cornerst ne

A NEXUS NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2014
IN THIS MONTHS ISSUE
Nexus 3rd Annual Conference Recap
2014 Ambassador of Excellence Award Winners
A Broader Focus for our Mission Statement
A Laser Focus for our Vision Statement
Ripples
f excellence
CEO
from the corner ofce of the
Creating Ripples of Excellence
Te 2014 Nexus Annual Conference just wrapped up
in Minneapolis, MN, and it was a huge success. We
had our largest attendance ever, with staf from all
sites represented.
While the conference, now in its third year, ofers
learning sessions, fun activities, and guest speakers, it
also provides staf with an opportunity to meet with
and learn from experts at other Nexus sites. More
importantly, it gives all staf a chance to connect to the
larger organization that Nexus has become.
Tis years conference theme was Ambassadors of
Excellence, and the focus was on going above and
beyond our routines to create an environment of
sustained excellence. I hope those who attended were
inspired to bring sustained excellence back to their
sites. If you were not able to attend this years event,
I urge you to watch the presentations that are posted
on Nex-Net under the Annual Conference tab. Tere
are some powerful testimonials from staf, referral
sources, and youth we have served.
Excellence happens when we develop good, positive
relationships with our kids, families, and community
members. It happens when we create a wow
experience that they want to share with others. And it
emerges when we use the Cornerstone Values to guide
our actions.
All of our work, together, creates excellence for
our customers from maintenance to kitchen to
counselor to corporate. When we make every step
in the process count, excellence is within our grasp.
It doesnt matter what your job function is. It doesnt
matter if you are support staf, direct care staf, or a
supervisor. You could be answering the phone, doing
general ledgers, serving lunch, dispensing medication,
leading a group, or talking to a campus visitor.
It only takes a little extra efort to be a part of
something truly extraordinary, and there is no
downside to excellence. Everyone benefts from it: the
kids, the families, and each and every one of you.
Share the WOW, and inspire others to fnd ways to
create memorable experiences for our youth, families,
and partners. Every time you share that Mission
Moment, you strengthen our culture of excellence.
Every day, you create a ripple of excellence that
touches more lives, more families, and more
communities.
You really are making the world a better place, one
child at a time.
Just as ripples spread out when a single
pebble is dropped into water, the actions
of individuals have far-reaching effects.
Dalai Lama
1 | SEPTEMBER 2014
message from the COO
Wolff Calls
Youre Awesome. Yes, You!
Such an amazing time for NexusIt really is!
I have now been here two years, and I have such an incredible
perspective in my role as COO. I get to see all the amazing
things every site and program is doing each and every day. It
is truly breathtaking when all our great accomplishments are
put together. We have positively impacted so many lives, truly
living up to our great mission.
David has done a fantastic job of leading and positioning this
organization not only to be strong today, but ensuring we
are strong well into the future. Financially, Nexus has never
been stronger or more stable. In 2007, we had $46.4 million
in assets; today, we have nearly $96 million. In 2007, our total
revenues were $40 million. Today, our revenues are nearly $75
million (and growing)!
We have developed a much broader continuum of services,
from 1 in 1972 to nearly 25 today (and growing). We continue
to expand our evidence-based practices, with emphasis on
family partnership and trauma-informed care.
We continue to renovate and move into new facilities,
providing new furnishings to all our residents. Tis is our great
statement to the youth we serve that they are valued.
We are now being approached regularly by state and county
ofcials to bring our excellent services to them. Tis is
evidence that Nexus is seen as a premier provider. We are being
recognized as a true leader in our feld.
We have been this successful for one reason and one reason
only: our people. Our hard-working, committed and mission-
driven staf is what separates us from others in our feld
and truly defnes what it means to be excellent. You are all
Ambassadors of Excellence! Tank you.
Tere isnt enough space here to mention everything our
sites have done this past year, but I want to highlight one key
accomplishment of each. Nexus staf and sites are working
to bring excellence to kids, families, and communities in
everything we do.
Gerard Academy
Gerard Academy opened Te Villa this year, and it wasnt long
before things were right back where they were before the dorm
opened all 93 beds on campus flled, with a long waiting list.
Onarga
Academy
Onarga
Academys
Transitional
Living Program
earned a #1
ranking in
Illinois for the fourth consecutive year.
Woodbourne Center
Woodbourne re-launched its Development Program this past
year, and has already raised more than $100,000 in cash and
donations to support the youth at Woodbourne Center.
Mille Lacs Academy
Mille Lacs Academy successfully negotiated a county contract
per diem increase to include additional support for a second
Clinical Director and two auxiliary Terapists.
Indian Oaks Academy
Indian Oaks Academy assumed operations of Starfsh Family
Homes, and will continue to provide support services to foster
families, while developing foster care services at Indian Oaks.
Kindred Family Focus
Kindred Family Focus became the frst foster care agency in
the state to ofer foster families fnancial and resource support
through Nexus CARES (Cash and Respite Enhancements).
Corporate
Human Resources Instituted a PTO Cash-Out Program that
allows employees to request from 1 to 5 full days of PTO to be
paid out to them from their PTO balance once each year.
Clinical Services Successfully completed a COA-
reaccreditation process this past year.
Business Development Has been working on an Intensive
Residential Program for Adolescent Females and an out-of-
state Boys Program, as well as innovative new ways to deliver
mental health services in outstate Minnesota.
IT Has brought large-scale upgrades to virtualization across
Nexus, increasing agile growth capacity for the future.
CQI Broadened the scope of activities and meaningful
data use and refection throughout Nexus continuum of
care, continuing to shif from compliance to areas of key
performance indicators and outcomes.
I applaud all of your eforts. Congratulations on a great year!
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 2
3 | SEPTEMBER 2014
The Nexus 3rd Annual Conference in Plymouth, MN,
was the largest yet, with more than 120 staf from all
six sites in attendance.
Events kicked of with an opening speech on Creating
a Culture of Excellence, delivered by Nexus CEO David
Hutchinson. Guest speaker David Mann addressed the
crowd on matching the content of words with intent,
using both sides of the brain for problem-solving,
and living the Cornerstone Values.
After a short break, attendees took part in selected
learning sessions on Collaborative Problem-Solving,
Funding for the Future, Mapping Aftercare Services,
Developing Confict Competence, Opening the Door
to Inclusion of Transgender Youth, and CQI.
Evening events included a New Orleans Dixieland
dinner on Wednesday evening with live music
provided by the Figs, and a Derby Race with prize
drawings on Thursday.
The conference ended with a summary of the years
highlights by COO Brock Wolf, the 2014 Nexus
Ambassador of Excellence Awards presentation, and
closing remarks by CEO David Hutchinson.*
* Video of David Hutchinsons opening and
closing speeches and Ambassador Awards
Presentations can be viewed online under the
Annual Conference tab on Nex-Net. Breakout
Learning Session PowerPoints and handouts
are also available for download and review, as
are photos from the conference events.
The Welcome Committee.
Fun and frivolity.
A Dixieland dinner with live music by the Figs.
Beautiful weather allowed for outdoor dining.
New Orleans in Minnesota!
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 4
Opening ceremonies.
