July 2013

A Nexus Newsletter

Life in Balance

Cornerst ne

Nexus Launches Wellness InitiativeWelcome COO, Brock WolffWalk Smarter – Not HarderSites Recognized for Excellence

From

the C

orne

rOffice of the CEO

“Our bodies are our gardens—our wills are our gardeners.”

Shakespeare

Welcome back to the Cornerstone Newsletter! We have done some

tweaking to our format since we last published. We will now be able to share our accomplishments with referral agents and community supporters. Nexus is growing and accomplishing big things, and we want everyone to know about us. Feel free to share this edition of the Cornerstone with friends, coworkers, and people in the field.

In this issue, you’ll find information on several exciting changes. First, I want to welcome our new Chief Operating Officer, Brock Wolff. Brock joined Nexus in October, and oversees site programs, management, and direction. We are fortunate to have his skill and expertise at Nexus. Please welcome him when you see him on site.

This issue also focuses on the new Nexus Wellness Initiative. This organization-wide program is an extension of our Cornerstone Value Care & Concern.

Our employees are our greatest asset, and it is our desire to provide a workplace that recognizes you as individuals and helps you find ways

to create a life in balance. Wellness is more than just fitness. It is about nurturing all those parts of yourself that make up your life: family, work, health, friends, activities, exercise, food, relaxation, sharing, participating, learning, laughing, and playing.

The Wellness logo we’ve created represents those elements. The program, itself, will be ongoing. This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan initiative. Each month, you’ll see new information in multiple formats, including an article here in the Cornerstone.

Last, I want to congratulate our sites for some impressive accomplishments. Mille Lacs Academy’s Safari Program was recently recognized for overall effectiveness. Onarga Academy’s Transitional Living Program was named top in the state of Illinois for the second consecutive year. Indian Oaks Academy received a Tier 1 ranking from Medicaid. Gerard Academy launched its short-term residential program. Additionally, our website – www.nexustreatment.org – recently received an Outstanding Achievement award for Advocacy from Interactive Media Awards. Read more about these accomplishments in this issue.

1

Creating balance in life isn’t always easy. The Nexus Wellness Initiative, launched in May, will provide tips, articles, and activities to nurture mind, body, and spirit.

2

COO

Update

Wolff Calls

Brock Wolff Joins Nexusas Chief Operating Officer

Brock Wolff joined Nexus as Chief Operating Officer in October 2012.

In this role, he is responsible for the daily operations of the organization and oversees site programs, management, and direction. He is also in charge of Continu-ous Quality Improvement and Information Technology for Nexus, and plays a key role in legislative advocacy efforts. Prior to joining Nexus, Mr. Wolff served for 8 years as President and CEO of Orchard Place, a large children’s mental health provider in Des Moines, Iowa, serving nearly 10,000 children annually. Before that, he served as CEO of Family Resource Centers in Lima, Ohio, as Executive Director for Vantage Health Plan in Sandusky, Ohio, and as Risk Management Coordinator/Human Resource Director for Southeastern Mental Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mr. Wolff has experience in Risk Manage-ment, Human Resources, Mediation, Trial Prosecution, and Residential Treatment Management. He has a Bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of South Dakota.

Wolff’s family made the move to Minnesota with his appointment to Nexus. His wife,

Kimberly, is an RN who just joined the staff at North Memorial Hospital. Daughter, Kaitlin, is 14 and is involved in lacrosse and soccer, as well as theater. Her passion is music. Son, Brandon, is 11 and is an avid baseball player and also plays basketball. “We are all adjust-ing a bit to suburban life after living in the country in Winterset, Iowa, where we had 5 horses on 5 acres. So far, it has gone well,” Wolff said.

“Coming to Nexus has been an adjustment, as well. Leaving a CEO position in an orga-nization that was centrally located in Des Moines to a COO position in a larger orga-nization with sites around the country was a very difficult decision to make. The chance to have a larger influence advocating for children’s services was a draw for me, but the overall impressiveness of Nexus as a state-of-the-art, top-notch organization ultimately swayed my decision.

“Since joining Nexus, I have been more im-pressed each and every day. The leadership and the staff of this organization are second to none, and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of such a wonderful place to work. Mak-ing a difference in the lives of children is what drives me each and every day, and I could not have come to a better place to accom-plish that goal,” Wolff said.

