Heartland Family Service

Annual Report | 2013

Dear Friends, Serving vulnerable children, adults, and families across the lifespan to increase their safety, self-sufficiency, and well-being is a valuable endeavor that pays huge dividends for our community. Our staff, our donors, and our volunteers are passionate about this mission and it shows in our outcomes. The people who invest in our agency are truly its best asset. Another significant strength is the continuum of care we are able to provide to our clients. We know the vast majority of the people who come to us for help have experienced significant trauma, and to achieve truly sustained change requires enormous effort and interventions targeted to multiple levels of influence. With nearly 50 high-impact programs and over 100 collaborative community partnerships, we are able to provide the help our clients need and create hope for the future. “Good works” is much more than a tagline at Heartland Family Service. As you will read in our annual report, lives are being saved and changed for the better because of our efforts and your support. Thanks so much!! Sincerely,

John H. Jeanetta, MBA, MSW President and CEO

Christine Wendlandt, Chairman Board of Directors 1

At a Glance

Heartland Family Service

The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services. • Professional, compassionate, systems-oriented helping services • A private agency, not a government agency • Non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization • Non-sectarian—not affiliated with a religious organization • Founded in Omaha in 1875 • Served 44,100 persons in 2013 • Operates from more than 15 safe, comfortable locations throughout east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa • Achieves the mission through the efforts of 437 staff, 382 volunteers, and 2,443 generous donors • Earns a reputation for quality programs, conscientious management, and excellent customer service • The 2013 Heartland Family Service Friends Guild “Carnival of Love” Gala was voted the Best Event over 500 People by readers of metroMAGAZINE • Heartland Family Service was a 2013 “Best of Omaha” winner in the Family Behavior Therapy category in Omaha Magazine’s annual awards.

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2013 Financials 2013 OPERATING REVENUE

Government Fees & Grants...........................$16,301,066........71.5%

Special Events & Contributions.....................$3,143,100..........13.8% Fees (Program Services).................................$2,191,225............9.6%

United Way Allocation...................................$1,074,923............4.7% All Other Revenue.........................................$100,420...............0.4%

TOTAL....................................................$22,810,734......100.0%

2013 PROGRAM EXPENSES

Mental Health & Addictions.........................$7,863,626..........34.5%

Poverty & Homelessness................................$3,841,690..........16.8% Juvenile Delinquency......................................$3,665,278..........16.1%

Administrative & Fundraising........................$2,774,489..........12.2% Early Childhood Development......................$1,813,030............7.9% Child Abuse...................................................$1,355,667............5.9%

Domestic Violence.........................................$754,243...............3.3% Community Services & Centers.....................$742,711...............3.3% TOTAL.................................................... $22,810,734.....100.0%



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Law Eh

Finds His Voice

Ready in 5 4

A

s School Readiness Coordinator Nicky Clark looks out the door for any stragglers, she hears Law Eh say hello to all his ragtag friends before the Ready in 5 in-home group begins. “Boy, is he a talker,” Nicky says to herself. But he wasn’t always so social. When Karenni mother Paw Moo Dar first brought her 3-year-old son to a neighbor’s house to take part in Heartland Family Service’s Ready in 5 program, Law Eh burst into tears and clawed at his mother when she sat him with the other children. As the next four weeks ticked away, however, Law Eh started to look a little less anxious. He even shared his puzzle with a little girl in the group. A few more months passed before Law Eh chose to speak at group. Although he chose to do so in his native language while fighting over a fire truck, he was making progress. He even repeated “sorry” in English when the boys were told to apologize to one another. After that, the next year went by in a blur—mostly because of Law Eh’s constant chatter. After finally deciding to interact with Nicky and the rest of the group, Law Eh showed off his smarts. He scored high on his skills tests, easily rattling off all the colors—his favorite is red—shapes, letters, and numbers in English. And his propensity to answer every question quickly turned him into the group leader. More than a year later, Nicky walks up to Paw Moo Dar and tells her how much she is going to miss Law Eh’s contagious smile. Just as Paw Moo Dar thanks Nicky for helping her son develop the cognitive and social skills he will need when he enters kindergarten in August, the two women hear Law Eh share his latest “knock, knock” joke with his friends. He hears the women’s chuckles and his contagious smile beams. Nicky smiles back, thinking back to the quiet, shy little boy who wouldn’t even make a peep.