Breakout Learning Sessions.
Derby Night!
Selfes with the CEO!
Ambassador Awards
Buffet Dinner
Place your bets!
5 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Ambassador of Excellence
Award Winners2014
Te Ambassador Award was established as a Nexus-wide recognition program for those individuals who exemplify
the best in all of us and who model our Cornerstone Values and Guiding Principles. Each ambassador was nominated
by their fellow peers on the following criteria:
Exhibits a passion for the work they do.
Exemplifes the values and principles of the organization to all they come in contact with, both internally
and externally.
Exhibits and models behaviors that go above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Has been a shining example of how to put others frst.

Onarga Academy
Sarah Thomson
Sr. Counselor -TLP
Indian Oaks Academy
Malissa Roby
Unit Coordinator
Mille Lacs Academy
Colleen Kightlinger
Accounting Specialist
Gerard Academy
Chris Probst
School Coordinator
Kindred Family Focus
Andrea McCormick
Regional Supervisor
Woodbourne Center
Mechelle Dukes
Recreation Coordinator
5 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Congratulations to this Years Ambassadors of Excellence!
Watch the awards presentation video online under the Annual Conference tab on Nex-Net.
Nexus Mission & Vision
their childs success and long-lasting outcomes, which is
central to our Family Partnership Initiative.
Lastly, we added communities to our new Mission
Statement because we want to make a bold statement that
our services deliver a social return on investment to our
community partners, Hutchinson said. It lets them know
that we are community-minded and that we strengthen
communities by stopping the cycle of abuse.
Nexus treatment services help kids choose a healthier
path a path to a successful reintegration back to family
and community and away from the juvenile justice system,
Hutchinson said. Our work at Nexus helps kids, families,
and communities become stronger for generations to
come.
Te Nexus Mission Statement works hand-in-hand with
the Vision Statement, and that has been strengthened,
as well, making it more succinct and focused. Te new
Vision Statement is Premier Provider, First Choice. It
now clearly states that it is Nexus vision to be a premier
provider of residential services and to be the frst choice of
referral agents when they are placing a child.
Te changes to our Mission and Vision Statements make
our focus very clear. We have set the bar high. Nexus
aspires to create a sustained culture of excellence, and we
are committed to attaining it.
Since our founding in 1972, Nexus has broadened the depth
and reach of its mission. As Port Alpha, we started out
treating adult felons with personality disorders, then moved
into residential treatment for adolescents, and later provided
treatment for kids with severe emotional and behavioral
disorders.
Today, Nexus ofers more than 22 diferent services along
the continuum. And because we have broadened our focus,
Nexus President and CEO David Hutchinson and the Board
of Directors decided it was time to infuse our Mission
Statement with the vitality of the youth, families, and
communities we serve.
Our Mission Statement conveys a powerful message about
what we do as an organization, Hutchinson said. Te words
we include or omit create a powerful paradigm for us and
the people we serve. Tats why our Mission Statement was
broadened from Changing Lives Trough Our Cornerstone
Values to Strengthening Lives, Families, and Communities
Trough Our Cornerstone Values.
Each change to the Mission Statement refects the new focus
of Nexus in todays market, Hutchinson explains.
First, the word changing was replaced with strengthening
because the word change suggests there is something wrong
with the client and we have the power to change themwhich
we dont, he said. In contrast, the word strengthening
suggests working together to make things better, and that
more aptly describes what we do at Nexus.
Hutchinson went on to say, Weve also added families to the
Mission Statement. Adding families is a declaration that it is
not enough to be kid-centered, we must be also be family-
centered. Te new Mission Statement makes a much bolder
statement to families that they are important and essential to
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 6
Infusing our Mission & Vision
Statements with New Vitality
Strengthening Lives, Families, and Communities
Trough Our Cornerstone Values
Premier Provider,
First Choice
family partnership
other areas of our work environment, as well. If we want
to achieve our goal to work with families in the most
efective ways possible, it becomes imperative for us to
evaluate the language that is used in all aspects of our
organization.
Are we using language that includes families? Are
we using language that is refective of the family
experience? Does the language we use to describe our
work help create the reality of serving families?
Refecting on these questions opens us to the possibility
of using language that creates an inclusive experience
for families.
Te Nexus Family Partnership Committee will be
reviewing and revising the programs language to
make sure it adequately refects our work with families.
Specifcally, committee members will be asking their
teams for ideas about what language needs to be
changed to make it more inclusive.
Revising our language to be more family focused
will impact all Nexus departments all the way from
individual programs to Human Resources (HR). HR
will be evaluating job descriptions and employee
evaluations to ensure that we adequately describe
the work we do with families and to outline our
expectations for using trauma-informed practices with
families.
Our new Mission Statement challenges all Nexus
employees to continually adjust the practices and
expectations of including families and communities in
our treatment services. Doing so will ensure that our
language truly becomes our reality.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_constructivism
http://www.mortylefoe.com/how-our-language-determines-our-
reality/
Te social science theory of social constructivism
suggests that people construct knowledge, or reality,
through their interactions with one another. One way
we do that is through the use of language and the shared
meaning we give to the words we use. Terefore, the
language we use can have a great impact on how we
experience the world.
As Edward Sapir, a noted anthropologist and linguist, put
it: Human beings do not live in the objective world alone....
Te fact of the matter is that their real world is to a large
extent unconsciously built up in the language habits of the
group. . . .
What does this mean for Nexus? Simply put, it means that
the words we use to describe our work can impact the
actual work that we do. And that has special signifcance
now, given our recent revision to the Nexus Mission
Statement.
Our new Mission Statement Strengthening Lives,
Families, and Communities Trough Our Cornerstone
Values now includes the words families and
communities, which creates a diferent meaning about
our mission, and has the potential to create a diferent
experience for our employees and our clients.
Te belief that experiences are created through language
is one of the reasons we use cognitive interventions with
our clients. We teach our clients that what they think will
impact their feelings as well as their behavior. Tis belief
equally applies to how we do our work. For example, if we
think our mission is to work with families, then we behave
in ways that efectively involve families.
Including families in our mission statement sets the
stage for us to review the language we use to describe
7 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Creating Reality
with Language
Dr. Michelle K. Murray, LMFT
Director of Clinical Services
CQI Corner
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 8
(Study), and involving stakeholders in interpreting data
and planning next steps (Act). As the frst letter of CQI
suggests, this is a continuous process, and this cycle is
ongoing, with the ultimate outcome being changes that
result in improvement at client, program, and systems
levels.
An unknown wise person (or smart-aleck, if you prefer),
once said, Without data, you are just another person
with an opinion. But the data we collect is not the
only information we have at our disposal; the stories,
experiences, and successes we witness as we work with
our clients are information, too, and just as essential in
understanding the best ways to strengthen youth, families,
and communities. It is important to balance these, and to
ensure we are using the best possible data and information
to support decision-making, and applying information
meaningfully. Meaningful data use hinges not only on a
supportive culture, but also on four key areas:
1. Collecting and accessing quality data: that is, data
which is clearly defned, accurate, and complete.
2. Asking questions to engage everyone in the process
and gain understanding of both challenges and
strengths. Know that questions (and answers!) will
and should evolve over time.
