newsletter of jackson-feild homes winter 2013 a mother’s … · she works in gwaltney cottage...

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We educate, equip and empower children for a brighter future.





When our daughter arrived at Jackson-Feild Homes, she was an angry, sullen teenager who had just become a new mother. We knew she needed help, but we couldn’t provide her with the daily structure, supervision, therapy and support she needed. Jackson-Feild Homes was the only place we could find with a therapeutic environment and a mothers and infant program. The staff assured us that they were experts in dealing with teenagers like our daughter. They were right. During our daughter’s placement at Jackson-Feild, she began taking responsibility for herself and her son. She learned to accept constructive criticism. She began to trust the adults involved with her care, including us, her

A Mother’s Reflection on Her Daughter’s PlacementNewsletter of Jackson-Feild Homes Winter 2013

Save the Date – Thursday, May 9, 2013

18th Annual Golf Tournament

The Country Club at the Highlands, Chesterfield, Virginia12:00 Noon Lunch, 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

For details, please visit our website – www.jacksonfeild.org, or contact Ann Chaffins at [email protected] or 804-354-6929.

Thanks to the following individuals for serving on our 2013 Golf Committee:Travis French, Jeanne Laughlin, Mark Mann, Michelle Neilson, Bill Northen and Kelly Pickerel.

parents. She started going to school again after dropping out for a year and a half. Jackson-Feild is the only place where our daughter received a correct diagnosis and treatment for her mental illness, support in dealing with past trauma, and help in learning what it takes to get through life. The daughter who returned home to us is a responsible, caring young woman. She is the person my husband and I knew was there beneath all the anger and depression. We are so grateful. I am happy to report that she is on the Honor Roll at her specialized private school in our community and was recently named Student of the Month. The hard work and caring staff at Jackson-Feild made an enormous difference in our daughter’s life. She has one more year of

school remaining, and – hopefully – will have a job after earning her diploma. Our daughter is practicing patience with her son and has been able to manage and nurture him. God bless you for all that you have done for her.

Carol Pearson February 2013

Carolyn Pearson, mother of a JFH alumna

I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming generosity bestowed upon our children during the

2012 Christmas season. As we venture into the new year, and with your continued support, we are excited to further our mission to heal the lives of the children in our care. For over 155 years, Jackson-Feild Homes has provided children and families with innovative programs that bring out the best in every child and create the best possible outcomes for our girls and boys. Last year’s initiative to open a cottage for boys proved to be successful. Today, boys as well as girls are now benefitting from the therapeutic interventions implemented within our trauma treatment center. Jackson-Feild Homes is positioned for further growth and success in 2013 and beyond. Jackson-Feild Homes and other programs like ours are ever-changing, and we are constantly adapting to meet the many regulatory and certification standards that govern us. As with any organization – whether it is for-profit or not-for-profit – we aspire to consistently improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our operation. We are currently undergoing national reaccreditation with the Council on Accreditation to sustain compliance with best practice standards for organizational management and service delivery. As a BBB charity seal holder, we meet the Wise Giving Alliance standards for accountability. Because this certification exceeds the BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability, you can be confident that your efforts and gifts to Jackson-Feild Homes meet the highest level of accountability. Our senior leadership team is actively researching treatment approaches and industry-leading support efforts. One such effort is the purchase and implementation of an electronic records management system. In addition to improving our efficiency and allowing us to devote more time to children, it will enable us to manage communications and outcomes in a more effective manner. We feel that providing proper parental care for children is the responsibility of all members of our society. It is your support that enables us to offer such care to children who experienced emotional trauma at the hands of their family. We are pleased to announce that we have launched a new website that we know you will find to be informative and user-friendly. Please visit us at www.jacksonfeild.org.

