March 2012 - Youth Consultation Service

YCS Header:Layout 1 2/21/12 12:46 PM Page 1INSIDEMASTHEADYear in ReviewA Publication of Youth Consultation Service • Serving children, youth and families in New Jersey since 1918March 2012Students from In the Spotlight dancestudio perform at a benefit for YCS

Schedule of Events for 2012YCS Board of TrusteesYCS System Inc., Foundation Board,and Youth Consultation Service Inc.Dominick D’Agosta, ChairJoan Hickey, Foundation ChairRichard Mingoia, President and CEOCharles Adornetto. Jr.Beth BaroneDominick BrattiMichael BroderNancy DweckBruce EgertWalter EndersKaren FeldmanEllen JacobsElliot KoplitzBernie KosterMindy Michaels-RothHerbert OuidaFaye SamuelsLeslie SchlesingerVirginia SheaVanessa TylerJohn UzziDavid WebsterEx OfficioCharles DiPietro, Chair CRACDon Trichon, Chair NRACKomedy for KidsSaturday, March 31stWine tasting at the BrownstoneThursday, May 10thBlossoms Art Exhibit OpeningSaturday, May 19thFore the Kids Golf OutingMonday, June 7thFestival of FlavorsMonday, October 29thWalkstockFallTexas Hold ‘EmSaturday, September 23rdGerry Cooney Amateur Fight Night BenefitSaturday, November 10thFor more details, please visit ycs.orgYCS has been caring for children since 1918. As NewJersey's leading, private, non-profit provider of behavioralhealth and social services, YCS offers hope to the state’smost vulnerable children (birth-25) in its special educationschools, autism centers, foster care, therapeuticresidences, homes for the developmentally disabled andcommunity-based services.Our MissionTo partner with at-risk and special needs children, youthand young adults to build happier, healthier,more hopeful lives within families and communities.www.ycs.orgRichard MingoiaPresident/CEOHeadquarters235 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601Tel: (201) 678-1312Newsletter staffJanis Nicolosi-Endo, writer/designerFrances Spiegel, editor© 2012 YCS Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.May not be reproduced without the written permission of YCS.New trustees look forward to their rolesas spokespersons for the YCS FoundationYCS trustees appointed Bruce Egert and Charles Adornetto,Jr. to the Foundation Board at the beginning of 2011.Mr. Egert is the principal of his law firm that concentrates onpersonal injury, real estate investment and general businessmatters. He serves on the boards of Jewish Family Serviceof Bergen County, Temple Emanu-el of Closter, New JerseyDivision of the Anti-Defamation League and the MeltonAdvisory Council.Mr. Adornetto has worked in the field of finance andbanking for nearly 30 years and has a wealth of experienceworking with non profits. He is currently Senior VicePresident, Commercial Lending at Capital One Bank inEdison, New Jersey.2

President’s MessageThe first thing you may notice, when you receive this year’s newsletter is the increase insize and new vertical format. We made this decision to accommodate all the importantnews we wanted to share with our colleagues and supporters. As you probably know,over the past few years, we have worked very hard to establish Sawtelle residential andin-home services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities andco-occurring behavioral challenges. To date we have opened six homes across the statethat are operating at full capacity. We have also laid the groundwork for several additionalresidences. (See page 11)However, the real news is not in the numbers, but in the positive outcomes that have encouraged all of us over the pastyear. On page 5 read about a mother who desperately tried to get correct medical help for her acutely autistic son whowas diagnosed with diabetes. It was not until she was referred to YCS and met with our pediatrician and medical teamthat she was able to get the care for her son that she needed.Then there are the Sawtelle In-Home Care families who feel they have gotten a small measure of their lives back. Theyhave fought hard to keep their children at home while putting their personal lives on hold. With the support of in-homeaides, they are receiving well deserved respite. The additional behavior interventions carried out in their homes areresulting in improvements in the children’s behaviors. (See page 4)In this issue, you also can read about one very special volunteer Ann Hearn, who has given of her time and talents toreach the hearts of over 400 children and teens in every YCS southern region residential facility (page 11) and thepersonal