3. Translating data into information, which involves
organizing and presenting data in a way that turns it
into meaningful, accessible information that generates
discussion.
4. Using quality data and information to support
decision-making, and applying data and information
to guide decisions that improve outcomes.
Our CQI team at Nexus has collaborated more than
ever over the past few years, and our eforts have helped
strengthen not only individual sites, but all of Nexus. CQIs
commitment is to collaborate with and support the various
disciplines and functions of Nexus through guiding the
collection and analysis of quality data to inform and
support decision-making at the client, program, and
systems levels. Our goal is to continue to connect with
Nexus staf and stakeholders to thoughtfully approach how
we apply information to improve practices and strengthen
the lives of youth, families, and communities.
Every day, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is
hard at work on our sites. But CQI isnt just something
limited to staf with QI in their job descriptions; rather,
it is something that involves everyone our clients, our
stakeholders, and every member of our staf.
Casey Family Programs defnes CQI as, Te complete and
ongoing process of identifying, describing, and analyzing
strengths and problems and then testing, implementing,
learning from, and revising solutions. Te defnition goes
on to say that CQI is reliant on a proactive organizational
structure that supports continuous learning, and is frmly
grounded in the overall mission, vision, and values of the
agency. Most importantly, CQI is dependent on the active
inclusion and participation of every individual who comes in
contact with our organization.
What is resonant about this idea of CQI is that it is not
restricted to one person, or department, or point in time. It
is also not limited to fnding out whats wrong with things,
but rather, whats right. Just as in our work with youth and
families, identifying and understanding strengths is just as
important as identifying and addressing problems.
But how do we do CQI? Well, the good news is, youre
likely already doing it. A core element of CQI is using quality
data and information to support decisions. In a basic sense,
every time you use data or information to support decision-
making, you are doing CQI.
You may be familiar with the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA)
cycle [see graphic], which essentially involves examining
data to understand current conditions and establishing
baselines (Plan), developing and implementing a solution
(Do), collecting and analyzing process implementation data
How Do We Do CQI?
By Becky Schedin, Director of QI
Live Well, Everyday
11 Ways We Sabotage Our Mental Health
Our Daily Habits Can Be Our Own Worst Enemy
from health.com
Many mental pitfalls can lead to a case of the blues,
sometimes even full-blown depression or anxiety. Te
good news is they can be avoided by monitoring your
daily habits, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol intake,
and letting go of grudges. Discover which of your bad
habits are taking a toll on your well-being.
Avoiding Exercise
Is your only exercise walking quickly past the gym?
Regular exercise has a positive efect on brain
chemicals and mood-related hormones. It can also ofer
psychological benefts like increased confdence that
foster better mental health. Studies have shown that even
modest amounts of exercise, like a brisk 15-minute walk,
can improve mood.
Ignoring Clutter
Are you drowning in stuf? Extra
clutter in your home can be a subtle
source of psychological distress.
Clutter makes us feel weighed
down, both literally and fguratively,
says Dawn Buse, PhD, a health psychologist at Montefore
Medical Center in New York City. It has been shown to
be related to depression, anxiety, and even weight gain.
If you havent used something in 12 months, get rid of it.
Instead of spending your money on more stuf, consider
saving up for a special dinner or vacation. Research shows
that these experiential purchases actually result in more
happiness than material goods do.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Are you regularly shorting yourself on sleep? Not getting
enough rest can bring on extra irritability, stress, and
gloom the following day. People who experience regular
sleep deprivation and nightly disturbances could be at
9 | SEPTEMBER 2014
increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
disorders.
Prioritize sleep and practice healthy bedtime
behaviors, such as limiting cafeine and alcohol in the
hours before bed. Also avoid staring at your cell phone,
tablet, or computer screens an hour before bed the
light from these electronics can mess with your bodys
clock and keep you awake longer.
Drinking Too Much
Loving that nightcap? Alcohol depresses the nervous
system, slowing you down and potentially dragging
your mood down as well. Drinking too much alcohol
in the evening tends to cause nighttime waking and
less refreshing sleep.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Do you constantly compare yourself to others? Tats
one of the reasons Americans are not as happy
as people in other countries, says Buse. Wishing
for someone elses lifestyle or fortune harbors
dissatisfaction with your own life. Focus instead on
being grateful for what you have. Studies show that
keeping a gratitude journal or writing a letter to a
loved one is associated with greater satisfaction,
optimism, and happiness.
Obsessive Tinking
Do you get stuck turning thoughts over and over in
your mind? You are sending your body and brain into
the stressed-out state known as fght or fight, Buse
says. Your breathing and heart rate quicken, and your
body releases the stress hormones adrenaline and
cortisol, which take a toll on both your physical and
emotional health.
mental health
Learn to recognize the thoughts you dwell on most,
and train yourself to avoid those obsessive pathways.
Deep breathing helps, as does snapping yourself out
of it literally. Put a rubber band on your wrist as
a reminder, and every time youre ruminating, pull
it back a little, Buse advises. Its a reminder to stop
ruminating and change your train of thought.
Bottling Up Anger
Are you ready to blow? Anger and frustration are
completely normal reactions to lifes inevitable
challenges, but when you suppress those feelings and
let your grudges and grievances fester, it can backfre.
Several studies have found that suppressed anger
and angry brooding are a type of obsessive thinking
associated with depression symptoms.
Its important to express negative emotions, but in an
appropriate manner. If you can communicate anger in
an assertive but calm way, youre likely to feel better
aferward. If thats not an option, your best bet might
be to just let it go. Research suggests that the act of
forgiving has mental health benefts.
Working Too Much
Cant remember what free time
is? When the balance between
work and life balance is out of
whack, we tend to get stressed out,
which increases the risk of more
serious mental health problems. A 2011 study found
that working 11 or more hours a day (versus a more
reasonable 7 or 8 hours) more than doubled a persons
odds of sliding into depression.
Tink carefully about your values and priorities and
make sure your schedule refects them, Buse advises.
Set aside time for family, friends, and hobbies the same
way youd commit to a meeting at work. It sounds kind
of funny to plan for fun or relaxation, but making it
protected time is really important, Buse says.
Staying Inside
Have you become an inside pet? Holing up inside
deprives you of two mental-health essentials:
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 10
1) Vitamin D, which is produced by the body
in response to sunlight and protects against
depression, and 2) nature itself, which soothes us on
a subconscious level. In a recent study, brain scans
showed that people walking through parks were
calmer and less frustrated than people walking on
busy city streets.
If you work in an ofce, take a walk in a green space,
if possible, or sit outside during your lunch break.
Even a pretty small amount of sunlight, 15 minutes,
can really, really help, Buse says.
Social Isolation
Have you become a loner? Withdrawing from
friends and family leads to loneliness and increases
the likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety,
and social isolation. On the other hand, strong
relationships tend to promote happiness and protect
against depression.
Even if youre preoccupied or not in the mood, make
an efort to connect (or reconnect) with friends and
loved ones, even for just a few minutes over cofee.
Social interactions like this are uplifing, and they
ofen end up being more fun than we expect, experts
say.