75%

69%

Children who improved basic colors, letters, numbers, and language skills after going through Ready in 5 in 2013.

Children who demonstrated improvement in their social skills after going through our Ready in 5 program in 2013.

3-4

Prison population that lacks a high school diploma.

Times children who have not developed basic literacy skills before they enter school are more likely to drop out.

1/2

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Programs & Services ADDICTIONS

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Family Works (IA/NE) Gambling Education and Treatment (IA/NE) Substance Abuse Evaluations and Treatment (IA/NE)

Community-Based Evaluations (NE) Refugee Juvenile Justice Advocate (NE) Tracker Services (IA/NE) Victim Empathy Program (NE) Youth Links (NE)

CHILD ABUSE Jefferson House In-Home Services (NE) Jefferson House Shelter & Group Home (NE) Omaha In-Home Services (NE) PPG—Positive Parenting Group (NE)

COMMUNITY SERVICES & CENTERS Family and Child Care Resource Center (NE) Ruth K. Solomon Girls Center (NE) Senior Center (NE) Ways to Work (IA/NE)

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services (NE) Safe at Home Scattered-Site Transitional Housing (NE) Safe Haven Concealed Shelter (NE)

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT Baby TALK (NE) CACFP— Child and Adult Care Food Program (NE) HALO— Healthy Alternatives for Little Ones (IA/NE) KidSquad (NE) Ready in 5 (NE)

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MENTAL HEALTH ACT—Assertive Community Treatment (IA) Corporate Services (IA/NE) Mental Health Counseling (IA/NE) Mental Health Crisis Response Teams (IA/NE) Mental Health for Youth in Detention (NE) Therapeutic School (IA)

POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS Hardship Assistance: • North Omaha (NE) • PCHL—Pottawattamie County Homeless Link (IA) • Sarpy County (NE) Homeless services: • Heartland Housing Stability Team (IA/NE) • Metro Home BASE (IA/NE) Housing: • Heartland Homes (IA) • Permanent Supportive Scattered-Site Housing (NE) • Temporary Rental Assistance (IA/NE)

2013 Program Highlights The Assertive Community Treatment staff implemented an Integrated Home Health program to supplement the care for clients living with severe and persistent mental illnesses by also helping them manage their physical health. From their offices in Council Bluffs, program staff increased coordination with primary care clinics and implemented programs to encourage positive lifestyle changes. Staff began not only educating clients about exercise and nutrition but also providing opportunities to increase exercise during regular visits/group activities.

As part of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services initiative to move away from shelter placements for children, Heartland Family Service closed the Children’s Emergency Shelter and in its place rolled out the Omaha In-Home Services program. In-Home Services staff members focus on preserving the family unit or reunifying children with their parents while providing support and education in various areas, including medical care, drug abuse, housing stability, and parenting skills. Regular check-ins also are conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in the home.

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE 2013 CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS AGE OF CLIENTS

RACE OF CLIENTS

0-4 Years................................................ 8.3% 5-12 Years.............................................. 8.1% 13-17 Years.......................................... 17.8% 18-24 Years.......................................... 13.1% 25-44 Years.......................................... 37.6% 45-64 Years.......................................... 13.0% 65-84 Years............................................ 1.6% 85+ Years............................................... 0.5%

American Indian/Alaska Native............ 1.7% Asian..................................................... 3.6% Black/African American...................... 23.6% Mixed Race........................................... 0.9% Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander........................ 0.7% White.................................................. 69.5%

CLIENT GENDER

ANNUAL INCOME OF CLIENTS

Male.................................................... 42.1% Female................................................. 57.9%

ETHNICITY

Hispanic/Latino.................................. 10.4% Not Hispanic/Latino........................... 89.6%

Under $10,000..................................... 49.0% $10,000-$19,000................................. 29.9% $20,000-$29,000................................. 13.7% $30,000-$39,000................................... 3.8% $40,000 and over................................... 3.6%