victories of Jonathan, Benito and Sharay, three teenagers from different programs.I have always believed in the heart and professional work ethic of our staff and the resiliency of our children to healgiven the right environment and care. The experiences in this issue reaffirm my belief and my hopes for the future.I hope they will also inspire you.Richard MingoiaPresident and CEOOn a typical day, YCS serves more than 1,700 childrenThis represents an increase of 13 percent over the past two yearsSawtelle Services include Sawtelle Learning Centers, residentialprograms and in-home care. Community programs include out-patientclinical/counseling services, day treatment /education centers,in-home counseling and case management.3

YCS Sawtelle In-Home Behavioral Support Programhelps children reach their potential while giving families respiteSince we began receiving in-home supportfor our son, a healthy balance hasbeen restored to our family life. Withour aide’s help, we can now go outtogether as a family. It is reassuring toknow our aide will be there for our son.He has become a part of our family.This past year, the YCS Sawtelle In-Home Behavioral Support Program hastaken root throughout the state and is now serving families whose childrenhave acute behavior issues associated with their developmental disabilities.The program’s goal is to assist families with the intensive care their childrenneed so they can be maintained in their homes and in the community.Jenny DePaul's six year old son Kentel was diagnosed with severeautism when he suddenly stopped talking at three and a half. Hiscondition deteriorated to the point where he was no longer able togive his family physical clues to tell them what he wanted.According to Ms. DePaul, he had no sense of danger and she wasafraid he would hurt himself.After a brief hospitalization for children on the autism spectrum inBaltimore, Maryland, Kentel was able to return home. He wasenrolled in the YCS Sawtelle Learning Center and referred tothe Sawtelle In-Home program.“Our behaviorist coordinates the treatment plan designed by thehospital with our family, the school and our aide. We are all onthe same page,” says Ms. DePaul.Although Ms. DePaul was warned by one of Kentel's doctors thathis condition may never improve or could even deteriorate, Kentelis making progress. “He has just begun to point when he wantssomething at home and is beginning to use a picture book tocommunicate at school,” says Ms. DePaul. “Before my son wasonly able to sit in class for a minute or two. Now he is able tofollow his treatment plan and sit for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.”Sawtelle employs family-friendly, sensitive, behavioral techniquesthat rely on positive reinforcement. The use of mechanicalrestraints and aversive techniques is strictly prohibited.A report from the frontlinesThe in-home plan varies for each child according tothe his or her abilities and interests, and the family’sneeds. A regular schedule and consistent behavioralplan is key to the one-on-one program’s success.“It is important to listen to a client and show himthat I am interested in the things that he likes,” sayssupport aide, Chris Mahoney. Mahoney, aprofessional musician, has tapped into two clientsinterest in music. He’s teaching one boy how toplay the piano, and another boy is acquiring a senseof rhythm while learning simple dance moves.Support aide Anthony Baskins used basketball toreach 12 year old Scott when his parents expresseda desire for their son to be more physically active.They had a basketball hoop in the yard, but Scottwas not interested, according to Baskins. “Weincorporated basketball into Scott’s treatment planand now he looks forward to playing every day.”Scott is more receptive to other outdoor activities.Baskins and Scott have begun playing soccer andtaking short walks in the community.When I look into your eyesExcerpted from a poem Quiana wrote to herself.Quiana is one of the first clients accepted intothe Sawtelle Buffalo Ave. residence, aftertransitioning from a residence in NewHampshire. Quiana is grateful to be back inher home state and closer to family. “It is realnice and quiet here. I am able to think andwrite poetry.”When I look into your eyes, I’m nothing but surprised. I know about your pastAnd how it didn’t last, how you got hurt, burnt, abused and used and I bet you’re confusedYou deserve better if not always and forever. You said you didn’t careBut you couldn’t bear, isn’t it such a scare?Let me into your life and I’ll show you that I care.Like an endless dream I’ll always be there. I know you’re busy but please make timeForget about the past and look to the future,I know you’re not ready and I’m not trying to push you.Just wanting to let you know I’m with you.Sawtelle Buffalo Avenue residence for young adults opened in June 20114

