2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORTBIRMINGHAM YOUTH ASSISTANCE

We are BYA! You are BYA!Birmingham Youth Assistance

2436 W. Lincoln, Ste. F102 Birmingham, Michigan 48009

(248) 203-4300 FAX (248) 203-4301

E-MAIL: office@birminghamyouthassistance.org

WEBSITE: www.birminghamyouthassistance.org

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2013-2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ChairChristine Gannon

Vice-Chair Reuben Myers

SecretaryJill Reichenbach Fill

TreasurerReuben Myers

Past ChairRichard Stasys

Andrew G. AchoJudith AdelmanLinda BrooksGregory BurryDet. Lee Davis

Mary Jo DawsonRuss Facione

Jill Reichenbach FillChristine Gannon

Det. Jerry HallDante Lanzetta, Jr.

2013-2014 GENERAL CITIZENS COMMITTEE

Ann Nazareth Manning

Tom McDanielReuben Myers

Dr. Daniel NeradVicki Sower

Richard StasysShelley Taub

James C. Van DykeDavid R. Walker

ADVISORY MEMBERSSheriff Michael Bouchard

Jason ClinkscaleConnie Jaroh

A. Randolph JuddDavid RogersSusan RogersRachel RotgerAnne Van Dyke

OFFICE STAFFCaseworkerNikki Keller

Office ManagerDiedra Righter

2014 Dog Show First Place WinnersBest Costume Emma Block & Cali (Smooth Coli/Husky)Best Behaved Ryan Mile & Mimi (English Bulldog)Best Treat Catcher Ava Shaw & Baxter (Golden Retriever)Most Personality Seth Katzman & Sophie (Bull Dog)Best Trick Jordan Budnar & Sammy (Jack Russell)Waggiest Tail Maggie Babiarz & Abby (Labradoodle)Best Looking Zoey & Naomi Tink & Lego (Great Pyrenees)Best in Show Seth Katzman & Sophie

33rd Annual Kids’ Dog Show

The 33rd Annual Kids’DogShowwasheldonFebru-ary2,2014atBerkshireMid-dleSchool. Our Dog Show judgesthis year were City of Bir-minghamMayorScottMoore,Beverly Hills President Pro-Tem Walter Briggs, OaklandCounty Commissioner Shel-ley Taub, Pam Roehr of theSouthernMichiganObedienceTraining Club, Mike Palmerof Premier Pet Supply, andspecial celebrity guest judge

ShannonMurphyfrom95.5MojointheMorning.Thejudgeswereterrific,aswasJasonClinkscale,PrincipalofBerkshireMiddleSchool,inhisthirdyearasemcee. The faithful support of Premier Pet Supply and theSouthernMichiganObedienceTrainingClub is deeplyappreciated.ThisyearIwouldalsoliketothankCanineCoutureandtheBeverlyHillsVeterinaryAssociatesfortheirsponsorship.Iamalsoverygratefultothenumer-ousBYAvolunteersandstudentvolunteersfromGroves,Seaholm,andDerbywhomakethiseventpossible. Lookingforwardtothe2015Kids’DogShow:Bigger,Better,Barker!

