Hillsides

Inspired by Foster Care Voices

2012-03-07T12:53:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, February 25, I attended Town Hall meeting that was conducted by theCongressional Caucus on Foster Care, in Los Angles. The meeting was chaired byCongresswoman Karen Bass, who in her short tenure in Congress is recognized asa strong advocate for foster children. More than anything else, the forum wasan opportunity for advocates and foster youth to voice their concerns andaddress critical issues challenging the foster care system. As always, this wasan opportunity for the public to comment on policy affecting services and theneed for adequate funding.

Many eloquent presenters addressed the policy issues, but moreimportantly there were several articulate young adults, graduates of the fostercare system who related, better than anyone else, the challenges and triumphsof life in foster care. The one young man that captured my attention approachedthe microphone and succinctly stated that three years ago he had stood at thebottom of a driveway wondering where he could go to get drugs and that today,thanks to the care he received while in foster care, he was clean and washeaded to the University of San Francisco on a full scholarship. He ended byencouraging the legislators to maintain their support and thanked them for whatthey do.

There is an awful lot wrong with the foster care system; it iswell-intended, but never-the-less can be harmful to its beneficiaries,separating families without plans for reunification, demonizing strugglingparents and stigmatizing children. More often than not, it is inadequatelyfunded and, therefore, ironically increasing the risk that it attempts tomitigate in the first place. In the midst of this quagmire, how refreshing itwas to hear this young man’s testimony, pointing to the opportunities that doexist within the current system in spite of its flaws.

This event was a great prelude to several days spent in LA and Washington,DC advocating for those we serve in the child welfare system. That Saturdayevening I had the pleasure of greeting Congresswoman Judy Chu who attended theHillsides annual benefit as a pledge of her support for our mission. Sunday Iflew to Washington to attend the national conference of the Child WelfareLeague of America. The conference began with a truly inspirational presentationby a young man, Lucas Boyce, who shared his story of being a foster child. Havinglost his birth mother to addiction he was introduced to foster care in the homeof a single mom who welcomed him as her own. Lucas’ foster mom provided him with astrong foundation that helped him complete his college education, at one pointafter college serve in the White House and now he is employed as the Directorof Community Relations for the Orlando Magic.

Together with the many compelling stories of the children, youthand families we serve, I felt that I was well prepared to advocate on their behalfwhile meeting during my stay in Washington with the staffs of Congressmembers Roybal-Allard,Issa, Schiff, Bass and Senator Feinstein.

Knowing that these young people never gave up and battled the oddsto be successful is truly inspirational; giving us reason to be hopeful andever committed in our advocacy.

“Road to Emerald City” Raises $380,000

2012-02-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday Hillsides hosted its annualbenefit, “Road to Emerald City,” where guests followed the yellow brick road toraise $380,000 for programs and services serving vulnerable children andfamilies living in Los Angeles County. As I looked around The California Clubin downtown Los Angeles, I saw how the Benefit Committee had transformed itinto the Land of Oz where Dorothy and the Wicked Witch also made a specialappearance. With generous donors like Jacob Maarse Florists who donated the floral designs for theevening’s theme, I was amazed at just how much time, talent and energy is putforth to make such a spectacular event.

Kudos goes to Benefit chair CathyBrennan, who set the stage for an unforgettable evening. We are also fortunatethat Hillsides has many board members, supporters and volunteers that work withus behind the scenes to acquire amazing displays and items like the replicaRuby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the “Wizard of Oz” previously on loan toThe Smithsonian Museum from the Collection of David A. Pacheco that weredisplayed at the event. Other items were the candy bar that was a hit with theguests as were the hundred auction packages available for bid, and 1.5 caratnatural Colombian Emerald opportunity drawing, donated by SN Queens. The RiboliFamily of San Antonio Winery and Roger and Michele Engemann generously donatedthe wine for the evening.

Our emcee andcelebrity auctioneer Fritz Coleman of KNBC reminded us that he has beensupporting Hillsides a quarter of a century as he mentioned the centennial thatwe will be celebrating next year. Dr. Drew Pinsky, time and time again,continues to speak about the important work we do and emphasizes the value wegive individuals to help them through troubling times. Hillsides is lucky tohave such a committed emcee and celebrity auctioneer along with Cathy Brennan,who with her committee, worked tirelessly to present this evening. Most of all,without the sponsorships, we could not host such an elaborate evening. I wantto thank our major sponsors who demonstrate a significant commitment throughtheir generous contribution. Publicly, I would like to say, again, we could notdo all we do for the children and families in our care, without your dedicationto our mission.

Thank you toSusan and Bill Noce, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, Marge and ShermTelleen, Don and Sally Clark, Linda and Stephen Gill, Clara Maarse and HankMaarse-Jacob Maarse Florists, Ben and Judy Reiling, Paul Rusnak-Rusnak AutoGroup, Swanton Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Western AssetManagement and many more who shared in our vision of the “Road to Emerald City.”

The weekend was filled with momentous occasions, notjust for Hillsides guests as they reached the Emerald City, but for others whoalso partook in the viewing of the Oscar Academy Awards. And as I sat therealso participating, I couldn’t help but think how grateful I was for theextraordinary performance by so many at Hillsides that we had our own awards togive.

Best Picture: Road to Emerald City

Producer: Susan and Bill Noce

Actor in Leading Role: Fritz Coleman

Actress in Leading Role: Cathy Brennan

Best Director: Development Department

Costume Design: Goldsmith & Klein

Art Direction: Jacob Maarse Florists

Music: Mark Levang & Band with special appearanceby John Mahon

A special thanks goes to or guests for attending,viewing, and bidding. I wonder ... who will get next year’s awards?

"Job" Well Done For YMO Residents and Employers

2012-02-22T11:11:00.002-08:00

As many of you know, Hillsides sponsors a very innovative programof services for youth transitioning from the foster care system to independencecalled Youth Moving On. The services provided include supportive housing,counseling, educational orientation, job readiness and financial literacy.

When YMO was started several years ago I believe that one of thetenets of the program was to encourage the participating youth to pursue aneducational program, whether vocational training or enrollment at the localcommunity college. Our experience, however, has taught us that as important aseducation is as a fundamental component to long-term success, employment is thedecisive factor to achieve independence.

So through the generous support of the Deutsch Foundation,Hillsides and a number of other providers of services to this population have setout to develop a curriculum. The curriculum aims to lead these young adultsthrough a process that enhances their ability to secure employment and begin toestablish the foundation of financial independence.

This past Sunday 60 Minutes aired a segment featuring a very innovative employmentprogram that not only trains the unemployed, but also places them in jobs andpays them during an initial employment period. This mitigates the cost toemployers who accept participants as interns. The end result is a dramaticincrease in full-time employment. This program sounded very familiar to mebecause it is exactly what we do with the YMO residents that participate in ourjob readiness program.

Villa Sorriso in Pasadena

For the past several months we have paid the salary of a YMO residentwho interned at a local restaurant. The restaurant provided this young man withprofessional training and a supportive environment and slowly, but surely heacquired skills and confidence. As the internship drew to a close, the youngman applied for a position at the establishment and we got news yesterday thathe has been hired as a full-time employee.

This young man is just the most recent example of the success ofthis effort. To all the young adults who have persevered through theseinternships and have been rewarded with not just employment, but equally asimportant, confidence and hope, congratulations! And, of course, to theemployers who partner with us to make this innovative program possible,especially Karen Tanji of Villa Sorriso and Mark Mertens of A4, thank you forbelieving in these young people.

One youth at a time, in spite of the challenges, YMO and Hillsidesmake the extra effort to help all we serve achieve their dreams with milestoneslike employment.

Three Qualities of a Sweet Valentine

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

By now, many of you have received the great Valentine card that,once again, was hand painted by our longtime Board member and artist, LynSpector. The card depicts the familiar heart-shaped candies with the words: faith, hope and charity. When you stopto think about it, isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about--these threequalities that are at the root of all we do at Hillsides.

Faith has to do with that whichis unseen and yet somehow perceived. Forthe child that has yet to experience the security of a stable home, scholasticachievement or emotional well-being, believing it is possible or attainable isindeed a leap of faith. But convinced of the capacity of each child to improveand indeed thrive, we reach out and coax them to have faith in themselves.

Hope is that great motivator,giving us reason to persevere with the reasonable expectation that the best isyet to come. For the youth that has experienced multiple foster home placements,struggling to graduate from high school and no prospect of employment, hope isvery elusive. Marshalling our resourcesto provide affordable housing, incentives to stay in school and coaching aroundjob skills makes all the difference for the young adult who, for the first timebecause of permanent housing, money in the bank and a steady job, has indeedreason to be hopeful!

Charity can be translated as love,that selfless act of care for another. For the child who for good reasonquestions whether love is indeed unconditional, relationships are approachedcautiously and with some skepticism. But the consistent, non-judgmental carethat we strive to provide to child and parent alike often is an eye opener to anew perspective on a world and life that actually can be characterized byhonest affection and caring. True love conquers all!

At the end of the day, we hope that they are able to believe inthemselves and be hopeful about their future so they may be free enough to lovein return.

Faith, hope and charity: these Valentine qualities reflect ourgreatest wish for all we serve.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Homeless Youth Step into Affordable Housing

2012-02-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

More than5,000 youth, when they turn 18, emancipate or “age out” of California’s fostercare system, and nearly 1,000 youth exit care each year in Los Angeles. They lose access to allstate-funded foster care services and, for the most part, also lose connectionsto adult support received while in the foster care system. Research hasindicated that without housing, education or emotional support, 65 percent offoster youth will face homelessness, twenty percent will be arrested orincarcerated, 46 percent will complete high school and only one percent willgraduate from college. For these reasons, Hillsides founded Hillsides Youth Moving On (YMO) in 2004.

