Be the Match for #TeamNancy

Years ago when I was the executive director of a residential treatment center in Massachusetts, a former resident came by one evening to check in and catch up. As we sat there talking, he asked about a number of his favorite staff members, cottage counselors, and teachers who had left an impression on him. The visit 20 years ago taught me the greatest impact that we have on the children and youth we serve is through a caring staff. This young man could not tell me about the treatment modality he benefited from but could tell me the names of his favorite staff and recount the countless ways they touched his life.

At Hillsides we are so fortunate to have many staff who have been loyal to the organization for decades. Their commitment to our mission and those we serve is the foundation of our success.  Likewise, the support we give to fellow staff is just as important.  From maintenance, residential treatment and community-based services, to education and administration, staff members provide an indispensable source of support for their peers.

Many staff know one another’s spouses, children and even pets. In such an environment, when happiness and joy touches one person’s life, everyone celebrates.   When hardship and tragedy strike, all pitch in and give support.

Nancy Garni with her husband, Mike Seltzer

Hardship struck one of our senior staff members at Christmas this past year when Nancy Garni, our esteemed chief advancement officer, was diagnosed with leukemia. A routine physical turned into an ordeal that has seen her in and out of City of Hope since January.  Although undergoing continued treatment for leukemia, she is in desperate need of a donor for a blood stem cell transplant. For those of us who work alongside Nancy, appreciate her competence and expertise, and recognize her unwavering commitment to the children and youth we serve, there is nothing we wouldn’t do to see Nancy through this ordeal.

As the result of the initiative of one of our former board members, Mark Mertens, #TeamNancy campaign has been created to help identify a stem cell donor for her. The extraordinary people at City of Hope have teamed up with the Hillsides community to conduct a donor drive. The cost of screening will be underwritten by friends of Nancy so no one should be deterred because of the cost. You can contact Raquel Amezquita of City of Hope directly at 626-251-6258 or please consider being the match by learning more. We’ll be hosting a Be The Match drive at Hillsides Support Services very soon so stay updated by visiting our #TeamNancy page. Join us as we acknowledge Nancy’s commitment to the children, youth, and families we serve and help us to support such an extraordinary member of our staff and community. Join #TeamNancy!

Why this friendship is as deep as family

Friendship as deep as family is how Cindy Roberts, a mentor volunteer at Youth Moving On (YMO), described her seven-year relationship with Jammie Peterson on NBC 4’s television series, “Life Connected,” featuring individuals who pay it forward. Cindy’s effect  on Jammie has been profound and points to the indispensable role volunteers have on the children and youth we serve at Hillsides.

For Cindy, mentoring at YMO was her way to give back after finishing cancer treatment. At YMO she was introduced to Jammie who, at that time, was living in the supportive housing program. A friendship developed, and Cindy has served as a role model for her ever since. Now, in her own way, Jammie models for another generation of vulnerable children and youth that in spite of challenges much can be accomplished.

For youth at YMO, mentors like Cindy are essential. Always present to support and encourage, Cindy went beyond the usual mentor relationship by establishing a profound friendship with Jammie, welcoming her into her home, and serving as a faithful friend celebrating Jammie’s many achievements.

Even more extraordinary is that Cindy is a cancer survivor. Like many who have confronted their own immortality, perspective changes, nothing is taken for granted, and every opportunity is seized. Cindy’s commitment to Jammie is a testimony of her dedication and intent to make a difference.

Like Jammie, we have about 40 young people who are being served at YMO through various programs. These youth could benefit from a mentor--someone who can focus on them, interact without judgment, support unconditionally, and encourage consistently.

Often we underestimate what can be accomplished for foster youth who are striving for independence. As Thomas Lee, the division director of transition-aged youth services, mentioned in the television segment, the road to independence can be daunting for these young people. As much as we might understand the challenge and be empathetic, what these youth need more than anything else are people who can help them dream and patiently guide them as they set a direction to achieve it. These people would serve as mentors who genuinely believe in their potential.

Cindy was that person for Jammie and, as a result, they have become part of one another’s lives…truly life connected. Would you consider being a mentor? Could you give your time and energy to support one of our many young adults? The challenges are great, but the rewards can be life changing. Contact Thomas Lee at 626-765-6956 for more information on how you can become a mentor.

The Success Factor that Fills Me with Hope

One day last week during spring break, I noticed a tall, lanky young man walking along the driveway to the outdoor plaza accompanied by one of our therapists. I recognized him as one of our former residents, and was pleased I would have the opportunity to greet him before I headed off to an appointment.

In the months since he’d left Hillsides to live in a foster home at age 13, I’d heard that his return to the community had been challenging for him.  Like many of our residents he can be impulsive, single-minded, and easily misunderstood. His foster mom is a very unassuming woman who is consistent, patient, and very understanding, but in spite of her support he found himself being disruptive in school and was eventually expelled. At one point his behavior required the involvement of the local police department and he was referred to the juvenile justice system. As I would hear reports of how things had spiraled out of control for him, I worried for his well-being and what would become of him in the long- term.

So I was thrilled to see him. He looked good, and engaged easily in our conversation.  I was happy to learn that in spite of his recent challenges, he is now back with his foster mom, attending school, and no longer under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system.

It is not uncommon for children and youth who have been in treatment to experience setbacks.  However, with proper attention and care, those setbacks can be mitigated and gains restored. This youth’s visit to Hillsides to check in with his long- time therapist was just one way that he reconnected with the progress he had made while in our program. It was also an opportunity for him to know that no matter what, he was welcome here and would always be supported.

I remember speaking to him while he was living at Hillsides.  I can still hear his plea to find a family where he could belong. Both he and his sister had lost their biological parents to addiction and severe mental illness. After considerable effort, he was fortunate to find a wonderful foster parent who was willing to support him despite the challenges.

Studies show that the most decisive factor in the success of foster children is having at least one adult who can be a consistent presence in their lives.  In spite of the horror stories that trigger our outrage of children abused and neglected in the foster care system, it is heartening to know that there are wonderful foster parents who, without much fanfare, serve as an indispensable refuge for such youth. It is within such a home that dreams of happiness and success are nourished and can be fulfilled.  This fills me with hope about the future of this youth, and I look forward to catching up with him the next time he returns for a visit.