From Tricia Delano, Executive Director Of the children served by Jackson-

Feild, 75-80 percent of them have used illegal drugs. One girl reported that her parents supplied the drugs and they used them together. These girls and boys feel good about the fact they have not used drugs since their arrival at Jackson-Feild, but are concerned they may have difficulty saying no to drugs when they return to their community. Lawanda Fisher, Residential Counselor, was troubled about this and decided to take action to provide our children with the tools they need to remain drug-free. While performing a Substance Abuse Counseling internship, Fisher developed a three-month program for children that culminated in a Commitment Ceremony for the participants. Using education, group discussions, role play and personal interaction, the program focuses not only on abuse and addiction, but also on self-esteem and positive decision-making. At the conclusion of the program, participants made a commitment to themselves to be the best they can be, not only while at JFH but also while making a successful transition back into the community. This year’s Commitment Ceremony included a guest speaker, words of encouragement from our chaplain, poetry readings, and the presentation of bracelets bearing words of support such as Faith, Hope, Love and Courage.

We are very encouraged by the success of this program that Fisher will continue to

lead on an ongoing basis.

Commitment to Stay Drug-Free

View our video on YouTube to learn more about our program

and to hear how much our students appreciate

your support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSvGPCjRnlU

Jackson-Feild Homes 2 Winter 2013

Lawanda Fisher

The children and staff of Jackson-Feild want to thank the following individuals and groups for participating in our Adopt-a-Child Christmas project. Thanks to their support, every child was sponsored and we had extra funds to purchase recreational items for the cottages. •TinkyandTodBalsbaugh•CarolineBeebe•SharonandDougBerg•AnnandDaveChaffins•KimClaryandFriends•ConcordUnitedMethodistChurch•SusanCullen•DeniseHarris•IlukaResources•Infian•GeneJordanandFamily•MelodyKing•DennyMorrisandFamily•NancyNaigle•BeckyPaxton•NancyPhilpy•KellyPickerel•BethPisculliandFamily•AnnMasonGuild,PohickEpiscopal Church – Lorton•HollyRaidabaugh•St.Stephen’sEpiscopalChurch– Petersburg•AmyStreich,FamilyandFriends•CarolynandTomSweeney•BudSyme•Trinity-ProvidenceUnitedMethodist

Church•CarolandPhil Weigel•JoanneWiley

Raya is happy, but a bit overwhelmed with all her gifts Christmas morning.

Lucy was excited to receive the exact pair of new shoes she had on her wish list.

Concord UMC – A Valuable Resource Christmas Wishes Come True Concord United Methodist Church, located in Stony Creek, Va., has been a community

partner church with Jackson-Feild Homes since 2003. Church members – familiar with the purpose and function of Jackson-Feild Homes – wanted to work more closely with the Home to address the needs of the children who live here. In2003,BishopJoePenneloftheVirginiaAnnualConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurch, commissioned the work that Concord United Methodist Church would begin with Jackson-Feild Homes. In a special worship service, Pennel blessed the relationship that would officially ensue … merging the sacred and the secular. In the years since, Concord UMC members have been vitally important to the overall ministry opportunities at Jackson-Feild. Members volunteer their time, energy, and resources to make our residents feel loved. Throughout the year, they visit our children, bringing with them a variety of treats depending on the season or holiday. These creative folks might bring cookies at Christmas, or perhaps cupcakes at Valentine’s Day… or maybe they’ll bring ice cream and all the toppings for a “Sunday Sundae” Party. Sometimes, these wonderful people bring just

themselves to spend time simply listening to the boys and girls. A particular joy is to watch our children open a birthday gift that has been selected just for them by a member of Concord United Methodist Church. Many folks from Concord have also been generous in baking delicious cookies for ourannualVacationBibleSchoolprogram.Yearafteryear,thesecookiegeniuseshaveput their hearts into making some of the best cookies and brownies for our children to enjoyduringtheweek.SnacksareparticularlyenjoyedduringVBS.Thereisawonderfulpicnic that is held in August or September each year during which the congregation of Concord UMC Church assembles at Jackson-Feild Homes and spends quality time with our residents and staff… and yes, the food is a great addition. With committed involvement from the membership, Concord United Methodist Church has been wonderfully involved in the lives and goings-on of the residents of Jackson-Feild Homes. These ladies, gentlemen, and children have become living examples of God’s love to girls and boys who need to see God in a very personal manner. We are so very thankful that the members of Concord United Methodist Church have given of themselves so lovingly.

