North Dakota, Inc. Treatment Foster Care and Family-Based Services

Press

Families Making the Difference

Volume XVII, Issue III ~ May 2011

CEO Message M

ay is Foster Parent Month. This is a time when PATH has the opportunity to celebrate the amazing gifts that foster parents’ give. You open your hearts and your homes. You make the decision daily that you are able and willing to change your family life to help others and this value permeates PATH. The commitment is 24 hours per day and is very personal and the relationships are real. You’re caring and devotion, as well as the challenges you experience are all real and happen in your home. This is very different than other types of “help” that are provided in human services. William Metcalfe

Chief Executive Officer

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believe that it is this very real and personal context that allows PATH to have the dramatic treatment results and the dynamic changes for children and their families. There is a very real genuineness in the personal way this service is implemented and it could never happen without foster parents as one of our major resources.

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y position in PATH allows me to hear on a statewide and frequent basis the amazing stories of the work and care you provide. I hear about the challenges and barriers you overcome on behalf of children and on behalf of PATH.

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s I take this time to acknowledge you, I again have a very real and privileged opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and very deep respect for the sacrifices you make as PATH foster parents and the incredible contributions you give to children and their families.

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sincerely hope you hear about our respect and appreciation throughout the year, but especially during this 2011 Foster Parent Month!

With Great Appreciation,

Table of Contents William A. Metcalfe, Ph.D., LICSW CEO, PATH North Dakota, Inc.

Presidents Report PATH Annual Meeting Preparing for Adulthood Quality Outcomes

2 3-4 6 7

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President’s Report

By Kathy Ellingson

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ith the completion of the PATH ND conference, I just want to say I feel it was a great success. The training topic was amazing, and the camaraderie was magnificent and the lodging was wonderful!

H Library of Congress

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s I write this it has been a busy spring… (I did say spring, right?) I attended the CWLA Conference in Washington DC at the end of March with 16 others from PATH ND and two lawyers. We had very good speakers and of course the highlight of the conference was the trip to the Hill. At all three places we stopped, we were moved to a bigger room as they couldn’t fit us in their conference rooms. I am proud of the representation that we had for PATH and the great voices that spoke for our needs. We didn’t get to meet with Senator Hoeven, but his aide listened well. We also missed Senator Conrad, who was in budget committee meetings, but we did get to visit with his aide Dana. I know that she took our messages back to him. When we got to Representative Berg’s office we met with his Aide, Danielle and Representative Berg popped in for a short amount of time which surprised us, as I know he had just gotten back into the city.

uge congratulations to the three Spirit Award winners! Charley Joyce, Bill Grommesh, Gayle Grenz, who if I do say so myself, are wonderful choices and so very deserving!

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hen I did my little “speech”, I was so neglectful in not thanking one of the most important people to PATH… Bill Metcalfe. So, thank-you Bill, for all the hard work that you do for PATH, families, and mainly kids! You are leading us into new and exciting paths, and I am so excited for our future… again, a BIG Thank-You!!!

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hank you to all of you for allowing me to be a part of this great organization. I truly love being on the board and even more, I love helping kids.

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ay God and his guardian angels be with you always!

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PATH Annual Meeting April 15-16, 2011 W

hen the board decided to host the annual meeting early this year, there was a lot of worry about the possibility of flooding in Fargo. Many people said, “Why Fargo at this time?” If we had predicted a strong statewide winter blizzard was more likely, people would have laughed… but in the end, this was the only real problem faced by those who attended the two-day event.

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he theme of the Annual Meeting was, “PATH Annual Meeting & Training: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma” and the training provided by Chris Martin of PATH, Fargo and Heather Simonich of the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute proved exceptionally well received! The hotel setting was wonderfully accommodating and the food was very good. As resource parents and staff gathered to learn and network about childhood trauma and its treatment the time was also allowed for fun and fellowship. “It was one of our best meetings” said Kathy Ellingson, Board President. It sounded like most everyone present would agree with her!

