THE ABRAXAS - Abraxas Youth & Family Services

THE ABRAXAS
ISSUE 19
❙ SPRING 2015
CHRONICLE
Abraxas Youth & Family Services
❙
Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas
“Leadership is not about
being right or knowing
more than everyone.
It is about being willing
to learn and then taking
the right steps and
decisions to become a
better person.”
- Anonymous
❙
www.abraxasyfs.com
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LDP 20 Years
BY:
Craig Schmidt
Leadership Development Program
South Mountain, PA
Since 1994, the Abraxas Leadership Development Program (LDP), located in South Mountain, PA, has provided treatment intervention
services for close to 7,000 youth from the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and Washington D.C. On November 3rd,
2014, LDP celebrated 20 years of quality programming highlighted by a resident and staff recognition ceremony and a luncheon where
photos and memorabilia were on display to commemorate 20 years of operational, programming and staff events.
LDP - 20 Years
The Parallelism between Experiential Education and the
Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategies
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
BY:
Shane Sloat
Leadership Development Program
South Mountain, PA
The Abraxas Leadership Development Program opened over 20 years ago, employing experiential education (EED) techniques within its cognitive
behavioral practices. On two occasions, the program successfully completed accreditation status with the Association of Experiential Education,
which we continue to follow today. The implementation of the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategies (JJSES) has brought obvious parallel
practices between what was already implemented, is engrained in EED, and what is being taught through probation departments, community based,
and treatment facilities throughout Pennsylvania.
JJSES framework and steps are outlined through the “Key JJSES Building Blocks,” and the JJSES monologue produced in April 2012. The strategies
focus on prevention of delinquency and out-of-home placement by working with juveniles to reduce their risk of recidivism and to enhance those
protective factors that result in a law-abiding life (2). The practice of experiential education is
a methodology of encouraging learning and change process through experiential learning
and teaching. LDP utilizes EED successfully in many areas of the program including enhancing
academic education, clinical applications, adventure experience, BARJ, and independent
living/vocational skills. Experiential learning is not about the content of information, but
Colleagues,
rather a concept of encouraging student-centered learning through any experience.
I recently returned from a GEO
Therefore and when facilitated correctly, EED enhances all aspects of the program from
Care meeting which include
d
representatives from BI and
Reentry Services. As I prepar
academic learning to treatment practices.
e for
eve
The Parallelism
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
nts such as these, it is impress
ive to reflect upon our
accomplishments which wou
ld not be possible without the
dedication and hard work tha
t each of you contributes to
our
treatment environment. I pro
vided an overview of Abraxa
s
and they were impressed by
the quality of our operations
,
our continuum of care and
our measurable outcomes.
As we start each year, we set
goals and priorities at both
the divisional and program
level. For 2015, we have iden
tified
strategic priorities for the
division to help us reduce
risk,
contain costs and improve
performance with a high deg
ree
of efficiency. Each strategic
priority is supported by one
or
more critical project with det
ailed project plans, dedicat
ed
resources, key milestones
and implementation timelin
es.
The project teams will report
out on a quarterly basis to
help keep us on track. I bel
ieve the projects are critical
for
enhancing our existing pro
grams, identifying new gro
wth
opportunities and investing
in our facilities, our processes
and our people.
Thanks again for all of you
r efforts in 2014 and
I look forward to another
successful year as part
of GEO Care in 2015.
Jon Swatsburg
INDEX
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Page 3 Program Updates
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Page 4 Abraxas & Your Community
❙
Divisional Vice President
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Page 6 All Around Abraxas
PAGE
FEATURED COVER STORIES
2
LDP - 20 Years
CONTINUED
❙
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
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LDP 20 Years
LDP began operations on August 1, 1994. The program was developed as a
partnership between the Abraxas Foundation and Franklin County Juvenile Probation.
LDP is known for their experiential education opportunities. They built their first challenge
course during the first three years of the program. The course was certified by the Association
for Challenge Course Technology and was rated as one of the top three courses in the country.
Today the challenge course consists of both high and low ropes elements and is located
adjacent to the facility.
LDP has been recognized through the years for providing diverse programing that is
continually evolving to meet the needs of the youth in our care:
■ In 1997, LDP (an all-male program) was awarded the Juvenile Courts
Judge’s Commission (JCJC) 1997 Residential Program of the Year Award.
■ In 2000, LDP expanded its services to include female youth.
