NEWSLETTER - JULY 2015
W
Did you know we have a Facebook page? We have over 700 ‘likes’! Check it out:
/ YFSOK
A future inspired: thoughts on OUR 40th anniversary WORDS BY DEE BLOSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What a fabulous 40th Anniversary Party! I was so proud to see so many happy children running around the place with smiles on their faces. Many of you have heard me say throughout the years that I am most happy here when the place is packed full of groups of people benefiting from the gifts that we have been given. I really appreciate all the hard work of the party committee, the Board, all the staff that worked on the event, and all the amazing volunteers that showed up to help us. Even after the last minute
reschedule due to weather, we had an amazing turnout! The activities were a lot of fun, the food was delicious, the decorations were beautiful, the music was perfect, and the animals were the icing on the cake! And now afterwards, all the great pictures to share will last forever when we want to remember the day. And the new great pathway will be there for the next 40 years for future people to wonder about our story. I do fully appreciate how much work it takes
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
to pull off such a successful event (twice!). Not only the hard work, but the dedication to the small details for everything to be so perfect. Thank you to each and every one of you who makes this place the most awesome place in the world to work! In the words of Linda Mayfield’s granddaughter, working at the “circus” everyday is every big kid’s dream job.
Governor Mary Fallin Receives Bee’s Knees masterpiece WORDS BY BRANDON SMITH, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
D
David Blose, artist and resident of Canadian County, delivers a masterpiece to Governor Mary Fallin on behalf of Bee’s Knees, entrepreneurial group for artists with developmental disabilities. Blose was invited to deliver the piece to Governor Fallin as a graduate of the Oklahoma Developmental Disability Council’s Youth Leadership Forum, a weeklong training that focuses on empowering high school juniors and seniors who have disabilities. “I like how I paint different things and I feel
proud of doing new things. It’s just so great that I am doing it myself”, says Blose. Bee’s Knees is a program cosponsored by Youth & Family Services, Inc. (YFS) and AutismOklahoma.org that promotes sustainability through the creative pairing of natural talents, interests, and support networks with potential business opportunities. The program functions like a small business, each of the artists of Bee’s Knees create original products and masterpieces and sell them online, at
I
various venues and exhibits, or as commissioned projects. All proceeds from products and original creations benefit by helping to purchase supplies and further pursue forms of entrepreneurship. “We are so proud of Bee’s Knees”, says Dee Blose, YFS Executive Director, “Not only do they make beautiful art, they demonstrate the gifts that people with developmental disabilities bring to the world.”
BEE’S KNEES ART INSTALLED IN DHS OFFICE OF CLIENT ADVOCACY WORDS BY BRANDON SMITH, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
It’s official! A special collection of Bee’s Knees canvas print replicas have been installed in DHS’ Office of Client Advocacy (OCA) in Shepherd Mall. “We’re just so excited! The artwork is so bright and colorful. You feel happy just looking at it!” says Kathryn Brewer, OCA Advocate General. A reception event has been tentatively planned for the art installation on Wednesday, July 29th at 2PM. More details about the event to come. If you’re interested in attending the event, please email brandon.smith@yfsok.org.
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
Did you know? Every day is an opportunity to tell a story! It’s true! You serve as both an ambassador to those who need our services and as a window to those who support our services. Though we all perform different functions that help Youth & Family Services, Inc. make an impact on communities, we all play a role in telling the incredible story of how our organization is touching the lives of real youth and families. Together, let’s practice chronicling the good works being done, to help others catch a glimpse of the change being made and to create a memorandum that demonstrates the significance of our work. There are remarkable moments happening every day, all we have to do is capture them!
Here are a few examples of how your could tell your part of the YFS story: • Stories of client progress, barriers overcome, goals achieved, lessons learned, etc. • Inspirational, funny, or cute quotes by someone who’s been involved in receiving our care • Photos from events, fieldtrips, or any other great photo opportunities
REAL EXAMPLES: Photo by Melissa Larimore “The Robertsons, one of our adoptive families, have been selected to be part of an impact video by United Way of Central Oklahoma!”
