COMMUNITY VOICE NEWSLETTER

Fall 2014

A Message from the CEO Early childhood programming is such an important tool to build a strong and healthy foundation for our As you read this newsletter, youngest, most vulnerable community members. you will notice much of what Research shows that providing a high quality education for children before they turn five yields significant longis written is related to our Early Childhood and Family term benefits. These benefits include children who are less likely to repeat grades, need special education or Services programming— specifically Head Start and get into future trouble with the law. As adults, children who participated in high quality preschool programs are Early Head Start. This is more likely to earn more money, have higher high school because we are proud to graduation rates, own their own home and have longer announce that we are part marriages. It is the power of this information that keeps of a new and exciting us going and confident that we are on track to truly make Thrive by Five Detroit a difference in the lives of the children and community collaborative with Starfish Family Services, Southwest we serve. Solutions and Focus: HOPE. This collaborative will serve approximately 1,000 families throughout Detroit annually, of which Development Centers alone will have Despite the challenges, we will not waiver in our commitment to provide the services and support that will the opportunity to provide services to 252 new families make children and families healthier, stronger and more each year. In addition, we have finished the likely to reach their fullest potential. renovations on the Early Head Start classrooms at our new McKenny Community Center, and we are With Appreciation, welcoming over 60 new staff that specialize in early childhood programming to the Development Centers family. Robert E. Shaw, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer Though 2014 has been and will continue to be a very busy and exciting year for us, I must admit that I have found myself asking “Why are we doing this?” on more than one occasion. While renovating an abandoned school building where we will offer more services, and attending to countless building codes and inspections, challenges are not uncommon. Nevertheless, as staff work diligently to prepare classrooms for children and parents, I see the excitement on the faces of the toddlers that are waiting for their “school” to open and I am reminded exactly why we are doing this. Dear Friends,

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*CONSUMER SUCCESS STORY-RONALD*

*THRIVE BY FIVE DETROIT* *WHY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS*

*2ND ANNUAL RIVER SPLASH DASH RESULTS* *FALL FUNDRAISER*

PAGE 5 *EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - MONROE *

Ronald - Consumer Success Story with pride as he reflects on the remarkable achievements he has made in such a short period of time.

Ronald is a dedicated and valued member of our North Central Campus’s Clubhouse. Clubhouse International states that a Clubhouse is “a local community centerC organized to support people living with mental illness. During the course of their participation in a Clubhouse, members gain access to opportunities to rejoin the worlds of friendships, family, employment and education, and to the services and support they may ) individually need to continue their recovery. A Clubhouse provides a restorative environment for people whose lives have been severely disrupted because of their mental illness, and who need the support of others who are in recovery and who believe that mental illness is treatable.” Through Ronald’s participation in Clubhouse and his commitment to achieving his life goals, he has accomplished remarkable successes. Development Centers is proud to recognize him and the great work he is doing each day! Ronald says that he wasn’t always so diligent about attending the program. He began participating in services at Development Centers in 2013 and he comments, “Before coming here, I used to stay at home. Now, I come to Clubhouse every day.” As Ronald began to see his ability to achieve the goals he set with staff, he began to make progress in leaps and bounds. Ronald states, “Now, I’ve learned how to count; I’ve learned how to spell words; I can read, and I’m still working on writing.” He also helped the Clubhouse Manager type a letter on the computer recently and is now attending a class on Mondays to prepare to obtain his GED. Though Ronald appears rather modest and soft spoken, he beams

Claudia Jean-Pierre, Clubhouse Manager, reports, “As the skills program transitions into a clubhouse, Ronald’s leadership skills have really materialized. He frequently signs up to be the foreman, making sure members complete their tasks. Likewise, he volunteers to do a variety of tasks and often fills in when another member or staff can’t complete theirs. He is comfortable showing others how to do something and has patience as well - a great trait for the Clubhouse!” Ronald says that what he likes most about being a group leader is that it helps him to learn names and spelling. Maximizing learning opportunities seems to be another great asset of Ronald’s! Ronald’s volunteerism in the Clubhouse has inspired him to go beyond helping in that environment and to reach out into the community. He speaks of when he recently helped a friend get food at a church food drive, stating, “I had never done anything like that before. It’s nice to help people out though.” When discussing Development Centers’ monthly food drive with Forgotten Harvest, Ronald says through a smile, “If I could find another person from Clubhouse to help me, I would do that too!” Ronald - the staff of Development Centers and your fellow members of the Clubhouse commend and thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve your goals and serve your community! People like you truly inspire hope!

