A Publication by PA Treatment & Healing

www.pathtochange.org

May 2009, Volume 1, Issue 19

From the President’s Desk..

Dad is Destiny

Father’s Day may be misnamed….I vote for it to be called Dad’s Day instead.  Why you ask? Because  there is a big difference between being a Father and being a Dad.  The former is biological, the latter emotional. Fathering is an act of nature. Being a Dad is all about nurture.  Without a doubt every child needs a Dad even if he might not be his or her biological father. A Dad is someone who’s there when a child needs him most, in good times and in bad.  Not just a provider to put a roof over the heads of his children or food on the table although, that is certainly a role of the father. It’s about being present and connected, placing the needs and interests of their children over their own.  Being a Dad is truly knowing your child inside and out.  It’s about wanting to spend time knowing them. Dads come in all ages and stages of life.  Grandfathers, uncles, cousins big brothers, counselors, caseworkers, teachers, coaches, and mentors can play Dad and have a huge impact at critical moments in a child’s life.  Foster and adoptive Dads are among the most special people because their gifts are often the timeliest in the life of a child.  Opening their doors and hearts to children whose needs are great and emotions fragile takes a certain brand of kindness, leadership and love.  Not many have the core values necessary to accept another’s child, and their issues as their own.  The absence of Dads in the lives of children, either physically, emotionally or both is certainly one of the most obvious factors in creating childhood stress, abandonment and insecurity in today’s youth.  There are many heroic moms that provide a phenomenal level of care, loving support and family leadership, children need more than one primary care-giver…they also need the influence that only a Dad can provide.                        

Statistics undeniably prove that when a child is not afforded the advantage of a loving and caring male role model, emotional problems are likely to occur.  Fathers need to know that they are crucial to a child’s success in life.  They need to understand how much they have the ability to positively or negatively impact the lives of their children. 

As we celebrate Dad’s day please pass this message along to all the “Dads” you know and thank them for showing up!  I close with this short but impactful story: After repeated requests, a busy Father, begrudgingly took the day off work to take his young son fishing. The Father noted the events of the day in his journal as: Wasted the whole day fishing with Jimmy. Didn't catch a thing. The boy's entry for the same day, in large scrawling letters, pressed deeply into the paper, read: Went fishing with my Dad. Best day of my life!                                                                      

 Remember To A Child, Love is Spelled T-I-M-E – and Dad is Destiny! 

From My heart to yours,

Jerilyn

Jerilyn A. Keen, M.A.

President

Board of Directors

Timothy Gage

Chairman  

Jerilyn Keen

President  

Joseph Pugliese

Director

Fred Martin

Director

Mary Tiffin-McGarrity

Director  

Chris Bingaman

Director

Dr. Chris Boyatzis

Director  

Gene McCarty

Treasurer

Erica Frey

Secretary

Advisory Committee

Jerilyn Keen

Scott Constantini

Stephen Gaito

Robert Vanderwall

William Rossnock

Joseph Talarico

Dr. Liz Ciaravino

Thomas Bell

William Weber

Larry Weidman

John Gigunto

Matthew Yonkin

Mental Health Director- Dr. Frederick Maue

Medical Director- 

Dr. Vikas Passi

Psychological Consultants

Dr. Matthew Emery & Associates

Dr. Antoinette Hamidian

Roger Smothers & Twin Tier Psych Services

Dr. Sara Camaerei

Lycoming Therapuetic Wrap Around Services, Inc.

Pamela McCloskey

Dr. Hugh Smith & Associates

Karen Livingood

Dr. Elizabeth Ciaravino

Dr. Jennifer Hartey

Dr. Kenneth Kindya

News from our Corporate Office…

This month Program Compliance Manager, Erica Frey and President Keen conducted a Clinical Supervisor’s training on May 13^th. The Clinical Supervisor from each center met to discuss and implement uniform policy and procedures for the Intensive Adolescent Program across all centers. They plan to meet again to implement further changes per the recent OMHSAS inspection. The Clinical Supervisors are excited for a scheduled work group date to update and develop new curriculum for the agency.

President Keen would like to congratulate the Clinical Supervisors and the Treatment team for the positive results that were reported by the staff of CCBH,OMHSAS, and the Children’s Bureau! Although we always have room for improvement, they were very impressed with our treatment efforts especially with the parents and families. Keep up the great work! Your efforts and dedication are shining through.

Michael Burns Program Manager of the Halfway House, will be attending an Safe Crisis Management training in June to become the 4th SCM trainer for PA Treatment & Healing (PATH). Bob Vanderwall and Eric Roberts attended a training this month to receive their recertification to continue being SCM trainers. 

This is “What’s Happening” at our Centers…

PATH - East Stroudsburg: Steve Gaito, Lisa Alfieri, and Dwight Evans presented the Path of Life Model to the Monroe County Juvenile Probation Department (MCJPD). Our Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment (IA) clients continue to focus on the Path of Life Model through group experience and sharing. The Alternative Education Program (AEP) students toured East Stroudsburg University (ESU) courtesy of our mentoring program, sponsored by the university. The tour included visiting several classrooms, a lecture hall, the fine arts building, physical education facilities, dorm rooms, and a lunch in the cafeteria with ESU students. The students all felt it was a learning experience and many want to follow through with some type of education after they graduate. The IA clients participated in “Keep PA Beautiful” day, a local event on Main St., and cleaned up garbage and prepared flower beds for spring planting.  