James Van Dyke, Chair Kids’ Dog Show

The Belkin Family

2014 Best in Show - Seth & Sophie

2 BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

Yearsago,IreadthisstoryoftheMasaitribeofKenyaandtheirfocusandcalltoprotecttheyoungestmembersofthecommunity.Ihaveneverforgottenit.TheMasai tribe traditionallygreetsoneanotherwith thephrase, “Kasserian Ingera,”which, inSwahili,means,“Are the children well?” Itissaidthatmembersofthetribewouldreturnthisgreetingwiththetraditionalanswer,“all the children are well.” FortheMasaitribe,eventhosewithnochildrenoftheirown,thewell-beingofallofthechildrenisoneoftheirhighestpriorities.TheMasaitribevaluestheirchildrenandisconcernedfortheirpeaceandsafety.Themembersknowthateachoneiscalledtoprotecttheyoungestmembersoftheircommunity. Overthelastfifty-twoyears,thevolunteersandstaffofBirminghamYouthAssistancehaveprovideddedicatedservicestotheyouthandfamiliesinourcommunity,keepingthewell-beingofthechildrenasourhighestpriority.WewillcontinueuntilourresponsetotheMasai’straditionalgreetingcanconfidentlybe:“all the children are well.” Asyoumightknow,BYAisatri-partnershipoftheOaklandCountyCircuitCourtFamilyDivision,theBirminghamSchoolDistrict,theCityofBirmingham,andtheVillagesofBeverlyHills,BinghamFarms,andFranklin.BYAprovidesserviceintwoways.Counselingandcaseworksupportservices,undertheumbrellaoftheOaklandCountyCircuitCourtFamilyDivisionCourt,provideprofessionalstafftoworkwithreferredyouthandfamilies.Communityandschoolprogramsincludeparentingeducationprograms,campscholarships,youthmentoring,andschoolprograms thathelpprevent juveniledelinquency.BYAsupportsstrong familiesbysponsoringpositive familyevents includingBreakfastwithSanta, theKids’DogShow,YouthinServiceAppreciation,andTouch-a-Truck.AlltheseprogramsareofferedthroughthecoordinationofagroupofpassionateandtalentedvolunteerswhocomprisetheBirminghamYouthAssistanceorganization.Thesevolunteersarediligentlyworkingforourcommunitytoonedaybeabletorespond,“allthechildrenarewell.” It’sOURresponsibilitytoensurethatouryoungpeoplearewell,allofustogether.Wewouldloveyourinputandyoursupport.Ouryoungpeopleneedyou.Ourcommunityneedsyou.Thankyouforallyourencouragement.

Christine Gannon BYA Chair

Chair’s Report

The mission of BirminghamYouth Assistance is the pre-

vention and reduction of juve-nile delinquency, child abuse,and child neglect, by providingcommunity based casework andcounseling services as well asproviding positive alternativesfor children and families that livewithin the boundaries of the Bir-mingham Public School District.BYAisapartnershipof: theOak-landCountyCircuitCourt—FamilyDivision; the City of Birminghamand theVillages ofBeverlyHills,BinghamFarmsandFranklin;theBirmingham Public Schools; andcommunityvolunteers.

Asaprimaryformofprevention,BYAstrivestoraiseaware-ness through educational programing offered free of cost tothesurroundingareas.ThankstothegeneroussupportoftheFirstPresbyterianChurchofBirmingham,BYAinconjunctionwithTheBirminghamEarlyChildhoodCenter, focusedef-fortson“WhatEveryParentHopesforinTheirPreSchoolChild…….Self-Esteem&Resilience.” JulieOgg,ParentEducatorfromGreatParents,GreatStartofOaklandCoun-ty,spokeonhowbesttopromoteself-esteeminyoungchildren. Onamoreprogressivenote,BYAhostedahands-onenergyworkshopwithmiddleschoolchildren.NancyJudgefromtheHealingTouchCenterexplainedhowwefeelandreacttotheenergyaroundus.Theexperientialapproachdem-onstrated the interconnectivityofall things.Theprimarygoalof theprogramwas toassistyoungpeople tobetterunderstandhowtheirenergyandmindinfluencetheeventsaroundthem.Thepragmatictechniquesacquiredthroughthispresentationwillaid theparticipants incopingmoreeffectivelywith life’sdailystresses. Nexton theagenda is, “ImproveyourMood,Don’tS.C.A.R.F.yourFood.”This workshop will solidify how our food choices impact our mood, healthandgeneralsenseofwell-being.TheprogramisplannedforOctober21statSeaholmHighSchool.BYAwelcomescommunityvolunteerswhoareinterestedinbringingnewideastothetableandthosewhoarewillingtobringthemtofruition.

Mary Jo Dawson, Chair Family Education

Family Education

3BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

Thisyear,I’vehadtheopportunitytoworkwithmanywonderfulpeople,adultsandyouthalike,someofwhomvolunteer their time,andotherswhoare receivingservices.Through theseencounters, I’vediscoveredthatthevastmajorityofus,regardlessofourageorwherewecomefrom,areworkingonthesameissues:findingbalanceandself-care.Stressisrelative,sowhetherwe’reconsumedwithmeetingaworkdeadline,maintainingourhousehold,orlivingwithanalcoholicparent,ourlivescanfeelequallyoverwhelming.Unfortunately,ashardaswe