Members of Concord UMC express their support for our children in so many ways. Several members attended a luncheon honoring our 2012 graduates.



Staff Fosters Spirit of Volunteerism

Balancing Mission and Money

Jackson-Feild Homes recently promotedKishaTuckerandSophelia Wyche-Harrison to the position of Program Services Supervisor. Tucker has been with Jackson-Feild Homes for 12 years and regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is dedicated, flexible and extremely knowledgeable about our programs and services. Tucker serves in Rodgers Cottage which houses our boys. EmployedatJackson-Feildfornineyears, Wyche-Harrison is respected and admired by both residents and her peers. She works in Gwaltney Cottage which houses children in our intensive psychiatric program. Program Services Supervisors provide overall leadership for a cottage to deliver the highest quality of care in the most cost effective manner. Supervisors teach, coach, and model skills and behaviors to maximize the potential of the residential counselors who work directly with the children. They are responsible for imple-menting and developing the program curriculums for their respective cottages and for ensuring compliance with all licensing and certification standards. BothTuckerandWyche-Harrisonarewell qualified for their new responsibilities and welcome the challenge. Congratulations!

Jackson-Feild Promotes Two Theresa Hicks, Program Coordinator, takes joy in helping others. Her enthusiasm

and spirit is infectious, and she inspires and motivates residents to perform random acts of kindness to improve the quality of life on our campus and in our community.

HicksadherestothewordsofMargaretMeade:“Neverdoubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” In order to help change our world, Hicks initiated a program in which the children at Jackson-Feild prepare food andgiftitemsforresidentsatEmporiaManorandGreensvilleManor assisted living homes. The girls and boys have made items like Valentine centerpieces, snowman candy canes, Halloween cupcakes, and decorative door wreaths. When delivering these gifts, Hicks encourages the children

to interact with the residents. In doing so, both children and residents are enriched and changed. Through the simple act of being kind, the children are instilled with a sense of community service, and the residents very much look forward to sharing their lives with others.

An excellent finance director is a must for any successful organization. This is especially true for a nonprofit organization where there is a delicate balance between mission and money. The finance director must stretch cash, be creative in problem solving, and be able to communicate financial information to staff and board members in program terms. A big heart also helps. Jackson-FeildHomesisfortunatetohaveEdCraneatthehelmofitsfinances.Crane is a man of few words who allows his deeds to speak for themselves. A native ofSouthsideVirginia,hegraduatedfromBrunswickAcademyandwentontoobtainhis bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Returning home, he worked for several companies in a variety of specialties before joining Jackson-Feild 10 years ago. What does Crane do? He has three primary responsibilities: controller, treasurer, and economist. As a controller, he provides accurate financial information. As a treasurer, he ensures that the Home is in good financial condition. As an economist, he forecasts and strategizes for current and future financial needs. In addition to the day-to-day financial responsibilities, Crane helps negotiate contracts, oversees capital purchases, and assists with the financial side of developing new services. The external auditors were very complimentary of Crane following our last review. Theirpraiseunderscoredwhatwealreadyknew:EdCraneisinvaluabletoJackson-Feild.WiththehelpofLisaClementsandBobbiGriles,hehasguidedtheHomethrough the most challenging and exciting financial times in its history. There were some sleepless nights at times, but thanks to Crane and his staff, we weathered the storm and have a firm footing.

