ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - Montgomery County Youth Services

ANNUAL
REPORT
2013
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY
YOUTH
SERVICES
MISSION
Montgomery County Youth Services provides crisis
counseling, shelter programs and prevention services
to strengthen families, keep youth in school and
prepare them to be productive citizens.
VISION
Our vision is to be a child’s
bridge from challenges today
to achievements tomorrow.
CONTACT
MCYS
INFO
COUNSELING OFFICES
MCYS Conroe – Administrative Offices
105 W. Lewis St.
Conroe, TX 77301
Phone: 936.756.8682
Fax: 936.756.8877
Email: Conroe@youthmc.org
MCYS Huntsville – Walker County
7045 Hwy 75 South
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: 936.293.1003
Fax: 936.293.1250
Email: Huntsville@youthmc.org
MCYS Magnolia
31355 Friendship Dr.
Magnolia, TX 77355
Phone: 281.259.0440
Fax: 281.259.9486
Email: Magnolia@youthmc.org
MCYS Splendora
16401 First Street
Splendora, TX 77372
Phone: 281.689.5104
Fax: 281.689.5107
Email: Splendora@youthmc.org
MCYS The Woodlands
1600 Lake Front Circle, Ste. 130
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: 281.292.6471
Fax: 281.292.0473
Email: Woodlands@youthmc.org
MCYS
SHELTER SERVICES
BridgeWay Youth Shelter
4501 N. Frazier
Conroe, TX 77303
Toll Free: 866.892.1132 (24 hours)
Phone: 936.890.1132 (24 hours)
Fax: 936.890.1136
Email: Bridgeway@youthmc.org
Street Outreach Services
4495 N. Frazier
Conroe, TX 77303
Phone: 1.866.892.1132
Email: Streetoutreach@youthmc.org
Our Crisis Hotline
is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
365 days a year by a professional counselor.
1.888.756.8682
Visit us at www.youthmc.org
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Steve Sanders, Chairman
Memorial Hermann Hospital, The Woodlands, CEO
Mary Hazlett
Lone Star College, Adjunct Professor
Marla Sherrod, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones, Investment Representative
Jacqueline Hodges
Kids ‘R’ Kids, Owner
Dan Altom, Treasurer
The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, Owner
Nancy Kosh
Amerigo’s Grille, The Woodlands, Co-Owner
Amy Milstead, Secretary
Milstead Automotive Group, President
John Niquette
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept., Deputy
Terry Alleman
Entergy, Retired
Patti Rivela, Marketing Director
Rivela Plastic Surgery
Sylvia Caracio
Retired School Teacher
Mike Starzyk
Starzyk & Associates, P.C., Owner
Gene DeForest
Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 2
Alex Sutton
The Woodlands Development Company, CEO
Linda Freede
L.J.F. Associates, Owner/President
John Tatum
Greater Houston Real Estate, Agent
Donetta Goodall, Ph.D.
Lone Star College System, Vice Chancellor,
Academic Affairs and Student Success
Adriana Valencia
Investment Professionals, Inc., Financial Consultant
Judge Alan B. Sadler
ADVISORY BOARD
Joel Deretchin
Gretchen Faulkner
Don Heathcott
John Husbands
Janie Meador
Charlene Muller
Robert Pond
Nancy Purvis
Carol Schneider
Florencia Hassey
Therapist
DEAR FRIENDS,
I am pleased to share our Annual Report with you as I finish my
term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Montgomery
County Youth Services. It is truly a privilege to see firsthand
the lives of our youth and families positively impacted
everyday by the programs and services you, our donors,
volunteers and community partners, make possible.
With compassionate professionalism, our counseling staff
touched the lives of over 7,032 Montgomery County youth
and families through crisis intervention, group counseling,
individual and family counseling and prevention services.
Over 13,000 youth, adults and our collaborative partners
were reached with our Universal Child Abuse and Prevention
presentations, materials and Outreach services.
So many lives are changed each day because you,
our supporters, volunteers and partners, serving the
community and be a child’s bridge from challenges today to
achievements tomorrow.
Thank you for all you do for the children and families of
Montgomery County.
Sincerely,
Steve Sanders, CEO
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital
Chairman of the Board
Montgomery County Youth Services
As we began 2013, Houston Endowment provided us the
financial means to upgrade our agency technology which is
providing much needed efficiencies in fulfilling our mission.
