The GATEWAY
GATEWAYS PROGRAMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Five years ago Jackie began a new chapter in her life when she gave birth to her fifth child, a baby boy that she named S. Five years ago, Jones also began something else—a dangerous addiction to methamphetamines. Jones already had four other children, and her son P., then age 2, was barely sleeping for 15 minutes in a 24-hour time period. T., then age 10, was showing signs of ADHD. E., then 13, and N., then 19, did what they could to help out, but Jackie remembers feeling overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done. She turned to methamphetamines for an energy boost. According to Jackie, “A lot of housewives feel overwhelmed with everything they need to get done. They figure they can take meth to lose a little weight or have more energy without worrying about an addiction.” Jackie remembers going far beyond just an addiction to the drug. Continued on page
Quarterly newsletter of GATEWAYS for Youth and Families February 2006 Issue 1, Volume 1
Mother overcomes meth addiction to reunite with her five children
Something to smile about: Jackie celeberates the reunification of her family.
The success of GATEWAYS is not measured by how much money we raise or spend, but by how many FAMILIES and CHILDREN we help. That’s why our headline news is always about individuals. This quarter, we feature Jackie, a mother who found her way out of the darkness of methamphetamine addiction with the assistance of GATEWAYS unique approach to family preservation services. JACKIE represents what is best about GATEWAYS.
A GATEWAYS Success Story
O’Sullivan adds experience to board
“Restoring good old-fashioned family values and keeping our children safe,” says Kevin O’Sullivan, “are beliefs that I’m very passionate about. People who work and volunteer at GATEWAYS share those beliefs. It only seemed natural to step into a leadership role at GATEWAYS.” For his own leadership and enthusiasm, O’Sullivan has been honored for both his professional and charitable endeavors. He received a Purple Heart for his service as a sheriff’s deputy by putting his life in danger while in the line of duty. O’Sullivan served as a Snohomish County Sheriff’s Deputy for 10 years before suffering a career ending injury. He was also awarded the Thurston County Citizen of the Year Award in 1994. Though he has received a number of awards, O’Sullivan says the most important thing to him is serving the needs of people, not gaining recognition for doing it.
Return Address: GATEWAYS for Youth and Families 2911 South Adams Street Tacoma, WA 98409
Nonprofit Org U S Postage PAID MERCURY DIRECT Mlg Svcs
Open the GATEWAY for information on:
The Ranch Makeover page 3 Calendar of Events page 7 Volunteer Opportunities page 8
Mr. Kevin O’Sullivan “Recent experiences have done much to humble me,” explains O’Sullivan. Continued on page
Page 2, The GATEWAY, February 2006 Continued from page “First, there was the loss for Thurston County Commissioner three years ago. Then there was the life threatening heart disease that required experimental surgery I underwent two years ago,” mentions O’Sullivan. “I just thank the good Lord I’m still around.” But neither event has deterred him from trying to make a difference in the lives of families or children. “Like Dino Rossi’s dad told him, ‘a person never fails until they stop trying,’ I’m not a failure until I stop trying.” O’Sullivan most admires Rossi, and his own father and mother as the three people who have shaped his life the most. O’Sullivan is no stranger to community service. He has been an assistant coach for a variety of sports, volunteered with the Special Olympics and Fort Lewis Summer Games, participated in the annual Sheriff’s Office Trail Ride and helped a variety of organizations in their fundraising efforts. When it comes to his involvement with GATEWAYS, O’Sullivan sees himself using his law enforcement experience and his knowledge as an efficiency and productivity consultant. A resident of Thurston County since 1985, O’Sullivan brings his own history of accomplishments and experiences to the table. He has a wealth of knowledge acquired from having successfully owned and operated a grocery store at the Steamboat Island exit off of Highway 101, presently as owner and CEO of Pacific Laser and Skin in Seattle, having served as Thurston County Assessor and Thurston County Commissioner and as a consultant to several medium and large businesses in the South Sound area. “We all have a responsibility to try to make a difference in the lives of families and children who are less fortunate than we are. I have a lot to be thankful for and I have truly been blessed. I feel that it’s important that I give back to our community,” O’Sullivan believes.
