Community
Spring 2013
L. I. N. K. INSIDE: Welcome New Board Members | A Taste for Art | Leslie’s Letter and more!
Join the Movement!
Daneya Jacobs Youth Health Specialist
IM40:YHP improves the health and academic success of our youth
T
here’s a movement happening in Delaware. It’s called the Young Health Program: IM40™, and it’s working to help Delaware youth become healthy and successful adults. Launched in January 2012 by AstraZeneca in partnership with the United Way, and based on the highly successful 40 Developmental Assets model created by the Search Institute, the program engages parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and other caring adults to work towards the shared goal of increasing the assets of youth in their communities. Research shows that young people ages 12-15 are especially vulnerable to health and learning risks that can make them susceptible to negative behaviors. Evidence also shows that the more developmental assets – positive internal and external influences and values – a young person reports having, the less likely he or she is to make harmful choices today and in the future. Children & Families First is proud to be part of the YHP:IM40™ team, serving as a Community Mobilizing Organization on Wilmington’s Eastside. We are reaching out to both youth and adults to build assets AND build the movement. Our Youth Health Specialist, the warm and enthusiastic Daneya Jacobs, is out and about on the Eastside every day, spreading the IM40™ message to children and adults alike. She recently worked with a group of 6th through 8th graders at Bayard Middle School. She had the children complete the Developmental Assets Questionnaire, a tool that identifies each child’s IM40™ assets. Daneya and the kids then set goals to gain more assets. Daneya explains that after this initial meeting, she will return and meet again with the kids in smaller groups to discuss where they lack assets and identify where they can gain assets. Some kids may not be able to identify existing external assets, so Daneya will help them discover ways to create their own assets in
their environment. Daneya explains, “It’s all about empowerment. Once these children feel like they have assets and are assets…they begin to continue to help themselves, and their peers.” Daneya also works with the school to incorporate the IM40™ movement into programs they already have in place. “I work with the teachers and professionals to help them move from thinking about programs to building relationships,” says Daneya. “When they look at a child, they now see a solution, and not a problem. The child also sees themselves as someone who is able to contribute to society. The child is then confident, empowered and is able to share that confidence with their peers. Jacobi Simmons, a teacher at Bayard, has seen a distinct improvement in the children since the IM40™ program has been implemented. “You get to see the kids evolve. There’s a change in self-confidence. How they carry themselves is different,” says Simmons. Tiffany Murray, also of Bayard, finds the children have a greater sensitivity to themselves and others. “They have a greater ability to empathize, and their trust in their teachers has grown,” says Murray. The children notice a difference too. Sixth grader Di’zana has a lot of assets, and it’s clear she will be a success. She recognizes her assets and has a strong sense of self, stating proudly: “I believe in myself!” She knows how to be an asset builder by becoming involved in her community, seeking out role models, and helping others. You can be an asset builder too – for yourself and for the children in your community. To learn more about the movement, visit IM40.org or get in touch with Daneya at daneya.jacobs@cffde.org.
Bayard Middle School students who participated in the IM40 YHP program (from Left): Alesha, Richiah, Kelvin, Tracey, Di’zara, Kenise, James with their teacher Ms. Tiffany Murray
GETINVOLVED There are many ways
THANK YOU, WAWA! For supporting Children & Families First!
Stop by any Delaware Wawa now through May 11th to donate to their CFF coin collection! Collection boxes are located by the cash registers!
you can support Children & Families First: Donate to our annual
Friends Campaign, which directs your gift dollars to where they are needed most.
Consider making plans for a bequest!
Find out more at www.cffde.org Support the United Way
Designate a gift to C&FF through: • United Way of Delaware: #299 (partner agency) • United Way of Southeastern PA: #1466 • Combined Federal Campaign of DE: #50028 • State Employee Charitable Campaign: #50300
Donate critically needed items such as:
Save the Date...
