Suicidal Teen Avoids Hospital

Summer 2014
School Principal Calls on Mobile Crisis Team
Suicidal Teen Avoids Hospital
One Friday afternoon, after a long history of behavior problems, 15-year-old Christopher had a
particularly explosive episode. He threatened suicide, and school staff couldn’t get him to calm down.
He was in acute crisis that required hospitalization.
Christopher’s principal made an important decision, which instead allowed him to return home with
family and still get the care he needed. His principal called on The Child and Adolescent Crisis Program
(CACP) of EMQ FamiliesFirst. Our 24-hour mobile crisis team responded, averted the immediate crisis,
and then connected the family to ongoing resources for support and healing.
When Christopher was young, his mother’s severe mental illness created periods of instability, harm
and abuse. His father struggled with his own depression and substance abuse. It’s no surprise that
Christopher developed problems. He felt guilt and loss seeing his mother become homeless as
a result of her mental illness.Those feelings erupted into anger and behavior problems at
school and a pattern of intense depression and substance abuse.
Christopher’s father sought help for his son. For a brief time, Christopher
went to therapy and it helped. After that, though, things escalated and he was
expelled from school. On the day when his new principal called our crisis team,
Christopher had been bullied and was suicidal.
When the crisis team arrived, they assessed Christopher and helped him get
calm and feel safe. They took the time to build rapport so that he could share
the emotions he was dealing with and even some insights about past traumas
that contributed to his depression and anger.
Because of Christopher’s willingness to participate, his father’s support at
home, and social support that was going to be made available, Christopher
avoided being hospitalized. CACP used a family-centered approach to
identify needs and goals, especially involving Christopher’s father.
The family was referred to The Crisis Transition Service at EMQ
FamiliesFirst who met with the family and continued the support and
treatment. Together they developed a plan, and learned tools to employ
when Christopher started to feel distressed or overwhelmed. With a
plan in place, the family was encouraged to use the CACP program, as
needed, and Christopher knows he can reach out to his father when life
gets tough.
CACP and Community Transition Services are available to children
and teens in Santa Clara County.
What’s going on in your region…
Los Angeles
(Hollygrove)
Bay Area
Foster Care and
Adoption Services
Capital
Inland
Empire
Central
Valley
Kids engage with
gardening, art
and music
p. 4
Tennis Tournament
celebrates 30
years
p. 5
49ers and Levi’s
pull a win for
foster kids
p. 6
Will you help us
do ‘whatever
it takes’?
p. 6
Mentor helps
teen transition to
adulthood
p. 7
It’s time to help
with school
supplies!
p. 7
EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org 1
Compassion & Care
From Darrell Evora, MCP, MBA, President & CEO
Then and Now: People Who
Do ‘Whatever It Takes’
In a few years, EMQ FamiliesFirst will celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The prospect is both awesome and inspiring to me. Our mission to
help California’s lost, abandoned and hurting children has essentially
remained the same as it was originally envisioned by our founders. Our
story began in the alleyways of San Francisco where young Chinese
girls were forced into slavery or prostitution, in San Jose in the early
days of statehood when children were left alone, and on the streets
of downtown Los Angeles where orphaned children were rescued by
two women in a buckboard carriage.
Doing “whatever it takes” requires that we embrace challenges and seek solutions
that keep children safe and thriving. It takes volunteers and donors who are the
“heartbeat” of our organization. And, it takes caring and compassionate staff. I am
dedicating this newsletter to them as the stories we share in each edition would not
be realized without them. This excerpt from a grateful Fresno parent says it better
than I could...
“You helped my kids more then words can say—as I type this I cry real tears. Every
day I see beauty by looking into my kids’ eyes. My child’s smile, like a picture, says a
thousand words about the staff’s compassion and humanity. I may not be the best dad,
but your team gives me motivation, assurance, and support to never give up.“
Meet: Donna Butcher, Board Member
Donna Butcher has always been interested in and dedicated to
serving young children as well as children with special needs. She is
a longstanding, compassionate supporter of the kids and families of
EMQ FamiliesFirst.