try,wemaybeunabletochangelifecircumstancesorthosearoundus. Throughmypersonalandprofessionalexperiencesthisyear,Ihavefocusedmyeffortsonteachingself-care.I’veemphasizedtofamiliestheimportanceofbalancingphysical,emotional,spiritual,andcognitivewell-beingthroughdiet,exercise,andmindfulnesspractice.I’vealsohadtheopportunity,astheBirminghamYouthAssistancecaseworker,toworkone-on-onewithabout75youngpeopleandtheirfamiliessofarthisyearthroughcounselingandgroupmeetings. Aspartof this themeofself-care,BYA, inconjunctionwith theHealingTouchCenter,offeredaprogramtomiddleschoolchildrenentitled“TheEnvironmentWeCreate”.And,aswedoeveryyear,BYAcontinuestosponsorscholarshipsforactivitiesthatpromotehappinessandgoodhealthsuchascamperships,skillbuildingopportunitiesandourfunfamilyevents.Nextonthehorizonis“ImproveYourMood,Don’tS.C.A.R.F.yourFood,”aneducationalprogramonhowfoodimpactsourmoodthatsoonwillbeofferedtohighschoolstudents. I’mveryexcitedaboutthedirectioninwhichwe’removingasaprogramandthepossibilitiesforwhatisyettocome.Mywishisthatwecontinuetoattractnewvolunteerswithfreshideasandthefervortoworktogetherforourgoal.TomMcDanielandthefundraisingcommitteehaveoutdonethemselveswiththisyear’screativeRedRaiserevents,partneringupwithtwoofBirmingham’snewrestaurantstoraisemoneythroughsneakpreviewevents.ThankyoutoDanLinenofRojoandEileen&RaadSakkoandDerrickRassamofTheMadHatter!Pleasestopbythesetworestaurantssoonforawonderfulmeal!

Nikki Keller, MS Caseworker

Caseworker’s Report

Summer Camp Forover30years,BYAhasprovidedcampscholarshipstoareachildrenwhoselivescouldbeenrichedandimprovedwithasummercampexperience.Unfortunately,summercampmaynotbeobtainableformanyofthosewhowouldmostbenefitfromacampingopportunitybecauseofthetoughchallengestheyfaceintheirlives. Camp isa time for thechildren toplay,have fun,and justbekids.BirminghamYouthAssistance iscommitted tohelping thesechildrenand families.Westronglybelieveacampexperienceprovidesanopportunityforyoungsterstolearnmanypositivelifelessonssuchascharacterdevelopment,self-confidence,socialization,andteambuilding.Thissummerwewerethrilledtooffercampscholarshipsto43areayouth! Birminghamschoolcounselors,teachers,andotherstaffreferthosestudentswhoareinmostneedandwhoareeligiblebyvirtueoflivingintheareaservedbytheBirminghamPublicSchools.Parentsalsocanmakeareferral.Mostparentsselectadaycampfortheirchildrenwhileotherspreferaresidentialovernightcamp.Fundingforthecampprogramconsistsofgrants,privatedonations,andproceedsfromtheBYAfundraisingeventsheldthroughouttheyear.Thankyoutothosewhodonatedandhelpedmaketheseexperienceshappenthissummer. Thisyear,forthefirsttime,BYApartneredwiththelocalBirminghamTimHortonstosendtwoadditionalgirlstotheTimHortonsChildren’sFoundationCampinNovaScotia,Canada.ThecampexperiencewasfullyfundedbytheTimHortonsChildren’sFoundationatacostofabout$2,500perchild,includingairfare,bustransportation,andallotherincidentals.WetrulyappreciateandareverygratefulfortheopportunitytoworkwithourlocalBirminghamTimHortonstoselectcampersforthisoutstandingsummerexperience. YouthreceivingscholarshipsattendedcampsincludingBPSCampSuperSummer,CampOhiyesa,CampCopneconic,CatholicYouthOrganization(CYO),andCampSkyline.Summercampisoneofthosepositiveexperiencesthatreallyhelptomakeadifferenceinthelivesofthefamiliesweserve.Formoreinformationaboutoursummercampscholarships,pleasecontacttheBYAofficeat(248)203-4300.