PATH - Honesdale: It is a bittersweet moment as we approach June. Some of our seniors in the Alternative Education Program (AEP) are on track to graduate. The final three students completed their senior projects and one of them took it a step further by organizing a fundraiser to help a local man with brain cancer. It was inspiring to see one of our students put someone else’s needs before their own. AEP students, who are doing well, have been rewarded with a breakfast, lunch, along with an ice cream social as an incentive to maintain positive behavior. AEP staff have discussed plans for an end of the year BBQ. Keep up the good work! Staff completed a group session on personal goals and learned to encourage clients to motivate and support one another in obtaining those goals. Clients who displayed motivation, encouragement, and support were rewarded with a pizza party. On Earth Day the clients completed a Community Service Project at Hawley Park. They were involved in removing trash from the park and assisted in cleaning up the streets in Hawley. Great Job! The Center has volunteered their time this summer by arranging picnics with the local senior citizens. They also requested additional information on community service opportunities from the local area Agency on Aging Office.

PATH - Middleburg: This month we want to congratulate one of our residents who obtained his spot on the honor roll for the 3rd marking period. Congrats Chris! We also congratulate Matt on his successful discharge on May 14th. Michele Barrows, D&A Facility Director and Michael Burns, Program Manager have been working hard marketing with the county to outreach about PATH. Spring has begun and like other centers the Halfway House has been outside working on beautifying the facility. The residents have worked hard at trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and making minor repairs to the Halfway House. As the school year comes to an end the residents will start their full-time jobs. This means that all Saturdays during the month of June are planned out, which helps the summer go quicker for the residents. Carrie Haney will be returning as a Teacher and assisting us this summer with academic groups and trips. Welcome back! The Middleburg residents had the pleasure of attending a “clean and sober” camping experience at Camp Charles in Bangor, PA over Memorial Weekend. They were in the company of 230 other recovering individuals. The residents truly had an enjoyable but therapeutic experience. They were embraced by the other campers and made to feel welcome. We believe they made some lasting connections to follow them once they return home. The residents hope to return to Camp Charles in the very near future.

PATH - Milton: The Milton Center staff has traveled to meet with referring agencies and providers to promote PA Treatment and Healing (PATH). Staff from the Milton Center were able to meet with the wonderful people of Northumberland County Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR). The MHMR workers asked questions and received some helpful feedback. Hopefully PATH will be able to provide much needed services to this agency. The Alternative Education Program (AEP) has worked on some interesting projects going into the end of the year. Teacher, Karen Heyler, had her students create models of plants and animal cells using nothing but edible foods. The students created backboard presentations to explain the cells they had to create. Teacher, Kurt Eck, taught physics class and provided the opportunity to build their own model rockets. This was to explain the physics lesson being taught and at the end the class had a rocket launch contest with awards going to the best performers. Several clients from the Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment Program (IA) assisted in beautifying the Center. The Milton Center received a donation of plants and shrubs from T.A. Horticulture Sales. Clients were taught how to prepare the ground for planting. They removed the old overgrown plants and replaced them with fine graded soil. The clients planted the various shrubs and plants they were given. The clients finished the project by laying mulch and watering the plants. Good work guys!

PATH - Scranton: The Scranton Center is busy preparing for the end of the school year. We will soon say goodbye to some of our seniors. We also say goodbye to a staff member, Michelle (Shelley) Ackroyd. Shelley formed great relationships with the students and staff. This month the Alternative Education Program (AEP) students participated in a basketball tournament. It was organized by PA Treatment and Healing’s AEP staff and students. They did a great job and enjoyed themselves!

PATH - South Montrose: The Center went through its annual Department of Public Welfare (DPW) inspection, which went well. Thanks to all the staff for all of their efforts in preparing for this event. Representatives from Children and Youth (C&Y) visited the Center to conduct a presentation for the students on goal-making. Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment (IA) clients that were on high status took a trip to the local park in celebration of a positive discharge. IA clients continue to enjoy stocking trout with the PA Fish Commission. As mid-May approached this activity ceased until Fall. Another project worked on was to clean the garbage from the Susquehanna County Roadway. So far this spring they removed15 bags of garbage. Way to go!  

PATH - State College: The State College staff has just completed a month long marketing effort with other central PA agencies. The State College staff feel they have built some great professional relationships in an effort to better serve the needs of their community. Alternative Education Program (AEP) and Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment (IA) clients just completed a field trip to the Centre County Prison. During this trip clients had the chance to see cells, riot gear, central control, and visiting rooms. Additionally, clients had the opportunity to talk with guards and inmates. The Intensive Adolescent Day Treatment (IA) Program just completed work at Oakwood, a local park they adopted for this summer. Their work included staining, raking, painting, mulching, and basic cleaning. We would like to congratulate Social Worker, Ashley Mackey, for passing her required Pennsylvania State Exam and as a result, she received her LSW.