I finally found a doctor who listened to meand trusted my instincts as a motherFor nearly three months Eryne Feggins watched her son’s physical healthdeteriorate and behavior spiral out of control as she faced a wall of resistancefrom doctors. It all began when her son Zakee, who has acute pervasivedevelopmental disorders, was prescribed zyprexa to control his behavior.Ms. Feggins thought her son showed symptoms of diabetes after takingthe medication for two weeks, because he suddenly became lethargic and losthis appetite. When she could not get the prescribing physician to believe her, shetook Zakee to the Mercer Hospital emergency room. Ms. Feggins recalls that ittook eight people to hold her 15 year-old son down so they could give him ablood test. His blood sugar spiked to 1003 and he was soon after transferred toSt. Peter’s Hospital.During his 47 day stay at the hospital, Zakee was heavily medicated to control hisbehavior while being treated for diabetes. At Ms. Feggins insistence, Zakee wastaken off of zyprexa. However, the medical staff could find no proof that thissudden onset of diabetes was caused by the medication. Feeling hopeless andmarginalized, Ms. Feggins turned to State Senator Shirley Turner for help. Thesenator contacted the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities who in turnreferred Zakee’s case to YCS.YCS’ CommitmentTo Every Child’s Physical Well BeingAlthough children are referred to YCSresidences for treatment related to theirbehavioral health issues, it would bemisguided to overlook the relationshipbetween their mental health and physicalwell being, according to YCS presidentRichard Mingoia.“We have full time pediatricians on staff totreat the whole child, and 24/7 nursing careat a facility to monitor children with acutephysical ailments” says Mingoia.Zakee was discharged to YCS Sawtelle Hall. With access to 24/7 medical careand one-on-one care, YCS pediatrician Peter Cardiello was able to monitorZakee’s medical progress.“Dr. Cardiello was the first person to validate my concerns,” said Ms. Feggins.“He told me that the medication could have caused Zakee’s pancreas to shutdown, and assured me that they would take the best care of him.”With patience and understanding, the medical team was able to communicatewith the frightened youth. Over time, he no longer fought over his blood test orinsulin injections.“When I learned that Zakee was able to prick his own finger to test his bloodsugar level, I cried,” said Ms. Feggins. “This accomplishment was beyondanything that I could have ever imagined.”At Sawtelle Hall, Zakee was treated for his medical condition and his autism.Once his condition was stabilized, he was able to attend the YCS SawtelleLearning Center during the day. Over the next six months, Zakee’s diet wasmodified and his medications adjusted as his behavior improved. His blood sugarlevels gradually returned to normal and by the end of the year, Dr. Cardiello wasable to tell Ms. Feggins that her son was no longer diabetic.Ms. Feggins praises the YCS medical team, and the staff at Sawtelle Hall andLearning Center for always including her in the treatment plan and daily progressof her son. “I am so grateful for the way they have taken care of Zakee. They callme every single week and update me on the smallest details.” Because Zakee’smom lives in south Jersey and is unable to travel up north, the staff has takenZakee home for day visits. With the assistance of an aide, Zakee enjoyedThanksgiving and Christmas with his mother, and younger brother and sister.Zakee will soon be transitioned into a residential program near his home.Children have been admitted to YCS withvarious ailments including diabetes,asthma, sickle cell and heart conditions.Older youth may have undiagnosed STDs.All ailments regardless of their severity canhave an effect on their behavior.Dr. Peter Cardiello, former northern regionpediatrician who has recently been namedVP, Assistant Medical Director, saysYCS medical care is akin to “a medicalhome model.”“By being the child’s primary pediatrician,I can provide comprehensive care, monitormedications and consult directly with anyoutside specialists.”However, Dr. Cardiello emphasizes theimportance of the entire YCS medicalteam. “Our entire medical team of psychiatrists,RNs, APNs and clinical personnelworks in unison to provide the mostcomprehensive care.”Dr. Cardiello visits the residences on aweekly basis or more, and sees the childrenwhen they are well and sick. This level ofcare makes YCS special, according toSharon Mason Bell, M.D, Sr. VP/MedicalDirector.5

