Nexus rounds out the year with recaps on all major achievements throughout 2016. Several events filled the sites with joy during the holiday season, and included support from the community.

1. GratitudeA time for
A NEXUS NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
cornerst ne
IN THIS ISSUE
Mission Moments 2
PracticingYouth-Guided Care 3
Performance & Outcomes
Report 5
Giving for the Future 6
Managing Holiday Stress 7
Mille Lacs Learns from the
Experts 9
Gerard Helps a Beautiful
Disaster 11
OnargaYouth Make Positive
Changes at School 13
Indian Oaks Benefits from Kids
Helping Kids 15
Woodbourne CenterTakes
Action 17
Kindred Hopes to Help Kids in
NeedThrough Adoption 19
Glen Lake Explains Restorative-
BasedTreatment 21

2. 1 | NOV/DEC 2016
David Hutchinson
“And now we welcome the new year,
full of things that have never been.”
—Rainer Maria Rilke
CEO: View from the Corner Office
In December, I can’t help but take one last look over my
shoulder at the passing year and peek ahead at the new
year coming our way.
The year 2016 was full of achievement and celebration
for Nexus. As an organization, we saw tremendous
growth in our services, continuum of care, and
employee engagement practices.
• We completed the Nexus Family-Driven Care
definition and listed our core family-centered
practices to help define and grow family-driven care
throughout the organization.
• We launched the Nexus Learning Collaborative to
provide efficient and accessible clinical trainings for
our staff.
• We advanced a Woodbourne capital campaign to
build a state-of-the-art vocational building and
program for the youth in our care and day students
from the community.
• We introduced the Nexus Practice Model to lead us
to the desired outcomes of safety, permanency, and
well-being for the youth and families we treat.
• We identified a Nexus functional assessment tool to
help us better gauge our progress with clients.
• We launched a coordinated public relations effort
to build support for fund raising and recruitment of
foster parents to our mission.
• We hired a Helpdesk Technician to provide first-
tier computer support to all of our facilities, and a
Database Administrator to work with the CQI team
to automate the collection and reporting of site
data.
• We renewed our focus on safety for staff and
clients through preventive measures and strategies
targeting restrictive procedures.
• We celebrated our superhero staff at the Nexus 5th
Annual Conference.
• We celebrated Mille Lacs Academy’s 25th
Anniversary and opened the new Pederson Pavilion
for families and their children.
• We celebrated the successful first year of Gerard
Community Mental Health Services outpatient
program.
• We saw significant program growth at Kindred
Family Focus.
• We celebrated the one-year anniversary of Nexus
Glen Lake.
• We celebrated Grand Prairie School’s recognition
for advocating for students’ educational experience.
• We celebrated Safe Harbor School’s 10-year
anniversary.
• We recognized Woodbourne Center’s achievement
of an 86% successful discharge rate.
It’s been a remarkable year. As the new year approaches,
we celebrate our achievements and look forward to all
that is yet to be. I have great confidence that Nexus’
momentum will continue well into the future.
Happy New Year!

3. NOV/DEC 2016 | 2
Brock Wolff
Mission Moments
COO: Operations Outlook
The Fuel in Our Engine
When David Hutchinson announced his retirement
recently, many people were shocked and saddened. But,
as always, David approached the transition in a well-
thought out and planful way. David worked with me over
the past four years to put me in a position to be able to
lead Nexus into the future. As a result, on March 3, 2017,
I will assume the role of President and Chief Executive
Officer of Nexus. I will do my best to help us continue
moving forward on the path David so successfully
navigated these past eight years.
Each site has incorporated success stories into their
operations in some form or another for many years. As
I begin as CEO, I really believe it is important for all of
Nexus to celebrate our successes much more often than
we do. I have always liked how Indian Oaks Academy has
incorporated “Mission Moments” into their management
meeting.
Mission Moments are stories about our mission in action.
These can be stories about staff, clients, families of clients,
or positive interactions with the community. Here’s an
example of a recent Mission Moment shared at IOA:
Mary (not real name) had suffered significant trauma
that had contributed to her mental illness. When she came
to IOA, she was not medicated for her mental illness;
therefore, the team had a difficult time deciphering between
what was real and what was perceived as real.
The clinical team hung in there and continued to build solid
relationships with Mary as she worked her way through
treatment.
Mary is now living back in the community and is thriving.
She keeps in touch with IOA staff on a regular basis to give
them updates, and receives ongoing support.
Our team shares in the Mission Moment of Mary’s
continued success and the fact that the team never gave up
on her.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to hear many
truly inspirational stories from staff throughout Nexus. It
always makes me realize that we all need to be constantly
reminded of the reason we are part of this field and this
great company.
I believe the stories of our success are the fuel that really
drives our engine. It is my hope that our employees take
more opportunities to share Mission Moments with their
colleagues. These moments are particularly impactful
when shared before meetings. The more we take time to
do this, the better we will be as an organization. Stories
can be as simple as how a coworker showed you respect
or demonstrated courage, or how one of our clients
thrived in a particularly tough situation.
I asked the Executive Directors to provide me with some
Mission Moments from each site, and I invite you to send
me your stories directly, as well. I promise to read them
all, and I will share them regularly with the Corporate
staff, the Board of Directors, and others I get a chance
to meet with. This will help me be a better CEO, will
bring us closer together, and will keep the mission of this
organization front and center, always.
Email me your stories directly at
bwolff@nexustreatment.org
(Please do not send full names of clients.)
I look forward to hearing more about the great work you
do every day.

4. 3 | NOV/DEC 2016
Over the past several
months, each site
has successfully
conducted the Nexus
Practice Model kickoff
session with their core
leadership and clinical
group. During the kick-off session, each site evaluated the
strengths and challenges of implementing the practice
principles. As I listened to the various discussions,
I was very impressed with the number of positive,
youth-guided care practices that are currently being
implemented. I want to highlight those positive practices
in this column, in the hope that our staff receive the
recognition they deserve for their creative efforts. I also
hope that each program will be inspired by their sister
agencies’ efforts.
Gerard Academy has established a Peace Keepers
Committee that includes two youth from each program
who meet twice a month. Each program has its own
youth representative group that acts as a liaison between
staff and youth. These youth also do the following:
• Discuss campus happenings and problem-solve how
to make positive changes;
• Plan fun campus-wide activities each month;
• Identify an improvement theme for the entire
campus to focus on each month, and identify a youth
representative to lead a life-skill group based on that
theme;
• Attend program team meetings and management
meetings once a month;
• Provide mentoring on other programs by leading
activities with specific youth, reading bedtime stories,
or talking to youth who are struggling. (In order
to be productive, a struggling youth is moved to a
different program, with an identified mentor who can
help redirect the youth for the night.)
Examples of Organizational Efforts
Glen Lake makes contact with youth prior to admission
so they can celebrate the youth’s arrival by presenting the
new client with their favorite dessert and a homemade quilt
made with the youth’s favorite colors.
Youth at Glen Lake also have the opportunity to participate
in the following ways:
• Lead skills groups;
• Identify how they like to be woken up in the morning,
what coping skills they want to use in times of need,
and what personal sensory items will help them stay
regulated;
• Make meal decisions and participate in meal
preparation;
• Design their restoration plans when making amends
for negative choices.
Indian Oaks Academy has established an Empowering
Youth Committee where youth participate in the following
activities:
• New hire orientation, where youth meet new
employees, provide youth perspective on services/
relationships with staff, and help staff understand
youths’ experiences;
• Leadership meetings, where youth discuss Mission
Moments and provide committee activity updates;
• New client admission, where youth greet new arrivals
and provide welcome letters and journals to new
clients.
Other youth-guided care practices at Indian Oaks include
youth participating in their staffing, if emotionally/mentally
able, giving input on their strengths, program status,
treatment plans, goals, and concerns. When youth begin
the end phase of treatment and prepare to transition, they
begin to facilitate their own staffing. Indian Oaks has also
included youth in their “meet-and-greet” interview process
with potential new staff.
The Clinical View
Practicing Youth-Guided Care
Dr. Michelle K. Murray
VP of Clinical Services