Perfectionism
Is it the best or nothing for you? Trying to
meet an unattainably high standard of perfection
in everything you do, be it tonights dinner or
tomorrows work presentation, is a recipe for
disappointment and low self-esteem. So its not
surprising that perfectionism has been linked
to a bevy of mental health problems including
depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Instead of perfectionism, aim for what mental health
experts call healthy striving. Healthy striving
means setting more attainable goals, welcoming
mistakes as avenues for learning, and, enjoying the
journey, not just the destination.
Mille Lacs Academy
MILLE LACS ACADEMY
Summer Highlights
The Great Outdoors
Camping 2014
Mille Lacs Academy youth and staf
thoroughly enjoyed this past camping
season! During the month of August, each
program took turns packing up and getting
back to nature. Te number of days and
locations for the trips varied, but the benefts
remained the same: unifying each program
by getting both staf and youth out of their
element and into the great outdoors.
Some of our youth are seasoned campers,
but many of them have never experienced
sleeping in the woods. Our youth returned
with stories of adventure and misadventure,
rain and shine, bugs, campfres, and
camaraderie.
Tis year, the camping trips took place at
Camp Onamia and Crow Wing State Park.
Te kids enjoyed ample rest and recreational
time while building campfres, steering
canoes, refning their fshing skills, and even
assembling their own tents. Youth even
made tie-dye shirts and helped themselves
to the awesome food that staf prepared for
the trip.
Even though the elements didnt completely
cooperate (the grounds saturation posed a
problem for setting up tents, some trails by
the Mississippi River were partially fooded,
and Safari Program campers were drenched
with rain), the youth and staf made the best
of it and managed to create great camping
memories. All in all, most agree that these
camping trips are the recreational highlight
of the year at Mille Lacs Academy!
11 | SEPTEMBER 2014
1. Boys learn how to set up tents. 2. Camping gear is gathered.
3. Navigators hike a hillside. 4. Sun peaks through trees at Crow Wing
State Park. 5. Staff demonstrate tie-dyeing shirts. 6. Youth enjoy outdoor
lunchtime. 7. Wildfowers observed on the trip.
1
2 3
4 5
6 7
summer highlights
MLA Video Shoot
Hollywood recently came to Mille Lacs Academy,
instantly launching the movie careers of several MLA
staf! Tat might be over-exaggerating, but MLA recently
had Miller & Associates Production Company on campus
for a video shoot. On August 12, Glenn Miller (Director/
Producer), Judd Williams (Director of Photography),
and Tom Ingledew (Audio/Video Engineer), along with
the Communications team from Nexus, arrived on site
for a day-long
project.
Te purpose of
the video shoot
was twofold.
First, Nexus
is updating
all of the site videos on the organizations website (www.
nexustreatment.org) to highlight the numerous updates,
buildings, and details that have been added to each
treatment site since the frst videos were shot fve years
ago. Te MLA video will provide a virtual tour of Mille
Lacs Academy, with staf describing the culture and
unique aspects of our campus, and may help reassure
parents, youth, and referral sources about our facilities
and compassion for children and families.
Secondly, selected staf were interviewed for the Nexus
3rd Annual Conference about excellence at MLA. Tese
interviews were used to support this years conference
theme, Ambassadors of Excellence. Interviewees gave
examples of true displays of excellence during day-to-day
interactions between staf and youth on campus. Handle
with Care, MLAs Short-Term Program, Trauma-Informed
Care, and this years COA audit were all discussed as
examples of our excellence. Pieces from both projects were
used by CEO David Hutchinson in his opening speech at
the Annual Conference in Minneapolis on September 17.
Te new videos will soon be available online at
www.nexustreatment.org. Watch the MLA conference
interviews now on Nex-Net, under the Annual Conference tab.
Directors Report
MLA is pleased to announce
that our census has stayed
very strong throughout the
summer. We just welcomed our
new billing specialist, Brittany
Hanson, who we anticipate will
help us greatly in capturing
private insurance payment for
the services we ofer to our youth and families. We
also continue to promote our Short-Term Program
and Community Assessment and Testing Services
(CATS) throughout the region.
After many months of searching, we are very
excited to report the hiring of our second Clinical
Director, Paula Minski, who will be joining our
team in mid-October. Paula brings a wealth of
experience in residential services, having served
16 years at Volunteers of America in a number
of management and leadership positions. Paula
also brings a county perspective, having served in
a supervisory capacity with both Sherburne and
Anoka Counties.
We had a fun-flled summer, beginning with
our very successful annual golf tournament at
Fiddlestix in Isle, MN, in June. Several youth were
able to attend the Minnesota Vikings Training
Camp in Mankato, a true highlight for some very
serious football fans! Our youth also went to Valley
Fair and the Minnesota State Fair, where they saw
the biggest pig in Minnesota. They also visited the
Minnesota, Como, and Brainerd Zoos. Our summer
activities included multiple visits to several State
parks for cookouts, swimming, fshing (and fsh
stories!), and culminated in our annual overnight
camping trips in August, which remain one of the
highlights of the year for us all. After a wonderful
summer break, it is now back to school, which has
kicked of very well this year.
MLAs New Trails Group Home is undergoing a
massive face lift, with new paint, carpeting, and
wood laminate fooring throughout the house. Our
youth and staf are thrilled to have this fresh new
environment in which to live and work. We will
host our Annual Open House on October 27 from
4-7 p.m., so please plan to join us at our new
home and help us celebrate!
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 12
Jan Gibson Talbot
Executive Director
The crew
interviewed
MLA staff
throughout
the morning.
Video crew
shot the
playground
and other
new features
on our
campus.
Gerard Academy
GERARD ACADEMY
Afer 14 years of frst days of school, one
thing New Dominion School (NDS) Principal
Danielle Teis still looks forward to is
seeing the students. Ive always
been attracted to working with
the kids that everyone thought
of as impossible, she says.
Each student teaches us
new ways to assist them in
succeeding in school, and
we are grateful for that. Tats
how we grow as educators.
Now in her ffh year at New
Dominion School, Teis and her staf have
continued to grow toward the needs of the
students. Seek to understand is what I tell
staf. Before you can teach a child, you need to
understand the place that theyre coming from.
As educators, we understand so much more
about how the brain develops, and we have to
be cognizant of where each child is.
Teis challenges her staf to look beyond the
curriculum and into the mind of each child
they teach. Te staf has been amazing, she
says. Its been a pleasure to work with these
people and see the strides that everyone has
taken to get to where we are now.
Te core staf at New Dominion has been
incredibly consistent over the years. Special
Education Teacher David Freese is beginning
his eighth year at NDS and is still fnding
challenges. I love working with students in
this particular setting. Tey struggle with
mental health, behaviors, and are ofen
misunderstood, he said, but the reward is
in seeing a student succeed or understand
something for the frst time. Teres
nothing better than that.
Other school districts are
taking notice of the work that
New Dominion is doing and
are sending day students,
kids who are struggling
in their home districts, to
New Dominion. Districts
contact us because our team
is well trained to work efectively
with kids who struggle with mental health
issues and/or signifcant behavioral barriers,
says Teis. Working closely with families and
service providers, we are able to develop and
implement informed student support strategies
that meet the needs of our students.