Lastly, with revelry and generosity, our two major fundraisers,
Ladies Night Out and our 25th Annual Woodlands Celebrity
Golf Classic and Gala were overwhelmingly successful and we
thank everyone who joined us.
It is always a special moment when we are able to share
our Annual Report with folks and this year is no exception.
The following pages are a testimony to the hard work and
dedication of our staff, board members, volunteers and
donors. Their efforts are truly making a difference in the lives
of our children and families.
Although the statistics and financial data reflect our
dedication to providing quality services to our clients while
being good stewards of the dollars entrusted to us, the real
impact of our work is reflected through the client’s words and
the stories they tell. Stories of their lives being transformed
because someone cared.
Stories of their families being given hope when none
seemed to exist. And stories of young people overcoming
seemingly impossible odds to reach a goal.
Listening to these stories is what makes this work so
rewarding. Thanks to all of you who played a part in the
making a positive change in these lives.
Sincerely,
John Bracken, MA, LPC
Executive Director
Revenue &
Expense Summary
Executive Staff
John Bracken, Executive Director
Debbye Jones, Executive Assistant
Finance Staff
Diane Calkins, Chief Finance Officer
Tu Duong, Finance Manager
June Gilmore, Accountant
Other
Special Events
Program Fees
Contributions
Financial Assistance
Program Fees
Special Events
Other
$412,917
$1,691,429
$301,843
$369,768
$4,564
Total Revenue
$2,780,521
Contributions
Financial
Assistance
Administrative
Youth & Family Services
$1,114,159
Shelter Services
$1,026,216
Development (includes special events) $509,872
Administrative
$92,801
Total Expenses
Development
Youth
& Family
Services
$2,743,048
Shelter Services
Total Program Expenses
Total Development & Administrative
$2,140,375
$602,673
78%
22%
$2,743,048
This information presents summary highlights only. A complete copy of financial statement audited by Hereford, Lynch,
Sellars & Kirkham, PC is available by request from Montgomery County Youth Services.
MESSAGES FROM
OUR CLIENTS
DEAR BRIDGEWAY STAFF,
Thank you all for being here for my brother
and I. I knew I was gonna leave but this
seems too soon. I’m gonna miss it here so
freaking much. Including the chores and
rules. As much as I don’t wanna go just yet I
kinda have to for my road has been laid out
for me. I wish I could have said goodbye in
person.
Again, thank you to all of you and I’m gonna
miss all of this.
Angela M.
This anger management workshop was a great experience for me. It
taught me many different techniques and a way to control my anger.
Having part in this experience, I came to realize and understand that
it’s not okay to let your anger out by hurting yourself.
I see this program making a huge difference in many teenagers’
lives. It helped me and it can help many others. Anger has a way of
controlling the body, but we also have ways to control our anger. So
you either choose to control yourself or let yourself go. Keep pushing
forward and making a difference in many lives.
Thank you so much for everything you do!
Kaylyn K.
Dear Kelli (Reny),
You are a fabulous counselor!
Thank you for all of your help
with my children. Your work
with my son has helped in his
new location. He is doing well
in school with all A’s, again.
Thank you. I have shared with
them to stress that making
mistakes are ok. He has cried
everyday at school but is now
making friends.
Sincerely,
Debra W.
2013
YOUTH & FA MILY SERVICES
YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELORS provided counseling
and crisis intervention and services to over 6,592
youth and their families and provided Universal
Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention presentations,
materials, events, and Outreach services reached
over 13,017 youth, adults and collaborative partners
in 2013. Our goal is to help educate youth, families
and the community on the various challenges faced
in childhood and adolescence and to develop the
necessary skills and strategies to deal with the
complexities of life and the prevention of child abuse.
CRISIS INTERVENTION, RUNAWAY & FAMILY
CRISIS SERVICES are aimed at reconnecting youth
with their families. Crisis Intervention services
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all
runaway and family crisis cases in Montgomery
County. Of the 212 youth and their families who
received crisis intervention services, 96% of families
reported having an increased sense of supportive
and positive relationships between youth and their
family members because of the intervention services
provide by MCYS counselors.
MCYS’ CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM responds to
immediate crisis in the community that includes a
tragic loss, such as the death of a student, teacher,
or employee in a school or community organization.
Counselors assisted 727 youth with the grieving
process after the loss of their fellow students and/or
teachers.
