Youth and Family Solutions offer a group of programs and services for children and families that are operated by Nexus, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and its subsidiaries: Gerard Treatment Programs, LLC. While these programs are operated by separate and distinct legal entities, they share an underlying adherence to the Nexus Cornerstone Values and Guiding Principles and enjoy the efficiency and economy of coordinated management functions.

Nexus locations include Mille Lacs Academy, Gerard Academy, Onarga Academy, Indian Oaks Academy, Woodbourne Center, Kindred Family Focus, and Nexus Glen Lake.

Cornerstone is published bi-monthly by Nexus. All articles are copyrighted by Nexus. Reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without written consent. Editor: Nancy Baldrica 505 Highway 169 North, Suite 500 Plymouth, MN 55441-6447

Corporate: 763-551-8640 Editor: 763-551-8671 nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org www.nexustreatment.org

www.nexustreatment.orgConnect with “Nexus: A Family of Treatment Programs”

on LinkedIn and Facebook!