To support Development Centers programs like those that have helped Ronald, please contact Sally Bond at 313-255-0900 ext. 1218 or by email at [email protected].

Welcome Our New “Thrive by Five Detroit” Programs! In May of 2013, Development Centers joined a group of 3 other long standing, community-based human service providers to submit a 5 year federal proposal to the Office of Head StartAdministration for Children and Families for funding of Early Head Start and Head Start programming. The intention of this collaborative effort is to provide combined Early Head Start (ages 0-3) and Head Start (ages 3-4) programming for eligible infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant women in select Detroit communities. We are excited to announce that we, in partnership with Starship Family Services, Southwest Solutions and Focus: HOPE, were awarded funding and are now preparing to serve an additional 1,000 children and families located in Detroit, annually. Detroit is one of just 5 communities nationally to be designated by the Office of Head Start to participate in this innovative pilot program. Over 48 million dollars has

been allocated to Detroit annually over the next 5 years. This new initiative, Thrive by Five Detroit, will be part of our Early Childhood and Family Services Division, which provides for a full range of prevention, early intervention and treatment services for families with young children from pregnancy through age five. Development Centers will provide full or half-day center-based programming for 252 children and families within the west/northwest area of Detroit. Programming is set to begin this month and staff are looking forward to begin providing high quality and high impact early childhood services to support and stabilize young families.

Please call 313-977-9550 to enroll or donate today!

Why Mental Health Matters Last month’s tragic death of Robin Williams puts the spotlight again on the importance of mental health. Unfortunately, this spotlight often comes too late. Robin Williams was a fiercely successful actor and comedian with a strong support system and a wealth of resources. Like millions of others, he also suffered from depression and depression doesn’t discriminate. Its power over those with substantial resources should remind us that we are all vulnerable. Depression is an illness and like many others, can be treated. Just like we know the signs and symptoms of the flu, we should all know the signs and symptoms of depression. If you or a loved one shows any of these signs for an extended period of time, please seek help: • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Appetite and/or weight changes • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts • Restlessness, irritability • Persistent physical symptoms If you are seeking help in the United States, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is FREE, confidential, and always available. HELP a loved one, a friend, or yourself.

2nd Annual River Splash Dash Results On behalf of Development Centers, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to all who attended our Second Annual 5K Fun Run held at Rivard Plaza along the internationally acclaimed Detroit RiverWalk on July 12th. Results are now posted on our website at www.develctrs.org. The overall turnout & participation for each of our three activities was terrific! The 5K Race enjoyed perfect weather. The 1-Mile Walkers were accompanied by a guide from the Detroit Experience Factory who regaled the group with insights covering the 300 year history of the waterfront. And joining us as Grand Marshal for our Kiddie Dash was PAWS, the beloved mascot of the Detroit Tigers! Proceeds from the event will be used to provide comprehensive Early Childhood Development programming and services for the benefit of young families throughout the metro-Detroit area. We would also especially like to publically acknowledge the generosity and support of our major sponsors: Allen Maintenance Services, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan, Livonia AM Rotary, Sellers Buick GMC, Total Health Care, as well as our host The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. We also want to express a special Thank You to our community minded supporters: Applied Modern Health & Wellness, Detroit Tigers Promotions, Quality Janitorial Services, Underground Printing and the Signature Grill. A memorable outing 2a fabulous setting 2and a great cause! We hope to see everyone again next year when the River Splash Dash makes its return.

Come Have Fun at the sPOOF ! Friday, October 24, 2014 6:00pm The Baronette Renaissance Novi, MI 48377

A benefit featuring a delicious meal, strolling magic, comedic entertainment, auction and raffle to support local families served by Development Centers.