One foster parent says, Te professionalism,
patience, kindness, and team players that we
have found with Gerard are nothing less than
excellent. Our 17-year-old foster daughter has
found success there, where others had failed
her special needs.
Echoing those sentiments, social worker
Wendy Morton added, Te school
environment at New Dominion has led to great
successes for my client that I do not believe
would have occurred in any other school
setting. She has required lots of patience,
understanding, and tolerance that has been
readily provided by the staf and has helped her
make gains academically and socially.
School is in Session
13 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Each student
teaches us new
ways to assist them in
succeeding in school, and
we are grateful for that.
Thats how we grow as
educators.
Directors Report
It was a chilly, rainy day when the
Gerard Academy management
team decided to participate in the
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (pictured
left). Nobody challenged Gerard;
the management team felt that
the challenge aligned with our
mission, so the team decided to
participate. Challenges were given
to the Corporate ofce and the other Nexus Executive
Directors and management teams to participate.
We have signed a contract with PrairieCare to provide
psychiatric time for us. What makes this arrangement
more gratifying is that we will have Dr. Berryhill
working with Gerard for up to 20 hours a week. Dr.
Berryhill has already been providing services to
Gerard for many years and recently decided to leave
the Olmstead County Medical Center to work for
PrairieCare. The increase in our doctor hours will assist
us in being a Premier Provider, First Choice.
We also added a psychologist to our staf; Julie Peters
will be joining Gerard in October. She will not only
provide testing for our residential youth, she will be
instrumental in assisting Gerard in creating an out-
patient program. We are thrilled to have Julie join us!
Tony Robbins said, The key distinction that will set
you apart from the feld is a commitment to mastery.
In an attempt to help Counselors become masters of
their craft, Gerard Academy is pursuing the training
from the University of Oklahoma entitled, Residential
Child and Youth Care Professional Curriculum.
The curriculum is broken down into four modules:
Developing a Culture of Care, Understanding Child
Development, Building Relationships and Teaching
Discipline. We are currently fnalizing dates for the
University to come and provide their train the
trainersprogram on campus. This training consists
of a written test and will result in our counselors
becoming certifed by the University of Oklahoma.
It has been a busy summer at Gerard Academy. We
saw a successful golf fundraiser, record census and
discharges, the completion of our 2015 strategic
planning process, a staf appreciation week, and
the expansion of two parking lots and a huge storm
water retention pond.
As Satchel Paige said, Dont look back, something
might be gaining on you. Our eyes are on our fu-
ture, and it is full steam ahead for Gerard Academy!
school is in session
Currently, New Dominion has capacity for fve day
students, in addition to the residential population it
serves. We have students who are extremely successful
in school at NDS. For some of our kids, this is the most
successful they have been for an extended period of time,
says Teis. When residential programming is no longer
necessary, kids have dual transitions to their home living
environment and school setting. Tere are defnitely
students who would beneft from temporarily maintaining
their successful school setting while they transition in
their home living environment. She adds, I believe the
level of commitment the NDS team focuses on the success
of every child is incredible. I am very proud of this team
and the achievements they are able to create for kids.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 14
Special Education Teacher David Freese and Paraprofessional
Yasmin Rodriguez make plans for the upcoming school day.
Brent Henry
Executive Director
Kids enjoyed
dumping pails
of ice water
on the Gerard
management team
for the ALS
Ice Bucket
Challenge.
Onarga Academy
ONARGA ACADEMY
TLP Ranks #1 Overall in Illinois...Again!
Onarga Academys Transitional Living
Program (TLP) is ranked the #1 Overall TLP
in Illinois for the fourth consecutive year!
Onarga surpassed 33 other agencies this year
to achieve the honor. TLPs are ranked on fve
performance indicators: placement stability
rate, discharge with potential rate, and self-
sufciency indicators (education, employment,
and fnance).
Clinical Director Mike Simpson shared, I
believe that one of the primary distinguishing
characteristics of our TLP is the stafs
dedication and commitment to assisting youth
in achieving their educational and vocational
goals. As our TLP supervisor says, this is a very
labor-intensive and costly endeavor.
A second distinguishing characteristic is that
we provide youth with individual and group
therapy by our staf clinicians, as opposed to
utilizing community mental health centers.
A third distinguishing characteristic is that
youth have ready access to the resources of
the main residential campus, which includes
employment opportunities with the Food
Service, Maintenance, and Vocational
Departments, including the Cornerstone
Caf. Additionally, youth have ready access
to support and guidance from their previous
program(s) staf, Simpson said.
TLP Supervisor Nick Pacholski said, I think
what sets our TLP apart from others is our
commitment to transporting our residents
to work and college. Unlike other TLPs, we
have no public transportation to rely on. Our
residents learn the bus routes, but we still
need to get them to Champaign or Kankakee
on a daily basis. On average, my counselors
spend 4-6 hours on the road per day. Tis is
to ensure that our guys are able to seek new
opportunities in the community (i.e., work and
college) and develop the confdence that they
can obtain their independent living goals.

Cornerstone Caf
Youth Employees
Serve at Harvest Feast
On Sunday, September 21, a group from
Onarga Academy volunteered at the Spence
Farm Foundations Harvest Feast Fundraiser,
located south of Fairbury, Illinois. Te group
included Deb Foulks, Cornerstone Caf
Manager, Academy staf Laura Wade and Pam
Foust, and 10 residents who also work at the
Caf.
15 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Onarga TLP Staff: Bottom (L-R): Sarah Thomson,
Nick Pacholski, Middle (L-R): Rose Weber, Zakiyyah
Williams, Jared Sexton, Top (L-R): Angie Martinez, Tom
Ritzma, Mike Simpson, Jim Herder, Not Pictured: Zack
Barnes.
cornerstone cafe serves at feast
Spence Farm is a
centennial family
farm that raises
animals and organic
fruits and vegetables
for consumption.
More than 250 guests
enjoyed samples
from 10 chefs from
the Chicago and
Champaign areas.
Renowned chef, Rick
Bayless of TV fame
and the owner of Fontera Grill and Te Mexican Grill,
was among the chefs that ofered some amazing eats for
attendees. He also spoke briefy about the importance of
understanding where our food comes from. Straight from
the farm to the table is this groups philosophy.
Delightful aromas drifed from the tents, while knives
slivered and diced, and smoke billowed from the open
wood fres and sizzling pots. Pumpkins, gourds, and
mums adorned the tables and grounds. A tour of Grand
Prairie native grasses and a bee hive colony were some of
this years highlights.
Two of the Cafs youth employees assisted Chef Stephanie
Izard, from Te Girl and Te Goat, with her cooking
demonstration. Chef Stephanie was so impressed with
the Onarga youth that she commented, Bring these boys
to my restaurant in Chicago and I will let them work
with me. Te Cornerstone Caf was so well represented,
that many visitors and chefs assumed our youth were
junior chefs. Everyone enjoyed samples of diferent chef
specialties, including squash soup and goat meat, as well
as delightful bread made from grain grown on Spence
Farm.