GROUP COUNSELING, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
AND PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS were provided
to 3,663 youth by MCYS counselors at schools
throughout the area. Group issues/topics include:
Effective Communication
Grief Issues
Coping & Life Skills
Divorce
Decision-Making
Self-Esteem
Stress-Relief
Drug & Alcohol Prevention
Anger Issues
Peer-Pressure
Dating Violence
Bullying/Cyber-bullying
YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELING was provided at
no cost to over 1,603 clients (850 youth/753 parent/
caregivers). Counseling addressed many types
of issues related to youth and family conflict and
truancy, including:
Child Behavior Problems
Coping with Divorce
Communication Skills
Parent & Child Relationships
Peer & School Problems
Roles & Expectations
Truancy Behavior
Runaway Behavior
Grief Counseling
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES STAFF
Lisa Holland Smith, MS
Chief Program Officer
Chris Gritzmacher, Site Supervisor
Beatriz Gonzalez, Volunteer Bi-lingual Counselor
Terry Holloway, Counselor
Jessica Hooper, Counselor
Debbie Hunter, Counselor
Celeste Osborne, Counselor
Kelli Reny, Counselor
Carolyn Wilson, Program Assistant
Dave Waxler, Site Supervisor
Martha Chavarro, Spanish Counselor
HEALTHY SUPPORTS PROGRAM provided 313 teens a comprehensive range of services
for pregnant and parenting teens and youth who are at high risk of becoming teen parents.
73 pregnant and/or parenting teens learned about health resources, nutrition, family
management skills and parenting techniques. 53% graduated from high school, became
employed and continued their education; the other 47% are still completing school.
240 youth participated in Prevention groups where they learned about making healthy
relationship choices and ways their decisions impact their future.
DECISIONS PARENT & YOUTH SKILLS GROUPS were provided to 294 youth and parents.
These services help both youth and adults recognize and develop strategies that can help
them avoid making choices they might later regret, while strengthening their good decisionmaking and communication skills.
HISPANIC MOTHERS GROUP provided 110 Hispanic Mothers an opportunity to bond and
share their concerns about what is going on in their lives and with their families. The women
learned new techniques to adapt to a new culture and positive ways to deal with day to day
challenges. A Hispanic Mother & Daughter workshop was provided to 8 Mothers and their
daughters to assist them in building positive and successful relationships.
CAMP WATSITUMI, a therapeutic adventure-based camp offered 111 youth a fun learning
environment that enhances problem solving, communication & teamwork skills. This funfilled camp is structured to give youth, ages 7 to 17, the opportunity to interact with peers
in an exciting learning environment, while addressing each individual’s physical, emotional
and social safety.
HOLIDAY PROJECT provided 217 underprivileged children Christmas gifts through the
donations from local individuals, organizations and businesses. MCYS recruits individuals
and groups to sponsor children for the holidays to bring joy to the youth we serve.
ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR MINORS (MIP) is a court ordered program that
taught 92 young adults responsible decision making and the seriousness of Alcohol
Beverage Laws and the negative health effects alcohol has on young adults.
Mariana Colon, Bilingual Counselor
Brittany Long, Counselor
Lisette Partal, Bilingual Counselor
Jessica Shrieve, Counselor
Nayeli Ramirez, Administrative Assistant
Patricia Orr, Administrative Assistant
Patty Betbeze, Administrative Services Coordinator
Tiffany Pavlock, Administrative Assistant
Linda Collins, Administrative Assistant
Melissa Hernandez, Administrative Assistant
2013
SHELTER SERVICES
BRIDGEWAY EMERGENCY YOUTH SHELTER is a co-ed 13 bed short-term 90 day residential shelter program
for youth ages 10-17. These youth are in need of a temporary place to stay that is safe and nurturing. Our staff
provides immediate support and encouragement for the youth as they transition through a crisis situation.
BridgeWay served 81 youth in our residential program in 2013.
• 17 youth were placed through our Street Outreach Program.
• 81% of youth maintained passing grades in all subjects.
• All youth received medical, dental, psychiatric, and psychological care.
• All youth participated in counseling and anger management classes.
• 95% reported that they learned at least one healthy way to deal with their emotions.
• 96% reported that they learned at least one appropriate way to deal with conflict.
Home
By Anthony Goulet, on behalf of MCYS Street
Outreach Department
The old saying, ‘home is where the heart is’, rings through the minds and out of the mouths of individuals on a nearly daily basis. If this
saying is true, then where is the heart of the youth who’ve been abandoned and neglected by those who were supposed to care for,
nurture, and support them? Where is the home for those precious hearts of our youth who are homeless?
