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"What We're Doing to Help Area Families"
PATHWAYS, MI NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2013
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CASA
(Court Appointed Special Advocates)
The year end report 20 volunteers served 72 children, traveling over 19,000 miles and over 2500 hours contributed to their work of advocacy.
On May 29, 2013 three new CASA volunteers were sworn in. In addition, two new volunteers are finishing up their training and will be sworn in later this year.
Years of service celebrated:
Lisa Mannes- 7 years
Dave Johnston- 5 years
Cindy Nagtzaam- 2 years
Ann Dawson- 2 years
Dan Babin- 1 year
Loyal Vannette- 1 year
Joann Paul- 1 year
Candy Kleinheksel- 9 years
Dave Moser- 6 years
Tom Pawson- 4 years
Marge Vanderploeg- 7 years
Renee Hickey- 10 years
Kris Zickgraf- 1 year
New volunteers this year:
Duane Langeland
Tiffany McDonald
Jodi Rademaker
6 volunteers attended the State CASA Conference, which included a them of 'our wish for Michigan Children.'
CASA Volunteers Can Make a Difference!
Click here for more information!
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The holidays are fast approaching, and we are busy making To Do lists as long as our arms. Knowing a lot of you are doing the same thing, we have a favor to ask - could you add a gift for one of our amazing Foster Families at Pathways, MI? We are really in need of gift cards for the movies, bowling or other Family Recreation spots like Craig's Cruisers, as well as gift cards for pizza places and Meijer and Target. We deliver gift baskets to all of our families before Christmas, with a focus on family activities. Our families are located throughout Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, and this is just one way we try to say thank you.
Thanks!
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Premier Mentor Award
As a member of the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative, each year TTQ is able to nominate an outstanding coach for the Premier Mentor Award.
This year we chose Black River Coach Deb Swanson!
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�Hablasespa�ol? Many of our providers do, and to meet their needs, we've offered a very successful SPANISH Summer Workshop Series! Topics included: 101 Ways to Calm Children Down, Program Administration, How to Get Your CDA, Professionalism, Art Activities, Outdoor Learning, Building Productive Relationships, Literacy and Language, Special Needs, and Fun with Science.
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Lindsey DeBlaay NOMINATED for National Honors in the Category of Preschool Teacher of the year at the 2013 ANNUAL Bammy Awards. Academy of Education Arts and Sciences review nominations of final five for prestigious education community honor.
Presented by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences International, the Bammy award is a cross-discipline award recognizing the contributions of educators from across the education field.
Lindsey is our preschool teacher for 4 and 5 year olds. Lindsey is dedicated to her work and education. She is creative, loving, and always puts others before herself. She teaches the children so much just through her actions. A mother herself, she understands the challenges and joys of working with children and embraces every opportunity to help guide and teach them. She is a positive example to everyone around her.
Nominees like Lindsey DeBlaay are making a difference in education every day. It's more important now than ever to publicly honor educators and to show what's right with American Education," said Errol St. Clair Smith, executive producer of the Bammy Awards. "The positive response to the inaugural Bammy Award's in 2012 was overwhelming. Clearly the notion of collaboratively acknowledging what our nations' educators are doing well is an idea whose time has come. "Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I am thankful and honored to be recognized. I am also grateful for the teachers, parents and children that I work with that make each day fulfilling" Lindsey DeBlaay stated.
Honorees were announced on September 21
st at a red-carpet event in Washington D.C. The Bammy Awards are presented by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences International, which includes leading educators, education leaders, education professors, journalists, editors, researchers, commentators, advocates, activists, visionaries and pioneers. The Academy is comprised of a board of governors, a council of peers and the executive committee.
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Playroom Renovations
Pathways is excited to welcome children to our new play spaces which also serve as models of positive learning environments for children. The renovation includes fresh paint, new furniture, and age appropriate toys. Rather than everything being crammed into the space, toys will be sorted and able to be brought into visits and therapy sessions. Many toys will be available for loaning out to parents and childcare providers. We want to be sure that children have access to high quality tools for enhancing their learning, their play, and their fun!
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BEFORE
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Office Hours
All Pathways, MI offices will be closed from Thursday, December 25, 2013 until Thursday, January 2, 2014.