3

Live Well, Everyday

Today it seems that everyone is buzzing about Wellness. Is all the buzz neces-sary? Nexus thinks so! We want healthy, happy employees. The goal of the Nexus

Wellness Initiative is to get you excited about im-proving your health and well-being.

June marked the official kickoff of the Nexus Wellness Program, Live Well, which will offer an ongoing variety of wellness opportunities and activities to educate and inspire you.

Each month we’ll focus on a new area of well-ness. Some months, we’ll even have events for you to participate in as individuals or teams. In August, we’ll be starting our Step for Life walking challenge. Watch for details.

We’ve made it easy for you to get information on our wellness program:

• Check out the Wellness page on Nex-Net, to access a list of the current month’s events, the 2013 Live Well calendar, links to the Live Well recipe page, and the Well-being Insights newsletter.

• You can also log on to www.managewell.com, the online wellness portal for Nexus employ-ees.

• Our ADP homepage is another place to find information.

• Additionally, we’ll be displaying posters, send-ing newsletters, and publishing wellness ar-ticles every month in the Cornerstone.

Live Well!

The Buzz on Nexus’ Wellness Initiative

Visit the Nex-Net Wellness page, www.managewell.com, and the ADP homepage to learn more about the Nexus Wellness Initiative.

Wellness Spotlight

July

g Step for Life Walking Program Enrollment

g Healthy Meeting Snacks

g Healthy Bingo

4

extra calories; you can also do this with condiments when ordering sandwiches and burgers!

• Studies show that many people mistake the feeling of thirst for hunger. When you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water to see if the feeling subsides. If plain water isn’t your thing, add a flavoring packet without adding many calories.

• If you are an avid coffee drinker and flavor your morning

brew with cream and sugar, try swapping in cinnamon instead. Cinnamon boasts a number of health benefits!

It has been said to lower blood sugar and cholesterol, it contains antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it has an energizing scent that has been found to increase alertness!

Wellness has a number of definitions, but the one that stands out describes wellness as an “active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.” Other definitions use terms such as “positive living,” “lifestyle achieving a person’s highest state of well-being,” “good physical and mental health,” and “feeling balanced and satisfied in your body, mind, and soul.” The Nexus Employee Wellness Program wants to help you begin your personal journey toward a “successful existence.”

The Nexus’ Employee Wellness Program aims to help employees balance all the elements of their life. Program activities and information will be highlighted each month to keep the journey interesting and educational. Employees will also get access to an online well-being solution, ManageWell. Here are some helpful hints to get you started.

Body:

Make peace with your body by feeding it well and keeping it active.• When you are out to eat, order a side salad, cottage

cheese, fresh fruit, or veggies instead of fries or chips with your meal. Choose to drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda. If your dish comes with sauce, salad dressing, or gravy, ask for it on the side to control

What is Wellness?

5

Soul:

Nurture your soul’s wellness by engaging in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel better about yourself.

• Find something you are passionate about, whether it’s gardening, reading, or fishing, and make it a regular hobby.

• Do something nice for someone else. Volunteering and performing simple, kind deeds for others can give you a refreshing perspective and make you feel better.

• Start your day off in a positive way. Do something you enjoy first thing in the morning to boost your mood before going to work.

• Add activity into your day by walking more. Take the stairs, get up and move around during breaks, and make time for an activity during your day.

• Fidget in your chair. Yes, fidget! Foot tapping, rocking, and bouncing your legs can burn extra calories.

Mind:

Taking care of your mind is vital to your health! Find ways to relax, challenge, and use your brain often.

• Adults optimally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Getting plenty of rest can reduce stress, help heart health, reduce inflammation, make you more alert, and improve memory.

• Find a reason to laugh more. Laughing releases tension and creates a positive psychological change.

• Breathe. Relax. Meditation or yoga can help you relax and feel more focused. You can also unwind from the day in a place that helps you relax and puts your mind at ease.

• Keep your mind active by doing puzzles, learning new things, or reading newspapers or books.

Log on to www.managewell.com to discover more about Wellness.

6 6

July’s wellness focus is healthy meeting snacks. To stay healthy, be mindful of your serving sizes and choices when reaching for a tasty treat.