The resiliency of our young people who are homeless tells us that although they have been without a stable residence; their hearts are
stronger than many who are surrounded with what some would say are luxuries. There was one such young man that our crisis outreach
department had the great honor of meeting recently. He is a young person who was abandoned and in every system of placement since
the age of 5 years old. He has witnessed and experienced things that no human being should have to endure. He was rejected by those
who were supposed to accept him, left by those who were supposed to walk with him, and violated by those who were supposed to
protect him. The verdict that he came up with about himself is that he is guilty; guilty of the trauma he’s experienced; guilty that he was
left; guilty that he was abandoned; and only deserves to live alone in the woods, because he is undeserving of help, comfort, or support.
But this young person’s self-imposed prison and guilty verdict was changed. Through several hours of listening and conversing with the
street outreach department the young man looked more deeply at the verdict he placed upon himself. He began to reexamine his selfimposed guilty verdict as the street outreach department pointed out his great strengths, intelligence, and fortitude. After his own internal
prosecution and defense teams made their closing statements, his internal jury went into hours of deliberation.
The jury came back into the young man’s court room and from his own heart handed his own judge the verdict. With some hesitancy,
through a smile and a tear the young man read the verdict: Not Guilty.
It was the first time he stated that all the things that happened to him were not his fault, and he breathed deeper, and smiled a true
smile. Supports were put in place at the school to give the young man extra support. He was fed by the street outreach crisis team and
then placed in a supportive home right down the street from his school. This young man could have and would have survived in any
circumstance because he has already proven that he can. It wasn’t until he was reminded that he is a miracle, sacred, and a gift that he
decided to accept something better. He went back to where he and all of us will always find our innocence, our hearts. The heart is where
the great calling of youth work springs forth, and is truly a home that we can always open for others as a refuge in the storms of life.
This was the young man’s home
before the intervention
This was the young man’s decision in
action after he declared himself not
guilty, through successful intervention
services provided by SOS
SHELTER
STAFF
Joshua Tavakoli: Bridgeway Team Leader
Larry Thomas: Bridgeway Counselor
Donna Lloyd: Subcontracted Nurse
RESIDENTIAL
ADVISORS
Tina Gilford
Andre Robinson
Katrina Bennett
Crystal Sims
Ruth Alexander
Stephanie NewComer
Angela McKay
Donald White
Jason Milo
2013
STREET OUTREACH
STREET OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) reaches out to runaway, homeless, street youth and to youth
ages 10-21 at-risk of becoming homeless. The SOS staff provides direct services including:
• Basic survival supplies
• Food, clothing, and hygiene supplies
• Finding and securing safe shelter
• Assistance with job searching
Our SOS Team also supports our youth by connecting community resources to meet a multitude of their
needs including: housing, medical, dental, psychological and much more.
SOS staff received and responded to 283 crisis calls.
Those calling for help are youth who are homeless or at risk for being homeless; also parents, school
counselors, homeless liaisons and concerned citizens seeking assistance for teens.
• SOS staff go directly to the location of the caller.
• SOS provides basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products.
• SOS can assist with placements either at our Bridgeway Youth Shelter or in collaboration with other
appropriate organizations.
• SOS also provides homeless prevention interventions with struggling families.
218 kids participated in SOS group sessions
64 youth received extended services including:
• Transportation to supportive services
• Counseling
• Crisis and family intervention
• AA/NA meetings
• Transports to relative’s homes
• Assistance with GED programs
• Assistance with college/FAFSA applications
• Resume building and job search assistance
• Providing household items for independent living
Street Outreach Services teaches youth the importance
of giving back to the community.
18 community youth and 67 youth residing at Bridgeway Youth Shelter assisted with SOS projects.
• SOS participated in 124 separate activities, 850 unduplicated youth attended these activities.
• 1,910 Health and hygiene products were distributed by SOS.
• 3,082 Food and drink items were distributed by SOS.
• 4,323 written materials were distributed to youth, other social service agencies, school counselors,
homeless liaisons, churches, and community members.
STAFF
Anthony Goulet, Street Outreach Youth Counselor
Carrie Johnson, Crisis Outreach Worker
2013
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE WOODLANDS CELEBRITY GOLF
CLASSIC AND GALA
The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting Montgomery County Youth Services
celebrated its 25th anniversary in style. More than 600 guests attended the annual “Celebrity
Night Live” gala hosted by PGA golfer Jeff Maggert and his wife Michelle.