5. NOV/DEC 2016 | 4
Kindred Family Focus in-home therapy CTSS program
supports youth to identify and set their own treatment,
brainstorms how they will work on those goals, and gives
youth the opportunity to identify rewards they want to earn
as they make progress.
Kindred Family Focus foster care leadership has recently
worked on a progress note to guide Social Workers to
ask youth questions about their safety and experience
of care during their monthly visits. This gives youth the
opportunity to have a voice about their daily care and
needs.
At Mille Lacs Academy, every program has established
unique ways to implement youth-guided practices. Youth
participate in the following ways:
• Establishing a Youth Mentoring Program, whereby
youth assist other youth to identify and utilize a coping
skill or to positively relate to another peer, as well as
assisting new youth to learn the rules, names, and
expectations of a program;
• Taking on “coordinator” and “monitor” roles on the
program, allowing youth to be in charge of certain
areas/tasks;
• Providing input into privileges and choosing off-
campus outings;
• Conducting tours of Mille Lacs Academy for new youth
and visitors;
• Leading decisions regarding the transformation of a
program’s décor: e.g., wallpaper removal, mudding,
picking colors, and painting;
• Participating on the Student Council and planning
events;
• Being project leaders to identify site-wide projects,
training other youth on the project, and then leading
the review of what they learned;
• Designing program consequences and program goals
for success;
• Participating in an interest survey so that a new service
(i.e., vocational programming) can be designed based
on youth interest and need.
Onarga Academy recently established a Youth Council that
meets monthly. In their initial meeting, youth were tasked
to identify leadership opportunities across campus that can
be integrated into treatment.
In addition to being asked what they like about
treatment at Onarga Academy, youth were also given the
opportunity to talk openly about things they would like
changed. Some of the examples included having more
freedom with their clothing and the use electronics,
starting a music program and life skills class, and more
individualized rules and privileges.
Woodbourne Center also established a Youth Council
that includes two youth from each program that serve
three-month terms. The council meets monthly to
discuss milieu programming, concerns about the
programs, and offer ideas for improvement. Some ideas
from the Youth Council include the following:
• Establishing a work program for transitional-age
youth to earn some money and learn work entry/
independent living skills.
• Working with their peers to develop ideas and
projects to address aggression and violence on
campus to help Woodbourne implement its No
Violence Campaign.
Woodbourne Center also uses a Peer-Driven Model
for youths’ monthly treatment reviews. Youth lead the
meeting and address progress and/or concerns in all
treatment areas.

6. 5 | NOV/DEC 2016
Becky Schedin
Director of CQI & Research
Nexus 2015 Performance
& Outcomes Report
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts touch
many aspects of Nexus services and practices. As our
continuum of care and services have expanded, so have
our CQI efforts and our focus on outcomes. The CQI
and Communications team members worked together
to create the 2015 Performance and Outcomes Report to
reflect on and share our activities.
The report highlights many of our ongoing, resolved, and
continuing CQI efforts across Nexus sites, with a focus on
data and outcomes. We looked at information collected
across Nexus foster care and residential services, and at
the many endeavors that took place in 2015.
CQI measures several areas within our organization. The
report summarizes areas including client and services
trends, risk prevention and management, stakeholder
satisfaction, the Nexus Practice Model, and future
initiatives.
In addition to looking at Nexus overall, each site’s
activities and outcomes from 2015 are also included. We
used this report as a tool to showcase our many strengths
and address some of the challenges that took place, as
well as the action steps used to improve processes and
services.
We look forward to sharing the report with our Board
and staff, and hearing questions and feedback. Look for
the printed and electronic copy of the report as it gets
published later this month!
CQI: Quality Corner
Nexus 2015 Performance &
Outcomes Report
FAST FACTS
Nexus served nearly 2,200 youth
and families in 2015 across our sites
and services.
Residential services provided more
than 67,000 individual, group,
and family therapy sessions.
99% of referral agents and 89% of
families said they would refer to or
recommend our residential services
again.
Children’s Therapeutic Services & Supports (CTSS) and
Outpatient Services

7. NOV/DEC 2016 | 6
As we bring another successful fundraising year to a
close, the Development Department looks forward to
an even more productive 2017. According to a variety of
reputable sources, individual/household and foundation
giving were on the rise in 2016. The forecast for 2017
is equally positive. In 2016, giving was up 3.7% for
individuals and is expected to climb to 3.8% in 2017,
according to Philanthropy Outlook. These trends are not
a surprise, as 2015 was a record year in giving, with an
American record of $373.25 billion. In that year, 71% of
dollars donated came from individuals, with 16% coming
from foundations.
To break it down even further, 15% of that money went
to education, and 12% to human services. These current
numbers and predictions are well above the historical 10-
year and 25-year averages. Per sources, the contributing
factors for individual giving are due to “average growth
in personal income, and above-average growth in
household and non-profit net worth.”
Foundation Search reports that foundation giving
increased to 5.7% in 2016, and predicts an increase to
6.4% in 2017. Based on data from philanthropy.com,
two factors are at play for the increase: “Above-average
increase in the S&P 500, and slightly average to below-
average projected growth in the Gross Domestic Product
in preceding years.” The numbers for corporations are
also trending upward, with an increase of 4.5% in 2016
and an increase of 4.7% projected for 2017.
However, following the recent election, the landscape
of fundraising could face interesting changes across the
country. Non-Profit Quarterly recommends, “Good
governance and effective, efficient management are
never more important than when facing a sudden or
impending period of instability. As we head into a
presidential transition, we will doubtlessly see substantive
changes to our operating environments.” The article
further asks, “Is this organization fit enough, self-
knowledgeable enough, foresighted enough, and
connected enough to make it through an obstacle
course with as yet unknown threats?”
At Nexus, our focus will be to continue building
strong relationships with our current stakeholders,
establishing new connections with various
foundations and prospective donors, and remaining
vigilant on philanthropic trends.
As of the end of October, fundraising totals for all of
Nexus total more than $579,000. The fourth quarter
historically provides the greatest amount of giving
for the year, and we expect this trend to continue.
A number of grants and donation requests are still
pending, and we anticipate positive responses as a
result of hard work across the department. Below are
totals for each site.
Giving for the Future
Quality Corner
Development: Funding our Future