According to the University of California–San Francisco Medical Center, snacking is often seen as bad behavior and is restricted from our diets. However, snacks can be an important part of a nutritious eating plan if the foods chosen are healthy and contribute to a well-balanced diet. (http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/healthy_snack_ideas/)

When a craving hits and you are dying for something sweet, salty, crunchy, or creamy, Reader’s Digest says approaching cravings one at a time can help prevent overeating. In other words, satisfy your taste buds one category at a time (sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy) before moving on to the next. Humans tend to take in more food when tasting multiple flavors at once, so eating just one food can help you cut back.

There are many great resources online for finding low-calorie and healthy snacks, both homemade and store bought. Some grab-and-go snacks include fruits and vegetables, Greek yogurt, salad greens, and cottage cheese. Other delicious choices are baked apples with cinnamon, a serving of chips and salsa, baked pumpkin seeds, and popcorn. Instead of buttering and salting your popcorn, try adding a little olive oil, chili powder, and Parmesan cheese for a kick. Since it is the beginning of summer, ice cream can become a staple on a hot day, but most people overdo the serving size, about one scoop, and take in tons of extra calories with additional toppings. As an alternative to this cool-down treat, try frozen yogurt. It is lower in fat and calories, but still offers the creamy and cool flavors of ice cream.

Summer is also the time for road trips, and if you have ever been on a road trip, you know that junk food, sugary beverages, and fast food often come along for the ride. At gas stations, grab baked or popped chips instead of regular potato chips. Buy single-serving bags to help keep portions in check. Jerky is a good choice for some low-fat protein. High-protein, high-fiber granola bars are also great snack alternatives.

Remember these hints when you feel a craving hit. Making healthy decisions when choosing snacks can help keep you on track and increase overall wellness by nourishing your body.

Snack Smart, Stay Well

Lip-Smacking Smart Snacking

Log on to www.managewell.com to access healthy reci-pes for meals and snacks.

7

You know the expression, “You have to learn to walk before you can run”? The phrase is usually uttered

as a metaphor for life, but it can also be taken quite literally when it comes to walking, itself.

It turns out that something we do every day can be improved. Walking correctly can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a walking workout, according to New Balance’s Good Form Walking (http://www.newbalance.com/Good-Form-Walking/good_form_walking,default,pg.html). Following some simple principles are key.

Take Shorter Strides at a Faster PaceAccording to New Balance, “An ideal stride length is one that’s comfortable, doesn’t break your posture, and allows you to have a soft, unlocked knee.”

FootstrikeNew Balance says, “Land lightly on the center of your heel and transition forward smoothly through your mid-foot to toe-off, pushing evenly from your toes.”

PostureMom was right: stand up straight!“Walk with a long, tall spine. Reaching above you pulls everything up tall, stacks your vertebrae, puts your pelvis underneath you, pulls your shoulders back, and creates full-body alignment. Keep your chin up, your head level, and your gaze forward.”

PracticeDad was right, too! Practice does make perfect. New Balance says, “Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll want to practice them until they feel natural.”

Walk Smarter, Not Harder(Nope, that’s not a typo. Step right on the Wellness walking track.)

8

Look What’s Happening at Nexus

Sites Recognized for Excellence

Mille Lacs Academy Safari Program Recognized for Overall Effectiveness

The Mille Lacs Academy Safari Pro-gram, which treats youth ages 14-19 with significant mental health issues, problematic sexual behaviors, and other special needs, recently received an overall program rating of Highly Effective from the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections & Rehabilitation (DOCCR).

The DOCCR evaluation uses a scale called the Correctional Program Check-list (CPC) to measure how a program’s practices align with current research to assess clients’ likelihood of recidivism.

Mille Lacs received an overall score of highly effective for overall program effec-tiveness, and scored above the national average in 7 of the 8 assessment catego-ries: leadership, staff, quality assurance, assessment, treatment, overall capacity, overall content, and overall score.

Congratulations, Mille Lacs Academy and the Safari Team!

Onarga Academy Transitional Living Program Named Top in State for Second Consecutive Year

Onarga Academy’s Transitional Living Program (TLP) received Illinois’ top over-all ranking for TLP performance, besting 35 agencies vying for the award. This is the second consecutive year Onarga Academy was awarded this honor. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) uses Perfor-mance-Based Contracting indicators when placing youth in treatment.

Five performance indicators are mea-sured and ranked in award consideration: placement stability rate, discharge with potential rate, and three self-sufficiency indicators – education, employment, and finance. Five program rankings are based on the average of the individual scores received in each of the five per-formance areas.