Byproviding comprehensive services such as transitional housing, education,employment, mental health and mentoring support, we help youth transitionsuccessfully into adulthood. YMO helps youth avoid negative circumstances andachieve long-term self-sufficiency. Former foster care and probation youth taketheir first steps to independence when they arrive at YMO. Today, YMO has increased its capacity to accommodate ten more youthin permanent housing.

Over the summer, webegan a collaborative effort with First Place for Youth to secure funding fromthe Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to provide affordablehousing and support services for a minimum of twenty youth over the next twoyears. Permanent Housing, unlike transitional housing, has nopre-determined amount of time for youth to receive housing. Youth canstay in their apartments and assume the lease as long as they pay their rent ontime. To ensure their success in this endeavor, YMO will continue toprovide comprehensive case management, mental health, and career planning toall youth to guarantee a seamless transition to full self-sufficiency.

YMO also partnered with New Economics for Women (NEW), an organization that empowers disinvestedcommunities, who willingly offered eight one and two bedroom units for ouryouth located at La Villa Mariposa apartments in Los Angeles. At our YMOcomplex, we have assigned two studio units for youth participating in this newcollaborative.

This week we hosted adedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at La Villa Mariposa apartments. TheReverend Cecil L. Murray, board member of LAHSA, shared words of inspiration and encouragement to our youth. Youthpresent were overwhelmed with the thought of having their first place. Theyexpressed how far they have come.

For these youth, reaching thismilestone in their journey is incredibly significant. Having experienced systemictrauma, abuse, run-ins with the law, or bouts of homeless, they have prevailedfrom these situations. We have created conditions and placed a great deal ofattention to offering a comprehensive program whose pathway leads to theirsuccessful transition into self-sufficiency and independence.

Our collaborative relationship with LAHSA, FirstPlace for Youth and NEW is so important in trying to alter the daunting statisticsfor these youth. With the help of others, whose goal is also to support youth intheir transition from foster care to successful adulthood, we can makesignificant impacts in the lives of these youth. I am privileged to be part oftheir journey into adulthood and thankful that others have joined alongtheir path.

Referrals Indicate We are a Provider of Choice

2012-02-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Recently at a Child Welfare League of America Board meeting, acolleague approached me concerning a niece he has and the family’s attempts tosecure appropriate treatment for this adolescent girl in Los Angeles. He hopedthat we might be of assistance. After an initial assessment, a visit to thecampus and authorization by DCFS, a referral for placement in our residentialtreatment program has been made for this young girl, the only glitch is thatthere is no room.

Whether in our residential program or in our community-basedservices, we continue to receive more referrals than we can handle. This, ofcourse, is a good indicator that we continue to be a provider of choice, but itis a significant dilemma for children and families that can not really wait fora bed to open up or an available appointment. As we always do in situationslike this we attempt to refer these cases to other agencies.

Over the last few months, Hillsides has conducted a planningprocess and although it is an on-going process, we have agreed upon anorganizational strategy for the agency: to maintain and further develop ourposition as a preferred provider of education and behavioral health services tovulnerable children, youth and their families. In a sense this organizational strategyis an affirmation of what historically Hillsides has attempted to be, a placeor, better yet, a resource for all we serve to see their lives improved, hoperestored and success assured. Building on this, our strategy is to be clearlyidentified as a premier organization, sought after by referral agents andfamilies alike to address the needs of very vulnerable children and youth.

Publically stating this strategy helps us to organize ourprograms, services and indeed all operations to achieve this goal. It is also away to direct the efforts of our committed staff, Board and volunteers aroundachievement of this goal. Being bold enough to state our intention to becomethe area’s premier provider of services for vulnerable children and youth also invites the kind of scrutiny thatwill hold us accountable to indeed provide the services that would allow us toclaim this statement!

Nothing is good enough for those we serve, they deserve andrequire only the best and it is our job to do just that for them and, in theprocess, continue to be sought after as a preferred provider of suchdesperately needed services.

Lunch with Jack, a 10-year Resident

2012-01-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

He stands at about 5’6”, a slight build with scruffy facial hairand glasses. An inquisitive glance and an easy smirk draws you to him. My firstencounter with Jack came nearly two years ago as I walked the campus with mypredecessor John Hitchcock. Without prompting, Jack approach hypothesizing thatI might be the new “John Hitchcock.”

And since then, I have discovered that Jack hates vegetables,loves computer games, is a whiz at exotic Japanese card games and enjoysgeometry. He has lived at Hillsides for ten years, most recently at one of ouroff-campus group homes and after diligent effort will graduate from our highschool program on Friday and make a much anticipated return to live with hismother.

Over an Italian lunch at a near by eatery, he shared with me hisplans for school, a part-time job, a love interest and the hope of reconnectingwith family members. “What do you like most about Hillsides?” I asked, cueingJack to tell me about his favorite outings, adventures and misadventures alike,friendship that have been created and good people who have supported him duringhis tenure.

As we ended the luncheon, while Jack suggested to me he approachthe manager of the restaurant for a job, I let him know that all of us atHillsides were very proud of him and reminded him that he could count on useven after he left. He looked over at me with an expression that confirmed forme that he already knew that.

There are not many Jacks left at Hillsides. More and more, theagency is not a place where kids grow up, but rather a resource to addresstheir needs while planning to get them back as soon as possible to theircommunities and families, and that is a good thing. But Hillsides has also beena great place for kids like Jack who may need a relatively supportive long-termenvironment to help achieve a level of confidence and self-esteem that willserve as the foundation for their success.

I let him know that all of us at Hillsides were very proud of him and reminded him that he could count on us even after he left.

As much as Jack and his family are grateful for all they havereceived during these very formative years, we, too, are grateful for theprivilege to have cared for him during this time as if indeed he was our own.

Join me in congratulating Jack as he dons his cap and gown,receives his well-earned diploma and sets out on many adventures (andmisadventures for sure). To him and all those we serve, whether for ten days orten years, we pledge to do everything possible to restore well-being and hope.

Reflections on Dr. King’s legacy

2012-01-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

Days before he was assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King had gathered with his advisorsto consider launching a new campaign for the adoption of a living wage in theUnited States. Decades later we continue to struggle with this issue andpoverty maintains a strong hold on an unacceptable number of our fellowcitizens. One out of every five children live in poverty and I dare say thatfor the vast majority of the children, youth and families we serve poverty isthe most significant factor that continues to place them at risk even afterconsiderable improvement in treatment.

Whether we see this issuerelated to a living wage, job readiness or employment opportunities, povertymakes safety harder to provide, improvement and well being challenging toachieve and permanency considerably more difficult. I raise this as wecelebrated Dr. King’s birthday because it reminds us that the core issue that undermines the well being of those weserve is poverty. The Great War on Poverty waged along with the Civil Rightsmovement may have achieved much but for many we serve today those achievementshave long been mitigated by a persistent erosion of the basic tools that serve toreduce the impact of poverty.

Take for instance that sixtypercent of public school fourth, eighth and twelfth graders are below gradelevel in both reading and math. Education traditionally has been a pathway thatleads one generation to another one of greater prosperity. Perhaps with thesekinds of statistics education as a way out of poverty is yet another Americanmyth. As much as improvement of our education system is often a rallying cry inour public discourse, it is one of the first things to be sacrificed whenbalancing public sector budgets; so much for providing those that need it themost a vehicle that mitigates the effects of poverty and offers an opportunityfor a better life.

As part of our Dr. Kingcelebrations here at Hillsides we will be delighted this week by a performanceof African dance and drumming. The performance is rooted in the history of apeople who in the face of oppression and injustice lifted their spiritsnever-the-less in dance and song. Thiswas done not as a way to be distracted but rather to be inspired in movementand music to look beyond the struggle to the freedom of spirit that knows nobounds and is not dependent on anyone or any institution to provide.

My hope is that Dr. Kingslegacy is not limited to any one of his considerable achievements but ratherthat no matter our creed or color we become a people ever resourceful to combatthe injustices of our day in spite of the failures of some long reveredsolutions.

“Our lives beginto end the day we become silent about things that matter.”--MartinLuther King Jr.

Lunchtime Concerts in the Library

2012-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

As I approached our library at noon I was drawn into the buildingby the sound of a classical cello piece echoing in the foyer. I walked into thelibrary and found David Lockington, a guest conductor and accomplished cellistwith the Pasadena Symphony, performing for an uncharacteristically silent andawed assembly of our students. My vantage point in the room allowed me to seenot only the performance, but also the expressions on the students’ faces asthey followed his gestures and felt the music resonate within them. For kidsmore familiar with rap, their ability to never-the-less appreciate and be movedby a classical cello performance was edifying.

Like many of you, I have fond memories of strolling around a greatcity at mid-day, delighted by an impromptu concert. This performance wasespecially gratifying because it not only delighted our residents, but it wasoffered by an artist who himself is the father of four adopted children. David: someone who knows so well thechallenges that our residents experience; someone who knows the power of music notonly to transport the spirit, but also to transform the heart. What a powerfulgift David offered us with this wonderful performance!

At one point he addressed the kids and asked them to feel thepower of the music to touch them. With these comments he reinforced for theassembly something they may have already known--that music can be therapeuticand healing. I am convinced for all of us there that the opportunity to break fromour routines and delight in such a great performance was indeed therapeutic.

Once again, I share this with you not only to thank David andothers who have brought us these extraordinary mid-day concerts, but to remindall of us that there is so much that can be done even in the midst of fiscalconstraints and public policy challenges to make a difference in the lives ofthe children and families we serve. Let us resolve not to be overwhelmed by thechallenges, but rather resourceful in achieving our mission.

How else will we be able to continue our efforts if not because ofthe generous support that we receive from so many volunteers that share theirtime, talent and resources to help us?

To one and all, thank you. What a great way to start the New Year!

Wish List for 2012

2012-01-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

The start of 2012 feelsmore like ground hog day than the beginning of a great new year. As 2011 cameto an end, word came from Sacramento that a short fall in state revenues willrequire $1 billion in budget cuts in 2012! And where will these cuts come from?Schools, libraries, prisons and services for the disabled, leaving me to thinkthat the Mayan prediction of the world ending in 2012 just might be true!