Tis was our second year to be honored to serve such a
great organization as the Spence Farm Foundation, said
Foulks. Te opportunity to introduce this group of young
men who behaved professionally and enjoyed each second
of these new experiences was just another highlight of that
day. I am constantly in awe of what an impact the Caf has
on our community at large, and how that circle continues
to expand.
Directors Report
EXPRESSIONS DAY SCHOOL:
The Expressions Day School, an
Onarga Academy innovative,
community-based education
program, was moved on campus
in July. To obtain approval for
the move, Illinois State Board of
Education monitors met with Jessie Marquis,
Assistant Principal, and her team to assess
curriculum, evaluate classroom structure,
and conduct fle reviews. The monitoring
team walked away very impressed, and gave
Expressions the green light for admissions. The
educational program has taken of on campus,
with fve admissions to date, meeting the
needs of those youth requiring more intensive
intervention.

TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM: Onargas TLP
has been ranked as #1 in the state for the 4th
consecutive year. There are approximately 33 TLP
providers in Illinois. The performance measures
are very relevant for this population, and the
program has been a model of consistency.
Please see the accompanying article for more
details.

CORNERSTONE CAF: Onargas Cornerstone
Caf was invited back to work the Harvest
Feast Beneft Tasting Auction at Spence Farm
in Fairbury, IL. Some of the top chefs from
Champaign and Chicago (including Rick
Bayless) prepared meals and provided cooking
demonstrations for this well-established
and successful fundraising beneft. Onarga
Academys Caf Manager, Deb Foulks, and kids
worked the event, and were as well-received
as last year. It was an excellent public relations
opportunity and learning experience for Onarga
Academy and the Cornerstone Caf.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 16
Dennis Wiley
Executive Director
Tom Munz, Spence Farm Foundation
Board Member, with Cornerstone Caf
Manager Deb Foulks.
Indian Oaks Academy
INDIAN OAKS ACADEMY
Starsh Family Homes Opens
New Resource Center
Starfsh Family Homes, the new foster care
support services arm of Indian Oaks Academy,
has only been part of the Nexus family for fve
short months, but that time has been full of
activity!
In September, Starfsh opened their frst-ever
Resource Center in Bradley, IL. Space for the
new venture was generously donated by Martin
Whalen Ofce Solutions at 148 Kinzie in
Bradley. Te center will be open the third and
fourth Tursday of every month from noon to
4 p.m., except November 27 and December 25
in observation of the holidays.
Foster families in Kankakee and Iroquois
counties can shop for free new and gently-
used items including childrens clothing and
shoes, books, toys, school supplies, book bags,
blankets, some small appliances, and other
household items.
Te Resource Center is
supervised by Indian Oak
Academys Vocational Trainer,
Michelle Leonard, and stafed by
her vocational students. Leonard
said if families cant fnd items
they need at the center, the staf
will work to secure those things.
Tey can leave us a list of items
theyre looking for, and well do our best to fnd
them, said Leonard.
Tim Weston, Human Resources Representative
at Indian Oaks, and his wife are foster parents.
Our son has been the recipient of many great
things that Starfsh has so generously provided
to foster children and families in the area,
Weston explained. We were blown away by
the selection and quality of items at the Starfsh
garage sale in April, and know the Resource
Center will be the same.
Te next Starfsh project is the 3rd Annual
Spirit of Starfsh Giving Open House in
December. Trough donations and grants,
Starfsh purchases toys, slippers, and other
items with the hope that every foster child in
Kankakee and Iroquois Counties will have
a present to open at Christmas. During the
open house, donors shop for gifs from the
assortment of items and write Christmas cards
to accompany their selections. Volunteers
wrap the gifs, and delivery takes place in time
for Christmas. Starfsh Advisory Board Chair
SueAnn OConnor is working with Walmart on
a grant to purchase even more gifs. Ive found
many times over that the true meaning of
Christmas is in the givingespecially to those
in need.
IOA Kids Ride with the Bears
Chicago Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman and
his staf continued a training camp tradition
on the fnal day of practice in Bourbonnais, IL,
this summer. Te coaches gave away the bikes
they rode around Olivet Nazarene University
campus. For the frst time since training
camp came to Bourbonnais, six IOA youth
were among the deserving children selected
from the area to receive the bikes, locks, and
helmets.
17 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Celebrating Kids, Families, and Staff
Michelle Leonard,
IOA Vocational
Trainer
celebrating kids, families, and staff
Directors Report
Each day at IOA, I watch
employees change the lives of
our kids. When we interviewed
several staf for the updated
corporate video, I heard some
of those folks explain why they
do what they do at IOA. We have
exceptional people who do an
exceptional job every day, and Im proud that in the
frst year of the Nexus Ambassador Award program,
IOA had 12 outstanding nominees. Congratulations
to Studio 7 Unit Coordinator Malissa Roby, who was
selected as the Ambassador of Excellence for Indian
Oaks. We congratulate our other nominees, who
traveled along with Malissa to the Nexus Annual
Conference in September.
Ambassador of Excellence Nominees:
Our kids took to the feld and received Giant Mountain
Bikes (the largest bike manufacturer in the world) from
the coaches, who autographed the bikes they used to
travel from feld to feld. Several lucky kids also scored
player autographs on their bikes.
While its only the frst time IOA has participated, IOA
Executive Director Mike Chavers is sure it wont be the
last. Word of our mission made its way to organizers of
the bike giveaway, thanks to people who know our work
and know our kids. Were grateful for the support.
Boys Program Takes Family Week on
the Road
IOA began Family Fun Day back in 2009 as a way for our
kids to connect with their families around a cookout, lawn
games, talent shows, and other entertainment. Since then,
the efort has been further refned to Family Fun weeks
on each program. Each clinical team designs activities
that resemble a spirit week and involves families in a
culminating event. One program held their version of the
ESPY awards, and another held a cookout for youth and
their families.
Tis year, the boys NFL Program made sure families
would be able to participate through individual lunch
dates. Sometimes its hard for the boys families to
make the trip to our campus, based on transportation,
geography, or other restrictions, said NFL Clinical
Supervisor Jen Tomas. So, we took the show on the
road.
Tomas and her staf divided the boys into regions, based
on the geographic location of the families. Ten, they
scheduled lunch dates for each region over the course
of month. Te staf organized schedules and vehicle
transportation so 13 boys could visit and treat themselves
and their families to lunch. And, the boys paid for lunch,
of course, with their own personal money, said Tomas.
Boys who didnt have family involvement this year enjoyed
a White Sox game and lunch in Chicago.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 18
Mike Chavers
Executive Director
Carla Wright,
Teaching Assistant
Malissa Roby,
Unit Coordinator
Monique Davis,
Aftercare Coordinator
2014 Ambassador
Award Recipient
Nigel Dillard,
Counselor
Verna Dockery,
Teaching Assistant
Brittany Fry,
Behavior Specialist
Dr. Mark Jordan,
Senior Psychologist
Lindsay Mathews,
Clinical Supervisor
Mona Oliver, Safe
Harbor Admin. Assist.