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EVENTS BY COUNTY
12/21: First Day of Winter
12/24: Christmas Eve
12/25: Christmas Day
12/26: Kwanzaa Begins
12/31: New Year's Eve
1/1: New Years Day
1/20: Martin Luther King Day
2/2: Groundhog Day
2/14: Valentines' Day
2/17: Presidents Day
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From mental health services and substance abuse counseling to adoption and foster care programs, Pathways offers a wide range of resources and expertise, all dedicated to enabling children, adults and families to achieve positive change in their lives and communities. For those who need us most, Pathways is here-with help for a new beginning, and hope for a better life.
Pathways works diligently to design and deliver services that provide individuals with the skills they need to achieve a better future for themselves and their families. This is made possible with the support of our staff, volunteers and your financial gifts.
We ask that you please continue to be part of our efforts serving more than 15,000 children, adults and families this year. With your help, we prevent child abuse, help people be better parents, keep the community safer by stopping substance abuse, make sure child care providers have the training they need to help children begin a healthy and productive life, and give hope to those with debilitating mental illness.
Working together we can assure that everyone in our community has access to the help they need. Thank you in advance for your continued support!
Jeanette Hoyer
Executive Director
Pathways, MI
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It's a wrap! Total Trek Quest (TTQ) wraps up the Fall 2013 SEASON!
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 Congratulations to all of the Total Trek Quest athletes who participated in the final 5K run! Despite the cold and icy conditions, the run was a GREAT success with 262 Total Trek Quest participants, 49 coaches, and 100 additional runners participating in the event! No matter when the boys finished, the point is they FINISHED and they had FUN while doing it!
The 5K road race concluded our 9 week season in which the teams ran, walked, and ran some more. They also did strength exercises, stretches, and played some great games all intended to help the boys understand how to make healthy choices.
This was our largest Fall season ever, with 19 schools represented in 22 teams, which included 300 TTQ participants! This season wouldn't have been possible without the talents of our 55 dedicated coaches; a HUGE thank you to them for sharing their passion for promoting healthy lifestyles and commitment to the boys! Final Race Results can be viewed online-- click here for the Boys results and click here for the Adults results.
After such a monumental season, we're excited that the coming year will bring more schools, more participants, and more dedicated coaches to the TTQ program, so that we can keep spreading the word about healthy living to these amazing boys! Until next season, stay healthy and keep moving!
A Special Thanks to: Our Amazing Coaches, Zeeland Public Schools, City of Zeeland, Zeeland Police Department, Volunteer Course Marshals, Striders, and Running Edge Race Timing.
Can it be true? Will there be waiting lists for next season?
More and more boys are registering for TTQ which is fantastic! However, in order to maintain the quality of the program and the safety of the participants, we will be accepting registrations for the Spring 2014 season on a first come first serve basis. If a team receives registrations above its capacity, boys will be placed on a waiting list or offered the chance to participate on another team. If additional coaches can be recruited we will open a second team at that location. Please note that not all schools may have a Spring TTQ season. TTQ provides coaches for one season at each location but to secure both seasons at your son's school we must have parents to coach one of the seasons.
More information will be sent by email, as well as being sent home from your son's school in January.
Click here to learn more about TTQ!
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Birthday Run 65: Run Larry, Run!
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 'My name is Larry Erlandson. In January 2014 I will turn 65. To celebrate my 65th birthday, I will be running 65 miles on January 25 and raising money for Girls on the Run and Total Trek Quest.
A donation of $65 (or whatever amount you choose) would be greatly appreciated to help me celebrate and support these great youth programs. Online donations can be made at: www.firstgiving.com/birthdayrun65
Anyone who likes to run is welcome to join me for a few miles anytime on January 25th! The meeting place will be Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt located at 184 S. River Avenue in Holland, MI.
Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced based curriculum which creatively integrates running!
TTQ uses strength training,running and the TTQ curriculum to help 3rd-5th grade boys learn to be healthy and proud of who they are!'
