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Transitions: A Rite of PassageVista Maria’s Transitions Program is a Supervised Independent Living program that operates in a group home setting on campus. An emphasis is placed on the practical application of self-management and functional independence.
Transitions was created for girls between the ages of 16–19 with the goal to live independently; with little or no functioning support system outside of the child welfare, or juvenile justice system and in circumstances when returning home or family reunification is not an option.
“We found that when the girls moved from a structured environment with supervision to a non-supervised environment—they couldn’t handle it. They weren’t ready for independent living.” — Karen Hall, Director of Quality / Shepherd Hall.
Transitions is the in-between step; the passage from residential placement to the community. It is designed to help adolescent girls successfully reintegrate into community independence. The program supervision team utilizes a strength-based, solution-focused transition to independence (TIP) model to facilitate the following goals: 1) Credit Recovery and/or successful High School completion, 2) Independent Living Skills, 3) 1st time employment (part-time/summer), 4) vocational training and 5) financial management and ultimately financial independence.
Transitions provides in-community opportunities for the girls; to increase
their independent thinking and living skills and practice these newly acquired skills before their placement in an unsupervised independent community. The program also includes substance use/abuse education and treatment through therapeutic support.
“This program is working for me! I’ve been in placement for 2 years and the fact that I can gain my independence is working for me.” — Transitions resident
VISTA MARIA NewS | FALL 2015 www.VISTAMARIA.oRg
Transition [tran-zish-uh n,]Noun
1. Change or passage from one state or stage to another2. The period of time during which something changes from one state or stage to another
VISTA MARIA NewS | SPRINg 2016
Continued on page 3
SPRINg 2016
Vista Maria News | sPriNG 2016 www.VistaMaria.orG2
Letter from the CEOSpring is all about new beginnings, but I need to start with a very special person who recently left us. Sr. Anna Wallette was an inspiration and guide to many of us on the Vista Maria team.
Her life was led with love and service to others. Sr. Anna was a woman of great zeal, strength and guidance. She taught many
of us the good Shepherd values, and she wasn’t shy about helping us to get back on track when we strayed. we will miss her dearly, but I know that our progress would bring a smile to her face.
our campus is full of activity with the sights, sounds, greenery and mud of spring! The sounds of laughter and play fill the air around our new therapeutic playground. we are grateful for the gift from genola wisner, and her daughters, as well as the Vista Maria introduction made by Board Advisor, John Selesko. Although the playground was just recently finished, the kids have already found their way to swing, climb, slide, run and play. So many of our children were forced to grow up too soon due to unhealthy adult experiences and the playground provides the opportunity to play and just be a child. Play is so simple yet so powerfully therapeutic. The significant secondary benefit is that the sound of play is uplifting and energizing to the Vista Maria staff.
You might have thought that I was referring to the playground when I mentioned mud. No, the mud is all around our New front entrance and building site for Myriam Hall. our front entrance experienced many upgrades including a deceleration
lane on warren Avenue, an employee bypass entrance, security house with improved facilities, a student drop off and pick up area, and enhanced security tools. The remaining improvements are final topcoat on the driveway, landscaping, foliage for the two large bio-swales and our name monument. By the way, the playground has a 64 by 67 foot pad foundation so that kids have a softer landing when jumping and no mud so play can continue even on the less than sunny days.
Myriam Hall reconstruction is also well underway. The walls, roof and windows are in place and the interior work begins. once complete, Myriam Hall will provide living space for eight 16–19 year old young women through our Transitions, a supervised independent living program. Similar to the Shepherd
Hall programming, the Transitions team will focus on helping youth to develop living skills, finish high school and establish healthy lifestyles. we are excited to offer the Transitions program on campus because some of our clients wait months to find a suitable independent living program. we phased the implementation of the Transitions Program in Dolores Hall and clients will re-locate to the Myriam building in July. The new building is designed so that an addition eight rooms can be added, If needed. we have also experienced growth in our wings program through which we provide healing, treatment, support and education for victims of human trafficking. we have added emergency intake processes and a stabilization program option. Through our volunteer networks, we have implemented expressive therapy options for clients so that they are able to effectively heal from their past experiences.