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families Staff & Board
President: Jamie Beletz Family Services Director: Wende Wertley Finance Director: Pam Singleton Jessie Dyslin Ranch Director: Darrell Knoedler Board of Directors Executive Officers Chairman: Ms. Kara Williams Secretary: Mr. Steve Downing Treasurer: Mr. Kevin Iverson
GATEWAYS receives praise from clients
“I knew that the staff really wanted to help me and see me succeed. [GATEWAYS] prepared me for the real world by giving me time to grow and focus on me.” —Josh, former resident at GATEWAYS Jessie Dyslin Ranch
The official quarterly newsletter of GATEWAYS for Youth and Families
The GATEWAY
Editor: Sarah Vega sarah@gatewaysforyouth.org Contributing Editors: Mel Curtiss & Jamie Beletz Contributing Writers: Jamie Beletz & Sarah Vega Main Office: 2911 South Adams Street Tacoma, WA 98409 Phone: 253.383.4361 Fax: 253.305.0112
“I thought since I have been a parent for 23 years that I truly didn’t need the class. I want to say that I really walked away with some wonderful information and really got a lot from this class, thank you.” --Participant’s evaluation, Impact of Divorce on Children Seminar
“If it wasn’t for GATEWAYS, we would have left the foster care system. The staff were great mediators in working with the state and quickly became people that we could trust. They kept us focused on the most important thing—the kids.” --Benny Elkins, a GATEWAYS foster-to-adopt parent
Let us know how you think GATEWAYS has impacted your life or the lives of others in our community. We’ll publish responses in future newsletters.
What is a GATEWAY?
AN ENTRANCE A FIRST STEP A POSSIBILITY A WAY IN AN OPENING A DOORWAY A CHANCE ACCESS
GATEWAYS Jessie Dyslin Ranch: 3501 104th Street East Tacoma, WA 98446 GATEWAYS Bingo Hall: 11605 Bridgeport Way SW Lakewood, WA 98499 Website: www.gatewaysforyouth.org Email: info@gatewaysforyouth.org
AN OPPORTUNITY
Join us in keeping the path open for youth and families.
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families can help you become a foster parent! Call 253.383.4361 for more details.
Page 3, The GATEWAY, February 2006
Life at the ranch includes a variety of new opportunities
In the fall of 2005, the GATEWAYS Board of Directors issued a challenge to the staff to rethink and retool everything we do. With thirty acres of property, three buildings and the sky as the limit, the Jessie Dyslin Ranch staff answered back by developing three new programs to serve unmet needs of youth and families in the community, as well as to update the ranch facility to handle the new programs. Darrell Knoedler, ranch program director said, “We’re excited to be able to provide opportunities for a larger population to benefit from the ranch.” The Dan Quinn Project, which is an integral part of life at the ranch, will take on a slightly new look. With a 6000 square foot garden already in place, this project will keep its focus on agriculture by offering eight to twelve year olds the opportunity to spend their school breaks working in the garden, learning to cook what they grow, meeting new friends and so much more. There are also plans for the future expansion to serve a wider age range with variations in the program curriculum and by working with the agricultural community to develop career interests in “the field.” “With the nature of our previous program, I wasn’t able to allow anyone other than our residents to participate in the Dan Quinn Project. Now, boys and girls throughout the community will be able to be a part of this exciting and fun program, as well as learn practical skills that will help them in the future,” said Dana Peterson, project coordinator. GATEWAYS Family Services, which offers a variety of education opportunities geared toward parents and youth, will also benefit from the change in focus. Wende Wertley, program director for Family Services, plans to utilize classrooms at the ranch for hosting seminars that are open to the community. “Utilizing classrooms at the ranch will not only allow us to expand on the number of seminars that we offer, but it will also give GATEWAYS an opportunity to do more outreach to areas such as Bonney Lake and Orting by providing a more convenient location for residents in those communities,” Wertley said. The ranch will also be the location for the new Alternative Suspension & Day Treatment program, which provides parents with a supervised environment in which youth learn new skills to help them handle today’s challenges and reduce the necessity for future disciplinary action. Other new programs planned for 2006 include Aggression Replacement Training and finding a way to better utilize the Puget Sound Center, currently designed for residential use. “It’s a really exciting time for us. The ranch used to be a single program, but now we’ll have a lot more going on here. We’ll have the chance to have a much bigger impact on a greater number of people,” Knoedler said.