Richard Stasys, Chair Camp Committee

4 BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

Youth in Service Appreciation

April 16, 2014 marked the 4th Annual Youth inServiceAppreciationAwardsco-sponsoredbyBirminghamYouthAssistanceandtheBirminghamOptimists.BirminghamYouthAssistancehassponsoredasimilareventforover45years.TheeventwasheldattheBirminghamCommunityHouse,a longtimesupporterofbothBirminghamYouthAssistanceandtheOptimists.Thisyearwehonored17MiddleSchooland 20 High School students. These students had beennominated by their counselors, teachers, pastors or othercivicserviceleadersfortheiroutstandingcontributionstoourcommunitiesandbeyond.Theyouth

camefromthecommunities:Birmingham,Bloomfield,BinghamFarms,BeverlyHillsandFranklin. Thenomineesincludedayoungman,DylanKanaan,astudentatSeaholmHighSchool,whowasindividuallyrecognizedforthe2014JaneParkerWardAward.DylanperformedasignificantamountofvolunteerworkatCommonGroundasahelplinevolunteer.Thispositionrequiredover100hoursoftrainingtoqualifyasavolunteer.Asalwaysitwasdifficulttosingleoutoneawardrecipient.OaklandCountySheriffMichaelBouchardpresentedthe2014JaneParkerWardAwardthisyeartoDylan. Familymembers,schooladministrators,churchleaders,officialsrepresentinglocal,county,andstategovernmentsandmembersofOaklandCountyandBirminghamYouthAssistanceand theBirminghamOptimistClub,wereamong thosecelebratingthe incredibleworkandunselfishhoursof timegivenbythehonorees. Ihadthepleasureofwelcomingthehonoreesandtheirfamiliesandfriends.GreetingswereextendedfromtheOaklandCountyCircuitCourt-FamilyDivisionand theFamilyCourt Judges,byLisaLangston,DeputyCourtAdministrator, aswell asChristineGannon, thecurrentChairpersonofBirminghamYouthAssistance,andThomasLonghway,thecurrentPresidentoftheOptimistclub. OurkeynotespeakerthisyearwasSeniorChaplainGailPannyoftheInternationalFellowshipofChaplains,Inc.ChaplainPanny’sministryincludescommunityoutreachactivitieswithJudges,paroleofficersandprobationagents.Shealsodoesasignificantamountofworkwithinmatesandsuicideprevention.Muchofheractivityiswithlawenforcementagencies.We

thankherforherparticipationinthisevent.ThenomineeswererecognizedandtheirindividualachievementsnotedbyJamesVanDyke,AttorneyandlongtimememberofBYAandme.

BYAwouldliketothankthepublicofficials,teachersandschoolofficials,churchleaders,familyandfriends,aswellasallofthosevolunteersfromTheBirminghamOptimistClubandBirminghamYouthAssistance.Thesededicatedindividualsallhelpedinmakingthe2014YouthinServiceAppreciationAwardsbreakfastsuchasuccess.

David R. Walker, Chair Youth in Service Appreciation

Middle School Nominees: Teresa Aquino, Katrina Beckeman, Steven Childers, Rachel Cryberg, Charles Eriksen, Thomas Forberg, Stephanie Green, Emily Juriga, Yuval Kohn, Sebastian Leone, Kate Lucken, Malcolm Machesky, Lily Meinel, Larkin O’Gorman, Daniel Righter, Chelsea Schaufler, Henry WilmsHigh School Nominees: Emily Abbott, Alexandria Boutros, Tristan Crimmins, Morgan Fry, Erica Gardner, Alfred L. Girardot, Ryan Head, Kelly Johnson, Amy Lynn Kamsickas, Dylan Kanaan, John “Cole” Kantgias, Zachary Lapinski, Jacqueline Meier, Jack Michaud, AlissaBeth Morton, Ashley Sawchuk, Cameron Scott, Eric Scott, Lily Talmers, Carly Wade

Jane Parker Ward Award Winner, Dylan Kanaan,

along with Sheriff Bouchard & David R. Walker

The nominees came from:Birmingham Covington School

Berkshire Middle SchoolDerby Middle School

Brother Rice High SchoolGroves High SchoolMarian High School

The Academy of the Sacred HeartThe International Academy

Seaholm High School

Attending Officials:Oakland County Sheriff

Michael BouchardOakland County Commissioner

Shelley TaubBirmingham Public Schools

Superintendent Dr. Daniel NeradChief of Police for the City of

Birmingham Donald StudtCongressman Kerry Bentivolio

Congressman Sander LevinRepresentatives were in attendance for:

