New Year's Resolutions

There is something compulsive about setting New Year’s resolutions; the majority of resolutions are often unattained. In reflecting on this upcoming year, there are a number of things that I would like to see happen and certainly will lend my support and energy to achieve; they are:

• Restored funding for mental health services for special education students in California
• Full funding for CalWORKS
• Federal funding for a White House Conference on At Risk Children and Youth
• A stable family for every child in the foster care system
• Peace and Joy in our world!

None of the above are good resolutions since I have little control of the political wrangling required to achieve any of them, but they are worthy resolutions. Regardless whether they are achieved or not, we must not lose hope that some day in this great State and Country we will fund these efforts and assist the most vulnerable fulfill their dreams.

Along with these aspirations let me focus on that which is achievable.

As you know from previous postings, Hillsides is committed to constantly improving its quality of care. We made a commitment to become nationally accredited by our centennial celebration in 2013. Related to this is a set of resolutions for 2011 that will help us not only become accredited, but also further develop the quality of care we offer.

• Prepare to apply to the Council on Accreditation by July 2011
• Fully implement all aspects of the Open Doors demonstration project regarding residential based services
• Develop strategies to fully utilize the services offered at Hillsides Education Center
• Determine a plan for further development of Youth Moving On

No matter what the specific resolutions may be, what is essential is continuing to be tireless in effectively addressing the needs of the children, youth and families we serve.

We’ll keep you posted on our progress. Happy New Year!

2010 An Eventful Year

Everywhere you turn during this last week of the year you hear people summing up the accomplishments of this year. The same is true here at Hillsides. 2010 was a very eventful year in many ways. What follows is just a partial listing of some of the highlights.

Executive Leadership Transition

After nearly forty years John Hitchcock retired, and in his place I began my tenure as the chief executive officer. John was without a doubt the modern day founder of Hillsides, adding many innovative programs to the residential program long associated with Hillsides. In spite of the challenge of following someone as respected and loved as John, this first year has been a good transition as we begin to set a direction for the organization into its next century.

Program Evolution

Any one of the programs we offer have seen significant changes, whether it be the introduction of evidence-based practice with its emphasis on outcomes, to the introduction of more family-centered services and how it is reducing the length of stay. These changes are having a historical impact on how Hillsides fulfills its mission.

Fiscal Constraints

Although this past year saw an improvement of the reimbursement for residential services, the severe cuts statewide of education funds has jeopardized funding for services offered at Hillsides Education Center. The constraints on public funding have made all the more significant our ability to raise $2 million a year as we did this year.

Staff Stability

In spite of the challenges, we were able to lift a yearlong freeze on salaries and provide staff with a three percent adjustment in their compensation. In an effort to strengthen our position with staff, a staff survey was conducted, clearly identifying a set of priorities.

Organizational Assessment

This year also served as an opportunity to review the position many of our programs have in this field, develop plans to sustain our position and improve upon it. Our decision this year to pursue a national accreditation and participate in a statewide benchmarking project will help to strengthen our position as a provider of choice.

Ultimate Achievement Criteria

In total, Hillsides serves nearly 6,000 individuals, including children and their families, this year. Yet the only questions that matter and serve to help truly identify our achievement are: did we make a difference in the lives of the children, youth and families we serve and what more can we do?

During this holiday season I had the pleasure of meeting many of the parents and guardians of the children we care for. Without exception, they all thanked me for what we do to support them and their children through what is a very difficult time. More than anything else their acknowledgment points to the greatest achievement of 2010….the improvement in their lives and of their children.

There is always more we can do for those we serve so let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support without which we could not achieve what we have this year.

Be sure of our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

This is the time of year when I am reminded of how great our donor community is to our children and families. The season of giving started with more than $10,000 worth of gifts from Campbell Hall. In-kind gifts have continued to come with deliveries planned for as late as Christmas Eve to provide something special for the children who will be on campus through the holiday. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Because of the nature of the challenges that the children and families we serve confront, there is never enough that we can do for them because their needs are so great. However, be sure that what we are able to do is greatly appreciated and has a wonderful impact on them especially at this time of year.

At the end of the day, more than anything else, we are trying to create memories for all we serve. Memories of caring people, memories of happiness in the midst of challenges and hardships, memories that restore hope and help dreams to be realized.

There are few of us who can remember all the gifts that we received on any given Christmas, but most of us can recall the folks that surrounded us at the holiday time, those who lifted our spirits and made us happy.  Our staff are those people creating memories for the children and families we serve. There task is made easier because of your generosity.

 

Once again, thanks for all that you do for those we serve. Be sure of our gratitude and that we recall you fondly during this time of year and wish for you a wonderful new year filled with many blessings.

Ho, ho, ho…