Patrons and staff celebrate th Anniversary of Bingo Hall operation
The GATEWAYS for Youth and couldn’t serve the youth and families in the Families Bingo Hall was proud to celebrate area without this resource,” Buchanan said. Open since 1982, the hall is a vital 24 years of operation on Friday, January 20. People like Ray and Rose Muranaka asset to GATEWAYS. Proceeds from the and Klara Dombrowsky have been playing games played at the hall support all of at the hall just as the current long. programs run by the “I was the first one here when organization, they opened the including Foster Care doors in 1982,” Dombrowsky & Adoption, recalled. Family Services, Everyone has their reasons Alternative why they come to Suspension this Bingo hall. & Day Treatment The Muranakas come because its and the only five minutes Dan Quinn from home—they Project. vow never to play These funds are also anywhere else. Frenchie Waldron, used to who plays three develop new times a week, likes GATEWAYS the hall because seminars and Bingo hall employee Tina Jones serves cake to programs, it’s clean and the patrons for the th anniversary celebration. like the people are very friendly. Children in “This is like my second home,” Transition Seminar and VASE: Visitation said Waldron. & Safe Exchange program, both planned to Carolyn Buchanan has worked at begin in 2006. Games are played at 11:30 a.m. the hall since 1990 and became coordinator of the BINGO Hall in January 2005. and 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Other staff members include Bette Bailey, Fridays and at 7 p.m. only on Saturdays. Tina Jones, Marilyn Pulliam, Mashawna GATEWAYS also offers moonlight Roberts and Irene Sallinger. In celebration BINGO at 10:45 p.m. on Sundays. Warmup rounds begin 10 minutes before the of the momentous occasion, they treated their patrons to free coffee and cake. official start time of each game. The hall is “It’s an exciting thing for us smoke free, but a recently added outdoor th to celebrate our 24 anniversary today. smoking shelter and adequately spaced We’ve been a part of the Lakewood breaks during the games accommodate those patrons who do smoke. community for so long, and we just Plans are underway to begin using the hall on non-game days for other events. Seminars such as the Impact of Divorce on Children and Children in Transition will be held at the hall, providing a costeffective way for GATEWAYS to expand its programs and serve a greater number of people. The hall is also scheduled to be used for the annual Harvest for the Kids dinner and auction in the fall of 2006. “The hall provides a great location to better serve the Lakewood community and the military bases. We’re looking forward to having even more of an impact on achieving the mission of GATEWAYS,” Buchanan said. The GATEWAYS for Youth and Families BINGO Hall is located at 11605 Bridgeport Way SW in Lakewood at exit 125 on I-5. A snack bar is available with beverages and food for purchase. Please call the hall directly at 253.581.4424 for more information.
Frenchie Waldron plays the opening round of Bingo before enjoying cake.