Representative Gary PetersSenator John Pappageorge

5BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

Touch-A-Truck

Breakfast with Santa

OnSaturday,May17,2014,BirminghamYouthAssistancewasexcited tohostour7thAnnual“Touch-a-Truck”eventatBinghamFarmsElementarySchool.Atthisfun,family-focusedevent,adultsandchildrenfromacrosstheareawereinvitedtogetup-closewithtrucks,cranes,andpublicsafetyvehicles.Over200cars,filledwithfamilies,gottoenjoythisgreatevent. The bus loop was filled with vehicles from the City ofBirmingham,VillageofFranklin,BirminghamPublicSchools,andprivatebusinessesandowners.Kidsofallageswereabletositinthecabofaboomcrane,“drive”aracecar,andcheckouttheBeverlyHillsandFranklinemergencyvehicles.Wewerehappytoofferadeliciousbarbecuedlunch,cookedbyourwonderfulvolunteers.Mostfamiliestookadvantageofthisopportunityandboughtadelicioushotdogorbratwurst.ThankyoutoCostco

inBloomfieldTownshipfordonatingourlunchmenuitems. Also,thankyoutocommitteemembersforvolunteeringtheirtime:JudyAdelman,MaryJoDawson,AnnManning,DaveWalker,ReubenMyers,DickStasys,AndyAcho,andteenvolunteerswhohelpedout.Wecouldnotputoneventslikethiswithoutyourdedication. IwanttoexpressaVERYSPECIALTHANKYOUtoourtruckdonorswhotooktimeoutoftheirbusyschedulestohelpmakethiseventsuchasuccess:LaramieCraneCo.,Monaghan’sTowing,FranklinFireDept., theOaklandCountySheriff’sDepartment,DurhamTransportation (BirminghamPublicSchools),theCityofBirmingham’sDPW,andHorstReinhardtofVRPerformance.Without their generosityanddedication,wecouldn’tofferthiswonderfulevent.

Russ Facione, Chair Touch-a-Truck

BreakfastwithSantawasagainawonderfulandsuccessfulevent.BirminghamYouthAssistancehasbeenofferingthisfun-filledfamilyeventsince1993.HeldatTheCommunityHouseinBirminghamonSaturday,December7,2013,ourbreakfasthasbecomeafamilytraditionformanyofourBirminghamareafamilies.

Wewould like to thank our truly awesome volunteers from theAcademy oftheSacredHeart,Seaholm,andGrovesHighSchoolswhoactedasSanta’sHelpers.The teen volunteers entertained children with facepainting and temporary tattoos while they eagerlyanticipated their turnwithSanta.Thanksalso to theSeaholmOrchestraandtotheGrovesSeniorChoir.Their beautiful gift ofmusichelped set the tone.All

ofthesespecialteensgaveuppartoftheirSaturdaymorningtohelpmakeoureventa success. Thank you to the BirminghamOptimists for their generous sponsorshipofWilmatheClown,whofashionedamazingballooncreations that thechildrentookhome,andStevetheMagician.Thesetalentedperformerskeptthechildren(parentstoo!)highlyentertainedastheywaitedtoseeSanta.Santawasabletospendqualityone-to-onetimewithallof thechildren,whichsurelywasthehighlightoftheirmorning. AveryspecialthankyouisextendedtoSanta,whomadethelongtripjusttobewithus.ThankyoutoTheCommunityHousefortheirpartnershipofthisevent.Thisyearbothseatingsweresoldout!WeappreciatedthehelpofourwonderfulBYAvolunteersandgive special thanks toAndyAchoandRussFacione, our breakfastemcees.Without thehelpofourdedicatedvolunteers,eventssuchas thiswouldnotbepossible.

Mary Jo Dawson and Reuben Myers, Co-Chairs Breakfast with Santa

6 BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

2013-2014 NDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

Dee & Andy AchoJudith & Joel Adelman

Sheriff Michael BouchardMarceline & Gerald Bright

James BuchananKatie & Christopher ContiMary Jo & Chip DawsonGloria & Ray Finocchio