All joking aside, this newsis a sad start to the year for our great state and as Gov. Brown has said thesolution lies not just with cuts, but indeed raising the much-needed revenuesthat would allow us as a community to fulfill our many responsibilities tothe State’s most vulnerable.

Some would argue at thistime of political impasse at both the national and sate level that there islittle that can be done. I argue that it is precisely at this moment that ourvoices must be raised loud to be heard over all the political vitriol toadvocate for the children, youth and families we serve.

So I offer the followingwish list as a point of reference for all that we hope to accomplish this yearin spite of considerable odds.

Keep all we serve safe and healthy, free of harm and hopeful for a better life
Provide our dedicated staff with a supportive work environment, honoring their commitment and dedication
Continue to cultivate our network of dedicated volunteers
Secure adequate public funding for all our services, but especially the education programs
Encourage a commitment on the part of our public policy and elected officials to address the needs of children, youth and families we serve
Develop a clear and compelling plan to bring Hillsides into a new century of service as we anticipate our centennial anniversary in 2013
Strengthen Hillsides’ recognition in our community and in this field
Develop a Master Plan for the revitalization of the campus
Introduce new donors to the Hillsides mission and successfully raise $2.5 million in private funds
Identify opportunities to further fulfill our historic mission

The one thing we can notafford is to lose our resolve to make 2012 better than 2011 for all those weserve. Join me in making our many wishes for 2012 come true.

Something Magical

2011-12-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

The holidays at Hillsides prove that if you have courage and dare to ask for something, it just may happen. And indeed it did happen--our hope for a wonder-filled holiday for all we serve was satisfied. An empty auditorium, converted during this past month into “Santa’s Workshop,” was filled with gifts of all shapes and sizes. The task of handling the requests of not only our 66 residents, but the many children, youth and families served by our community-based programs was enormous, but without fail every one of them was satisfied. Extra effort needed to coordinate and make sure gifts were wrapped, bundled and delivered was made so that by Christmas day everything was in place for a memorable holiday. There is no way to describe this experience, but to say that it was magical.

Of course it was much more than magical, it was awe inspiring to see so many embrace the cause and, in spite of a poor economic environment, make the sacrifice to see the dreams of those we served fulfilled during this holiday season. Once again, the generous, selfless support of our donor community left us all grateful and edified. Please know that your efforts achieved your intended result of lifting the spirits of vulnerable children and their families precisely at a time when they needed it the most.

To our generous donors, great volunteers and selfless staff, thank you one and all for making this holiday season so special at Hillsides.

The truth is that this “magical” moment is representative of what we attempt to do every day in the many programs provided by Hillsides--restore hope and provide resources for all we serve to lead fuller lives.

On behalf of Hillsides Board of Directors, the beneficiaries of your kindness and staff, we say “Thank you.”

Happy New Year!

View a few photos of the "magic."

Ho, Ho, Ho....

2011-12-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this Santa will have already come toHillsides, gifts will have been distributed, too much ginger bread consumed anda few too many Christmas carols sung, but most importantly, some wonderfulmemories will have been created. This is, of course, such a busy time of yearand in the midst of all the activity, it is easy to overlook what this season isall about. But then you look into the face of a child surprised by getting exactlywhat had been requested of Santa and you are reminded what it is all about …making a difference in the lives of the children, youth and families we serve.

To all of you who are so dedicated to our mission and so generouswith your time, talent and treasure…thank you. Be sure that your efforts make dreams come true during thisholiday season for all those we serve.

May you enjoy a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a wonderfulNew Year filled with good health and happiness.

From all of us at Hillsides………………Peace!

Roaming the Halls in Sacramento

2011-12-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

From L to R: Sam Garrison, Joe Costa, Assemblymember Ricardo Lara, Marisol Barrios and Thomas Lee

Yesterday the Los Angeles Times had an article on theproposed budget cuts that Governor Brown will be addressing later this week.And so begins the annual ritual of adjusting the budget to reflect revenues. Giventhat these revenues do not match the budget’s projected revenue stream, weenvision additional cuts to services. As always, this discussion will trigger anacrimonious round of proposals to determine which of the poor options we havewill be selected. Inevitably, these cutswill further erode the already fragile “safety net” that supports education andservices to vulnerable children and families.

In an effort to play arole in the process, Sam Garrison, Hillsides board member and chair of ourGovernment Affairs and Public Policy Committee, facilitated a round ofconversations in Sacramento this past week with staff of our local elected officials.We introduced ourselves and hopefully established the kind of rapport withthese policymakers that will keep them sensitive to the needs of all we serve. BesidesSam, Thomas Lee, director of Youth Moving On, and Marisol Barrios, director ofcommunications and advocacy, joined me in these meetings. We met with stafffrom the offices of Gilbert Cedillo, Kevin de Leon, Ricardo Lara, RogerHernandez, Carol Liu, and Felipe Fuentes.

There is no way to avoidsome very significant cuts in this kind of constrained public fundingenvironment. No elected official relishes making decisions that sacrificesneeded services. Our visit last week was an opportunity for us to suggest tothe legislators some criteria and priorities to consider in making these verydifficult decisions. We can only hope that such advocacy will lead to decisionsthat support the delivery of care to the most vulnerable.

We advocated theimportance of not being shortsighted in what funding reductions must be made--somelevel of support must be maintained in order to minimally sustain the needs ofthe most vulnerable. Cuts to avoid would include those that only exacerbatepoor situations and eventually lead to more costly solutions, often placing theneedy at a greater risk of harm. Certainly from our perspective it is veryimportant to maintain the already significantly reduced funding for education. Fewerschool days, more children in a classroom, and further elimination of ancillaryand support services for school-aged children only threaten the integrity ofthe public education system and reduces it to not much more than custodialcare.

In addition to advocatingfor support of education, in particular funding for special education, we also informedstaff of the need for continued funding of mental health services to supportchildren who have experienced abuse, neglect or violence. Inadequately funding these kinds of servicesplaces these children and families at considerable risk of further harm. Asresilient as children can be, they are especially vulnerable when neededservices are sacrificed, threatening to weaken the gains that they may have made.Failure to effectively address the needs of these children and youth only opensthe door to chronic behaviors and disorders that jeopardizes their long-termwell-being and that of our society and community as a whole!

Challenging times require courageousand prudent actions. Legislators are typically receptive to the input of theirconstituents. As we begin the arduous exercise of balancing the State budgetand making very difficult decisions, we ask you to join with us in any way youcan to encourage our representatives to hear the voices of the vulnerablechildren, youth and families as they deliberate in January.

The Great Santa Ana Wind Storm of 2011

2011-12-07T11:12:00.001-08:00

At one pointduring the Santa Ana wind storm, on the front lawn of the group home wemaintain adjacent to the main campus, the towering tree came roaring down. Fortunately,the tree fell away from the structure, but never-the-less rekindled the traumafor one of our residents, who had survived the Joplin Missouri tornado earlierthis year. He like many of the residents at Hillsides were frightened by the ferociouswinds and awed by the display of force that brought three trees down, buried three cars in debris and leftthe campus without power for nearly 24 hours.

As I walked thecampus the day of the storm, I was impressed by the resourcefulness of ourstaff who adjusted their routines, stayed focused on the residents and pitchedin to keep us all safe and operating well. In spite of the inconveniences, ourresidents were in good spirits, relieved that the storm was over and gratefulfor not attending school that day. But in subsequent days as things return tonormal, an increasing number of residents have acted on their anxietiestriggered by the trauma of living through such a powerful storm.

Last week’sstorm confirmed for all of us how vulnerable we are in the face of theoverwhelming forces of nature. For our residents already suffering formchildhood traumas such an experience can be overwhelming. So, in addition toclearing debris and accommodating the inconveniences brought on by a poweroutage, the staff remained focused on reassuring our residents that they weresafe and could count on us to help them deal with their fears and anxieties.

In a sense thestorm was not only a test of our disaster plan, but more importantly, ourresourcefulness to effectively address a very challenging situation while neverlosing sight of the needs of thechildren we serve. To all the staff who braved the state of emergency to maketheir way to work, thank you. To the maintenance staff who marshaled theefforts to clear debris and restore power and good order, thank you. To thefood service personnel who kept residents and staff alike fed in the midst ofdiscomfort, thank you. To our community of supporters who have reached out tous in concern with offers of assistance, thank you. Together we got through thestorm relatively unscathed and will recall to another generation how wesurvived the great Santa Ana wind storm of 2011.

Give a Latte Smiles and Toys during the Holidays to Children and Families at Hillsides

2011-11-30T10:10:00.001-08:00

The amount of support we receive from the community at this time of year is very gratifying and is a bighelp in creating a memorable holiday season for all those we serve. All this isaccomplished because of the tireless efforts of so many individuals, families,employees, volunteers, businesses, organizations, and churches.

Before we all get caught up inthe whirlwind of activity, let me just say thank you to all of you who givegenerously to the children and families we serve and who work so hard to makethis season so special at Hillsides.

To startoff the holiday season, Starbucks stores in Pasadena, La Canada, Sierra Madre,La Crescenta, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Glendale and Sunland have found a way toreach customers and appeal to their hearts. Starbucks stores are hostingin-store promotional bins and posters for Hillsides, encouraging customers todonate holiday gifts beginning Friday, December 2.

Likewise, one local autogroup is spreading holiday cheer and bringing joy while simultaneously helping usfulfill holiday wishes for vulnerable children and families. With the generous support from RUSNAK Auto Group, children served by our charity will be treated to special toysdonated by caring patrons and the local auto group dealerships in Pasadena andArcadia.

The Parkway Grill, ArroyoChophouse, and Café 140 South in Pasadena displays Hillsides holiday trees withspecial wish tags for their customers to pick up. Businesses like these in ourcommunity make the holidays so much more meaningful for those we serve.