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Families Making the Difference

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Tara Fitzgerald, Heather Skogen, Darnell Eckert, Ginger Dean, Kyle Vorachek, Michelle Slaghter, Charley Joyce

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Right to left: Nicole Preston, Ashley Kottsick, Kat Kempf, Rachel Bartz, Jen Hinze, Jamie Benson, Mandy Bernardy and Tenille Larson

Families Making the Difference

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Foster Parent and Staff Years of Service Awards

20 Years Kathi Nygaard

15 Years Janna Stein, Brenda Nagel, Maggie Perkerewicz, Lucille & Wayne Klemisch

10 Years Clare Mark, Carla Jenson, Janet & Steve Olmstead, Greg & Sharon Jacobson, Nancy Pillen, Matt Weis, Nancy Horton, Keith & Tracy Wenger

5 Years Back row, left to right: Ralph Yester, Robert Michlitsch, Barb & Dave Reed, Roxann Michlitsch, Karen and Chris Esbensen, Ashley Kottsick, Carissa Cox, Tanya Stuhaug, Kat Kempf, Cori Lyons, Mary Jo Sturman Front row, left to right: Lisa Yester, Tenille Larson, Chelsae Carlson, Nicole Justesen

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Preparing for Adulthood: Financial Assistance for College Submitted by: Kathryn Kempf, Region V Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Coordinator

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ew students can afford to pay for college without some form of education financing. Among graduating four-year undergraduate students who applied for federal student aid, 86.3% borrowed to pay for their education and the average cumulative debt was $24,651. It is estimated that as few as 10 % of foster youth enroll in a higher education program. In addition, they are often unemployed and when employed, earn, on average, too little to escape poverty.

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hrough the federally funded Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) and the Chafee Educational and Training Voucher Program (Chafee ETV Program), states are working to improve the outcomes experienced by this vulnerable population of young people and engage them more fully in decision making related to their transition to adult life, economic self-sufficiency, and achievement of educational and career goals. The ETV Program was established by Congress as part of reauthorization of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act 2001, Section 201 of the Act amended the Foster Care Independence Act by adding ETVs as the sixth purpose of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.

3. Youth participating in the ETV Program on their 21st birthday can remain eligible until they turn 23, as long as they are enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward completing their post-secondary education or training program. 4. Youth who are United States Citizens or qualified non-citizens. 5. Youth who are, or will be enrolled into a program at an accredited or pre-accredited college, university, technical or vocational school.

It is estimated that as few as 10 % of foster youth enroll in a higher education program

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he Chafee ETV Program provides resources specifically to meet the education and training needs of Foster Care Alumni. Youth meeting all of the following criteria will be considered for an Education and Training Voucher Award, if they apply. 1. Youth who were discharged from foster care on their 18th birthday, or continue to be in foster care past their 18th birthday, provided they were in foster care for at least one year, and have not reached their 21st birthday at the time of application. 2. Youth who were adopted or entered kinship guardianship from foster care after age 16, but have not reached their 21st birthday.

6. Youth who agree to be an active participant in the Chafee Independent Living Program while they are receiving ETV funding.

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ligible youth may apply for the Chafee Education Training Voucher after applying for financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA). The process for seeking a college of choice, applying, enrolling, and then completing the first semester is daunting. Foster youth who have informal supportive adults are more likely to achieve academic success. Contact your regional Chafee Independent Living Coordinator to inquire on more information for the Chafee ETV. During the ETV application a youth is required to write an essay with their intentions. They are the most inspiring, raw bits of wisdom that we all need to be reminded of. See below for the personal essay from a 19 year old Foster Care Alum who, against the odds, decided to step out and dream big. “My current dream is to become a dental hygienist. Although this has changed more taimes than I can count on both of my hands, it’s a dream I have. Something I want to accomplish. The ETV can help me accomplish living this dream. Continued on page 10.