PATH - Williamsport: This month the center hosted a Field Day. Even though it was rainy, it didn’t stop the Milton and Williamsport PA Treatment & Healing Alternative Education Program‘s (AEP) from competing against each other. We would like to thank Chris Ritter and the Williamsport YWCA for letting us move our field day activities inside to the YWCA. Students from the Milton and the Williamsport Centers competed in three out of the five planned events, which included basketball, dodge ball, tug -of- war, volleyball, and an obstacle course. Due to heavy rain and time constraints, the games were narrowed down to basketball, dodge ball, and tug-of- war. The Milton Center came out the victor this year with wins in basketball and tug-of-war, while the Williamsport Center took the win in dodge ball. The students and staff enjoyed a BBQ lunch with dessert and popsicles before returning to their centers for dismissal. Seniors also presented their senior projects on May 22^nd. They did a great job! The AEP is also preparing for the graduation ceremony, seniors will be joined by family and school administration from their respective school districts.

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Each month we feature a member of our Management Team as a way to honor their dedication and commitment to making our Agency the very best it can be!  This month we highlight

Kevin Ransom, Program Manager

Kevin has been working with PA Treatment & Healing since February 2009. Kevin is the Program Manager for the State College Center. He and his wife Jennifer have two children, Evan, two and Laura, 10 months. He obtained three degrees from Lock Haven University; a B.A. in Social Science Education, B.S. in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In the past, he taught at three different high schools, all on the subject of Social Studies. He worked as an Alternative Education Teacher at HEART Academy for two years, a wrestling coach at Bucktail Area H.S. for nine years, a Youth & Family Counselor withWardell and Associates for two years, and an Assistant Athletic Director at Bucktail Area H.S. for three years prior to coming to PATH. Prior to coming to PATH he was also involved in his community as a PIAA Football Official for eleven years and a NCAA Football Official for two. He spends a lot of his free time outside golfing, skiing, playing baseball, traveling, and spending time with his kids. Kevin enjoys PATH’s teamwork atmosphere and never ending support. He likes the team’s approach and willingness to help others. Kevin feels it is highly beneficial to the clients and staff morale. PATH’s mission and the direction it takes to reach that mission is rewarding, life changing, and a proven success. Kevin states, “the clients and students are not asked to understand rules, but to understand normal behavior that helps them become successful young adults.” This approach is similar to his personal views on counseling adults, which would explain his enthusiasm working with us.

The South Montrose Center had their annual site inspection by the Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission per Bureau Drug & Alcohol Program (BDAP) regulations on May 11, 2009.  The South Montrose Center received 100% compliance. The Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission commended our staff on their cooperation, good working relationship, and service to the residents of Susquehanna County! Great Job!

            At this month’s manager meeting President Keen presented the Quarterly Managers Award. She gave this award to a Program Manager who does her paperwork effectively and accurately. This award went to Jodee Strine, Program Manager for the Bloomsburg Center.  President Keen also presented the Leadership Team Quarterly Award. This award went to Regional Director, Bob Vanderwall who has shown endless dedication to the agency. Bob Vanderwall is the Regional Director for State College, Milton, and Williamsport.

            PATH would like to recognize and thank Thomas Weisen, Frito Lay District Manager of the Shamokin region.  We received a new laptop computer and a $75 gift card for Wal-Mart from Frito Lay with Thomas Weisen’s help. We would also like to thank Josh Weisen, Corporate Business Manager for his efforts with receiving this donation.

                The D&A Halfway House was awarded $8281.48 of additional Title I funding as part of President Obama’s American Reimbursement and Recovery Act (ARRA), which he signed into law on February 17, 2009. The facility plans to utilize this funding to purchase additional curriculum, equipment, staff wages and field trips to support the residents academic and therapeutic growth.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH….

The following staff were also nominated for Employees of the Month for April:

       Ø  Jennifer Wilhite, Day Treatment Supervisor, Bloomsburg

Ø  Livio Viola, Community Monitor, Honesdale

Ø  Michelle Ackroyd, Social Worker, Scranton

Welcome to our family...

Jeremy Deitrick, Social Worker, Williamsport                                                                                        Megan Beadling, Secretary, Bloomsburg

 

 

Simply donate your ink cartridges 

                            and PATH will earn $3.00 for each one!                         

PCB Approved Art Therapy-Deb Nelson-June 3, 2009

CPR & First Aid Certification- Corporate- June 5, 2009

Clinical Supervisors/D&A Meeting- E. Frey & M. Barrows-June 10, 2009

Manager’s Meeting-J.Keen-June 17, 2009

Relationship-based CBT Model- J.Keen- June 24, 2009

Post it Mobile is a service that sends you daily reminders through a text message on your cell phone for a very low cost. You can receive reminders on sport scores, weather forecasts, famous quotes,  and even daily jokes!  For every person who purchases this service a small financial contribution is made to PATH to utilize in helping our youth while in treatment. If you are interested in receiving this service on your cell phone or want to read more about it, go to the PATH website at www.pathtochange.org and click on the post it mobile logo under the news section.