As always, we have new progress and programs to share with you. Yet, the most important point is to let you know that none of our progress would be possible without your support. Thank you for being a mission partner to serve children and families who have suffered abuse and neglect. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need us most.
Blessed by you,
Angela Aufdemberge
AS ALwAYS, we
HAVe New PRogReSS
AND PRogRAMS To
SHARe wITH You. YeT,
THe MoST IMPoRTANT
PoINT IS To LeT You
kNow THAT NoNe oF
ouR PRogReSS wouLD
Be PoSSIBLe wITHouT
YouR SuPPoRT.
Vista Maria News | sPriNG 2016www.VistaMaria.orG 3
Help support the girls in the Transitions ProgramAs the young ladies move in to the Transitions program, we supply them with Welcome Bags to get them started on their journey to independence. You can also help with this journey by donating the following items for their Welcome Bags:
• Twin XL sheet sets
• Twin size blankets or comforters
• Towel sets with bath sheet, hand towel and wash cloth
• Dish sets
• Pots and pans
• Cooking utensils
• Alarm clock
• Electric Razors
• Shower Caddies
• Water Bottles
Transitions program services include: treatment services, employment opportunities, educational enhancement classes, a case manager to support in life planning and links to other services. Additional resources offered are independent living training and classes, vocational testing and training, higher education assessment, spiritual support and counseling, aftercare outreach and support, volunteer mentors and coordination to other community-based resources. when appropriate,
efforts are made to sustain family affiliations, utilizing family finders to assist youth with identifying healthy family dynamics and interactions. Transitions staff is available on a 24/7 basis with a ratio that is commensurate with the program needs.
“I finally can have some independence. I never thought that being able to walk around campus without staff would be so fulfilling.” — Transitions Resident
It’s still early—the Transitions Program launched in January of 2016. The feedback from the girls has been insightful, and inspiring—confirming that the program is a necessary, engaging and impactful journey; a celebratory step towards independence—a rite of passage.
Transitions: A Rite of Passage
Folllow us! Like us! Share us!
Let’s be friends…
(Continued from page 1)
For more information or to schedule a drop off time for your
donations, please contact the Volunteer Resources team at
313-271-3050, ext. 289 or 260.
Twitter.com/VistaMariaorg Instagram.com/VistaMariaorgFacebook.com/VistaMariaorg
April 28, 2016The henry,
AuTogrAph ColleCTion
To regisTer, visiT www.visTamaria.org/celebraTingwomen • 313-253-2403
Corporate table $2,000 – Includes reserved dinner seating for 8, company named table signage, quarter page ad in program, verbal recognition at event, and sponsorship listing in the Vista Maria News.
Friend’s table $1,750 – Includes reserved dinner seating and access for 8 to the CEO’s Reception.
patron tiCket $300 – Includes delicious dinner, exciting silent auction, inspiring program, and access to the CEO’s Reception.
individual tiCket $175 – Includes delicious dinner, exciting silent auction, and inspiring program.
VIsta MaRIa’s 17th annual
Celebrating Women began in 2000 as a way to celebrate prominent women role models and the successes of girls at Vista Maria. The event highlights the contributions of women in society and reinforces the importance of supporting an agency that is devoted to healing the whole child and helping them to achieve life-long success.
For more information, contact: Lauren Elizabeth 313-253-2403 or [email protected].
Your gift is tax-deductable to the full extent permitted by law.
