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Leading in Diversity

Mental Health Awareness Month


Special Edition
Empowering Communities and Changing Lives
Volume 11 Number 10
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
DeVeLopiNG The ViLLaGe
To SeRVe p 5
CoMMuNiTy BuiLDeRS
p 24
a LiSTeNeR FoR youTh
p 17
BRiDGiNG The Gap
p 17
SeTTiNG The ViSioN
p 6
Get to Know healthy Michigan
By Sandra Lindsey, CEO
Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority
Healthy Michigan enroll-
ment has commenced and sup-
porters see it as a wonderful
transformational undertaking.
Hundreds of thousands of
Michigan citizens will have ac-
cess to health insurance and for
many it will be the first time.
Actually, it is wonderful and as it
turns out, the Healthy Michigan
benefit is really quite good as
insurance coverage goes.
In Saginaw County, we have a coalition of organiza-
tions that have come together to help our citizens get to
kiosks and other online access points to enroll. The
Saginaw County Enrollment Advocacy Network (SCEAN)
is a group of staff members and their supervisors from
across Saginaw whose jobs are directly involved in as-
sisting the public with the federal Affordable Care Act
Healthcare Exchange and Healthy Michigan. Members
include staff from Saginaw County Community Mental
Health, Health Delivery, Inc., the Saginaw Health Plan
and the Saginaw Department of Human Services.
Here in Saginaw we have been cheering on
Governor Snyder, and our own Sen. Roger Kahn, Senate
Appropriations Chairman, during the Healthy Michigan
debate, through implementation planning and the com-
mencement on April 1, 2014 of active enrollment. In
fact, all over our great State, community mental health
centers, federally qualified health centers, rural health
centers, county health plans, hospitals, Medicaid health
plans and many other human service agencies are deeply
involved in Healthy Michigan enrollment promotion. It
is estimated that 7,000 uninsured Saginaw citizens will
be eligible for Healthy Michigan.
So what is Healthy Michigan? Healthy Michigan
is a program of health insurance funded by the federal
government through the Michigan Department of
Community Health (MDCH). The actual insurance
benefit is managed by one of the Healthy Michigan
health plans under contract to the state. Here in Saginaw
County that includes: Health Plus Partners, McLaren
Health Plan, Meridian Health Plan, Molina Health Care
and United Health Care. Once enrolled, beneficiaries
will be able to choose your plan form one of these five or
one will be assigned to you.
The health insurance benefit from the plan must at a
minimum cover the following essential services: Out-
patient services ( including; doctor visits, prescriptions,
labs, x-rays), emergency room services, family planning
services, mental health and substance abuse services,
dental services, non emergency transportation services
and much more.
Eligibility for this program is determined using the
Modified Adjusted Gross Income methodology. In addi-
tion, eligible persons must be:
Ages 19-64
Not currently eligible for Medicaid ( If you have
Medicaid only but have a spend down, you may apply
for Healthy Michigan which may eliminate the spend
down amount)
Not in or qualified for Medicare
Not pregnant when making the application
(If you are pregnant you may qualify for the regular
Medicaid program.)
Have income up to 133% of the Federal Poverty
Level (Example: income of about $15,000/ year if you
are single and about $34,000/year for a family of four.)
Are a resident of the State of Michigan
You can make your application for Healthy Michigan
on line at www.michigan.gov/healthymichiganplan or
you can go into any DHS office and apply there directly,
or you can call the state Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-
642-3195. You can also get help locally by calling
Health Delivery, Inc. at (989) 921-5353, or the Saginaw
Health Plan at 1-844-232-7740.
After you are enrolled you will receive a mihealth
card (a plastic care with your name and ID number on
it), which you must show to your health care provider
before you get services.
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 2
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw asking the Questions
Special interview with Sandra Lindsey C.e.o.,
Saginaw County Community Mental health authority
youth M.o.V.e. - What would you say has
been the most significant change or changes
in mental health care in our community
since you have been leading Saginaw County
Community Mental health authority?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - There
have been a number changes since I came on
board in 2000; there has been the expansion of
benefits in the Medicaid program and we have
added a lot of services. Also, with System of
care in the last 4 years we have been able to pay
for extra educational opportunities for staff and
have embraced the concept of evidence-based
practices.
youth M.o.V.e. - Why do you think
its important for youth and families to be
involved in their own treatment planning,
both for mental health and overall health and
wellbeing?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - I
think it is critical otherwise we are just playing
around with it. Engaging youth in the process of
designing and evaluating services is key because
they are the key to recovery.
youth M.o.V.e. - Why do you think
youth involvement in raising awareness and
overcoming the stigma of mental illness in our
community is important?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - I dont
think theres anyone else who knows what you
know, who has lived experience. Most youth
would like to know first-hand experience from
someone who has been through it. This makes
things more meaningful and it creates power and
hope that one may not have at that time.
youth M.o.V.e. - in your opinion, why is our
youth MoVe important for our community?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo,
SCCMha - I dont think Saginaw
has had a long reputation at all of
youth being organized for positive
messaging, only in a few categories
such as sports, fine arts, and music.
But there arent a lot of other places
were youth are organized to speak
about systemic issues and other topics
that effect youth, and Im proud to
know that Youth MOVE Saginaw
came out of our SOC initiative - very
exciting.
youth M.o.V.e. - What would
you say is the biggest challenge
currently facing mental health care
in our community and throughout the state?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - Well,
today enrollment in Healthy Michigan which
is the new state insurance program
for people who are uninsured
and struggling with poverty. This
insurance is designed for people who
work but are relatively lower income.
We want people to have access to
healthcare, because people do get
sick and if they do we want to be
able to get people treatment sooner
rather than later, and this will allow
CMH to serve more individuals.
However, while the state has made
this new insurance available and it is
federally funded, the politics of it is
such that they promised legislators
huge savings right away which was a mistake
and the money is coming from the CMH system.
So the CMH system is taking a 63% cut to
general funds. Now GF is what we use to cover
the cost of care for non-Medicaid consumers and
sometimes we would pay deductibles to help
balance the cost and we are not going to be able
to do that anymore. So while Im a big supporter
of Healthy Michigan, it has a toll. We have
friends at CMH to help get individuals eligible
for Healthy Michigan, however 10,000 residents
of Saginaw County may not be eligible and if
they have mental health needs, I wont be able to
help since we are facing a $3.4 million cut that
may put other CMH initiatives at risk.
youth M.o.V.e. - What are some of the
partnerships that have been formed around
mental health in our community that you are
especially proud of?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - I
think our work with DHS and Juvenile Justice/
Family court even before System of Care - we
have always enjoyed our relationship, but in
addition Im very proud of our relationship with
Probate Court, Judge McGraw. This has been a
really good relationship; they work with us on
guardianships and involuntary hospitalization for
adults. I think our work with law enforcement
has had ups and downs but now we are pretty
concrete. I think the Milton Hall tragedy under
the circumstance has been a call to action having
a real conversation about individuals
SEE P 4 , Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw
L-R -Kolby Holden, CEricka Moten, and Marissa Canales of
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw arrive for interview with Sandra Lindsey,
C.E.O. SCCMHA
L-R - CEricka Moten, Marissa Canales, Sandra Lindsey, C.E.O.
SCCMHA, and Kolby Holden ask the questions about mental
health care.
The positive Goal of Many
empowers our Communities
The mission of The
Michigan Banner is
to continually support
the vision of positive
news while empowering
communities and changing
lives. This mission and
vision is why we are
excited about the Mental
Health Awareness Month
special edition publication.
The knowledge and
increased awareness concerning the important topic
of mental health you will receive as you read this
edition may help you save a life. Also, our hope
is that it will help to dispel the stigma of mental
illness diagnosis.
The Saginaw County Community Mental
Health Authority and Saginaw MAX System of
Care, with several unique organizations in our
village of Saginaw, and the Great Lakes Bay
Region, are pursuing together the one goal to
make sure that our children, and adolescents,
have a healthy and safe life. The collaboration has
established creative and successful services that
enhance the quality of life for our communities.
As I am a proponent for positive youth
empowerment, the Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw,
(Motivating Others Through Voices of Experience)
is a powerful and positive organization. This group
demonstrates intensive training they have received
to ensure strong leadership roles and positive
development for our communities in the future.
It is our hope that after becoming acquainted
with the many positive services that are available
within the organizations introduced in this edition,
you, our reader will become involved in the many
facets of Mental Health. The success and the
growth of this system are evident that the positive
goal of many involved will produce an empowered
community that is wholesome.
Jerome Buckley, Publisher
The Michigan Banner
Empowering Communities and Changing Lives
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 3
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
The Michigan Banner
1400 W. Genesee
Saginaw, MI 48602
989.753-3475
publisher@michiganbanner.com
Office Hours:
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R. L. Buckley
The Latino Banner
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In This Issue
Mental Health Month Special Edition .......................................... Page 1 - Page 30
The Latino Banner ......................................................................................LB - LB 4
Business .................................................................................................... Page 36
Education ................................................................................................... Page 39
Health......................................................................................................... Page 42
Praise Connection...................................................................................... Page 44
What Does Mentorship Look Like?
Willie Hillman M.S.
Youth Involvement Coordinator
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw
In my work as the
Youth Coordinator
for Saginaw MAX
System of Care I
find that mentorship
is very important
in my professional
development.
When you take the
time to develop a
strong mentorship
relationship you get
access to a wealth
of knowledge and
experience and may
end up with a lifelong
friend and potential future business partner.
One of my mentors is Pastor Dr. Byron C.
Hayes of Word of Faith International Ministries;
I have served under his leadership over 12 years
as a musician. A good mentor is wise and willing
to share his or her knowledge and experiences
in order to help you succeed. Its like having a
wonderful trusted ally to go to whenever youre
feeling unsure or in need of support. Mentors can
help you set and achieve career goals, develop
relationships, make smart business decisions,
overcome workplace challenges, also learn new
skills or simply offer an outside perspective when
youre facing frustrations at work.
This is what encouragement from a mentor
sounds like; As your spiritual father since
you were 15 years old I am so proud of your
accomplishments and the goals you are fulfilling
in your life. I admire how your setbacks became
youre come back, thank you for allowing me to
shepherd you as well as be your life coach. On
another note you are a dynamite musician here at
Word of Faith International Ministries Saginaw
Michigan. Our youth in this county need an
individual like you to advocate for their needs.
Remember, If you can look up, you can get up
-Dr. Byron C. Hayes
L-R Willie Hillman and
Dr. Byron C. Hayes, Word
of Faith International
Ministries.

