In this issue, Nexus recaps its Annual Conference and recent events from our sites and programs.

1. Leadingwith Trust
A NEXUS NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
cornerst ne
IN THIS ISSUE
LearningTrust 1
New CCO Role 2
CANS &TCOM Reports 3
Culture of Philanthropy 5
Nexus LEADS Conference 7
Nexus in the News 9
Mental Health & Suicide
Prevention 10
TwinsCare for MLA 11
Gerard’s SHIP Comes In 13
Onarga’s Program Changes 15
Art Heals at IOA 17
Woodbourne Learns about
Defining Decisions 19
KFF Gets Lemons 21
NGL’s Power of Hope 23
PATH’s Independent Living
Program 25

2. 1 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Brock Wolff
CEO: View from the Corner Office
As many of us return from this year’s Annual Conference
in Illinois, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the great
agency we are a part of. Personally, I can say that the
interactions I had with people from all the sites and
programs recharged my batteries, greatly increasing my
pride in being part of Nexus. I have heard from several
others who felt similarly. It is so easy for us to get caught
up in the day-to-day grind that we often forget to look
up and see the great people and the inspiring work that is
happening all around us.
This year’s conference was different than past years. We
took the opportunity to train supervisors from each of the
sites in areas related to leadership through our partnership
with FranklinCovey. Our trainer, Jean White, provided
excellent instruction in developing leadership skills
focused primarily on trust.
Jean did an outstanding job of delivering the program
and involving our group. While there are many different
leadership theories and strategies available, we felt
this program offered the most practical and easiest
implementation with minimum disruption. It will also be
sustainable, as we have the benefit of ongoing support from
Jean and her team.
This training is already having a tremendous impact on
our agency, and will continue to help us develop more
healthy working cultures for years to come. While it is true
that everybody can be and should be a leader, much of
our success depends on competent and effective people in
leadership positions within Nexus. As a company, it is our
responsibility to provide our leaders with the training and
support they need to be effective in their roles.
Trust is essential to everything we do. We must work on
our ability to obtain, regain, develop, and maintain trust
each and every day with everyone we interact with. If we are
successful in developing a more trusting culture, we will be
able to take a great leap forward as an organization.
We are blessed to have so many great leaders within Nexus,
and this year’s conference really helped emphasize that
point. Our leaders have dedicated their entire professional
lives to making a difference, and they have helped Nexus
make an impact on the lives of youth and families in every
community we serve.
While we depend on each and every person in this
organization, one of the key reasons I know Nexus will
continue to thrive and be successful is because of the
tremendous leaders we are so fortunate to have on our team.
“Trust is like the air we breathe.
When it’s present, no one
really notices. When it’s absent,
everyone notices.”
— Warren Buffett

3. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 2
How does your new position fit with the CEO’s vision for
the organization?
The CCO position was created in recognition that clinical
services are key to meeting the organization’s mission –
clinical services are at the heart of what we do. The goal is to
create a strong balance between our fiscal stewardship and
providing high quality treatment services. Maintaining and
improving our clinical excellence will require increased focus
and energy, as well as strong leadership, to meet the growing
needs and challenges in our field.
How will this make Nexus more competitive?
The ultimate goal of our services is to support youth and
families in achieving long-term safety and stability. As the
organization deepens its focus on clinical excellence, we
will be prepared to meet the increased acuity and needs of
those we serve. Demonstrating successful outcomes will
keep us competitive. By designating resources, leadership,
and strategic focus on our clinical services, we will be better
positioned to realize our mission.
What is your vision as CCO?
It is my vision to support a strong alignment across Nexus
departments and to create integration between operations,
program management, CQI activities, and clinical services
to achieve successful outcomes. We cannot provide quality
services without operational support and strategic alignment;
staff need to be well trained and supported in their work;
and, we need continuous review of our data and intended
outcomes so we can shift our services accordingly.
I am very passionate about achieving successful service
outcomes, being experts in treating mental health, preparing
our staff with high-quality clinical training, creating strong
and stable families, using individualized interventions that
meet each child and family’s specific needs, integrating
the use of evidence-based practices, and supporting
organizational expansion and growth.
What do you plan to
implement in the first
year?
There are four key areas
that I want to focus on
over the next 18 months:
How will you work with our services to bring your
vision to life?
The staff across the organization are key to our success. I
hope to work more closely with the Executive Directors
and Clinical Directors to align in vision, goals, and
organizational effort. I want to continue to elevate and rely
upon the leadership and expertise among the directors to
implement our strategic goals and direction, and continue
utilizing the skill sets of our site CQI and training
departments to support the organization’s strategic
direction. Most importantly, I want to create systems and
supports so that our direct service and program staff feel
equipped and supported in treating those we serve.
The Clinical View
Questions and answers about Dr. Michelle K. Murray’s
promotion to Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)
A New Role
Dr. Michelle K. Murray
Chief Clinical Officer
• Work with various departments and services to clearly
identify and achieve our intended outcomes, and refine
processes for tracking and reporting those outcomes.
• Continue our focus on training, and finalize the rollout
of key foundational clinical trainings across all treatment
services.
• Increase safety by focusing on de-escalation and effective
debriefing practices.
• Begin formulating the key ingredients to providing
individualized interventions that support restorative and
skill-based practices.

4. 3 | SEPT/OCT 2017
CQI: Quality Corner
CANS and TCOM Reports
A First Look at Nexus’ Data
Our 2017 CANS Super User Learning Collaboratives
have continued to be filled with new ideas and
discussions surrounding the application of CANS and
Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management
(TCOM). September’s Collaborative focused on a first-
look at the data that has been collected through our Nexus
CANS system thus far. In this article, we will look at
Nexus’ youth rates of trauma exposure.
As you may know, the CANS is a trauma-informed,
strengths-focused, and family-guided functional
assessment tool that weighs a number of domains. We can
look at an individual client to see what is going on in a
particular case, or we can take it to a larger scale and learn
about our various populations. Using this information
at the systems level, the CANS helps assess fidelity of
delivery of care to the Nexus Practice Model and TCOM,
and uses the feedback to adjust delivery of care and
supports. We can then use this information with teams
and clients, and alter care plans based on outcome data.
When we look at data, we often do so to meaningfully use
the information to support decision-making at a variety
of levels—with individual clients and families, within sites
or programs, and within our larger Nexus systems. When
we use a functional assessment tool such as the CANS, we
are speaking in a common language—we all use the same
reliable and valid form to gather information, and apply
this information to develop shared goals and support
positive outcomes.
One of the areas that is captured on the CANS relates to
a youth’s trauma exposure. Trauma exposure includes
11 different items that are rated based on the assessor’s
knowledge about the youth’s history and the types of
trauma they may have experienced in their lifetime. The
items are rated as either “yes” (if there is evidence or
suspicion that a particular type of trauma occurred) or “no”
(if there is no evidence of that particular trauma type).
Trauma exposure items tell us a great deal about what a
youth experienced in these different areas. Furthermore,
we know that trauma exposure can be a risk factor, in that
individuals who have experienced multiple types of traumas
in their lifetime are at increased risk for developmental,
physical, and mental health issues.
We looked at the rates of trauma exposure for the most
recent CANS available in the Nexus system (477 total
through 8/31/171
). As our programs implemented the
CANS at different times, our residential programs represent
the largest number of CANS, with our foster care programs
making up a smaller number of the total.
From this data, we can see the most frequently noted
areas of trauma exposure for our youth. The chart below
shows the percentage of youth that have a particular type
of trauma exposure. For example, you can tell that “83.6%
of Nexus clients have a score of ‘yes’ on disruptions in
caregiving2
, according to their most recent CANS.”
Becky Schedin
Director of CQI & Research

5. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 4
This graph is informative as it tells us the most common
types of trauma exposure our youth have experienced.
Over half (56.8%) have been bullied by others3
, and nearly
half (49.3%) have a history or suspicion of sexual abuse.4
In addition to knowing about the prevalence and types
of trauma exposure, we also took a look at the overall
number of traumas that youth experienced. Sadly, the vast
majority of our youth have experienced multiple types
of trauma–97% of youth had at least one trauma exposure
item noted, with 71% of youth having had four or more.
This is an intensely high rate of trauma exposure, and as
noted earlier, the more traumas an individual experiences,
the more risk factors they have for both immediate and
long-term challenges.
Now, the application of this information is where the
challenge begins. We might find some of this information
interesting, and even perhaps unsurprising, but the
question we need to ask ourselves is what do we do with
this information? Knowing about trauma exposure rates
among our youth can be challenging—after all, we can’t
change the past, and we know that trauma is a big part of
why many of our youth come to Nexus. However, we can
apply this information to make changes in our responses
with clients and families, and in discussions with our
teams.
Knowing the risk factors that trauma exposure can
present allows us to tailor our interventions and
potentially employ more individualized trauma-
informed approaches, where appropriate. The
Collaborative reminded us that these numbers, while
devastating, are not necessarily surprising. For many, it
confirmed what we had already suspected—that many
of our youth and families have been deeply hurt in their
past. It is our job to safeguard against additional trauma
and help build and sustain resilience and other strengths
to navigate these experiences.
We will continue to disseminate and tailor CANS
information to teams and sites, so please stay tuned for
more updates. As we continue to move forward, we are
eager to hear your questions and thoughts.
Percentage of Youth with Trauma Exposure Items noted ‘Yes,’ Most Recent CANS (n=477)
1
BearinmindthatnotallclientshaveanactiveCANSassessment,andthus,thisnumberisnotrepresentativeofNexus’entirepopulation,butjustasnapshot.ContactBeckyfor
moreinformationaboutthenumberofclientsincludedforspecificsitesandprograms,orformorespecificdatabreakouts.
2
Disruptionsincaregiving/attachmentlossisscoredas‘yes’whenthereisevidenceorsuspicionthatayouthhashadoneormoremajorchangesincaregivers,potentially
resultingindisruptionsinattachment.
3
Bulliedbyothersisscoredas‘yes’whenthereisevidenceorsuspicionthatayouthhasbeenbullied,physically,oremotionallyabusedbypeers.
4
Sexualabuseisscoredas‘yes’whenthereisevidenceorsuspicionthatayouthhasexperiencedsexualabuse.
71% of Nexus Youth have Four
or More Trauma Experiences

6. 5 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Our fund development
efforts have really progressed
since the initial conception
at Woodbourne Center
in 2014. There are now
many more opportunities
to engage a greater
number of individuals and
organizations in not only
supporting, but truly being
a part of the Nexus mission
and all of our sites and
programs.
In recent years, the term
“Culture of Philanthropy” has been critical to the success
of organizations of all sizes. Nexus is ripe for exploring
what this means for our efforts across our organization.
What is a “Culture of Philanthropy?”
Nonprofits with a culture of philanthropy see fundraising
less as a transactional tactic and more as a way of
operating – working from a love of humankind and a
voluntary joining of resources and action for the public
good.
Why is this important?
In the paper Beyond Fundraising: What Does It Mean
to Build a Culture of Philanthropy?, Cynthia Gibson
references the following factors:
• Increased interactivity, transparency, and new platforms
for philanthropy encourage and allow individuals to
more fully engage with the causes and organizations
that are important to them.
• Organizations are moving toward nontraditional, less
hierarchal structures that encourage collaboration.
• Younger generations are less interested in “larger social
movements and more likely to get involved in specific
issues, causes, or events.”
• Individuals – especially younger generations – are
seeking personalized interactions and more meaningful
involvement with organizations (beyond writing a
check). Organizations need to spread their message
across many channels to capture the attention of
prospective donors/volunteers.
• Growing competition for philanthropic dollars and the
sheer number of causes being promoted (via radio and
TV ads, by phone, through social media, in the grocery
store, and beyond) is creating “cause fatigue” and
making it harder to capture and maintain the attention
of supporters.
In the coming months, Nexus will explore what it means
to have a Culture of Philanthropy and develop ideas to
create an internal culture that supports all of us – not just
development staff – in partnering with the community to
strengthen the lives of children, families, and communities.
The future is bright with possibilities when we all come
together to embrace them!
Development: Funding our Future
Developing a Culture
of Philanthropy
Joelene Evenson
Director of Development, MN
Bill Mojica
Director of Development, MD
Submitted by Joelene Evenson

7. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 6
Culture of Philanthropy at Work!
Matthew Hallaway, Director of Community Relations for
PATH North Dakota, has been visiting with staff trying to
identify local fundraising opportunities near the various
PATH offices throughout the state.
A worker from PATH’s Independent Living Program
mentioned that her husband worked at a company called
RDO and knew that they donated to PATH in the past.
Matthew wrote a letter sharing the PATH story and asking
for support. The worker’s spouse personally delivered it to
the company.
A short time later Matthew received word that a $2,500
grant would soon be on its way to the program!
Matthew now has another Independent Living worker
contacting him about a grant through U-Haul that would
provide a free storage unit to store community donations
for young adults getting their first apartment (kitchen,
bathroom items, etc.). They currently do not have a place to
store such items.
Matthew says, “When you come together as a team in these
projects, they seem so much more fun, and when you get
them it’s even better.”
Matthew plans to continue doing activities like this to keep
staff engaged all over the state.
• Philanthropy=grantsbyinstitutionsorgiftsfrom
wealthyindividuals
• Developmentstaffisresponsibleforrevenue
generation
• It’sallaboutthemoney
• Donors=money
• Donorsarecontactedonlywhenmoneyisneeded
• It’saboutacquiringdonors
• Mission,programgoals,andoperationsareseparate
fromrevenuegeneration
• Thefocusisonshort-termtacticslikeappealsand
events
• Theorganization’sleadersmakedecisionsbasedon
what’savailable
• Thecommunityisn’tengaged
• Thefocusisonbiggifts
• Donationscomefirst
• Wewillwinovereverydonorforourorganization
• Moneyisdirty
• Philanthropy=loveofmankind
• Everyoneintheorganizationsharessomeresponsibility
forrevenuegenerationbyservingasambassadors
• It’sallabouttherelationships
• Donors=skills,talents,time,andmoney
• Donorsarecontactedregularlywithinvitations
toparticipateinactivities,progressupdates,and
informationabouthowtheircontributionsarehelping
• It’saboutkeepingdonors
• Mission,programgoals,andoperationsarealigned
withrevenuegeneration
• Thefocusisonthelong-termstrategybehindthe
tactics
• Theorganization’sleadersmakedecisionbasedon
whatthecommunityneedsandasharedvisionofhow
tomeetthatneed
• Thecommunityisintentionallyengagedand
participatesasapartnerwiththeorganization
• Allgiftsareimportant
• Donationscomeafterweengagepeopleinourwork
• Wewilllistenandreferdonorstootherorganizations
thatalignmorecloselywiththeiraspirations
• Moneyiswhatweneedtodoourwork
In a Fundraising Culture...
In a Culture of Philanthropy...

8. 7 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Thursday evening included a Picnic in the Park game
night. Following dinner, guests were invited to play a
nine-hole mini golf course, giant Jenga, giant Connect
Four, bean bag toss, ladder golf, inflatable horseshoes,
and many other games to win tickets for the ten
prizes available. After much excitement and friendly
competition, the prizes were raffled off, including a small
drone, camping hammock, inflatable lounger, bocce ball,
small table tennis, three-in-one yard games, bluetooth
speaker, picnic blanket, two-person captain’s chair, and a
polaroid camera.
For the first time in Nexus history, we had a full day
of training on the Friday of the conference. White
transitioned the group from trust to the ever-popular
FranklinCovey training on the 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People. Attendees learned and practiced the
seven habits with their tables, finding the importance of
“sharpening their saw” to take the best care of themselves
so they can better serve others, both in their personal and
professional life.
As we go back to our sites, the hope is that leaders from
each department will begin sharing their knowledge and
materials with others so everyone has the ability to best
serve the mission through being part of more effective,
open, and trusting teams.
On September 27-29, a wide range of leaders at Nexus
gathered for the 6th Annual Conference. The focus this
year was on building a culture of leaders, and thanks to
FranklinCovey, we enjoyed two days of learning how
to better communicate, organize, and problem solve
with our teams. The hope from Nexus leadership is
that the trainings from FranklinCovey will be utilized
and passed along through the leaders at each site.
The Annual Conference opened on Wednesday
night with a welcome social where attendees enjoyed
appetizers and an ice-breaker game. Thursday morning
officially launched the conference with an opening
speech by Nexus CEO Brock Wolff to introduce the
new staff development program, Nexus LEADS.
Jean White, our FranklinCovey trainer, addressed
many organizational topics with our first day focusing
on Leading at the Speed of Trust–a workshop on the
importance of building, maintaining, and working
from a place of trust. To work fully and effectively
as a team, it’s important to have trust with your
coworkers with tasks, information, and with open
communication.
Stephen M. R. Covey says, “Self trust is all about two
things: Do I trust myself? Do I give others a person
they can trust?”
LEADS
Conference Recap
Nexus Annual Conference