Onarga Academy’s TLP #1 Overall Rank-ing is a high honor. To receive the award in two consecutive years demonstrates the Academy’s continued dedication to excellence in youth outcomes.

Congratulations, Onarga Academy and the TLP team!

Indian Oaks Academy Medicaid 3-Year RecertificationAudit Receives Tier 1 Status with 91% Overall Compliance

Indian Oaks Academy achieved Tier 1 status in its recent Medicaid three-year recertification audit with a 91% overall compliance rating.

Tier 1 status is extremely difficult to achieve. Fewer than five agencies across Illinois have been awarded this status, according to the lead auditor in the Indian Oaks review.

Congratulations, Indian Oaks Academy!

Corporate Office Nexus Website Receives Outstanding Achievement Award for Advocacy

The Nexus website, www.nexustreat-ment.org, received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Advocacy from the Interactive Media Awards (IMA) group.

The Outstanding Achievement award is the second highest honor bestowed by IMA and is an extremely challenging award to win. The website excelled in all areas of judging criteria, and was rec-ognized for a high standard of planning, execution, and overall professionalism.

9

Family Pledge Nexus has tweaked its Family Partnership Initiative Philosophy Statement into a Family Pledge. Trainings on the new pledge began in June. The Family Pledge directly speaks to parents and lists promises that Nexus makes to all families in treatment at our sites or affiliates. The promises are a reflection of our Cornerstone Values and are based on Honesty, Responsibility, Courage, Care & Concern. The first part of the pledge is a letter to parents, seen below. The second part lists our promises, and the last part lists ways families can let us know when we aren’t living up to our promises. Read the entire document on the following pages.

Our Pledge to Your FamilyYour family provides the most important support in your child’s life. We believe that healthy, supportive relationships will help your family achieve stability and positive growth. Please let us support you during this time.

You know your child and your family better than anyone else. Help us learn about your family so we can fulfill our pledge to you. We need and want your active involvement to provide the best services possible.

Working with you and your child is an honor and a privilege. We will do everything we can to honor your trust. With your partnership and support, we are confident we will be successful in serving your family.

10

Our Pledge to Your Family

We promise to:Involve You in the decisions that are made about your child.• We will explain our treatment services, seek your recommendations, and include what is important to you in your child’s

treatment plan and in his/her care. When your child’s goals are different from your goals, we will try to help you and your child resolve any conflicts.

• We will provide you with written information about our programs and policies. We value your questions and input about how our program services will help your family.

• We will update you regularly about your child’s care and progress, and we hope you will tell us the best ways for us to communicate with you.

Talk with You and listen to you with dignity and respect.• We will do our best to use clear language, free of treatment jargon. If language is a barrier to our communication, we will

make every effort to meet your language needs.• We will take your concerns about your child’s care seriously, and we will respond to your questions, concerns, and requests

in a timely manner.• We will learn about your family’s values, as well as your cultural and spiritual needs. We will be culturally sensitive with our

language and in our approach to your child’s treatment.

Create Opportunities for Positive Family Connections during our work with your family.• We will make it easy for your family to have contact with your child. Family contact is based on safety and child/family

readiness; it is not something that must be earned.• We will be flexible in scheduling time for phone contact and visits that support your child’s treatment schedule and family

availability.• We want you to know that you can give your child gifts and personal items that are safe and supportive of the treatment

environment. The staff can help you determine what is appropriate.

Keep Your Information Confidential and protect your privacy.

• Only your treatment team, the courts, county/state officials, and the staff working with you and your child will have access to confidential information. We will release it only when legally necessary unless a crime, abuse, or threat of harm to self or others is expressed, in which case we will be required to inform the authorities to whom we must legally report.

• We will provide a private space for you to visit with your child, when legally permitted and when safe for everyone involved.• We take confidentiality seriously. If you have a special request or concern about your family’s information, please talk to the

staff so that we can be sensitive about your requests.

11

Our Pledge to Your FamilyCreate Helpful and Effective Treatment Services to ensure success after discharge.

• We will work with you to create goals that will prepare your child and family with the necessary skills for success at home or in the community.

• We will support your child’s return home whenever we mutually believe it is appropriate. We will involve you in treatment and in discharge decisions whether or not the plan is for your child to return home in the immediate future.

• We will help you to locate community resources that will support your child and your family after your child’s return home or to the community.

