new heights mississippi – spring 2013
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Youth Villages spends a Day on the Hill ... 3
Gardens in the Gulf program ‘growing’ ... 6
Get involved! Ways you can help Youth Villages ... 7
Family Victories from Youth Villages Mississippi Spring 2013
A clear missionTransitional living program supports most vulnerable population: Mary can attest ... page 4
A message from our director
2 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi
Imagine just being discharged from state
custody – no longer a foster child, you’re an
adult and expected to do what adults do.
Get a job. Pay your way. Do it yourself.
Most of us look forward to that time as one
of independence, trying new things and tak-
ing advantage of all opportunities. But what if
you didn’t know anything about how to be an
adult. Being in state custody or some other
form of care, you never had the opportunity
to learn about getting a job, filling out ap-
plications for jobs or school. You don’t know
how to get insurance or an apartment. It’s
all very daunting, which is why statistics
show many young adults exiting foster care
do not succeed.
Today we highlight two young women who are succeeding in their own
right because of Youth Villages’ transitional living program, which pro-
vides support for teenagers during that vulnerable period of beginning
independence.
In addition to Mary and Adrienne, we have 30 young people statewide in
the program being served by four specialists. This program is supported
entirely through donations, the majority of which come from our own
employees.
In addition to this valuable service to young adults, we continue to serve
young people and families in our Mississippi Youth Programs Around
the Clock program. Through our ongoing partnership with the Division
of Medicaid, the MYPAC program is now available as a service under the
mental health state plan, and we are proud to continue to provide these
needed services across the state to about 250 young people every day.
It’s through your support that we will be able to help more young adults
like Mary and Adrienne become not only adults with jobs and contributors
to society, but loving parents able to provide a future for themselves and
their children.
Thank you for giving children in Mississippi that chance.
Many children entering adulthood are at their most vulnerable stage: Our TL program helps ensure they’ll be ready
Katja Russell
YOuTh ViLLagesbOard Of direcTOrs
Mike Bruns, Chairman
Bryan Jordan, Vice Chairman
Jimmy Lackie, Secretary
Paul Bower, Treasurer
Jim Barton Jr.
Eric Bolton
Marietta Davis
Judith Edge
Nicholas R. Ehlen
Jack A. Eiferman
Joanna Jacobson
Rev. Robert Earl Jones
Karole Lloyd
Mark Medford
Johnny Pitts
Ray Pohlman
Ronnie Randall
Pat Ritz
Michael Rose
Richard W. Talkov
Matthew F. Tarkenton
Scotland Thede
David Tyler
Patrick Lawler, CEO
Mississippi
Tupelo
Jackson Meridian
HattiesburgMcComb
Columbus
Hernando
Biloxi
Greenwood
Katja Russell
Executive Director of Mississippi
katja.russell@youthvillages.org
601-572-3727
Stay in touch online
www.facebook.com/youthvillages
www.twitter.com/youthvillages
youthvillages.wordpress.com
www.youthvillages.org
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News and events
Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 3
Program SuccessAs a national leader in the field of behavioral health, Youth Villages has measured
outcomes of children and families participating in its programs since 1994.
OutcomesAt One-Year Post-Discharge
0
20
40
60
80
100
87% 79%
87%
At hom
e with fam
ily
No involvem
entw
ith the law
In school or graduated
*82.7% of youth were in state custody at admission to the program.
The graph above represents the status of Mississippi youth at one year after dis-charge through March 2013. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 59 percent.
Microsoft has awarded a grant of more than
$7.4 million in software and technology to
Youth Villages, one of the nation’s largest pro-
viders of help to children with emotional and
behavioral problems and their families.
The grant is part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark
initiative, which is designed to create opportu-
nities for 300 million youth around the world.
It will provide software and support on Youth
Villages’ residential campuses, supply technol-
ogy for young adults being helped through its
transitional living program and improve the
organization’s internal and external commu-
nications systems.
MicrOsOfT granTs MOre Than $7.4 MiLLiOn TO YOuTh ViLLages
a daY On The hiLLYouth Villages staff
and youth meet, greet Mississippi
state legislators
Staff and youth from Youth Villages Mississippi recently met with Mississippi legislators to let them know how Youth Villages helps children. Fred, pictured at right and above, participates in Youth Villages’ transitional living service and is a YV Scholar. Fred is majoring in computer engineering at Jackson State. At left, Katja Russell, executive director of Mississippi, speaks with State Rep. Bill Kinkade. In addition to TL services, which are funded through private and employee donations, Youth Villages Mississippi also partners with the state for intensive in-home and foster care services.
or more than a decade, Youth Villages has been working to help foster teens entering adulthood. Through a grant from The Day Foundation, Youth Villages began offering a voluntary transitional living program in
1999, specifically designed to help young people at their most statistically vulnerable point: beginning life as an independent adult after aging out of foster care or other children’s services.