page 4
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
FROM P 2, Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw
with mental health challenges. Since the
tragedy and the police chief change, it has been
a whole different ball game. We (CMH) have
staff available for crisis situations of all kinds.
Our relationship with Covenant and St.Marys
(emergency dept.) where we have an active
presence day and night is also very positive.
The Great Start Collaborative, Michigan Health
Information Alliance, Health Delivery, Inc., and
Michigan Pathways to Better Health have all
been stellar relationships as well.
youth M.o.V.e. - are there any
organizations or entities in the community
that you would like to develop a partnership
with or strengthen a partnership?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - I think
theres still some maturity that needs to occur, I
think we have a relationship with the Saginaw
City schools and our Saginaw City Police
Department, however I think we just need to put
a little more meat to the bones.
youth M.o.V.e. - Do you have any words
of wisdom or encouragement for youth and
their families trying to navigate the systems in
Saginaw County?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - If
youre going to be a good user of the system
you have to be a student of the system. People
dont know whats going on because they dont
read anything - its not going to be a sexy ad
or a message on television. Please pick up
your mail, even e-mails, and read them and do
some digging as well. Also start with your own
healthcare study to know your plan. So be in a
safe place to talk about it, probably not a public
meeting.
youth M.o.V.e. - What are your hopes
for the future of mental health care in our
community and throughout the state, both in
the near future and down the road?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha - The
hope that behavioral healthcare will be greatly
expanded and people will have wider and
greater access to the care they need. I can see
the primary care physician asking questions like,
Are you eating? Sleeping? Do you often feel
angry? How would you describe your anxiety?
Are you drinking, if so how much? So you will
start seeing all of these questions more regularly
because behavioral health will be a part of
mainstream healthcare. People who dont attend
to their behavioral health needs dont attend to
their healthcare. Behavior health can consume
your life good or bad and must be treated so that
health care needs can be met.
youth M.o.V.e. - if you could look into
the future what would youth MoVe Saginaw
look like?
Sandra Lindsey, Ceo, SCCMha -
Become well known in most circles, people
would see it as the resource, have an expansive
membership not everyone would have to be
a member, have lots of friends but everyone
does not have to be active. I would like to see
the members of Youth MOVE see the vision
and take ownership and based on their own
participation see it as a collective identity. I think
you all have a lot to share because there arent
any other Youth MOVE chapters in Michigan
- I see you all spearheading youth voice in this
state. We do understand that there are other SOC
communities but youth voice doesnt always
have to be SOC youth, but youth who have
lived experience in any system who may want
to share. So I can see Youth MOVE Michigan in
your future, hopefully soon.
It is easy to empathize with suffering we can
see: a child who has lost her hair as a result of
chemotherapy, for instance. The suffering of a
child with psychiatric issues is far less obvious.
Many children and teens with emotional prob-
lems keep their pain secret. Others express their
feelings in risky or offensive ways. Due largely
to stigmafear, shame, and misunderstanding
about psychiatric disordersthe majority never
receive clinical care.
Debunking myths about child mental health
is critical to getting more children the help and
understanding they deserve.
MyTh 1: a child with a psychiatric dis-
order is damaged for life.
A psychiatric disorder is by no means an
indication of a childs potential for future happi-
ness and fulfillment. The most important thing
to remember here is that early intervention can
be very effective at preventing chronic, debilitat-
ing conditions. If parents and teachers recognize
the early signs of a psychiatric disorderwheth-
er its ADHD, depression, or anxietyand get a
child treatment, she has a much better chance of
eliminating, or effectively managing, symptoms
that would otherwise interfere with relationships
and her ability to succeed at school and at work.
MyTh 2: psychiatric problems result
from personal weakness.
It can be difficult to separate the symptoms
of a childs psychiatric disorderimpulsive be-
havior, aggressiveness, or extreme shyness, for
examplefrom a childs character. But a psy-
chiatric disorder is an illness, just like diabetes
or leukemia is not a personality type. By way of
example, girls with anorexia are often blamed
for starving themselves, but the obsessive fears
and distorted body image that drive their be-
havior have genetic and biological bases. We
cant expect children and teens to have the tools
to overcome anorexia (or any other psychiatric
disorder) on their own, but they can absolutely
recover with the help of their parents, clinicians,
and a carefully individualized treatment plan.
MyTh 3: psychiatric disorders result
from bad parenting.
While a childs home environment and
SEE P 5, 7 Myths
7 Myths about Child Mental health
psychiatric disorders are not a result of bad parentingor poor willpowerand they wont just go away.
By Harold S. Koplewicz, MD
President
Child Mind Institute
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 5
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Saginaw County Department of human Services
Rita Truss,
Director of SCDHS,
has demonstrated
a commitment to
the children and
families of Saginaw
County and to the
power of partnering
with SCCMHA to
address the mental
health challenges
and barriers citizens
in this community
face on a daily basis.
Partnering with SCCMHA and other
community organizations is very natural to
her as she believes and practices the adage,
it takes a village. It takes a village not only
to raise a child but to provide service and
meet the needs of the families we serve. This
village must consist of Mental Health and Faith
organizations; the Juvenile Justice, Education,
Public Health, Prevention and Recreation
systems and any other groups committed to
keeping vulnerable children and families safe.
Developing this village has required new
and innovative relationships, restructuring a very
traditional service delivery system, and securing
resources in a very slow economy. As a result of
Truss leadership, creativity and dedication to get
the job done, there are now DHS staff members
stationed in 13 Saginaw County schools and two
off-site locations in the communities in need of
additional support. She views this approach as
critical to the success of her organization and
the families we are honored to serve.
Truss views SCCMHA and DHS as strong
proactive partners that help to prevent families
from unnecessarily entering systems, and
lessening the time and severity of systems
involvement when partners communicate
effectively.
She is a voting member and active
participant of the Saginaw MAX System of Care
Coordinating Council, working closely with
SCCMHA, families and many other community
partners to establish a meaningful and lasting
process wherein the voices of young children
and youth will be heard, respected and actually
considered as critical decisions are made
regarding their futures.
Truss was appointed Director of SCDHS
in December 2012, after serving as Interim
Director for approximately one year. She has
been employed with the SCDHS for over 30
years. She is actively involved in the community
as a Motivational Speaker whose mission
is to encourage and empower individuals to
experience success by identifying their strengths
and gifts and embracing principles proven to
yield favorable outcomes. As a result of her
efforts, the children, youth and families in
partnership with SCDHS will recognize a new
and very solid foundation upon which to achieve
the favorable outcomes desired.
Rita Truss, Director
Saginaw County Department
of Human Services
FROM P 4, 7 Myths
relationships with his parents can exacerbate a
psychiatric disorder, these things dont cause the
disorder. Anxiety, depression, and learning dis-
ordersindeed, the full range of psychiatric dis-
ordersoften have biological causes. Parenting
isnt to blame. But parents play a central role
in a childs recovery. They provide support and
care that is crucial to their childs treatment plan
and future development.
MyTh 4: a child can manage a psychiat-
ric disorder through willpower.
The key word here is disorder. A disorder
is not mild anxiety or a dip in mood. It is se-
vere distress and dysfunction that can affect all
areas of a childs life. A heartbreaking number
of parents resist mental health services for their
children because they fear the stigma attached
to diagnoses or see psychiatrists as pill pushers.
This is incredibly sad because kids dont have
the skills and life experience to manage condi-
tions as overwhelming as depression, anxiety, or
ADHD. They can benefit profoundly from the
right treatment plan, which usually includes a
type of behavioral therapy, and have their health
and happiness restored.
MyTh 5: Therapy for kids is a waste of time.
Treatment for child psychiatric disorders
isnt old-fashioned talk therapy. Todays best
evidence-based treatment programs for children
and teens use a cognitive-behavioral therapy
model that focuses on changing the thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors that are causing them se-
rious problems. This is solution-driven therapy,
and its a key component of some of the most
exciting and innovative new treatment plans for
kids. Research has shown that theres a win-
dow of opportunitythe first few years during
which symptoms of psychiatric disorders ap-
pearwhen treatment interventions are most
successful. This means that early identification
followed by therapeutic intervention can give
kids the tools they need to decrease, or effec-
tively manage, their symptoms before they expe-
rience the stigma and negative effects of a fully
developed psychiatric disorder.
MyTh 6: Children are overmedicated.
Since so many public voices (many without
authority or clinical experience) have questioned
or decried the use of medications in the treat-
ment of childhood psychiatric disorders, many
people believe that psychiatrists simply prescribe
medication to every child they see. The truth,
however, is that good psychiatrists use enormous
care when deciding whether and how to start a
child on a treatment plan that includes medica-
tionusually along with behavioral therapy.
Medication is not the norm. Approximately 20
percent of children and teens in America have
psychiatric issues at any one time; only 5 percent
of them take medication. We never doubt wheth-
er a child with diabetes or a seizure disorder
should get medication; we should take psychiat-
ric illness just as seriously. The larger problem is
that millions of children who suffer from serious
psychiatric problems never receive any help.
MyTh 7: Children grow out of mental
health problems.
Children are less likely to grow out of
psychiatric disorders than they are to grow
into more debilitating conditions. Most mental
health problems left untreated in childhood be-
come more difficult to treat in adulthood. Since
we know that most psychiatric disorders emerge
before a childs 14th birthday, we should have
huge incentive to screen young people for emo-
tional and behavioral problems. We can then
coordinate interventions while a childs brain is
most responsive to change and treatment is more
likely to be successful. Left untreated, disorders
often lead to substance abuse, difficulties with
relationships and work, and brushes with the
law.
page 6
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
TEAM
Meet the
Linda Schneider currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services for Saginaw
County Community Mental Health Authority. Her background includes a bachelors
degree in social work, a masters degree in health administraton, and 34 years of
experience in the community mental health system. She has been actvely involved
in system of care work for many years and also co-chairs the Coordinatng Council
for Saginaw MAX System of Care. In her role, she helps to set the vision for the
system of care and is very actve in building collaboratve relatonships within the
community and helping others to see the value of providing services to children and
families within a system of care framework. She also plays a key role in helping to
bring evidence based practces to Saginaw County that would beneft the children
and families we serve.
Linda was born and raised in Saginaw and while many choose to leave the area, she
sees the many great qualites that the community has to ofer. People in Saginaw
care about each other and their community, leaders are very passionate about
working together to create a beter community, and she loves being a part of that
work. However, resources in this community are scarce and she believes that in
order to use them responsively and efectvely, community partners need to work
together to meet the needs of children and families.
Wardene B. Talley has served as the System of Care (SOC) Project Director since
June, 2011. During this three year period she has overseen the development
of the Strategic Plan; the selecton and hiring of a stellar group of professionals
to coordinate key positons required by the grant; the development of youth
and family groups commited to the implementaton of SOC goals; and the
establishment of a collaboratve body of systems, faith and community leaders who
work trelessly to address challenges and remove barriers children, youth and their
families face on a daily basis. Wardene emphatcally states that our work has just
begun.
Wardene has over 30 years experience in the human service feld with organizatons
ranging from Head Start to Higher Educaton. This vast experience has prepared
her for the challenges of her current role. Critcal to the success of SOC has been
the development of an environment of opportunity and safety for youth and family
voice to be heard, respected and whenever possible honored. These youth and
family partners now communicate openly with systems leaders on behalf of them-
selves and all families involved in the child serving systems. It has required patence,
training and building culturally responsive relatonships. She states that we have
achieved a level of success in this area that will help us to sustain the SOC initatve
far beyond the life of the grant.
Wardene is a natve of Toledo, OH, but considers Saginaw her home. She earned
her BSW from Bowling Green State University and her MA in Criminal Justce/Polit-
cal Science from Saginaw Valley State University. Wardene never misses an opportu-
nity to share that she is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of the
two most amazing grandchildren on the planet.
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 7
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
TEAM
Meet the
contnued...
Kelley Blanck serves as the Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator (TA) for Saginaw MAX System
of Care. In this role, she utlizes and coordinates existng training resources, and facilitates cross-training
among stakeholders including families, youth and cultural groups. While capitalizing on these resources,
both at a local and State level, Kelley identfes and confrms gaps and needs to ensure training resources
are efectvely targeted in cooperaton with community partners, families, youth and SCCMHA Contnuing
Educaton Unit.
She also coordinates implementaton of the training/technical assistance plan in cooperaton with the TA
Team. Work to date has included system-wide training to orient stakeholders to System of Care principles
and prepare them for partcipaton in System of Care development, in additon to cross-training to facilitate
understanding of the various child-serving system and their service delivery mandates as well as cultural
and linguistc competency, and family-professional partnerships including family-driven and youth-guided
principles and practces.
Willie Hillman came to Saginaw MAX afer 6 years of service in the human service feld with
most of that tme dedicated to Wolverine Human Services and Holy Cross Children Services.
During his tme here he guided the development of Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw. Mr. Hillman
was a student at Arthur Hill High School and contnued his educatonal journey to Colorado
Technical University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justce also a
Masters Degree of Science in Management with a concentraton in Organizatonal Behavior
and Change. He is an alumnus of the Saginaw Valley African American Leadership Insttute
(SVAALTI) under the mentorship of Kevin Gregory (President). Willie is certfed to train/
facilitate Strengthening families-an evidence based curriculum used to reduce risk factors
by strengthening the relatonship in the family; California Brief Multcultural Scale- cultural
competency training; Mental Health First Aid- tools given for individuals that work with
youth to identfy signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. Willie has also presented
on topics such as; understanding youth culture, youth involvement, bullying, leadership, teen
relatonships (domestc violence and sextng), and strategic sharing.
As a Youth Involvement Coordinator he must coordinate the development of a youth-run group in the community for youth involved
in Saginaw MAX System of Care. He helps youth to fnd their strengths and maximize them to help in the development of our SOC
eforts. As a coordinator he must keep apprised of county/state informaton so that he may share informaton with the youth group.
He promotes and develops leadership trainings, learning opportunites and life skills along with communicatng issues that are
important to youth and the policies and practces that afect them. He also plans and implements educatonal events and community
service projects. You may contact him at whillman@sccmha.org
His professional career outside of System of Care is a Music Director for Word of Faith Internatonal Ministries, Pastor Dr. Byron C.
Hayes. In this ministry he met his beautful wife Danyelle Hillman of 8 years and they have two children together Willie C.J. Hillman
and Jadon C. Hillman. He has lived in Saginaw all his life son of Cheryle Hillman along with 5 other siblings. Willies favorite quote is
We have a powerful potental in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practces so that we may direct
their power toward good ends. -Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
page 8
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
TEAM
Meet the
contnued...
In her role as Cultural and Linguistcs Competency Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of
Care, Dalia Smith is responsible for assistng leadership, management, staf, families, youth,
contractors and all other system and community partners in ensuring culturally and linguistcally
competent practces in all areas of our system of care across Saginaw County.
This is accomplished in many diferent ways such as, but not limited to, convening and
facilitatng the Saginaw MAX Cultural and Linguistcs Competency Team, or the CLC Team. The
CLC Team is composed of individuals representng a diverse cross-secton of our community
including system partners (the Department of Human Services, the juvenile justce system, the
mental health system, public health, and educaton), community partners (the Underground
Railroad, the Mexican American Council, The Bridge Center for Racial Harmony, PFFLAG, Health
Delivery, Disability Network of Mid Michigan, SAID Services, Michigan Alliance for Families, Great
Start, and the Associaton for Childrens Mental Health), faith-based partners (the Islamic Center
of Saginaw, and World Overcomers Church), and families and youth served by the mental health
system as well as one or more of the child-serving systems listed above. Each member gives
voice to those who have historically been underserved, un-served, or inappropriately served
in our community. The CLC Team is charged with creatng a Cultural and Linguistc Competency
Strategic Plan, or CLC Plan, which connects into the overall Saginaw MAX Strategic Plan. The
CLC Plan is comprised of goals, strategies and acton steps designed to foster a culturally and
linguistcally responsive system of care. Some of the strategies include conductng multcultural
training, policy development, and coordinaton of a system wide organizatonal needs self-assessment. The CLC Plan helps to guide the
CLC Team in responding to any disparites and disproportonalites occurring in our system of care by obtaining and studying system and
community data so that we are beter able to understand service availability, ease of access to and utlizaton of services, the quality of care
being delivered, and if we are achieving positve outcomes for those with the most intensive needs in our community. Informaton, insight,
recommendatons, and progress on achieving the strategic plan goals are then reported out to the Saginaw MAX Coordinatng Council to
inform the Saginaw MAX decision-making process.
As the Cultural and Linguistcs Competency Coordinator, Dalia is a resource to Saginaw MAX system and community partners and can help
with organizatonal change, cross cultural practce, and language access resources. She is also a bridge between Saginaw MAX and our cul-
tural communites, families, youth, providers and other stakeholders so that connectons are developed and relatonships are strengthened.
She advocates on behalf of Saginaws cultural communites and make sure we have diverse representaton included in our planning and
decision-making teams. If you have questons about the CLC Team, please call Dalia at 989-498-2270.
TriWest Group is a human service evaluaton and consultng company based in Boulder,
Colorado with ofces in Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Illinois. TriWest Group has
been involved with Saginaw County for over three years. Most of their team members
have had experience working with children, youth and families, running programs and
conductng evaluatons. Equally important, many of them are parents who know frst hand
the challenges of raising children. They are proud to have the opportunity to support this
important project through evaluaton.
Peter Selby, Suki Martnez-Parham and Ana Trindade-Barber are the core team for the
evaluaton of Saginaw MAX System of Care. Dr. Selby is a Licensed Clinical Psychologists
who has provided clinical services, run community mental health programs and conducted
research. Ms. Martnez-Parham is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Trindade-Barber
has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justce. Ms. Trindade-Barber serves as our Local
Evaluaton Coordinator and parent evaluator who interviews families and youth about their
experiences with the system of care. She knows about services in the community frst hand
and is sensitve to the needs of the families the project serves.
Ana Trindade-Barber and Peter Selby
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 9
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
TEAM
Meet the
contnued...
Ashley Wilcox serves as the Administratve Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of Care.
In this role she supports the administratve team in all aspects of implementng system of care,
performing administratve tasks involving areas of department operatons including business
functons and informaton management, assistng in development of procedures for a smooth
operaton of the department and involvement in the quality improvement process. She prepares
agendas and takes meetng minutes and provides customer service, working with organizatons in the
mental heath industry and human service organizatons. Ashley also serves as the supervisors liaison
to various agencies and community commitees.
Ashley says that the best part of her job is meetng the families and youth. They make it worthwhile
and wonderful to come into work every day, she said.
Melissa Lee serves as the Social Marketng Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of Care. She works with
youth, families, system partners and the administratve team to create awareness about Saginaw MAX
System of Care and childrens mental health throughout the community. Melissa facilitates an enthusiastc
and creatve group of youth, families and partners that meet once a month to brainstorm and plan
communicaton and events that promote the Saginaw MAX vision in culturally competent and inclusive
ways. She also oversees the day-to-day communicaton needs of the initatve through writng press
releases and artcles, maintaining and growing a social media presence, fostering new and contnued
partnerships with businesses and organizatons throughout the community, and much more.
Melissa is a natve of northern Michigan and atended school at Central Michigan University where she
earned a bachelors degree in Journalism with a Public Relatons concentraton. Her personal connecton
and history with mental health are a driving force for her enthusiasm in her role and she looks forward to
seeing the system of care initatve grow.
Keva Clark serves as the Lead Family Involvement Coordinator for Saginaw Max System of Care. She is the
mother of two and takes pride in being chosen to raise a child with a disability and being blessed with a daughter
with high energy and full of personality. Both of her teens are willing workers for Youth Move Saginaw.
As an Administrator of the System of Cares core team, she is the overseer of The Empowered to Reach
and Teach Families Team (ERTFT). This group is responsible for providing input to the Saginaw MAX efort,
ensuring the initatve remains aware of families experiences, and identfying strategies for promotng family
engagement. Kevas career accomplishments include coordinatng ongoing training and technical assistance to
build family leadership, build family and professional partnerships, and implement family-driven practces; along
with identfying, recruitng, preparing, and supportng family and professional leaders to be co-trainers and
presenters. She provides community educaton programs to inform the community about Saginaw MAX and
the needs of families as a Proactve Service Facilitator. Keva works in partnership with professional agencies and
partners across the child serving agencies.
Kevas educatonal accomplishments include a Masters of Educaton and Administraton, Secondary Teacher Certfcaton, and Parents as Teacher
Certfcaton. Within the educaton sector, Keva has over 15 years of experience working with students that have learning disabilites grades
K-12 focusing on Academic Interventon. Her heart is stll with the success of students, leading her to develop the Families Mater Collaboraton
Workshop with Saginaw Public School District. She is currently a part of the Collaboratve Learning Group for Team Up for Families to become fully
credentaled to teach Team Up for Your Child/Road Map Workshops under the directon of Author Wendy Lowe Besmann, Natonal Federaton for
Families in Washington DC. Having experienced trauma herself, Keva is the Scheduling Coordinator and Facilitator for the Natonal Child Traumatc
Stress Network where she trains professionals and families on Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource
Parents. Paying it forward as a change agent has been the best life experience that she could ask for.
page 10
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
TEAM
Meet the
contnued...
Terry Kuhns is the CEO of PACT. PACT (People Achieving Change Today) is an LLC local to
Saginaw County whose purpose is to empower caring people to achieve change in their
communites. PACT seeks to partner with faith-based and community organizatons to
develop ways to meet the many needs of the citzens of a community. PACT is contractng
with Saginaw MAX System of Care to coordinate mentoring for young people in Saginaw
County. PACT hopes to bring value to their initatve by recruitng, training and overseeing
a team of mentors in Saginaw County.
Terry has also been the Mentoring Director for Operaton Transformaton since the
incepton of the program. Operaton Transformaton has contracted with the Michigan
Department of Correctons since 2006 to provide mentoring for men and women on
parole in eleven countes. Terry has presented the mentoring program to over three
thousand returning citzens and has recruited and trained several hundred volunteers to
serve as mentors. He has served on state and natonal commitees addressing family and
community issues for citzens returning from the prison system, and has been a private
consultant to government, faith-based and community organizatons.
A pastor since 1998, Terry has worked to nurture collaboraton between government
agencies, churches and other community service providers. Terry currently serves as the
Senior Pastor at Grace Baptst Church of Saginaw, Michigan.
Denise Montrel serves as the Disproportonate Minority Contact Coordinator within
Saginaw MAX System of Care. Disproportonate minority contact refers to the
disproportonate number of minority youth who come into contact with the juvenile
justce system. This initatve was formulated by a collaboratve partnership with
Saginaw County Juvenile Justce System, Saginaw County Child Welfare System and
other system and community partners including Saginaw Max System of Care. As the
Coordinator, Denise utlizes her public administraton knowledge to contribute to the
contnued eforts of DMC and Saginaw Max System of Care.
The DMC Project is lead by the Saginaw County DMC Steering Commitee, which
includes youth and families. Incorporatng youth and family voice is especially
important to address and reduce disproportonate minority contact throughout
Saginaw County.
Denise also facilitates the California Brief Multcultural Scale (CBMCS) Multcultural
Competence Training Model to train staf at all levels across systems to heighten
necessary awareness among agency staf which include: Courts, Law Enforcement,
Department of Human Services, Educaton, Public Mental Health, Faith Based
Organizatons and Family and Youth representatves to be culturally responsive.
The mission of the Michigan Coaliton for Race Equity in Child Welfare and Juvenile
Justce is to reduce racial disproportonality and disparites in Michigans Child Welfare
and Juvenile Justce Systems through a data-driven approach.