■ In 2007, the program enhanced its clinical programming and transitioned from a
military-style program to a more individualized cognitive-behavioral treatment model.
■ In 2012, the female program at LDP was awarded the
2012 JCJC Residential Program of the Year Award.
During its 20 year history, thousands of youth have been provided with opportunities
to learn and achieve success in a variety of ways:
■ Countless field trips and wilderness activities have taken youth up and down the
East Coast focusing on teamwork and learning how to deal with adversity.
■ Over 40,000 hours of community service work has been completed.
■ Thousands of dollars has been raised for charities such as The American Red Cross and H2O for Africa
as well as local charities to include animal shelters, breast cancer awareness and homeless shelters.
■ Over 200 GED’s and High School diplomas have been issued.
Today, LDP serves up to 128 youth at the facility
and works in partnership with close to 75
different county agencies in the Northeast.
Through the years, the program has remained
consistent with the Seven Key Principles of
Care and with providing a balance of
accountability, structure and competency
development. For 20 years LDP has looked to
build the leaders of tomorrow by modeling
and teaching what we know about leadership,
responsibility and serving others.
The Parallelism
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CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
The Parallelism between Experiential Education and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategies
While there are many commonalities, the obvious one outlined in the monologue for JJSES (2012) focuses on the key concepts in evidence-based practice.
The relationship can be made with the responsivity principle, which emphasizes the importance of characteristics that influence a juvenile’s ability and
motivation to learn (2). In the practice of EED, the purpose is to utilize the characteristics of the experience to enhance and influence the juvenile’s ability
and motivation to learn. In his entry to the Journal of Experiential Education, Bill Proudman explains, “good experiential learning is a challenging, active,
student-centered process that impels students towards opportunities for taking initiative, responsibility, and decision making” (Proudman, 1992 [1]).
The focus of motivational interviewing is to engage the conversation towards strengthening the participant’s motivation towards change and learning.
EED has long engaged in the practice of “challenge by choice,” as a staple for challenging and motivating the learner towards the experience of change.
Challenge by Choice encourages the participant’s motivation towards change and learning. It has long been an important principle in Adventure Based
Counseling. An example at the Leadership Development Program is found in the full value contract established by each client who participates in
team-building initiatives on the challenge courses. Each resident is explained Challenge by Choice and focus is the process of learning and challenging
him/herself to participate for the purpose of engaging in an emotional learning process.
When examining how to best utilize experiential education to address the specific risk/need factors outlined in the YLS/CMI, particular areas such as peer
relations, leisure/recreation, and attitudes and orientation stand out. Experiential education and experience based programming focus on the processing
of group relationships, individual achievements, and the role and responsibility of the facilitator to emphasize the learning lesson component of the activity.
This method is implemented while the resident is participating in a multiple-day adventure outing, a one hour clinical group, community service, field trips,
and many other areas. Residents of the program experience and process first-hand the importance of positive peer relationships, the benefit for healthy
recreational activities, and especially how one’s attitude and orientation to achieve and demonstrate leadership has positive impacts on emotional, physical,
and social well-being.
As the Leadership Development Program continues to focus on the
implementation of the JJSES initiatives, participation in the SPEP
process, and always striving to provide the highest quality of care; we
are proud to continue our representation for the professional experiential
education community and provide our residents with once in a lifetime
opportunities while focusing on the process of change.
www.abraxasyfs.com
REFERENCES
(1) Chapman, S., McPhee, P., and Proudman, B. (1992).
What is experiential education? Journal of Experiential Education, 15(2), 16-23.
(2) Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. (2012).
Achieving Our Balanced and Restorative Justice Mission Through Evidence-Based Policy and Practice.
PROGRAM UPDATES
3
“Not Your
Grandma’s Crochet”
PAGE
BY:
Bryan Coy
Abraxas Open Residential Firesetting
and Sexual Behavior Program
South Mountain, PA
The Open Residential Firesetting and Sexual Behavior Program is located in South Mountain, Pennsylvania. The program works
with youth ranging in age from 11 to 16 who have extensive histories of fire misuse and sexual behavior problems. Being an
Open Residential Program we often look to incorporate various activities both on campus and off grounds as a means to
educate our youth on giving back to the community. In August of 2014, with the cold winter months approaching, a few youth
and staff began brainstorming ideas for community service activities. Ideas of painting and building maintenance were expected,
but one that was unexpected, quickly became a phenomenon.