Photo by Dee Blose “This is Elaina. She donated a whole sack of goodies to the kiddos in our shelter!”
Photo by John Schneider These members of Youth Leadership Exchange came to the Yukon Chamber Coffee to share about how they’re raising money for YFS!
Photo by Melissa Larimore “These are the kids in my church’s youth group. Together, they collected diapers for our diaper drive!”
Do you have an idea about a story to tell? Please email Brandon Smith, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at brandon.smith@yfsok.org!
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
Youth Experiencing Success 2015 WORDS BY WYNELL LLOYD, CLINICAL COORDINATOR
F
From the Counseling Corner: We just finished our summer program “Youth Experiencing Success” which ran from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily on June 15th, 16th 17th and 18th. It was a great success with 11 youth participating in this year’s program. We had many magical moments take place and our youth had many successful experiences. On Monday our campers arrived a little reluctant and anxious, but after the “get acquainted therapeutic games” and “trust exercises” the smiles and laughter filled the conference room. These activities were followed with “conflict resolution” role plays to learn resolution and anger management skills that can be used in their daily lives. Next we moved into “Drama Therapy”; the youth did a rewrite of fairy tales into modern themes with real life issues, we really enjoyed watching their performances
in costume. As the camp counselors it was amazing to watch the metamorphosis that occurred from the morning into the afternoon; these young people stepped out of their daily personas to showcase their new found skills and higher self-esteem. We finished out the day with a “photo booth” to dress up and just have fun. Personal “Journals” were decorated by creating a collage of their positive strengths and interests on the front cover. On Tuesday we took a field trip to the Express Ranches to see the Clydesdale Horses, we were able to see them up close and personal, and it made for another great photo opportunity. In the afternoon we participated in “stress and safety” activities therapeutic exercises designed to learn better coping and safety skills. Our guest speaker for the afternoon was Lt. Adam Flowers from the Canadian County Sheriff’s office who spoke
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
to us about “internet safety”; he was fantastic and very informative with his presentation. This is a “must see” presentation for youth, parents and anyone who works with youth. Our hope is to have Lt. Flowers return to YFS in the fall to provide a community presentation. Wednesday was “Community Development/ Service” day. The campers’ project was to design/ decorate 30 tote bags that would be given to the Caring Center residents to put their personal items in as they leave on their new journeys. The youth were divided into 2 groups to name their community; each community designed a logo for one side of a tote bag and drew on the other side of the tote bag. The youth presented their finished totes with great pride to the YFS Caring Center Coordinator, Latuisha and Assistant Coordinator, Shannon on Thursday. These same youth will be coming back once a month for a
two hour group through Nov. to continue making the tote bags for the Caring Center residents. That is what I call empowering youth to give back to other youth and making a difference. It was amazing to witness their sense of pride and accomplishment in giving something special to others. Wednesday afternoon we had “Movie Therapy” and watched a movie about grief and processed our feelings. Next we had a special guest presentation from Cindi and Ken Turner who explained the history of sign language and taught the youth the alphabet and colors. The youth played “sign language bingo” and had a wonderful time. The youth surprised Cindi Turner at our cookout on Thursday with sharing what they had learned from her. It was a very special moment. We finished the afternoon with a “Values Auction” where youth had $2,000.00 in play money to bid the values they would like to
purchase. On Thursday morning after breakfast the youth decorated their Family or Values Crest and shared with each other their designs and sayings. We had a cook out and invited our Judges for the talent show to come and join us. Our Judges for the talent show were, Dee Blose, Brandon Smith, John Schneider, Cindy Bacon and Cindi Turner. We had wonderful diverse talent with singers, lip syncers, a science project and skits. I felt so anxious for the Judges trying to decide who to award the certificates and 1st,2nd and 3rd places to. The Judges did a super job and all of our youth displayed wonderful strengths and talents in their performances. We ended the day with closure activities and put our group pictures together on card stock for each youth to sign. The comments on the youth’s evaluation of their program were all positive including they
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
did not want the camp to end. It is my favorite activity we do all year, and I am so excited that we will keep the youth together for a monthly group to continue making the totes for the Caring Center residents. A special thanks to all of the counselors who worked so hard and long hours to make this program possible. And a very special thanks to John who got food donated for our breakfast and lunch daily. We really appreciate our supporters. YES. . .together we can do anything.