Besides toy drives,businesses, individuals, schools and organizations adopt families for theholidays. We have a hundred families that participate in our adopt-a-familyprogram during the holiday. These are families that have the greatest need.Coming together to help us give the extras like gifts, holiday decorations andmeals enable us to recreate and continue traditions that are meaningful inchildhood and to families.

By fulfilling special wishes, we are able to give our children and families a few extras to helprestore hope in a brighter new year. For this, we could not do it alone. I wantto thank you for your generous heart and compassionate spirit.

Thanks and Giving

2011-11-23T10:32:00.001-08:00

National Charity League Pasadena Chapter

One of the things that Ilearned a long time ago is that you just can not say thank you enough. So letme take this year's Thanksgiving celebration to say, once again, thank you! Letthere be no doubt that without the extraordinary support that Hillsides receivesfrom our donor community, our ability to impact the lives of all we serve wouldbe significantly compromised.

Without your generoussupport we would not be able to bring the library to life with storytelling andlive music on a regular basis. Without your support we would not have been ableto sponsor our students on a three-day magical camping trip to Catalina.Without your support holiday celebrations would not be marked by games, giftsand fun for one and all. The list of how your support makes a difference isendless. Like the many parents who I met on campus recently and told me howgrateful they are for the care we offer their children, I say thank you.

In assisting us to provideso much for those we serve, you offer an extraordinary gift whose impact ismade more significant because of how vulnerable they are. It is the gift ofhope. For the mother at her wits’ end with an adolescent who is depressed and withdrawn, hope isknowing that her child feels comfortable in school for the first time in years.For the eight year old angry about being removed from her home, hope is whenshe finally gets her favorite toy and is able to laugh and run with abandon.For the lonely adolescent who has aimlessly moved from one foster home toanother, hope is when he lands that first job and opens a savings account. Yoursupport helps us to rebuild confidence, revive joy and restore hope. Thank you!

Be sure to know that onthis Thanksgiving your generous support of our mission is at the top of ourlist of reasons to be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reason to be proud…

2011-11-16T13:44:00.001-08:00

Folks often ask me how wemeasure success for the children and youth we serve. Certainly we can point to anynumber of outcomes or achievements that demonstrate improvement whether it bein their emotional well-being, social skills or educational performance. Butthe true measure is ultimately expressed in the success of each and everyindividual we serve. The challenges that are addressed must never beunderestimated and as a result their achievement is made only more remarkable.

Recently Thomas Lee, the directorof Hillsides’ transitional housing and services, Youth Moving On,shared with all staff the remarkable story of one of our residents. Whatfollows is Thomas’ presentation of Victor a young man who all of us are veryproud.

Just over a year ago, Victor wasan undocumented immigrant living at Optimist Homes, in need of housing and apath that wouldn’t jeopardize his probation and the attendant likelihood ofdeportation hanging over his head like the sword of Damocles. He applied to Youth Moving On (YMO) forhousing and services and was accepted because he only had six months more ofprobation which would then determine his ability to obtain residency. All he had was a high school diploma and afire in his eye that said: “All I want is a chance.”

Victor joined the YMO program andpromptly began an internship at one of our best sites: A4 (a team sports andathletic apparel company). While in theinternship, he improved his English, business math, and job seekingskills. He also enrolled full-time intoPasadena City College and started working toward his associate’s degree.

Within six months, he gained hisresidency, helped co-found the Indigenous Peeple Clothing Company, and washired and given full employment by A4.

With all those accomplishments,Victor didn’t stand pat. He travelled toLe Blanc, France with YMO’s internship abroad program, saved over $8000, andwas honored by Optimist Homes, Michaela Pereira from KTLA Channel 5 MorningNews, and given a commendation by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.

Through it all, Vic has remained humble andhungry for more. He’s successfullycompleted his first year of college and is continually looking for moreopportunities to make the most of his time at YMO.

We measure success for Victor andall we serve when they can stand on their own, full of confidence and claim ahopeful future.

This Time of Year

2011-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

On my commute to work every morning I pass a makeshift signattached to an overpass that states, “22% of children in the U.S. live inpoverty.” As if traffic was not bad enough, the drive also confronts me withsome of the stark realities of life in 2011. The fact is that depending on howyou look at the childhood poverty issue, the number is anywhere from 17% - 35% ofchildren in the U.S. are impacted by poverty.

The recent economic down turn has only exacerbated the situation.I suggest that poverty is perhaps the greatest contributing factor to thefracture of families, jeopardizing the well-being of children in many ways. Povertyis a sad and tragic reality that is hard to comprehend and often is understated.We see the result of poverty every day in the children and families we serve atHillsides.

As we get ready for the holiday season, this is the time for us toreach out to our donors and supporters to ask for your help to provide food andgifts for all the children, youth and families we serve. Especially during thistime of financial challenges, your assistance can make the difference toprovide a happy holiday season for everyone we serve. Your donation helps toease the anxiety of many families who, with very limited resources,none-the-less attempt to provide a happy and memorable holiday for theirchildren. Please find more information on how and what you might be able to doto make the holidays a wonderful celebration for these very vulnerable childrenand families.

I urge you to consider what you might be able to do now. This is abusy season with many distractions and we can easily put this off until muchlater in the season.

As you know, we can never do enough for those we serve--even morereason then for us to do our best. It makes such a difference, especially at atime of historic economic challenges, for the children and families we serve tobe supported by each of us.

Thanks for all you do.

Whatever It Takes

2011-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Recently,the Hillsides' administrative staff received an e-mail from Susanne Crummey,our longtime associate executive director, with an extraordinary request forassistance regarding the guardian of one our residents. This young man has beenat Hillsides for several months and the plan is to transition him to hisgodmother who is prepared to become his long-term guardian. One of thechallenges with the plan is helping his godmother to become more financiallystable. This would be especially important once she welcomed this youth intoher household. So the request was to see if we could identify a part-time jobfor this woman in order for her to be more confident about assuming this greatresponsibility.

Ishare this with you because it is a good example of the approach that we takewhen facilitating services--we do whatever it takes to best serve the children,youth and families in our care. In this case, it meant conducting a job search;at other times it means identifying housing or providing food. We are committedto doing anything we can to help the children and families we serve besuccessful.

Thisis very consistent with what emerged from a recent planning session where weidentified the top three characteristics of the organization. Listed first was,"a culture of service," clearly evident in our extraordinary attemptsto help this guardian find a part-time job.

Relatedto this is a yet another characteristic and that is being innovative. Whetherit be the establishment of the Hillsides Education Center, thirty years ago,the development of a wide range of community-based services, the creation of Youth Moving On or participation in the pilot program to integrate residentialand community-based services for the most challenging youth, Hillsides has beenan innovator that has consistently striven to provide the best care possible.

Andall this ties in with the third characteristic: advocacy. For us, advocacy isnot limited to monitoring and weighing in on public policy and legislation, itis also intimately linked with all we do for each child, youth and family weserve.

These three characteristics, service, innovation andadvocacy, indicate not only who we arebut also serve as a standard that we value and we plan to develop even more aswe plan to be an ever effective organization.

Teacher Peddles Around the World to Help Foster Care Kids

2011-10-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

As a substituteteacher, Christine “Chris” Farrugia always rode her bike to her school site. Atage 56, she has decided to peddle just a little farther to raise awareness ofthe needs of vulnerable children. Beginning December 1, Chris will kick off herone-year ride around the world in front of Hillsides.

I met Chris whenshe came to tour Hillsides and explain to us what she wanted to do. Chrisexplained that after her parents and brother died in a car accident, she feltalone and was left with a desire to do something to make a difference. Shethought about how foster children or orphans must feel when they are no longerwith family, which is how she decided to raise money for organizations thatoffer services to children in need. Through Chris’family tragedy, she believed that ordinary people do extraordinary things everyday even after they have walked through situations or ride through storms. Unfortunateevents test our human spirit.

So many of thevulnerable children and families we serve have experienced trauma, in one formor another. Their human spirit is tested and sometimes feel they are alone.They don’t know what steps to take and don’t know who to turn to. When theycome to Hillsides or we reach out to families, our staff provides the qualitycare, expertise and talent to strengthen their spirit. Volunteers take theirtime and talents to give generously through hands-on activities, mentoring orfunds to help us restore hope in their lives.

It’s a simplemessage from Chris: If you have a passion or a talent, no matter thecircumstance, you could do something to make a difference. Just get out thereand do it. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. And that’s exactly whatshe’s doing and I have seen our staff, volunteers and donor community put onefoot in front of the other.

Although thejourney can appear daunting, Chris’ positive energy, enthusiasm and commitmentare infectious. I am excited to have been chosen as the charity in America tojoin Chris on her journey. She is funding the world cycling tour with herinheritance and welcomes sponsors to host her campground stays, weatherpermitted, or hotel accommodations. Eighty-five percent of the proceeds fromthe ride will raise funds for Hillsides and Good Shepherd Centre Orphanage in Zimbabwe, Africa, the other charity she has chosen.

On her recentvisit to Hillsides, Chris explained the mission of Project Miracle Co, thecharity she established to raise funds for other deserving children’scharities. “I wanted to help the wheels that were already in motion.” Whiletouring our campus, Chris said, “I feel this is the right place to do this—likeI’m home.”

Like Chris, Ibelieve Hillsides is the right place to volunteer, do something, and help themost vulnerable in our community.

A Culture of Quality Care

2011-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve mentioned in the blog before that Hillsides is seeking a national accreditation with the Council on Accreditation in New York. Although we are currently accredited by the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, a decision was made last year to pursue a national accreditation to better position Hillsides in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment. Although we have been preparing for the accreditation for several months, we have now begun a yearlong process that hopefully with culminate with our accreditation, just in time for our centennial celebration.