When the staff and residents of the Open Residential Program considered the idea of adolescent boys learning to crochet, staff was initially skeptical. How wrong we all
were! What has occurred in the last six months has been something out of the ordinary. It started with just one youth who was crocheting hats and gloves for a local charity.
This has since transformed into an activity that more than 60% of the youth in the program participate in on a daily basis. The youth have created blankets for their beds,
bracelets, gloves, hats, coasters and shirts. It’s not just something to keep them busy. Many youth find the activity to be therapeutic and calming. “I feel relaxed and I think
about a lot of things while I am crocheting” said one youth. Youth have also stated they find this activity a healthy way to cope with the stress that comes with addressing
deeply rooted clinical issues.
Crocheting has helped create a sense of pride for these youth. They often crochet items for their families and county workers. They have even taught new residents how to
crochet. This new way to give back and pay it forward has assisted many youth with improving self-esteem and empathy development.
25 Years STRONG
BY:
Kurt Nesbitt
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Recently, Abraxas I (AI) recognized Eleanor Simms for 25 years of service. Eleanor, also known by residents and co-workers
as “Miss E” or “Miss Eleanor”, started her career at Abraxas I in 1989 as a Life Skills Worker I. Since 1989, Eleanor has held
various positions such as; Life Skills Worker 2, Counselor, Assessment Specialist and Assessment Coordinator.
Eleanor is currently a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Dakota Dorm where she works with our adolescent male youth.
Miss Eleanor’s years of experience, her vast knowledge of clinical services and her dedication in helping our youth has
gained her great respect by both her colleagues and youth at AI. She has greatly impacted those that have had the
opportunity to work with her. She remains, and will always be, a great asset to Abraxas I!
Congratulations, Eleanor!
SOUTHWOOD
HAPPENINGS
BY:
Kim Pinkston
Southwood Interventions
Chicago, IL
2014 at Southwood ended with a “BANG”. The Special Therapies Department hosted their
annual Kwanzaa Celebration and SAFE Night New Year’s Party/Dance during the last week of the
year. Everyone had a blast sharing in their culture and celebration of another year gone by.
In January things quieted down a bit. The clients celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
with special groups focusing on his accomplishments and goals for all people. This prepared us to
begin our celebration of Black History Month in February.
On Wednesday February 25th Southwood held their annual Black History Month Celebration.
Each unit created their own unique presentation to share important information about African
Americans who made a difference in our world. This year’s presentations were both entertaining
and educational. Did you know 80% of the homes in Beverly Hills were created by an architect
named Paul Revere Williams? He was the first African American architect and became known as the architect to the stars, creating
homes for big name stars including Lucille Ball and James Cagney. Did you know that Bessie Coleman, the first African American
female pilot was also the first of anyone to receive an international pilot license?
Everyone learned something new this day. It’s clear that history….ALL history…deserves to be learned and respected. As quoted by
Frederick Douglas, “Neither we, nor any other people, will ever be respected till we respect ourselves and we will never respect
ourselves till we have the means to live respectfully.” With this celebration we encourage all our clients and remind ourselves to
continue to grow and learn and respect ourselves for who we are and for what impact we make in our world.
Let It Go
BY:
Chelsey Turner
Hector Garza Center
San Antonio, TX
Residents and staff at the Hector Garza Center began to embrace a culture of change and reflection
this past year. With the implementation of our new therapeutic Sanctuary Model®, we as an organization
have begun to look inward to both deal with trauma, and work more effectively with those who have
experienced trauma in their lives.
Each month, the Hector Garza Center employees and residents participate in an activity that looks at
a new aspect of Sanctuary. All members of the community have designed posters, contributed to
think tank discussions, and creatively added to the ever-changing environment of the facility. Recently,
recognizing a deficit in our operation, we asked those at our facility how we can better acknowledge
the loss of residents and staff members when they move on from Hector Garza. Talking about more significant losses,
each person joined in a Balloon Release Ceremony as we explored what it means to experience, process and deal
with significant losses in our lives. Staff and kids alike took a moment to reflect on a major loss they had suffered and,
in a symbolic gesture, released an eco-friendly balloon to say to themselves and others that they were letting go of
the pain and hardship they had incurred from that loss. All looked to the sky as blue balloons— both in color and
sentiment— floated away, leaving room for brighter memories to be made.