10. 9 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Nexus in the News
FOSTER PARENTING IS DIFFICULT AND
FANTASTIC
The Austin, MN, Lions Club invited
Alison Sherman, Kindred Family Focus’
Development Coordinator, to speak
about the need for foster families. Her
message included the current opioid
crisis that is sending more children
into foster care, and the fact that the
state simply doesn’t have enough foster
homes to serve these children.
PATH FEATURED ON NORTH DAKOTA TODAY
Carissa Cox, PATH Recruitment
and Licensing Specialist along with
Kathy ‘Thompson’ Ellingson Foster
Mother and Chairman of our Board
of Directors at PATH were guests on
North Dakota Today. PATH Regional
Director Janice Tishmack also was
interviewed on the show. They had
the opportunity to visit about the
great work going on at PATH along
with the need for more foster parents
all over North Dakota.
GERARD ACADEMY
NAMES KRISTIN
DANIELSON AS
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Kristin Danielson
has been named
Clinical Director, formerly serving as
Gerard’s Clinical Supervisor. Danielson
has been with Gerard Academy since
2008, previously serving with Gerard
Treatment Programs of Mason City,
IA, from 1992 to 2006. Karen Wolf,
Gerard Academy Associate Director,
said, “Kristin brings keen leadership
skills, a strong clinical direction, and
great knowledge of our program and
working with youth and families.
I am very excited for her to be in
this position, and I look forward to
working closely with her.”
GERARD ACADEMY YOUTH FLIP FOR
THEIR FLOPS
Gerard Academy purchased flip
flops for youth in residence to use
as shower sandals, with the help
of Basic Needs Funding provided
by the Austin Area Foundation.
Austin Area Foundation Executive
Director Jeff Baldus; Elaine
Hansen, Gerard Academy Senior
Development Coordinator, and
Karen Wolf, Gerard Academy
Associate Director, recently
distributed the flip flops to the girls
and boys at Gerard.
Wolf said Gerard residents were
thrilled to get their own flip flops.
“This is just a really wonderful gift
to our youth. We want the Austin
Area Foundation to know that
their gift has made a real difference
in the lives of these youth. We all
just want to say ‘Thank you.’”
THE NEED FOR FOSTER PARENTS
RISING IN NORTH DAKOTA
The opioid crisis is causing more
than a drug problem in North
Dakota. It’s creating a larger need
for foster homes as more kids are
taken out of their homes, many born
addicted to drugs. Kate Kenna of
PATH North Dakota reported that
there are 2,000 kids in the state in
need of a family, up 20 percent from
last year.
Recent News

11. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 10
Mental wellness is for everyone.
Psychology isn’t only for the afflicted or differently abled. It
is for anyone who wishes to feel happier and find fulfillment
in life. The World Health Organization1
defines mental and
emotional well-being in four capacities:
1. Realize their own potential
2. Cope with the normal stresses of life
3. Work productively and fruitfully
4. Contribute to their community
These behaviors compose mental health in the same way our
nutrition, exercise, sleep, and defenses make up our physical
health. Mental illnesses create obstacles in the pursuit of
wellness. Often, treatment interventions involve managing
obstacles and learning skills to live a fruitful life.
Information about mental health and well-being is more
accessible than ever before, but many are reluctant to admit
that they are unhappy or unwell. Negative stigma and
misperceptions of mental health conditions leave people afraid
to talk openly or ask for help. Many people commit suicide
because they believe there is no other choice, not because they
are in pain, but because the world would be better off without
them and there is no reason to continue living.2
Mental Health First Aid
The National Council for Behavioral Health3
has developed
a series of 8-hour courses that teach people how to identify,
understand, and respond to a mental health crisis. Mental
Health First Aid provides an action plan for starting
conversations about mental health and substance use
problems. The 5-Step plan, ALGEE, teaches what to do and
how to do it.
ALGEE ACTION PLAN
• Approach, assess, and assist
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Give support and information
• Encourage professional help
• Encourage self-hep and other therapeutic resources
Suicide is preventable.
Know the warning signs of suicide risk. It is estimated
that 90% of people who die by suicide were suffering from
depression or a similar mental illness at the time of their
death.
Five most common warning signs of suicide risk:
1. Written or verbal suicide threats, both direct (“I’m
going to kill myself.” “I need life to stop.”) and indirect
(“I need it to stop.” “I wish I could fall asleep and never
wake up.”)
2. Giving away prized possessions.
3. Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing,
drawing, and social media.
4. Emotional distress.
5. Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts,
and/or feelings. This includes someone who is typically
sad who suddenly becomes extremely happy.
An open environment is essential when talking with
your children about their emotions and mental health.
Speak calmly and honestly with your children about your
observations and concerns. Ask questions, allow for silence
and contemplation, and listen carefully to their thoughts and
experiences.
If your child shares their emotional pain or thoughts of suicide
with you, immediately give them your undivided attention.
Ask if they have ever thought about killing themselves. Listen
non-judgmentally, be caring and kind in acknowledging
their feelings, stay with them, offer information and seek
professional treatment and guidance with them.
We all need to care for our mental health, just as we need to
care for our physical health. You can help someone find their
way to wellness, today.
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Live Well: Health & Wellness
1
Mentalhealth:astateofwell-being.(2014).WorldHealthOrganization.Retrievedfromhttp://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/
2
Kashdan,ToddB.(2014)WhyDoPeopleKillThemselves?NewWarningSigns.PsychologyToday.Retrievedfromhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/
curious/201405/why-do-people-kill-themselves-new-warning-signs
3
MentalHealthFirstAid.(2013)NationalCouncilforBehavioralHealth. Retrievedfromhttps://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

12. GERARD ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
13 | SEPT/OCT 2017
The SHIP arrived full of outdoor fun. Gerard Academy received a grant
from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) for $2,700
of outdoor recreation equipment. Elaine Hansen, Senior Development
Coordinator for Gerard, submitted an application for bike helmets,
footballs, basketballs, bean bag toss games, softball gloves, softballs,
bats, volleyballs, and other outdoor recreation equipment for the youth
in Gerard’s residential program.
Gerard’s SHIP project provides students with more outdoor recreational
activities, and more options for exercise. One girl said, “It’s fun to have
new equipment and choices about what we can do.”
The youth are busy enjoying
the great weather and fresh
air as they engage in physical
activity on Gerard’s beautiful
campus. They also now have
portable bean bag toss games
to take on camping trips and
outings to area parks.
“We are glad to again have
bean bags to use with the
boards,” said a Gerard staff member. “The kids also appreciate having
new softball gloves and softballs with the covers not coming off.”
Youth are so thrilled about the equipment, even their therapists are
hearing about it. One therapist reported a client’s enthusiasm about
receiving new basketballs.
Home Depot also made a generous donation to our SHIP project,
contributing $100 towards the purchase of shelving units to store the 40
new bike helmets. Thank you to both Home Depot and SHIP for your
generosity; our youth are very grateful.
FAMILY DAY 2017
Family Day has been a tradition at Gerard
Academy for many years.This year, Gerard
celebrated Family Day with a record turnout.
Family day takes a lot of preparation and
involvement from the clinical department,
milieu staff, maintenance department, dietary
department, and the administrative staff.The
entire campus comes together to provide a
successful event for the families and youth we
serve. Family Day develops and grows every
year.
This year’s Family Day included a dunk tank
and a special performance from the Gerard’s
Peacekeepers group. Each unit also operated
a carnival game table.The youth took pictures
with their special guests to have as keepsakes,
enjoyed face painting, played bingo, and sat
down for a picnic-style grill out.
Youth and their families–whether biological,
adoptive, extended or special friends–are
invited to join in the festivities.The most
important piece of family day is to focus on a
time for the youth, families, and staff to enjoy
each other, have fun, and celebrate as a larger
family.
Gerard’s SHIP
Comes In

13. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 14
Brent Henry
Executive Director
Director’s Report
It’sbeensaidthat,“winningenterprises
arenotledbynicepeople-ormean
peopleforthatmatter.Theyareledby
goodpeoplewhoseobjectivebehavior
inspirestrust.”Trustissoimportantto
everything,fromrunningabusiness
toourpersonalrelationships.Yet,it’s
hardtodefine,butit’ssomethingwe
recognizewhenwefeelit.
Severalyearsago,Ishiftedfromusingthewordtrustto
utilizingStephenCovey’sconceptofbeingtrustworthy.Our
focusaroundthewordtrustisusuallyexternal,Idon’ttrust
thispersonorIdotrustthatperson,whilebeingtrustworthy
isinternal,it’saboutyouandme.AmItrustworthy,areyou
trustworthy?
Beingtrustworthyincludesourcompetenceandourcharacter,
ittakesboth.Ifadoctorwhowashighincharacterandlow
incompetencetoldyouthatyouneededanoperation,would
youtrustit?Orifthedoctorwashighincompetenceandlow
incharacter,couldyoutrustthat?Ofcoursenot,wewant
someonewhoishighincharacterandcompetence.
Inordertobecometrustworthy,wemusttakeresponsibility
forourowndevelopment,wemustdevelopourcharacter
andourcompetence.JimRohnsaid,“Aformaleducationwill
earnyoualiving,butself-educationwillearnyouafortune.”
Leadersneedtoinspiretheirpeopletodevelopthemselves.
Dr.Coveywrites,“Thedifferencebetweentheordinaryand
theextraordinaryorganizationistheabilityofthosein
supervisorycapacitiestoinspiretheongoingdevelopmentof
thoseintheircharge.”
Beingtrustworthyisa“must”ifwearegoingtobeeffective
inourwork,theworkofinfluencingthelivesofothers.We
mustbetrustworthyinordertoseekthatinfluenceupon
theirhearts,theircreativity,andtheirminds,thethingsyou
can’tbuyorhireorinfluencethroughbehavioraltechniques.
Peoplevolunteertheirheartsandminds.StephenM.R.Covey
(Dr.Covey’sson)wrote,“Datashowsthata10%increasein
trusthasthesameimpactonemployeesatisfactionasa36%
increaseinpay.”
IchallengeusallatGerardAcademytostrivetobecomemore
trustworthy.AsDr.Coveysays,“Thekeytocreatingatotal
qualitycompanyistocreateatotalqualityperson.”
Golf Tournament Success
Friends of Gerard Academy enjoyed a beautiful day of golf
on August 14 at the 17th Annual Golf Tournament. With
15 teams playing the four-person, best shot tournament, the
Austin Country Club hosted another successful golf outing with
Gerard Academy.
Golfers came out for more than just fun; the tournament
generated over $11,000, largely in part to our generous
sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsors were Bremer Bank,
AmTrust North America, and Assured Partners of Minnesota.
New Horizons Foods provided all of the delicious food
throughout the day.
The proceeds will benefit Gerard’s Community Mental Health
Services and provide $750 scholarships to two Riverland
Community College students. Gerard Community Mental
Health Services has served over 300 individuals and families
from the Austin area in its first two years, and a great cause for
the community to support.
Gerard Academy’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament is already
scheduled for July 23, 2018, at the Austin Country Club. We
eagerly await the continued generosity from our sponsors,
golfers, and volunteers.

14. MILLE LACS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
11 | SEPT/OCT 2017
A PLEASANT DRIVE(WAY)
On September 17, several MLA youth took a trip down to Minneapolis
for a day at Target Field. Out of the 56 youth who went to the game, many
were seeing the Minnesota Twins for the first time.
The game got off to a rough start as Twins
pitcher, Kyle Gibson, surrendered five
runs by the second inning, including two
home runs. Meanwhile, our guys from the
New Trails Group Home (NTGH) were
experiencing their own difficulties – they
discovered a flat tire on their way to the
game.
In yet another lesson in overcoming
adversity, both the Twins and the NTGH
crew were able to get back on track
relatively quick. The team stormed back
by scoring seven runs in the second
inning and another six runs in the
seventh. NTGH missed the second
inning rally, but with the help of the MLA
maintenance department, made it to the
field shortly after. Our crew was treated to an exciting game and a 13-7
Twins victory!
Some youth highlights included:
“Getting on the big screens!”
“Seeing my first Twins game!”
“I was impressed by the size of the stadium!”
These experiences were made possible by a Twins Community Fund
program called TwinsCare. The TwinsCare Tickets for Kids grant
program exists to bring underserved youth to Minnesota Twins regular-
Turningdown130thAvenuetowardMilleLacs
Academy,youmightnoticeanumberofthings
–thewooded,serenelandscapethatrestsjust
outsideofthecitylimits,orhowtuckedawaythe
MLAcampusisinthetrees.
Asyoumakeyourwaydownthewindingroad,
thereisasensethatsomethinglargerisabout
tocomeintoview.Finally,asyoumovepastthe
pavilion,theMLAcampusemerges.
Recently,anupdatewasmadetotheMLAdrive.
Thewell-wornboulevardbannershavebeen
refreshed.
Ouroldboulevardbannersthatstoicallyhung
fromthelightpolessincethenewcampus
openedin2009,weretornandfaded.Thenew
bannerswelcomevisitorsandpromoteour
missionandCornerstoneValues.
Thenexttimeyoustopby,feelfreetoslowdown
andenjoythescenery!
Minnesota
TwinsCare
Itwasthefirstgameformanyofouryouth
andforstaffmemberNathanGammons.
MLA’soriginalboulevardbannerswere
fadedaftereightyearsofuse.
Thenewboulevardbannersdisplay
ourmissionandvalues.

15. season baseball games at Target Field. The program
distributes one-time annual grants of game tickets to
nonprofit organizations serving youth and families.
The program is funded by the Twins Community Fund and
its cornerstone partners Target, US Bank, Treasure Island
Resort and Casino, and Delta Air Lines, as well as by select
Twins players.
Youth Visit Job Corps in
St. Paul
A group of seven youth recently traveled to St. Paul to
discover more about Job Corps. Here is what they learned:
• Job Corps offers FREE education and career training
programs for 16-24-year-olds!
• Everything is included: education, training, housing,
basic medical care (dental), food, transportation home,
recreation, and childcare.
• The men and women who go through the program
are able to finish their high school diploma/GED, get
hands-on experience in a trade, and be connected to an
internship and even their first job.
We are very excited to help our youth utilize this wonderful
opportunity as they transition from MLA!
SEPT/OCT 2017 | 12
Director’s Report
Inlessthanfourminutes,youcaneasily
readoneoftheCornerstonearticles.
Thesefourminutesseemtogoby
quicklyandseeminsignificantwhen
comparedtothechallengesandtasks
thatwehavetoaccomplisheveryday.
But,interestinglyenough,fourminutes
wasthoughttobeabarriertohuman
performanceandrepresentedanimpossibleachievementfor
runnersoftheone-milerace.
Andwhy?BecausenoonepriortoMay6,1956,hadeverdone
itbefore.
Various“experts”andrunnersthoughtthisfeatwas
impossible.Doctorsspeculatedthatthehumanbodywould
collapsefromtheeffort,resultingindeathorseriousinjury.
Coachesdidn’tbelievearunnercouldtrainforthatamountof
exertion.
Then,onasmalltrackinEngland,collegestudentRoger
Bannisteraccomplishedtheimpossible–herana3:59.4mile.
Hedidn’tdie.Hewasn’tinjured.Hewasjusttired.
Whathappenednextwasevenmoreamazing.Afterone
personachievedthesub-fourminutemile,54runnersaround
theworldbrokethefour-minutebarrierthefollowingyear.
Shortlyafter,highschoolrunnersroutinelyransub-four
minutemiles.
Whydoesthismatter?Whenwehavethechancetobreak
barrierslikeRogerBannister,wegettoexplorenewlevels
ofsuccessandachievementwiththeyouth,families,and
communitiesweserve.Itmattersbecausewhenhigh
performersachievewhatonceseemedimpossible,those
challengesbecomenotonlypossible,butalsoeasierto
achieve.
Itmattersbecauseeverysingleyouthandfamilythatwe
haveachancetohelpresultsinarippleofimpactthatspreads
beyondoursitesandservices,intoourcommunities.
Wehavetoembracethechallengeandfearsthatcomewith
thethoughtsof,“that’sthewaywehavealwaysdoneit”
and“noonehaseverdoneitthatwaybefore.”Byaspiringto
beaperformancepioneerlikeRogerBannister,wetoocan
accomplishwhatonceseemedimpossibleorimprobable.
Runforthefinishline!
Jason Donahue
Executive Director
MLAyouthenjoytheTwinsgameatTargetField.