As part of the accreditation process, our efforts to continuously address improving the quality of care has been strengthened. A specific committee has been charged with reviewing all our efforts to assure quality services. A Board committee will review these efforts, which engages not only all levels of staff, but will also solicit input from our many beneficiaries. More than anything else, what we want to reinforce is a culture that values the finest care for the most vulnerable.

In a previous era, it was satisfactory to talk about the good that was being done and point anecdotally to the impact that was made. Today, that is just not good enough--not good enough for those we serve and not good enough for us as an organization if we strive to be a provider of choice.

Hillsides has every reason to be proud of the quality of care it provides the children, youth and families we serve. But like any other organization, it is easy to be satisfied with what we have done or what we are doing without necessarily taking a critical look at how services are delivered and what the true impact is as a result of the care that has been received.

Some argue that it is difficult to measure the impact; there are too many variables out of our control that influence the outcome. Although that may be the case, it is still not an excuse for us to maintain a critical eye on what we do to assure that all we do is the best. Providing quality care is the greatest tool we have to counter those unforeseen variables that impact the lives of those we serve. In doing so, we can influence the outcome.

As I often say, we can never do enough for those we serve. So it is with that desire that we embark on this process with every hope that it will strengthen us as an organization. Further, cultivating this culture of quality care will enable us to fulfill much more effectively our mission of providing a safe “place” for all we serve.

Resiliency

2011-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite activities is to walk around the campus and check in on some of the residents who may be in crisis. At times, these children are highly agitated and unable to really interact. Inevitably over time and with the fine care that they receive from staff, you see their behavior improve and demeanor change from being withdrawn to engaged. Just the other day I visited with one of our residents who was supposedly on “independent study,” but actually on a suspension from the public school she attends. She sat with a staff member, withdrawn and indeed defiantly refusing to do any school work.

Today as I did my rounds, I am happy to report that she was actually doing some school work and interacting well with staff. What a difference a few days can make; often the progress is slow but with each day, this young girl will improve and eventually return to school.

The one thing that always encourages me, in spite of the many challenges we confront to provide services to vulnerable children and families, is their resiliency. Over and over again in more that twenty years working in child welfare, I see children respond to the services offered to them and rebound to be able to move beyond the trauma or crisis to be well functioning individuals.

Like the children and youth we serve, it is important for us to be an organization that is resilient. Recently, I attended a workshop sponsored by the Child Welfare League of America entitled, “Building Resilient Organizations.” Organizational resiliency is defined by how successfully we adapt to change. In an environment where there are numerous factors impacting how we operate, it is important for us to be able to accommodate multiple stressors while not losing sight of our mission. We also must be resourceful in order to address challenges successfully, and from constraints, identify solutions and opportunities. This agility and innovation ultimately must be reflected on how we organize ourselves to be most effective, shedding, if necessary, structures and systems that no longer serve well.

In almost a hundred years, Hillsides has been very resilient, adapting and changing while never losing sight of its mission to be a “place” for children, youth and their families to be restored to well being. Like the children we serve, success is determined by how resilient, agile and how resourceful we are.

Help Hillsides Youth Moving On Win $25,000 with Your Vote

2011-10-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

In celebration of its 125^th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz will be donating $125,000 to charities; five beneficiaries will receive $25,000 each. Elizabeth Rusnak of Rusnak Auto Group offered us an opportunity to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Community Stars Dealers Give Back program for a chance to win $25,000. With help from Stephen McDonald, our board member, and his colleagues, we produced a sixty-second pitch that we submitted. We are excited to announce that our Hillsides Youth Moving On video has been selected as an official semi-finalist!

We chose to address youth empowerment through Hillsides Youth Moving On. When foster youth turn 18 they emancipate from foster care. With little to no support, 40% of former foster youth end up homeless within 18 months after leaving care. There is little support for transitioning successfully into adulthood. Hillsides, a charity creating safe places for vulnerable children and families, established Youth Moving On in Los Angeles. We did this to combat the daunting statistics that will eventually affect 500,000 children in foster care today. We did this to create hope and help those vulnerable youth who want to receive help and have no where or no one to turn to.

Over the course of several hours, five YMO residents participated in the filming along with Thomas Lee, YMO director. The opportunity to participate in the contest is not just beneficial for us, but for the youth to know they can make a difference in the direction of their lives and others who need help and want it. We should all feel proud of the work they did to make the video a compelling pitch.

So how can you help? We have been placed alongside 14 other deserving submissions on the Mercedes-Benz Community Stars Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/qRkvWN) for the general public to vote on it. The five $25,000 grant winners will be determined purely by the number of votes they receive.

Help us by making sure you make an announcement to your Facebook wall asking your supporters, friends and family to vote for us, Hillsides Youth Moving On, on the Community Stars page using the link above. Here are some other ideas:

Add this link/language to your e-mail signature: Vote for Hillsides, a charity I support, to win $25,000 in the Mercedes-Benz Community Stars Contest: http://on.fb.me/qRkvWN
If you have a Twitter feed, or use other social networks, post the following: Vote for @Hillsides children’s charity to win $25,000 in the Mercedes-Benz Community Stars Contest: http://on.fb.me/qRkvWN
Add to your E-mail blasts and Web Site Home Page
Please forward this blog to your family and friends so they, too, can help us win $25,000

Hillsides now has a 1 in 3 chance of winning a $25,000 donation from Mercedes-Benz since we are in the Youth Empowerment category. Thank you for taking the time to find this a worthwhile cause to spread awareness of this video and for sharing your votes with us.

Setting a Direction

2011-09-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Jewish community begins their High Holiday celebrations with Rosh Hashanah culminating with Yom Kippur. It is a time to review the past year, atone for any wrongs and celebrate the beginning of a new year. This annual ritual is similar to other religious traditions that provide an annual opportunity to reflect on the past while also looking forward, hopeful for what lies ahead. This annual review is good not only for individuals, but for organizations as well. And so as Hillsides’ anticipates our centennial in 2013, we are taking some time to review the past century, in light of our ever compelling mission, in order to better position us for the next century of faithful service to vulnerable children and their families.

As a result, this past week a select group of board members and executive staff set aside half a day for the first of two sessions to set a direction for Hillsides’ next century of service. In preparation for these planning sessions, interested parties have been interviewed, some internal focus groups have been held, and an initial organizational assessment has been developed. The process is meant to be iterative, so as materials are developed they will then be vetted by staff, the board of directors and our principle stakeholders. The goal of these planning efforts is to reinvigorate Hillsides, affirm our historic mission, and set a direction that will allow us to be confident of yet another hundred years.

I’m only stating the obvious when I say that much has changed since 1913, but as much as things have changed, some things are still the same and that is our mission and commitment. Even the challenges today have some similarities with those of 1913. They have to do with funding, practice trends, quality of care and ultimately the long-term well being of the children we serve.

Hillsides has always been an organization that is very responsive to the needs of the children we serve. This is reflected in the environment that we have established on the campus to provide a safe and welcoming place for our residents, the development of our educational service over the last thirty years and, most recently, the creation of our community-based programs, specifically our services for youth leaving the foster care system. It is this history of innovation that inspires us to look ahead to the challenges the children and families we serve confront and set a direction to be ever responsive to them and a real resource to aid them in achieving their dreams and hopes.

Remembering Rosario Espinoza

2011-09-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

This past week Hillsides lost one of its finest staff members to cancer. Her loss is devastating not only because she was far too young and talented, but also because she was such a great example of what it is to be selfless and dedicated.

Rosario worked at Hillsides since 2003, first as a therapist and, most recently, as the manager of our school-based services in Baldwin Park. Her first role at Hillsides was to provide services for pregnant teens. Rosario’s work was so exceptional that within a short time the principal of the school asked her and Hillsides to consider providing additional services to their students. With that, a whole array of services was launched by Hillsides on the Baldwin Park school’s campus, all of it nurtured by her dedicated and extraordinary commitment to the children, youth and families she served. It serves as a legacy that survives her.

As committed as she was to those she served, she was also dedicated to those she supervised, providing them not just with counsel and guidance, but especially with a tireless example of selfless, professional care.

What impressed me most about Rosario was her perseverance, refusing to allow illness to define her, working hard as long as she could in spite of set backs, hospitalizations and occasional absences. It was an extraordinary example of her unwavering dedication in spite of significant hardships.

That kind of determination is inspirational not only to all us who experienced it, but especially to those she served. It was a lesson to never give up, in spite of the challenges and to strive each day with all the energy we can muster for a full life.

Inevitably that kind of example leaves a lasting impression and without a doubt encourages others to do the same even if against great odds.

More than anything else, it is the fine work and efforts of so many staff and volunteers that leave lasting impressions about Hillsides on those we serve. So although our sense of loss is great, we are nevertheless grateful for the “lasting impression” that Rosario has left on all of us. Her life is an extraordinary example of one who lived out what we believe--that our efforts are worthwhile and makes a difference.

May she rest in peace!

Happy Birthday Hillsides

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

According to our documents of incorporation, Hillsides was established on September 8, 1913 making it 98 years old! In just a couple of years we will mark our centennial and there is a committee of our Board of Directors already anticipating the event.

We sometimes find the enterprise of providing services to such vulnerable children and their families very overwhelming, but at least, we have a well established donor community, an organization that is competent with a great reputation, and a publicly funded social service system in place. So I can just imagine how daunting it must have been for Deaconess Wile, our founder, to have begun this work from scratch.

As we prepare for the centennial, we are combing through a lot of memorabilia and, in particular, I am interested in everything and anything that can offer an insight into the life of this remarkable woman. We know she was a woman of remarkable faith and that she saw her dedication to orphaned children as an expression of her beliefs and values. As such even today, although there is no sectarian agenda, the values she espoused continue to serve as the bedrock of the organization. She believed in the singular value of each child no matter what their history or circumstances. She was driven by the dream of providing a home for these underprivileged children and amazingly generated the resources that initiated what is today Hillsides.