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 11
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Childrens Mental Health
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
One in fve young people have one or more mental, emotonal,
or behavioral challenges. One in ten youth have challenges that
are severe enough to impair how they functon at home, school,
or in the community.
Despite high rates of mental illness in children, 4 out of 5
children ages 6 to 17 who have experienced symptoms do not
receive any help. The majority of those who do not receive
needed mental health services are minority children. For
example, 88% of Latno children have unmet mental health
needs. In additon, Latno children are less likely than others
to be identfed by a primary care physician as having a mental
disorder.
One-half of all lifetme cases of psychological challenges begin
by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24. In additon, 80%
of people who have experienced multple issues with mental
health and substance abuse report onset before the age of 20.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and
young adults. Children experiencing symptoms of psychological
challenges, partcularly depression, are at a higher risk for
suicide. An estmated 90% of children who complete suicide
have a diagnosable mental illness.
Unmet mental health needs may complicate daily actvites and
educaton for youth. Almost 25% of adolescents who required
mental health assistance reported having problems at school.
Over 50% of students who experience psychological challenges,
ages 14 and older, drop out of high school-the highest dropout
rate of any disability group.
Early detecton and interventon strategies for mental health
issues improve childrens resilience and ability to succeed in
life. According to a study by the Natonal Insttute of Mental
Health, preschoolers at high risk for mental health problems
showed less oppositonal behavior, less aggressive behavior,
and were less likely to require special educaton services 3 years
afer enrolling in a comprehensive, school-based mental health
program.
Create awareness
surrounding positve
mental health practces
and supports. Actvely
work to reduce stgma,
awareness of mental
health needs and
promote wellness
programs.
Contact your local, state
and federal legislators
to request funding for
early interventon and
preventon programs,
enactng ant-bullying
legislaton and
promotng the system
of care approach.
Encourage culturally
and linguistcally
competent supports
and services.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
page 12
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Saginaw County Community Mental health authority and
Saginaw MaX System of Care promotes positive action for
youth Mental health
By Wardene Talley, Director
Saginaw System of Care
Its somewhat
clich to begin the
introduction to the
Michigan Banners
special issue for
Mental Health
Awareness month
with the African
proverb: It takes a
village to raise a
child. If youve paid
attention to national
conversations on
mental health and youth empowerment,
however, it certainly appears that it does
take a village to promote resilience, improve
services, and combat stigma for youth who
are severely emotionally disturbed (SED)
and their families.
In 2009, Saginaw County Community
Mental Health Authority was awarded a $9
million grant through the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Service Administration.
This award funded the launch of Saginaw
MAX System of Care, an exciting initiative
designed to increase awareness of and
access to mental health services for youth
between the ages of 6-17 years of age and
their families. The system of care model
features a philosophy and framework that
involves collaboration across agencies for
the purpose of improving and expanding the
array of family-driven, community centered,
culturally competent services and supports
for families coping with challenging, but not
insurmountable, mental health diagnosis.
Over the past four years, we have
worked to eliminate the stigma associated
with mental health diagnosis throughout
our village: the county of Saginaw and
surrounding communities. Along the way,
we have become a meaningful avenue
of hope and growth for youth who are
SED. Through collaboration with these
youth, their families, the Department
of Human Services, Juvenile Court,
various educational institutions, the faith
community, and other organizations we have
implemented and advanced an evidenced
based locus of services that enhances the
daily lives of over 150 youth and their
families.
This issue celebrates Mental Health
Awareness month. The goal of this
observance is to build public recognition
about the importance of mental health to
overall health and wellness; inform people
of the ways that the mind and body interact
with each other; and provide tips and tools
for taking positive actions to protect mental
health and promote whole health. We
developed this special issue in support of
these goals. The following pages feature the
testimonies of youth and families, projects
of other organizations and initiatives
providing services and supports, articles
examining the state of mental health care
in Saginaw County, and updates of events
and activities sponsored by Youth MOVE,
System of Care, and ERTFT.
We are grateful to the Michigan Banner
for the opportunity to highlight the need
for continued community education on this
important topic. It is estimated that as many
as one in five children or adolescents may
have a mental problem that can be identified
and treated. The average life expectancy of
an individual with a mental health diagnosis
is up to 20 years less than that of a person
without.
Together, we can address the risk of
suicide, rectify poor living conditions, and
improve the education and treatment of
youth who are SED. This month, if you
see the beautiful lime green ribbons that
symbolize awareness and support of mental
health, remember that you can help improve
the standard of living and services for every
member of our village by volunteering to
mentor, teach, or participate in one of the
many training opportunities available to
better understand and enhance your ability
to support local youth and families.
A Special Thank You
Saginaw Max System of Care would like to thank Melissa Lee, Social Marketer, for her dedication in putting together this special edition
of The Michigan Banner on behalf of Mental Health Awareness Month. For your invaluable help, support and patience, I say thank you.
A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. Colin Powell
Sincerely,
Wardene Talley, Director of Saginaw Max System of Care
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com 1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 13
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Saginaw MaX SoC implements Multicultural Competence Training in
Saginaw County to identify Disproportionate Contact in Juvenile Justice
In 2013, Saginaw MAX
System of Care implemented
a multicultural competence
training model called the
California Brief Multicultural
Competence Scale (CBMCS)
Multicultural Competence
Training. To date, Saginaw
MAX has trained more
than 100 individuals in
this training model. The
model consists of 3 days of
intensive training in 4 areas:
multicultural knowledge,
awareness of cultural
barriers, sensitivity and
responsiveness to consumers,
and sociocultural diversities.
In part, due to the success
of this training model, the
Saginaw Disproportionate
Minority Contact (DMC)
Project identified this training
model as a strategy to
address the disproportionate contact occurring
in Saginaw Countys juvenile justice, and
childrens protective service/foster care, or child
welfare, systems.
Currently Saginaw MAX, in partnership
with the DMC Project, is rolling out a second
year of CBMCS Multicultural Competence
Trainings to cover the expanse of Saginaw
Countys multiple child-serving systems staff,
community partners, and families and youth
served by Saginaw MAX System of Care, in
an effort to promote multicultural awareness,
sensitivity and responsiveness and thus work
towards decreasing disproportionateminority
contact within the juvenile justice and child
welfare systems.
The Saginaw MAX effort is funded by a
6-year childrens mental health federal grant
awarded in 2010 by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) and is focused on improving
outcomes for families with children who have
complex behavioral challenges and who have
been involved in multiple child-serving systems
(i.e. public mental health, education, juvenile
justice, and child welfare).
The Saginaw DMC Project is part of the
work of the Michigan Coalition for Race Equity
in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice and is
funded by a DMC reduction grant from the
Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. The
mission of the Michigan Coalition for Race
Equity in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice is
to reduce racial disproportionality and disparities
in Michigans child welfare and juvenile justice
systems through a data-driven approach.
National and Michigan-specific studies
have shown that minority children, especially
African-American children, stay in the child
welfare system longer and are far more likely to
exit the system without reunifying with family,
being adopted, or achieving some other type of
permanency.
Locally, over the past 3 years Saginaw
County has engaged in a DMC Project that has
begun collecting and analyzing data and has
determined that there is disproportionate contact
at key decision points within the juvenile justice
and child welfare systems. The Saginaw DMC
Project is currently working on
bringing forth strategies to reduce
disproportionate contact in these
systems. One such strategy is using
the California Brief Multicultural
Scale (CBMCS) Multicultural
Training Model to train staff at all
levels, across systems.
In the fall of 2013, the DMC
Project was awarded a special
1-year DMC reduction grant
from the Michigan Committee on
Juvenile Justice. The DMC Projects
reduction grant goal was to train
280 individuals across 7 sectors
of the community covering law
enforcement, courts, the Department
of Human Services, the education
community, public mental health,
faith-based organizations, and
families and youth served by these
systems. In order to achieve the
training goal, it was also proposed that
the capacity to present the CBMCS
Multicultural Competence Training would be
expanded.
Saginaw Countys CBMCS Multicultural
Competence Training Model was developed to
meet the need to expand our training capacity
and then train 280 individuals across systems
and ultimately meeting the goals of the reduction
grant. Implementing the Saginaw Model gave
the capacity to train a cohort of 21 diverse
facilitators and supports to present the intensive
3-day multicultural training at the highest level
of quality and professionalism that the training
demands.
To this end, there is presently support and
advanced training, coaching, and supervision
from CBMCS Multicultural Competence
Training Master Trainer, Dr. Gloria Morrow.
Dr. Morrow is co-developer and co-author of
the California Brief Multicultural Competence
Scale (CBMCS) as well as the resulting CBMCS
Multicultural Competence Training. Dr. Morrow
trained the cohort of 21 individuals representing
SEE P 14, Saginaw MAX SOC Implements
Multicultural Competence Training
From L-R: Pastor Otis Dickens, Samona Perry, Marshall Thomas, Yalonda Freeman, Kenya
Palmer, Roshell Watley-Thomas, Sylvester Liggins, Pastor Roy Baldwin, Lula Woodard,
Dee Brown, Keva Clark, Lisa Coney, Dalia Smith, Wardene Talley, Pastor Kareem Bowen.
Not pictured: Paul Elam, Inez Williams, Derrick Wyatt, Barbara Littles, Denise Montrel,
Veronica Hamilton, Corey Pritchett, Pastor Rufus Bradley, and Michael McMillan
In August 2013,
Saginaw MAX System
of Care completed
evaluation of the Four
Sites Summer Camps.
Providing Therapeutic
Recreational activities
for the children, youth
and families we serve
was one of the services required in the original
Cooperative Agreement. Implementation of
the recreational activities was to have begun
during the fourth year of operation; however, we
were able to offer this much needed service one
year ahead of schedule. The participation and
outcomes were phenomenal.
Four churches embraced the challenge of
providing full day summer camps for the 2013
nine week summer vacation. All four sites
were strategically chosen based in part, on their
geographic location in Saginaw County:
Center of attraction Fellowship, 4375
S. Washington Rd., is located in Spaulding
Township within walking distance of dozens
of children many of whom would spend the
summer in a safe and well supervised structured
recreational experience. Center of Attraction
has provided summer camp for children in the
surrounding area for 13 years.
Victorious Believers Ministries, 624 S.
Outer Dr., is located in Buena Vista Township.
The recent closing of the BV Township schools
was a contributing factor in the decision to
provide the structured academic and recreational
experience for the children in this community.
Also located within walking distance for dozens
of children, the positive impact of the summer
camp on the families with children was very
much needed.
Shield of Faith Ministries, 10320 Swan
Creek Rd., is centrally located to provide a rich
camp experience to children and families in the
out-lying and rural communities.
Kingdom Life Ministries international,
located in downtown Saginaw met the needs of
families near the local Public Library and north
of the river.
Each site provided participants with weekly
field trips to Bay City State Park for Project
Fish. At the end of the nine week camp, each
participant with 80% attendance received
a fishing pole from Project Fish. Students
also visited local parks, libraries, Saginaw
Childrens Zoo and other sites on a weekly basis.
Transportation was provided and a nutritious
breakfast, lunch and two snacks were served
each day.
Heidi Wale, Contractual Research
Consultant, for Saginaw County Community
Mental Health completed evaluations at the
beginning and the end (pre and post)period
of the summer camps. The results were
remarkable; one example was the kids self-
esteem was reported as significantly higher
at the end of the camp than when the children
began in June.
Plans for the 2014 Summer Camps, to
begin in June are underway. We look forward
to the continued growth and development of
participants throughout the summer, helping to
provide a healthy recreational experience and
to support efforts to keep them academically
prepared for their return to school in the Fall of
2014
page 14
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
From P 13, Saginaw MAX SOC Implements
Multicultural Competence Training
a cross-section of the community including
faith-based partners, in the intensive 4-day
CBMCS Multicultural Competence Training of
Trainers in November of 2013.
To become certified as a CBMCS
Multicultural Competence Training facilitator
an individual must successfully complete
prerequisites, the 4-day Training of Trainers,
a series of six 2-3 hour coaching calls, and 2
supervised 3-day training practicums. At present
the CBMCS Multicultural Competence Training
Team consists of 2 nationally certified trainers, 4
locally certified trainers, and currently there is a
second group of 7 facilitators-in-training through
the series of coaching calls and supervised
practicums. There are also 8 individuals being
trained as support. Both, facilitator and support
are essential to presenting a successful and
meaningful training.
To date, the 2014 training schedule is:
May 20, 21, and 22
June 11, 12, and 13
August 12, 13, and 14
September 10, 11, and 12
For more information about the Saginaw
Model, or the CBMCS Multicultural
Competence Training, contact Dalia Smith at
989-498-2270, or email dsmith@sccmha.org.
Church Summer Camp Sites have Remarkable Results!
By Ashley Wilcox, Administrative Coordinator
Saginaw MAX System of Care
Saginaw pathways to Better health
Saginaw Pathways to Better Health provides
FREE assistance to adults who are eligible for or
enrolled in Medicaid and/or Medicare and have
two or more chronic health conditions. This
program is offered in Saginaw, Bay, and other
adjacent counties through an Innovations Award
to the Michigan Public Health Institute from
the DHHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services. Saginaw Pathways to Better Health
works with clients to improve their health
outcomes by linking them to needed medical
and social services. A Community Health
Worker is assigned to each client and makes
home visits to assess and monitor their progress.
Benefits for pathways participants:
Ongoing support from a Community Health
Worker
Identification of ways/resources to reach
desired health outcomes
Linkage to social services and access to
primary care
Assistance in setting and achieving health
improvement goals
For additional information call the
Saginaw Pathways to Better Health HUB at
989.498.2266.
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 15
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
In my opinion...
People fear what they dont understand. Many people think that young people are just acting out
and will eventually grow out of certain behaviors. Here is what we can do to help reduce the stigma:
Know the Facts, Educate others, be aware of your attitudes and behavior, and choose words carefully,
Focus on the positive and support people.
Lorenzo Pierson, CEO of Youth Empowerment & Solutions
Learn to walk in others shoes. Try to understand or imagine how others might feel while dealing with
mental health or other issues. Take time to listen and learn about other peoples perspectives. The truth
is we all struggle with something. Empathy goes a long way.
Assegid Mersha, Professional Psychological Psychiatric Services Therapist
People should take more trainings about people with mental illness. They will then recognize that
people with mental illness are just like you and I. Everyone deserves to be treated equally.
Kolby Holden, Youth Move Saginaw
The lack of understanding by family, friends and colleagues are an unfortunate but common mistake
when it comes to mental illness. Educate yourself before you pass judgment on another persons
condition. Dont equate a person with an illness, reach out to them and have the courage to help
them. By seeking counseling, education, and gaining knowledge, this will help you and that individual
gain self esteem and have support to overcome the stigma of mental illness.
Charles A. SLEDGE, School and Community Activist
There has always been many stereotypes placed on individuals with mental illness. However, most of
these stereotypes are formed due to the lack of knowledge and information. Therefore, it is critical that
not only systems and services are put in place to service those with mental illnesses, but to also
educate the community at large. As an educator, it is critical that I link students and families at an early
age with the appropriate community, state and national resources that will help change peoples
attitudes and behaviors towards mental health and illnesses. There must be an ongoing effort to
educate and engage students and families in the appropriate conversations and events regarding
mental health.
Tiffany L. Pruitt, College & Community Access Coordinator
Ruben Daniels Middle School
One of the best ways to help reduce the stigma of mental illness is through awareness. Awareness help
removes barriers, decrease negative perceptions as well as provide support. I believe awareness should
be begin in the schools, families, and communities with the use of guided provisions such as pamphlets,
trainings, and various activities. These provisions can help those become engage in the learning of
what mental illness is and how to become a active supporter of those with mental illness.
Danyelle Hillman, Music Education Facilitator