Please help us provide the best possible service for your familyAs we embark on this journey together, there may be times that you disagree with us or feel like we do not really understand your family. We may make mistakes and sometimes get things wrong, but please know that we want to make things better. We really do want you to have a positive experience as you partner with us. Below are some things that you might be able to do to help us keep our promises.

Talk with Us even if you think what you have to say will be difficult for us to hear.

• Talk with us often and let us know what you need. • Tell us when we make a mistake. Give us a chance to apologize and try again.• Communicate with us in a respectful manner, using appropriate language. Our goal is to work with your child and family.

Take the Appropriate Steps when you feel your concerns are not getting resolved.

• First, talk directly with the staff involved about any concerns you have. You may also wish to contact that staff’s supervisor directly.

• If you need additional help, please contact your family advocate. The family advocate’s job is to listen to your concerns and try to resolve any issues you have with our staff. If the situation needs an outside neutral party to resolve the conflict, the family advocate will take your concerns to the Nexus Corporate Leadership Staff.

• If you feel the Nexus advocacy process has not helped you resolve your issue, you may contact your state’s licensing entities. Your family advocate will provide you with the necessary contact information.

Give us Feedback throughout your child’s treatment.• You will have the chance to give us your written feedback three times during the course of treatment. Please take the time to

fill out these Family Satisfaction Surveys so we can improve our services. We take your feedback seriously.

12

Family Welcome Packets Ready to Roll Out

The Nexus Cornerstone Values are more than just words for kids to live by; they are a reflection of what we do at Nexus, every day.

Nexus will be providing families of new and existing clients a Family Welcome Packet as an extension of our Cornerstone Values and Family Partnership Initiative. We want families to be involved and properly informed throughout the treatment process because studies have shown that kids with involved families do better both during and after treatment.

The packets will help familiarize families with our residential treatment environment and provide an introduction to services. Content includes a wealth of information, including the following:• A welcome letter from CEO David Hutchinson• An explanation of the Nexus Cornerstone Values• A list of the Nexus Guiding Principles• Information about Nexus history, sites and affiliates, and

services• The new Family Pledge (See pages 9-11 of this Cornerstone)• Family and youth rights during treatment• Nexus privacy policies• A letter from the site Executive Director

• An overview of the treatment site• Information on Nexus Family Therapy principles and

techniques• What to expect during treatment• Frequently asked questions• On-site school information• Transition and aftercare services• Family Partnership Initiative resources and application• Map and directions to the site• Accommodations and area attractions near the site• Magnet and staff contact sheet

The Family Welcome Packets are in the final stages of development and will be distributed soon.

The Family Welcome Packets are an extension of the Nexus Cornerstone Values and the Family Partnership Initiative Family Pledge.

Mille Lacs Academy

Mille Lacs Academy Celebrates 31st Treatment Graduation

On Saturday, June 8, friends, family, and MLA staff gathered to celebrate the graduation of 13 very deserving MLA youth.

The keynote was delivered by Patrick Rookey, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Nexus. Rookey has a deep history with Nexus and Mille Lacs Academy. He was part of the crew that moved the site from Minnetonka, MN, to Onamia, MN, in 1991, and he has been a big part of Mille Lacs Academy ever since.

Rookey stressed that the 13 boys who were graduating were not only celebrating their hard-earned accomplishment, but also were serving as inspiration and hope for the youth currently at Mille Lacs Academy. Mille Lacs Academy was also privileged to have one of the graduates share his considerable talent with us all. The graduate performed a moving speech about a boy who desperately missed his father. The speech was originally used as an entry in competitive speech in high school. The graduate did a great job illustrating one boy’s struggle with wanting a normal life, against all odds.

Each graduate, after being pinned, invited a key individual in his treatment journey to be his designated speaker.” Finally, each youth took the opportunity to reflect and offer thanks to everyone who helped him reach this milestone on his journey.

The day was filled with happiness and was uplifting for all in attendance.

Chairs awaited the graduates before the ceremony.

The 13 graduates participated throughout the ceremony and enjoyed listening to the other speakers.

13

Mille Lacs Academy has participated in Minnesota’s Adopt-A-Highway program for many years. In the past, we took care of a stretch between the neighboring towns of Wahkon and Isle. This year, we moved a little closer to home and began looking after the stretch of Highway 27 that runs directly by our campus. Now, instead of traveling 13 miles by van to our location, we can simply walk to our spot.