Much has changed since 1913, but some things have not--our commitment to all the children and families we serve, helping them to understand their inherent value and their potential for a full and healthy life. Ninety- eight years later the tradition continues of being a resource for the children and families of our day who need assistance in a time of crisis.

Thank you, Deaconess Wile, for your vision, stamina and unwavering commitment. As friends and donors of Hillsides, know that your support continues to honor the dedication of this remarkable woman. She is the best example we have of someone, who in spite of the challenges, persevered and was successful. This hope is precisely what we pass on to all we serve.

Is there an "app" for education?

2011-09-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

On September 3, the New York Times published an article entitled, “In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores,” about the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. In spite of a significant investment in technology to enhance education and tremendous expectations that technology would improve achievement levels, there is no proof that this investment has resulted in better outcomes. I suppose we can't help, but want to do everything possible to help our students achieve academically. Computers, handheld "smart" devices and software applications are ubiquitous. Somehow in a world of "early adaptors" we have been lulled into think that there is an "app" (application) for everything including education! But alas there is no app for that. There is no substitute for a dedicated teacher, a strong and solid curriculum, and a supportive environment starting with the family.

This is not to say that there isn’t a good reason to provide our students with all the technological bells and whistles that we can. In our very individualized educational program at Hillsides Education Center, we are constantly soliciting support to enhance our instructional technological capacity. But these tools have little impact compared to the extraordinary efforts and commitment of all on our school staff who stay focused on the specific educational and behavioral challenges that our students and residents confront, regardless of whether the smart board is state of the art or not!

I am happy to report that the smart boards are functioning well, that we are "wired" and keen on utilizing all that technology can offer in the educational setting. However, do not be deceived; the greatest factor contributing to the success of our students is the talented and dedicated cadre of teachers and education staff that skillfully leverage all at our disposal to help our students achieve much.

Hillsides Education Center is one of our greatest assets. Without it, we would be significantly handicapped in our efforts to support our residents and day students make it through a very challenging time in their lives. All our efforts to subsidize the inadequate funding we receive from fiscally strapped school districts is worth it when we see a student overcome their phobia of school, develop a sense of academic achievement and, more importantly, grow in their self esteem.

Green Exercise Boosts Self-Esteem and Moods

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

An apple a day isn’t the only thing that might keep the doctor away. Try spending five minutes of exercise outside to boost your self-esteem and mental health. In a United Kingdom study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, evidence showed that green exercise, which is activity in the presence of nature, leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. The study also indicated that exercise in the presence of water generated greater effects. More so, self-esteem improvements were greatest in children and emotionally challenged individuals.

We understand the importance that Mother Nature has on our children. From boosting self-esteem to lifting behavioral moods, our children and youth receive serendipitous benefits during their summer camp experience. Outdoor activities also help children burn off frustration or anxiety. The outdoors soothes them and they return to the Hillsides campus more relaxed.

Camping has always been a much anticipated summer outing. Our recreation department schedules several outdoor activities: swimming, archery, wall climbing, hiking, canoeing and fishing. Rotating hour-long activities provides them with the structure and the support they need. Meal times are consistent with those on our campus, which helps the children maintain the comfort of their routines.

For many of our children Hillsides’ summer camp is the first time they will have enjoyed the great outdoors. With support from several organizations and volunteer groups, we have been able to take residents camping for nearly three decades. Campers have stayed at various sites over the years, such as Laguna, Dinky Creek, Silverwood, Big Bear, Wrightwood and most recently, Teresita Pines.

One thing is certain—as Mother Nature plays an important role in providing mental health benefits, our Hillsides friends also play a key role in continuing this longstanding tradition of exploring the outdoors and creating keepsake memories.

Stonewalling?

2011-08-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

On August 7 on the editorial page of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors were accused of stonewalling because of their refusal to comply with an investigation by the Bureau of State Audits into the deaths of children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services within the past four years. There are more than enough good reasons for the Board of Supervisors to be cautious and reluctant to comply with this investigation, but at the end of the day what statement does this make to the families of children who have been placed in the care of DCFS? Even for the dysfunctional family where addiction and disability has threatened the safety of children, the removal of a child from the home is traumatic for all involved. How much more so if those who remove and place the child, posture themselves as beyond scrutiny?

Embedded in the editorial was a reminder of an often forgotten fact: in spite of the challenges and risks that many of DCFS involved families confront, studies indicate that the majority of children in these families do better when they remain within their family system. More often than not a relative can be found to support the child in the midst of turmoil in the home. In so many ways it is a far better to provide families with support and to remove children only as a last resort. I am reminded of this each time I run into one of our eight-year-old residents who inevitably asks me to get him home.

No one is advocating that it is acceptable to risk the safety of a child. For the parents of a child who has been removed from the home presumably because it was not safe, to then find them at risk in an underfunded, poorly monitored and mismanaged foster care system is intolerable. Certainly these families deserve some assurances; more importantly, these children must be assured. Somehow DCFS and the Board of Supervisors need to provide those assurances.

Audits are an everyday experience in the world of publicly funded services. As onerous as they may be, audits offer a level of accountability and provide some transparency. To refer to the Board of Supervisors as intransigent is unfair; they are attempting to balance a number of issues that hopefully will not only safeguard their interests, but more importantly serve the best interests of the children and families in the care of DCFS. The task is daunting and it is easy to point fingers, but the situation is urgent and the risks enormous so their prompt action is required.

Chaplaincy Restored

2011-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

For many years Hillsides has benefited from the availability of a chaplain, but funding constraints limited the chaplaincy to an occasional volunteer position. However, through a generous grant from the Angell Foundation, we are happy to announce the re-establishment of a chaplaincy program. As of this week, the Reverend Pat Hendrickson, an ordained Episcopal deacon, will be available on a part-time basis to serve as our chaplain.

As an organization rooted in the Episcopal Church, there has always been an element of our care for children that values the spiritual aspects of life. The chaplaincy is a way to provide an opportunity for clients and staff alike to have a resource to address this. The role of the chaplain is not associated with any particular sectarian agenda, but rather is directed toward providing pastoral care, an approach that is very common in a clinical or hospital setting.

More than organizing or directing worship, the chaplain serves as a type of ombudsmen whose presence is woven into the fabric of the services that are offered, being present to children, families and staff to respond to their needs, as appropriate, in the midst of challenges and joys.

I am so pleased that, once again, we are able to provide this service. Years of experience in this field has convinced me of the invaluable support that is derived from a good pastoral care program. Often it is the presence of the chaplain that provides a level of support and comfort that can significantly assist a child and family to address a very painful issue in a healing way.

This past year we have enjoyed the service of Kerri Backer, who served as a part-time chaplain, supported by a grant from PRISM, an Episcopal ministry working mostly with the incarcerated. Kerri did a great job and helped us to begin to reintroduce the chaplaincy. Once we had received the support of the Angell Foundation, we then sought to identify a more permanent chaplain and are happy to have found Rev. Hendrickson, who comes to us with extensive experience not only in pastoral care in a school setting, but also knowledgeable in special education and recreational services.

My hope is that this will be the start of a fully developed pastoral care program at Hillsides that will be integrated into treatment services and provide a unique component of care within the child welfare field.

Without the support of the Angell Foundation this would not be possible and indeed this program will be always be dependent on support from our donor community. Any assistance in further developing this service is greatly appreciated.

Storytelling and More...

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

The ability to tell your story can be cathartic and that is exactly the experience a number of our students had recently at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. Through the generous support of one of our board members, Lyn Spector, we have had access to a group of storytellers who have helped some of our students and residents express their stories and then see them performed by a cadre of professional actors. The recent event in downtown Los Angeles was different in that over several days the students were actually assisted to tell their stories themselves. The event was made possible through the efforts of The Moth and Participant Media in conjunction with the release of the film, “The Help.”

All the stories had the same theme--standing up, as in standing up for yourself. This theme is very consistent with the story portrayed in “The Help,” when a number of domestic workers come together to tell their stories of service in a still segregated South.

One of our residents recounted his poignant story of struggle, relating the improvement he has achieved and how he reached the difficult decision recently to move on from Hillsides, return home and accept the challenges this move presents. He ended his story by saying, “choices come with costs.” How true! Such an important lesson to learn, this one will serve him well throughout his life.

It is a story of self knowledge, courage, conviction and purpose and it points to one of the greatest gifts we offer our residents--to leave Hillsides enabled to stand up for themselves and understand the personal “costs” that must be calculated with each decision.

I was inspired by their poise and ability to articulate what is a difficult story to share, but I could see in their faces the sense of accomplishment and freedom to claim their stories as milestones along their journeys.

Aside from the support that this project received from The Moth and The Young Storytellers Foundation, this would not be possible without the vision and determination of two of our finest staff members: Rebecca Ruswick, one of our teachers at the Hillsides Education Center, and Sherri Ginsberg, our librarian, who along with the residential staff supported these residents throughout the week and were there with me to applaud their accomplishment.

These are challenging time for those of us committed to serving such vulnerable youth, but it is worth the effort when the “return” is so great and we are able to see them stand up for themselves.

Decisions Postponed

2011-08-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

As I prepare this blog I have received word that the President has signed the legislation that extends the debt limit. My immediate reaction is relief--not that we increased our debt ceiling, but that finally the barrage of vitriol inundating the air waves for the last month will perhaps end soon. I am afraid, though, what we have experienced is just a dress rehearsal for the next round of elections. Meanwhile, what some say was a fabricated crisis to advance a particular agenda has kept us as a nation from addressing the needs of the most vulnerable among us, who are truly victims of what was unquestionably the excesses of the last decade.

I will leave to others more versed in these issues to analyze how we got into this situation. We can blame it on the polices of former administrations, the financial meltdown in 2008 or the increased costs of entitlements, but it would seem to me that the balancing of our budget at both the State and Federal level on the backs of the most vulnerable without soliciting the support of those most able to assist is the most un-American thing I can imagine.