8. 7 | NOV/DEC 2016
Live Well: Health & Wellness
Feeling more dreary and fright than merry and bright
about the holidays? You’re not alone.
In a survey1
conducted by the National Association on
Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of those surveyed said they
experience the holiday blues, defined as “temporary
feelings of anxiety or depression that can be associated
with extra stress, unrealistic expectations, or even
memories that accompany the season.”
People experiencing the holiday blues may feel fatigue,
tension, frustration, loneliness, isolation, sadness, or a
sense of loss, according to NAMI.
Thankfully, the holidays — and the blues — are
temporary, but that’s no reason to suffer through them.
NAMI and the Mayo Clinic offer some tips2
to help
prevent stress and depression during the holidays.
Surround Yourself with Supportive and Caring People.
The holidays can be especially hard when you can’t
be with loved ones. If you are feeling sad or lonely,
talk to someone. Find a friend to share your holiday.
Community, religious, and social events can also
provide support and companionship. If your feelings
become persistent or begin to interfere with your daily
functioning, seek help from a professional.
Set Reasonable Expectations.
Are your decorations more nostalgic than boutique? Do
your cookies come from a tube instead of a recipe on the
Cooking channel? Hey, that’s okay. The holidays don’t
have to be picture perfect. The idea is to actually enjoy
the holidays. So, if you enjoy baking magazine-worthy
cookies, by all means, go for it. But if it’s just another chore,
buy some. Same goes for the holiday cards. Decide what
traditions mean the most to you, and let the other things go.
Stick to a Gift Budget.
There’s nothing more stressful than shopping when you’re
short on funds. Consider chipping in with others to buy
gifts for parents or siblings. Stockpile small gifts throughout
the year to help boost your holiday gift-giving. Gift a gift of
time: offer to cook dinner once a month; mow the lawn; be
a chauffeur. Take up a hobby and work on gifts throughout
the year that you can give during the holidays.
Try Saying this Little Word: No.
You’re popular this time of year. It seems like everyone
wants you in attendance. Office parties, family dinners,
friends’ parties, shopping trips with the girls, parades,
concerts, plays.... You don’t have to do it all. In fact, trying
to do it all will just leave you feeling drained and resentful.
An invitation isn’t a demand; you have a choice. Leave some
time in your schedule for relaxation.
Give Yourself a Gift.
Don’t neglect yourself this time of year. Get enough
sleep. Exercise. Eat right. Listen to music. Get a massage.
Read a book. Remember that the holidays are a time for
celebration. Don’t forget to experience the joy.
Managing Holiday Stress
When HO, HO, HO
becomes Oh, no, no!
1
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2015/Tips-for-Manag-
ing-the-Holiday-Blues
2
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/
stress/art-20047544?pg=1

10. MILLE LACS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
9 | NOV/DEC 2016 NOV/DEC 2016 | 18
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
VISITING THE HOME OF ICE CASTLE FISH HOUSES
In the continuing quest to build a fish house for Mille Lacs Academy
youth, a group of youth and staff traveled to Montevideo, MN, to tour
American Surplus – home of Ice Castle Fish Houses. American Surplus
has seen astronomical growth since a dealer in Milaca, MN, asked them
to build ten of their standard sheds with wheels in 1997. The new product
was a hit, and Ice Castle Fish Houses took off from there. Since then, they
have produced more than 20,000 fish houses.
The MLA group hoped to pick up construction pointers along with some
donated materials, on a recent visit. Happily, our gracious hostess, Karen
Bogan, helped MLA
accomplish both goals!
Karen granted the
youth and staff a full
tour of the facility,
where they followed the
construction of an ice
house from basic trailer
through framing,
electrical, insulating,
interior, and exterior
finishing.
American Surplus donated a large amount of materials at the conclusion
of the visit. The material list retails at almost $2,000 and includes hole
covers, windows, a deadbolt door lock, an exterior door, stone guard, and
siding.
C.W. Welding jump-started this project earlier in the year when they
generously donated a metal frame. At this point, Mille Lacs Academy just
needs some lumber to complete the materials list for the fish house.
Mille Lacs Academy sends a big thank you to American Surplus and C.W.
Welding for their generous support!
MilleLacsAcademy(MLA)consistentlystrives
tochangeliveseverydaythroughourmission
andvalues.Withthisinmind,MLAyouthand
staffseektobeaforceforgoodoutsideof
theAcademybyhelpingcombatthestruggle
againstregional,national,andglobalsuffering.
TeamsofMLAyouthandstaffhavemadeseveral
tripsdowntotheCoonRapidslocationofFeed
MyStarvingChildren(FMSC)togivebackto
thoseinneed.FeedMyStarvingChildrenisa
Christiannon-profitthatprovidesnutritionally
completemealsspecificallyformulatedfor
malnourishedchildren,worldwide.
Year-to-date,MLAhassenttengroupsof
volunteerstoFMSCtopackandboxmeals.The
278MLAparticipantshavepackedawhopping
270,465mealssofar.Thatequalsatotalof
$59,502worthoffoodthatwillfeed741
malnourishedchildrenforanentireyear!
Beforeeachpackingsession,abriefvideois
shownoutliningtherolesandresponsibilitiesof
eachvolunteerandhighlightingtheareasand
peoplethatwillbenefitfromthevolunteers’
efforts.ThemajorityoffoodpackagedbyMLA
volunteersisdirectedtowardHaiti.Oneyouth
notedthatvolunteeringforFMSCmadehimfeel
likehe“changedpeopleslives.”Anotheryouth
saidhefelt“accomplished”aftertheyfinished
packagingmeals.
Lessons from
the Experts
MLAyouthweretakenthroughtheproductionofthefishhouses.

11. NOV/DEC 2016 | 10
Director’s Report
In the book TheDailyEdge by David
Horsager, it explains the difference
between excellence and perfection,
and examines the traps that seeking
perfection can lead to. It outlines the
concepts that excellence is effective and
efficient, and the drive to be perfect
(perfectionism) is neither.
Seeking excellence over perfection is not an endorsement for
careless work.The path of achieving excellence relies on doing
great work and doing it on time. Perfectionism, on the other
hand, can lead a person to missing deadlines because they are
looking for the perfect outcome.
In our field, this is something that we must strive for –
incremental, optimistic growth will beat the quest for
perfection every time. Our systems are constantly changing,
but our decision to grow within the change is a choice.The trap
of perfectionism is waiting for the PERFECT time, the PERFECT
manner, the PERFECT intervention to produce the PERFECT
youth and family.The perfect treatment plan will never exist,
and the perfect group, individual treatment session, or one-
size-fits-all training will never materialize.
Instead, we can embrace the imperfections and see the
opportunities for incremental growth.This growth is enhanced
by the struggle for excellence, and revealed in that struggle –
not in spite of it.The opportunities to manage our imperfections
cause us to expand our abilities to meet the challenges of
tomorrow while drawing strength from the events, situations,
and lessons of today.
Impossible expectations for perfection lead to frustration,
anger, fear, sadness, and despair.These emotional states do not
empower a healthy legacy of change and impact.The chance to
work through the struggle and challenge ourselves to deal with
the illusion of the improbable – those challenges that seem just
out of reach, but really are not – make the road to excellence
worth it.
Perfect will never happen, but our daily choices for excellence
will produce results that speak infinitely louder than perfect
ideas or perfect intentions.
As we focus on thankfulness during this time of year, I wish
to express my gratitude to all of the staff at MLA and across
Nexus who help those we serve strive every day to achieve their
“improbables.” Your efforts cannot be measured in words, but
will be felt in the legacies of your actions for years to come.
TIMBERWOLVES/LYNX COACH RUNS CLINIC
Basketball season has arrived! The sound of a basketball
dribbling down the court, the squeaking of sneakers, the swish
of the net, the players, and the fans are all part of what makes
the sport great.
With hopes to give MLA youth the opportunity to experience
what kids everywhere get to do at any given school, we brought
in a special coach to teach the young men a little more about
the sport.
Coach Troy Pearson visited campus to share his knowledge
and passion for basketball. Pearson is a practice coach for the
Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball
teams, where he helps players hone their craft.
Pearson focused his clinic
around tips on how to
improve the kids’ game.
He began the day with
warm-up exercises he uses
with the pros. Then, he led
each group through drills
focusing on defense, ball
handling, and shooting.
After completing their
drills, the boys played a
shooting game. At the
end of the clinic, youth
received a Timberwolves
poster, Timberwolves
wrist-band, Gatorade, and
granola bars as a reward!
Pearson had this to say about his visit to MLA, “I really
appreciated spending (time) with you and the Mille Lacs
Academy students. I truly did enjoy myself, and I hope that
they did as well. I appreciate all that you are doing.”
CoachPearsonrandrillswiththeyouthandoffered
helpfultips.
Jason Donahue
Executive Director