On May 7, a crew of brave volunteers set off to see what the new section of highway held in store for us. You can bet we found our share of every sort of trash, but we also enjoyed a beautiful day, wildlife, and views of Lake Onamia and the Rum River. Thanks to everyone who participated. We look forward to many years of being good stewards in the community.

Mille Lacs Academy Youth Participate in Adopt-A-Highway

The boys enjoyed the scenery while cleaning up along Lake Onamia and the Rum River.

14

Gerard Academy

Building New PossibilitiesBy Kevin Coss, Austin Daily HeraldReprinted with permission.

A little more than a year ago, staff and students alike were celebrating the new gymnasium at Gerard Academy. While it filled a great

need for the children enrolled there, it also left a gaping hole not far away.

“It left us with an open space where our rec center used to be,” said Loren Nerison, admissions coordinator at Gerard.

Now, as one of two big changes coming to the organization, crews have broken ground on that empty patch of land to build a new $1.2-million dormitory. Construction began in April and is expected to wrap up by October. The new dorm, which will span about 7,300 square feet on the ground floor, will address a lingering problem for Gerard: a long waiting list that has stuck around for three to four years.

“We figured it was worthwhile to consider another residential dorm,” Nerison said.

The upcoming building has flexibility. The 16 single-bedrooms can be split into two eight-person units if necessary, giving Gerard an opportunity to make the dorm single-gender or half for boys and half for girls.

“We can constantly evolve to be capable of meeting the needs of whatever the services might be in the future,” Nerison said.

Right now, Nerison said he expects the space will go to the youngest boys at Gerard, though that may change by the time the building is complete. Sleeping quarters are separated by age and gender, and the makeup of the waiting list is likely to influence how the space is used, he added.

Gerard’s parent company, Nexus, helped make the dorm a possibility.

“We’ve been given a lot of support from Nexus,” Nerison said. “They have listened to the fact that we have to turn away kids [because of space issues].”

The new dorm will increase the total bed count from 77 to 93.

The other large change, the inclusion of a short-term program dedicated to addressing children’s issues in a three- to four-month time span instead of the normal plan’s nine to 10 months, stemmed from a series of visits Nerison made last summer

15

to see what referral agents had to say about how Gerard could better meet the need of the community.

“This was the overwhelming thought,” he said, adding people are enthusiastic about suggesting ideas and how to improve services for troubled youth and giving feedback about gaps in treatment.

The short-term programs will be restricted to children ages 8-18 with an IQ of 80 or greater, who have one to three main issues to address. It will require families to be committed to the treatment. Family therapy sessions will be more intensive, and staffing meetings will occur on a monthly basis, rather than every two to three months.

More support systems will be involved in a short-term program, Nerison said, such as an uncle, a school counselor, or a clergy member. Unlike the longer programs — where these influences in a child’s life know little about the particulars of the project — the short-term program will have those support sources more involved.

After children finish the program, they will have a set destination, said Communications Coordinator Damien Londino-Green.

“We already know where they’re going to end up,” he said, adding that knowledge lets staff figure out other resources that may help the child going forward.

As it stands now, Gerard is already looking to add more therapists, clinicians, and other staff to serve the children enrolled. With the short-term program starting and the potential for more children to enroll with the new dormitory, 20 to 25 new staff members will likely join the 150 already employed, Londino-Green said.

A Growing TrendThe new dormitory will be the latest in a series of expansions at Gerard. Other recent projects include:

—Early 2012, new gym replaces recreation center.

—2007, kitchen expansion and 32 beds added.

—2006, new school constructed.

Current construction at Gerard Academy. The new dormitory is expected to be completed this fall.

The most recent addition to the Gerard campus is the new gym and recreation center.

16

Onarga Academy

The professionals at Onarga Academy have identified an existing and

unmet need for the youth transitioning from residential treatment settings to less- restrictive settings.

Throughout the state of Illinois, there is severely limited availability of qualified therapeutic foster home placements for adolescent youth. Generally, foster care programs are unable or unwilling to place these youth in one of their foster homes, despite the youth’s progress in treatment, typically because they acknowledge not having a clinically appropriate setting for the youth, given their history and ongoing risk management needs. Therefore, in an effort to meet this currently unmet need, as well as to support the strategic focus of building a seamless continuum of care, Onarga Academy developed a Therapeutic Foster Care Program near its campus.

There’s No Place Like HomeOnarga Academy Introduces Two New Therapeutic Foster Care Homes

The houses will be homes for boys in need of therapeutic foster care. Pictured is a guest room in one of the new houses.