Transitional living
4 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi
With children in state custody and another
on the way, Adrienne didn’t have answers to
the questions most children entering adult-
hood already know.
She didn’t have a job or a home and stayed
with friends or family members when she
could. She’d lost custody of her children and
was leery of counseling and social services.
On top of that, she’s painfully shy and quiet.
“It was hard for her in the beginning,” said
Natalie Thompson, Youth Villages transitional
living specialist. “But she came around and
started to get things going.”
Before, there was no talk of earning a GED or getting a job. But now, she regularly visits a nearby job center and researches jobs. She’s found an apartment and has enlisted family support for transportation and other needs.
Adrienne was referred to Youth Villages’ TL program
through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Transitional living helps teenagers transition to adulthood
and meet the requirements of being an adult. While in TL,
she became pregnant again and worked on parenting skills
and what she needed to do to maintain custody of her child.
“We worked on budgeting money and time and finding
resources to make sure my son is taken care of,” Adrienne
said. “It was slow going at the beginning, but things are get-
ting better.”
Adrienne has a way to go, but she has taken charge of
her life and is working toward a better future. She dis-
charged from the program in December and is looking for
a job. She wants to make a home for all of her children.
“She’s completely different now,” Natalie said. “By the time discharge rolled around, she’d taken the lead on getting things for herself and her son. Something woke up inside her, and I’m confident she will do what she needs to do to succeed for her family.”
Adrienne, above, worked with Transitional Living Specialist Natalie Thompson to find a place to live, budget her money and begin looking for a job. Adrienne’s also taking steps toward earning her GED.
adrienne needed sOMe heLp
F
outh Villages’ outcome data show that the pro-gram significantly reduces the risk of homelessness,
poverty and illegal behavior among the young adults served. Based on outcomes through June 2012, of those who had completed the TL program:
Transitional living
Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 5
A lot has changed for Mary during
the past few years – new baby, new
school, new home and state. But she
remains as determined as ever to
achieve her goals.
Mary entered Youth Villages’ transi-
tional living program in 2011, and the
young mother learned simply how to
get things done.
The first year in TL, Mary learned
how to budget money and manage her
time between college and her child.
She learned how to step out and try
things to improve her life. Her nega-
tive outlook on life was turning inside
out. In her words, TL helped her “work
to make my life the way I want it to be.
“I was struggling with my personal
situation and I had negative influences
holding me back. Getting in the TL
program was a turning point in my
life.”
But that was more than a year ago,
and Mary has made quite a few chang-
es since then. For one, she relocated
to a new state and started a new life.
She’s still in school and in good stand-
ing in the YV Scholars program, which
helps her pay for school provided she
meets and maintains academic and
community service requirements. But
as Mary has gained confidence and
ability in navigating adulthood, those
basic needs the TL program provides
aren’t necessary.
TL prOgraM adjusTs TO MarY’s new needs
• 86% lived idependently or with family.
• 77% reported no involvement with the law.
• 83% were in school, graduated or employed.
24 months after discharge
MarY enTered The TL prOgraM wiTh basic needs; TwO Years LaTer, hOw is The prOgraM heLping her?
Mary juggles her time between her daughter and family, work, school and personal time. The TL program has helped her for more than two years.
hOw is TL heLping nOw?
“It’s a little different with Mary,”
said Takashi McCoy, TL specialist.
“Since she’s already made significant
steps in her independence, we work
with more specific issues.”
The new focus is on things like
staying on top of finances and state
benefits. Mary explains the relation-
ship as an evolution.
At first, her TL specialist assisted
Mary in establishing a blueprint for
her future and pushing her to get out
and fight for what she wanted – first,
to see a future, then to begin the
process of making it happen.
“Now, Takashi’s more like a peer,”
Mary said. “I discuss things with her
and she advises me of my options.”
With a toddler at home and a job,
Mary is focused on creating a stable
home and getting through school. She
meets weekly with Takashi and com-
municates more often when needed.
She sets small goals that get her
closer to larger ones. She’s still set on
a career in the veterinary field. The
TL program helped her get through
a difficult past, and continues to push
her forward at 20 years old.
“Being in TL has shown me I can
do things,” she said. “But more
importantly, TL has my back. I’m not
afraid to try new things and strive
for something more because Youth
Villages is there.”