Page 4, The GATEWAY, February 2006
Mother overcomes meth addiction
Continued from page She manufactured and distributed methamphetamines and began to exhibit aggressive behaviors like stealing cars and kicking in doors. She knew that she was becoming a “dangerous human being.” The situation at home worsened as well. Jackie stole her daughter’s checkbook and used it to write over $2000 in checks. She and her children lived without electricity for two months and became homeless, living out of a minivan and in shelters. Jackie lost her home of 25 years, her opportunity to manage a grocery store and ironically, her position as a chemical dependency counselor. She knew that losing her children was next. “Through my own behavior, I gave up everything that meant anything to me,” Jackie said. “I ceased to be able to function in a normal mode in society.” She remembers seeking advice from her best friend, because she felt so incarcerated in herself that she thought going to prison wouldn’t be much different. Jackie envisioned it as the best alternative for her situation because her children would be taken and provided with shelter, food and other necessities that she wasn’t able to give them. As a prisoner, she would have all of her basic needs met and be forced to give up drugs, but her best friend reminded her of one very important thing that she would lose—her freedom. After spending time in the Puget Sound Hospital Psychiatry Ward, Jackie went outside to sit on the curb. She remembers having her cellular phone in hand and knowing that she had two choices—she could call her drug dealer or she could call for help. She made the choice to get her life back on a positive track. Once Jackie’s children were placed in foster care, it took her six months to get clean, and that’s when GATEWAYS became an integral part of her life. Referred to the Family Preservation Services program by the W.A. Department of Child and Family Services, Jackie remembers being frustrated at the thought of having to deal with one more professional that was just going to tell her what to do, how to do it and when to do it. However, she soon found that GATEWAYS was different. “I’ve yet to participate in a program that was geared toward the success of my family like this one was,” Jackie said. Together with Wende Wertley, Family Services Director, Jackie spent one and a half years working towards reunifying her family, and Jackie says she never felt like she was being judged. Wertley was present at almost every event related to Jackie and her children, including court dates, counseling sessions and times of visitation. Jackie recalls many occasions on which Wertley spoke on behalf of her to share her achievements
Jackie and one of her sons, now 5, visit with Santa during a Christmas event for our clients. Santa brought presents for all of her children. and goals with various people. When Jackie felt that she was left to figure things out on her own by other agencies, she realized that GATEWAYS was still committed to supporting her. “Wende went along with me in my baby steps. She held me up when I couldn’t hold myself up. Even though she couldn’t do it for me, she gave me the support I needed,” Jackie said. As time progressed, Jackie began to receive increased visitation time with her children. In preparation for regaining custody of her children, she still had a lot of work to do. According to Jackie, she was able to build a support network for herself and her family that began with Wertley and GATEWAYS. She was provided with transportation, resources for housing and furniture and suggestions on certain parenting issues. Two years ago Jackie and her children were being told that they would never see each other again. Now they are celebrating that they are finally all back together under the same roof. They spent Christmas 2005 together and are looking forward to the future. “Now I feel like we’re part of the world again versus outside looking in. I have new relationships to build not only with my children, but with myself,” Jackie said. Jackie knows that the future will be challenging, but that she always has support available when she needs it. She says her children all feel safe and secure because of Wertley, and they know they can call on her whenever they need help. “GATEWAYS made the difference between failure and success for my family,” Jackie said. “It is entirely different than any other agency, and I would love to and probably will stay involved even though my requirements are all done.” If you or someone you know could benefit from Family Preservation Services, please don’t hesitate to give GATEWAYS a call at 253.383.4361. We’re here to listen and help you achieve the goals that you set for yourself and your family. Congratulations Jackie--we’re so proud of you and your family!
Going once, going twice...
is our annual dinner and auction. Look for more details in future newsletters.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Page 5, The GATEWAY, February 2006
The President’s Corner: NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE
GATEWAYS would like to thank the following organizations for their partnership with our donations center:
Adopt-A-Pet Adventist Community Services Angel Guild B.A.S.H. Bole’s Center Bread Basket Charles Wright Academy The Crossing Greater Life Church of God in Christ Mason County 4-H Council Olympia YWCA Peninsula Orthopedic Guild Phoenix Housing Network Plateau Outreach Ministries Rainier School Shared Housing Network S.E. Tacoma F.I.S.H. Food Bank Tacoma S.D.A. Community Center Teen Challenge International Tillicum Community Center Trinity Presbyterian Church
Call 253.383.4361 to add your organization to this list!