A young woman finds hope for the futurein the place she least expectedWhen 19 year old Sharay talks about the future, her eyes light up. he soft spokenteen is eager to return to her old school and have greater independence at the newYCS Sawtelle group home in Sewell. It’s a move she has been working very hardto make.In November of 2010, Sharay was admitted into the YCS Emergency Diagnostic Reception Unit(EDRU) in Newark. It’s hard to believe this composed young lady when she says she was “horrible” duringher first six months at the program. “I’m from south Jersey so I was afraid of being in Newark…I gave the staff a veryhard time, and wouldn’t listen to anybody.” Sharay admits that she is very sensitive and would overreact when her feelingswere hurt. According to her clinician Seby George, within the first few months Sharay had more than a dozen episodes thatresulted in visits to a hospital crisis unit.With constant clinical support and warm encouragement from the EDRU team,Sharay began to trust in herself and those who were helping her. “Sharay loves tohelp others,” said George. With intensive therapy, Sharay’s behavior stabilizedand she was given the opportunity to earn extra allowance for doing chores onthe unit. For several hours each week, Sharay worked alongside the householdstaff and helped out in the office when needed. She did so well that she wasoffered a job doing light clerical work for the YCS training department in EastOrange. At first she had a one-on-one mentor, but quickly graduated to workingon her own.Yvonne Montemurro, YCS assistant director of training, describes Sharay as thedream employee. “She’s punctual, focused, follows directions, asks questionswhen unclear about a task, and completes every assignment.”Sharay has also been participating in the YCS Youth Group. The youth groupwas formed by Montemurro to assist adolescents in YCS residential facilitiesexpand their range of social experiences and prepare for independence.Adolescents who have demonstrated maturity and self-control are given theprivilege to meet twice a month for dinner and special workshops.Sharay (right) with other members of theYCS Youth Group prepared desserts andserved guests at the YCS Festival ofFlavors benefit in November. “I was soproud to be chosen,” says Sharay. “Inever did anything like that before. I wasafraid at first, but everyone was so nice.”Sharay beams when she talks about the progress she’s made and the earnings that she has been able to save. Reflecting onthe past and how far she has come. Sharay says, “The old Sharay gave everybody a hard time and had to be restrained. Thenew Sharay can control her anger. I like the new Sharay. I get to do more fun things like going to the movies or bowling.”George is confident that Sharay will continue to make strides at the Sawtelle step-down program. “She understands herstrengths and weaknesses…she loves to work and is eager to help anyone who needs it...Her greatest strength is her empathyfor others and the genuine value she places on friendship.”YCS EDRUSince its opening in 2007, the YCS Emergency Diagnostic Reception Unit (EDRU) at Grace Hall in Newark, hasprovided intensive, short term, medical and psychiatric care to over 400 youth in crisis who have exhausted allother placement options. Once a full evaluation is completed, and the adolescents are stabilized, the EDRUclinical team develops an appropriate treatment plan so that the youth can transition into a more permanentprogram or return home.6