12. GERARD ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
11 | NOV/DEC 2016
A tattoo written across Meghan Bauer’s upper chest reads
“Beautiful Disaster.” It’s a self-proclaimed declaration of
her life and perhaps a way to claim her life as her own
after running away from it for so long.
“When I came to Gerard in 2001, I was on a mission to
destroy everyone. I thought I would last three months,
and almost two years later, I graduated from high school
and left Gerard.”
Clinical Director Karen Wolf, Meghan’s therapist at
the time, remembers, “When Meghan came to Gerard,
the County had exhausted a lot of resources and were
running out of ideas on how to help her. She had been
very successful with getting kicked out of programs,
running away, and keeping people away from her core
emotional issues.” Gerard was Meghan’s tenth placement.
Early on in life, Meghan’s definition of normal was
defined by verbal aggression and physical violence
between her parents. “I saw my dad pull a gun on
my mom.” Her father, a highly intelligent man and a
graduate of Harvard University, suffered years of sexual
abuse as a child at the hands of his family. “It was a
family secret. Everyone knew, but didn’t do anything
about it.”
The cycle of abuse was passed on, and from the age of 3
to 7, Meghan was sexually abused by her dad. “My mom
didn’t believe me. It wasn’t until I told a school counselor
that I was finally heard.”
She ended up testifying against her dad in court, who
was found guilty and sent to prison. Shortly after, her
mother remarried. Meghan’s stepfather began physically
abusing her, even breaking her ribs. At the age of 12, she
started running away. She stayed in flophouses and once
watched another girl overdose on heroin. “I wanted the
pain to stop, but didn’t know how to make it go away.”
For the next six years, Meghan alternated between
living in the streets, juvenile detention, foster homes,
and residential services. After arriving at Gerard, she
figured it was a matter of time before she would run
away. Instead, it was the beginning of the first healthy
relationships that she’d had in her life.
“Karen never gave up on me like everyone else,” says
Meghan. “Even though I couldn’t see my worth, she
always did. She pushed me when I didn’t think I could go
any further, and she believed in me when I didn’t.
For Karen, giving up on Meghan wasn’t an option. “I
knew that she had something great inside of her waiting
to get out, and I wanted her to see that greatness. Once
she started trusting the process and seeing her own
value, I knew we could get her there.”
“The staff was willing to look beyond my past
behaviors,” Meghan says. “They cared while holding me
accountable.” Journaling became an important piece
in Meghan’s treatment. “Journaling is important to me
because every day that I am alive is a miracle in itself,
Beautiful Disaster
Meghan Bauer (left) is thankful for the dedication of her former therapist KarenWolf (right).

13. NOV/DEC 2016 | 12
Director’s Report
Asweapproachthecloseof
anotheryear,Iwanttoexpress
mygratitudeforanothergreat
yearatGerardAcademy.Iam
gratefulformymanagement
teamandtheirexceptional
talentsanddedicationtothe
youthandfamiliesthatwe
serve.Ihaveneverworkedwithabettergroupof
people.IamgratefulforallofthestaffatGerard;
therearenonebetter.OurCEODavidHutchinson
referstothosepeoplewhochoosetodothisworkas
the“elitefew,”andthatiswhatwehave.Ourstaffcare
deeplyabouttheirjobsandarewillingtodowhatever
isnecessarytohelpouryouthbesuccessful.Aday
doesnotgobythatIamnotimpressedwiththeir
qualityofwork.GerardAcademycurrentlyhasa95%
successrate,andyouneedlooknofurtherthanour
staff;thishashappenedbecauseoftheiroutstanding
work.
I’mgratefulfortheculturethatexistsatGerard
Academy.Peoplecaringaboutpeople,creatingan
environmentofexcellenceandanopportunityfor
eachoneofustogrowandlearnandtobecome
ourbest.SteveKing,DirectoroftheDepartmentof
CorrectionsinMowerCounty,recentlycommented
thatGerardisalwaysmovingforward.Wearealways
strivingtobethe“FirstChoice”forallofourcustomers.
IamalsogratefulforasupportiveCorporateoffice.I
knowfirsthandhowmuchtheycareforeachofusand
fortheissuesthatconfrontusonadailybasis.They
worklonghoursinsupportofourmission,andwe
simplycouldnotdoitwithoutthem.
Workingtogether,wehaveaccomplishedmuch;and
together,wewillaccomplishsomuchmoreinthe
yearstocome.
Brent Henry
Executive Director
and I want to document my life as it goes for my children and
grandchildren. I want them to be able to look at my journals
even when I am not here to find strength in their hardest
times.”
After she graduated and left Gerard, Meghan still struggled.
“You don’t erase a lifetime of pain in two years,” she said.
She went back to using drugs as a means to cope with the
unbearable hurt. “Even though I fell back into some old habits,
Gerard had planted a seed.”
Although she’s been clean for 10 years, she says, “I still struggle.
There’s no magic bullet for coping with trauma. The important
thing is that I don’t let what happened to me define who I am.”
Today, Meghan is five credits away from getting her Bachelor’s
degree in Child Psychology and Human Services. She and her
husband are raising their two daughters and rescuing pit bulls.
After everything she’s been through, one of her greatest
challenges was forgiving her father. “It came with maturity and
acceptance of myself,” she says. “Instead of allowing his abuse
to affect me and continue to control me, I found ways to look at
it as a positive. One of the things that helped me, and still does
today, is the idea that if I can help one person in my life for the
better because of what I went through, then everything in my
life was worth it.”
Meghan spoke at Gerard this summer and at the Minnesota
Council of Child Caring Agencies conference this fall. Her
message was simple: “What you do today will matter 15 years
later. Don’t give up on these kids.”
Looking at Meghan now, Karen says, “I am super proud of
her. Meghan is an amazing woman. I know she isn’t even close
to being done yet, and I feel confident she will inspire a lot
of people, as well as continue to be a great role model for her
girls.”
As Meghan looks forward, she wants to have an impact on
others who are struggling. “I want to show people that you don’t
have to be anything except what you want to be — that work,
loving yourself, and finding your inner strength is what gets
you through life. (I want) to have children, young adults, and
adults know they are not alone with mental health, and that you
can still live and not let it control every aspect of your life.”