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families. A cute slogan? Just who in the heck are we? My wife and I first learned about GATEWAYS when we were invited to the very first “Harvest For The Kids” Auction at Mama Stortini’s in University Place. Connie Rickman was running for School Board and she invited us and Tim Farrell to go with her. I’d like to say it was Connie who persuaded me to attend or the thought of donating money to help youth and families in need – but it wasn’t. It actually was the thought of eating at Mama Stortini’s that persuaded me to go! Well, several years have gone by, Connie serves on the Tacoma School Board, Tim Farrell serves on the Pierce County Council, both my wife and I have donated literally thousands of volunteer hours and dollars to GATEWAYS as GATEWAYS Board members, and I’ve eaten many, MANY delicious dinners at Stortini’s and now Joeseppi’s on Pearl Street. Still, many people do not know about GATEWAYS. In fact, we recently conducted a marketing poll, randomly contacting over 300 respondents. Here is what we learned: Overall, most people have never heard of GATEWAYS. Actually, 8.6 % of those who answered our questions knew GATEWAYS for Youth and Families. There were additional respondents who thought they knew us as a real estate company or a computer company. Few knew us as we are. We are much better known as the Jessie Dyslin Ranch. Nearly 63 percent of respondents knew us as the Jessie Dyslin Ranch. Of those respondents, 43 percent have donated to the Ranch (GATEWAYS). Twelve percent received calls but chose not to donate. Another twelve percent heard about us from the media (thank you Kathleen Merryman) and 9 percent have seen our trucks on the road. Four percent have heard about us from a friend or relative who were clients of ours or were clients of ours themselves. What does this all mean? It means we need to do a better job of letting people know who we are. That is why we are sending this newsletter to you. We want you to know about our programs and
services because if you are in need or you know someone who is, we want to provide assistance. GATEWAYS for Youth and Families is the oldest charity in the state of Washington and one of the oldest in the nation. We have been serving the South Puget Sound for over 115 years. As a gateway, we provide access to a variety of programs and resources that empower youth and families to get support, learn new skills and become positive citizens in the community. Current programs include Foster Care & Adoption, Family Services offering counseling, seminars and other resources, Alternative Suspension & Day Treatment to help youth make positive changes in their behavior and the Dan Quinn Project where youth develop practical skills in agriculture and business. Though our history dates back to the 1800s, we are committed to discovering areas of need today in our community. New programs planned for 2006 include VASE: Visitation and Safe Exchange and Aggression Replacement Training. Look for more information in our future newsletters. GATEWAYS is funded by the generous donations of the community through grants, inkind gifts, private contributions, donations of used clothing, patrons of our BINGO hall and our annual fundraising event, Harvest for the Kids. Without the support of our neighbors, we wouldn’t be able to provide vital services to youth and families. At GATEWAYS, we continue to open new paths to tomorrow for youth and families in the greater Puget Sound. For more information on our programs or to make a donation in support of GATEWAYS, please contact us at 253.383.4361 or visit our website at www. gatewaysforyouth.org. We don’t really have a cute slogan. We ARE GATEWAYS for Youth and Families. Each and every one of our 55 employees, our 16 board members and our many volunteers and boosters who commit to “repairing” our community, our children, our families and our world is who we are. Think Globally and Act Locally, Jamie Beletz President
Page 6, The GATEWAY, February 2006
GATEWAYS, Bethel offer cure for truancy
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families is proud to partner with the Bethel School District for its newest program, Alternative Suspension. It is one of the many endeavors that the organization is undertaking this year. In an effort to better serve the current needs in the community. The goal of the Alternative Suspension program is to provide parents with the opportunity to place their youth in a supervised environment in which they learn new skills to help them handle today’s challenges and prevent future disciplinary action. Youth who are suspended or who are exhibiting behavior problems that may lead to a suspension can benefit from participation. Darrell Knoedler, Jessie Dyslin Ranch program director, said, “We wanted to develop a program that would encourage youth to take responsibility for their actions. When they spend their suspensions at home watching television or playing video games, they aren’t really learning from their mistakes.” The program is open to boys and girls ages 12 to 17 and operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jessie Dyslin Ranch in Tacoma. The program is on a sliding fee scale, with cost to the parent determined by income and number of people in the household. Youth who attend the program participate in individual counseling sessions and dialectical behavioral therapy, both designed to review behaviors and teach new skills. They will learn about character building, stress management and self-control. Further counseling needs can be met through a referral to the GATEWAYS Family Services counseling program. During the 2004-2005 school year, there were over 6,260 suspensions reported for students in grades 6-12 across Pierce County, with the average suspension lasting five days. The need for an alternative focus on behavior modification is certainly great. “Ultimately, this is an opportunity for us to help these youth change their behaviors and reduce the likelihood of future suspensions,” Knoedler said.