A Special Thanks to: Amramp, Orange Leaf, and Center for Women in Transition. |
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Pathways, MI Awarded Federal 'Service to Science' Project
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Total Trek Quest (TTQ), a community youth development program in the Children, Youth and Families (CYF) at Pathways, MI has been selected to participate in the federal Service to Science Initiative. Service to Science is a national initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), focused on "enhancing the evaluation capacity of innovative programs and practices that aim to prevent substance abuse and related mental and behavioral health problems or the underlying factors associated with increased risk. Service to Science assists local program developers, implementers, and evaluators in applying more rigorous evaluation methodologies to their work." In order to be considered, programs must be nominated by their local Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency, which for Pathways, MI is the Lakeshore Coordinating Council (LCC). Following the nomination from LCC, Pathways, MI was invited to submit an application and was selected through a competitive regional process. According to Leigh Moerdyke, CYF Program Director, this initiative is a significant step in TTQ's development. "With Service to Science support, we will be able to evaluate, enhance and maximize current evaluation tools, process and analysis. At this point in the program's development, we have maximized the existing evaluation plan but can strengthen the system with additional knowledge, skills and collaborative effort. In addition, we will be able to design and implement a longitudinal study, designed to evaluate current trends, strategies and community issues and concerns."
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Exceptional Licensing Audit for Child Welfare Department
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The results of the agency's annual licensing review of foster care and adoption are in, and the news is all good! For two days, two representatives from the State of Michigan reviewed foster care, adoption and foster home licensing records, interviewed staff and dove into policies and procedures. They could not have been more impressed. Of particular note are the comments about the commitment and skill of program staff, including the individualized approach to each case, versus the 'cookie cutter' approach state reviewers sometimes find in other organizations. They also noted the quality of program records in terms of organization, professionalism and evidence of services provided. In reporting the results to the Child Welfare Department and agency Leadership, Susan Conrad, Assistant Director said "I have been involved in countless licensing reviews over the years, and this was easily in my top five as an administrator. You all are to be commended for your dedication and commitment to excellence on behalf of the children and families we serve. And to your program leaders Stephanie Dykhuis and Jessica VandenHeuvel - a huge THANK YOU for creating and fostering a culture of excellence, creative problem solving and best practice."
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Pathways, MI to Partner with Allegan County Drug Court
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In a collaborative initiative with the Lakeshore Coordinating Council (LCC), 48th Circuit Court in Allegan County, the Michigan Drug Court Program and the Office of Highway and Safety Planning (OHSP), Pathways, MI will be providing substance abuse treatment and case management services to participants of the Allegan County Drug Court. Pathways, MI was approached to provide the services by Kori White-Bissot, LCC Executive Director. Ms. White-Bissot highlighted the organization's commitment to not only the target population but also the Allegan County community. In her words "Pathways, MI gets it." As a result, a masters' level Clinician is providing individual and group treatment in both the Allegan County Jail and the Pathways, MI Allegan office. A Case Manager provides monitoring and support to facilitate program compliance, and both staff members participate in a multi-disciplinary team to assure coordinated service delivery. The organization is thrilled to participate in this effort. Jeanette Hoyer, Executive Director, highlights its reflection of the Pathways, MI mission. "We can think of nothing more life transforming than helping someone on their path to recovery from substance abuse and criminal behavior to healthy and productive choices for themselves and their families. We welcome the opportunity to partner in this unique collaboration."
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Pathways, MI Embarking of New Foster Home Recruitment Initiative
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In an exciting new effort, Pathways, MI is working to increase the number of foster homes available for children and youth in Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan Counties. According to Jessica VandenHuevel, Foster Care Supervisor, "The need for foster homes in our community has never been greater. The children and youth coming into our care have typically experienced significant trauma, and in order to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment, it is critical for us to have as many licensed foster homes as possible to meet their needs." In order to ensure Pathways' success in licensing excellent foster homes, Pathways has named Anita Barrett, MA, to the lead the effort. "Anita brings over 20 years of experience with children, youth and families in our community to the position, and her energy and commitment are contagious ," said Stephanie Dykhuis, Child Welfare Supervisor. Barrett says " I could not be more excited about this opportunity to engage the community in helping children and youth in foster care. I cannot wait to talk with people who are interested and help them see the profound impact they can have on a child's life." If you, your business, church or organization is interested in learning more, please contact Anita at 231-777-2222 or abarrett@pathwaysmi.org.