14. ONARGA ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
13 | NOV/DEC 2016
SUPPORTING YOUTH
STAND UP TO BULLYING
October proved to be a busy month for Grand Prairie School students.
Students involved in Stand for the Silent (SFTS) kicked off October as
National Bullying Prevention Month to emphasize mutual respect among
peers.
Grand Prairie School’s chapter of Stand for the Silent, a national bullying
prevention organization, was created in 2013 at a student’s request. The
group has grown to 15 members and holds weekly meetings facilitated by
student officers. Mentored by therapist Corrie Herder, the group hosts a
monthly bullying awareness activity in addition to October’s initiatives.
“Sometimes the kids don’t associate their abusive behavior with bullying,”
said Herder. “So the creation of SFTS was to help them make the connection
between those two things.”
The month started with a balloon release and speeches from SFTS club
members. Construction paper handprints appeared in Grand Prairie
School’s lobby with inspirational messages and pledges to stand up against
bullying. “I am somebody” was the theme throughout this collage, a
reminder that each person matters.
The month continued with presentations on the bullying investigation policy
to let students know there is support if they need it. A themed dress-up week
finished out the month, along with a special memorial barbeque to honor
those who had taken their lives due to bullying and those who stand up
against it.
Onarga Academy works hard to provide as many
opportunities for our youth as possible, including
spiritual services to youth wishing to attend.
Religious leaders from local churches provide
nondenominational services that have become a
support system for the programs. Onarga Methodist
Church, Onarga Christian Church, LivingWord,
Life Church, and the Catholic Church of Gilman all
provide a variety of support for our youth.
This partnership has been a staple for Onarga
Academy for well over a decade. Each program
has a church liaison that serves as a mentor for the
kids, provides special goodies on their birthdays,
and is simply there when needed.The Catholic
Church of Gilman even buys Christmas presents
for kids who don’t have involved family members,
and all the churches come together to host an
annualThanksgiving dinner. Holiday celebrations
are rare experiences for some of the boys; these
opportunities are very special for them.
Youth greatly appreciate someone showing extra
care and concern for them, as these seemingly
small gestures are completely new to their world.
The pastors donate much of their time to Onarga
Academy; before providing services, each pastor
goes through training with Onarga’sTraining
Coordinator, Stacey Jewell, to provide trauma-
informed services and to learn how to work with
sexually problematic youth.
“I do believe that it is important to bring this service
to our boys to ensure they have the opportunity,”
said Jewell.“All of the pastors have been incredible
and have gone above and beyond what we’ve asked
of them.”
Making Change
Students released balloons and pledged to stand up to bullying in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month.
Jim Harkins, Donna Brosseau, and Jon Harkins at the pastor
thank-you luncheon.

15. NOV/DEC 2016 | 14
Director’s Report
Theholidayseasonisuponus.
Planswithfamilymembers
andourindividualhistories
tendtoawakenawiderange
ofemotionsformostofus.
Atmanypointsalongour
ownjourneys,wehaverelied
onfamilyrelationshipsfor
connectionsandsupport.Eachofuscanusually
thinkofasignificantfamilymemberandamemory
thatmakesussmile,laugh,orevencry.
OnargaAcademyprogramstaffunderstandthe
importanceofidentifyinganddevelopingfamily
connections,whichareparamounttosuccessful
outcomesandtransitionsbacktothecommunity.
WearealsoverysensitivetoAcademyyouth
whohavetocontendwithissuesoflongstanding
rejection,separation,andabandonmentfromtheir
families–allofwhichareamplifiedduringthe
holidays.
ThoughIoftencomplainoftheineffective
“hand-off”offamiliesuponadmissionfromour
predominantreferralsources,wehavecommitted
significantresourcestoimprovefamilyfinding
andengagementactivities. Infact,recentdata
indicatesthatOnargaAcademyhasa70%
familyinvolvementrateupondischarge. Family
engagementandrelationshipdevelopmentfor
manyyouthwillbethemostimportantandlasting
well-beingtreatmentinterventionwecanprovide.
ThankstoallOnargaAcademystaffforyour
valuableeffortstofind,engage,anddevelopfamily
relationshipsonbehalfofallyouthentrustedtoour
care.
DennisWiley
Executive Director
OVER 900 PAIRS OF SOCKS DONATED
No one knew what to expect when eighth-graders at Grand Prairie
School set out to collect socks for Socktober. The results blew the
socks right off Onarga Academy – the students collected 572 pairs
of socks and $336.16 of spare change to donate to local homeless
shelters. With the money collected, the class bought additional socks,
bringing the total donations to 938 pairs of socks!
Students jumped into the project with both feet when Grand Prairie
School teachers Amy Forbes and Jill Cultra shared Socktober with
them. Inspired by internet sensation Kid President, “Socktober”
encourages groups to give back to the community through warm
clothing and other needed items.
Working tirelessly to create collection boxes and banners to spread
the word, students were able to collect an outstanding number of
donations from Onarga Academy staff, youth, and the community.
One student jump-started the project by making a handcrafted change
box, getting $15 in collections, gathering a group of interested peers,
and writing a letter to his grandmother asking to involve her church.
“All of us are here because we need to change,” said that student. “By
giving actual change [through Socktober’s efforts], we are able to start
to see some change within ourselves.”
“Grand Prairie School is absolutely floored by the success of
Socktober. It’s fantastic that the kids took it upon themselves to make
this happen,” said Principal Tara Lemenager. “They are so proud and
excited that they created the Socktober drive themselves and were able
to give back to the community!”

16. INDIAN OAKS ACADEMY YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
15 | NOV/DEC 2016
TURKEY TROT FOR STARFISH
COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS
KVTA ANNIE JR. CAST HELPS LOCAL “ANNIES”
(Reprinted with permission of Kankakee Valley Theatre Association)
In October, the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association’s Young People’s
Theatre presented a charming rendition of Annie Jr. The community
and cast enjoyed the show, but also joined together to make a difference
in the lives of local foster kids and children in crisis care.
The project was called “Kids Helping Kids.” Once the cast members
were made aware of the needs of local children, they embraced the
challenge to do something. The three prongs of the project were a coat
drive, diaper drive, and change drive to raise funds for Christmas gifts
for foster kids.
Families cleaned out
closets and brought
coats/jackets. A cast
family contacted Flip
Flop Resale shop and
the shop donated a van
load of winter wear.
SmartWash of Bradley,
which is owned by a
cast family, donated
laundering services for
the coats and winter
wear collected.
The change drive for funds for Christmas gifts really brought out the
initiative of the cast members. They went to their schools and organized
events to raise funds, went door to door asking for help, held a bake
sale, donated their personal money weekly, organized a photo shoot
thanks to fifty9designs photography, charged admission to see them
shave their head (well, at least Daddy Warbucks did), put collection
containers in local businesses, and probably more that went unreported.
As a result of these efforts, second- and third-grade classes from
Manteno Elementary donated over $1,400, and the students of Bradley
Central donated over $650! Before the public performances of Annie Jr.,
Lots of participants were looking to burn calories
and help Starfish Family Homes at the same time.
The Bourbonnais Park District’s annualTurkeyTrot
5k & 10k plus 2-mile walk was held on November
12, with more registrations than last year’s race.
IOA and Safe Harbor School staff turned out to
work, run, and predict their times for a shot at a
free turkey.
Aftercare Coordinator Meghan Grober heads up the
race with the park district each year, and made sure
our youth were involved. Starfish Advisory Board
Chair SueAnn O’Connor thanked participants, and
said all of the support helps provide love, hope, and
safety to foster children in our community.
For the past several years, an area church has been
serving a traditionalThanksgiving turkey dinner
for IOA on the Saturday before the holiday. It
began with a small group of parishioners fromThe
Peoples Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois.That effort
has grown to include three more churches and
live entertainment: Risen Savior Lutheran Church
and First Baptist Church in Manteno; theWorship
Center in Bradley, Illinois; and the Ascension Band
from Mount Prospect, Illinois.
This year, they served more than 300 meals to our
youth and the staff that accompanied them to the
IOA gym.Ten turkeys, delicious side dishes, scores
of desserts, and uplifting music later–our hearts
(and stomachs) were full with gratitude.
Kids Helping Kids
Annie cast and their families at drop-off day at IOA.
Safe Harbor teachers on the course!