Jackson-Feild Homes’ Experienced Staff Keeps Our Mission Strong

Sophelia Wyche-Harrison

Kisha Tucker

Theresa Hicks

Ed Crane

ClergyandparishionersfromSt.FrancisEpiscopalChurchinGreatFalls,Va.,spent a weekend on the Jarratt campus helping improve the appearance, safety and function

of several facilities. They arrived enthusiastic and ready to work. Cynthia Easter,FoodServicesDirector,worked side-by-side with volunteers as they cleaned out a storage room in the kitchen and completed a painting project in the dining hall. Other volunteers applied a slip-proof stain on the Rodgers Cottage deck. These visitors helped complete long overdue projects which allowed staff

to shorten their “to do” lists. We were blessed to have this wonderful group lend a helping hand to improve the quality of life for our boys and girls. Thanks folks!

Volunteers Help Spruce Up Campus


A Great Way Your Business Can Help the Children at JFH The staff at Jackson-Feild Homes is participating in a fun new project to raise money for our program. Since the Jackson-Feild dress code doesn’t allow employees to wear jeans at work, staff members can pay $1.00 and wear jeans on the first Friday of each month. They also receive a sticker to wear that says, iDressed down to help our children. Instead of spending that dollar on a candy bar, staff can support the children and wear jeans to work. A dress-down day can be a fun and simple way for you and your business to raise money to support the children of Jackson-Feild – some of Virginia’s most traumatized girls and boys. For project details, contact the Development Office – [email protected], [email protected] or 804-354-6929.

Debbie Mehl (center), Jackson-Feild Homes Director of Programs, accepts a generous contribution from Virginia Staffing Services. Presenting the check are Kelly Epps (left) Branch Manager of the Emporia Branch and Cheryl Darnley, Regional Sales Manager.

Sticker designed by Virginia State University intern Dominique Finley.

If your church, civic group or service organization needs an engaging and enthusiastic speaker for an upcoming event, the JFH staff is ready, willing and able to speak on a variety of topics concerning children. Presentations vary in length and style, but are always informational and inspirational. We will tailor the presentation to your organization’s needs. To request a speaker for your next meeting or event, please contact our Development Office at 804-354-6929 or email [email protected].

Need a Speaker for Your Next Event?

Volunteers from St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, Va., spend a winter weekend sprucing up our campus.

546 Walnut Grove DriveJarratt, Virginia 23867

Jackson-Feild Homes

complies with the

Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving

Standards. We also are registered in good

standing with the Office of Consumer

Affairs (OCA) at the Virginia Department

of Agriculture. A copy of our financial

statement is available through OCA. We

receive an independent audit annually, and

our IRS Form 990 is posted on our web site.






NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRICHMOND, VA

PERMIT NO. 2367ACCREDITEDCHARITYbbb.org

February 11 was a special day for Jackson-Feild Homes. A delegation from main campus visited the office of Virginia Senator L. Louise Lucas where she and Delegate Roslyn Tyler made a formal presentation of Senate Joint Resolution 275 to Jackson-Feild. Senator Lucas was the patron in the Senate and Delegate Tyler in the House. Recognizing the contributions Jackson-Feild has made and for being a national leader in the service of traumatized children, the resolution called to attention the fact that Jackson-Feild has been a guiding light and source of inspiration for the development of new and best-practice in the treatment of boys and girls. TravelingtotheCapitolforthepresentationoftheresolutionwereExecutiveDirectorTriciaDelano,ResidentialCounselorKatriceBagwell,andresidentsAnwanattaH.andBessemerG.AlsopresentwasTodBalsbaughwhocoordinatedthepresentation. Following the presentation, the group was taken to the gallery of the Virginia Senate where they were formally recognized.

Jackson-Feild Presented Resolution

Pictured are Dominique Finley (left) and Jessica Cox, two of our five first semester student interns. They are both students at Virginia State University. The other interns are from James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

www.jacksonfeild.org

Pictured (from left) are Residential Counselor Katrice Bagwell, Executive Director Tricia Delano, Senator Lucas, Delegate Tyler, and residents Anwanatta H. and Bessemer G.

newsletter of jackson-feild homes winter 2013 a mother’s … · she works in gwaltney cottage...

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