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Mitch

Finds His Way

Assertive Community Treatment 8

M

itch has always been good with his hands. As a child, he loved to help his mother in the kitchen. But the joy of their sweet creations began to fade as a darkness grew inside Mitch after witnessing his baby sister’s death. “I used to cry, and didn’t know why I was having trouble in school,” says Mitch, now 57. “I didn’t know what was wrong.” Mitch threw himself into his hand-crafting activities to escape. In high school, he took up wrestling, using his strong hands to take down opponents. He turned to carpentry after graduation, using his talented hands to build homes. But the manual labor took a toll, and chronic pain forced him to quit the trade. Without any outlet, he spiraled into a deep depression. “I started drinking and wound up homeless,” Mitch says. “I hit rock bottom. . . . I was really paranoid and frustrated and just blamed it on the (childhood) trauma.” He decided to go to the hospital for help and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was given medicine to help him cope, but he wasn’t able to find stability until he came to Heartland Family Service. Our Pottawattamie County Homeless Link (PCHL) team helped him secure short-term, scattered-site transitional housing. The PCHL staff then referred him to our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, which works with Mitch to maintain his treatment plan, including medication, and keep the frustration and paranoia under control. Today, Mitch has found his way back to using his hand-crafting skills while cooking for his brother, with whom he now shares a home. “It’s a hard struggle, but I won’t give up,” he says. “Definitely reach out and use your options. That’s what Heartland Family Service has done for me.”

99%

Time ACT clients spent in the community and out of alternative residential placements in 2013.

25 Years earlier in which people with serious mental illness die when compared with the general population.

$4,000

Amount taxpayers save per ACT client who avoids residential placement.

1/3

Population of homeless people in the United States who have an untreated psychiatric illness. 9

2013 Volunteers

In 2013, our Good Works were enhanced by the assistance of 382 volunteers who helped us achieve our mission. These volunteers contributed 9,406 hours of their time, providing a total dollar value of $219,251 to our agency. Thank you all for helping us provide essential services to individuals and families in our community!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Christine Wendlandt, Chairman

Alan D’Agosto Rhonda Hawks Charles E. Lakin Dianne Seeman Lozier Sunny Lundgren Diane Nelson Kenneth E. Stinson

Tom Albers, Vice Chairman

Melissa Crawford, Secretary Carol Gendler, Assistant Secretary

Robert Baker, Treasurer Raymond Aranza Robert N. Belt Virginia Collins Joyce Cooper Kimberly J. Daniels Jisella Dolan Donna Dostal Jim Douglas Todd Fishback Thomas A. Frette Thomas J. Gomez Nancy Hanson Megan Holtorf Kirk J. Hulett Margie L. Johnson Ralph B. Lassiter Tom McClung Ken McIalwain Christine Olson Paul Rabinovitz Stacy Scholtz Gerard J. Stanley Jack H. Struyk, Jr. Chris Tinley Paula B. Wells Janet Whitson

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PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Doug Alvine Deb Bass Chuck Downey Jane Ellsworth Dan Gomez Mike Homa Brad Knuth Jim Nagengast Steve Ritzman

2012-2013 HFS FRIENDS GUILD EXEC. COMMITTEE Nancy Hanson, President Chris Olson, President-Elect Kelly Fletcher, VP Education Chris LaFever, VP Fundraising

Douglas D. Murray, Legal Advisor

Dana Whitfield, VP Membership

John H. Jeanetta, MBA, MSW, President & CEO

Sarah Nihsen, VP Social Activities

EXEC. COMMITTEE (Con’t.) Kacey Lempka, Treasurer Dianne Scott, Recording Secretary Deb Munro, Corresponding Secretary Mary Zlomke, Advisor 2012-2013 FRIENDS GUILD BOARD Karen Albers Beth Asbjornson-McCashland Vivian Ayuso-Sanchez Angie Bekins Devra Bram Lisa Braun Kim Burkhalter Karen Burkley Mary Carter Jody Edwards Shelley Erikson Jean Farrell Kelly Fletcher Polly Goecke Kathy Gross Laura Hale Cindy Hanley Nancy Hanson Nina Head Courtney Hellman Laurette Hess Teresa Hunzeker Tracy Jerkovich Jennifer Johnson Connie Kinnear Suzanne Kotula Carol Kujawa Ann Kutilek Chris LaFever