16. ONARGA ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
15 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Program Changes
Onarga Academy is diversifying its programming. Always monitoring trends
and changes within the field, the Diversify and Grow Committee evaluates
changes to best serve our clients, adapt for fiscal viability, and provide
services that are in line with the needs of the state and additional referral
sources.
In early September, Onarga Academy programs made a major change to
better serve our youth. Four of our sexual behavior problems units were
condensed to three to make room for an additional emotional/behavioral
disorders program. Most youth remained with their current program, but
some were moved to be with a more appropriate age group. Staff were given
the opportunity to express interest in moving departments, and a total of
21 staff moved departments or started serving a new population. Most staff,
however, remained with their current teammates.
Reorganizing the programs moved very quickly in order to accommodate
incoming and transitioning youth. Although creating a second “Hoop
Dreams” program had been considered for some time, the timing was finally
right to begin making the change.
“I’m really excited with what we’ve been able to do in such a short period of
time,” said Jamie Kozma, Clinical Director. “We’re looking forward to being
able to serve a wider range of kids and families.”
The level of coordination between the administration and all the
departments was most impressive of all. Clinical Supervisors were included
to make as many decisions as possible; Unit Coordinators went above and
beyond to plan each detail of the changes and took it upon themselves to
plan extra meetings to ensure everything would go smoothly. Throughout
the move, our Youth Care Professionals and Therapists worked directly with
the youth to reduce as much stress as possible.
“I’m very impressed with the high level of organization and detail throughout
the process of reorganizing our programs,” said Dennis Wiley, Executive
Director. “It is challenging, but staff are handling it very well.”
“Once the decision was made, we immediately communicated it to the
supervisors and called an All Staff Meeting to be open about the changes,”
Studentsplantedanewgardenandmade
homemadeprojectorstowatchthesolareclipse.
Parents,staff,andstudentsattendtreatment
graduation.
Ourannualfundraiserraisedover$10,000
forouryouth!
AgricultureDayatGrandPrairieSchool
GrandPrairieSchoolProjects
GraduationDay
AnnualGolfOuting
SubstituteTeacherDianePronitesbroughtherhorse
andlocalfarmersshowedofftheirfarmequipment.
RECENT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

17. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 16
DennisWiley
Executive Director
Director’s Report
Duetothenatureofourwork,
thecoordinationbetween
allagencyprogramsand
departmentsrequiresahigh
leveloforganizationand
communication.Throughthe
strategicplanningprocess,
importantdecisionsareagreed
uponandcompletedwithAcademystaff,aswell
asouryouths’bestinterestsinmind.Sometimes
thatmeansmakingachangethatgoesbeyondthe
statusquoandisuncomfortableforallofus.
Earlierthismonth,decisionsweremadetomodify
someofourexistingprograms,requiringstaffon
multipleinter-departmentlevelstosupportand
expeditethisinitiative.
Theoutcomewasamergerofourexistingfour
SexualBehaviorPrograms(SBP)intothree,plus
addingayoungeremotionalandbehavioral
disordersprogram,calledHeroesRising.This
decisiondidnotcomelightly;wehavebeen
workingoverthepastfewmonthstoevaluate
referraltrends,predictfiscalviability,andmeetthe
needsofourreferralsources.
I’mincrediblyimpressedwiththewayOnarga
Academystaffhandledtheextensivedetails
andresponsibilitiesofthereorganizationthat
wasplacedonthem. Staffwerechallengedto
accommodateandproblemsolvemanycomplex
issuesrelatedtothischange.Insteadoflooking
forreasonswhyitwouldn’twork,theywerevery
collaborative,problemsolvedextremelywell,
andembracedthechallenge.Situationslikethese
remindusofhowweliveoutourmissioneachday
atOnargaAcademy.
said Jody Swearingen, Human Resources Manager. “I
think the keys to our success was communication and
transparency.”
The most major change was a physical one; the Victory Lane
program and what was previously Phoenix Field switched
locations to allow both emotional/behavioral programs to
be in the same building. Phoenix Field has now transformed
into the newest emotional/behavioral disorders program,
themed as Heroes Rising.
The new age brackets for each of our programs are:
Sexual Behaviors Programs
• Field of Dreams: young adolescent program, ages 11-14
• Victory Lane: Middle adolescent program, ages 14-16
• Pathfinders: Older adolescent program, ages 16-20
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders Programs
• Heroes Rising (new program): young adolescent
emotional disorders program, ages 10-14
• Hoop Dreams: middle adolescent emotional disorders
program, ages 14-16
Hoop Dreams previously served boys ages 12 to 16, but
serving a wide age range brought dual programming
challenges. Breaking the program into two age groups will
allow staff to tailor programming more easily.
“I’m incredibly proud of all of our staff and how they’ve been
able to pull together to make these changes happen with a
minimum disruption to our clients,” said Kozma.
Staff were uneasy with the changes at first, but all were open
to doing what is best for our youth. So far, the youth on the
Heroes Rising program are excited to be a part of something
new, and any youth who were moved are settling into their
new programs.
“I’m most impressed with our employees’ teamwork and
enthusiasm,” said Swearingen. “They truly are keeping our
kids’ needs first as we make these changes.”

18. INDIAN OAKS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
17 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Art Heals
Chalk the BlockTM
Drawing is a universal language that connects generations, cultures,
and communities. Drawing empowers one to see things more clearly,
to plan and visualize things that could be, to process information and
make sense of an experience, and to express feelings and creativity.
Drawing creates a safe space to collaborate with other people, to
communicate, and to share dreams. Drawing allows you to slow down
and view the world with new focus.
Chalk the BlockTM
encourages kids and adults to participate in an
art competition. Each “chalkateer” receives their very own section
of sidewalk and is challenged to illustrate their dreams. “Ready, Set,
Draw.” And with those three words, the chalkateers are off. Within a
few hours, the space is transformed into a beautiful mural displaying
innovative thinking, collaborative effort, and ambitious goals.
IOA’s WeCARE Committee
organized our first-ever
Chalk the BlockTM
event on
campus; our resident artists
went to work, beautifying
courtyards and walkways
with positive statements,
uplifting pictures and
sketches of our Cornerstone
values.
The Love of Art
Rodney Watts is a senior counselor. He’s into music. He loves to paint.
He organizes the talent show for the annual Taste of IOA. He works
with the boys on the IOU (Indian Oaks University) program, and he
was the driving force in establishing the program’s art studio and art
exhibition.
20 YEARS AND COUNTING
VocationalSupervisorJimShrovewilltellyouthat
whenIndianOaksAcademyopeneditsdoorsin1990,
heandtheothernewstaffwerewalkingthroughthe
frontdoorsasthekidsarrived.“Itwasbaptismbyfire,”
saidShrove.“Wefigureditoutaswewentalongthose
firstfewweeks.”
Now,24yearslater,ourpracticemodel,oursize,and
evenourcampusgeographyhavechanged.Butthe
missionandmanyofthefacesremainthesame.In
fact,IndianOaksAcademycurrentlyhas18employees
withmorethan20yearsofservice,andmoretofollow
in2018.Werecentlyhonoredthemwiththeunveiling
ofapermanentdisplaythatmarksthismilestone.
ExecutiveDirectorMaryAnnBergsaidIOAisincredibly
luckytohavetheloyaltyandlongevityofthese
people.“Collectively,thesepeoplehavegivenover400
yearsofservicetoIndianOaks,”saidBerg.
“Theyhavesacrificedthemselvesfortheyouthwe
serveonadailybasis,day-inandday-out.We’ve
sharedlaughterandtearstogether.They’vegiventhe
mosttothekidsthathavetheleast.Movingforward
todayandeverydayafter,wehonorthemandtheir
dedicationtoourmissionbyplacingtheirnameson
ourWallofCourage.”
Thosehonoredfor20-plusyearsofservicein2017
areJimShrove,LisaBell,FredTurner,DavidSamuels,
DonnaInman,TheoBradley-Bey,ScottMoore,Jen
Thomas,LauraStewart,KarenZucker,CoreyBell,Geri
Hadders,LeslieOlson,MargaretHarrison,Mingus
Samuels,HelenJackson,JustinHolmes,andKay
Schneider.

19. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 18
Mary Ann Berg
Executive Director
Director’s Report
InthewordsofWallaceStegner,“Thatold
Septemberfeeling,leftoverfromschooldays,
ofsummerpassing,vacationnearlydone,
obligationsgathering,booksandfootballin
theair….” Afterasummerofjam-packed
activitiesonourcampus,weenteredfallwith
afullscheduleofobligations,andarenewed
senseofcommitmenttothekidsweserve.
• SafeHarborSchoolbeganthenewyearwithnewprincipal
Dr.JohnWerner;heandthestaffareworkingtoensureour
curriculummirrorstheMantenoCommunityUnitSchool
District.
• IOAcontinuestobethe“go-to”fortheIllinoisDepartment
ofChildrenandFamilyServices(DCFS),becauseourbelief
continuestobenotif,buthow.Insupportofthispartnership,
ourDCFSresidentialmonitorsrecentlytookpartintrainingon
theNexusPracticeModel,sotheyhaveabetterunderstanding
oftheprinciplesthatdriveeveryaspectofourbusiness.
• WecelebratedIOAemployeeswith20-plusyearsofservice,and
unveiledapermanentrecognitiondisplayinouradministration
building.
• TheMVP1groupspearheadedacampus-widecleanupweek,
whichincludeddeepcleaningofprogramsanddepartments,
followedbyoutsidecleanupofourproperty.
• OurWeCARECommitteesponsoredaChalktheBlockTM
event,
whichreallyshowcasedtheartistictalentsofourkids.
• TheIOUboys’programheldourfirstannualartshowand
exhibition.
• WeCAREalsodevelopedtheCornerstoneSpotlighttoprovide
youthanopportunitytorecognizestaffthatembodythe
CornerstoneValues.
• TheBourbonnaisTownshipParkDistrictandStarfishFamily
Homes(aprogramofIOA)areplanningtheannualTurkey
Trot5k,10k,and2-milewalkonNovember18.Proceedsgoto
Starfishforfostercaresupportservices.
• Workisunderwayonthe6thAnnualSpiritofStarfishGiving
event,whichwillbeheldDecember7,andprovidesaChristmas
gifttoeveryfosterchildinKankakeeCounty.
Andintheflurryofactivities,weareremindedofthemissionas
anotheryouthsuccessfullydischargedandwrotealettertoallof
IOA:“I’mgratefulforallyouhavedoneformewhileIwashere.I’ll
missallofthestaffwhodon’tgiveupontheclients.And,Ihopeto
hearfromyouall,nowthatI’matmysecondchancetobeabetter
person.”
It all started when program
staff were looking for
therapeutic interventions
in addition to the sensory
room. Clinical Supervisor Jen
Thomas explained:
“The art studio evolved from
the sensory room. We weren’t
finding it a very effective
intervention. But we noticed
that when Mr. Watts worked
with the boys using his own
personal art supplies, they
responded quite positively. We
observed the boys being able to manage anger, sadness,
fear, and frustration by working in various mediums.
They also found a venue to repair damaged relationships
through creating beautiful pieces of art for the person
they hurt. We decided to devote a good deal of money
and a designated space to creating an art studio in our
cottage. Mr. Watts has worked not only with the boys, but
with staff across the campus to use art in the moment to
manage stress. It’s beautiful to watch the staff and boys
create art together.”
With about a year’s worth
of art pieces created by both
the boys and the staff, the
program organized their first
annual art exhibit entitled,
“The Love of Art.” The entire
campus supported the artists
by purchasing their work. One
patron said, “It was inspiring,
impressive, and the absolute
best part of my week!”
Someoftheboysprovidedlive
demonstrationsattheexhibit.
Staffsupportedtheartistsby
purchasingpiecesattheartexhibit.

20. WOODBOURNE CENTER YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
19 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Baltimore City Deputy Sheriff Teddy Haskins spoke to a classroom
of students at Woodbourne Center. “Every one of you have decisions
that you’re gonna have to make,” he told them. “Please make wise
decisions.”
Haskins emphasized how the choices the residents make can impact
their lives, futures, and those they love, even if there are elements
outside of their control. He also took time to educate the students
about the justice system, sharing definitions, and even talking the
youth through a real-life crime case.
“All through this story is nothing
but choices. Young men making bad
choices…I need you to hear this because
life is about choices,” he said. “These three
guys had so many chances to stop their
activity and turn it around, yet they chose
to keep going.”
A significant portion of Haskins’ message
centered on choosing who you surround
yourself with. “A friend wouldn’t put you
in harm’s way,” he said. “A friend would
not say ‘get into a stolen car with an illegal
loaded weapon,’ but it happens every day.”
Along with discussing how the people we choose to be around can
impact our futures, Haskins conversely explained how our actions
affect the ones we love. He conveyed the gravity of making legal and
moral choices throughout life.
“What about your families?” Haskins asked. “What about your aging
parents? What about your grandmother?” He also tied the students’
actions to family members that they don’t even have yet. “If you’re a
father or you’re a husband, you’re going to want to do the very best you
can for your family.”
Haskins opened up and talked about struggles with race and authority,
how he persisted, and how he was inspired to go into this field because
Defining Decisions
FLAG FOOTBALL
Freshoffofwinninglastyear’schampionships,
WoodbourneCenterhasbeguntryoutsfortheflag
footballteam!Woodbourne’sflagfootballteamplays
otherLevelVschoolsandresidentialprograms.
LeeCooper,RecreationSpecialist,isoneofthe
staffheadingupflagfootball.Woodbournehas
participatedinthesportforatleastfiveyears.Forfour
outofthosefiveyears,Woodbournehastakenhome
thechampionship.
“Alotoftimes,it’sthefirsttimethey’veplayedany
sortoforganizedsportandtheycantakethatwith
them,”saysCooper.Oneofhisfavoritepartsofthe
experienceisseeingtheexcitementoftheteam
members.Hisfavoritememoryiswhenaresidentwho
hedescribesas“thesmallestguyontheteam”helped
score–“catchingthetouchdownpass,thejoyonhis
face.”
Cooperalsotalksabouthowflagfootball,specifically
atWoodbourne,isasourceofconnectionforthe
youngmenwhoparticipate.Hesaysheenjoys“the
camaraderiebetweentheyoungmenonthedifferent
units.Iftheyweren’tinthissettingtheyprobably
neverwouldhavecrossedpathswiththesepeople.”
StaffatWoodbourneoftenusesportanalogiestoget
theirmessagesandinstructionsacrosstoresidents:
thisespeciallyholdstrueonthefield.Coopersaysthat
students’understandfootballasametaphorfortheir
lives.“Thehardworktheyputin,theyseethebenefits.
Playingonthefieldteachesthemmentaltoughness,
andtoworkhardandpushthrough.”
Cooperisexcitedfortheseasonaheadandbelieveshis
teamwillbringhomechampionshipnumberfive.
DeputySheriffTeddyHaskinsspoketo
Woodbourneyouth.

21. of adversity he faced as a black man. Initially studying to be a
social worker – “to give something back” – Haskins worked at
a facility and an officer was handcuffing a youth who was not
being combative.
Haskins spoke out and was told, “‘Well, don’t judge me because
you’re not a cop.’ And I told him, ‘Well, if I was a cop, I’d be a
better cop than you.’ And he said something to me that changed
my life.”
The officer told Deputy Haskins that because of his race, he
would not even be able to pass a test to become an officer. “The
first test I took, I failed. His words were haunting me. I took the
test again and I failed. The third time I took it, I passed…that
was my destiny.”
The Deputy offered a realistic, empathetic, and understanding
outlook on racism and the justice system. He also gave youth
practical advice on how to avoid trouble. “By a show of hands,
who’s going to be driving soon?” A few students raised their
hands.
“Make sure that you have a legal license and make sure that
you have insurance for the car. When you get stopped by the
police, that’s not the time to act super bad. That’s the time to
use your brain. A police officer stops you, asks for your driver’s
registration, give it to him.” Haskins let youth know that if they
felt like they are being mistreated, there is a safe way to handle
the incident by reporting it after the fact.
Haskins encouraged the youth to take advantage of their time
at Woodbourne as an educational experience and to learn from
and appreciate those around them.
“If I was you guys, every person that surrounds you, every day, I
would pick their brain. Pick their brain because they’re going to
tell you things and give you things that are absolutely free.”
“You guys are in a place in your lives, you’re never going to have
this again,” Haskins said. “Take advantage of these resources and
all these good people that are around you.”
SEPT/OCT 2017 | 20
AnthonyWilson
Executive Director
Director’s Report
BillMojica,Woodbourne’sDirector
ofDevelopment,andIweregrateful
forthechancetomeetGovernor
LarryHogan(picturedbelow)atthe
MarylandAssociationofCounties(MACo)
ConferenceinOceanCity,Maryland.
Theconferenceprovidedan
opportunityforbusinesses
tomeetwithpolitical
representativesandthe
governorinhopesofbuilding
relationshipsandcreating
partnerships.TheMACo
websitestatestheconferenceaddressed“trendingdata,
bestpractices…tohelpcountiesattractandbenefitfrom
newjobsandkeepoureconomyonanupwardclimb.”This
year’sconferencecenteredonjobgrowthandthemany
opportunitiesavailableinacross-sectionofindustries.
SenatorAddieC.Eckardttookthetimetomeetwithus
overbreakfast.TheSenatorexpressedsubstantialinterest
insupportingWoodbourneCenter’svocationalschooland
potentialexpansionofresidentialprogramming.Priorto
that,BillandImetwithamemberofmanagementatHome
ParamountPestControlaboutmajorfinancialsupportfrom
theirCEO.
Backoncampus,wearemakingmajorprogresswithour
censusandrecruitments!OurTreatmentFosterCarestaffis
recruitingfosterfamiliesataconsiderablyhigherratethan
inthepast.BothTreatmentFosterCareandtheResidential
TreatmentCenterhaveraisedtheircensusnumbers.
OurDirectorofOperations,StevenSchreiber,andIhavebeen
workingwithourcampusUnionRepresentativetoprepare
fornegotiationsfordirectcarestaff.AlongwiththeUnion
Representative,wearemeetingwiththesestaffmembersin
smallgroupstolearnabouttheirneedsandrequests.Thishas
beenveryhelpfulandinformative.Ourstaff’ssuccessisour
success. Wewanttoensurewearedoingthebestwecanfor
ouremployees,aswellasfortheyouthweserve!