Let’s play BINGO...
TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. SATURDAYS 7 p.m. SUNDAYS 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m., & 10:45 p.m.
11605 Brideport Way SW in Lakewood Take I-5 Exit 125 Phone: 253.581.4424
Smoke-free building---Snack Bar---Outdoor Smoking Shelter--Air conditioned---Warm-ups 10 minutes prior to official starts
Proceeds benefit
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families
Children ages 8 and up who are accompanied by an adult may play BINGO.
Did you know... that GATEWAYS for youth and families operates the Jessie Dyslin Ranch and all of the programs that take place there?
Santa made a special stop at GATEWAYS for Youth and Families a few days before Christmas to bring presents to children who benefit from our programs. Many thanks to all of Santa’s helpers who generously donated gifts, assisted with wrapping and labeling them and distributing them to our special friends.
Page 7, The GATEWAY, February 2006
GATEWAYS for Youth and Families Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY 2006
4: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Main Office 9: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Main Office 18: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Main Office 21: GATEWAYS Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30 p.m. @ Main Office Dan Quinn Project School Breaks Program kicks off! 28: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. @ Jessie Dyslin Ranch
MARCH 2006
4: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Main Office 9: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Main Office 15: Deadline for 2nd quarter newsletter articles and information 18: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Main Office 21: GATEWAYS Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30 p.m. @ Main Office Impact of Divorce Seminar, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. @ Graham Library 28: Impact of Divorce Seminar, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. @ Dyslin Ranch 30: Family Services kicks off new Counseling Program!
Congratulations...
We’d like to again recognize the staff and community members who were honored in November at our awards dinner and auction. Thank you so much for everything you do to make GATEWAYS the organization it is.
In recognition of leadership in serving the needs of families and children.
Legislator of the Year Award Senator James Kastama Advocate of the Year Award The Dan Quinn Family
In recognition of leadership in contributing to the welfare of families and children.
Mary West , Will Kraemer ,Rob Bartro & Tami Cammarano
In recognition of contributions to greater workplace efficiency.
President’s Appreciation Award
Clyde Kalahan Management Award Carolyn Buchanan
In recognition of excellence in management.
The GATEWAYS Advisory Council was established last year in order to keep in touch with current needs in our community. The Council is made up of individuals from the communities that we serve. The Council provides invaluable feedback to the GATEWAYS Board of Directors and staff. “We are interested in developing programming that truly meets the current needs in our community. It only makes common sense to learn directly from the people who make decisions in our community and from those we are trying to serve,” said GATEWAYS President Jamie Beletz. Already, the Council has conducted a poll to better determine how people perceive the 115 year old social service organization. The results are making an impact. “More people recognize the Jessie Dyslin Ranch than they do GATEWAYS,” adds Beletz. “This is because they recognize our trucks, which pickup donated clothing, and have received our calls soliciting clothing. At the suggestion of the Council, we are repainting our trucks to say GATEWAYS Jessie Dyslin Ranch and identifying ourselves as GATEWAYS Jessie Dyslin Ranch. We are retraining our drivers and solicitors, and we are giving them lessons in customer service. In fact, we have renamed our center as the Donation and Customer Service Department.” Meetings are scheduled to take place once a year either in person or via teleconference. During the year, gatherings will be informal, round table discussions focused on getting feedback on current GATEWAYS programs and identifying new areas of need. Your opinions, suggestions and support are vital to the success of all the programs. Council members will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of social events for GATEWAYS throughout the year. “Serving on the council is about making a commitment to yourself and to your neighbors, the youth and families living in the greater Puget Sound region. We all want to make a difference in our community and this is a good first step toward achieving that,” Beletz said.
GATEWAYS seeks opinions, suggestions from the community
In recognition of superior competence and performance excellence in the workplace.
GATEWAYS Performance Award Kelly Catron
Did you know...
that in 2005 the GATEWAYS Family Services Program taught over 900 adults new skills for parenting through its community education programs.