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 16
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
What Can We Learn From elephants?
By Terry Kuhns, M.A.
People Achieving Change Today (PACT) LLC
Years ago a
major newspaper
ran a story about
a problem a South
African game
preserve was
experiencing.
At least 39
endangered rhinos
had been found
dead and it was
first assumed that
poachers were to
blame. However,
the game wardens
were baffled
because when they took a closer look they
realized that the rhinos valuable horns had not
been removed from the carcasses.
In order to catch the perpetrators of this
violence, the wardens decided to strategically
position hidden cameras. They were shocked to
learn that the rhinos were being harassed and
attacked without provocation by a herd of young
bull elephants. These teenage elephants were
chasing the rhinos, assaulting them and in many
cases stomping them to death. Why were these
elephants acting so violently?
The wardens concluded that a poor decision
made years before by the park officials had
led to this unnatural behavior. The officials
had made the decision to move the older and
more mature bull elephants to a different game
preserve but to leave the young ones. These
young elephants grew up without the presence
and influence of older and more mature role
models. They had become unnaturally violent
and had killed the rhinos.
How did the park officials address this
problem? They decided to bring in older
elephants to see what effect they would have on
the herd. They were surprised to see that it didnt
take long for the older elephants to take their
place among the herd as leaders and role models.
Eventually, the younger bulls began following
the older ones and their behavior changed. These
former lawbreakers returned to normal patterns
of elephant behavior. There has not been a report
of any dead rhinos since the arrival of the more
mature elephants.
So what does a story about elephants in
South Africa have to do with young people in
the city of Saginaw? There are many young
people in our county with complex emotional
and behavioral challenges who have very limited
opportunities. What struggles do these young
people face?
97% have had serious problems at
school (poor academic performance and
attendance or behaviors that have resulted in
formal disciplinary action)
96% have behaved in ways that are quite
offensive to others
or have placed others at risk. (Youth
with these behaviors have difficulty making and
keeping healthy relationships.)
95% have been seriously non-compliant
or dangerous at home. (Parents of these youth
likely struggle with feeling tired, ineffective,
and/or resentful.)
92% have struggled with serious mood
symptoms such as depression, anxiety or
reactions to a trauma.
57% have committed repeated or serious
illegal behaviors.
We have a tremendous opportunity right
now to effect change by coming alongside the
young people of our community. Saginaw MaX
System of Care was developed to help meet the
unique needs of youth with complex emotional
and behavioral challenges. It is a partnership of
all the child- and family-serving agencies that
can provide services to these youth.
PACT (People Achieving Change Today) is
an LLC local to Saginaw County whose purpose
is to empower caring people to achieve change
in their communities. paCT is contracting
with Saginaw MaX System of Care to
coordinate mentoring for young people in
Saginaw County, and it hopes to bring value
to their initiative by recruiting, training and
overseeing a team of volunteers to mentor
these young people.
How can you make a difference? You can
become a mentor and add value to the life of one
young person. What if each one of them could
have a caring adult in their corner to provide
support, counsel, friendship and a constructive
example? Would that make a difference?
What is the value of mentoring? Studies have
demonstrated that mentoring produces many
positive outcomes:
Mentors help keep students in school
(students who meet regularly with their mentors
are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day
of school and 37% less likely to skip a class).
Mentors who help with homework
significantly improve their mentees academic
skills.
Mentors help improve a young persons
self-esteem.
Mentors help keep young people away
from drugs (youth who meet regularly with their
mentors are 46% less likely than their peers to
start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to
start drinking).
Mentors provide teens with a valuable
place to spend free time (roughly 40% of a
teenagers waking hours are spent without
companionship or supervision).
Mentors teach young people how to
relate well to all kinds of people and help them
strengthen communication skills.
Mentors help young people set career
goals and start taking steps to realize them.
Mentors can use their personal contacts
to help young people find employment and
through modeling a good work ethic they show
them how to keep employment.
Mentors show a young person that there
is someone who cares about them.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor
or learning more about PACT, LLC, contact
Terry at 810-488-0914 or tkuhns@optrans.org.