The new foster homes will offer the following:

• Therapeutically-oriented, individualized services in a foster home and community-based setting.

• ‘Step-down’ opportunities primarily for the Academy’s youth who exhibit moderate emotional, social, and/or behavioral issues, yet do not require a group home or residential setting.

“Our Therapeutic Foster Care Program is the first of its kind in the state of Illinois”.

Donna RyanOnarga Academy Admissions

& Community Relations Supervisor

17

Programming

Gender: MaleAge Range: 13 – 18 yearsCapacity: Two homes with 3 – 4 youth per homeAnticipated Length of Stay: 6 – 9 months for youth with a “return home” DCFS permanency goal

Each home is staffed by members of a professional and compassionate team, including the following:• Professional Foster Parent• Therapist• POS Caseworker• Transition Specialist• Program Supervisor

The Professional Foster Care Program’s primary focus is to provide a therapeutic, community-based home setting that supports and encourages the youth’s continued treatment progress while also working with each youth’s family to promote health, change, and healing. Additionally, staff will create a family partnership with the youth’s designated family by listening to and including the youth’s family in treatment decisions, fostering frequent family contact and interaction, establishing and maintaining effective communication, involving families in day-to-day care and activities, and creating positive family experiences and memories.

At a Glance

• Groundbreaking: October 2012• 2 New Therapeutic Foster Treatment Homes• Each has 2,900 square feet of living space• Features a master suite, 4 youth bedrooms, a guest room, kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, 2-car attached garage, and a full basement

According to Mike Tilstra, Onarga Academy’s Administrative Director, “These homes were designed and built by the professionals of Unlimited Construction & Development, Inc. (UCDI) of Fisher, Illinois, led by Rob Frerichs, president.”

An inside shot of the project in January.

The master suite begins to take shape as new windows and sheetrock are installed.

18

Indian Oaks Academy

N on-communicative. That’s how Michael (not his real name) was described when he arrived at Indian Oaks Academy in 2009. He lived more in “fantasy land” than in our world. That’s how he survived in a

homeless shelter, before DCFS placed him at IOA. And despite a clean, safe place where things were so much better than in his previous environment, Michael struggled to acclimate to his new surroundings. But the team stuck with it, and he came around.

Michael had a talent for making the most intricate, realistic paper versions of inanimate objects. Once, during an Elders meeting, he was reprimanded for texting on what the staff in charge believed was a program cell phone. Staff couldn’t suppress laughter when he handed over his paper flip phone. It was also becoming evident that Michael was fascinated by the natural world, especially Woolly Bear caterpillars. He rescued many, as they crossed the sidewalks and streets on campus each fall.

After Michael completed his treatment in 2013, he moved to a group home with a less-restrictive setting. When Christmas rolled around, he wanted to spend that holiday with his IOA family, so staff arranged an overnight visit. Every so often we get updates on Michael’s progress, but nothing was more rewarding than the email Executive Director Mike Chavers received from Dr. Liddy Hope (Michael’s therapist and former Nexus and IOA employee) at Larkin Center:

I hope all is well with you! I miss you and all of IOA a lot. I’ve settled in here at Larkin, but once a Nexus kid, always a Nexus kid. I wanted to pass on a couple of things that I know you will appreciate. Both evidence of the great work that IOA does and the incredible and well-deserved reputation IOA has. We (Larkin) have a handful of kids who are really struggling. They have needs beyond our capacity as a group home: they need more structure, more intensive therapy, a quiet room, etc. In each and every case, the FIRST name mentioned as a place for this kid is IOA and within minutes, someone always says, “I love working with Indian Oaks.” This makes me smile every time. I am so proud to witness the hard work of so many good folks down there. I frequently overhear the name ‘Indian Oaks’ and it is ALWAYS in a positive way.

Larkin had our graduation earlier this week. Kids can receive awards for academics, sports, etc. But, there is one BIG DEAL award, the Carol D. Knizek Award. Youth are nominated for this award and it is about overall achievement, in school, behavior, citizenship, etc. This award is actually monetary, in the form of an educational scholarship, established in memory of a former Larkin teacher. This year, the recipient was Michael!! Not only did he receive this award, but he was nominated by a teacher other than his own. His progress and hard work are evident from across the hall, and all over. He has come so very far and I know that solid foundation was laid by the hard work of Indian Oaks – Program 1, specifically. As you can imagine, he is very proud, his big grin shining all the time!