Early in life, Donna was influenced by her mother who she said,
“embodied the true spirit of unconditional love.” Donna grew up
in Washington D.C. where her Dad was an FBI agent. She had the
opportunity to receive an excellent university education and launch
her teaching career. When she moved to California she continued to teach primary
grades as well as become a master teacher, mentoring new teachers.
Her love for young children continued after marrying husband, Dr. Michael Butcher,
an orthopedic surgeon, as they raised three sons. She helped at her kids’ schools and
began to volunteer for our agency through The Butter Paddle, a gift shop run by
one of the agency’s auxiliaries, located first in Saratoga and now in Los Gatos. Donna
volunteered there for 25 years, holding many positions including president and buyer.
Once she decided to ‘retire’ from The Butter Paddle, Donna was recruited to serve
on our statewide board of directors beginning in 2006. She said that she really has
respect for the agency’s well-run and caring board. She appreciates how active the
board and agency are in advocating for new mental health legislation, especially
during recent difficult economic times. Donna also serves on the Bay Area Region
Board of Governors.
continued on next page
2 EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org
Headquarters
251 Llewellyn Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 379-3790
Fund Development
Bay Area (408) 364-4044
Capital Region (530) 747-3122
Central Valley (559) 246-8223
Inland Empire (909) 266-2708
Los Angeles/Hollygrove (323) 769-7142
Human Resources
Job postings and applications at
www.emqff.org/employment
Foster Care and Adoption Services
(877) 488-5437 (toll-free)
Regional Offices:
Bay Area
251 Llewellyn Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 379-3790
Capital
9343 Tech Center Drive, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 388-6400
Central Valley
1630 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 150
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 248-8550
Inland Empire
572 N. Arrowhead Ave., Suite 200
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 266-2700
Los Angeles/Hollygrove
815 N. El Centro Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 463-2119
Interim VP of Fund Development
Cathy Kort (323) 769-7142
Newsletter Editor
Lee Ann Kolker (408) 364-4043
Graphic Designer
Gayle Marquez, Marquez+Hubka Design
For more locations and information on all of our
services, go to www.emqff.org. If you have donated
within the past year, please look yourself up on the
website at www.emqff.org/help.
Possibilities is published three times a year for the
supporters of EMQ FamiliesFirst.
Confidentiality of EMQ FamiliesFirst children
and families has been preserved through the use of
models and by changing identifying details.
To update your mailing information, please call
or email Judi Umbreit at (408) 364-4048 or
judith.umbreit@emqff.org.
Help a Child
EMQ FamiliesFirst
Board of Directors
Board of Governors Efforts Surpass 2014 Fundraising Goal
“Circle of Angels”
Helps Kids Succeed
Chair of the Board
Peter W. Brown, CPA
Vice Chair/Chair-Elect
Michael S. McAndrews
Why join Circle of Angels?
The journey of a vulnerable child is heartbreaking,
often marked by a loss of innocence and inability to
trust. EMQ FamiliesFirst, and its Los Angeles regional
location, Hollygrove, provide supportive therapeutic
care to guide that child on a path of emotional
stability and well-being that depend on our ability to
“do whatever it takes.” Doing whatever it takes involves making sure their needs are
met despite lack of government funding. Several innovative programs would not exist
without private support. In various regions of California, these include Family Finding,
Endless Summer Therapeutic After School Program, Parent Institute, Autism Spectrum
Disorder pilot project, Residential Care, Foster Care and Emancipation programs.
Secretary
John F. Hopkins, Esq.
Treasurer
Suanne Ramar
President & CEO
EMQ FamiliesFirst
Darrell Evora, MCP, MBA
Robert A. Archer
Who is involved?
Jo Ariko
Neal Dempsey
This year, outreach by the Board of Governors led by Chair Roger Barney (Bay
Area) and co-chairs Brad Slocum and Stella Hall (Los Angeles) achieved ambitious
goals by increasing new memberships in the Circle of Angels by 40 percent. These
are members of the community who share a desire to improve the lives of children
who are experiencing crisis due to the effects of trauma, abuse, neglect and addiction.
Geoff Edelstein
How do I join?