New Culture Competency InitiativeEnriches sensitivity and promotes bettercommunication between clients and staffHow do you survive if you hear perpetually that whoyour are, what you look like, & where you come fromis not acceptable, good or even valued? asks AyanaDaSilva, YCS’ first cultural competency liaison.“The issues of difference are blaring yet we minimizeits affects on individuals, communities and societies,”says DaSilva. In her experience as a counselor at theYCS Dr. Helen May Strauss Clinic, DaSilva has foundthat many of the children and families she serves feeldisenfranchised and are particularly affected byeconomic, social and cultural disparities.“It’s important that we learn to see others withrespect,” says DaSilva.In her role as cultural competency liaison,DaSilva has developed trainings and workshopsfor clients and staff, focusing on key issues suchas ethnicity, cultural identity, race, gender, andthe inherent values of diversity and respect.2011 Blossoms Scholarship recipient’sartwork is exhibited atPalisades Park LibraryFort Lee Education Center (FLEC) senior student, BenitoFlores, was the winner of the 2011 Blossoms Arts Scholarship.The body of Benito’s artwork was too extensive to beshown in full at the exhibition. So, FLEC arranged for a soloshow of his work, called Beni’s ArtLife, at a local library.A photo gallery of all his work can be seen on ycs.org“This show has given me more confidence in myself, andopened up a new adventure in my art life,” says Benito. Overthe summer Benito used the scholarship to take two coursesat the Fashion Institute of Technology. “I had an amazingtime and wonderful experience at FIT.” Benito is currentlyworking full time as a silk screen printer.To view all the artwork displayed at the exhibit, please visit ycs.orgNew YCS Publicationaims at nourishing familiesI was selected for the ELS program sixmonths ago. I’m doing clerical work at theYCS Foundation three days a week. Thepeople at the Foundation treat me like I’mpart of the team - not like a kid in from aprogram. It motivates me to do better andmakes me want to help others.Jonathan Gonzalez, 20STAR programThe Essential Life Skills (ELS) program offersjob preparedness experiences to adolescentswho are working towards independence byproviding internships at various YCS offices.This program relies entirely upon privatefunding for its continuation.The YCS Parent Satisfaction Committeehas been exploring ways to engage thefamilies of children in our residences.“It is not unusual for a parent to feelalienated or disempowered because theirchild has required residential care,”says William Waller, YCS VP andcommittee chair. “We want thefamilies to know that we care aboutthem and are here to help them remainconnected with their children.”To bridge the gap and show parents that they are valued, YCShas created the “Keep My Family Close” newsletter. Thenewsletter is a bridge between the parents and our agency sowe can more effectively meet the needs of the children andfamilies. It is filled with tips to help caregivers distress as wellas practical advice on communicating with their children andnavigating the system of care.7

A Sampling of Events Hosted by our CorporatePartners and Friends*Sony Golf Outing dedicated to helpingchildren at YCSYCS is more than just an organization that cares for children, it's an extensionof our hearts. Sony has many wonderful traditions, but none are as importantas Sony people giving to their communities. We'll continue to support YCS andthe great work they do. We're just so honored by this partnership.Paul Spitale, Senior VP, SonyActor Jon Voight (r) uses his star power toraise funds on the stock market at BGCCharity Day event held in memory of allthose who lost their lives on 9/11. Boxinglegend Gerry Cooney (back) and YCSTrustee Vanessa Tyler represented YCS asone of the designated charities.Panasonic volunteers spent a day sprucingup a residence and outfitting it with newPanasonic entertainment centers, furnitureand more. Paterson Mayor Jeffrey Jones (l)stopped by to thank the volunteers.Students and alumni from In the Spotlight dancestudio performed at two sold out shows to benefitYCS. They were joined by dancers who competedin the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance.YCS welcomes a new partnerWPU VolleyballMary Ann Collura TournamentHAPI Fdn. (Hoop-A-Paluza ) hasnamed YCS one of its recipientsfrom this year’s fundraisingactivities. HAPI volunteers havealso rolled up their sleeves andhelped out at two of our residences.Friends of YCS, in pursuit of establishinga permanent camp for children at YCS,sponsored the 7th Annual Walkstock,”formerly known as Walk for YCS.* We wish there was more space so we can thankeveryone who has been so generous and done somany kind acts for our children. Please visit ycs.orgnewsletter archives for additional events.William Paterson University volleyballcoach Sandy Ferrarella hasorganized a high school tournamentat the campus for 33 years. Whenher dear friend Officer Mary AnnCollura died in the line of duty in2003, Ferrarella named the tournamentin her honor and used thegames as a way of raising funds fora worthy charity. In 2011, YCS wasselected as the receiving charity.“Mary Ann loved children andwould go out of her way to help achild in need. It is only right that wefulfill her dream that every child isimportant,” says Ms. Ferrarella.8