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Quality Outcomes G

Bill Kerzman Director of Quality Outcomes

reetings! As a preface to my article, I want to share the following story: I have read about the mighty Masai warriors. Among the most fabled tribes of Africa, they were considered the most fearsome and intelligent. The traditional greeting that passed Right to left, backrow: Genelle Olson, Bob Martin, Roger & Grace Westbetween the warriors man, Mary Ann Hastings, Terry Hayward, Paul Murphy, Lucky Huether. Front: Kathy Ellingson, Lori Brownshield, Kristi Johnson, Dana Halvwas: “Kasserian in- erson, Angela Vojacek, Kat Kempf, Robert Vojacek, Ashley Ebensteiner, gera” — which means Amanda Sem, Bill Kerzman. in Swahili, “And how a couple people from Home On The are the children?” It is said even warriors without their own Range, a defense attorney from Minot, children would look for the response, and the States Attorney from Foster “all the children are well” — life is County. The rest of the group included good; all is right with the world; the the following PATH affiliated people: daily struggles for existence do not eclipse the proper care for the village * Jan Kjelland, Foster Parent & Board Member, Valley City children. * Jeremy Carney, PATH Board Memn the last week of March I had the ber, Fargo privilege of leading a group of North * Lori Brownshield, PATH Board MemDakotans on an advocacy trip to the US ber, Fargo Capital Hill to advocate for child wel- * Kathy Ellingson, Board President & fare concerns during the Child Welfare Foster Parent, Galesburg League of America conference. We had * Mary Ann Hastings, PATH Foster Parent * Terry Hayward, PATH Foster Parent, Park River * Roger & Grace Westman, PATH Foster Parents, Max * Genelle Olson, PATH NE Regional Director * Amanda Sem, PATH/AASK worker, Minot * Kat Kempf, Independent Living worker, Fargo PATH office * Kristi Johnson, PATH Development Director * Ashley Ebensteiner, PATH Social

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Right to left: Lori Brownshield, Kristi Johnson, Bill Kerzman, Roger & Grace Westman, Ashley Ebensteiner, Amanda Sem and Genelle Olson

Continued on page 9.

Families Making the Difference

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Quality Outcomes continued Continued from page 8.

Worker, Devils Lake * Lucky Huether, PATH Foster Parent, Hebron * Angela & Robert Vojacek, PATH Foster Parents, Fargo

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s we met with our Senators and Representative, or their child welfare staff, we reminded them of the story above. We shared who we were and that we were concerned about the youth and families in ND. We let them know we understand these are difficult economic times for our country, but we also need to be very careful how we allocate the resources our government has. Did we make a difference? I hope we were heard. More importantly, I hope every PATH foster parent and employee makes sure they follow the ND legislative outcomes and the national legislative process as a way of staying informed and connected to these important parts of establishing resources for youth and families. I hope these photos give you a little more taste of what we did.

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y thanks to all those who went and provided advocacy on the hill. My even greater thanks to PATH and the board for their support of these efforts! Shalom!

New Employee Nicole Preston, TFC Worker, Fargo ~ I previously worked as a residential counselor at Bar None, a residentaial treatment facility in Anoka, MN. I have recently moved back to Fargo. I grew up in Grandin, ND and earned my bachelor’s degree just across the river at Concordia College. I enjoy reading, traveling, playing vollebyall, softball, and spending time at the lake. I am extremley excited for this opportunity to join the PATH team!