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT “I have been a volunteer as a co-facilitator to a domestic violence support group since October 2007. As a survivor of domestic violence, I know the importance of having someone that victims can turn to and can hear the words, ‘We believe you.’ When you can witness a victim go from broken and lost to confident and positive, then it is a testimony to the help they receive.” Barbara L. Brondum, Corporate Controller Skarda Equipment Company, Inc./Controlled Motion Dynamics, Inc. 2012-2013 FRIENDS GUILD BOARD (Con’t.)

EXEC. COMMITTEE (Con’t.)

2013-2014 FRIENDS GUILD BOARD (Con’t.)

Brenda Langenberg Kacey Lempka Laura Luther Theresa McMorrow Cherie Metschke Deb Munro Sarah Nihsen Kathy O’Connor Chris Olson Kathy Peterson Cassandra Pietrok Jenelle Pritchard Brenda Richards Dianne Scott Sheri Shonka Janis Silverberg Liz Spitzenberger Sally Stalnaker Stacy Stohlmann Jean Stothert Rachel Stricklett Rhonda Stuberg Vicki Warner Dana Whitfield Mary Kay Young Kris Zey Mary Zlomke

Sheri Shonka, VP Fundraising

Courtney Hellman Laurette Hess Karen Jacobi Tracy Jerkovich Kjirsten Jessen-Finnegan Jennifer Johnson Connie Kinnear Suzanne Kotula Carol Kujawa Ann Kutilek Chris LaFever Brenda Langenberg Kacey Lempka Laura Luther Marguerite McLeay Theresa McMorrow Cherie Metschke Deb Munro Sarah Nihsen Kathy O’Connor Ande Olson Chris Olson Kathy Peterson Cassandra Pietrok Jenelle Pritchard Brenda Richards Melanie Robbins Dianne Scott Sheri Shonka Janis Silverberg Sally Stalnaker Patti Smith Liz Spitzenberger Rachel Stricklett Vicki Warner Dana Whitfield Kris Zey

2013-2014 HFS FRIENDS GUILD EXEC. COMMITTEE Chris Olson, President Connie Kinnear, President-Elect Jean Farrell, VP Education Brenda Richards, VP Education

Kacey Lempka, VP Membership Cindy Hanley, VP Social Kathy O’Connor, Treasurer Kelly Fletcher, Recording Secretary Kim Burkhalter, Corresponding Secretary Nancy Hanson, Advisor 2013-2014 FRIENDS GUILD BOARD Karen Albers Beth AsbjornsonMcCashland Wendy Axon Valerie Batt Angie Bekins Devra Bram Lisa Braun Kim Burkhalter Karen Burkley Mary Carter Melissa Crawford Shelley Erikson Jean Farrell Kelly Fletcher Cheryl Foral Polly Goecke Kathy Gross Laura Hale Cindy Hanley Nancy Hanson Nina Head

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2012-2013 HEARTLAND 21-40 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Melanie Krings, Co-Chair Laura O’Connor, Co-Chair Erin Burke Molly Davis Michelle Janssen Angie Moon Steve Nielsen

ADVISORY COMMITTEES JEFFERSON HOUSE Michelle Wiese, President Shelly Sandeen, Vice President Dawn Fritz, Treasurer Jeff Hoffman, Secretary Kurt Bottorff Jo Fritz Kathy Overfield Mike Robinson Eric Seitz Rachel Sorensen Teresa Woolridge Chris Wormuth

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NORTH OMAHA COMMUNITY COUNCIL Pamela Berry, Chair Diane Benton Janis Berry Odell Evans Stephanie Fears Pearline Mosley Susan Whitfield Nancy Williams SARPY COUNTY Elizabeth Ajongo Cathy Beeler Becky Coleman Paula Freeman Tonne Gay Brenda Gunn Paula Harper Judy Hayes Jane Husz Karen Jackson Jason Levering Jennifer McCabe Chris Myers Curtis Rainge Carol Timm Doris Urwin Mark Wayne Kathy Welch Jodi York Russ Zeeb

