Circle C Annual Report 10-11_WEB.indd

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Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group Homes. Circle C’s residential group home programs include the Carrick House designed for younger adolescent boys (ages 13-15) with a variety of emotional, social and developmental issues; the Patak House, which focuses on the needs of higher risk young men (ages 15-18) who are less likely to return home; the Oasis House, which offers treatment and life skills development to young women (ages 15-18), and the Euclid Supervised Independent Living Program, which provides life skills development to young men (ages 16-18) who focus on the skills necessary for a successful transition to living without extensive supports. All of the programs continue to emphasize the development of life skills - assisting each of our residents to systematically acquire the tools they will need for a successful transition to adulthood. Goals are set with consideration for both age and abilities. Assignments are designed to help kids master tasks that will enable them to function with more independence, and gain an improved sense of self-worth. Treatment Services. Most children who come into our care have a number of unaddressed needs which are identified soon after their arrival. Circle C’s treatment team assures that each child’s needs are assessed as quickly as possible. On-site case managers work with program managers and direct care staff to develop and execute an individualized treatment plan, and meet weekly to review their progress. Case Managers also work to restore family connections, even for those children who are unable to return home. The Medical Coordinator also works to arrange, facilitate and monitor hundreds of appointments to doctors, dentists, optometrists, therapists, and other specialists each year. Education Services. Circle C’s education services encompass a range of programs to maximize our students’ opportunity and motivation before, during, and after school. Students usually attend public schools; and within district limits, we strive to get the most appropriate setting for each child. All of our programs promote education and post-secondary training as the path to self sufficiency and self determination. With good communication systems, we are able to guide and actively “parent” our youth. Our residents have a designated study hour, and a tutoring program which provides remediation and skill building in math and reading. Our Title I Summer School Program also offers invaluable enrichment and make-up credits. The Education Coordinator spends time researching and networking education and vocational opportunities; and takes juniors and seniors on visits to local college campuses, and career training programs so that they can visualize themselves walking those hallways and campus pathways. Transition Services. The RU Ready? Program helps to bridge the gap to adulthood. Staff provide nonresidential supportive services, education assistance and life skills instruction to 16-18 year olds in foster care, and to 18-21 year olds who have “aged out” of the child welfare system. Teens participate in two to three group activities monthly, in addition to one-on-one time with staff who help them acquire skills and learn resources they need immediately, and that will be useful for the rest of their lives. Staff work very hard to build lasting relationships with the youth. Even after they have aged out of the program, many continue to maintain relationships with staff. Their hard work and dedication is evident in the program participation. The most important thing I learned at Circle C is to be a better person. I don’t want to be another statistic. I would like to be the first person in my family to graduate high school, to attend college, and to be the first person to legally own a vehicle. Circle C has taught me to make better decisions. Marc (16)
Page 2 Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The R U Connected? Program engages transitionaged young adults and introduces them to valuable resources in Allegheny County. Former and current foster youth work in “Street Teams” to distribute information and resources. Team members are able to share their personal experiences, and offer opportunities to socialize in a fun atmosphere. The team members also participate in community service projects and entrepenual experiences; and make site visits to expand their knowledge of available resources. Participants receive a flash drive filled with resource and life skills information. Foster Care. Through the Designated Family Program, Circle C brings together a network of dedicated caregivers who are able to provide the intimate setting that only a family can offer. Our foster parents are often willing to open their homes at a moment’s notice—for both short and long-term care. During the past year, they continue to welcome new adolescent placements. A number of foster children have been adopted and several have reached the age of 18. Our families place an emphasis on the development of life skills and knowledge of local resources to help their kids make successful transitions to life beyond the support of the child welfare system. Their support is essential for their long-term success. Support from the Community. During the 2010-11 fiscal year, Circle C received grants from American Eagle Outfitters Foundation, Estelle Campbell Foundation, Google Community Grants Fund of Tides Foundation, Knudsen Foundation, Grable Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Weisbrod Foundation, Citizens Bank, Clapp Charitable & Educational Trust, Jackson Charitable Trust, Matthews Charitable and Educational Trust, McLaughlin Charitable Trust, Palumbo Charitable Trust, and the Patterson Charitable Fund. These grants provided residential program support, education program support, new computers and other technology improvements, furniture for residential programs, assistance for young adults establishing new living situations, a new commercial kitchen appliance, robotic kits for the summer school program, and children’s special needs. We are also very grateful to the many individuals, local companies, and groups who again provided vital support for Circle C’s fundraising initiatives: Jimmy Johns Construction, Northwest Savings Bank, First National Bank, Shields and Boris, Tonas Graphics, and Hoffman Kane Distributors were our valued underwriters of the 6th Annual Drowned Hogs Swim. We were privileged to have nearly 60 walkers help raise funds for our programs through the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Kudos to Highmark for organizing and paying for this event. Their generosity means that 100% of the proceeds are used to support the programs of the participating nonprofits. Our walkers raised $12,500! Koppers returned as the presenting sponsor for our annual music fundraiser, “Help Kids Lose the Blues.” Other major sponsors included: UPMC Health Plan, Highmark BC/BS, Pitt School of Social Work, Continental Laundry Systems, Rothman Gordon, P.C., and First Commonwealth Bank. We are also extremely grateful to over 30 church, employee and membership groups who joined in donating over 1,100 gifts to make sure that the kids at Circle C had extra special holidays. I’ve learned my lesson. I used to fight. I used to steal. I used to sneak outside and not come back. I wasn’t listening. And now I do good things. I am starting to move on. When I go back home, I am going to stay out of trouble, do the things I need to do. Travis (14)
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Circle C Annual Report 10-11_WEB.indd

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