Alex and Sharon Sutton, The Woodlands residents and community leaders were honored at the
gala for their many contributions to Montgomery County Youth Services. Alex is a MCYS Board
member, former Chair and has served on the board since 1998. Sharon has served on both the
MCYS Ladies Night Out Committee and the Celebrity Golf Classic Committee.
The sold-out event included the raffle of a Hearts on Fire Diamond Pendant, donated by Markle
Luxury Jewelers, a fast-paced, exciting live auction and the “Fund a Need” had the audience
raising their bid cards to pledge a record amount to fund different agency projects.
This event would not be possible without the support of our celebrities, hosts, sponsors,
volunteers and unbelievable committee! THANK YOU to all those that made this event such a
success.
Mark your calendars for November 7-8, 2014 and join us as we celebrate our 26th Annual
Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
OUT OF THIS WORLD!
STAFF
Kelly Reffett
Chief Development Officer
Be a “Superhero”
and save the date for
MCYS’ 16th Annual
Ladies Night Out on
May 8, 2014 featuring
“The Spazmatics”
at The Woodlands
Waterway Marriott.
Rachel Gentry
Development Coordinator
In May, more than 450
ladies gathered to celebrate
Montgomery County Youth
Services’ “Out of this World”
16th Annual Ladies Night Out.
Attendees donned their galactic
attire and experienced a night of
revelry that included live music by
“The Space Rockers”, an auction,
dinner buffet, cash bar, banana
split bar, dancing, a hula hoop
contest, musical chairs, shopping
and pampering stations and a
beautiful necklace raffle donated
by IW Marks Jewelers, with all
proceeds benefiting Montgomery
County Youth Services.
This stellar event was made
possible by our generous
sponsors, volunteers, guests and
our fabulous committee!
THANK YOU
FOR SHARING YOUR TIME, TALENT AND TREASURES
OUR
VOLUNTEERS
MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
ONE CHILD AT A TIME!
MCYS volunteers have a passion for giving back to the youth in Montgomery
County. From individuals to community and corporate partner groups,
our agency appreciates the spirit of generosity shown by our numerous
volunteers. Without you we would not be able to provide the vast array of
services offered by at MCYS.
MCYS welcomes compassionate, dedicated individuals looking for a
chance to make a real difference in a child’s life. Whether you can give
a little time or a lot, all volunteering makes a difference. For more info,
please contact us at volunteer@youthmc.org or call 281-292-6471.
BECOME A
GUARDIAN ANGEL
When a house is not a home...Guardian Angel Annual Campaign
The youth served by Montgomery County Youth Services are in need of their Guardian Angel. Funds
raised from this annual giving campaign will support our efforts and allow us to provide counseling
services, crisis intervention, shelter services and outreach programs for youth and families throughout
Montgomery County at no cost to them.
By participating in this campaign and serving as a “Guardian Angel” for a child in need, a full 100% of
your contribution directly supports the programs of MCYS, and your donation is 100% tax deductible. It
is the most directly beneficial gift you can give to MCYS.
GIVING LEVELS AND INCENTIVES
Cherubs - $100-$499
Virtues - $500- $999
Seraphim - $1,000- $2,499
Archangels - $2,500- $4,999
Head Halos - $5,000+
WINGS SOCIETY
I believe there are
angels among us…they
show us how to live, they
teach us how to give,
they guide us with a
l i g h t o f l o v e.
By becoming a member of the WINGS Society you are becoming a part of a
group who is committed to investing in the future of the youth in our community.
By making a five-year commitment to invest $1,000 or more annually in the mission of Montgomery
County Youth Services, you are ensuring that the youth in our community have the opportunity to soar
to new heights.
ABOUT WINGS
• WINGS provide a stable and continuous funding base by supporting the day-to-day operations of key
MCYS programs such as Counseling, Shelter Services, Prevention Programs and Street Outreach.
• WINGS donors set an example of giving for others in our community
• WINGS Levels- an annual commitment for five years
- $1,000: Silver Wings
- $5,000: Diamond Wings
- $10,000: Sapphire Wings
• WINGS donors will be recognized at special events and receive priority placement.
• WINGS donors will receive a special WINGS pin from Thomas Markle Jewelers.
We ask that all annual gifts be presented by December 31, 2014.
Please use the donation envelope enclosed.
For questions please call Kelly Reffett (936) 522-8839 or development@youthmc.org