In recognition of former GATEWAYS board members who served at least five years and demonstrated outstanding service.
GATEWAYS Hall of Fame Award Clyde Kalahan, Darren McGavin and Mary Baker Russell
Page 8, The GATEWAY, February 2006
ART class is ready for students
Aggressive behavior by children and adolescents continues to be a serious and increasing problem in our schools, at home, on the streets and in our communities. In an effort to help youth reduce aggressive behaviors, GATEWAYS for Youth and Families will begin offering Aggression Replacement Training (ART) classes at the Jessie Dyslin Ranch. This intensive, 10-week program meets for one-hour sessions three times a week to focus on developing appropriate behavioral, emotional and cognitive skills. The three main components of the program are social skills, anger control and moral reasoning. The class is taught in an educational and interactive group setting. Through modeling and role playing, youth will learn how to deal with accusation, express their feelings, set goals and much more, all without exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Positive reinforcement is provided through verbal praise and tangible rewards. Students are expected to practice skills in between sessions and are assigned tasks to help them with this. Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress on a weekly basis. Started in 1987, ART has been implemented across the United States and internationally with great success. It is a research-proven model program that can have a profound impact on youth who exhibit aggressive behaviors. GATEWAYS is now accepting registrations for its first ART class. A minimum of six participants must register in order to hold the class, with a maximum of 10 participants. The class is open to youth ages 13-18 and will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for a total of 30 sessions. Classes will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Jessie Dyslin Ranch. For more information or to register, please contact us at 253.383.4361.
Employment Opportunities at GATEWAYS
Contracted, on-call position We are seeking someone willing to provide clinical supervision as we expand our counseling program to become a fullservice agency. Clients receive counseling from licensed mental health counselors and other master’s level staff. Clients consist of individuals in the general population receiving counseling services, youth with behavior issues in therapeutic foster homes, youth with behavior problems not addressed by community mental health services and families needing stabilization and preservation services. Compensation is negotiable. We need a candidate who: can supply his or her own provider number for counseling and billing purposes. can manage drug prescriptions of clients already involved with GATEWAYS for Youth & Families. wants a flexible schedule. Contract will begin at one day a week with potential for more days as client numbers increase. We will work around your schedule.
Psychiatrist
Spring cleaning is just around the corner...
We will gladly come to your house and pick up gently used clothing and small household items. We’ll also take shoes, belts, purses, bedding, towels, pillows, or curtains. Proceeds benefit GATEWAYS for Youth and Families.
and so is one of our donation trucks!
Call 253.383.4361 to schedule a pick-up today!
Full-time with benefits and part-time positions available Work with us as we communicate with the local community about GATEWAYS and ask for their help in achieving our mission. We work Mondays-Saturdays with daytime and evening shifts.
Call Center Representatives
Utilizing volunteers is key to achieving goals
One of our goals during 2006 is to help the community better understand what GATEWAYS does, and one of the best ways for people to get to know us is by becoming an integral part of the organization as a volunteer. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, from students who need to complete community service as a graduation requirement to stay-at-home moms who need a break from the kids, and from retirees to working professionals who can share a little of their expertise. We invite you to become a GATEWAYS volunteer. You’ll be trained, learn more about our organization and the youth and families in our community. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, from clerical work in our offices to becoming a mentor for the youth in our programs. Find an opportunity that fits you, then call and let us know how you can help us build new gateways and open paths to tomorrow for youth and families.
Where we need your help:
Garden Mentors School Break Activity Assistants Garden Maintenance Carpenters Work Party One Day Projects Annual Dinner and Auction Filing Writing Thank You Notes Tutors Make Copies Arts & Crafts Leaders Mentors Handyman work Answer Phones Call 253.383.4361 to sign up!
Full-time with benefits and part-time positions available Work with us as we travel in the community to pick up donations from supporters of GATEWAYS. You must have at least a 5-year driving history. No CDL required.
Donation Pick-up Drivers
To apply or receive more information about these employment opportunities, please contact us at 53.383.36 FOR SALE 997 Red Saturn Wagon 70,000 Miles $500 OBO