22. KINDRED FAMILY FOCUS YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
21 | SEPT/OCT 2017
RECENT & UPCOMING
EVENTS
It was the beginning of summer when 10-year-old Adelyn decided that she
wanted to give back to those who might need a little extra this summer.
Adelyn worked very hard, along with the help of some of her friends,
to put together a lemonade stand and some additional goodies to sell to
the community. She hoped to raise enough money to make a worthwhile
contribution to the Crisis Nursery serving Wright County.
Along her journey, she served lemonade to a very generous man that helped
her exceed her goal of helping children in her community. She felt so blessed
to have such support from her community, taking little credit for spearheading
a fundraiser for other children. We are so grateful to have children and
supporters in our community who focus their energy on helping other youth.
Adelyn is a beautiful little girl,
inside and out, and through her
lemonade stand was able to donate
over $300 to families in crisis.
Below is her letter to the Crisis Nursery.
When Life Gives
You Lemons
LORD FLETCHER’S GOLF
TOURNAMENT
TheCrisisNurseryservingWright
Countywaschosenastherecipientfor
localestablishment,LordFletcher’sOld
LakeLodge,annualgolftournament
onSeptember18.Despitetherain,the
tournamentwasasuccessandgolfers
enjoyedthecourseandfestivities.
TIMBER DASH
The8thAnnualTimberDash5kand
KidsRuntookplaceonSaturday,
October7,atanewlocation,Bertram
ChainofLakes.Allproceedsfromthe
racebenefittheCrisisNurseryserving
WrightCounty.
TURKEYTROT
KindredFamilyFocus’annualTurkey
Trot5k,10k,and1Mileiscomingupon
Saturday,November11,inFergusFalls,
MN.AllproceedswillbenefitKindred
CARESfundingforfosterparentsand
youthintheircare.
Registeronlineat
www.FergusFallsTurkeyTrot.org

23. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 22
Director’s Report
TheKFFmanagementteamrecently
begandraftinganagencystrategic
plan;Outcomesand“whatarewe
doingwithwhatweknow”was
identified. KFFhasgatheredclient
centereddatafordecades;our
InformationManagementSystem,
Evolv,isabletoquerydataforinternal
review. Thisclinicalfocushasbeenintegratedintoourcase
managementoversight.
WhenKFFaffiliatedwithNexus,wewerehopefulthatour
clinicalworkwouldbeelevated;thishasandcontinuesto
bethecase. Ourpracticeconsistsofastructuredmonthly
clinicalcasereview,ofteninvolvingaclient’sentire
treatmentteam. Werecentlyaddedclinicaltimetoour
secondmonthlymeeting. KFFhasclinicalemployeesinall
officestosupportdailyclinicalconsults. TheNexusPractice
ModelandCANSassessmenthelpsorganizeourworkinto
usefuldatatobettersupportclients. KFFhasandisplaying
anintegralroleinembracingandimplementingtheQuality
ParentingInitiative(QPI)asitrollsoutinMinnesota.
Sowhat’smissing? Werealizedweneedtoinformothers
oftheclinicalbackdroptoourentireservicearray. We
recognizedthatwehaveassigned“clinical”toaprofessional
licenseratherthanabroaderagencyapproach. We
employlicensedsocialworkerstofacilitateourfostercare
services,nottrulyappreciatingtheirroleineffectingclinical
interventions. Wehavelongunderstoodtheroleofthe
fosterparentinshapingclientoutcomesthroughtheirdaily
interventions. Werecognizetheneedtoelevatetherole
ofoursocialworkersinthesamemission. Thisisacultural
shiftfortheagency,onethatislongoverdue.
Ourfocus“changingonelifeChangesEverything”will
alwaysbeourultimatemission,recognizingourimpact
freesustotackledifficultchallenges. KFFdoesn’tjust
providesafe,nurturinghomes,wehelpclientsunderstand
theirlifeexperiencesandprovidestrategiestoheal!
George Hendrickson
Executive Director
Kindred Family Focus has been receiving immense community
support from throughout the state. Development Coordinator
Alison Sherman is reaching out to Lions Clubs, local businesses,
and Operation Round Up programs in the communities where
KFF offices and families reside.
Thank you to all of the organizations and businesses who have
contributed to Kindred CARES in support of youth in foster
care and the families that serve them.
The following electric cooperatives have generously granted
support to Kindred CARES through their Operation Round Up
Programs:
• Goodhue Electric $300
• Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric $500
• Stearns Electric Association $500
• Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative $500
• Meeker Cooperative $750
• Minnesota Valley Electric Trust $750
• Lyon-Lincoln Electric Trust $1,000
• People’s Energy Cooperative $1,000
• South Central Electric Association $1,000
The following Lions Clubs and businesses also supported
Kindred CARES:
• Albertville Lions $400
• Maple Grove Lions $500
• Allianz Life Insurance $1,500
Thank you to the Otto Bremer Foundation, Mardag Foundation,
and the Northland Foundation for their generous support of our
licensor/recruiter positions. With their help, we hope to find and
license more foster families to help children in need.
Enterprise Fleet Management, MattressFirm, and the Plymouth
Lions for donating items for our foster families and volunteering
at the annual Kindred Family Focus Family Picnic.

24. 23 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Bringing a genuine sense of hope and optimism into
the treatment process is critical in our interactions with
clients. It is important to remember that residential
treatment is often the last resort for youth who are
struggling.
By the time they land in our programs, they have often
exhausted other resources including outpatient therapy,
day treatment, and inpatient hospitalization.
When all of those services fall short, the idea that things
can actually improve, solutions can be found, or that
change can be achieved is severely tested and pessimism
is likely to set in.
Our youth have experienced repeated losses and failures
in their lives and this becomes the course that they
expect. Therefore, the onus is often on the staff and
therapists in our treatment settings to hold a sense of
hope for our youth and their families.
Our task is to identify and validate even the smallest
positive baby steps that our youth take to change their
course. We must help them to see that small successes
can have a powerful cumulative effect. Acknowledging
these baby steps can begin to reinstate a feeling of
hope. Encouraging our youth to track and document
baby steps can help shift the lens they use to look at
themselves.
The Power of Hope
During difficult times, we must look for exceptions
or times when our youth do not have the symptoms
or problems they are currently trying to overcome.
Identifying those experiences helps to challenge and shift
our youth’s narratives of hopelessness or helplessness. We
must help put those exceptions into context so clients
make connections between hope and other dynamics
that need to operate in their lives.
It is easy to lose sight of or miss the baby steps and
exceptions when our days are filled with managing
difficult behaviors of aggression, self-harming, and
episodes of dissociation and hallucinations.
Even during those difficult times, we must continue to
invite our youth to process the ways they have overcome
challenges in the past. This helps highlight their inherent
resiliency, identify internal and external resources, and
encourage them to focus on their strengths. We need to
find the time to pause during our busy, and all too often
difficult days, to shine a light on new behaviors or coping
Hope is a resource. We hoard it at our peril. The effects of hope are profound, as are the effects of hopelessness. It is a
human rights issue. Just as food, water, and security must be equitably distributed, so, too, must hope. Whether we
offer or receive, co-create or imagine, we can all participate in doing hope. (Weingarten, 2007, p. 22)