Diapers | Baby formula | New baby clothes New toys | New/gently used children’s bicycles New elementary school uniforms (sizes 5-14) for the Eastside Community School project
Shirts (polo or button down, in white or navy blue) Pants/shorts/skirts/jumpers (in navy blue) Sweaters (crewneck, v-neck, or cardigan, in navy blue)
FRI
October 11, 2013 6–9pm, The Clubhouse at Baywood Greens
A unique culinary and creative arts experience! Savor signature dishes showcased by local restaurants. Mingle among the works of local artisans. Relax among friends. Shop ‘til you drop. The place to be for a perfect evening! of art sales will benefit Children & Families First
Give the gift of
TIME!
Become a Children & Families First volunteer! Our team of volunteers is made up of people like you, who give the gift of time to help us help Delawareans in need. Opportunities change frequently, so please contact our volunteer coordinator, Kathie Stamm, at (302) 777-9762 or Kathie.stamm@cffde.org
It’s not just our name,
IT’S OUR PROMISE
Healthy Babies | Early Childhood | Supporting Teens | Positive Parenting Family Resources | The Workplace | Older Adults
WWW.CFFDE.ORG | (800) 220-3092 Children & Families First strengthens Delaware families by delivering an innovative and effective continuum of community-based social services. In existence for more than 125 years, CFF builds the foundation for strong communities with child-centered and family-focused programs.
From left: Sherry Brilliant, Betsy Holden and Gina Schoenberg
Children & Families First is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The new members were elected at the agency’s March 12, 2013 Annual Meeting. Sherry Brilliant is a local artist and private art instructor who has lived and worked in Wilmington for 10 years. She is mainly an oil painter and printmaker but also works in ceramics and illustration. Sherry is the art director for Camp Possibilities (a summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes) and serves on the Board of Overseers for the Delaware College of Art and Design. She has been involved in community art projects for Camp Possibilities and the Delaware Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Sherry has a BS degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has studied art at various colleges and universities throughout the country. Sherry has been a member Children & Families First’s special events committee for eight years. Sherry and her husband Jon have two daughters. Betsy Holden has a long history of helping make Delaware a great place to live and work. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including the Biggs Museum of
Meet our 2013 Executive Committee (from left to right) Barbara S. Ridgely, Ed. D., Secretary; Katy Connolly, Vice Chair; Paul L. McCommons, Assistant Treasurer; Jennifer B. Jonach, Chair; and Peter A. Hazen, Treasurer
American Art, the Modern Maturity Center, Children’s Beach House, and the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. She and her husband Wayne served as co-chairs of Delaware Hospice’s Capital Campaign. Her professional background includes work in marketing at The Sea Pines Company in Hilton Head and C&S Investment Counseling in Atlanta. She has a BA in Psychology from Queens College in North Carolina. Betsy and Wayne live in Dover, and have two children and two grandchildren. Gina Schoenberg is a Deputy Attorney General in the Delaware’s Family Division, working in the Child Support Unit. Passionate about child welfare, Gina is also an authorized facilitator for the Stewards of Children Darkness to Light program, working throughout the state to create safer communities for our children. The goal of this project is to reach the “tipping point” by educating approximately 35,000 adults by 2015 so that they have the tools and knowledge they need to keep children safe. Gina has a BA in Political Science and English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is co-chair of the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Delaware, and has served on Children & Families First’s Special Events committee for the past year. Gina and her husband Josh are expecting their first child in August.
THANK YOU to the artists, student chefs, purveyors and patrons who made A Taste for Art a success!