As we move forward in our implementation of Sanctuary, we are taking care to honor where we have been, recognize
where we are currently, and assess the road ahead so that the path may be a smooth one.
www.abraxasyfs.com
PAGE
4
ABRAXAS & YOUR COMMUNITY
Harrisburg Mayor Visits with Students at Harrisburg Abraxas Student Academy
BY:
Kelli Pettersson
Abraxas Harrisburg
Community Based Programs
Harrisburg, PA
On Friday, January 9, 2015, Harrisburg Abraxas Student Academy (HASA)
students and staff were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and chat with
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Organized by Community Policing Coordinator,
David Botero, the visit allowed for open dialogue about issues facing the
students and residents in Harrisburg. Topics included how he decided to run for
mayor, Ferguson, crime, poverty and guns. The visit is just one of the many
efforts of City leadership to improve community relations in Harrisburg.
Reprinted from 2/16/15 Pennlive article by Christine Vendel,
“A Day in the term of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse”:
SOBERING QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS
… Papenfuse and David Botero, the city's community policing coordinator, met with students at Abraxas, a transitional school designed
to get students back into their traditional school.
The school offers small class sizes, capped at 10 students, in its four classrooms. The ninth-grader who greeted Papenfuse at the door
said he got kicked out of Harrisburg High School for fighting.
Papenfuse toured each room and spoke to a group of students in a conference room about his job as mayor. The students peppered the
mayor with questions like seasoned journalists.
"How can I feel protected around the city with kids being killed?" one student asked.
"Do you feel safe?" Papenfuse asked him.
"Sometimes," the boy replied. The other kids shared similar concerns, including a girl who said her brother had been killed in a shooting.
Papenfuse asked what the students think when they see a police officer.
"I think they're racist," a student said. "They see my skin color and they think I'm probably selling drugs."
It doesn't seem like the community and police are on the same side, said the boy who had met Papenfuse at the door.
"We have cops killing people and people killing cops," he said.
The student who lost her brother in a shooting said police officers are "trying to take my family away from me."
Papenfuse artfully tackled the questions, with finesse gained from his former life as a public school teacher.
"So you think that, but at the same time you think what are we going to do about the killing and guns," he said. "So those two things
are sort of at odds with one another. Because the police don't want to do that, they want to prevent the violence from happening in the
first place."
Papenfuse said the city's community policing outreach goals include getting students to know police officers and to view them as friends
and people they can trust.
He said the police department exists to work with the community and that the young people should
consider a career in law enforcement.
"You're getting at something really important," Papenfuse said. "I'm a firm believer that you can do
anything you want to do as long as you have a good education."
An eighth grader then asked Papenfuse why so many city schools had been closed, causing class
sizes to increase.
"If I'm in a classroom with like 25 or 32 kids, I get very distracted," she said. "I want to talk and do all that."
Papenfuse agreed with her that "class size matters”.
"There's got to be a strategy to do that, to reduce class sizes," he said. "And that's up to the school
district to do."
Papenfuse repeatedly emphasized the importance of education, while lamenting he had little,
if any, control over schools in Harrisburg as mayor. He promised to return to the school with police
officers, so the students could meet them. He also encouraged the students to apply for jobs at his
bookstore, if they were seeking employment.
t
u
O
e
M
e
k
a
T
to the
Ballgame
BY:
Jeanne Godlesky
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
www.abraxasyfs.com
For the past few years Abraxas I has worked in conjunction with the Pittsburgh
Pirates Box Office to acquire a number of complimentary tickets to some of
the Pirates’ home games.
As positive re-enforcement for outstanding behavior, residents are chosen
to attend the games with staff. We attend up to four games per season
which allows as many as eighty different kids to enjoy what often is the
first professional baseball game of their lives. There is nothing like attending
a game in person – especially when the Pirates win!
ABRAXAS & YOUR COMMUNITY
CONTINUED
AYC’s Toys for Tots drive a resounding success!
BY:
5
PAGE
May I take your order please?
BY:
Corey Evans
Abraxas Youth Center
South Mountain, PA
It is often the act of helping others that allows an individual to display his or her true character.
More than 3,100 area children had smiling faces this past holiday season thanks to the efforts of
staff and youth at the Abraxas Youth Center (AYC). Toys, dolls, games, sports equipment, and
stocking stuffers were distributed on December 14th and are now being enjoyed by needy children
and their families.