SOUTHWEST IOWA Bryan Biederman Suzi Brehmer Tori Christie Jody Edwards Dave Haddix Janella Higgins Cindy Hoover Tom Howard Erin Johnson Jill Killion Angie Kistaitis Alyssa Kohler Tonya Korkow Kelley Kulesa Jerri Larson Haley Mace Terry Oldenburg Martha Peterson Janae Sternberg Joanie Tekippe Janet Whitson

You Can Help

How

Continue your charitable support of Heartland Family Service Heartland Family Service relies on charitable gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support and ensure the sustainability of programs. Continuing and/or increasing your annual contribution will help ensure quality, life-changing programming for the individuals and families we serve.

Volunteer

Your time is a gift. Please consider:

• • • •

Providing a meal for the kids at Youth Links Volunteering at one of our programs Joining our Friends Guild or Heartland 21-40 Organizing a collection of items from the “Wish Lists” at www.HeartlandFamilyService.org

Spread the Word

You are our greatest asset in helping get the word out about our agency. To help us raise awareness, you can:

• Schedule a Good Works 101 presentation at your next meeting or social gathering • Organize a tour for your friends and colleagues at one of our locations • “Like” Heartland Family Service on Facebook, “follow” @HeartlandFam on Twitter, and invite others to do the same

Make a Planned Gift

A donation or bequest to our endowment fund, the Family Legacy Society, helps ensure that children and families will continue to receive the assistance they need far into the future. For more information, please contact: Donna Dostal, Vice President for Development (402) 552-7443 | [email protected] 13

Sofia Provides

for Her Children

Hardship Assistance 14

S

ofia was doing just fine on her own. She always had time to pick up her kids—8-year-old Juan and 6-year-old Gabriela—from school and join in their radio sing-alongs. And despite her pregnancy, she wasn’t too tired to push Juan and Gabriela on the swings at the local park. Sofia had a steady job she enjoyed at a Papillion store. And because her employer did not offer maternity leave or short-term disability, Sofia had worked out a budget for when she had her baby. But then life threw her a curve ball. Baby Isabella arrived two-and-half months early. With huge, hazel eyes, barely a trace of hair, and that reddish tint only newborns can have, she won over nurse after nurse during her long stay. But she also quickly ate up Sofia’s maternity fund. Two weeks after Isabella was able to go home, Sofia’s electricity bill went past due. Then her water bill. Then her gas bill. With her savings gone and another mouth to feed, Sofia needed immediate help to keep her family home functioning. She called Heartland Family Service’s Sarpy County Hardship Assistance, and scheduled an appointment. The very next day, Sofia arrived with Isabella and her utility bills in tow. Together, Sofia and our staff member worked out a budget, and toward the end of their meeting our staff member got word that the Hardship Assistance program would be able to pay off nearly 90 percent of Sofia’s bills. A month later, our staff member checked in with Sofia and learned that she was completely caught up on all of her bills. But Sofia mentioned that she had applied for the Sarpy County Holiday Assistance program through Heartland Family Service since she didn’t want to fall behind on her bills again if she splurged on Christmas presents for Juan and Gabriela. Our staff member signed up the kids for the Holiday Assistance program, and on Christmas morning Sofia watched as little Isabella first startled and then smiled as Juan and Gabriela screamed in delight at their new sleds.

99%

Individuals who requested and obtained financial support in 2013 through Sarpy County Hardship Assistance.

12,406

Individuals who received either direct or indirect help through our Poverty & Homelessness programs in 2013.

89%

Individuals in 2013 who gained self-sufficiency after getting financial support through Sarpy County Hardship Assistance.

