www.nyfs.org

April 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:

Kay's Corner: Some Good News About Your Investments

To say the least, these are challenging times for most of us who try to live on a budget.

In the shadow of rising food, gas and energy costs, every penny counts and we no longer have the luxury of wasting time or money.

We at NYFS are very aware of these struggles, and we are happy to report that this community’s collective investment in youth and families continues to pay off, even in tough economic times.

With 32 years of experience, we know that our method of family-based early intervention has a clear economic benefit. These benefits include decreased property crime, decreased domestic violence and higher graduation rates which result in a better-educated work force. We also tackle tough family issues that negatively impact the ability of youth to thrive at home and at school. These same issues can distract parents in the workplace and affect their job performance. By addressing these issues and investing in our people, we reap a return benefit for the entire community. This is commonly called a Social Return on Investment.

Here are a few practical examples of what Social Return on Investment means in the workplace:

According to a recently released National Institute of Mental Health study, employers who make a $100 to $400 investment in helping an employee treat their depression can expect an average of $1,800 in savings to their business in terms of fewer sick days and increased productivity. This is good news. But this news gets even better, NYFS accepts mental health clients regardless of whether they have insurance or even the ability to fully pay for our services. We are here to help and we know the emotional, social and economic value of this help.

In our community, Social Return on Investment can look like this:

Youth in the NYFS Diversion Program contribute over $40,000 worth of service hours back to the community each year as part of their restitution. They also pay over $5,000 in direct financial restitution for their offenses. In addition, 90 percent of youth referred to the Diversion program for a specific offense do not recommit that offense.

These examples show how investing in human capital, even in tough economic times, yields a benefit for all. Over 48 percent of NYFS families report annual household incomes of less than $35,000. But because of your support, we are able provide services to low-income families and individuals regardless of ability to pay.

I want to personally thank everyone who has worked with us to prepare youth and families for healthy lives. I want you to understand how much good every dollar you contribute can do and what a great return you are getting on your investment.

We are making a commitment to you that we will continue to provide excellent quality programming that allows our youngest citizens to grow and thrive. Thanks for joining with us in these efforts.

2008 NYFS Leadership Luncheon Set for May 7

On Wednesday, May 7, over 300 community leaders will meet at Midland Hills Country Club for the fifth annual NYFS Leadership Luncheon. Attendees will hear Dr. Reatha Clark King, Former President and Board Chair of the General Mills Foundation. Dr. King is a co-recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy award by the National Center for Black Philanthropy. She was also named by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of the 100 most influential Minnesotans of the last century. Dr. King has over forty-five years of experience in corporate, nonprofit, community and volunteer service.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sandra Bahr at 651-379-3422 or email specialevents@nyfs.org. The deadline to RSVP is April 30. This fundraising event will benefit youth and families served by NYFS.

NYFS Success Story

Adolescence is difficult– even under the best of circumstances. Sometimes, the turbulence of this time can overwhelm young persons and lead them down a truly destructive path.

Last November, a 14-year-old boy in our community was on a destructive path. According to Jill Buckingham, Director of Outpatient Services, the boy had a history of depression as well as homicidal and suicidal thoughts. He was picked on by peers and openly stated that, “he understood why kids bring guns to school and shoot people.” Officials at his school searched the boy´s locker. They found a drawing of someone being shot and two letters in which the boy described himself as being isolated and alone.

Buckingham said the boy was receiving outpatient therapy, psychiatric services and had recently moved to his father´s home because his mother was unable to manage his behaviors in her home. “Despite the move, the young man´s condition continued to deteriorate.”

Clearly, intervention was needed and the boy was enrolled in the NETS program at NYFS. Within a year, this youth was able to turn his life around. Today, he has successfully returned to his mainstream high school after a year of therapy and school at NETS.

“His father came in to talk with staff on his last day at NETS and with tears in his eyes, thanked his son´s program therapist and the rest of the team for giving him his son back”, Buckingham said. The boy also gave NETS staff a thank you card which read:

“Thank you for helping me psychologically to understand my feelings and feel better about myself. I hope you keep helping other kids like me at NETS.”

We are glad and grateful that we were able to help a young man in need of intensive help. For more information about the NETS program, please call 651-379-3437.