Y
Volunteers
6 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi
Captain Planet Foundation and Youth Villages recently teamed up to help
some of the Mississippi families in our programs learn the basics of organic
gardening along with healthy eating.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Captain Planet Foundation, Youth Vil-
lages staff and families were able to join Pascagoula High School and Martin
Bluff Elementary students and faculty to celebrate Gardens in the Gulf Day,
learn the science of organic gardening and construct a garden in the school’s
own courtyard. Several Youth Villages families attended one of the events
to learn organic gardening skills and take the newly acquired skills back to
their own yards, where they built organic gardens with the help of materials
provided by the Captain Planet Foundation grant.
Tending the gardens can also be therapeutic for the families and youth,
leading to better communication and problem-solving skills. The grant has
already helped enhance an existing organic vegetable, herb and flower gar-
den at the Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville, Ga.
capTain pLaneT: gardens in The guLf
Donors
Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 7
Become a force for families There are numerous ways to help. Mentor, foster parent, volun-
teer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the more than 327 children we help every day in Mississippi. Please call or e-mail Youth Villages to find out how to help.
The following donors made gifts of $50
or more to Youth Villages between Jan. 1,
and Dec. 31, 2012. The board of directors
and staff of Youth Villages gratefully ac-
knowledge these thoughtful contributions.
If you made a contribution during this
time but it is not listed, please call the
Youth Villages Development department
at 601-572-3750.
spreading hOLidaY cheer
“Having the opportunity to be an employee for YV as well as be able to play ‘Santa’ was a gift for me this year. I loved having the chance to truly make a difference in someone’s life without ever having to see the rewards myself. There is a joy in giving to oth-ers- that’s why I do what I do as an employee here, but I was able to extend that this year by giving to others in a different way.”
Ashley Teague, Youth Villages MYPAC supervisor, Hattiesburg
Interested in becoming a 2013 Holiday Hero? Contact André Conway at 601-572-3750.
YV Builder Best Buy Children’s Foundation
Friend of Youth Villages Mr. Armstead Brown
Mr. and Mrs. James ButlerCapitol Resources LLCMs. Dianne Coleman
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.Ms. Jennifer Downey
Mr. Jim ErvinDr. Michael ForsterG & S Tax ServiceMs. Mary GarnerMs. Claire GiffinMs. Ina Graham
Dr. M. Lewis GrubbsMrs. Jane Heineke
Mr. Clay HiettMr. and Mrs. G. Douglas
HigginbothamLandmark Data Systems Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCormickMr. and Mrs. Clyde McIntyre
Rev. Wilbur MooreMs. Frances Morrison
Mr. Jeffrey NorrisPileum Corporation
Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling HallMrs. Betty Sanders
Skeltons Wine & Spirits Inc. DBA Reservoir Wine & Spirits
N. StewartMrs. Emily Whitaker
MemorialsMs. Dottie “Nana” DanleyMr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson
HonorariumsMs. Lynda Drake
Mrs. Lynettee Magee Pryor
Mr. Ronnie RandallMs. Heather LeflerMrs. Haley Moffitt
Mr. Lee RoneMs. Frances Morrison
Youth Villages Mississippi had hundreds of children and families who needed someone to become their Holiday Hero. More than 40 individuals and corporate partners stepped up to help, raising more than $3,500 to provide holiday gifts for more than 125 children in Youth Vil-lages programs.As a Holiday Hero, you can make sure the children receiving help at Youth Villages get to share in some wonderful experi-ences and build memories that will bring smiles to their faces for life.
YOUTH VILLAGESThe Atrium Building805 South Wheatley StreetSuite 240Ridgeland, MS 39157(Address Service Requested)
NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDYOUTH VILLAGES
Please e-mail Carl.Conway@youthvillages.org or call 601-572-3750 to have your name removed from our mailing list.
New Heights Mississippi is published by Youth VillagesManaging Editor: Katja Russell
Associate Editor: Chris Pennington
Founded in 1986, Youth Villages is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to providing the most effective local solutions to help emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully. We help more than 20,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family Restoration™ approach involves intensive work with the child and family, a focus on measuring outcomes, keeping children in the community whenever safely possible, and providing unprecedented accountability to families and funders.
A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than20,000 children and their families from offices in the following cities:Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, DothanArkansas: Jonesboro, Little RockFlorida: Lakeland, MiamiGeorgia: Atlanta, DouglasvilleIndiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Jasper, Jeffersonville, MadisonMassachusetts: Arlington, Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, WorcesterMississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, TupeloNew Hampshire: ManchesterNorth Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Greenville, Pinehurst, Raleigh-DurhamOregon: PortlandTennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City,Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, ParisWashington, D.C.
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