17. NOV/DEC 2016 | 16
Director’s Report
As2016comestoaclose,Iam
remindedhowhumbledIamto
workatIndianOaksAcademy
andbesurroundedbysuch
ahardworkingteamofstaff
whoarecommittedtomeeting
theneedsofthechildrenwe
serve.Duringthisseasonof
thankfulness,Iamtrulythankfulandhonoredtowork
side-by-sidewiththisteam.
It’sbeenanexcitingyearforIOA.In2016,IOAwas
selectedbyDCFSasoneoffourIllinoisagenciesto
pilottheRegenerationsProgram,whichtargets
youthwhoarealreadyintheDCFSsystemdueto
delinquencyissues.Thegoalistoreturnthoseyouth
toahomeenvironmentintheshortestamountof
timepossible,usingintensivewraparoundservices.A
mentorfromtheyouth’shomecommunityprovides
upto30hoursperweekofcommunityreintegration
help.OurfirstRegenerationsclientarrivedatIOAlast
November,andseveralmorehavearrivedoncampus;
allaredoingexceptionallywell.Wealsolaunchedthe
CrossroadsProgram,anassessmentandstabilization
unit,withalreadypromisingresults.OurOutsidethe
LinesLGBTyouthgroupworkedwiththeIllinoisSafe
SchoolsAlliancetohelpareahighschoolsestablish
Gay-StraightAlliances.
Manydedicatedpeoplesupportourkidsinso
manyways:thechurcheswhoserveatraditional
Thanksgivingmealtoourentirecampus,thefolks
whoprovideculturalartsopportunities,thosewho
workside-by-sidewithourkidsoncommunityservice
projects,andthosewhomakesureouryouthenjoya
memorableChristmas.Wearethankful.
Mary Ann Berg
Executive Director
the cast had already raised over $3,400 by the direct effort of kids
helping kids. The cast of Annie Jr. took to heart the biblical call to
care for orphans in their distress!
It was heartwarming to see people arrive at the show carrying
gently used coats and packages of diapers. As the community
rallied behind this cause, the stash of coats and diapers grew and
the jars of change for Kids Helping Kids filled.
When all was said and done, the community and cast were able
to present Starfish Family Homes, the foster care arm of Indian
Oaks Academy, with over 215 clean coats and winter wear. More
than 2,400 diapers were donated for Safe Families for Children, a
national organization to care for kids in crisis or emergency care.
Kids Helping Kids also presented Starfish Family Homes with just
over $5,000 for their annual Spirit of Starfish Giving fundraiser,
which provides a Christmas gift to every foster child in Kankakee
County.
MARKING MILESTONES
Indian Oaks Academy’s Safe Harbor School celebrated its 10th
anniversary as a privatized school in 2016, with the largest
graduating class in school history: 16 seniors received high
school diplomas, and 11 eighth-graders were promoted to high
school.
We also celebrated our fall
treatment graduation, with 23
youth slated to graduate. The
Cornerstone speaker was Brent
Gerardy, a former youth and
Program 1 alumni. He shared
how he addressed his difficult
past and made a new life for
himself. Brent explained how
he still uses the Cornerstone
Values every day. “Those values have helped me accomplish
things that, at one time, never felt possible.”
Thanks to the Graduation Committee, who once again made
the event run like clockwork, and to the Empowering Youth
Committee members, who acted as ushers and participated in the
ceremony.
GraduatereceiveshisdiplomafromExecutive
DirectorMaryAnnBerg.

18. WOODBOURNE CENTER YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
17 | NOV/DEC 2016
Energized by the Nexus Annual Conference in September, the Woodbourne
superheroes were ready to take action back at their home base! Executive
Director Tony Wilson led a post-conference meeting for attendees to keep
the energy and momentum going, and to inspire them to share what they
learned with other staff. Several ideas blossomed from conversations with
other sites’ staff members, and Woodbourne staff are busy putting these ideas
into practice.
Woodbourne’s gym teacher, Lionel Matthews, is enthusiastic about running
sound therapy sessions, sometimes called sound healing. The Globe Institute
of Sound & Consciousness says “sound healing, through various techniques
and technologies, is the educated and conscious use of the energy of sound
to reach identified goals and promote wellness in the human system.” The
practitioner uses singing bowls, drums, and other tools to bring about a
relaxing and stress-relieving effect on the participants.
Woodbourne staff revisited the idea of a mentor for new employees,
expressing that it would be beneficial for new hires to learn from experienced
staff and talk to someone when they are starting out. At the conference, some
staff learned that other Nexus sites have a staff mentor plan in place, and
it works well for them. Unit Coordinators Taavon Chambers and Darron
Edwards are sharing this idea with the Clinical Management Group.
In relation to learning from each other, Behavior Specialist Maurice Miller
brought up the idea of peer-to-peer training, and HR Manager Steven
Schreiber began gaging interest during Woodbourne’s recent town hall
meetings. These trainings could cover a wide variety of topics, as long as
they received approval. Staff could lead trainings related to more basic
programming, structure, and organization, or deeper topics like self-care.
This information could be saved and used to build a training library for
others to access. These efforts convey how each staff member’s knowledge is
greatly valued, and shows that we are hungry to learn more.
Addie Johnson’s Communication Laboratory training from the Annual
Conference was highly lauded, and staff felt that it would be beneficial to
provide it to several departments and teams. Woodbourne’s Development
Director, Bill Mojica, also led a conference training session on leadership. He
plans to continue sharing resources with those who attended his session, and
will work with other staff to develop an on-site leadership development plan.
CAREER SERIES
Woodbourne Center is hosting a career series so
its students can learn from professionals in various
fields.The first guest speaker was Baltimore R&B pop
artist, Pierre Sawyers, who shared his experience
and advice on what it takes to be successful in the
entertainment industry.
Sawyers identified with some of the youth at
Woodbourne Center.“I wasn’t always this calm,”he
said, acknowledging that he, too, had behavioral
difficulties in school.“I made a change because I
wanted better for myself,”he told the boys.
Sawyers’message emphasized responsibility, and the
two key factors he believes create success–respect
and being on time. Sawyers identified respect as a
requirement to be taken seriously as an artist, and
key in collaborating with other industry professionals.
Sawyers did not sugarcoat working in the music
industry. He talked about the long hours and warned
the youth that things can get really irritating when
working with your own art. Even though music is his
passion, Sawyers said he continues to work a day job
to cover the expenses of producing his own music
and videos.
During the forum with Sawyers, aWoodbourne staff
member commended him for talking about finding
success and not partaking in drugs. Sawyers told the
youth that even when all of his friends were using
drugs, he abstained and stayed focused.“Stay around
positive people,”he advised. He explained to the
students that many people turn to drugs and alcohol
to cope with stress, but instead of falling victim to
that lifestyle, they can find release in writing music
or poetry.
“However I feel, that’s what I write,”he said.
“Everybody has a story, but there are different ways
you can handle it.”
Even though success in the music industry can be
hard to come by, Sawyers told the students that they
have the power to make their dreams a reality. He
said,“You’ve got to work hard at it, but don’t think
you can’t make it.”
Taking Action