For the past seven years, AYC has partnered
with the United States Marine Corps Reserve
and the Landis-McCleaf Detachment of the
Marine Corps League in Chambersburg, PA
in carrying out this mission of providing hope
to less fortunate youngsters that will assist
them in becoming responsible, productive,
and patriotic citizens.
The facility’s Work Climate Group, chaired by Melissa Kennedy, Education Director, organized this
year’s toy drive, and as a facility the group collected 200 toys and $700.00. Toy collection began
early and during the first week of July the group collected their first toy. Numerous fundraising
events were held with the highlight being a dunk tank where staff, through the donation of toys and
money, were able to dunk their favorite Supervisor.
Planning for the 2015 Toys for Tots drive is
already underway and the Work Climate Group
has multiple events already scheduled, promising
to make this year the most successful yet.
Anyone wishing to donate should feel free to
contact Melissa Kennedy, Education Director,
mkennedy@abraxasyfs.com.
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Pictured left to right, front row, Crystal Kessling
and Deyanira Cedeno, back row, Melissa Kennedy,
Corey Evans, and Darlene Huff.
Suzie Brosius
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Hazen, PA has become very accustomed to seeing
Abraxas 1 residents completing community
service in their community. From May through
October, Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department in
Hazen sponsors a monthly flea market. Acres of
vendors draw large crowds to the small community.
This allows the fire department to increase their
fund raising efforts through concessions.
The young men and women from Abraxas assist
each month in preparing hamburgers, hot dogs,
French fries and a variety of other snacks to sell
at the fire hall. Because of their hard work, our
kids have been invited back year after year, as
well as asked to assist with dinners that the fire
department sponsors through the winter when the
flea markets are closed.
Carol Sprague, D & A Counselor, has headed this
project for several years; starting with the boys’
units and in most recent years, with the girls’ unit.
The number of residents able to be involved
continues to climb. Many of our youth have been
able to satisfy their community service obligations
to the courts through this endeavor.
Congratulations to Carol and the kids
for their hard work and being positive
representatives of Abraxas I
in the community!
ABRAXAS I GRAD BEGINS NEXT CHAPTER AT CLARION UNIVERSITY
BY:
Mary Beth Sembrot
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
After 10 months of working through treatment, making changes in himself, earning his
diploma, running track, playing football and planning for his future, Ja’Sani is college bound.
Instead of returning to his home in the District of Columbia in January, Ja’Sani moved into
his college dorm room at Clarion University. As he wrote in his admissions essay, “My main
reason for wanting to attend Clarion University is to further my education. Furthering my
education will enhance the possibilities of success in my future whereby I will be able to
create and sustain a productive life.”
He intends to study Political Science because he would like to work in the government.
Ja’Sani said “learning about politics while at Clarion will expose me to the necessary
education to understand the range of concepts shaping local, national and global policies
around which we are governed. While studying this major, I will think critically and
independently concerning pressing political issues and agreed upon conclusions. In
addition, I will be able to rationalize the life we share with our fellow citizens and millions
of people around the world.”
Ja’Sani is busy working through his first semester and he’s adjusting quite well to college
life. Although academics come first, his other goal is to earn a spot on Clarion University
football team in the fall. As Ja’Sani will tell you, “growing up in DC, football was my life.”
We are thankful that through the support of The GEO Group Foundation, we are able to
make a financial contribution toward Ja’Sani’s tuition thus helping him to realize his
educational and athletic dreams.
Ja’Sani called Abraxas “a blessing” in his college essay.
“Abraxas was a blessing because it got me away from old friends and put me in a positive
atmosphere. I improved my grades and earned a spot on the track and football teams.
I had the opportunity to continue my education and learn good decision making and life
skills. I became very determined and dedicated to my education and my future. I will
continue building upon the foundation I have established while at Abraxas and work
toward a positive, productive future. “
We are proud to have been a part of Ja’Sani’s journey and wish him continued success.
www.abraxasyfs.com
PAGE
ALL AROUND ABRAXAS
6
When it Snows….
BY:
MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF IT!
James Town
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
On the weekend of February 7, 2015,
the youth at Abraxas I took advantage
of a break in the frigid temperatures,
and the piles of snow on the ground
to participate in the first ever
“Abraxas I Snow Sculpture Contest.”
Team members and residents from all
of the dorms worked together to build
their best sculptures in hopes of winning
“Best in Snow” and earning an Ice Cream
Party in February.