Christine Gannon & Sara ScottDorothy GarrisonSusan & Geoff Hill

Marcia GershensonTrina & Douglas KrizanicDante & Jane Lanzetta

Elizabeth LeeTom Longhway

Thomas & Susan McDanielJaime Pfeffers

Sharon & Ed PughSusan & David Rogers

Kristine & William SchauflerThomas Schellenberg

Richard & Kathy StasysVicki SowerShelley Taub

Anne & James Van DykeDavid R. Walker

Marcia & Steve WilkinsonRobert Williams

Hon. Joan E. Young

2013-2014 AGENCY & BUSINESS DONATIONS

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce

The Birmingham OptimistsCostco of Bloomfield Township

Beverly Hills Veterinary Association, Inc.Birmingham Community Education

BPS Community Education CouncilsBloomfield Tennis & Fitness

Canine Couture, LLCCity of Birmingham

First United Methodist ChurchThe Lyon FoundationPremier Pet Supply

Presbyterian Women of the First Presbyterian Church

of BirminghamThe Principal Shopping District

Rene’s Hair ShoppeSeaholm High School PTSA

Southern Michigan Obedience Training ClubTim Hortons

Village of Beverly HillsVillage of Bingham Farms

Village of FranklinThe Village Women’s

Club Foundation

WearethrilledtoannounceMikePalmerasthefirstannualBYAChampion.ForthoseofyouwhoknowMike,orknowofhim,itwillcomeasnosurprisethatheistheinspirationforourideaofrecognizingtruechampionsinthesupportofyouthinourarea. Mikeisaverysuccessfulbusinessman.Hisenterprise,PremierPetSupplyinBeverlyHills,haswonseveralregionalawardsasthebestpetstoreinsoutheastMichiganandisoneofthehighest-volumeindependentlyownedpetstoresintheMidwest.In2012,MikewasrecognizedbyOaklandCountyExecutiveL.BrooksPattersonasoneofhis“Elite40Under40”.Asimpressiveastheseachievementsare,what inspiresusaboutMike ishisheart.Heconstantlygivesback to thecommunityinmorewaysthanwecancount. MikehostsweeklyadoptioneventsatPremierPetSupplywithseveralrescuegroups,andinthepastdecadehashelpedfacilitatetheadoptionofover3,000catsanddogs.In2010,hepartneredwitha9-yearoldwhowantedtohelpfamiliesthatcouldnotaffordtofeedtheirpets.Together,theycreatedtheBirminghamPetPantrythathastodatecollectedover20,000lbs.offoodfordistributionthroughGleaners Community Food Bank and the MichiganAnimal Care Network. Inadditiontohiscommitmenttoanimals,muchofMike’scommunitycontributionsrevolve around the area’s youth. He speaks at schools on a regular basis toeducatechildrenaboutpetcare,andhasspokentokidsatnumerouscareerdayevents about owning a business. Premier Pet Supply workswith BirminghamPublicSchoolstoemploytwoautisticpart-timeemployeesandhasaPremierPetVolunteerprogramwhereelementaryschoolstudentsrotatemonthlytovolunteeratthestore. And,ofcourse,Mike isanavidsupporterofBYA.Championsrisetothetopfor threereasons: time,talent,andtreasure.Mikeexemplifiesatruechampionineachrespect.HegiveshistimetoBYA,particularlywiththeKids’DogShow.Hegiveshistalentforworkingwithchildrenandvolunteers.And,finally,hegivesgenerouslyofhistreasuretofundandsupportBYAendeavors.In2014alone,hisdirectandin-kindsupportoftheKids’DogShowaddeduptonearly$2,000.MikegoesbeyondallexpectationsforaBYAvolunteer.HetrulycaresaboutBYA,anditshowsthroughhiscommitment,support,andinvolvement. Mikeisawonderfulexampleofwhatweallshouldbelike.Heisa“giver”inthetruesense–heishumbleabouthisamazingcontributionsandexpectsnothinginreturn.Mike’sbusinessphilosophyforPremierPetSupplyistobeamodern“Mom&Pop” store.Nothingsays familymore than that, andBYA isall aboutfamily.WeareluckytohavehiminourcommunityandarehonoredtonamehimasthefirstBirminghamYouthAssistancechampion.

2014 BYA ChampionMike Palmer and 2012 “Best in Show” Winner G.G. Fill and Sabine

7BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

BYA REDRaisers! FundraisingiscriticaltoBYA,asitistomanynon-profits.Withoutthefundsraisedfromgenerousdonorsandthroughfundraisingevents,wewouldbeunabletocarryonourimportantworkservingyouthandfamilies