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 17
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Judge Thompson partners
with youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw
Judge M.T. Thompson, Jr. has
served in the 70th District Court of
Saginaw, since 1997. He is the author
and co-author of several books and
curriculum, including How Criminal
Justice Works in Michigan. This book
bridges the gap between the classroom
and courtroom and serves as a road
map for those individuals who want to
know how the criminal justice system
works.
Through How Criminal Justice
Works in Michigan, as well as Judge
Thompsons continued community
service and leadership, he makes an
important contribution to the safety,
consciousness, and efficacy of youth
who are SED.
His work exemplifies how
education combined with culturally
competent mentoring are one of
the most effective ways to improve
relationships between the community and the criminal justice system,
prevent negative encounters, and promote informed behavioral decisions.
Judge Thompson has partnered with Youth M.O.V.E to address the
disproportionate contact of at risk youth, including youth who are SED,
with the juvenile justice system. Youth M.O.V.E. coordinator, Willie
Hillman, and Judge Thompson will co-facilitate an eight-week class to
promote informed, effective, and responsible citizenry.
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw
asking the Questions
Special Interview with Honorable Judge
Faye Harrison Saginaw County Family Court
youth M.o.V.e. -
What would you say
has been the most
significant change
or changes in mental
health care in the
juvenile justice system
since you have been
leading the 10th
Circuit Family Court
Division?
Judge Faye
harrison - We have
had every youngster
tested through our MAYSI screener to identify if a child may be at risk
for mental health challenges. Through partnership with community
mental health we have workers here to identify the issue upfront. As a
partner in Saginaw Max System of Care over the past 4-5 years even
beyond that we have been able to broaden our services.
youth M.o.V.e. - Why do you think its important for youth and
families to be involved in their own treatment/supports planning?
Judge Faye harrison - Ive discovered that the only people that
can help me understand how to help young people are the young people.
They talk different, it is very different hearing the voice of a caseworker
speak for a youth than hearing a youth speak for them. I need them to tell
me whats important to them, not tell me what they think I might want to
hear. When I hear them talk, it gives me a better insight to make a sound
decision on their behalf.
youth M.o.V.e. - Why do you think youth involvement in
raising awareness and overcoming the stigma of mental illness in our
community is important?
Judge Faye harrison - I think that peers are excellent to fight
against what they see as a negative subculture, I think that the higher
status youth can influence social change when they stand up and
encourage others to stand up for the cause. The more youth the better and
we will then see our culture of not asking for help, ask for help.
youth M.o.V.e. - in your opinion, why is our youth MoVe
important for our community?
Judge Faye harrison - I believe that they are the focal point;
members of Youth MOVE have some personal knowledge, because
most of them have been through the system; so they know what they are
talking about. It creates a venue for youth to be organized and speak to
people like me and other system leaders in a professional way. Youth can
SEE P 18, Youth M.O.V.E.
L-R Willie Hillman, Youth M.O.V.E.
Coordinator and Judge M. T.
Thompson
L-R Youth M.O.V.E. member CEricka Moten
and Judge Faye Harrison
Through the growing process of a caregiver and a
seed, the caregiver grows into a beautiful, empowered
parent/caregiver with outstretched arms that are
willing to help others in the community that are in
need of the same help that they once needed. The seed
grows a stem, leaves that outstretch, and eventually a
flower. Either way, the seed has become beautiful and
helpful to me because it is cheerful to look at and I
can be reminded that I started out just like that seed.
Tina Schmidt
Empowered to Reach and Teach Families Team
Excerpt of The Caregiver and the Seed
page 18
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
FROM P 17, Youth M.O.V.E.
tell that there is leadership in this group and thats
the voice I want to hear.
youth M.o.V.e. - What would you say is
the biggest challenge currently facing mental
health care in the juvenile justice system, in
our community, and throughout the state?
Judge Faye harrison - I believe that
sustainability for evidenced based practices is
key and we need that to provide to our youth
and families. Secondly I would say cultural and
linguistic competency, understanding that we all
come from different walks of life and to better
serve our families we need to do a better job
at understanding the cultural differences. We
do have a CLC training that Dalia Smith along
with Denise Montrell is spearheading to our
professionals and community members.
youth M.o.V.e. - What are some of the
partnerships that have been formed around
mental health and the courts that you are
especially proud of?
Judge Faye harrison - I am extremely
proud of the relationships that we have built
among top level system leaders down through
our workers in system of care. This has
eliminated a lot of barriers for treatment and
we always find that we serve the same families
so why not work together to produce better
outcomes. The DHS, JJ, and CMH relationship
has been there even before the grant landed
in our community we have seen the need to
produce a system that is easy to access and
transform with the voice of youth and their
families.
youth M.o.V.e. - Do you have any words
of wisdom or encouragement for youth and
their families trying to navigate the systems in
Saginaw County, especially the courts?
Judge Faye harrison - I would say to all
youth that you have constitutional rights and it
is important that you know those rights. Know
that if you have done something wrong you can
ask for help but you will be tried fair, always be
respectful and know that you will always receive
the same respect.
youth M.o.V.e. - This is your last term
overseeing family court in Saginaw. What
are your hopes for the future of family
court/juvenile justice and mental health
after youve stepped down? Will you still be
involved in family court/juvenile justice and
mental health when your term is up? if so,
how?
Judge Faye harrison - I do plan on staying
involved with Saginaw county, whoever comes
after me I hope that they will allow me to be
available at their request. We have come a long
way in this county in terms of partnerships,
awareness, so the truth is I will be involved but I
dont how until we get there in November.
youth M.o.V.e. - if you could see into the
future, what would youth MoVe look like?
Judge Faye harrison - Bigger and stronger
along with connections with legislators. I love
to view you all on Facebook. I also would like
to see you all more involved with the school
districts. I see Youth MOVE mentoring other
peers who may encounter system involvement,
you all would become the example and role
model for other youth, then youth voice becomes
bigger and stronger than ever in this county and
state.
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw (Motivating others Through Voices
of experience) is Directing youth power Towards Good ends
By Willie Hillman, M.S.
Youth Involvement Coordinator
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw
I have the privilege
of leading a powerful
group of young people
in this community
Youth MOVE Saginaw.
In understanding our
community dynamics,
it is important for
organizations to
collaborate in this time
of great need for youth
who experience multi-systems. I am charged with
understanding and creating youth voice in different
forums throughout Saginaw County.
In other generations, youth voice has been shut
out by stating stay in a childs place or kids are
to be seen and not heardwell youth have a lot
to say. We have a powerful potential in our youth
and we must have the courage to change old ideas
and practices so that we may direct their power
towards good ends.
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw (Motivating Others
Through Voices of Experience) was founded by
youth under the Saginaw MAX System of Care
initiative to address the needs of youth who
experience youth serving institutions; such as,
but not limited to public health, juvenile justice,
department of human services, school districts,
community organizations, to give youth a real say
in the key decisions that affect them.
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw operates in
leadership development programs using strategies
that include peer support, organizing, action
research, policy advocacy, and philanthropy.
Nationally, these engagement sectors serve as a
scientific study on youth engagement, leadership,
and development to bring learned lessons to
advance the field of youth development. We
translate findings of youth development/leadership
into curricula, publications and presentations.
One of the major goals of Youth M.O.V.E.
Saginaw is to increase the involvement of youth in
their own treatment plan and to be knowledgeable
of what is going on in their lives. We train youth
to provide training on youth guided care and
other topics that are important to youth such as;
bullying, teen dating, strengthening families,
sexting, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Through
our voices of experience we relate the curriculum
or presentations to our own personal lives making
the training relatable and more influential.
Youth M.O.V.E Saginaw is located at 1901
Maple Street (old Merrill Park Boys and Girls
Club).
For additional information concerning Youth
M.O.V.E., please contact me at 989-860-0319.
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 19
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw Members
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw, 1901 Maple Street (old Merrill park Boys and Girls Club).
Confidence is a lot more than just focusing on looks to get attention.
It comes from deep inside you to make you brave about doing things.
Julian
Freedom
Religion can be a very intimidating topic to
talk about especially in school. Fear of persecution
or being an outcast and others in addition to those
can keep one from speaking; whether in a group of
friends or in a classroom setting. But you should
let your voice be heard, because the consequences
may turn out better than you think.
Thats something I can speak on firsthand. For
example last year in my English class the topic of
Christianity popped up. A girl in my hour decided
to pretty much say that religion is stupid, and there
is no God. Now, me being a strong believer of the
Christian faith spoke up and explained my point
of view. The subject spurred a large discussion in
class and I gained a certain respect from many of
my classmates. I even made some new friends out
of people that I hadnt really talked to in the past,
but shared the same outlook as me and were in
agreement with the fact that I did stick up for what
I believed in.
The fact of the matter is everyone was given
a voice to be heard. If you want to speak up about
religion, or anything else applicable in a situation,
thats what you need to do. Speak up, speak out,
and free religion!
Diamond
Speak For your health
Many people never speak on the problems
that they face. Most are afraid of the feedback,
and some are just private and dont want to feel
embarrassed about their situation. Little do we
know that being quiet is a silent killer. Dont be
afraid to get things off your chest.
For example, I have an aunt who has lost her
best friend this summer, who is my grandmother.
Her death was so unexpected and it actually hasnt
hit me yet that my grandmother is no longer living.
However, when it does Im not going to beat
myself up about it.
My aunt on the other hand fully understands
the situation and is very hurt by it. She doesnt
talk about it nor does she show emotion. She just
recently went to the doctor and they told her that
shes damaging her health by not expressing and
talking about her problems. She was stressing
herself, which we all know that stress is never
good.
My advice to young people is never mind what
people might say about the problems that go on in
your life, we all have them, so who are we to judge
someone? Speak about your problems for the sake
of your health.
Never let something ruin you-- learn to move
on-- and be strong!
So, if you or someone you know is not
speaking up for their health tell them how
important it is and that everything will be fine. We
will never face a problem that we cant look in the
eye and smile at.
Tori
page 20
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Do you have a passion to help
youth M.o.V.e. Saginaw Reach the
Next Wave of Creative endeavors?
By CEricka Moten, President
Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw
If you are in the world of system and community reform
and it is your passion- then its time to get innovative and
partner with youth to get fresh ideas to create change. Now is
the time to get out of your comfort zone and listen to the youth
voice in our county, state, and nation.
I am very excited to start my journey with Youth M.O.V.E.
Saginaw (YMS) as President. Ive long been associated with
YMS and have had a great time in the past. Im looking
forward to a brilliant future with wonderful partnerships and
social events in the next few years.
I personally want to thank our Youth Involvement
Coordinator Willie Hillman for all the hard work that he does with this group, and
the whole YMS cabinet for doing such an excellent job over these past few years
- I will strive to continue their high caliber of youth involvement, event work, and
leadership.
Come to think of it...Id also like to thank the past president, Austin Schmidt
he has been an outstanding role model and a huge inspiration for me as I look to
my future leadership role as President. Its truly an honor and a privilege to be a
part of and leading this group.
I hope youll join me in welcoming new members to our Board. These new
board members along with our current ones have so many cool ideas for the
upcoming months. Youth M.O.V.E. (YMS) newly elected officers are: Marissa
Canales our Vice President, Kolby Holden our Secretary, and Kendrick Kilpatrick,
interim sergeant at arms.
Networking is key, and we will be visiting health expos, schools, child serving
agencies, and community partners to explain and recruit youth who may be
experiencing mental health challenges and other involvement in systems (Foster
Care, Juvenile Justice, Special Education).
We are proud to announce that our new website is now completed, please
visit at www.youthmovesaginaw.org for additional knowledge surrounding this
spectacular group of young people. Our Youth Liaison Specialist VanQuesha
Hughes has worked around the clock to get the website up and running and I am
thrilled that it is ready for my incoming presidency.
We are also on both Facebook and Twitter as Youth MOVE Saginaw and
move_yms, please like and follow for upcoming events, meetings, trainings, data,
and information beneficial to system involvement.
Together we can stay positivelearn more about social networking, system
operations and how youth voice can play a part in all of itas well as being able to
share insights, knowledge, and help one another. This kind of group lends support
to all its members who actively participate.
We are looking for youth to help get involved with events or just be a part of
YMS structured mission and vision. Im hoping that if you are interested and have
a great vision for the organization, youll contact us, and based on your passion
and lived expertise; well help you find a great spot. This is a terrific way to meet
other members, but more importantly, help shape the path of the youth movement
here in Saginaw County. So please join us as we look to the future.
Childrens Mental health
awareness Day
By Marissa Canales
Vice-President Youth M.O.V.E Saginaw
On May 8, 2014 Youth M.O.V.E.
Saginaw youth, family, and system
partners celebrated National Childrens
Mental Health Awareness Day. Every
year the National Federation for Families
celebrate childrens mental health
awareness day, this year we chose a more
informative social marketing strategy to
raise awareness about childrens mental
health.
Every day a young person living
with complex mental health needs experience more than their
diagnosis; they experience judgment by their community, social
media, peers, systems, and even their families. We often think of
our youth as nothing but trouble; however they feel that they
are misunderstood. Some individuals do not understand mental
health or what it means to be mentally ill; firstly, it is not always
what you see in movies.
Youth living with mental health challenges walk the daily life
of stigma by avoiding names such as crazy, weird, and slow.
This population of youth experiences a high volume of bullying
which increases suicidal ideation and low self esteem. Mental
health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but it is
also the ability to cope with the challenges in life. it is just as
important as ones own physical health.
Failure to detect early signs of mental illness in youth
may result in negative consequences such as increased risk for
academic failure, social isolation, unsafe sexual behavior, drug
and alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, unemployment, and poor
health. A recent report from the CDC says, Rising rates of mental
and emotional problems among U.S. children and youngsters
signal a crisis for the country. Depression, anxiety, attention
deficit, conduct disorders, suicidal thinking, and other serious
psychological problems are striking more and more children and
youths. (Center for Disease Control, 2012).
Youth facing complex mental health needs will often have
multi system involvement (e.g. DHS, CMH, Juvenile Justice, and
Specialized Education).
Saginaw MaX System of Care has been working hard to
address barriers, challenges, and red tape that youth and families
may face while accessing care. Youth and Families are being
empowered to make decisions in their own care also in the policies
that govern them. Through MAX collaborative approach system
partners are committed to hearing the voices of youth and families.
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 21
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Saginaw MaX System of Care Family Guide Representative
By Joe Dula, Centralized Access and Intake Supervisor at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority
In recognition of May as Na-
tional Mental Health Awareness
Month, The Michigan Banner
published a article in the May 1,
2014 edition entitled What is Mental Health?
written by Saginaw MAX System of Care Staff.
Saginaw MAX System of Care (Saginaw
MAX for short) is a mindset which acknowledg-
es, that a mature, effective system of care for
youth with complex emotional and behavioral
challenges must bring together all the parties
responsible for supporting these youth, includ-
ing: youth and their families, education, com-
munity mental health, Department of Human
Services, Juvenile justice, care coordinators,
family advocates, faith-based, law enforcement
and recreation.
This is just a snapshot of Saginaw com-
munity partners who share this mindset and,
you could say, hold the safety net with families,
children and youth, looking for mental health
intervention. The purpose of this article is to
introduce you to a person who holds one part of
that net - the Saginaw MAX Family Guide Rep-
resentative, or Family Guide for short, whose
job it is to work with individuals with children
and youth between the ages of 6 to 17.
In 2012, a new position was filled in the
Centralized Access and Intake Department at-
Saginaw County Community Mental Health Au-
thority (SCCMHA) funded by Saginaw MAX.
Parents, along with Family and Childrens advo-
cates, had had enough of the old way of access-
ing services with their children and youth and
found a way to speak up and be heard at various
Saginaw MAX Leadership Team meetings with
community partners.
They found their family voice.
The community partners heard their voice
loud and clear regarding negative experiences,
lack of trust in the system, frustration and anger
about those who had fallen through the cracks.
The process of calling for services and getting
into services could be confusing, long and tire-
some.
The Family Guide knows about these things
firsthand because they too have had similar ex-
periences. It is a key requirement of the position
to have experienced some of the barriers or frus-
trations in their own life as a parent of a child
who experienced
severe behavioral
challenges.
This is the
central idea that
someone who has
travelled a rocky
road and success-
fully learned how
to get over these
barriers to get their
child or youth the
mental health help
they needed would
be very effective
in guiding others.
Kind of like a guide
helping someone
read a road map to
get to their destina-
tion. The Family
Guide listens to the
family voice and assists individuals gain ac-
cess to services and interventions.
So, the Family Guide models resilience and
instills a message of hope and recovery with
a family struggling to overcome their mental
health concerns because they have been down
a similar road. This can be a very empowering
thing for someone who may have lost hope and
feels like there is nowhere else to turn.
If you have any questions or would like to
learn more about Saginaw MAX System of Care
you can contact Melissa Lee at (989) 272-7209
or mlee@sccmha.org.
Maximize
Results
The story of a child with Severe Emotional
Disturbance is too often one of tragedy. With
the right help and the right team, it can be one
of triumph. We maximize results to give more
family stories a happy ending.
Contact Wardene Talley
989-754-2288
Be sure to check out the Saginaw MAX
website at MAX saginawSOC.org
and Facebook and Twitter pages for
more information on how you can get
involved in the conversation with us
online!
page 22
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Alone! Alone! Alone!
Its like Im wearing a mask, no
one can see my face
Im not scared of monsters; I
already wear the ugliest face
Forever in the dark; can
someone lead me to the light?
My only friend is the silence,
so Im always at the night
No one can step in my shoes; tell me why
you wont fit?
No one can understand me; not even if
you went through what I did
Broken mirror in my hands; I can relate
to the broken pieces
Because once my heart was shattered; I
couldnt stand so I dropped to my knees
Did the world just end? Im already
drowning in tears
Im also burning inside; flames are
coming out of my ears
I built walls around me, but its like the
walls are laughing at me
Im probably crazy in my head; these
words are starting to attack me
No home so Im alone. Ill crawl back to
the dark
My shadow left me; so now Im back from
where I start.
Listen to Me!
Im becoming to hate who I am.
Im a fake pretending to be something for
them.
The golden child is who Im made out to be
No one is perfect, God why me?
It was said never to question God, but Im
lost in the world I cant see.
I hide things even when Im forced to speak
words
I wish I could but it seems as my voice is
not being heard.
Im a good example; my life is all a lie.
I dont show my mistakes, you could probably
imagine why.
You couldnt walk a mile in my shoes.
Stress, fear, tears, worry Ive always been through.
You know nothing about my life you swear its an
easy book to read.
I refuse to wear my scars; I stitch them up so that they
wont bleed.
You know nothing of how I feel, something that you
wouldnt understand.
Friends claim theyre right beside me but they are far
from where I stand.
Man, this is every night, when everything runs
through my mind
I could write this in my sleep, and I would only be half
blind.
Im coming to the conclusion of no sight
So then I clap twice, to hit the lights.
LISTEN TO ME!
Victim to rape, victim to molestation
Happiness? Oh no! Theres no relations.
Fear of preganation
YES! A form of my own imagination.
I went through so much, not saying much harder than
others.
But I dont think at 19 I would want to be a mother.