The judging was challenging
as all of the dorms sculptures
were excellent, however
Seneca dorm and Dakota dorm
were dead even and tied with
“Shark Infested Waters” and
“Snow Family at the Table”.
Congrats to all who participated. Great Job!
www.abraxasyfs.com
ALL AROUND ABRAXAS
7
CONTINUED
WINTERFEST
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Winter Wonderland
PAGE
BY:
Chris Yaworsky
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Who says there’s nothing to do during winter?
This January, residents from the ARMHS program (Abraxas Residential Mental Health Services) at Abraxas I braved the snow
and cold temperatures to take in the Winterfest at Chapman Dam. The Winterfest is an event held every January to celebrate
the inevitable arrival of winter’s deep freeze in Warren County, PA.
During the excursion, residents hiked around a frozen lake, went sled riding, saw Iditarod-style dog sled races, and even
witnessed the local “Polar Bear Plunge”. The boys enjoyed the event and the overall experience and learned that there is fun
to be had in every season.
After 41 Years of Service,
Abraxas I’s First Team Member Retires
BY:
James Town
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Sue Hepinger, Night Supervisor at Abraxas I (AI) and AI’s first employee, is moving on to enjoy her
retirement years while working hospitality at PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Originally hired as a receptionist at the inception of the program in 1973 by Arlene Lissner (the
founding matriarch of Abraxas), Sue has been one of those rare team members who can say that
she has almost done it all in her career. Prior to the first client stepping on grounds, Sue had the
opportunity to work hand in hand with Arlene and her team members planning and “visioning”
what the program would be all about. Sue said that the exciting thing about her early years with
Abraxas was the creativity, comradery and “family community” that the original “TC” (Therapeutic
Community) model provided for both team members and clients.
Sue fondly remembers Arlene telling her that someday she would be running her own department
for Abraxas; Sue laughed at that at that time and said “no way”, however, over the years she has
done that and much more.
❙
Abraxas I staff present Sue with a personalized
Pirates jersey as one of her retirement gifts.
During her 41 year career, Sue has worked in almost every capacity at Abraxas. She was Arlene’s
personal assistant for a time, worked in the research department for Ken Pompi, was a Certified
Addictions Counselor, ran an Abraxas re-entry house in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh for
several years and then, as Abraxas Marienville expanded, she returned home to become one of the
first four Treatment Supervisors ever hired at Marienville.
While working as a Treatment Supervisor, Sue also assisted in developing and helping to operationalize several other programs for Abraxas to include working as the Interim
Clinical Director at the Abraxas program in Parkersburg, WV. Through all of the years, Sue always considered Abraxas I home. Upon her return from West Virginia to
Marienville, she helped develop the on grounds Transitional Living Program in the old employee housing units that became a five dorm, 40 bed program that thrived
through the 1990’s. From 1996 to 2005 Sue once again responded to AI’s needs and took on the role of Night Supervisor. After a brief break working in the Arlene Lissner
High School as an Administrative Assistant and Teacher’s Aide, Sue returned to the Night Supervisor position where she would eventually cap off a diverse and successful
career of fulfilling Arlene Lissner’s original mission of “changing the world one kid at a time”.
Sue stated throughout her career with Abraxas she has many fond memories of both clients and team members. As Sue reminisced of what she has obtained from her
career, she focused on the idea that every day brought on a new adventure with new challenges and opportunities to make an imprint on the lives of the young people in
her care. Sue valued the relationships she has built with her “Abraxas Family” and will cherish them for all of her days. When asked what wisdom she would like to pass on
to current and future team members, Sue said that the most important things that she would like to pass on are, “Learn to laugh at yourself and have fun. It’s ok to say no
because it is always easier to go back and give permission instead of giving permission and then trying to say no after the fact, be consistent, follow up, and if you say you
are going to do something then make sure you do it.”
Sue has been more than just an employee of a company. She has spent her life helping to change both kids’ and team members’ lives. She has acted as a coach, mentor,
leader, sounding board, friend, and an all-around asset for everything that Abraxas stands for. As Sue closes the chapter on her Abraxas career, we wish her well in her
new career at PNC Park as a hospitality greeter for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Peace and Love to you Sue……and “Let’s Go Bucs”.
Reaching for the Stars at Abraxas I IORP
Upon completion of the Intensive Open Residential Program (IORP) at Abraxas I, our residents have
begun leaving their mark by leaving their signature on a star they paint in the community room.