inthecommunity. We are really excited about our newest fundraising endeavors, which we callRedRaisers.RedRaisersareourownpocket-sizedmixersthatarepackedfullofperksand surprises that raisemoney for BYA.Wewere thrilled to partnerwith two brandnewrestaurants—RojoMexicanGrillandtheMadHatterBistro,Bar,andTeaRoom—indowntownBirminghamtohold“sneakpreview”nightsbeforetheirofficialopenings.Botheateriesgenerouslydonatedallthefood,sothat100%oftheticketproceedscouldgotosupportingBYA.Foreachofthefestiveeveningevents,ticketpurchaserswereabletobe theveryfirstpeople to checkout thenew restaurants, sampledeliciousmenuofferings,andenjoyafuneveningofgoodconversationaswellasfood.Together,thesetwoeventsraisedmorethan$6,000forBYA. Asisthecasewithanysuccessfulpartnership,theseRedRaisereventswererealwin-winsituations.Inadditiontosuccessfullyraisingmuch-neededfundstosupportBYA’smission,theyhelpedtocreatesome“buzz”tohelpgettheseexcitingnewestablishmentsofftoagreatstart.WehopetoholdmoreofthesesuccessfuleventsasnewrestaurantsopenintheBirminghamarea.Thenexttimeyougooutforameal,pleasechooseRojoMexicanGrillortheMadHatter.Inadditiontoservinggreatfood,theyalsogivebacktoourcommunityinfunways.AspecialthankstoDanLinenofRojoandDerrickRassamandEileenandRaadSakkooftheMadHatterfortheseamazingopportunitiestoshareBYA’smessagewiththegreatercommunity.Toallofyouwhoattended theseeventsorsupportedBYA inotherways,weextendheartfeltthanks.Wecouldn’tdoitwithoutyou!

Tom McDaniel, Chair Fundraising

Exec. Chef Derrick Rassam & owner Eileen Sakko

Photo credit: Julie Yolles

Nikki Keller, Raad Sakko, Richard Stasys

Photo credit: Julie Yolles

TheMentorsPlusProgramisacommitteeofBirminghamYouthAssistance.TheprogramcomesundertheauspicesoftheFamilyDivisionoftheOaklandCountyCircuitCourt.IhavebeentheChairofthisCommitteesince1997.IthasbeenaveryenjoyableandenrichingexperienceformepersonallyasIhavehadtheuniqueopportunitytoimpactthelivesofanumberofyoungpeopleinapositiveandconstructivemanner. Theprogrammatchespre-screenedvolunteerswithyouthbasedonvariouscriteria.Sometimesthechildmightbeonewhohasbeenidentifiedasbeinginariskgroupforpotentialdifficulties.Heorshemightsimplybeachildwhoneedsanadultinfluenceotherthanthatoftheirparents.Theotherarmoftheprograminvolvesinterventionwithregardtochildrenwhohavebeguntoexperiencedifficultiesandareperhapsgoingtobeorarealreadyinthejuvenilecourtsystem. Mycurrentmenteeisayoungmanwhoisnow17yearsold.Wegettogetheratleastonceaweek.Heisexcitedaboutplayingfootballandisenteringhissenioryearinhighschool.Hewantstobeachefandwillbeapplyingtoculinarycollegesthisfall.Weoftendocookingprojectswhenwegettogether.Heisdoingwellinschoolotherwiseandwillbeasuccessfuladultverysoon.MylastmenteegraduatedfromhighschoolwithvarioushonorsasaScholarAthlete.HewillbeattendingNotreDameonafouryear,fullacademicscholarship.Weareallveryproudofhisaccomplishments.YoutharereferredtotheMentorsPlusProgramthroughavarietyofvenues.Sometimes,theyoutharereferredtoourcaseworkerMs.Keller through theschoolsorby theirparents, teachers,or the liaisonofficers from the localpolicedepartmentsinourarea. Wecontinuetoseekqualifiedmaleandfemalevolunteerswhoarewillingtospendasmallamountoftimewithayouthforaverylargereturn.Theminimumcommitmentforamentorisoneyear.IfanyoneisinterestedinjoiningtheMentorsPlusProgramasamentororwouldliketorecommend,someonepleasecontacttheBirminghamYouthAssistanceofficeat(248)203-4300andspeaktoourOfficeManager,DiedraRighterorourcaseworker,NikkiKeller.Iwouldbemorethanhappytospeakpersonallywithanyonethatmightbeinterestedinmakingadifferenceinonechild’slife,onedayattime.Icanbecontactedatanytime,aswell:(248)758-9900.Allittakesis“alittlenudge”tochangethedirectionofachild’slife! Whiletheprogramrequiresasmallcommitmentoftime,thosehourswillcertainlymakeanenormousdifference in a youth’s life. I believe there are more than equal benefits to the mentor in making acontributiontoayouthandhelpingthemachievetheirfullpotential.