We had a blast! Great food, artists and people got together for a great cause! photos by Andrew Conrad Hensler 2013
dearfriends, T
he calendar says it’s spring, but the snowflakes and cold air seem to hang on. I look forward to the warmer temperatures and longer day light hours. Spring is a time of new beginnings! It is also a time of year when we mark Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since 2010, Children & Families First and our partners statewide have staged events in April to bring attention to the serious issue of child abuse in our state through a Blue Bow Campaign. This year, on April 25th at 1 pm, CFF, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, and many of our friends and supporters will gather with Governor Jack Markell in front of Legislative Hall to commemorate the lives of children touched by abuse and neglect. Blue bows will adorn trees and brighten lapels. But we know this is not enough. Despite the concerted efforts of a caring community, children continue to face terrible abuse and neglect. We must be vigilant in our work with children, recognizing that despite what we know, some things may remain hidden. However, we must also join together to prevent abuse and build resiliency in children. This can be done by developing strong positive relationships with caring adults in their lives - including parents, teachers, neighbors, and service providers. It can also be accomplished by helping youth develop external and inner strengths, also known as assets. Our cover story shines the spotlight on our work with the Young Health Program (YHP) known as IM40TM. You may have noticed advertisements in The News Journal where Governor Markell and United Way Executive Michelle Taylor share their asset number. CFF is engaging youth and key adults who reside or work on Wilmington’s Eastside. This is powerful work with the potential to change lives for the longterm. The assets they build now will last them a lifetime.
During April, and the months to follow, remember the Blue Bow and what it stands for. If you suspect child abuse and neglect, you must call the Child Abuse Report Line at 1-800-292-9582
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1263
2005 Baynard Boulevard Wilmington, DE 19802 New Castle County (302) 658-5177 Kent County (302) 674-8384 Sussex County (302) 856-2388 www.cffde.org
OFFICERS
Jennifer B. Jonach, Chair Katy Connolly, Vice Chair Barbara S. Ridgely, Ed. D., Secretary Peter A. Hazen, Treasurer Paul L. McCommons, Assistant Treasurer
BOARD
Sandra H. Autman Jessica C. Bain Sherry Brilliant Don C. Brown P. Clarkson Collins, Jr., Esq. Thomas P. Collins, Esq. Sally DeWees Gayle Dillman José F. Echeverri Veronica O. Faust, Esq. George W. Forbes III Gary M. Golden Patricia Walther Griffin, Esq. N. Christopher Griffiths, Esq.
Pamela E. Harper Betsy A. Holden Nancy Karibjanian James G. Klabe, Jr. Ellen K. Levin Anthony J. Lewis Casey E. McCabe Shauna B. McIntosh, M.D. James H. McMackin, III, Esq. Wilma Mishoe, Ed.D. Heather A. O’Connell Kim Zeitler Robbins John F. Schmutz, Esq. Gina S. Schoenberg, Esq. Janice Rowe Tigani, Esq. Lee A. Wheeler
ADVISORY BOARD
Angela B. Case Mary Jo Chandler Karen D. Doherty Megan T. Goeller
Ted Kaufman Pauline D. Koch Hon. Jane P. Maroney Robert R. Meade Stephen M. Mockbee Elizabeth T.B. Pierson Gilbert S. Scarborough III Joanne K. Sundheim, Esq. K. Jean Williams
HONORARY BOARD
Susan A. Herrmann Hon. Mary M. Johnston John W. Land Stephen R. Permut, M.D. June Jenkins Peterson David B. Ripsom, Esq. Barbara F. Soulier
CEO
Leslie Newman
Carol Harlan Aastad Max S. Bell, Jr., Esq. Joan McD. Connolly Dr. Lozelle J. DeLuz Glenn M. Engelmann, Esq. Katherine L. Esterly, M.D. Gloria S. Fine Carol A. Gausz Larry D. Gehrke James H. Gilliam, Sr. Edward W. Goate, Ph.D.
OURMISSION
OURVISION
CORESERVICES
Children & Families First helps families develop solutions to meet challenges and embrace opportunities.
Communities where children are nurtured and safe, individuals are valued, and families are strong.
Healthy Babies | Early Childhood Positive Parenting | Supporting Teens Family Resources | Workplace Older Adults
It’s not just our name, it’s our promise
Children & Families First strengthens Delaware families by delivering an innovative and effective continuum of community-based social services. In existence for more than 125 years, CFF builds the foundation for strong communities with child-centered and family-focused programs.