Terry Schoondermark,
Housekeeping
Alvin Thomas,
Senior Counselor
Jen Thomas,
Clinical Supervisor
WOODBOURNE CENTER
Woodbourne Center
19 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Youth Share Their Voice
Four Woodbourne School youth were selected to serve
on a Baltimore City Police Department Youth Council,
led by Police Commissioner Anthony Batts. Te
Council will include students from parochial, private,
and public schools.
Te Police Commissioner has a vision of having
young people as his advisors, says former Police
Detective Deborah Ramsey, who is currently a
community organizer for United Eforts, an anti-
bullying and anti-violence organization.
Te Woodbourne School students were the frst
group of people I wanted to have at the Youth
Council, she says. We sat down to see what this
council would look like. It wasnt a big leap for me to
have students from a diverse learning institution. Too
many times we think of the A-student or that college-
bound student, and sometimes voices such as those at
Woodbourne Center are too-ofen overlooked.
Ramsey uses the analogy of a tattoo on your record
to describe what a run-in with the law is like for
students without institutions like Woodbourne Center.
She says that those untreated youth can have extreme
difculty receiving an education, school, job, or
scholarship.
But Woodbourne Center is transformational. Teir
lives are being transformed, she says. Tey can
get back on track. Tey can have opportunities that
probably would not have been aforded them had
they gone to a more traditional school. Woodbourne
Center addresses needs for students who are serious
about getting their diploma. And now they have the
tools to make sure they dont make the same (bad)
decision again, she said.
Ramseys relationship with Woodbourne began about
two years ago when she trained staf and students
on bullying prevention. Recently, she reached out to
Addie Johnson, Community Partnerships Organizer
at Woodbourne, to set up a campus visit for Police
Commissioner Batts.
Johnson said of the that visit, Our students were
honest. Tey spoke directly about some of the main
issues they saw, and how they felt about the police,
whether positively or negatively. Both Commissioner
Batts and Ramsey were impressed by that because
they wanted young people with strong views for the
Council.
In August, six students handpicked by Commissioner
Batts were invited to a press conference about the
Youth Council at the Blacks in Wax Museum.
Ramsey says, When I was young, I felt like no one
listened to me; no one heard what I had to say. I felt
like I had solutions, but no one listened, she says.
Te council provides kids the chance to be heard and
to infuence people in authority. Even if it doesnt
change what is already [happening], she resolves, at
least their voices are heard.
Remembering Bobby
Baltimore Outreach
Ministries led a special
memorial service for
former Woodbourne
Center employee, Robert
Bobby Workman, on
the Woodbourne campus,
Sunday, August 17.
Workman, an active member
of the nondenominational
church, was a part of Woodbournes custodial staf for
13 years.
(L to R): WB Development Director Bill Mojica; WB Executive Director
Dania OConnor; Police Commissioner Anthony Batts; Community
Organizer Deborah Ramsey.
Robert Bobby Workman and
WB Executive Director Dania
OConnor.
events on campus
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 20
On-Site ................
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Staf from Woodbourne Center and leadership from Baltimore
Outreach Ministries were joined by Workmans wife, family, friends,
and Woodbourne students. Te lively, musical service included dancing
and was, as the leadership of Baltimore Outreach Ministries said, a
celebration of Workmans life.
Addie Johnson, Community Partnerships Organizer and former
Woodbourne School Principal, took the lead in organizing the
memorial. She knew Workman for the 13 years he was with
Woodbourne. During that time, he was a gentle man who really felt a
deep afection for all of the young people on our campus, Johnson says.
Tat was because he always said he learned the hard way, and he didnt
want them to experience the hardships he had experienced.
Woodbourne Center Executive Director Dania OConnor describes
Workman as more than an employee. Bobby was a great friend to all
of us, she says. At the memorial, OConnor regaled the attendees with
conversations she had with Bobby on their drives home from work.
Bobby was a dedicated, loyal, and passionate man who we will dearly
miss, OConnor said.
Several students spoke about Workmans infuence on their lives. He
would always listen, said one youth. One student mentioned how
Workman would use his personal money to buy the kids caps and
gowns for graduation. A statement from one young man speaks for
itself: He was like a father.
Project Serve Joins
Woodbourne
Towson University students still had a
few hours lef on our campus when a
Woodbourne youth asked, When are they
coming back?
On August 21, 70 students from Towson University came to campus to
join Woodbourne students and staf for painting, kickball, basketball,
games in the recreation room, water games, and team-building
exercises. Tey arrived as part of Project Serve, a service opportunity
for incoming Towson freshman and transfer students. Trained
undergraduate students at Towson act as facilitators and organizers.
Te relationship with Towson developed when Bill Mojica,
Woodbournes Director of Development, reached out to the university
about collaborating on a carwash fundraiser for campus. Te project
was a perfect ft for Towsons Te Big Event, an annual day when
students volunteer with various local organizations.
Towson students enjoyed the day so much, Madeleine Smith, facilitator
of Te Big Event, worked with Towsons Project Serve to get students
back on Woodbournes Campus.
Mojica, who acted as the liaison with Towson, said,I think the beauty
was the integration of the Towson students with our students. Tey
blended beautifully. Te fact that the Towson students were willing to
spend one-on-one time with our students was perfect.
Directors Report
Woodbourne is thrilled to welcome
Dr. Donna M. Beck, Psy.D., as our new
Clinical Director, and Anthony Wilson as
our new Associate Director.
Dr. Beck began her
residential work
with juvenile youth
with sexual behavior
and ofending problems in Colorado. She
obtained certifcation to work with both
juveniles and adults, providing individual,
group, and family treatment, and
psychosexual risk assessments.
She returned to Maryland in 2006 to assume the Clinical
Director position at Chesapeake Treatment Centers New
Directions Inpatient Program, a residential treatment program
for high-risk adolescent and young adult males. She also
directed the Baltimore City and Montgomery County New
Directions Outpatient Community-Based Programs for Children
and Youth with Sexual Behavior Problems.
Dr. Beck is committed to training, supervising, and mentoring
clinicians in the feld. She has presented on this topic at the
Georgetown University Training Institutes, Maryland Systems
of Care Training Institutes, and the Judicial Institutes of
Maryland. She also served for four years as a faculty member/
mentor in the Clinical Certifcate Training Program for Mental
Health Policy Institute for Leadership and Training, Inc.
Wilson comes to Woodbourne with more
than 20 years of experience in residential
and community programming for both male
and female youth.
During Wilsons time in social services, he
worked his way from an overnight counselor/
DCP to Clinical Supervisor and Clinical
Director at Indian Oaks Academy, where he was employed for
fve years. Most recently, Wilson served as CEO of a for-proft,
58-bed, all-girls residential treatment center in Illinois. Wilson
is a hands-on leader and is passionate about seeing successful
positive change in the kids and the staf he leads.
Facilities Updates: In the past few months, weve renovated
our rec room and dining room, including new paint and
furniture; installed new fooring and furniture in the Lynx
Unit; began renovating 9 bathrooms on various units; received
new staf lockers in the gym and on the units; opened a new
staf break room; and received approval for a new safety fence
around the baseball feld.
Dania OConnor
Executive Director
Clinical Director
Dr. Donna M. Beck,
PSY.D.