Ann Hearn’s talents as a quilt maker and storytellerbrings joy and comfort to hundreds of children at YCSgroup homes in southern JerseyEvery Sunday morning, when the children at the YCS Cedarbrook group home hearthe knock on the door, they immediately jump into action. Someone shuts the TVand they all take a seat in the living room. It’s story time with Ms. Ann. For the past few years, Ann Hearn has faithfullyvisited the home every Sunday morning. “I hope by reading to them I can transport the children out of the day-to-day routineand into the world of a story,” says the former school teacher, professor and Peace Corp volunteer.On a recent visit she brought The Quilt Maker's Gift – a beautifully illustrated tale about a selfish king who learns the joy ofsharing from a wise, caring quilt maker. The children are mesmerized and stop Ms. Hearn several times to ask questions.The story may be a fable, but for all the children in eight YCS southern region residences, Ms. Ann is the real wise andgenerous quilt maker. With the help of about 20 fellow quilters, Ms. Hearn has sewn quilts and pillow shams for more than 400children over the past eight years. The quilts are intended to help newcomers to a residence to feel more at home.Before distributing the quilts, Ms. Hearn talks about their meaning and tells the children that each quilt is unique just like them.After the children choose a quilt, she writes their names on the fabricso they know it is theirs to keep forever. “I wish the world could hearthe discussions as the children make their final choices,” says Ms.Hearn.The Great Story TellerIn the beginning, Ms.Hearn would drive longdistances to present thequilts to the children ateach group home. Morerecently, all the newarrivals meet Ms. Hearn atthe Somerdale office.When asked to recall a memorable moment, Ms. Hearn replied,“…when I put the quilt around the shoulders of a big teenage boywho was trying to look tough, and I felt his shoulders relax.”When I first met Ms. Ann Hearn she was verynice. She gave me a quilt and read us verygood books like The Grinch That StoleChristmas. Ms Hearn visits Cedarbrook everySunday at 10am and all the children lookforward to her coming. I thing we enjoy itthe most when we get a new kid in theprogram and she brings them a new quilt. Ms.Hearn is the best reader ever. I think peoplethat love to read should come to listen to thisfabulous woman.KP, 11 years old“Ms. Hearn really understands the children and knows how to relate to them, says Yovonda McKever, Cedarbrook siteadministrator. “It is not always easy and their behavior at times can be challenging, but Ms. Hearn never gives up. Thechildren know they can count on seeing her every week.”Have you ever considered becoming a one-on one mentor, or have a talent you can share with the children? There aremore than 450 children in YCS residences throughout New Jersey, only a few are fortunate enough to have mentors.To find out how you can become a mentor please visit our website at ycs.org or contact Kathy Mongon atkmongon@ycs.org. If you prefer to speak to her directly, please call 201-678-1312.9

Former NY Knicks starpoint guard John Starks(above) attended theouting. Golf chairChuck DiPietro (l)gives out prizes.10th AnnualFore the KidsGolf InvitationalHighlights of YCS Events in 2011Thea Bry Award presented atInstitute ConferenceYCS President Richard Mingoiapresents the Thea Bry Award toLiz and Tom Kelsey, founders ofthe Linden Foundation for theirdedicated support of the motherbabyprogram at YCS.Raffle winners show off their prizesat the 2nd Annual Casino Nightsponsored by the Northern RegionAdvisory Council.Texas Hold’em Tournamentsponsored by the Central Region Advisory Council12th AnnualFestival of FlavorshonoreesHerb & Andrea Ouida and theTodd Ouida Children’s FoundationBritcher, Leone & Roth LLCThanks for being therewhen our children need you!Whether we put out an emergency call for new sheets and bedding for the children in our residences, need yourhelp to fulfill our children’s Secret Santa wishes, or ask for support for our annual camp appeal, you are alwaysthere. It is reassuring to know we can depend on you to provide the essential little extras that mean so much toour children and families.10