Charles E. Erickson
Annual donations totaling $1,000 to the “Whatever it Takes Fund” (not designated
to a specific program) during the period July 1 – June 30 automatically qualify
donors for a membership in Circle of Angels. Benefits include recognition on the
agency’s donor wall and website, a special gift designed by children and invitations to
exclusive events including an annual reception. Contact:
Roger A. Barney
Donna Butcher
Heather Jones
Scott Kolbrenner
William D. Kron
Cathy Kort, development director, Southern California and Sacramento
cathy.kort@hollygrove.org, (323) 769-7142
R. Donald McNeil, Esq.
Bradley G. Slocum
Diane Wesson, development director, Bay Area and Central California
diane.wesson@emqff.org or (408) 364-4051
John J. Tallarida
Geoffrey R.M. Thomas
Jana L. Turner
Meet: Donna Butcher continued from page 2
Kimila W. Ulrich
Whether it was working in the store or throwing parties for children, or now serving
on the board, she appreciates working with others who have a “heart for children
and families.” She especially recommends volunteering with one of the auxiliaries
for anyone who enjoys hands-on work.
Denise Vonhof

Donna’s investment of her time and energy serving young children has come full
circle. To her delight, she now spends many hours with her two young grandsons,
ages 3¾ and 1. ♥

For the latest advocacy updates
and donor news, subscribe to our email
newsletter at www.emqff.org.
EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org 3
Los Angeles Region
Norma Jean Gala Raises $240,000 for Hollygrove
The healing impact of art, music and Hollygrove’s therapeutic after school
program, Endless Summer, were featured at the second annual Norma Jean
Gala. “Every child is a rising star at Hollygrove, and we wanted them to be the
focus of the evening,” said Mary Brougher, associate director of Hollygrove’s
privately funded community services programs.
Led by singer, songwriter Ruby Stewart, the children’s choir kicked off the
evening by singing “All You Need Is Love.” Emcee, Busy Philipps captivated
the audience while George Lopez’s storytelling entertained and touched more
than 250 guests in attendance.
New Children’s Garden Inspires Food Theme
Artwork by children in the Endless Summer
program on display at the Norma Jean Gala.
The evening’s organic theme was inspired by the children’s new Giving Garden
designed by host of iHeartRadio show “Model Gardner,” Kelly Emberg.
Vegetables grown in the garden were incorporated into rooftop food tastings
donated by some of the best caterers in Los Angeles and wine tastings provided
by Marilyn Wines.
Photo courtesy Jody Pinchin
Artists represented by Caspar Martin included Zhenya Gershman and
Hieronymus Schofferman. Photographers Rena Small and Greg Huebner
helped children who are healing from trauma experience the joys of childhood
by producing their own art for the event.
Read More and See Event Photos
Kelly Emberg creating the Giving Garden with
children from Endless Summer program.
Special thanks to gala event chair, Stella Hall, and to all of our generous
sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff and celebrities who made our second
annual Norma Jean Gala a huge success! To learn more about the gala, visit
www.normajeangala.org. ♥
Above: Celebrities and Friends on the “Blue” Carpet - Pictured from left: Dolvett Quince; Tia
Mowry; Darrell Evora, EMQ FamiliesFirst President & CEO; Busy Philipps; George Lopez; Stella
Hall, Norma Jean Gala Event Chair; Debby Ryan; Lisa Vidal; Diane Ladd.
Norma Jean Gala Video Screens at TCL Chinese Theatres
Slated for International Film Festival
The short film, “Hollygrove, The True Life Story of Monserrat” a powerful story of a young girl’s journey to
rediscover hope and healing, screened at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood in June. It was also an
early selection by FLICKERS Rhode Island International Film Festival. Thank you for this generous gift
made by Director Carlos A. Hurtado and Producers Carlos A. Hurtado and Roger LA.
4 EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.hollygrove.org
Bay Area Region
From Almaden Valley to Palo Alto—
30 Years of Tennis
Tournament Helps Kids
This spring over 200 women, competing at clubs from Palo Alto
to San Jose, wound up 30 years of Tennis Marathon play and
celebrated at their annual awards luncheon at the Almaden Valley
Athletic Club. In the last two years, the annual marathon fundraiser
raised more than $18,700 and since the year 2000, when records
were first kept, it has raised over $215,000 for children in crisis
and their families.