Associate Director
Anthony Wilson
Kindred Family Focus
KINDRED FAMILY FOCUS
Nexus CARES Takes a Family to Montana
Last fall, Nexus rolled out a new program for
Kindred Family Focus (KFF) foster parents
called Nexus CARES Cash and Respite
Enhancements.
Tis program helps cover extra and unexpected
costs foster parents face, such as activity fees
for their youth, home and property damages,
mileage reimbursements for transporting
youth to meetings and visits, and additional
funds for respite care. Nexus CARES also ofers
licensing and retention bonuses, and provides
scholarships so foster families can attend
national conferences.
Trough Nexus CARES, Cathy and Steve
Melin, KFF foster parents, were able to take
their foster children on an adventure they will
never forget.
Before leaving for the trip this past July, Cathy
wrote to Kindred Family Focus to share her
gratitude for this new program:
I just wanted to thank you for approving
funds for my boys for our vacation to
Montana. Tis has been such an amazing
experience, and we havent even lef yet. I
wish you could personally see the joy and
excitement in them picking out their OWN
things that they get to keep FOREVER.
Sleeping bags, tents, fshing poles, lures,
tackle boxes, and life jackets. Tey were so
excited to get their own sunscreen and bug
spray. Its the simple things. Tis group of
kids is so appreciative and so excited for our
big adventure. Each of them has picked out
things they want to make sure they do while
we are in Montana. Tese kids have never
done anything like this before.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my
heart for approving this. We will be taking a
lot of pictures and will be sending thank you
notes when we get back from the trip!
Cathy said shes never seen anything like
Nexus CARES in her 15 years of being a foster
parent. Te Nexus CARES program that they
[Kindred Family Focus] ofer is an amazing
program that Ive never seen possible with any
other agency.
With help from Nexus CARES, the Melins were
able to give their boys an experience that went
above and beyond the ordinary. Being able to
let the kids pick out their own gear brought
the experience to a whole new level. Without
the Nexus CARES program, the trip would not
have been as enjoyable as it was, Cathy says.
21 | SEPTEMBER 2014
Directors Report
We continue to address practice and
policy updates related to the merger
of Family Focus and Kindred; the
most signifcant diference is the
merged budget rather than individual
and joint budgets from a year ago.
The process is simpler, with fewer
unknowns and less sweat. Each
region is actively involved; we are using the current year
as a model, given our fnancial success in 2014.
The Metro ofce recently moved and is mostly settled in.
The move allowed us to replace the old phone system
with an Internet-based system, allowing additional
fexibility now that all calls from eastern MN are answered
at Metro. We also consolidated our ofce support
positions to address all employee needs through one
ofce. We are negotiating a lease for the Monticello ofce
that has additional space for the consolidation of the
accounting functions, which were previously housed in
the individual agencies.
Weve presented the Minnesota Assessment of Parenting
for Children and Youth (MAPCY) tool in nine locations
over the past few weeks. The tool is to be efective in
MN on 1/1/15, and provides a new process to evaluate
reimbursement to foster parents. It is considerably
diferent from the current tool, as it incorporates the
parenting efort rather than just focusing on the youths
issues. We have had good participation from our foster
parents, and will start a second round of daytime
meetings, as requested.
Our Childrens Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS)
and adoption programs have seen considerable transition
and growth as we work to bring both services to all ofce
sites. Adoption is overseen by Gretchen Welch, and CTSS is
overseen by Barb Jochum.
We are holding an agency-wide employee meeting on
October 2 to include employee safety, given the many
unknowns in our line of work.
The Nexus Annual Conference provided KFF the
opportunity to recognize our newly promoted Metro/
South Regional Supervisor, Andrea McCormick, as our
Ambassador Award winner. She is an asset to KFF youth,
families, and staf and exemplifes the Nexus Cornerstone
Values of Honesty, Responsibility, Courage, Care and
Concern! Congratulations, Andrea!
Nexus CARES
George [Kindred Family Focus Executive Director] was
kind enough to approve money above what I had asked
for to pre-purchase items fshing poles, life jackets,
sleeping bags, and tents to make the experience amazing
for myself and the boys.
Te four boys (Ryan, Ethan, and Tren, and Sam*) enjoyed
the drive out to Montana, where they visited Cathy and
Steves daughter on her ranch. It was the farthest the boys
had ever been from Minnesota, and they enjoyed the new
experience. During the trip, they went tubing and fshing,
and even helped out on the ranch by trying their hand
at moving cattle. Ryan described the trip as a new, fun
experience and remarked on the diferent animals and the
fat land and lack of trees that they saw along the way.
Besides using Nexus CARES to help bring the boys to
Montana, the Melins have utilized the program to buy
items for foster children who arrive at their home with
barely any personal items.
George Hendrickson explains that Nexus CARES allows
Kindred Family Focus to pay for services, programming,
camps, and other expenses that would otherwise go
unfunded. It has been a huge fnancial support to all of
our families as we deal with the daily needs of children,
he said.
Hendrickson said he was more than happy to help
out with the Montana adventure and give the boys an
experience of a lifetime. Te children had never been
out of state, had never camped, had not been out in the
country in the rural areas. Each of the children was able to
pick out their own belongings, their camping gear. We had
a foster parent picnic several weeks ago, and it was fun to
see the kids excitement, coming up and thanking us for
ofering the opportunity for them.
As a foster parent, Cathy said, We provide clothing and
food, and do all the things we possibly can above and
beyond but for them [Nexus CARES] to go that extra
mile... to see the smile on the kids faces when theyre
picking out lures and fshing rods, it brings a tear to your
eye.
*Some names have been changed to protect client confdentiality.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 22
George Hendrickson
Executive Director
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nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org
763-551-8671
www.nexustreatment.org
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Nexus: Strengthening Lives, Families, and Communities Through Our Cornerstone Values
Nexus is a national, nonproft
organization that helps youth
rehabilitate and reintegrate
through a continuum of
diversifed services from
residential to in-home
counseling.
Nexus ofers residential treatment
programs, group home living
programs, transitional living
programs, treatment foster care,
inpatient acute psychiatric care,
in-home counseling services,
alternative to residential
treatment services, adoption,
referrals to other treatment
providers, and ongoing support
to youth in our care.
Te Nexus Family of Treatment
Programs is a group of programs
ofering diverse programs
and services for children and
families that is operated by
Nexus, a Minnesota nonproft
corporation and its subsidiaries:
Gerard Treatment Programs,
LLC. While these programs
are operated by separate and
distinct legal entities, they share
an underlying adherence to the
Nexus Cornerstone Values and
Guiding Principles and enjoy
the efciency and economy
of coordinated management
functions.
Nexus locations include Mille
Lacs Academy, Gerard Academy,
Onarga Academy, Indian
Oaks Academy, Woodbourne
Academy, and Kindred Family
Focus.
Cornerstone is published bi-
monthly by Nexus. All articles
are copyrighted by Nexus.
Reproduction of any part of this
publication is prohibited without
written consent.
Editor: Nancy Baldrica
505 Highway 169 North, Suite 500
Plymouth, MN 55441-6447
Corporate: 763-551-8640
Editor: 763-551-8671
nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org

www.nexustreatment.org