In 2011, YCS laid the groundwork for new programs and services that will ultimatelyhelp more at-risk families and children with special needs throughout New Jersey.Here is a preview of what’s on the horizon.YCS makes new strides in programmingfor the developmentally and intellectually disabledThe Department of Developmental Disabilities awardedYCS a contract to open up an emergency unit for children,ages 6 - 17, in Somerset County. The ECS (EmergencyCapacity System) program is designed to help childrenwith developmental disabilities and severe challengingbehaviors who exhausted all other options and are in crisis.At the ECS, children can re-establish their physical andemotional equilibrium as well as receive a comprehensivebio-psycho-social health assessment. This program is modeledafter the successful Emergency Diagnostic TreatmentCenter that YCS has operated in Newark since 2007.Sawtelle Services opens two new homesin southern JerseyYCS Sawtelle will open two new residentialprograms in the southern region of New Jersey bylate winter. The first is a permanent home for fivemedically fragile developmentally disabled youngadults in Delran. A second home has been approvedin Sewell as a step down program for four adolescentgirls currently receiving treatment at YCS psychiatrictreatment programs. This transition will give thegirls a chance to develop independent living skills.New collaborations insure that young adults withdevelopmental disabilities receive lifetime careMany of the children in our DD programs will continueto need care throughout their lifetime. YCS has beenlooking toward the future of children with developmentaldisabilities, and has begun collaborating with Our House,a NJ non-profit that provides employment, transition andresidential services to individuals with disabilities, tohelp promote programs for our young adults withdevelopmental disabilities.“We plan to continue to share our skills to work towardour common goals of helping these individuals leadfulfilling lives,” says Mingoia.Mother/Baby residence for at-risk adolescents opensthis spring in Monmouth CountyDepartment of Children and Families (DCF) hasawarded YCS a grant for $944,000 to provide 24/7care for six adolescent moms and their new babies ina home-setting. Young mothers, ages 12 to 18 whoqualify for the program, will continue their highschool education while participating in counselingsessions as well as mother and child relationship basedtherapies.The holistic approach to helping each new momdevelop a healthy nurturing relationship with her babyincludes massage therapy and instruction on theBrazelton approach to parenting.New Day Charter High School opensin Newark this SeptemberUnder the leadership of YCS senior administrators, MarcWurgaft, Phil DeFalco, and Barbara Markell, the NewDay Charter School Board is preparing for the openingof an alternative high school in Newark for 100 students.Using an integrated, project-based 21st century skillscurriculum that is aligned with the NJ Core CurriculumContent Standards, the focus will be for students todevelop healthy lifestyle skills to achieve personalresponsibility and wellness.Infused throughout the curriculum will be developmentallyappropriate strategies to prevent many destructivebehaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people,including underage drinking, substance abuse, tobaccouse, risky and impaired driving, bullying, teen violenceand obesity.11

235 Main Street, 3rd floorHackensack, NJ 076012011 Year in ReviewIn This IssuePresident’s Message p. 3Sawtelle Services p. 4Being a YCS supporter is such a blessing.As a volunteer, I try to show each child Imeet that I really care about them. Whena child’s face lights up with a smile, myheart overflows with joy. It is more thanwords can express.Edna LewitzPersonal Victory p. 6Events p. 8 & 10Volunteer Profile p. 9Looking ahead p.11On the cover: Dr. Peter Cardielloand Deanna DeStefano, LPNEdna Lewitz has been a devoted YCS supporter for more than 11 years.As a proud volunteer, she makes sure that every child at several residentialfacilities gets the birthday cake of his or her wishes. Edna shares her passionwith others and has introduced many new supporters to YCS, who like Edna,have taken on the YCS mission as their own.