Started in 1983 by Jean Knofler and coordinated for more than
15 years by Lois Machado, the marathon is currently coordinated
by Eileen Connolly, Denise Scheaffer and Kelly Frazer. Each has
been instrumental in the success of the marathon and luncheon.
The Tennis Marathon offers players competitive yet fun and social
tournament play while providing a community benefit for children.
The marathon runs from September through April with one round Players on the courts at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club.
Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone
robin match per month. Participants choose to play singles
or doubles, and groups are formed at level of play.
About half of the participants are in doubles groups that
play in Almaden and then meet for lunch: Out to Lunch
Bunch and Out to Lunch Bunch, Too. In addition, they
hold Christmas parties where they collect additional
contributions for EMQ FamiliesFirst.
Thanks to all players who have participated over the
years and to the dedicated leadership who manage
extensive behind-the-scenes projects, such as registrations,
coordinating teams and planning the luncheon. For more
information, visit www.emqff.org/newsletter. ♥
Kelly Frazer and Eileen Connolly check in players
at the tennis marathon and awards luncheon.
Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone
CH Reynolds Hosts 7th Annual Tournament
For the seventh year, CH Reynolds
hosted its annual golf tournament at
Coyote Creek Golf Club. Over 200
guests enjoyed a round of golf, dinner
and helped raise thousands of dollars to
help kids served by EMQ FamiliesFirst.
From CH Reynolds (left to right),
Shelly Paiva and Chuck Reynolds with
Laura Champion and Diane Wesson
representing EMQ FamiliesFirst.
Very special thanks go to Chuck
Reynolds who continues to get business
associates, family and friends to support
children in crisis. Also, huge thanks go to
Cheryl McKeel, Shelly Paiva and
committee members for organizing
this successful event. ♥
Thanks to the Unicorn Thrift Shop of Almaden for hosting
another amazing Easter party for children in the FIRST 5
program of EMQ FamiliesFirst in Santa Clara County. There
were over 60 children and family members at the party.
EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org 5
Foster Care & Adoption
Levi’s® and 49ers Show Enthusiastic Support
Bay Area Foster Kids Get a Big Win
Foster kids in our Bay Area programs got a huge surprise when the 49ers
Foundation and Levi’s® invited them to the 49ers training facility. Over
200 foster kids from six local agencies attended.
Upon arrival, they were led into a locker room set up with their own
personalized lockers filled with a backpack, jeans and shirt provided by
Levi’s® and collectables donated by the 49ers. The day was part of the
49ers Foundation’s effort to keep kids “Safe, on Track and in School.”
Next the kids got to watch a 49ers practice near the construction of the
new Levi’s® Stadium. Afterward, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh invited them
onto the field to meet the players and get photos and autographs.
Our staff got a big surprise, too, when President of Levi’s® Brand James
Curleigh joined Coach Harbaugh and 49ers Co-Chairman John York
in announcing a combined $30,000 grant to the Bay Area foster youth
agencies present.
“The generosity and kindness expressed by the 49ers and Levi’s executives
and team members was phenomenal,” said Roberto Favela, vice president
of Foster Care and Adoption Services at EMQ FamiliesFirst. “Our foster
youth thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we are grateful for your
support and the new partnership.” ♥
Photo credit 49ers Foundation. Used with permission.
Capital Region
Help Turn a Child’s Life Around
Thanks to donors in the Capital Region, our “Whatever It Takes
Fund” is available to clinical staff when they need to respond
to essential needs that will help a child and family thrive. On
a family-by-family basis, the Whatever It Takes Fund supports
short-term, sustainable requests that are not being met through
other funding sources.
Help recover the joys of childhood.
Here’s how your donations have recently been put to work:
•An 8-year-old boy wanted to play Little League Baseball. His
family did not have the resources to pay for anything more
than the basic necessities.