George Blaha’s 27th Annual
High HopesGolf Invitational
To register, visit www.vistamaria.org/highhopes or 313-271-3050 ext. 343
June 20th, 2016 at Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield Twp, MI 48322
Join us for great golf for a great cause!• Corporate Sponsorship opportunities available
• Foursome – $1,800, Includes golf, lunch and dinner for each golfer
• Hole Sponsor – $500
• Individual – $450, Includes golf, lunch and dinner
• Dinner only – $125, Enjoy a fabulous dinner with live and silent auctions
• For more information contact Derine McCrory, Manager of Marketing and Communications at (313) 271-3050 ext. 343 or [email protected]
Vista Maria News | sPriNG 2016 www.VistaMaria.orG6
Wings PrOgraM UPdaTE:
Carmen’s story Continues Carmen is no longer alone; she no longer feels as though she needs to run; she is starting to make plans for her future thanks to Vista Maria’s WINGS program.
Launched in early 2015, The wINgS program for victims of human trafficking provides safety, security and treatment to victims of human trafficking, like Carmen.
You may remember Carmen’s story from Vista Maria’s previous newsletter. Carmen has made significant progress in her treatment and is beginning to thrive again. She enjoys attending yoga, group therapy and working everyday with our caring staff to learn how to trust again and realize her own
self-worth. Special offerings like yoga, art therapy and self-esteem workshops are available thanks to our caring community partners, like Soroptomist International as well as many caring volunteers.
A special thanks to the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation, the Trott Foundation, the Sisters of the good Shepherd along with many more individual contributors for helping us build our treatment facility and bring the wINgS program to girls like Carmen.
Vista Maria continues to be at the forefront of all developments with regards to human trafficking and victim centered legislation and activism. For more information, updates and how you can help end human trafficking, please visit www.vistamaria.org.
Vista Maria had a banner year in 2015! over 2,500 volunteers visited our campus to share their time, talents and treasures. Their acts of altruism varied from working with our youth to helping keep our campus beautiful.
we are excited that 2016 is shaping up to surpass last year’s numbers. Special “THANkS” is extended to the 250 volunteers who have already joined us this year!
Are you interested in becoming one of our beloved volunteers? You can get started today, simply reach out to our Volunteer Resources team at 313-271-3050, ext. 289 or 260!
VOLUnTEEr
COrnEr
The Plymouth Kiwanis cooked a pancake dinner for our girls and the Journey to Success students. It was so good, the girls asked if they could come back the next day!
Students from University of
Michigan-Dearborn were on
campus for their MLK Day of
Service, helping put away Christmas
decorations and clean the Chapel.
The team from City Year was back on campus helping organize the Vista Boutique so our girls could have an excellent shopping experience.
Vista Maria News | sPriNG 2016www.VistaMaria.orG 7
Celebration of LifeSister Anna Jo Wallette, December 28, 1926, to January 4, 2016
The Vista Maria family was saddened by the passing of our beloved Sister Anna Jo wallette on January 4, 2016.
Sister Anna served at Vista Maria from 1988 until September 2008, when she moved to Pelletier Hall, our elder care community. She had been growing increasingly weaker until she peacefully slipped away. Sister Dorothy Doyle and two other sisters were with her as she went home.
Those of you who knew Sister Anna Jo will remember her out-going personality, wonderful ability to tell stories, strength of character, love for
our girls and the wonderful energy of zeal which encompassed all that she did.
As a family, we celebrated her life and shared memories with a simple memorial service. Vista Maria staff, both old and new, volunteers and agency friends gathered together to laugh, cry and honor our dear friend, who impacted so many lives.
It is never easy losing a member of the family however; we take great comfort in knowing she is at peace and watching over all of us. Sister Anna was an important part of
our lives, and we rejoice with her as she lives forever with god in glory.
Poetry Can Be Healing For the soulVOLUnTEEr
COrnErAt Vista Maria the girls are exposed to a variety of therapeutic art forms to help foster creative expression and healing. A collection of students displayed their talents through the development and publishing of a book titled, The Other Side of Me: Works Displaying the Courage and Resilience of the Girls at Clara B. Ford Academy.
This compilation of original poetry was produced as a precious revelation of self expression.