Some have described the “deal” reached in Washington on the debt limit as a compromise. I suggest that it is rather a tactic in a strategy to build the political momentum that either side needs to address not just the pressing issue of debt reduction, but also entitlements.

Entitlements are the safety net that supports education, services to the needy, and access to health care. How can we consider cutting these crucial services and asking the most vulnerable to sacrifice without soliciting the support and sacrifice of those far less vulnerable? How fair is that in such a great nation?

Let there be no doubt the impact of potential cuts would be significant for the children, youth and families we serve. Further cuts at the federal level to education funding would only make it more difficult for local school districts to provide for children with special learning challenges. Cuts to services for foster care will only further jeopardize children and youth who are already very vulnerable. Reductions in health care would continue to limit access and ironically drive up the costs of providing care.

You don’t have to be an economist to know the solution to this problem. Several examples from our own history demonstrate how we can successfully reduce our national debt while maintaining our commitment to the needy. The solution requires not only prudence and discipline with regard to spending, but also requires fair access to resources to maintain the safety net and invigorate the economy. The sacrifices can not be borne just by some; they must be taken up by all.

Farm to Table Gives Voice to Children

2011-07-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

For the second year H100, a group of young professionals that support Hillsides, have gathered at the Flintridge Riding Club for a wonderful evening under the great oak trees to enjoy a meal of local fresh food, good music and an opportunity to learn more about our mission. This year the evening featured artwork created by some of our residents and highlighted during a great presentation by Kim Ha, our art director.

The art program is such an important component of the services we offer at Hillsides. The program is focused on one thing: to give our residents an opportunity to express themselves. Often what they express is their hurt, anxiety and desire. Words fail at times, but an image captures the emotion that otherwise would be trapped by the limitations of speech. In viewing the artwork that evening you could not help but be touched by what our residents bear at a very tender age. And you can’t also help but be grateful for people like Kim Ha and so many others who support them to express and, therefore, release what can not be spoken.

Many things are associated with Hillsides. One of them is that our residential treatment center is a place where children are restored to hope, made confident and strengthened as they return to their families and communities. The presentation on the art program helped guests at the Farm to Table event appreciate how our mission is achieved and the kind of impact we have on the lives of the children and families we serve.

Quite frankly, we can not do enough regarding sharing with the community the great work we do and the compelling nature of the needs of those we serve. To tell the story is to put a face on the challenges our kids and families confront. At a time of fiscal constraint in the public funding sector, we must not forget how the cuts being contemplated will jeopardize the very same kids that so desperately poured out their hearts onto the canvases that were displayed that night!

H100 allows Hillsides to share our mission with a whole group of people who are at a critical point in their lives, starting their families and becoming established in their careers. As they embrace our mission and share it with their families, neighbors, colleagues and friends, they become a voice for our children. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals supporting us.

Consider learning more about H100 and join this wonderful group. As Hillsides approaches its centennial in 2013, our goal is have 100 couples committed to H100 and its activity in support of our mission. For more information, contact Nicola Wilkins-Miller at 323-254-2274 ext. 454.

I’ll be on a well-deserved vacation for two weeks. Our blog postings will resume on August 3 so stay tuned for the next one. In the meantime, feel free to read postings that have been archived and share with your friends.

Independence

2011-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

On the 4^th of July one of the local television stations interviewed some Los Angeles residents asking if they knew what was celebrated on Independence Day. Some of the answers sounded like the occasional gaffes we hear from some seeking the presidential nomination. Most thought it was just another excuse for a long weekend!

Although it may be taken for granted, Independence Day really speaks to one of the primordial values embraced by us as a nation at our inception--freedom. And yet as important as freedom is we can not help but recognize that our independence was gained by the many whom sacrificed to achieve it. Independence is very much about interdependence.

I reflect on this because, at a time when so much is at stake as our state and nation strains against historic fiscal constraints, it is important to not lose sight of how much we need one another to get through this challenging period. Once again independence will be preserved by the sacrifice of all.

For the first time in more than a decade, the State of California has passed a budget on time. In speaking to colleagues who monitored the process in Sacramento they confirm that it was not a “pretty sight”. At the end of the day most of the funding that we depend upon has been preserved though there continues to be great uncertainty as the responsibility for many services shifts from the state to the local counties.

Dependent upon $4 billion in projected revenues, triggers have been established to enact cuts if the revenues are not generated. Local counties and the providers that serve them, like Hillsides, collectively hold our breath hoping the cuts can be avoided. In the meantime, we go about serving the most vulnerable, attempting to be faithful to our commitment to do all we can to assist. Like being told the likelihood of a disastrous earthquake is inevitable, we prepare for the worse, but hope for the best outcome. An awful lot is at stake when you consider the vulnerability of the children, youth and families we serve.

That being said, the state budget process is a lesson on how the independence we so cherish is maintained by the collective actions of many who try to balance out the many conflicting interests in order to preserve the common good.

Thank You to the Angell Foundation

2011-06-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we are one of the beneficiaries of the Angell Foundation, established after the deaths of both Lynn and David Angell who perished on one of the 9/11 plane crashes. This week we were able to show our gratitude by welcoming the Foundation’s Advisory Board to spend the day on campus while they met to consider initiatives that are being entrained by the Foundation.

Lynn and David were the best examples of what good volunteers are all about. They were motivated to make a difference, understood what the commitment entailed, and were faithful. For Lynn Angell, Hillsides’ library was her way of providing a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve. She was the driving force behind developing a library service for our students and residents. She understood the fiscal constraints and set out to engage other volunteers and solicit the support and resources necessary to make the library a reality. Established by her, Hillsides’ library continues today to be one of the many programs that distinguishes us among other residential services providers.

The library not only serves as a refuge on campus from the frenetic activity associated with both the school and the residential program, but it also continues to be a tremendous draw for many to volunteer with our residents. Whether it is reading, tutoring or visiting with a child, many volunteers find the library as a place where they can easily and yet profoundly impact the lives of those we serve.

The Angells had a vision and the Foundation established on their behalf has embedded that vision in its grant making endeavors. Here at Hillsides we have benefited not only from their support for the library, but also for many other services we offer including our outreach to transition aged youth at Youth Moving On.

As we acknowledge the Angells and the Foundation, we call upon the community to consider volunteering here at Hillsides. There are many wonderful opportunities to touch the lives of our kids and help them and their families through a very challenging time. If interested, please contact Laura Kelso, director of community resources, at 323-254-2274 ext. 251. What greater tribute can we provide to Lynn and David Angell, but to serve as they did! Join us!

Graduation: Stepping into the Future

2011-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

On June 21, Hillsides Education Center hosted its graduation ceremony. HEC is a small non-public school serving not only many of the Hillsides residents, but also students from the greater Pasadena area. This year four seniors graduated. A long standing custom at the graduation is to give graduates the opportunity to address the assembly and offer some reflection on this milestone. In describing his hopes beyond Hillsides, one graduate mentioned a quote worth spending some time considering. He said, “Those who are stuck in the past risk missing the future.” How true!

For all the students at HEC, they address not just their particular learning challenges, but a myriad of issues. For many, those challenges are only complicated by emotional and behavioral issues that are considerable. As much as these students achieve academically, they also see their other issues ameliorated, their confidence restored--so much that they can step away from the past into the future.

For all of these graduates, graduation is a moment when they come to a fork in the road and a direction must be taken. And as often is the case, they will never have this opportunity again. Hopefully, as they set out on the road they are less burdened, more assured and excited for the journey that lies ahead.

They reach this moment assisted by so many who care for them. Their families, who regardless of the challenges, hold in their hearts great hope for their children. Accompanying their families is the extraordinary staff from both HEC and Hillsides who together assist these students to be successful. It is very challenging work, but it is moments like graduation that are most gratifying when we can see the sense of accomplishment on the faces of the graduates.

As always, this is also a moment to recognize the extraordinary support that we receive from the community to maintain our educational endeavors. With school districts historically constrained, our reimbursement is significantly less than what it costs to educate the students at HEC. Without your support, we would not be able to sustain HEC. Thank you and know that you play an important role in making it possible for these students to be set free from the past and step out into the future.

Support the Financial Workout Proposal

2011-06-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

June 15 is the deadline for the California Legislature to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year that starts July 1. As in the past several years, no one expects a budget to be approved by the 15th and, indeed, many critical issues are yet to be addressed before a budget can be approved.

The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and other business groups have supported Governor Brown's proposal to create a workout plan where taxpayers agree to extend temporary taxes on the condition that the state government fix the underlying conditions that caused California’s economic trouble. For the first time in many years, the gimmicks utilized to "balance" past budgets have been put aside and there seems to be an attempt to address the stark financial realities that confront the state. The LA Chamber also added that it, "disagrees with those who don't see the need for a workout.... who favor an all-cuts budget that will scar California's future as well as those who want tax extensions without the reforms needed to get California out of this mess."

These are tough times and they require tough decisions, not just by some, but by all Californians. For the vulnerable children and families, these financial constraints hit especially hard. Without additional revenues proposed, the minimal support required by the education and the social services systems will additionally be jeopardized, threatening to do irreparable harm and further impair the State as a whole.

More than ever, all of us regardless of political affiliation need to contact our elected officials and voice our support for the proposed financial workout plan with the hope that, in spite of the hardships we will bear, it will help us to find a path to a sustainable future for all Californians.

The Numbers are Against Us

2011-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Times continues to focus on the failures of the Los Angeles County child welfare system to keep children safe and free from risk. Another toddler’s death, Tori Sandoval, on April 24 was reported on Monday. This is just the most recent of seventy deaths in the last three years of children entrusted to the Department of Children and Family Services because of maltreatment. The fact of the matter is that most of these deaths did not get this much attention! If it were not for the spotlight placed on this troubling issue by the Los Angeles Times, these deaths would go un-noticed by the public, lost in the sheer volume of children and families in the child welfare system.