A Client’s Success is Our Reward

“

”

Michael enjoying the company of a Woolly Bear caterpillar. [Photo release on file.]

19

Interior work in the girls’ kitchen and wood floor installation inside the TLP buildings is being finished for the upcoming opening dates.

The boys’ and girls’ TLP buildings are close to completion! They are being built on the west end of the IOA campus, and female clients will begin moving into their TLP, named Horizon Home, starting July 8.

Various stages throughout the building process for the new ranch-style cottages that are set for completion in September.

After nearly 20 years in buildings that were originally built in the 1930s as part of the former Manteno State Hospital (at one time, the largest in the country), IOA is poised to move clients into new cottages, complete with individual bedrooms. Each of the six ranch-style homes will accommodate up to 16 clients, and all are slated to be completed in September. Additionally, final interior work is being completed on two new Transitional Living Place (TLP) buildings at the western-most end of the campus. Female clients will move into the new Horizon Home TLP on July 8. Not all the action is taking place on campus: IOA opened a new boys’ TLP in Kankakee this past May, after extensive renovations to the building that once housed a funeral home. At the recent open house, the old owners toured the Journey Home and said, “We can’t imagine a better use for our old home and business.”

The Face of IOA is Changing!

The new TLP, Journey Home, in Kankakee, IL, that opened this past May.

20

Kindred & Family Focus, Inc.

This year’s spring conference, “Continuing the Journey,” marks

the first time that Kindred Family Services and Family Focus, Inc., conducted the event together. It was held on April 19, 2013, at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, MN, and had a great turnout even though the weather was less than cooperative. On the weekend of the conference, Minnesota cities were getting anywhere from 4 to 15 inches of snow! A special thank you to all those who braved the storm.

This year’s conference focused on training and educating foster parents about trauma-informed care and working closely with biological families.

Nexus CEO, David Hutchinson, spoke at the conference, as did Tom Woll, a facilitator for The Strategic Change Initiative who has been a consultant with Kindred Family Services and Family Focus. Mr. Woll spoke about therapeutic interventions and the future of child welfare.

Two other speakers, Barb Jochum and Denise Morcomb, also presented training opportunities. Ms. Jochum discussed trauma and how to handle it during the treatment process. Ms. Morcomb spoke

Facilitator Tom Woll and Nexus CEO David Hutchinson spoke at the Spring Conference.

A former foster child and artist donated several art pieces, including sculpture, paintings, and multi-piece artwork, for raffle at the Spring Conference. [Photo release on file.]

about developing healthy relationships with a youth’s family and the foster parents.

A former foster child of Kindred Family Services donated her artwork for the raffle held at the end of the conference. She handed out her artwork to the raffle winners of the unique pieces.

Continuing the Journey, Together Joint Spring Conference Held in April

21

Woodbourne Center

Woodbourne Center has undergone a major facelift with improvements to both the interior and

exterior of the campus.

A fresh coat of paint, renovations, new furnishings and window treatments throughout campus interiors are giving Woodbourne a cleaner, brighter, updated look.

The exterior is getting some special treatment, as well. The outside walls are being painted with a beautiful puzzle-piece mural of a mountain landscape being enjoyed by colorful onlookers, and new landscaping is being done to freshen the campus.

The updates give the campus new life and are exciting additions for the staff and youth.

Fresh Paint, Fresh Perspective

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTERBEFORE

22

Cornerstone is published 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 E-mail: nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org www.nexustreatment.org

Nexus: Changing Lives Through Our Cornerstone Values Nexus is a national, nonprofit organization that helps youth rehabilitate and reintegrate through a continuum of diversified services from residential to in-home counseling. Nexus offers 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. The Nexus Family of Treatment Programs is a group of programsoffering diverse programs and services for children and families that is operated by Nexus, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and its subsidiaries: Gerard Treatment Programs, LLC, and Family Focus,

Inc. 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 efficiency and economy of coordinated management functions. Nexus locations include Mille Lacs Academy, Gerard Academy, Onarga Academy, Indian Oaks Academy, and Family Focus, Inc.

Have an idea for a story? Contact Nancy Baldrica, Cornerstone editor nbaldrica@nexustreatment.org763-551-8671

www.nexustreatment.org“Like” us on Facebook to get updates!