Employee Anniversaries May - June

23 Years Janice Tishmack, Regional Director, Bismarck 17 Years Karen Baukol, Admin Coordinator, Admin 16 Years Sylvia Shasky, Office Coordinator, Fargo 11 Years Leslee Webb, Family Support Worker, Bismarck 10 Years Carla Jenson, Admin Associate, Admin 6 Years Naomi Wakeford, Office Coordinator, Devils Lake Tiffany Gunville, Social Worker, Minot 5 Years Ashley Kottsick, Social Worker, Fargo Nicole Justesen, Social Worker, Fargo 4 Years Tara Fitzgerald, Social Worker, Bismarck 3 Years Liz Cox, Office Assistant, Grand Forks 2 Years Jamie Benson, Social Worker, Fargo Jen Hinze, Social Worker, Fargo 1 Year Ashley Ebensteiner, Social Worker, Devils Lake Deanne Johnson, AASK Social Worker, Devils Lake Wayne Suchla, Business Manager, Admin Joan Allen, AASK Supervisor, Bismarck Amanda Sem, AASK Social Worker, Minot

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Foster Parent Anniversaries May - June

17 Years Mike & Danette Schmid, Jamestown



16 Years Harold & Celeste Leingang, Bismarck Betty Michels, Williston 15 Years Mike & Jan Kjelland, Jamestown 12 Years Sally Iverson, Fargo Clarence & Bonnie Nelsen, Devils Lake 11 Years Mark & Lisa Klipfel, Bismarck Ron & Margie Kulberg, Grand Forks Robert & Linda Morris, Bismarck 10 Years Brenda Fischer, Jamestown Jodi Spieker, Fargo Keith & Tracy Wenger, Minot Roger & Grace Westman, Minot Becky Quigley, Grand Forks 9 Years Thomas & Jeanne Schnellbach, Bismarck Ricardo & Sheila Ochoa, Fargo Teresa Carrigan, Bismarck 8 Years Terry & Connie Binstock, Fargo Chad & Kristine Talbott, Minot Eddie & Jackie Giron, Belcourt 7 Years James & Faye Salveson, Williston Thomas & Theresa Campbell, Grand Forks

6 Years Bruce & Shelly, Abernathey, Minot Isan & Debbie Ajdari, Fargo Roxzana Neustel, Fargo 5 Years Ralph & Lisa Yester, Minot Glenn & Julianne Gapp, Grand Forks 4 Years Joseph & Heather Brandt, Fargo Norman & Heidi Bell, Fargo Sylvester & Faye Foote, Bismarck Doug & Lori Miller, Bismarck 3 Years Tammy Hursman, Fargo Dennis & Angela Roller, Bismarck Carmelita Privatt, Jamestown David & Stacy Scott, Grand Forks 2 Years Gaylon & Barb Hawkins, Fargo Clinton & Bonnie Traxel, Bismarck Rashell Paulson, Fargo Moy & Carrie Serna, Grand Forks Don & Coleen Jones, Williston Lucky Huether, Bismarck Barbara Boschert, Minot 1 Year Debbie Nicklos, Bismarck Darin & Cindy Viken, Fargo Gaylne Weeks, Minot Connie Glasser, Bismarck Tyler & Heidi Zimmerman, Fargo Tyler Gortmaker & Sarah O’neill, Fargo Keith & Nancy Weisser, Fargo Terry & Laurie Martin, Fargo Karen Hehn, Fargo Mark Kloster, Fargo

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Welcome Foster Parents Laura Dwyer - Bismarck Derek & Sara Frank - Bismarck Pam Holte - Fargo Lori Madler - Minot Timothy & Denise Masset - Fargo Steve & Jane Nelson - Fargo Brian & Amy Pedersen - Grand Forks Tifanie Reineke - Grand Forks Jacqueline Schoenheit - Fargo Chris & Kayla Spangler - Fargo

Farewell to Foster Parents Thank you for all you have done!

