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CEO Message William A. Metcalfe, Ph.D., LICSW Chief Executive Officer As I write these comments for this edition of our newsletter, I cannot help but focus on the exciting possibilities and changes that will occur for PATH during 2017. We are more than ready for these changes, having prepared for the past few years. As we look forward, we continue to explore new programs and new ways to more easily and securely deliver our services. “Change arrives in nature when time has ripened. There are no jagged transitions or accrued discontinuities. This accounts for the sureness with which one season succeeds another. It is though they are moving forward in a rhythm set forth within a continuum.” John O’Donohue. Like in nature, PATH has gradually studied where we need to go in the field, the services we need to provide, and we feel that we are in a very strong position to continue in the directions we have already established, and also to add new directions and new possibilities. Change of this type feels very natural and organic. It fits with our existing culture and rhythm. We look forward to a 2017 filled with new services, new partnerships, new and exciting ways of delivering services and renewing those services already in place. It is with this excitement and with this anticipation, I wish all of you a very happy and healthy New Year! Very Truly Yours, William A. Metcalfe, Ph.D. LICSW CEO, PATH ND Inc. Page 4
Celebrating Holidays Nancy McKenzie, BS, MS North Dakota Executive Director Once again, the holiday season is upon us, with all of its traditions and customs. We relish these times, partly because of the sense of belonging, the sense of family and memories they bring. A common phrase/song is: “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” Yet, as we know, for our youth in foster care these can be hard times. The article below is a helpful summary of tips for all of us to remember this season. Celebrating Holidays with Children Your Foster Reprinted with permission from Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, Inc. (www.wifostercareandadoption.org) Conflicting loyalties and lost dreams often make the holidays a difficult time for children in foster care. Just as studies show that holidays are stressful times for most of us, these reactions are compounded for youth placed in your home. Here are some suggestions for managing the holidays. How can my family make it easier for the children in foster care while they are in our home? • Talk about the season ahead of time. Talk about how your family celebrates the holidays. Tell children which of the traditional holidays your house recognizes. Is it Thanksgiving? St. Nick’s Day? Kwanzaa? Hanukah? Christmas? New Year? Or all of the above? Talking about the holidays gives children time to anticipate the upcoming activities and ask questions. • Help children in foster care imagine what to expect in your home. Much of what we assume to be commonplace can be new to the children you foster. • Share the religious meanings the holidays may have for your family. Talk about your family’s specific customs and activities. • Use this time of sharing to learn especially about the religious beliefs, customs, and activities of the children you foster. • Try to incorporate at least some of their traditions into your traditions. • Some parents try to keep the holidays low key in order to help minimize some of the stress. The holiday season gives us one more opportunity to find sensitive and supportive ways to help the youth in our care. Let’s all find ways to practice some of these suggestions to make the holidays just a little easier this year. Thanks for all you do, this season and throughout the year! Families Making the Difference
Page 1 and 2: Volume XXI, Issue VI December 2016
Page 3: Words from our President Kathy Elli
Page 7 and 8: Family Institue Fare Bill Kerzman,
Page 9 and 10: ND Post Adopt Network Groups By Son
Page 11 and 12: Foster Parent Acknowledgements Anni
Page 13 and 14: Employee Acknowledgements Anniversa
Page 15 and 16: Board of Directors Kathy Ellingson,

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