Meet the lecks
A YFS FOSTER FAMILY’S STORY OF ADOPTION
H
Having courage is not a quality the Lecks are short on; the creation of their family has been led by their hearts, prayer and the belief that they can be a positive impact on others. Their journey began in 2010 when they followed the tug on their hearts to become foster parents and provide a loving home for children who needed a family. Since beginning this journey they have had the privilege of providing a permanent home for five children in addition to providing a temporary safe place for 15 children. Because of their passion for children, Jason and Ashley became very active in volunteering at the Youth & Family Services Caring Center. There they met Sophie, a sweet 6 year old girl who needed a foster home. In the anticipation that Sophie would be joining their family, the Lecks began building a relationship with her even before their home was approved. Sophie was adopted by the Lecks in December 2012 after being in the foster care system for 6 years. “She now plays a big role in welcoming other children into their home and is a great big sister”. Sophie is a vibrant, happy 10-year-old who loves to dance and help her
family. In March 2011, Tucker came to live with the Lecks at only 5 weeks old. He was adopted in August 2012 and was the Lecks’ first adoption. Tucker is now an active, happy 3-year old. The Lecks continued to foster several children over the years and in September 2012 heard about a little boy at the Bethany Children’s Center who needed a forever home. Jayden had lived in a hospital type setting from birth. The Lecks report they “immediately felt a connection to him when they met him, and knew he would be part of their family”. He is now a much happier, healthier 5-year-old boy. In March, 2013 the Lecks received a call about a little 6-year-old girl, Savannah, who needed placement. She had 3 other siblings who were in different homes. When the direction of the case took a turn towards adoption, the Lecks began discussing the possibility of bringing Brayden into their home, knowing the importance of a sibling bond. In August of 2014 Brayden and Savannah were adopted the same day their older siblings were adopted by a family member. Brayden is an active
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
9-year-old who loves sports and enjoys playing soccer. Savannah is a quiet and loving 8-year-old who enjoys gymnastics and spending time with her family. “It is a blessing to be a part of these kids lives.” “Don’t underestimate what you’re capable of,” Ashley recommends. “And don’t be scared by labels because a child in a loving, nurturing home can really overcome a lot of things.” For Ashley, this is one of the biggest rewards of being a foster parent – “Seeing the growth and progress the kids make and just seeing them begin to trust and build a bond with you.” After adopting five children through the YFS foster care program , Ashley says that the YFS staff is now like family. “There is no way we would have been able to be foster parents as long as we have if it was not for YFS,” she says. “Melissa has been through so much with us. She has advocated for us and supported us in court. She has stood by us through hard decisions and given us advice to help us make the best decisions for our family. She has truly become a part of our family dynamic and without her we would not be the same.”
SPIRIT WEEK
WORDS BY SHANNON WHITE, ASSISTANT SHELTER COORDINATOR Boosting the morale of YFS is what’s on our minds, So the fun committee says that it is spirit week time, We have some crazy days planned for you, And we ask that you participate the whole week through, We will have spirit cops patrolling the halls, Handing out violations to one and all, That disobeys the theme of the day, And for all violators there will be a small price to pay. We will start the week serving you breakfast from 9 to 10, And we ask that your clothes are inside out on this day, my friend, Tuesday is the day to rep your favorite team in sports, Whether they are found on the football field or the basketball courts,
It’s okay to represent Texas, Golden, Florida or Kansas State, even OSU, if you wish, But we all know that it’s the Thunder and Sooner Nations that sits on top of this list Wednesday calls for sandals and shades, Because it’s one of those cool, laid back kind of days, Hump day, the middle of the week, And you know that there is just 2 days left to complete, We shall let freedom ring on Thursday as we all wear red, white, and blue, Just to represent and show what America means to you, You don’t have to wear a flag but can if it’s your choice, Because this is the land of the free and everyone has their own expression and voice, On Friday, spirit week culminates with a cookout and a trip going back 36 to 45 years in time,
Yes, it’s the 70’s that we have in mind, And we are asking that everyone dress in 70’s gear, Although 2015 is our present year, We will listen to the 70’s, cookout, and have fun, And hopefully the weather will participate with lots and lots of sun, July 13th through the 17th is when it all takes place, So be sure and mark your calendars with these very important dates, We don’t want you to miss out on all the fun, Because it’s well deserved for this YFS team that is second to none!!