•A 17-year-old girl was unable to provide a safe place for her
baby to sleep. Whatever It Takes funds were used to purchase
a crib, mattress and sheets.
•A family with several young children needed help with a
deposit so that they could move to safe housing.
Most of the children we serve are low-income, Medi-Cal eligible and live at or below poverty level.Through no fault of their
own many have not had the opportunity to experience the joys of childhood.Your donation not only provides essentials like
those listed above, it can allow a child to participate in positive experiences and activities such as pet therapy, art and music
therapy, or science and sports camps. Or, it may help them be reunited with extended family. ♥
Find out how you can help. Read more at www.emqff.org/newsletter.
6 EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org
Inland Empire Region
Francisco Succeeds into Adulthood
At age 14, Francisco was the victim of
a violent crime. When no one showed
up to take him home, he was placed
in foster care where he had multiple
placements until age 18.
Through IYRT, Francisco found an
open, trusting relationship with his
mentor. He can talk about things
that bother him and learn new ways
of handling tough situations. He’s
been able to turn his fears of entering
adulthood into dreams and aspirations.
In group mentoring he sees how others
face obstacles similar to his own.
He ended up dropping out of high
school. He didn’t have the motivation
to finish, mostly because he couldn’t
envision any kind of future for himself.
Instead he got in trouble with the law
and finally was incarcerated.
Yet Francisco is a very smart young
adult. He needed support finishing his
high school credential and exploring
career options as well as maintaining
positive relationships and learning to be
independent.
Now Francisco is able to live with
his aunt—whom he calls ‘Mom’—
and he has been connected to EMQ
FamiliesFirst and our Interagency Youth
Resiliency Team (IYRT). The IYRT is
His positive outlook is evidenced by the
community service Francisco started
doing and by his interest in the basic
financial and budgeting workshops
that are offered through IYRT by Wells
Fargo staff.
Francisco has learned to set goals and
the individual steps that will build his
a mentoring program that provides skills future. He’s learned to strengthen his
for young adults as they leave the foster family relationships and has started a
care or juvenile systems. It helps them new job. He’s getting a driver’s license
develop skills, resolve grief or trauma, and saving to buy a car—and he’s
and create positive relationships to working toward his GED.
♥
support them into adulthood.
Central Region
Community Partnerships Help Local Kids
Back-to-School Drive
We have teamed up with Roonga to host a backpack and
school supply drive for children and teens in programs at
EMQ FamiliesFirst in Fresno and the Central Valley. It’s an
easy way to help kids get what they need to start the school
year successfully. Simply visit the Roonga site and select items
you’d like to donate; then pay for your purchases. The items
will be delivered to our office and we’ll distribute them before
the start of school.
Find more details and a link to the site at www.emqff.org/
newsletter.
Local Partnerships
Businesses and organizations are making a big difference in the
lives of children and teens. For Mother’s Day, Bath & Body
Works donated body wash, lotions and shower gels so that each
child could give their mom, foster mom or guardian a gift. Kids
were given materials to create a card and wrap up the gifts.
What a great feeling and positive support for families!
This summer, we are helping kids and families get connected
to “natural” supports in the community—resources that
are free or low cost but that families just need to know are
available.We gather resources and let them know about free or
“dollar” movies, activities and events, such as barbecues in the
park, city swimming pools, day camps and Fresno Grizzlies
games. And once again, RiverTree Volunteers will help our
teens and staff canoe down the San Joaquin River, do some
river cleanup and learn about organisms living on and below
the water. ♥
EMQ FamiliesFirst . Summer 2014 . www.emqff.org 7
S AV E T H E D AT E !
Silicon Valley Community
Awards Luncheon
Fairmont Hotel, San Jose
Friday, January 30, 2015
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
INSIDE
For more information contact Diane Wesson,
Bay Area Region development director, at
(408) 364-4051 or diane.wesson@emqff.org.
- Success: Suicidal teen avoids hospitalization - CEO letter: People Doing “Whatever It Takes”
- Celebrity support: Hollywood turns out for Norma Jean Gala
Printed on recycled paper
Thank you for
helping kids in crisis
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judith.umbreit@emqff.org.
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