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 23
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Founded in 1984, the Saginaw
Community Foundation (SCF)
works to improve the quality of life
in Saginaw County by linking donor
interests with the communitys
most pressing needs and promising opportunities.
Through grantmaking and partnerships with other
local nonprofits, we have dedicated ourselves to
fulfilling the charitable dreams of our donors and
creating a strong and vibrant community for all people
in Saginaw County.
Our mission is to fulfill donor wishes and enable
community initiatives to come to life, now and forever.
And we accomplish our mission by:
Providing STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP in our community
Growing our ENDOWMENT
Practicing impactful GRANTMAKING
STEWARDSHIP of our resources, human and financial
The Saginaw Community Foundation does not consider itself an
expert on all topical issues or concerns that face our community. And,
because of that fact, the foundation continues to be educated by working
with key community leaders, partners and organizations that can fully
make SCF aware of whats going on in the community. In return, SCF
can effectively provide leadership and financial support, where necessary,
to assist with areas of need.
Because of its collaborative spirit, the Saginaw Community
Foundation was nominated to be the fiscal agent for Alignment Saginaw
(Alignment), Saginaw Countys community collaborative.
In 1996 the Saginaw County Human Services Collaborative Body
(SCHSCB) was established to act as the planning and decision making
body to coordinate human services in Saginaw County. The mission of
the SCHSCB was to work toward a collaborative service delivery system,
which fostered strong, safe families and communities and was cost
effective.
In 2009 the collaboration in Saginaw County evolved to include
additional critical community dimensions and the related community
leadership in a wider view of the community and its needs.
An enhanced community collaborative is a national trend that
is being recognized across the country. To enhance the dynamics of a
community collaborative requires data collection and management that
establishes benchmarks and measurable indicators of change to help
guide progress and planning for our community.
A small group of community leaders had already identified the
need to expand the focus of the SCHSCB, and referred to themselves
as Alignment Saginaw. After much deliberation, it was decided that it
would be necessary to merge SCHSCB with Alignment Saginaw.
The purpose of Alignment Saginaw is to serve as the community
collaborative for Saginaw County to improve the capacity for work by
Alignment Saginaw members. To this end the mission of Alignment
Saginaw is to prepare and mobilize around opportunities that impact key
areas affecting Saginaw Countys quality of life.
SEE P 24, Saginaw Community Foundation
Renee Johnston,
President & CEO
Saginaw Community
Foundation
Each of us wants to be a good parent--in fact; we
want to be the best parent we can possibly be. To
be the best parent, we need to check out a book at
the library, read articles in parenting magazines, and
attend classes and model after those we admire. To
be clear, in our work every day, if we want to be a
better then we have to go to classes, webinars, etc.
Parenting is no different! We must learn all that
we can about ways to communicate, teach and so
much more so that our children can grow into their
potential! They must have the best chance at a safe,
happy and healthy childhood.
For over 34 years the CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region has
been focused on stopping child abuse and neglect in Saginaw County.
We do this work through a variety of programs but in the last few years,
we have been partnering with Saginaw County Community Mental
Health Authority, Saginaw Intermediate School District, YMCA and
dozens of other partners to provide the support and skills to parents. It
works because as a parent you are learning while you are receiving
support from the other parents/caregivers that are in the room with you.
This is an excellent way to take care of your mental health while learning
to be a good parent. Whether it is learning to communicate with your
two year old or twelve year old, we have a parent support series that
will make this possible and keep calmness and peace in your home. It is
possible!
The newest series that we offer to our community at no charge is
called Incredible Years (IY). Incredible Years is a free support series
for parents, grandparents and all aged caregivers. You will connect with
other parents and learn to:
Get along with your child using play
Encourage good behavior using praise
Set clear limits
Be a happy parent
It is our strong belief that each parent truly wants to do what is best
for their child but simply does not know how. It is true that when we
know better, we do better. This is why it is so important that you take the
time to learn ways to be the best parent that you can and take care of you.
Each and every child simply wants to be loved by their family. We
show our love for our children in many ways including take care of
ourselves so we can be around for them, and learning about new and
better ways to parent. Your total health, including mental health, is vital
to being the best parent that you can.
The CAN Council has a variety of resources available for parents
that we distribute throughout the community all year long. In addition,
we offer a variety of parent support series that we are ready to offer
throughout the county. If you are interested in participating or hosting
one at your church or organization, please call (989) 752-7226.
Thank you for caring enough to take care of you so that you can be
the best parent, teacher and role model for children!
Suzanne Greenberg,
President and CEO
CAN Council Great
Lakes Bay Region
Being a Good parent Means
Taking Care of you
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 24
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Saginaw Max System of Care is proud to be in
partnership with the Ezekiel Project. This association
operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
and is an ecumenical, interracial congregation-
centered organization in the Saginaw, Michigan
metropolitan area. The organization provides training
and education, advice, development and technical
services.
The name of the organization was chosen
in June 1996, based on the name of the Biblical
prophet Ezekiel through whom God promised a new heart, restoration,
and resurrection in the dry bones of Gods people. The Ezekiel Project
launched with a Covenant Ceremony on March 9, 1998. Monthly
meetings, beginning in 1985, laid a foundation for the newly developing
organization.
The mission of The Ezekiel Project is to empower organizations
through prayer, education, organization, coalition-building and skill
development to act in faith and live to revitalize the Great Lakes Bay
Region including the Saginaw community, the State of Michigan and the
World.
Additionally, the Ezekiel Project actively assists in the following:
The growth of member organizations numerically and spiritually
The unified power of the community to change adverse
conditions on specific issues of concern;
Promotes active involvement of all people in the community in
planning and implementing its goals and objectives;
Provides training for leadership roles in the community;
Works to empower people to have a greater say in decisions that
affect their lives.
The Ezekiel Project is led by a board with clergy and lay
representatives from each Ezekiel Project member congregation. It is part
of the Gamaliel Foundation network of congregation-based community
organizing projects which connects The Ezekiel Project to similar
organizations throughout the U.S.
Thank you ezekiel project for your collaboration efforts with
Saginaw Max System of Care.
Saginaw MaX System of Care
partners with The ezekiel project
Joyce Seals, President
The Ezekial Project
Communities That Care (CTC) is an operating
system that takes communities through a well-defined
and structured process to prevent adolescent problem
behaviors and promote positive youth development.
The Saginaw County Communities That Care
Coordinator is Inez Williams, who is currently also
the director of STRIVE Substance Abuse Prevention
Agency. Through a vast array of trainings, Inez is
equipped with skillful tools to use in producing
meaningful changes in the lives of youth and families
in Saginaw County.
As a graduate of Western Michigan University, Inez possesses a dual
masters degree in Family Life Education and Family and Consumer
Science. She recognizes that improving the quality of life within a
dynamic global community will increase youth development, quality
health care, and economic growth, and decrease violence, substance
abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, depression and anxiety among you in
Saginaw County.
CTC communities form a broad-based coalition and then collect local
data on risk and protective factors shown by research to be associated
with violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, depression
and anxiety. After collecting this data the community identifies 3-5
specific risk and protective factors to focus on, and then seeks evidence-
based programs and strategies to address those priorities.
After 2-3 years of implementing these strategies, the community
re-assesses their risk and protective factors to measure impact and
identify new emerging priorities.Goals for the CTC coalition will equip
our community with data driven information to create a public health
prevention approach.The Coalition will work to mobilize a community-
wide response to community-wide issues, resource assessment and
evaluation workgroup, and community data workgroup.
CTC is designed to help community stakeholders and decision
makers understand and apply information about risk and protective
factors, and programs that are proven to make a difference in promoting
healthy youth development, in order to most effectively address the
specific issues facing Saginaw Countys youth.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMSHA)along with the Behavioral Health and Developmental
Disability Administration (BHDDA) has provided Saginaw County with
a three year grant to target youth problem behaviors. To date, we have
moved into the second year of the granting period and are in phase III of
the CTC process.
The Communities That Care Coalition (CTC) brings together
youth, Parents, Schools, Saginaw County Department of Public Health,
Community Agencies, Law Enforcement, Department of Human
Services, Disproportion Minority Contact, faith-based organizations,
Juvenile Justice System, Saginaw County Mental Health Authority, local
Colleges, Universities and Governmental entities to promote the health
and well-being of young people in Saginaw County.
What is Communities That Care?
FROM P 23, Saginaw Community Foundation
Both the Saginaw Community Foundation and alignment Saginaw
are dedicated to the success of the Saginaw County community.
and, because of that commitment, SCF and alignment will continue
to be surrounded by key organizations, such as, Saginaw County
Community Mental health authority and MaX System of Care.
More specifically, there is a hope that others too will be committed to
the success of the community and will become more aware of the amazing
resources we have in our community who focus on issues, such as mental
health as it pertains to adults and youth in our community. We encourage
members of the community to become more aware of mental health issues
whether or not it pertains directly to you or your family.
Inez Williams
CTC Coordinator
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 25
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Empowered to Reach & Teach
Families Leadership TEAM
Meet the
Keva Clark,
Lead Family Involvement Coordinator
Tina Schmidt,
Chair
Reena Meredith,
Co-Chair
Yalonda Freeman,
Administratve Coordinator
Lorisa Bellinger,
Secretary
Greg Schmidt,
Sergeant of Arms
Roslynn Williams,
Family Mentor Team Chair
Wanda Dunlap,
Family Mentor Team Co-Chair
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 26
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
inspired to Continue
By Tina Schmidt, Chairperson
Empowered to Reach and Teach Families Team
Being a
part of the
Saginaw MAX
System of Care
Empowered
to Reach and
Teach Families
Team (ERTFT)
has enriched
my life. My
family came
into Saginaw MAX System of Care in need of
help. We transitioned out of services within
one year. During that year, I started attending
the monthly meetings for the ERTFT. I found
that there were other people just like me who
also lived with the same day to day struggles of
mental health and behavioral challenges. I found
that I was not alone.
I continued attending the monthly meetings,
started attending trainings, and was even blessed
to travel a bit. I found that even though my
child no longer needed most services, this was
something that I would always want to be a part
of. I have continued with several trainings, have
learned to present at workshops, and have now
become part of the leadership of the group.
I have been challenged with many things
in the past two and half years. I had to learn
to come out of my shell and speak in front of
a group. I even found that this is something
that I enjoy doing. Being a part of the ERTFT
has changed my life. I have been inspired to
continue on and learn everything that I can and
to take on the projects that I am presented with.
Saginaw MAX System of Care has been a
very important part of my life and I will continue
to serve in whatever capacity that I can. If you
would like to become a part of something great,
please see the criteria below:
The Empowered to Reach and Teach
Families Team (ERTFT) is responsible for
providing input to the MAX System of Care
effort, ensuring the effort remains aware of
families experiences, and identifying strategies
for promoting family engagement.
The eRTFT Membership includes the
following:
Family members who are day to day
caregivers currently raising children, youth or
adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 years
old with serious emotional, behavioral or mental
health challenges;
Family members who were/are day to
day caregivers of a youth or adolescents with
serious emotional, behavioral or mental health
challenges who are 18 and over;
Champions of childrens mental health
(examples: aunts, uncles, grandparents, system
and community partners). People meeting
the above criteria also have current, firsthand
knowledge of navigating multiple child serving
systems as well as experience with, and are
conscious of the struggle and recognize the
standpoint of the parent.
This is an ongoing team, estimated to meet
for and beyond the life of the grant. The team
will meet at least monthly for about two hours
(but more frequently if needed) and will also
complete some work behind the scenes, and as
part of other teams and workgroups (estimated to
take two to three hours a month).
A designated number of representatives will
also hold voting membership in the Coordinating
Council, subcommittees, teams and work groups
which are estimated to meet monthly.
There will be opportunities for leadership
development through trainings and conferences,
both individually and alongside system, and
community partners as learners and co-trainers/
co-presenters. For additional information call
989.754.7829.
More to come in July
highlighting:
National Minority
Mental Health Awareness
Month 2014