David R. Walker, Chair, Mentors Plus

Mentors Plus

8 BYA 2013-2014 Annual Report

OaklandCountyYouthAssistancehasbeendedicatedtotheprevention of juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglectsince 1953. Twenty-six offices in Oakland County provideprogramstoserveyouthandtheirfamilies,undertheauspicesof the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division. YouthAssistanceprogramsworkbecausetheyarecommunitybasedanddevelopedbyvolunteerswhohavetheirfingersonthepulse

ofthecommunity.TheCountyofOaklanddoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofdisabilityinadmissionor access to its programs,activitiesorservicesas requiredbyTitle IIof theAmericansWithDisabilitiesActof1990.TheCountyofOaklandisanEqualEmploymentOpportunityEmployer. BirminghamYouthAssistancehasbeenanon-profitcommunity-basedserviceorganizationcommittedtoyouthandtheirfamiliesthroughavarietyofprogramsandresourcessince1962.BYAoperateswiththesponsorshipandgenerosityoftheOaklandCountyCircuitCourt—FamilyDivision,aswell as the City of Birmingham, the Villages of Beverly Hills, BinghamFarms,andFranklin,andtheBirminghamPublicSchools.PrinciplefundingissuppliedthroughtheOaklandCountyBoardofCommissioners.

About Youth Assistance

2014 Touch-A-Truck

Birmingham Youth Assistance wishes to thank

The First United Methodist ChurchThe Community House in Birmingham

Birmingham Public SchoolsBingham Farms Elementary

Berkshire Middle SchoolSeaholm High School

The Early Childhood Centerfor providing space for meetings

and BYA programs.

VILLAGE OF BEVERLY HILLSChris Wilson, Village ManagerTim Mercer, Council President

Walter Briggs, President Pro-TemGreg Burry, Council Member

Brian LaFerriere, Council MemberJacqueline Kelly, Council Member

John Mooney, Council MemberJon Oen, Council Member

VILLAGE OF BINGHAM FARMSKathryn Hagaman, Village Clerk

Jeffrey Modell, PresidentMel Ettenson, President Pro-Tem

Jeff Douville, TrusteeLarry Freedman, TrusteeCarl Grenadier, TrusteeRodger Kesley, Trustee

Dorothy Warren, Trustee

VILLAGE OF FRANKLINJim Creech, Village AdministratorJames Kochensparger, PresidentPam Hansen, President Pro-Tem

Brian Gordon, TrusteeJudy Moenck, TrusteeTom Morrow, Trustee

Ed Saenz, TrusteeMike Seltzer, Trustee

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dr. Daniel Nerad, SuperintendentSteve Scheidt, Board President

Geri Rinschler, Board Vice-PresidentChristopher Conti, Board TrusteeMichael Fenberg, Board Trustee

Susan Hill, Board TrusteeRobert Lawrence, Board Trustee

Lori Soifer, Board Trustee

CITY OF BIRMINGHAMJoseph Valentine, City Manager

Scott Moore, MayorStuart Lee Sherman, Mayor Pro-Tem

George Dilgard, CommissionerRackeline J. Hoff, Commissioner

Tom McDaniel, CommissionerMark Nickita, Commissioner

Gordon Rinschler, Commissioner

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Michael J. Gingell, ChairpersonBill Dwyer

Marcia GershensonNancy QuarlesShelley G. Taub

2014-2015 Calendar of EventsSaturday, December 6, 2014

Breakfast with Santa at The Community House in Birmingham

Sunday, February 8, 2015 The Kids’ Dog Show

at Berkshire Middle SchoolWednesday, April 22, 2015

Youth in Service Appreciation at The Community House in Birmingham

Saturday, May 15, 2015 Touch-a-Truck

at Bingham Farms Elementary School

Look for us at Day on the Town and the Birmingham Farmer’s Market

in the Kids Zone!For more information visit our website at

www.birminghamyouthassistance.org

2014-2015 BYA Calendar of Events & Sponsors

OAKLAND COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT FAMILY DIVISION

Hon. Lisa Gorcyca- Presiding Judge, Family Division

Hon. Mary Ellen BrennanHon. Linda S. Hallmark

Hon. Cheryl A. MatthewsHon. Karen D. McDonaldHon. Elizabeth Pezzetti

Hon. Joan E. Young