If you or someone you know may be interested in helping sponsor this wonderful evening of fun and fundraising or may be interested in donating an auction item, please contact Sally Bond via email at [email protected] or by phone at (313) 255-0900 ext. 1218.

Monroe - Employee of the Year approachable presence has been an undeniable asset to Development Centers Wraparound program. Fellow Wraparound Team members aren’t hesitant to praise their friend and colleague. One team member, Diane Harper, states, “Monroe has a very welcoming personality and people gravitate towards him. Beyond his excellent facilitation skills, he is also seen around the agency as the go-to-guy who will help everybody.” Marquise Mason says, “Monroe is like my big brother! He is Monroe Alford is very direct when stating his so committed, outgoing and connected. He pride in being a facilitator with Development is very resourceful and always on top of Centers’ Wraparound Team. This everything. From the kids and the families particularly shows through in the level of to the entire agency - everyone loves respect and admiration of his fellow team Monroe.” members and consumers served by the team. Development Centers is honored to When complimenting Monroe regarding the recognize Monroe Alford as our Employee impressive qualities he brings to the agency of the Year, and we commend him for his and consumers served, he is extremely commitment to the Wraparound Team and humble and ensures full credit is given to his the families they serve team. Monroe states, “I couldn’t do the work I do without my team. We are a very The National Wraparound Initiative sates seasoned and experienced team. It plays a that “Through the team-based planning and significant role in helping our families move implementation process, wraparound aims towards healthy and happy lives.” It is a to develop the problem-solving skills, coping pleasure to have Monroe Alford as part of skills, and self-efficacy of young people and the Development Centers family, and the family members.” This strength-based families, staff and community he has process emphasizes integrating youth into impacted say, “THANK YOU!” the community and building support networks with families. Monroe points out that “A significant part of being a facilitator is helping families identify their strengths. Strengths that they often don’t recognize.” His ability to uncover the strengths of youth and families who are experiencing feelings of despair and hopelessness has improved the lives of countless consumers since Monroe joined Development Centers five years ago.

Development Centers Board of Directors: Kathy OperhallPresident Rodger ProngVP Business Kendra TobesVP Programming Dr. Subhash GulatiTreasurer Kevin OutlandSecretary Trina Clark Gary Francis Melvin Houston Gary Ley Jim Tesen Honorary Members: Jeffrey Kravitz Nancy Wanchik

MISSION STATEMENT Development Centers is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals, families and the community by meeting behavioral health, social and

Monroe holds a Master in Educational Counseling from Ferris State University and Master in Communication from Eastern Michigan University. In addition, he had two years of experience working on a Wraparound Team prior to coming to Development Centers. This experience in conjunction with Monroe’s ever

vocational needs through a continuum of prevention,

The Wraparound Team

treatment and training services.

Development Centers 17421 Telegraph Rd. Detroit, MI 48219

Visit our new website: www.develctrs.org

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Development Centers Services and Locations Early Childhood and Family Services Child and Adolescent Services Full Circle ACCESS 17321 Telegraph Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 Phone: 313-531-2500 Adult Behavioral Services PATH 24424 W. McNichols Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 Phone: 313-531-2500 New Directions Clubhouse 24430 W. McNichols Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 Phone: 313-531-0738 PATH 15400 W. McNichols, Suite 2 Detroit, MI 48235 Phone: 313-397-1503

Family Alliance For Change 6900 McGraw Detroit, MI 48210 Phone: 313-895-2860

Early Head Start 20833 Pembroke Ave. Detroit, MI 48219 Phone: 313-977-9550

School Based Programs: Detroit Public Schools: Cooke Elementary Gompers K-8 Sampson Academy Detroit Lions Academy Highland Park City Schools: Highland Park Renaissance Academy - Barber Campus

Early Head Start & Head Start (Coming Soon!) 16161 Winston St. Detroit, MI 48219 13735 W. Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48235

North Central Campus Child and Adult Behavioral Services 17141 Ryan Rd. Detroit, MI 48212 Phone: 313-733-4860

Development Centers Community Voice is a quarterly publication of Development Centers. This newsletter is intended to keep Friends of Development Centers abreast of our news and activities. Please send comments or corrections to: Attn: Sally Bond [email protected]