19. NOV/DEC 2016 | 18
Director’s Report
Aswegetclosertotheendof
anothersuccessfulyear,Iamvery
appreciativeofallofourstaffwho
havecontinuedtogiveallthat
theycanforthegoodofourkids.
Weaimtobecomethepremier
provider,firstchoicefortreatment
inMaryland.Wewillachieve
thisbyresponsivelyservingtheneedsofourclients
andfamilies,providingexcellentcustomerservice,and
remainingopentonewideasthatputusonthecutting
edgeoftreatment.
NewOpportunities–Aswesaygoodbyetothisyear,
wehavetheopportunitytoreflectonthestruggleswe
encountered,yetmanagedtoworkthrougheffectively.
Thisyearsawcontinuedgrowthandimprovement.Iknow
wewilllearnfromthoseexperiencesastheyguideusto
newandexcitingopportunitiesin2017.
RoomForImprovement–Woodbournemade
tremendousimprovementsinavarietyofareas.Ourgoal
willbetoimproveuponthosefocusareas,tocontinuously
seekbetterment,andtoacceptnewchallenges.Our
commitmenttofindingsolutionswillbeevidentaswe
lookfornewideastoaddressissuesandchallenges.
MakeaCommitment–MychallengetoWoodbourne
istoidentifysomethingyouwanttoimprovewithin
yourselfandyourexperienceatWoodbourne,andcommit
tomakingthoseimprovementsthisyear.Ifyouwant
toimproveWoodbourne,becomeamentor,developa
trainingorprotocolthatwillimproveaprocess,learna
newskill. Ichallengeeachofustocommittobeingthe
bestthatwecanbe.
DevelopaPlan–Thetimeisnowtoplanforthe
adventuresof2017. Asweknow,thejourneyfor
improvementisadifficulttask.However,weareexcited
tomeetthechallenge,andwewillcelebrateour
successesalongtheway.Whatisyourplan?Howwillyou
combatfatigue,burnout,andfrustrationasitapproaches
youalongtheway?Woodbournewillbestrategicand
intentionalinhowweprepareourselvestoprovide
servicestoouryouth,families,andthecommunity.
AnthonyWilson
Executive Director
The Woodbourne Staff were inspired by many of the ideas
from our friends at Indian Oaks Academy. One in particular
involved incorporating clients into the new hire orientation.
Woodbourne plans to implement this idea as a great way for
staff to hear from our kids, and not just about them, before their
work really begins.
Mr. Lee Cooper, Woodbourne’s Recreation Specialist, had a
productive conversation with Monique Davis at Indian Oaks.
Davis runs the Resident Council at her site, and she and Cooper
plan to meet over video to share and learn from each other.
Another opportunity for idea-sharing was discovered when
Cooper mentioned how Davis runs Indian Oaks’ Employee
Appreciation Committee. Woodbourne hopes to connect Davis
with the Lavinia Jackson, chair of the Woodbourne Employee
Appreciation Committee, so they can discuss ways to build
morale and engagement on campus.
Another idea around morale building was a discussion on
implementing Interdepartmental Olympics as a way to connect
and simply enjoy each other’s company. Communications
and Fundraising Assistant Sarah Weissman mentioned that
spending more time spent off campus to enjoy each other’s
company could make a real difference.
The conference attendees are meeting again in December to
follow-up on many exciting initiatives.

20. KINDRED FAMILY FOCUS YOUTH AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS
A FAMILY MEMBER
19 | NOV/DEC 2016
BEST BUY DONATES
SWEET CASES
Minnesota’s Department of Human Services Commissioner, Emily
Piper, recently wrote a guest column asking families to consider
adoption in honor of National Adoption Month. She opened the article
saying, “Think of your kids, nieces or nephews or other young people in
your life and then think of what they need each day to grow into great
adults: care, guidance, stability and unconditional love.”
The Dave Thomas Foundation reports that nationwide, more than
100,000 children are waiting in foster care for an adoptive family. In
Minnesota, 489 children are waiting for adoption from foster care,
group homes, emergency shelters, and residential treatment facilities.
For Minnesota, Piper states, “Of the kids in need, 60 percent are siblings
who need to be adopted together; 59 percent are children of color; 53
percent have documented physical, mental, emotional or behavioral
disabilities; and 42 percent are 12 to 18 years old.” These older youth
often age out of foster care with no family or permanent home.
“Last year, families adopted 662 children from the foster care system,”
she reports. “We need more families to make this lifelong commitment
to love, nurture and support children who are waiting.”
A saying often heard within our organization is “these kids just want to
be kids.” And Piper relays just that: “The kids currently in our care share
a lot of the same dreams, interests, wants and needs of other young
people in your life. We hear: ‘I want a dog,’ ‘I want to get my driver’s
license,’ ‘I want to play with my brothers and sisters’ and ‘I want to be
accepted for who I am.’”
A group from Best Buy was in search of a fun
and creative employee engagement activity
for an upcoming Halloween party–what
better than an activity that gives back to the
community!
Through the organization,TogetherWe Rise,
the Best Buy group decorated and filled 48
duffel bags, a.k.a. sweet cases, to give to
Minnesota youth in foster care.The idea
behind this project is to give kids in foster
care a bag to use when transitioning to a new
home, or when entering or leaving foster
care. Often times, these youth stuff their few
belongings into a garbage bag, which can send
a very negative message to both the child and
the community.
The sweet cases (pictured below) provide the
youth a few more items to call their own, like a
teddy bear, blanket, and books. Each case also
comes with a personal note from the person
who decorated and stuffed the bag.
We are so thankful to be chosen for this
generous gift, and know the youth who receive
these bags will be grateful, as well.
Minnesota Searches for Adoptive Families
Kids in Need
KFF Development Coordinator, Alison Sherman
(left), with Best Buy rep (right) packed the 48 sweet
cases up for delivery.
The kids currently in our care share a lot of the
same dreams, interests, wants and
needs of other young people...