Even though DCFS has reduced the amount of children in the system, the number of children in care is still monumental. As a result, case loads are unrealistic, resources are strained, and the end result is that children and families continue to be at risk. In addition, the system is constricted by a convoluted organization further impeded by mandates and protocols that serve only to bolster a gargantuan bureaucracy.

The solution can not be more of the same, but rather a comprehensive restructuring of how vulnerable children and families are served and a commitment to provide the needed resources even at a time of great fiscal constraint. Otherwise, we need not be shocked and outraged at the next report of a child’s death.

A system that is broken into smaller, more manageable service delivery units is essential. The concern that such a system would generate inconsistency and duplication is outweighed by a structure where children and families are not lost in the crowd, where accountability can be assured, and where resources can be directed more efficiently.

The challenge is enormous, but not insurmountable. Clearly, no one wants to see children placed at risk. Los Angeles has incredible resources from both the public and private sectors that could be marshaled to address this issue. Together, we can create a system of care that keeps children safe, promotes their well-being, and provides a consistent and permanent home in which to thrive.

Not Your Average Graduate

2011-06-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is the season of graduations. At this time of year parents step back and acknowledge the accomplishment of their children despite the challenges associated with parenting adolescents. It is a time when some dreams are realized and new ones are established. Although we at Hillsides do not attempt to take the place of parents, we can not help, but be proud of our residents when they achieve a significant milestone such as graduating from high school, especially when the achievement comes after confronting considerable obstacles.

This past Friday evening was a momentous occasion for one of our longtime residents. In care for the last several years with only sporadic contact with members of his family, this young man graduated from La Salle High School. Bright, timid and yet determined, he achieved what few of our graduates do--a diploma from one of the more prestigious schools in our area. More than once, staff had shared with me their concerns about his ability to persevere. Nevertheless, they offered him the support that helped him get to this milestone confident and hopeful.

He said to our veteran group home director, Ramona McGee, “with your help I made it.” With our help and his commitment to his studies and addressing the trauma he experienced as a child, he made it. With our help and his determination, he can see beyond his fears to dream of a full life. This young man is not your average graduate.

He now has a high school diploma, a part-time job and will soon move to our transitional housing program at Hillsides Youth Moving On. There will be many more challenges and decisions to make yet he will not address these alone as he will be supported by the Hillsides community. Although we are not a substitute for his true family, we commit to walk alongside him so that, with our continued support, he can achieve even more and fulfill his dreams.

Instrumental in his success has been the fine staff of our boy's group home, who along with Brother DeSales and other staff at LaSalle, never gave up on this young man. Together they surrounded this young man with the care he needed and you could see the result in his beaming smile on graduation night.

Let me take this opportunity to thank LaSalle for their generous support and encourage all of you to never give up hope for the children and families we serve. This young man's graduation is witness to the power of our efforts.

Making Vulnerable Children and Families a National Priority

2011-05-25T14:16:00.001-07:00

Twenty five years ago I was asked to lead a residential facility in Massachusetts that was in the midst of a significant crisis. As I began my tenure there, I was overwhelmed by the critical issues that it faced. The interim administrator advised me to contact the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) to seek some advice on how to rectify the situation. It turned out to be the best advice I received and the beginning of a partnership with the premiere child welfare organization in the country. Throughout that very challenging period in Massachusetts I was able to count on CWLA for expert advice on organizational, practice and advocacy issues--that was true then and it is true today.

In addition to the support that I received over these years, some wonderful relationships have developed with colleagues from around the country who have served as role models for me in this field. Their willingness to lend an ear, offer advice and provide encouragement has been a wonderful collateral benefit of my membership and one of the principle reasons I have stayed so involved with CWLA.

For the past few years I have served on the Western Regional Advisory Committee of CWLA, as its chair and most recently as the regional representative to the CWLA Board of Directors. While on the board I have chaired a number of committees, served as a vice chair and on May 14 was selected as the chair of the board for the next two years.

Like most national membership organizations, CWLA has been impacted by the economic downturn of the past several years. In spite of the recent challenges, CWLA has remained faithful to its historic mission to be a strong voice for vulnerable children and their families, advocating for their needs to be a national priority! Unlike other membership organizations that may be quickly dismissed as self-serving interest groups, CWLA is truly seen as a leadership organization, bringing together both the public and private sectors to advance excellence in practice as well as advocating for what is best for children and supporting its members to be more effective.

I am honored to serve as the CWLA Board Chair and can only hope that I might, along with its dedicated staff and faithful members, help give voice to the often forgotten vulnerable children and families of our nation. I am particularly pleased that this leadership opportunity might also serve to feature Hillsides as a strong partner with CWLA in effectively advocating at a national level for the children and families we serve.

As always, my efforts are strengthened by the support I receive from the Hillsides community. Learn more about CWLA at www.CWLA.org and join with me to make the needs of vulnerable children and families a priority not only in our community, but nationally.

“You need to find me a home”

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I ran into one of my favorite residents (they are all my favorites!) who asked to speak with me. He is one of several sibling groups we have in residence. He and his sister had been adopted, but after a few years of attempting to salvage the adoption, it failed. They are, once again, available for adoption. Both he and his sister have one message for me every time I see them and that is, "Find me a home."

My day came to a standstill as I heard his plea. He was accompanied by his therapist who encouraged him and commented on the courage he displayed by persistently pursuing his dream of having a home, a family. It is such courage, like his, that we honor each day as we lend our energies and resources to serve these children.

There is urgency in this plea, a desire to be like other kids, to be part of a loving family and community. For this brother and sister, it is not because they are not happy at Hillsides, but it is because they know better. In spite of the tremendous disappointments they have experienced and the challenges they confront, they are still longing for that one person, that family who will accept them and support them for a lifetime.

Like many other agencies, Hillsides has developed a capacity to assist families to be equipped to, once again, receive their children back at home and if necessary to identify other family members to serve as lifelong resources for these children. For those without a family resource, then we partner with other agencies to identify adoptive families.

The obstacles are many: an unnecessarily bureaucratic system, the traumas experienced at the hands of adults, a cycle of failure, learning and emotional challenges. But in spite of the challenges, we must not lose hope, but rather strengthen our commitment to restoring every child to their family or to a permanent home.

Renaming Foster Care

2011-05-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Years ago there was a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit with Mike Myers impersonating a female talk show host that always ended with a statement to be discussed among the guests. They always took a phrase and questioned how it is commonly understood. As we celebrate Foster Care Awareness month, I’m wondering in the spirit of this SNL skit if we would ask, “Foster Care….is neither foster nor care……talk amongst yourselves.”

The number of children in foster care is staggering: nationwide more than 500,000 children, in California 100,000 children and in Los Angeles County, more than 33,000 children receive child welfare services. Though the numbers have been reduced over the last several years, they are still daunting. For each of these children, the disruption of their lives is traumatic, the impact significant and the potential for long-term failure frightening.

So what of the foster care, child welfare system? While many of us know it as a worthwhile endeavor making a positive difference in the lives of children, nationally both “foster care” and “child welfare” continue to evoke negative impressions. Many actually do ask, what kind of “care” is it? The other day I received a call from the parent of one of our residents very concerned that her daughter was identified as a foster child in materials she received recently!

Maybe it is time to rename foster care? Of course, renaming it without changing the system would only be a gimmick. The only solution is an unwavering resolve to provide a system of care that never loses sight of the needs of each child and family; a system that, although always focused on safety, is committed to providing families with the resources they need to care for their children; a system that is not punitive, but rather oriented around what is effective and committed to strengthening families.

The fact is that the child welfare system is changing to become more child driven and family friendly, and these efforts have contributed to the decline in the number of children entering the foster care system. The need of each child and family in care, however, has not diminished and the challenge to provide them the resources and services continues to be great.

In an effort to “rename” foster care here at Hillsides, we have developed an ingenious way to rally community support while drawing attention to the needs of the children and families we serve. Check out Foster Soles and join in supporting our efforts.

Thanks.

Justice Has Been Done

2011-05-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

The surprise announcement on Sunday that Osama Bin Laden had been killed has rekindled for all of us memories of that fateful day when we were confronted with the reality of global terrorism on our shores. We all remember where we were and how it affected us. I recall on that day receiving a frantic call from a friend in Massachusetts to ascertain that I had gotten back safely to Los Angeles after a week visiting with family and friends there. He was unsure of my travel plans and was afraid that I had been on the flight from Boston that crashed. As fate had it, I was on that same flight, but traveled September 10! Had I left on September11, I would have perished along with others like Lynn and David Angell.

Many of you know, Lynn Angell, who as a volunteer, single handedly started our campus library. Her photograph is prominently displayed in the library as a reminder of her extraordinary dedication to our students. Motivated by a conviction that she could make a difference, she committed to provide our students with a place and resources to learn, to improve their lives and to become successful. Her spirit lives on here and we continue to benefit from her support through generous grants from the Angell Foundation.

In spite of the tremendous sense of loss we experienced as we mourned the deaths of so many innocent victims, our lives have not been centered on retribution, but rather on their living legacies. On Monday, the 13-year-old son of one of the heroes, a fireman who perished at the World Trade Center, said that he did not feel vengeful. To him, it matters little that Bin Laden had been killed, it was the loss of his father that 10 years later he still mourned. As much as justice has been done, the losses are still profound, the threats are still ever present and the impact of that day is still being felt.

The lesson of course is that the best “revenge” is to live full and fearless lives especially in the face of threats. As we begin May, Foster Care Awareness Month, it is appropriate for us to recall that the greatest instruments we have in the face of daunting obstacles are courage, hope and resolve.

Lynn Angell continues to counter the senseless acts of terror of September 11 each time a student is welcomed into the library that honors her commitment. Join us to help our students and residents confront the challenges they experience and learn to be strong and fearless, hopeful and confident. Just as this is Lynn Angell’s impact on children served by the foster care system, it can also be yours.