A special thanks to the Ladies of Ravenna Baptist Church who held a Women's Outreach Night on November 21, 2013 and invited the Child Welfare Department of Pathways, MI to do a presentation on Pathways, MI, Adoption and Foster Care. Anita Barrett, Recruiter/Adoption worker, and Stephanie Dykhuis, Child Welfare Supervisor facilitated the presentation.
The Women spent the rest of the evening assembling back packs which included hygiene kits, coloring books, crayons, toys etc., for Christmas for the children who are in our foster care program. They also made fleece blankets as well as tie blankets for children of all ages.
It makes us very happy to know that there are people out there willing to help our foster children in care in any way they can. They understand that children need their own items to help give them a sense of security and to know there are people out there who care about them. Their prayer is for "hearts to be opened to love and care through something as simple as a backpack".
We really do appreciate the women for donating their time as well as the supplies to ensure our children in foster care know they are cared for and have a Merry Christmas. The finished products were dropped off at the Muskegon office on December 5th and looked wonderful!
Thank you Ladies from Ravenna Baptist Church, especially for choosing our agency to help you learn about Pathways, MI, foster care and adoption.
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Circle of Parents: Support Group for Parents with Challenging Kids
2nd & 4th Tuesday monthly form 6:00-7:15pm
Evergreen Ministries, Hudsonville, MI
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Do you have a "Challenging Child"? Wouldn't it be nice to talk with other parents who know what you're going through?
Join us as we share questions, concerns, problems and successes. A place where parents can be a source of strength and support for each other in a safe and confidential way.
Pre-registration is required to attend. Contact Suzette at 616-396-2301 x149 or email sstaal@pathwaysmi.org.
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Netiquette: Impacting your teens "other" life
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 from 6:30-8pm
FairHaven Ministries, Hudsonville, MI
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Do you know how your teen acts online? Has there been unexplained conflict between friends? This workshop will explore the various social media outlets teens are on and engage parents in how to influence their youth's online behavior and ensure safety in the digital age.
The workshop is being present in partnership between the Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and FairHaven Ministries. Local experts will talk about what is popular among local youth and how parents can engage with their youth around Social Media.
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Drugs and Sex: What your kids aren't telling you
Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 6:00-7:30pm
FairHaven Ministries, Hudsonville, MI
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Parents, are you aware of the latest drug and sexual health trends among Ottawa County youth? With all the media coverage of national issues, do you know which ones are actually popular in your neighborhood? This workshop will educate you on what youth in Ottawa County are actually saying about the substances they use and their behaviors around sex.
Parents will learn accurate drug facts, tips for prevention, resources for treatment and hear from local experts on these topics. Please note this presentation is appropriate for adults only.
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SLIC (Student Leaders Initiating Change)
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SLIC is an Ottawa County youth coalition working to prevent youth alcohol and drug use while developing leadership skills. The SLIC core has 16 members from various high schools in Ottawa County. Currently school based SLIC's are meeting at: Black River, Careerline Tech Center, Holland High, Hudsonville High, West Ottawa and Zeeland High schools.
On November 9th about 70 students had a blast at the Leadership as a Lifestyle conference!
Raise Your Voice, a countywide program is used to train high school students how to teach middle school students peer refusal skills.
In addition to monthly meetings, SLIC students also participate in Team Building activities, plan and host community activities and events, attend leadership training at the Ottawa County Ropes course, and attend other leadership conferences.
Above the Influence (ATI) is a state of mind. It's about being yourself and not letting negative influneces get to you. Pressure to drink, do drugs or anything that goes against who you are to fit in- that's negative influence. SLIC has organized "Freeze Mobs", a Sober Olympics event, participated in the Tulip Time Musik Parade, and hosted an ATI Day Event, all to encourage others to be "Above the Influence" of negative pressures.
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 Pathways, MI was formed in 2006 through the merger of Child and Family Services of Western Michigan and Children's Resource Network, Inc. Together, Pathways, MI represents over 80 years of experience serving communities throughout eleven counties across Western Michigan. As an organization, we are committed to demonstrating excellence in all that we do and assuring that we provide responsive and compassionate service to all individuals, families and communities who seek our assistance. We do this through a wide array of services, including Counseling, Early Childhood programs, Great Start Western Regional Resource Center, Parent and Family Support and Education, Foster Care, Adoption and participation in community efforts to improve life for children and families.
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