21. NOV/DEC 2016 | 20
Director’s Report
KFFisfacingthechallengeof
managingtheFairLaborStandards
Act(FLSA).Severalfactorscontribute
totheuncertaintyofhowFLSAwill
impactouragency:
1. KFFdoesn’tsetitsown
administrativerates.Weholda
HostCountyContractthat
establishesratesforeachprogram,regardlessofoffice
location.
2. Ourworkisn’tcompletedonaneight-to-fiveschedule.
3. Oursupporttofosterparentsandyouthisoftencrisis-
relatedandinvolvesbehaviormanagement.
Ourprimaryconcernisourabilitytorespondtosituational
crises,whichoftenoccurafterhours,intheevening,oron
weekends.Thedilemmathenishowtobestsupportafoster
familywhenthesocialworkerhasalreadycompletedtheir
40-hourworkweek.Wemayneedtoredefineourpractice
andservicedelivery,recruitmentofnewfosterparents,and
programdevelopment.
Wewanttosupportallcommunitiesandplacefosteryouth
asclosetotheirfamilyaspossible.However,traveltime
forsocialworkersrestrictedtoa40-hourweekbecomes
difficultwhengoinglongdistancestosupportayouth
andfamily.Likewise,ifasocialworkerfeelstheneedtobe
physicallypresent,regardlessofreason,theywouldhave
toadjusttherestoftheirworkweek.Additionally,whena
socialworkertakestimeoff,othersocialworkerstypically
covermorethantheirregularcaseload.
Thelevelofsupportfosterparentsareaccustomedtomay
feelcompromised.KFFagencysupportisakeyprogram
differencedistinguishingusfromotherprograms.Wehave
attractedpotentialfamiliesthroughrecommendations
byourlicensedfosterparentswhobelieveKFFsupportis
essentialtotheirsuccess.
Asecondconcernisthepotentialforincreasedfosteryouth
disruptions.IftheimpactofFLSAcompromisessupport,
clientsmayexperiencemultipleplacements.Additionally,
fosterparentsmaychoosetoleavefostercare,feelingless
effectiveintheirwork.
FLSAiswell-intentioned.Wewilljustworktomaintain
currentlevelsofsupporttoourfosterparentsandyouth,
whilestayingmindfulofourstaff’swell-beingand
workloads.
George Hendrickson
Executive Director
“They are waiting for parents to tuck them in at night,
help them with their homework and guide them through
the college application process,” she writes. “They are
waiting for parents to encourage their artistic skills,
nudge them into trying out for the swim team and clap
loudly for them at the end of their school play. They are
waiting for siblings to play catch with, listen to music
with and walk with to the bus stop each morning. They
are waiting for parents to call ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad” and
siblings to call ‘my brother’ and ‘my sister.’”
These simple wishes could change a waiting child’s life,
while so many others kids with families take them for
granted.
As an agency that provides adoption services throughout
Minnesota, we echo Piper’s plea: “We’re looking for
adoption parents who can provide love, guidance and
structure to children. We especially need parents for
older children and sibling groups who need to remain
together when adopted. We need adoptive parents who
are willing to take on the challenges of parenting, seek
the community resources and services children need, and
commit to a lifetime of love, nurturing and support.”
The best gift you can give a waiting child this season is
a permanent and loving home. If you’re interested in
adoption, please reach out to Kindred Family Focus at
612-331-4429.

22. 21 | NOV/DEC 2016
At Nexus Glen Lake, we are dedicated to finding
creative and effective ways to provide residential
treatment for the young ladies in our care. Sometimes
identifying new ways to provide treatment requires a
process of trial and error.
Restorative-Based Treatment has paved the way for
how we handle the problematic behaviors that affect
relationships at Nexus Glen Lake. This practice has
changed the culture at Nexus Glen Lake over the past
several months, and has impacted how our staff and
youth work together. It has already yielded positive
outcomes.
Youth living in residential care facilities are often
faced by many challenges. A visual representation of
those challenges are the problematic behaviors they
exhibit. Most residential placements impose structured
consequences for youth, and those consequences are
often consistent in nature despite differences in client
needs. Sometimes the consequence does not fit the
behavior exhibited by a youth. With this in mind, the
treatment team at Nexus Glen Lake utilizes an effective
system of restoring relationships rather than focusing
on structured consequences to promote a safe and
healthy treatment environment.
Below is a brief example of how Nexus Glen Lake uses
ideas from Restorative-Based Treatment to respond to
some behaviors exhibited by youth.
When a youth displays a problematic behavior such
as aggression, they are immediately placed on PAUSE.
During pause, the youth is prohibited from engaging
in unnecessary activities so they focus on the need for
RESTORATION.
Youth may become frustrated by the pause status,
but once they are emotionally stable and seemingly
receptive to staff, a restoration plan is initiated by the
Milieu Supervisors and/or the Therapist within the
program.
The restoration plan includes a variety of steps.
The youth is first asked to describe the event in
their own words. Anyone who witnessed the event
is also asked to share their perspective in order to
identify any distortions that may present in the
youth’s recollection of the event. Providing additional
perspectives has been specifically useful in challenging
the youth’s distortions of the event or their own
behavior. Memories tend to become distorted when
a person is in an emotionally escalated state. People
are also usually resistant to taking responsibility for
Restorative-Based
Residential Treatment
Amends
closure
Healing
RECONCILE
empathy
Advocate
support
PRACTICE
RELATIONSHIPS
Collaboration
hope
forgive
RESPECT
Responsibility
HONESTY
inclusion
RESTORATIVE

23. NOV/DEC 2016 | 22
problematic behaviors because of the fear of shame or
embarrassment.
Once an accurate narrative of the event is agreed upon, the
youth is helped to identify the various individuals who may
have been affected by their behavior (staff, peers, family,
community members, etc.), and asked to brainstorm ways
to reconcile with those individuals. During this process,
the youth is also coached to identify how their behaviors
affected themselves. Some examples could include offering
encouragement to a peer, leading an activity, fixing or
cleaning up anything damaged during the incident, making
dinner, doing extra chores, writing a letter, etc.
Staff continue to work with the youth to complete these
tasks, all the while emphasizing the goal of restoration
rather than punishment. Once the youth has completed
their restoration plan and all tasks involved, they are
removed from pause and can continue engaging in all
aspects of the treatment environment.
The entire process is cooperative, supports community
building, and ensures a culture of mutual respect.
Restorative practices such as these are used as a primary
form of discipline at Nexus Glen Lake. This approach
gives problematic behavior a context, and as a result, the
youth are encouraged to experience empathy as a form of
diversion rather than simply avoiding a consequence.
Director’s Report
Aswecontinuetodevelopour
buddingprogram,ithasbeen
importanttomakeinnovation
andcreativeinterventiona
priorityatNexusGlenLake.
Muchofourfirstyearwas
spentidentifyingwaystomore
effectivelymanageourmilieuthroughsupportof
thepositionsprovidingdirectcaretoourclients.
Throughthededicationofourcurrentstaffteam,
wearenowabletomoveontothenextlevelof
conceptualizingourinnovativeprogramwitha
focusonthetherapistpositionswithintheNexus
GlenLaketreatmentteam.
Theroleoftherapistwithinaresidentialfacility
canincludemanytasks. Typically,thetherapist
focusesonindividual,group,andfamilytherapy. At
NexusGlenLake,duetochallengingphysicalspace
andthecomplexityofthestart-up,ourtherapists
havealsobeenworkingside-by-sidewiththe
program’sYouthCareProfessionals. Wehavefound
benefittohavingthetherapistembeddedinthe
milieuinthisuniquewaytoassessclientneeds,
developinterventions,andmodelthosetreatment
approaches.Wehopetofurtherdeveloptherole
oftherapistinourprogrambyusingwhatwehave
learnedinourinitialyear.
Ourabilitytoinnovateandflexiblyconceptualize
thisimportantpositionisaresultofthededication
andwillingnessofourclinicalteam.ClinicalDirector
MichaelFrankeandTherapistsDanaSuttlesand
AnnMarkovichhaveallowedNexusGlenLake
tobeflexiblyinnovativeinprovidingcareand
treatmentforourgirls. Thisapproachwillensure
ourprogramisabletocontinuethedevelopmentof
ourtreatmentapproachand,ideally,identifynew
andeffectivewaysofhealing.
Lynn Starr
Associate Director

24. Have an idea for a story?
Contact Amy Leach, Cornerstone Editor
aleach@nexus-yfs.org
763-551-8666
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.
Editor: Amy Leach
505 Highway 169 North, Suite 500
Plymouth, MN 55441-6447
Corporate: 763-551-8640
Editor: 763-551-8666
aleach@nexustreatment.org
www.nexustreatment.org
www.nexus-yfs.org
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