May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 27
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 28
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Westlund Guidance Clinic is a non-proft agency that provides counseling and
psychiatric services to children, adolescents, adults and families. Westlund
has licensed master level therapists who are skilled in a variety of evidence
based, and best practce treatment modalites. Each clinician has extensive
experience in treatng numerous mental health and behavioral issues.
Westlund also has psychiatric services available to assist with medicaton
management if needed. To learn more about our services you can fnd us
on the web at www.westlundguidanceclinic.com, or you can contact us at
989-793-4790 and speak to one of our trained staf members who can assist
with any questons you may have.
Saginaw Psychological Services, Inc. is a private, multdisciplinary, outpatent
Clinic that has served the mental health and substance abuse needs of
adults and children in the greater Tri-County area since 1972. We have
ofces in Saginaw, and Bay City Michigan. Our main ofce is located at 2100
Hemmeter Road in Saginaw.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life of the individuals, families, and
communites we serve.
Clients beneft from treatment provided by professionals with a wide range
of backgrounds and training. Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists,
nurses, social workers, counselors, case managers, peer support specialists
and other professionals who work together to provide a comprehensive,
individually tailored treatment program.
For more informaton or to schedule an appointment, you may contact us
at (989) 799-2100.
WESTLUND GUIDANCE CLINIC

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 29
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com

page 30
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Teamwork
Maximize
Contact Wardene Talley
989-754-2288
A child with Severe Emotional Disturbance
gets support from many places. But that support
only helps that child if each provider works as
part of a well coordinated team. We maximize
teamwork by making sure every step the team
takes is focused on the betterment of that child.

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 31
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
B
ANNER ATINO
L
THE
Leading in Diversity Vamos Adelante
Volume 2 Number 10
The Latino Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Latino Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 The Latino Banner thelatinobanner@gmail.com
Im glad I had
the opportunity to
attend Carrollton
High School in
the 1990s where
I learned how to
construct floats.
It was fun, lots a
work, but the ex-
perience pays off.
Years have passed
and Ive been at
the annual Cinco
de Mayo parade and fiesta enjoying it like ev-
erybody else in the crowd. Never did I think I
would be part of a great organization, La Unin
Cvica Mexicana, but years of watching the
parade and seeing more cars than floats moved
me to make a difference for our community.
I thought to myself, We need more floats,
(but) Im only one man. I asked others to
make floats. They may not have said it out
loud, but the answer was: Too much money,
too much work, too much, too much this and
that. But the first year I said, Well, lets see
how I can make it happen. Yes, it was very
expensive, but I had a job at the time so I spent
and spent and worked and worked and soon the
floats became wonderful forms of color and
art. And, wow, it was hard to get people togeth-
er, but I asked and asked and soon the people
saw they wanted to be part of it. I said, Great,
jump on. That initial help grew into a team. It
was amazing, our goal was challenging--build
a world-class float. To show the community
what we were capable of doing was amazing.
Yes, the first year I won, but look what
happened: the float competition was brought
back. I walked into the Carrollton Dollar Store
to pick up supplies and the cashier says, You
got people coming here ready to win first place
for Cinco de Mayo and I told the cashier,
Thats what I want to hear--others making
an effort to be involved in the parade. I keep
pushing forward to keep inspiring people to
create floats for the Cinco de Mayo parade.
For this years May 3rd parade, the Mexi-
can American Council (M.A.C.) found youth
who wanted to be part of the parade. They said
We can get four trucks for the kids to ride. I
didnt say a word. I thought about the youth;
they need a float cause I know how much fun
it is to ride and walk in the parade on a float.
I made calls and asked around about getting
a trailer. Thanks to Carmen Strickers dad,
Mr. Tony Stricker, who said we could use his
trailer. He even donated wood for the cause
(assemble a structure). Thank you to such a
great family.
I told Mr. Bobby DeLeon, M.A.C. presi-
dent, I want the kids to have a float. He said,
Okay, lets make it happen. Then we met the
youth and they liked the idea and they made
flowers. They wanted multi-colors, big and
small paper flowers. And so little-by-little, we
all made the Mexican American Council float
for 2014. My right-hand-aid-de-camp was Syl-
via Rodriguez who helped construct the float,
attached flowers and installed flags. Her 14-
year old son, Pedro, also helped the youth by
making flowers. And to our surprise this float-
--built with love by many hands and beautiful,
colorful paper flowers---won First Place in the
2014 Cinco de Mayo Float Competition.
I pray and hope that the youth continue
to make this one float for years to come and
I want to thank them for being part of the
Mexican American Council. Cinco de Mayo
can help make a community. Thank you to the
Saginaw community who patronize our family
business, La Estrella de Norte Bakery at 2406
N. Michigan Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., as well
as the owners of El Rancho Grande, 2403 N.
Michigan Ave., and Marias Mexican Restau-
rant, 6090 State St., for donating candy to give
to the children along the parade route. Also, a
special thank you to La Unin Cvica Mexi-
cana, the Saginaw American G.I. Forum and
M.A.C. There are so many people who helped.
Please know: We thank you all for your time,
dedication and hard work. Next year we stand
ready to do it again for a 2015 Happy Cinco
de Mayo.
Alberto Jimenez is a 34-year old Saginaw
native who volunteers at the Unin Cvica
Mexicana. Hes a M.A.C. board member and
a volunteer advocate for PFLAG and Percep-
tions. Jimenez is an organizer of the August 16,
2014 Mid-Michigan Pride Festival at Ojibway
Island in Saginaw.
Why i Believe...
Cinco de Mayo Can Make a Community
By Alberto Jimenez

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 The Latino Banner thelatinobanner@gmail.com

LB 2
The Latino Banner
May 16, 2014
Vamos adelante
Disclaimer:
The Latino Banner and its staff are not responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, errors, misspellings and false
advertisements in part or whole that may be placed within its publication. Articles, information or comments printed in the Latino
Banner are not necessarily the views or beliefs of The Latino Banner newspaper. The Latino Banner reserves the right to edit,
change, or delete any information, or refuse to print any information, article or advertisement which is believed to be inconsistent
with or conflicts with the mission of the newspaper.
We encourage readers to send letters, story ideas, comments and questions.
Deadlines:
2 weeks before each publication date of the 1st and 16th of each month
Submission Procedure:
Mailed or e-mailed to the Latino Banner@gmail.com Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF
Saginaw - The windy, rainy and chilly 35th
annual Cinco de Mayo 2014 is already a faint
memory for many in Saginaw. For the volun-
teers ages 8 to 19 who braved the bad weather to
win first place in the float competition---the day
lives on forever---a sweet spot created by team
work and respect, organizers say.
The Mexican American Councils (M.A.C.)
float took first place---surprising the eight
youths who volunteered two Sundays to the
make the flowers and paper mach decorations.
With the help of three parents and creative de-
signer Alberto Jimenez, they constructed the
platform and assembled the finished creation.
Tapping her leadership ability, 11-year old Angel
Campos organized the volunteers into teams to
speed up the process. All the youth helped make
flowers, including 19-year old Manuel Villegas
and parent Aida Acevedo. Dad Robert Campos
donated his truck and pulled the float.
Riding on the float were 8-year old siblings
Estrella and Kenndy Campos. Jason Rodriguez,
age 14, Angel and Carlos Campos, age 12,
walked alongside the float. Mom Eliza Campos
also walked as she threw candy to the crowd
along the way. Eight-year old Martin Lozano
rode his low-rider bike accompanying his bud-
dies. Even though Arthur Hill High School stu-
dent Chaz Campos had worked on the flowers,
he had to march with AHHS in the parade and
could not be with his team on the float.
Three hours after the parade started, M.A.C.
board member Marie Villegas received a phone
call informing her that they had won first place
-definitely a sweet spot to be in.
I called all the kids and told them, Villegas
says of the award. I feel proud of the children. I
was overwhelmed with joy that they had stuck it
out and had a good time doing it. They feel very
good about themselves. They have pride and
confidence finishing a project---to the end!
Keeping to the M.A.C. mission of involv-
ing children and youth as leaders in the M.A.C.
float, Villegas admits the hardest challenge was
getting started. She credits Jimenez, who spent
one afternoon at the M.A.C. Center instructing
them on paper-folding and flower-making.
Villegas pre-cut the flower shapes to save time.
The teams devoted 10 hours to complete their
opus masterpiece.
This was my first time doing this, not
knowing how to do it, she says. Once I got
started it became easier. We wouldnt have
known how to do it without Albertos experience
and guidance.
Villegas says its really good to come to-
gether like family and be part of a community.
Theyre already wanting to come together again.
They would love to come next year, she
says, and more youth also are interested. Vil-
legas told the Latino Banner M.A.C. welcomes
kids and parents who may want to join in any
way to help with projects.
If they have special skills we can partner
with individuals and businesses, she says. We
also appreciate all the help weve gotten thus far.
Next year----weve got big shoes to fill.
Volunteers Find Sweet Spot at # 1
Creating Winning Float a Team Effort
education / educacin
May has been deemed Latino Books Month
by The Association of American Publishers
(AAP) Publishing Latino Voices for America
(PVLA). According to the AAP, the primary goal
of the month-long celebration is to promote
reading among Latinos and to raise awareness
of the rich variety of books authored by Latinos.
Here are just a few of the books that appear
on this years list:
El infinito en la palma de la mano /
Infinity in the Palm of Her Hand by Gioconda
Belli.
The Disappearance of Irene Dos Santos
by Margaret Mascarenhas.
A Country for All/Tierra de todos by
Jorge Ramos.
Fit Home Team by Jorge and Laura
Posada.
Before You Were Here, Mi Amor by
Samantha Vamos.
Sergio Saves the Game! by Edel
Rodriguez.
Frivolous Women and Other Sinners /
Frivolas y pecadoras by Alicia Borinsky.
For a full list of all book recommendations,
visit the AAP Latino Voices for Americas
Resource Page.
May is Latino Books Month
May 16, 2014
The Latino Banner
LB 3
Vamos adelante
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 The Latino Banner thelatinobanner@gmail.com
Global News/Noticias Globales
The April 14 abduction of over 230 Ni-
gerian schoolgirls call us to prayer and ac-
tion on their behalf.
The Steering Committee of the U.S.
Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking
has met to explore ways that we might ad-
dress this issue together. In solidarity with
concerned people everywhere, we urge you
to pray and take the recommended actions
below.
1. Please pray daily for the kidnapped
schoolgirls until they are rescued and re-
turned to their families.
2. Sign the online petition asking Nige-
rian President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue
the kidnapped schoolgirls from slavery and
forced child marriage. http://www.walkfree.
org/nigerian-schoolgirls/
3. Join the social media campaign:
Like Bring Back Our Girls on
Facebook.com
Tweet #BringBackOurGirls
Please share this information with your
congregations, co-workers, friends, family
members and invite them to pray and take
action with us.
In Peace,
The U.S.C.SA.H.T. Steering Committee
To Move the World about Kidnapped Nigerian School Girls?
--What Can I Do?
By Kathleen Coll SSJ, Ann Oestreich IHM, and Anne Victory HM
Business/Negocios
California- The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
(SHPE) Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to empow-
ering the Hispanic community by igniting Hispanic youths interest
in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), welcomes
the appointment of new Foundation Board Chair, Miguel Alemay.
Mr. Alemay succeeds Diana Gomez, who served as Board Chair
for the Foundation since 2009. Ms. Gomez will continue to serve
on the Foundation Board of Directors.
Miguel is an outstanding leader who brings to the organization
his experience, wisdom, and a true dedication to educating the next
generation of Hispanic STEM professionals, said Barry Cordero,
SHPE Inc. Interim CEO, Board President and SHPE Foundation
Board member. He was selected for his long history of leadership
in understanding industries and executive experience. We believe
he will be instrumental in moving the organization forward.
It is an honor for me to serve as Chair of the SHPE Founda-
tion, said Alemay. There is nothing more important for the fu-
ture of our country, both in terms of global competitiveness as well
as our own societal wellbeing, than ensuring that a sufficient num-
ber of our young men and women choose a career in a STEM field.
Society of hispanic professional
engineers appoints Miguel alemany
as New Foundation Board Chair

