|
 August Newsletter 2013
|
|
Greetings! Often children enter into the foster care system unable to continue attending their neighborhood schools. Many have experienced several previous placements and are far behind in their studies. Awaiting new placement can take anywhere from one week to six months. For many foster youth, the effects of multiple trauma contributes to an inability to function normally in a traditional school setting. Youth Homes is working hard to meet the sensitive educational needs of each child on an individual basis through our Day Program. The Day Program, located on the East Bay Shelter property, is supervised by Ann Maldonado, M.A. and acts as an alternative school, catering to each child's individual learning level. Ann first came to Youth Homes after she heard about the job opening from a friend who told her it was a paid internship. Ann was working toward obtaining her master's degree at the time, and liked the flexible schedule as well as being around other fully-engaged professionals all working toward the same goal - helping traumatized youth. Ann, now almost a six year veteran at Youth Homes, envisioned an educational day program that would prepare foster youth to re-integrate into a public school setting and her leadership has played an integral part in the success of the program. Ann teaches  functional communication skills, models appropriate behavior and teaches the kids how to successfully operate as a team. Ann was recently quoted: "the Day Program is more like group therapy but the kids don't know it. When they begin to realize they are in a safe environment, they start sharing their thoughts and feelings about school which ultimately helps them begin to heal and learn." The Day Program provides structure while teaching appropriate classroom skills as well as life skills like one would have in a job setting, as well as teaching them to resolve conflict appropriately. Ann is making a difference by connecting with the kids and encouraging them without putting them under undo pressure. During her tenure here, Ann has learned and now applies several therapeutic techniques. Ann feels fortunate to have the freedom to use her new skills and intuition to apply the best approach possible - taking into account that each child is unique and responds differently. Ann has helped a vast majority of Youth Homes' kids successfully transition to a traditional school setting or obtain their GED - some even graduating early! In addition, Ann assists transitional youth with resume writing skills and is helping them to begin to imagine a future where they can pursue and accomplish anything they set their young minds to. Great job Ann - You are making a difference in the lives of foster youth!
|
|
Summer Highlights
With a new school year fast approaching and summer coming to a close, we thought YOU our supporters might like to know what our youth have been up to this summer. The summer work program is a 10-week program where 6 residents are interviewed and selected to work. During the 10 weeks, they learn how to raise an organic garden and learn job skills that will help them in the future. Monday through Thursday is spent directly in the garden and on Fridays they conduct their own staff meeting as well as participate in a weekly training. Some topics for the weekly training include; budgeting, resume writing, interviewing etiquette, understanding taxes, and dealing with different personalities on the job. Here are a few quotes from our youth:
-"This job has taught me the skills to work in a regular job setting."
-"I am able to put this down on my résumé for future jobs."
-"this job has taught me what hard work means."
 The garden program is made possible by generous donations from the community and through foundation support.
Additional summer fun this year included sporting events such as: Oakland A's and S.F. 49er games, Zoo excursions, trips to the YMCA, a tour of Alcatraz, The Exploratorium, Chabot Space Center, One Direction Concert in a luxury box, trips to the Nail salon, Farmer's Markets, Martinez Marina, Parks, Mt. Diablo, Santa Cruz, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Lindsay Wildlife Museum and trips to Waterworld.
Youth Homes would like to thank all of our generous donors for helping our foster youth create fun summer memories. YOU are making a difference in lives of foster youth. To find out more about how YOUR GIFTS can make a difference, visit www.youthhomes.org
|
Community Giving
Youth Homes would like to thank Susan Alonso and the staff from What's Mine is Yours for allowing our youth to experience the One Direction Concert in style. In addition to participating in the concert, What's Mine is Yours, a non-profit organization established by teens Katie Easterly and Paige Blake, held a recent pop up event at Seven Hills School allowing foster girls and youth to have a girl's day out shopping spree. The event was beautifully done and our youth went away feeling truly blessed with an abundance of beautiful clothing.
 | |
Whats Mine is Yours founder Katie Easterly (far right) with her volunteer helpers at the girls day out event.
|
Youth Homes is proud to nominate What's Mine is Yours for the Next Generation Philanthropy Award. Presented by the East Bay Leadership Council, the Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Philanthropy Awards program helps promote social responsibility. Youth Homes is rooting for you girls!
|
Youth Homes Annual FUNdraising Event
Did you know you can give back to Youth Homes by attending our annual fundraising event?
"Hearts for Hope" held at the historic Diablo Country Club, is an evening of music, dinner, dancing, games, prizes and more - all for a great cause! Put on your dancing shoes and invite a partner. Win a trip to Hawaii or one of many fabulous auction or raffle packages. Stay tuned ... tickets opening soon.
|
|
|
|
QUICK LINKS
Foster Program
Programs & Services
Auxiliary Thrift Shop
  
Pictured below: The East Bay Shelter Summer Garden Sale
Pictured directly below, What's Mine is Yours founder Paige Blake at the recent pop up event
 | |
Above: Kim Pisoni & Teri Easterly
|
Back to the Top
New to our email news and want to get caught up? Click here see a list of past newsletters.
|
|