Spring Clean Up

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real impact on the life of someone in your community, join us for the Spring Clean Up for Seniors on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will help seniors get ready for spring by cleaning up yard debris, raking and putting out patio furniture. Breakfast and a pizza lunch will be served for volunteers. For more information, call Debbie at 651-379-3451

Penny Pinchers Grand Reopening a Grand Success

NYFS is in the business of helping people. But we also run a business: Penny Pinchers Thrift Store in the Mounds View Square Mall. The store sells high-quality used items while serving as a site for our Youth Employment Training Program for youth ages 15-17 who are at risk of failing in a traditional work environment.

The store recently relocated to a larger location within the mall with hopes that a larger store would also lead to larger revenues. Since the move, the store has posted record sales.

“Our revenue has almost tripled, which shows we are doing something right!” says Maureen Gustafson, Penny Pinchers Store Coordinator. “The bigger space means more room for all the extra donations we are getting due to the increased flow of donations and customers. A clean, organized, full store is always a hit with people.”

Profits from the store are invested back into the Youth Employment Training Program. These profits are an innovative way to reduce our reliance on grants and donations to keep the program running.

The Youth Employment Training program itself if also unique. Some of the kids are looking for a first job in a friendly and supportive setting while others, are at risk of failing in the work force due to multiple difficulties. These difficulties can include learning disabilities and emotional and social deficits. The program serves about 100 youth each year and provides each youth with real-world job skills that will serve them well long after the program ends.

“I think the kids in the program are amazed at the quantity of what is sold,” Gustafson said. She adds, “We are always on the lookout for household goods, kids toys and collectibles.” If you are interested in donating used goods to Penny Pinchers, please call the store at 763-783-3626.

Service to Youth Awards Honors Eight Outstanding Citizens

NYFS was proud to celebrate and honor the winners of the Service to Youth Awards at a special event held at the New Brighton Family Service Center in February. Individuals were chosen for their outstanding service to youth in the northern suburban community. Winners are (from left to right):

Wendy Marty – Volunteer
Pat McDonald – Educator
Barbara McIntyre – Volunteer
Steve Larson – Elected Official
Gus Connelly – Student
Sandy Bona-Czech – Volunteer
Peggy Cardenas – Educator
Sandra Naughton – Educator

Volunteer Mentors Needed for Discovery Initiative

Ever heard the saying: To the world you may only be one person. But to one person you may be the world?

Each of us can think back to at least one person who had a significant impact on our lives. Their investment of time and concern can make a lifelong impact in a young person’s life.
                           
NYFS’ Discovery Initiative is seeking caring adults who are interested in mentoring a local teenager and developing a supportive relationship with the teen and their family.

The Discovery Initiative was created to assist youth in need of community engagement and help develop the next generation of community leaders. Through the Initiative, youth learn positive ways they can make an impact on their immediate community while also developing personal skills that will lead them to long-term individual success.

Mentors will share their interests, talents and time on a weekly basis for a minimum commitment of six months. NYFS will provide training, supervision, reimbursement for mileage and qualifying expenses.

For more information, please contact Tim Gusk, Director of Community Services at 651-379-3406 or email tim@nyfs.org.

NYFS Receives Land O´Lakes Community Splash Grant

We at NYFS would like to thank Land O´Lakes for the $1,000 community grant we recently received as part of their Community Splash Award. In the Fall of 2007, Land O´Lakes volunteers participated in our Fall Rake-A-Thon, helping seniors rake leaves and prepare their yards for winter.

Those volunteers took the initiative to submit their experience to the Land O´Lakes Community Splash selection team.

Their experience was singled out for the award, which included a $1,000 grant to be directed to the charity or non-profit for whom they had volunteered. We are doubly grateful for their help.

Contact  Information

Main number: 651-486-3808
Fax: 651-486-3858
Penny Pinchers Thrift Store: 763-783-3626

Kay Andrews, President & CEO: 651-379-3401 kay@nyfs.org
Jerry Hromatka, Associate Director:  651-379-3404 jerry@nyfs.org
Fran Smith, Business Manager: 651-379-3402 fran@nyfs.org
Rachel Cain, Outpatient Mental Health Director: 651-379-3403 rachel@nyfs.org
Jill Buckingham, Day Treatment Services Director: 651-379-3405 jill@nyfs.org
Tim Gusk, Community Services Director:  651-379-3406   tim@nyfs.org

3490 Lexington Avenue North, Suite 205     Shoreview, MN 55126
Tel: 651-486-3808  -   Fax: 651-486-3858 
Copyright NYFS 2008
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