SPIRIT WEEK CALENDAR
MON JULY 13TH - CLOTHES INSIDE OUT TUES JULY 14TH - FAVORITE TEAM WED JULY 15TH - SANDALS AND SHADES THURS JULY 16TH - RED, WHITE, AND BLUE FRI JULY 17TH - 70’S GEAR
artists of bee’s knees participate in big swanky art camp WORDS BY BRANDON SMITH, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The artists of Bee’s Knees are at it again! They’ve been participating in the 4th Annual Big Swanky Art Camp. The artists have been working under the guidance of local professional artists on a collaborative venture to create an entire collection of original artwork. The purpose of the camp is to bring artists with autism together in a safe learning environment to get firsthand experience working with professional artists. The camp activities culminate into an artshow of their original work at a local gallery. Mark you calendars, this years show will be on the evening of Friday, August 7th. Details about location and time, to come. You can learn more about the Big Swanky Art Camp at www.autismoklahoma.org.
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
YFS Program News Foster Care News - Melissa Larimore, Foster Care Coordinator Storm season is in full effect here in Oklahoma. Tornadoes, hail, lightening, and flooding are all around us and it seems as though it will never end. For many of the children in foster care, everyday life feels like storm season. The trauma, hurt, tears, fear, and uncertainty seem like they will always be a part of their lives. But just like storm season, all of those worries can pass along and brighter days can surface for these amazing children. Our Foster Care Program is here to weather the storm with these children and help them reach the brighter, sunny days that every child deserves.
Our program continues to grow and although that is a good thing, it is also a double edged sword. The number of children that need foster care services in Oklahoma is staggering but as long as there is a need, YFS will be here to serve. We currently have over 30 children in our care, over 25 approved homes, and many families in the process of becoming approved foster homes. The families in our program that care for our children are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. The passion, perseverance, and dedication these families have is truly astounding. These families are not only helping children everyday
but they are literally SAVING lives! We here at YFS are so proud and honored to be a part of that! And lastly, with the continued growth of our program, we needed some more help! So, I would like to welcome Jennifer Long to YFS and our Foster Care team. Jennifer recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s of science. I am so excited to have Jennifer as the newest Foster Care Specialist and member of our team!
Transitional Living Program - Jerriee Michalicka, TLP Coordinator Transitional Living Program youth and staff kicked off their summer program at Yukon Park on Sunday June 7th, with a cookout featuring Julie’s special seasoned hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and pasta salad, chips, and watermelon. Staff and youth played volleyball and hiked. It was a very fun-filled day of laughter, good food, and healthy recreation.
Several of our youth had the opportunity to give back to YFS while participating in service learning projects; both helping prepare for YFS’ 40th Anniversary celebration as well as volunteering the day of the event. Our youth helped by managing different games, taking photos, helping clean up, and by making sure that our guest, volunteers and staff had water to
JULY 2015 | YFSOK.ORG
keep them hydrated. We are so proud of the youth in our program and what great helpers they are. Our Summer Program will continue into the first week of August. If you have youth between the ages of 16-21 that would like to participate you can contact Jerriee Michalicka at jerriee. michalicka@yfsok.org or call 405-262-6555.