25. skills exhibited by our youth, and use those opportunities as
evidence to support the notion of hope and their potential for
growth.
Our challenge as the staff and professionals serving youth is
to engage and encourage our youth to “borrow” the hope that
other people, including us, have about them and their ability
to move forward in their lives. Perhaps some of the most
important work that we do is planting seeds; we can plant
seeds that let our clients know that we have hope and faith in
their ability to grow, to learn, and to heal. We encourage our
youth to borrow and lean on our hope for them, until they
have their own. Our biggest compliment is hearing a youth
say, ‘You believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.’
Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there
is light, despite all of the darkness.”
SEPT/OCT 2017 | 24
Michael Franke
Residential Program
Director
Director’s Report
Ourprogramhascontinuedtoevolve
anddevelopasournewleaderssettle
intotheirroles.WewelcomedElizabeth
(Liz)Williams,MA,LMFT,asournew
ClinicalDirectorinmid-August.Wealso
welcomedMichelleRhea,MS,LPCC,as
ClinicalSupervisorinmid-September.
LizandMichellebothjoinuswith
severalyearsofexperienceinresidentialtreatment.We
areveryexcitedabouttheleadershipandexpertisethat
theywillprovidetoourstaffandarelookingforwardto
developingourprogramming.
InSeptember,webegananewrelationshipwithToneworks
MusicTherapyServices,LLC,toprovideweeklymusic
therapygroupstoouryouth.Researchershavefoundthat
foradolescents,musiccanimpactmood,helpexpress
identity,helpmanagerelationships,fostercopingskills,
fostermotivation,promotewellness,managestress,
alleviatepain,andenhancememory.TheMusicTherapist
consultandcoordinatewithourstaffteamtohelpusmore
effectivelysupportouryouthwiththisskilldevelopment.
IamexcitedtoreportthatattheendofSeptemberwe
celebratedourfirstfull-fledgedsuccessfuldischargefrom
ourprogram.Theyouthandtheirfamilymadesignificant
gainsinachievingemotionalandbehavioralstabilization,
skilldevelopment,andcommunication.Wewishthemall
thebestahead,andlookforwardtomanymoresuccessful
dischargesinthefuture.
Iamexcitedandhopefulaboutthedirectionthatour
programisheaded.Wehaveassembledastrongclinical
andleadershipteamandcouldnotdowhatwedowithout
thededicationofourdirectcarestaff.Wehaveaddedmany
servicestoenhanceandcomplimentthetreatmentthat
weprovidetoouryouthandtheirfamilies.Ilookforward
toseeingtheongoinggrowthanddevelopmentinour
programandservicesoverthecomingmonths!
Staffworktoplantseedsofhopeintheyouth.

26. 25 | SEPT/OCT 2017
Chafee Foster Care
Independent Living Program
NORTH DAKOTAPATH A FAMILY MEMBER
The Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program is a federal program
hosted by PATH, designed to assist current and former foster care youth,
ages 16-21, in their transition to adulthood and successful living. The
overall goal of the program is that former foster care youth will reach the
following outcomes by the age of 21, as outlined by the North Dakota
Department of Human Services:
• Have sufficient economic resources to meet their daily needs.
• Have a safe and stable place to live.
• Attain academic or vocational/educational goals that are in keeping
with the youth’s abilities and interests.
• Have a sense of connectedness to persons and community.
• Avoid illegal/high risk behaviors.
• Postpone parenthood until financially established and emotionally
mature.
• Have access to physical and mental health services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
FromJuly1,2016,toJune31,2017,the
ChafeeFosterCareIndependentLiving
Program:
• Served411youth(347ofthese
youthwereundertheageof18)
• Helped126oftheseyouthwith
homelesspreventionservices
• Helped31youthre-houseafter
becominghomeless
Oftheyouthincare:
• 7werevictimsofdomestic
violence
• 40werechronicsubstanceabusers
• 23hadseverementalhealthissues
PATHRegionalCoordinatorscollectedsuppliesfromcommunitymemberstogivetoyouthgettingtheirfirst
apartmentandlivingontheirown.

27. SEPT/OCT 2017 | 26
Director’s Report
PATH is continuing on our affiliation
adventure. It is now six months
since our affiliation into Nexus, and
progress continues.
The PATH staff have grown more
accustom to the modest changes
in culture and have declared that
much of their transition experience
is complete. Leadership continues to work diligently on
integrating systems, and creating new and reworking
relationships with Nexus and our talented colleagues.
While a positive experience, it is time consuming to
learn and sort out new processes to include PATH into
Nexus. Knowing who interacts with whom, and how, is
often the goal and result of success.The PATH Board of
Directors has found the addition of BrockWolff to be an
enormous help and a stabilizing and critical part of this
entire effort.
Closer to our service provision, things continue to be
exciting.We are active with strong census, opening an
outpatient clinic service with a foundation in trauma,
and looking at major pilots in less intense forms of foster
care and school-based services. Nancy McKenzie is very
actively meeting with the state officials as they consider
how to utilize PATH with more diverse populations and
locations. In particular, our focus on recruitment concept
restructuring and philosophy appears to be paying off in
dramatic ways.
PATH is also actively engaged in transitioning the CEO
role so as to create a smooth and seamless transition
of responsibility over the next few months to Nancy
McKenzie in her role as the Executive Director of PATH
ND, Inc.
Bill Metcalfe
PATH CEO
IDAHOPATH A FAMILY MEMBER
At PATH, the Independent Living Program is facilitated
by eight regional coordinators and serves 257 individuals.
The coordinators strive to reach the outlined outcomes
by connecting participants to local services that foster
independence.
The services provided by the program are client-driven,
as clients participate in the program on a voluntary basis.
One service provided is our monthly groups that provide
information on various topics including money management,
renting an apartment, post-secondary education, car
maintenance, healthy relationships, and much more.
The Independent Living Program engages current and
former foster youth, allowing them to be interactive in the
planning of program topics. These foster care youth have
the opportunity to participate in greater advocacy in topics
surrounding current and former foster care youth through
the North Dakota Youth Leadership Board (NDYLB). The
NDYLB has had the opportunity to participate in speaking
engagements around the state and participated in the
development of a handbook for youth in foster care.
PATH will work towards increasing the number of youth
participating in the Chafee Independent Living Program.
With the help of referral sources, community partners, and
the overall connectedness of the agency, we continuously
promote the fostering of independence of current and former
foster care youth.

28. Have an idea for a story?
Contact Amy Leach, Cornerstone editor
aleach@nexus-yfs.org
763-551-8666
Employee Anniversaries
Nexus is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization and provider of
youth and family solutions. Our continuum of care includes community-
based family services, assessment programs, residential treatment
programs, foster care and adoption programs, and on-site education
programs.
Nexus, Gerard, Kindred Family Focus, and Woodbourne Center are legal
entities. They are all nonprofit corporations under their respective state’s
law and are qualified for state and federal tax-exemption under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Mille Lacs Academy, Indian Oaks
Academy, Onarga Academy, Nexus Glen Lake, Gerard Academy, and
Kindred Family Focus programs are not themselves entities; they are part
of the entity that operates them. All of these programs share an underlying
adherence to the Nexus Cornerstone Values and Guiding Principles.
Cornerstone is published bi-monthly by
Nexus. All articles are copyrighted by Nexus.
Reproduction of any part of this publication is
prohibited without prior written consent.
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3 YEARS
Gerard Academy
Regina DeVries
Lisa Row
Emica Tran
Indian Oaks Academy
Brittani Washington
Roger Baldwin
Seneca Ross
Kindred Family Focus
Anthony Cincoski
Cindy Henderson
Jodi Paulsen
Mille Lacs Academy
David Siedlecki
Julie Langner
Nexus
Paula Minske
Onarga Academy
Jesse Cross
Tara Lemenager
Woodbourne Center
Sunmy Brown
Donna Beck
5 YEARS
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Jeromey Ellinghuysen
Mitchell Tollefson
Michael Hednefield
Indian Oaks Academy
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Nexus
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Jennifer McIntosh
Onarga Academy
Brittney Merrill
10 YEARS
Gerard Academy
Brian Wells
Indian Oaks Academy
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Laura Hamm
Roberta Ruyle
Kindred Family Focus
Cimena Gordon
Mille Lacs Academy
Timothy Bretzman
20 YEARS
Gerard Academy
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Onarga Academy
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Woodbourne Center
Stratton Clark
Bartholomew Jackson
Lavinia Jackson
25 YEARS
Nexus
Jeffrey Hansen
Onarga Academy
Robert Poole