You can help support the enhancement of creative programming at Vista Maria, through the purchase of this publication. For more information contact Derine McCrory at [email protected] or 313-271-3050, ext. 343
Beautiful
By Tashiana, age 14, grade 8
My mom said I was beautiful,It meant so much to me.But when I looked in the mirror,there was nothing I could see.I asked her why she said that.I asked her why she lied.when I look in the mirror.There is much beauty inside.
We are
By Tierra R., age 17, grade 11
we are women of strengthwe have strength that no other can definewe are soldiers.our life starts on the battle fieldwe are hurting, waiting and wishingthat the light at the end of the tunnel will soon showwe are survivors, been beat downBut we still walk tall, tried to break us,
but we still didn’t budge.we are workers, workers that work hard for what they deservewe are beautiful flowers blooming into everything people said we would never bewe are all humans that deserve the respect as any other.we are champion’s everyday; it’s another battle we have defeatedwe are who we are…
(excerpts from “The Other Side of Me”)
If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 313-271-3050, ext. 343.
How to reach UsFor additional information on any of the articles in this issue, please contact the Marketing and Fund Development Department at 313-271-3050.
@ Nicole M. Lewis, Chief Marketing & Development officer, extension 304@ Lauren elizabeth, Manager of events, extension 190@ Becky Hermann, Manager of Volunteer Resources,
extension 114@ Derine McCrory, Manager of Marketing & Communications,
extension 343@ Mary Vogt, Manager of Corporate gifts and grant Compliance,
extension 165
Our Missionwe deliver innovative care, support, treatment and
education to vulnerable youth so that they heal, believe in their worth, and build the skills needed to succeed.
Our Visionwe will ensure that vulnerable youth and families are supported, prepared and equipped to achieve
lifelong success.
BOard OF dirECTOrs James gouin Board ChairDenise kurowski Vice Chair
Russell Agosta Treasurer
Lynn Quigley Secretary
Sr. Dorothy Doyle RGS Representative
James Bernacki
Norma Jean evans
Bradley gayton
Josie Hunwick
elizabeth James
Mary Beth kelly
Paul Morris
Patricia Pitts
Jeff Sokolowski
gregory Spinazze
Carol Taylor
Margaret warner
Mary williams
adVisOrs george Blaha (H) Hon. Daniel Paletko (H) william Swift (H) Deanna Arnott Dr. Mohammed Arsiwala kathleen Aznavorian Michelle Bain Andrew Behm Maria Bowles kevin Braye
evelyn Brown Cindie Bucks Dr. Barika Butler-Quarles Philip Cavanagh katherine Crossley Paul Dalpiaz Dr. Angelique Day Harold DubrowskyTammi DukesLaura eisele Donna england elaina Farnsworthermal Faulkner karen Harry-Tolbert Hon. Catherine HeiseDenise HendersonMaureen Huber Jumana Judehgerard kabzinskiHon. Mary Beth kellyAshley kuruvillaDr. gale LaRocheMichelle Lemerond Jeanne Martens william McCurdy Rebecca MerrimanShelia Minetola Magda Moss Michael Neel Tom Noltegail o’Brien erin Patrick Denise PowellShannon Quinn kelly Ramsey Jennifer ReyntjesColleen RiccintoDina Richard Sr. Janice Rushman Lisa Sasaki elizabeth Schmidt
John Selesko Beverly Stovall Thomas Sullivan Aaron Tate Marcey uday-Riley eileen Vernor Andrew Zaleski
EXECUTiVE LEadErsHiP Angela Aufdemberge President and CEO
kathy Regan Chief Financial Officer
Nicole M. Lewis Chief Marketing and Development Officer
Meredith Reese Vice President, Treatment Programs
Mary Treder-Lang Vice President, Development Programs
karen Hall Director, Quality Improvement
kelly Small Director, Strategic Initiatives
Judy willard Director, Human Resources