$2,494

Taxpayers’ cost to house one person in an emergency shelter in the metro area for the average stay of 199 days. 15



2013 Donors COMMUNITY LEADERS

Alegent Community Benefit Trust Michael & Laura Alley American National Bank Ameristar Casino Hotel Anonymous Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts Building Bright Futures Caesars Foundation CL Werner Foundation Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation Rupert & Ruth Dunklau First National Bank Fremont Area United Way Carol Gendler Daniel & Jennifer Hamann Howard & Rhonda Hawks Heartland Family Service Friends Guild Heartland Family Service Staff Todd & Mary Heistand Iowa West Foundation Kiewit Corporation The Kim Foundation Kwik Shop, Inc. Omaha Division John & Wende Kotouc Charles E. Lakin Family Lincoln Financial Foundation Lockton Companies The Lozier Foundation Mammel Family Foundation Sam Marchese & Lynn Dinsdale Marchese Mutual of Omaha Foundation Omaha Community Foundation Pinnacle Bank Region 6 Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation The Scoular Company SilverStone Group

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Todd & Betiana Simon Foundation Ken & Ann Stinson United Way of the Midlands Valmont Industries Verizon Foundation Wally & Barbara Weitz

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Kiewit Building Group, Inc. John & Dianne Scott Jack & Polly Struyk Tobacco Free Sarpy

COMMUNITY PATRONS

Arby’s Panda, Inc. Michael & Michelle Berlin Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Charles & Judy Downey Sunny Durham Family Foundation The Honorable Michael G. Fahey Joe & Kjirsten Finnegan The Great Plains Motion Picture Company Helen A. Pearson Charitable Trust Home Instead Senior Care Marathon Realty Moglia Family Foundation Harriet Otis Dr. Cassandra & Gary Pietrok Perry & Eloise Poyner Robert & Stacie Reed Securities America, Inc. Share Our Strength Robert H. Storz Foundation Union Pacific Corporation Warren Distribution

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

Acura of Omaha Tom & Karen Albers Albers Communications Group

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Celebrity Services Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P Cox Communications Debby Durham Family Foundation First Lutheran Church Fullenkamp, Doyle & Jobeun Gallagher Foundation Scott & Alisa Glienke Deryl & Ramona Hamann Hope Lutheran Church The Landen Foundation Cameron & Stephanie Ludwig Jennifer S. Maassen Dr. Sean & Candice Mullendore Mutual of Omaha Dale & Fern Olson Pacific Hills Dental Physicians Mutual Insurance Co. Edward & Lida Robinson Charitable Trust Robert & Sheri Shonka Sid Dillon Chevrolet Buick-Pontiac, Inc. Shani Smith Superior Honda Gail Werner-Robertson & Scott Robertson

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In MEMORY of: TOM BROWN Khalil & Beverly Amin Phyllis Aronson Jack & Judy Baker Carolyn Blaine Irvin & Susie Blumkin Louis & Frances Blumkin Dr. Ronald & Cheryl Cooper Don & Marlene Dandy Vicki Hallett



DONOR SPOTLIGHT “I have been involved with Heartland Family Service for over 25 years, both in business and as a volunteer supporter. Year after year, I witness the agency provide human restoration by loving people who genuinely care about men, women, and children in our community. Clients who felt trapped, desperate, and hopeless are restored to stability and security because of the many Good Works of Heartland Family Service.” Sheri Shonka, Principal Public Risk Management, Inc.

TOM BROWN (Con’t.) Bruce L. Hoberman Trevor Johnson Sandy & Renee Kasner Robert & Catherine Lane John & Debbie Mangiameli Norman & Roberta Miller Robert & Linda Prucha Joanne Shurter Gene & Doris Taulborg Irving & Gail Veitzer Gary Vetick & Constance Ryan LARRY MYERS Joan S. Carnaby Jerry Gray Daro Inouye & Patricia Dobashi Drs. Kathleen & John Mitchell She-la TERRY WALSH Joe & Judy Latoza MARIAN IVERS Walter & Faith Louis LeRoy Potter David & Lynne Potter LEONARD COYLE Elizabeth Hug DONNA LOFTUS Claire & Jim Hampton In HONOR of: TOM ALBERS Albers Communications Team Jenna & Brian Gabrial

SUSANA FRIEDMAN LEVIN & MORDECHAI LEVIN West Maple Dental Specialists NORMA HANSEN Donald & Ann Hosford KRISTINE HULL Roxanne Williams KATIE & JESSIE GOTSDINER Gary & Lisa Gotsdiner irene burkland David & Laura Mussman CHRIS WENDLANDT Connie Claussen BAIRD HOLM’S 140th ANNIVERSARY Treynor State Bank SISTER MARILYN ROSS Michael & Laura Alley JOE & KACEY LEMPKA Dennis & Jessica Pate JUDY DAPPEN’S 70th BIRTHDAY Janet Jordan Vicky Segers