BY:
Kristi Goldthwaite
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
This idea was brought forth by the kids through a meeting within the dorm. The group was using
open communication skills and tossed around several ideas before coming to the conclusion that
they wanted to “Reach for the Stars”.
They came to this idea because prior to arriving many felt that their possibilities for success were
limited. Now, after spending time in the program, they believe their ability to be successful is
limitless.
By leaving an imprint in the dorm they feel they can inspire others to complete the program successfully. Eddie (Washington, DC) was
one of the first youth to paint and sign his star the day before his discharge. He said, “It feels good to know that a program that has
helped me be successful wants to save my memory and use it to inspire others.”
www.abraxasyfs.com
PAGE
ALL AROUND ABRAXAS
8
CONTINUED
THE ABRAXAS
Southwood Remembers
CHRONICLE
Sylvia Dillard
It is with a heavy heart that Southwood announces the
loss of a long time member of the Southwood family.
On Tuesday March 3, 2015 Sylvia Dillard unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. As the
Case Manager for the Men Short Term Program, Sylvia worked for the company for 20 years.
The mother of three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild, Sylvia was a
loving and caring individual with a kind heart and soul. She was extremely family oriented,
always showing off pictures of the latest adventures with her large close knit family. Her
loving spirit showed bright in her work as well. She genuinely cared about the well-being
of all the clients. Sylvia was a strong no-nonsense woman. The clients respected her as a
person and as their caseworker.
“To Sylvia: I didn’t know you long but what I do know, you were a good,
hard working person, you carried more than your cases and I made it harder
on you by complaining about nothing. May God have mercy on your soul.”
- Gary C. (Men Short Term)
“Sylvia you will surely be missed. God wanted you more than
we needed you. We have enjoyed the fruits of your labor.”
When asked about what could be said about Sylvia all her co-workers responded with how
generous and kind she was; an overall team player, committed to her work, a self-starter,
and a resource to all.
“Whenever I would call her with something she always said ‘I got it’,
and she did. She was fun to share ideas with…very innovative.”
- Janice Draski, Clinical Coordinator
“Sylvia Dillard was one of the most organized people I knew. Even though
not my assistant, she provided me monthly information of internal trainings
with a list of those who attended and constantly teased me about it.
This went on for years.“
- Anita Moss, Clinical Coordinator
“What can I say about Sylvia? She was a fantastic counselor. Instead of calling her
a counselor, we should have called her mother. She was a mother-figure to all the
men she worked with.”
- LaZheta Richardson, Recreation Therapist
“If you wanted a good laugh go to Sylvia, she was too funny.”
- Tanitha Dale, Counselor
“Sylvia was a long time employee at Southwood and will be missed greatly.”
- Walter Carlson, Facility Director
“She loved technology and computers. Always wanted to know how things work…
new computers, new phones.”
- Khalilah Boss-Green, Administrative Assistant
“I will truly miss Sylvia. Her hard work and dedication was second to none.”
- Renee Field, RN
It is apparent how much Sylvia was respected and gave her all to her family, friends,
co-workers and clients. She is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace Sylvia… until we meet again.
We welcome your input. All submissions,
questions or comments can be emailed to
chronicle@abraxasyfs.com.
www.abraxasyfs.com
Mary Beth Sembrot, M.J.
Manager, Client Relations
Abraxas Youth & Family Services
Contributors:
Suzie Brosius
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Bryan Coy
Abraxas Open Residential Firesetting
and Sexual Behavior Program
South Mountain, PA
Corey Evans
Abraxas Youth Center
South Mountain, PA
Jeanne Godlesky
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Kristi Goldthwaite
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
- Charles O. (Men Short Term)
HOW TO
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U
H
C
A
RE
Editor:
Abraxas Youth & Family Services
2840 Liberty Avenue, Suite 300
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
1.800.ABRAXAS
www.abraxasyfs.com
Kurt Nesbitt
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Kelli Pettersson
Abraxas Harrisburg Community
Based Programs
Harrisburg, PA
Kim Pinkston
Southwood
Chicago, IL
Craig Schmidt
Leadership Development Program
South Mountain, PA
Shane Sloat
Leadership Development Program
South Mountain, PA
Jon Swatsburg
Abraxas Youth & Family Services
Pittsburgh, PA
James Town
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA
Chelsey Turner
Hector Garza Center
San Antonio, TX
Chris Yaworsky
Abraxas I
Marienville, PA