Karen Baggenstoss - Bismarck AnnaBelle Bourgois - Bismarck Terry Burns - Grand Forks Chloe Casavant - Bismarck Lauri Dennis - Bismarck Brett & Trish Evans - Bismarck Sherry Fischer - Fargo Lonnie & Kathy Grabowska - Bismarck Jeff & Denise Hanson - Fargo Shawn Hanson - Fargo Loren & Kristen Henke - Bismarck Kristi Hoistad - Fargo Joyce Johnson - Bismarck Stan & LeAnn Kahl - Bismarck Dean & Kerri-Lynn Larimer - Grand Forks Lonnie & Lisa Mangler - Fargo Danielle Ross - Fargo Russ & Erica Salmon - Fargo Garry & Ginger Schlecht - Bismarck Jason & Jennifer Swanson - Devils Lake Tobias & Elaine Tuchscher - Bismarck

Preparing for Adulthood Continued from page 6.

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his opportunity can’t even be called “once in a life time”, because well, most people would never get the chance to have some of the privileges I have, especially something like this. I feel that since I’m getting offered this money to go to college; I’m going to take it. I’m going to use it to its full extent, and I’m going to really take something from this opportunity: A better job, better education, and better life.

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y family isn’t big on finishing college. My aunt finished, but she’s the only one I for which I am sure. I want to be in the short list of people in my family that went to college, and actually graduated with a degree. I want to show them that I’m nowhere near the person they thought I was. I really want to show that to everyone; that the person they all thought was going to be a failure, actually succeeded. This money will help immensely.

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’m doing something that not only makes me happy, but that will give me a better chance at having an easier life; about 75 times easier than what it’s been so far. I know the benefits of college, what it can do for you, how much easier it is to get a better paying job with an education, and I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity I have to complete my schooling. The ETV will greatly help with that.” (reprinted with permission)

Board of Directors

Kathy Ellingson, President Jan Kjelland, Vice President Rich Egeberg, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Metcalfe, Chief Executive Officer MaryAnn Hastings, Northeast Regional Rep Renae O’Neill, Northwest Regional Rep Mary Rothmann, Northwest Community Rep Michelle Beyer, Southeast Regional Rep Bev Bohn, Southeast Community Rep Lana Moser, Southwest Region Regional Rep Vacant, Southwest Community Rep Lisa Bjergaard, At-Large Community Rep Greg Sanders, At-Large Community Rep Lori Brownshield, At-Large Community Rep Jeremy Carney, At-Large Community Rep

Office Locations Administration Bismarck Devils Lake Dickinson Fargo Grand Forks Jamestown Minot Turtle Mountain Williston

800-376-6608 800-766-9279 800-766-9389 800-766-9351 800-766-9321 800-766-9356 800-766-9363 800-766-9885 800-303-4961 800-766-9387

Administrative Staff William Metcalfe Chief Executive Officer

Genelle Olson Northeast Region Director

Janice Tishmack Southwest Region Director

Wayne Suchla Business Manager

Dale Twedt Director of Operations

Nancy Horton Southeast Region Director

Karen Berg Northwest Region Director

Bill Kerzman Director Information Systems and Quality Outcomes

Kristi Johnson Development and Public Relations

Professional Association of Treatment Homes Administrative Office 1112 Nodak Drive, Suite 105 Fargo, ND 58103

PATH PRESS is published at PATH ND, Inc. Administrative Office Visit us online at www.pathnd.org

2011 Upcoming Events July 25

2011 ND Children and Family Services Conference, Bismarck, Ramkota Inn Contact: CFSTC (701) 777-3442

August 7-12

The Nurtured Heart Approach, Fargo Contact Clare at PATH 701-280-9545 or www.pathnd.org/resources/nurturedheart

September 12-16

Child Welfare Certification Training - Week I, Grand Forks - UND Campus

September 17, 24 & PRIDE Pre-Service Training, Fargo Contact: Rose Vaudrin at Cass County 239-6804 October 8 For future trainings not listed please visit: http://www.cfstc.und.edu/calendar.php

If you know someone who would enjoy receiving the PATH Press or if you receive the PATH Press and no longer wish to please contact Chelsae Carlson at 701-280-9545 or email her at [email protected].