IOWA COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In MEMORY of: VIOLET JANSEN Vern & Kathy Lienemann

JEFFERSON HOUSE COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In MEMORY of: JIM EBERS Sherie Ebers Bradley & Shawn Nick LETTIE JOHNSON Charles & Mary Ann Paulger VIVIAN PETERSEN Milo & Holly Alexander Caren S. Lillie Carol Meier Nye Square Limited Partnership Connie Souza In HONOR of: KATHIE & ROY HAHN Marlin & Marla Brabec Larry & Mary Flamme KEN & ALICE McELHOSE Heimann Contracting CHRIS SEWALL Kurt & Shawn Shanahan

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A New Path for

Jada

Tracker Services 18

J

ada had done it this time. Not that she cared, but she was in deep trouble after forging a check to get money to buy more meth. All her friends were counting on her to score for them. At least she thought they were friends. But they had to be, right? They at least cared about her life. Unlike her mom, who barely even acknowledged her presence the few nights she wandered home before 2 a.m. “I guess I’ll be home more often,” 17-year-old Jada thought to herself as Heartland Family Service Tracker Kevin Olive explained that one of the guidelines Jada was to follow to successfully complete the program included a 10 p.m. curfew. Jada rolled her eyes, as Kevin continued to rattle off her goals. Despite all the dramatics at the initial meeting with Kevin, Jada quickly made progress. She called in every night on time and never once missed curfew. Not only did she pass all administered drug tests, but she also found value in the drug counseling she received at the Heartland Family Service H. Lee Gendler Center in Council Bluffs. Instead of wasting time doing nothing with her “friends,” she began chipping away at her community service hours by helping out at the local animal shelter on Wednesday nights and picking up trash in parks on the weekends. The improvement in her self-esteem showed through in her grades as well. Jada used to just scrape by with passing grades. Now with some structure in her life and time to do homework, she was making the honor roll. She ended up qualifying for an academic scholarship and began attending Iowa Western Community College. “I didn’t know that I was capable of being accepted into college,” Jada said. “I feel like I have a place in life now.”

97%

Youth who did not re-offend while with Tracker Services in 2013 or have further charges six months after finishing.

$3,480 Money the Tracker program saves the state of Nebraska per youth for an average 90-day cycle.

7believeinthat 10 Teenage girls who they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way.

50%

Teens who are less likely to use drugs when they consistently learn about the risks from their parents. 19

Join Us Online! Love Heartland Family Service online to learn more about our programs, services, and upcoming events. View photos and videos of our community activities and share them with your friends!

• Subscribe to our HFS eNews and email communications. • Learn about our programs and services, helpful Tips for Families, and client Success Stories. • Take one of our Mental Health Online Screenings or our Family Strengths Self-Test. • Read our blog to get information about key matters from President and CEO John Jeanetta and our other HFS professionals. • Support our Good Works online! Purchase event tickets, become a Friends Guild member, fulfill a Wish List item, volunteer your time and talent or donate to one of our programs.

Link to our social media at www.HeartlandFamilyService.org

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Upcoming Events May 16, 2014.............................................. Safe Haven Golf Tournament Tiburon Golf Club, Omaha, NE May 21, 2014................................. ���������������������������������� Omaha Gives! Online fundraiser, Omaha Metro Area June 27, 2014................................. ���������������������������Strike-A-Chord 10 Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA November 13, 2014............................................ Iowa “Salute to Families” Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA November 20, 2014......................................Nebraska “Salute to Families” Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE February 14, 2015............................................... “Carnival of Love” Gala Embassy Suites, La Vista, NE March 21, 2015........................................................ “Stand Up for Kids” Jefferson House Comedy Night Fremont Golf Club, Fremont, NE

2101 S. 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68105 (402) 553-3000 | (402) 553-3133 fax www.HeartlandFamilyService.org [email protected]