LB 4
The Latino Banner
May 16, 2014
Vamos adelante
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 The Latino Banner thelatinobanner@gmail.com

Intersection of Business & Wealth
page 36
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Youll Do Better at You ll Do Better at
Elvis Machul - Sales & Credit Specialist
989-497-6435
John Weiss - Sales & Credit Specialist
989-497-5280

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are you a member?
Contact

Susan@saginawchamber.org
or 989 757-2112
for more information.
Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the Chamber!
Mid-Michigan Wedding organizers Magazine
5925 Hospital Rd.
Freeland, MI 48623
989. 493.1820
www.mmwoonline.com
Do you have a Business passion...Venture Start Seminar to offer Solutions
You have a passion ... a hidden talent. Do
you know what it takes to turn that skill into a
successful business? This free seminar is designed
for individuals who are considering self-employment,
or are at the beginning stages of starting a business.
You will be introduced to the key characteristics of
successful business ownership, and what it takes to
start and run a thriving business. This 3-hour seminar
will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 1 p.m. at the
Hoyt Library, 505 Janes, and is free of charge. For
more information, contact Lynn Heitkamp at the
Hoyt Public Library, 755-0904, ext. 1118 (or use the
librarys T.D.D. services for the speech and hearing
impaired at 755-9831). Registration is encouraged.
Telephone the MI-SBTDC Region 5 office at 989-
686-9597 or visit www.misbtdc.org/region5 and click
on training.

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 37
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Phone (989) 667-2000 Ext 341
Direct (989) 460-0341
Fax (989) 667-0103
E-Mail terry.reed@labadieauto.com
Website www.labadieauto.com
Labadie Buick Cadillac GMC
711 S. Euclid Ave. Bay City, MI 48706
Terry Reed
Sales Professional
Used Cars
A special thanks to
all of my customers.
I appreciate each
one of you.
FREE 10 YEAR LITHIUM BATTERY SMOKE DETECTORS
SAGINAW FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Sealed Lithium battery powered alarm is proven to last at least
10 years without needing to replace power.
WE WILL INSTALL.
ASSESS OLD DETECTORS, REPLACE IF NEEDED.
PROVIDE A FIRE SAFETY PLAN FOR YOUR HOME.
WHO QUALIFIES?
CITY OF SAGINAW RESIDENTS
IMPORTANT FACTS:
The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is cut in half with working smoke detectors.
Two-thirds of fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke detectors.
Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries.
CALL 989.759.1393 FOR MORE INFORMATION
SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES
BE SAFE!
Moolenaar Bill to assist Veterans entering
the Workforce Sent to Governor
LansingLegislation sponsored by Sen. John
Moolenaar to eliminate the initial license or registration
fees for honorably discharged veterans has been sent to
the governor to be signed.
America is the land of the free because it is
the home of the brave the men and women who
put our country before themselves, said Moolenaar,
R-Midland. Unfortunately, after protecting our liberty
many veterans return home and face real challenges
transitioning into civilian life and into new careers.
This reform received unanimous support in the Senate and House
because its about supporting our veterans by removing unnecessary
barriers to getting a job here in Michigan.
Moolenaars measure, Senate Bill 671, would require the Michigan
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to waive the
license or initial registration fee for honorably discharged veterans in
certain fields.
The change would apply to several occupations, including barbers,
public accountants, real estate brokers and appraisers, architects,
cosmetologists, auctioneers, foresters, hearing aid dealers, funeral directors
and residential builders.
Sen. John Moolenaar
page 38
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Attorneys
The Law Offces of Alan A. Crawford PLLC
Alan A. Crawford, Attorney At Law
615 Griswold Ste. 1215, Detroit, MI 48226
803 Court Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
313.559.7881
313.556.2487 (Fax)
www.acrawfordlaw.com
Michael L. Oakes, Attorney At Law
2811 E. Genesee
Saginaw, MI 48601
1-888-886-5711
www.oakeslawgroup.com
Auto
Labadie Olds
711 S. Euclid
Bay City, MI 48706
Terry Reed
Sales Professional
989-667-2000 Ext. 341
Direct 989-460-0341
Fax 989-667-0103
E-mail terry.reed@labadieauto.com
Website www.labadieauto.com
McDonald Pontiac-GMC, Inc.
5155 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603
Leon V. Washington
Sales & Leasing Professional
989-790-5155
Leonwa1@yahoo.com
Saginaw Valley Ford Lincoln
4201 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48603
Parys Liddell
Sales Consultant-Lincoln Certifed
Representative
989.792.2453
Auto Detail
Morningstar Auto Detail Shop
306 East Remington Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-482-6505
www.MorningStarDetail.com
Bakeries
Lighthouse Bakery
285 S. Outer Drive Saginaw, MI 48601
989-754-7088 Fax 989-754-7099
Sweet Creations
Owner Anesha Stanley
Address: 116 N. Michigan Avenue
Phone: 989-797-6727
www.sweetcreationsmi.com
Banquet Facilities
Rowan - West Facility
1400 W. Genesee
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
989-753-3475
Beauty
Illusions Beauty Salon
Valerie King
Owner/Operator
1400 W. Genesee Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
989.755.2666/989.755.3883
Business Directory
Imani Beauty Salon
Felicia Thomas
212 Federal Ave. (Downtown)
Saginaw, MI 48601
Refection of U Too
Louise McKinnie, Owner
2103 Sheridan Ave.
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
989.753.4600
Sports Barbershop
1400 W. Genesee
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
989-992-2600
Unique Cuts & Massage
1502 Court Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-327-2338
Unique Cuts II
3125 E. Holland
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-327-2338
Business Solutions
The Growth Coach
Cal Talley, Owner
293 Provincial Ct. #78 48602
989-401-6229
C.Talley@The GrowthCoach.com
www.The GrowthCoach.com
Cleaning Services
Extreme Carpet & Upholstery
William & Denise Murphy - Owners
Commercial & Residential
Janitorial Services
989-753-3335
Best Choice
Floor Maintenance & Carpet Cleaning
989-316-8327
bestchoicefmandcc@hotmail.com
Community Centers and Services
First Ward Community Services
1410 N. 12th Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
989-753-0411
Construction
Kingdom Builders
Jim Shafey, President
2210 Annesley Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989. 948.8094
www.kingdombuildersmi.org
Consultants
EnviCare Consulting, Inc.
Billy J. Strawter, Sr., President
2809 Blairmont Drive
Midland, MI 48622
989.839.9177
www.envicareinc.com
Dentists
Jack W. Nash, DDS
Cosmetic and
Restorative Dentistry
1320 S. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
989-752-1200
Fashion
Where Did U Get That Hat?
Specialize in Custom Designs
Sundays Best
Yvonne Ellison/Milliner
Phone 989-529-4193
E-mail: yeellison@aol.com
Financial
City of Saginaw
Block Grant & Rehab Program
1315 S. Washington Avenue, Room
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-759-1530
Saginaw Economic Development Corporation
Shontaye Bibbs
1315 S. Washington Avenue, Room 207
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-759-1395
sbibbs@saginaw-mi.com
Florists
Erikas Flowers
214 Federal Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-755-9330
www.erikasflowerssaginaw.com
Food & Dining
Spencers Route 46
Spence Dambro
Proprietor
5530 Gratiot
989-793-3400
Saginaw, MI 48638
www.spencersfinefood.com
Funeral Homes
Deisler Funeral Home
2233 Hemmeter Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.799.1151
Graphics/Digital
TBF Graphics Digital
803 S. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
989-752-5540
TBFGRAPHICS.COM
TBFDIGITAL.COM
Heating and Cooling
HORIZON
Azola Williams
989-755-8650 Business
989-233-3295 Cell
Home Health Care Services
Comforcare Home Care
320 S. Washington Ave. Ste. 202
Saginaw, MI 48607
989.752.5502
www.mbsmichigan.comforcare.com
Painting Services
Resurrection Painting
Scott Severin
989.792.2009
Interior/Exterior
Drywall Repair/Power Washing
Deck Staining
Free Estimates
Photography
E.B. Studio
212 Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-397-4144

Publications
David Hall
Crimiel Publications LLC
POB 20061
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Restaurants
Brother Arthurs Fish & More
2522 E. Genesee
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-752-0200
Rite Spot
1205 Lapeer
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-754-6001
Savoy Bar & Grill
127 S. Franklin Street
Saginaw, MI 48607
989.754.9660
Retailers
GREEKS R US
2203 E. Genesee
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-755-4925
riggins52@charter.net
Shoe Repair
Morgans Shoe Repair
308 Federal Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-754-6155
Tax Services
Robert McDuffy Tax & Accounting
Service/ERO e-fle
2127 Ledyard
Saginaw, MI 48601
Business - 989-443-0115
Fax 989-752-1467
rmcduffy@aol.com
Advertisers Are Talking 24/7 Around The Great Lakes Bay Region And Beyond @
www.themichiganbanner.com! To Join The Conversation Contact The Sales Staff
at 989.753.3475, or themichiganbanner@gmail.com.

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
inspired by Bricks at the Saginaw Castle Museum
Get inspired this summer by visiting the Castle Museums latest
exhibition, Inspired by Bricks.
We are so thrilled to have Scot build this display for us, said Ken
Santa, president and CEO of the Historical Society of Saginaw County.
Its really incredible to see buildings of the Great Lakes Bay region built
out of LEGO bricks.
Local structures include the State Theatre and City Hall in Bay City,
the Midland County Courthouse and the Tridge in Midland, as well as the
Castle Museum and Hoyt Library in Saginaw.
The Castle Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 989-752-2861
or go to www.castlemuseum.org.
Education
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 39
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
From left to right: Andy Bethune, executive director of the SVSU Foundation;
Marilyn Wheaton, director of the Marshal Fredericks Sculpture Museum;
Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation;
Linda Sims, executive director of public affairs for Consumers Energy; and Don
Bachand, president of SVSU.

Girl Pride
Sugar & Spice
Young Men Who Dare
GEMS Parent Committee
Tuesday Tutoring

Now taking applications for
youth ages 6-18 wanting to
meet new friends, explore
ideas, and learn different
aspects of life.
For more information call
(989) 399-9275 / 737-9286

Sponsored by:
Women of Colors, Inc.


Consumers energy Foundation
Marks SVSus 50th anniversary
with $50,000 in Grants
The Consumers Energy Foundation is helping Saginaw Valley State
University celebrate its 50th anniversary with $50,000 in grants that will
support the universitys acclaimed sculpture museum and a program that
trains future electrical engineers.
Officials from the university and Consumers Energy attended the
sculpture garden grand reopening at the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture
Museum Friday, May 2. SVSU recognized Consumers Energys $25,000
donation to the museum by granting the company naming rights of a
botanical bed in the garden.
Recent investments have allowed the museum to create a traveling
exhibition of the sculptors world-renowned work as well as build a new
entrance and sculpture garden.
Consumers Energy has been serving this state for more than 125 years,
and were excited to support another Michigan institution with deep roots in
its community, said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy
Foundation. We know that by teaming up with the university, we can
grow a cultural center and help develop the next generation of leaders for
Michigan.
The other half of the donation will fund the Consumers Energy
Engineering Talent Development Program at SVSU. The initiative is
intended to develop a pipeline of electrical engineers to meet the regions
energy industry needs. It will involve recruiting electrical engineering
students out of high school, promoting alternative energy design projects by
SVSU students, and connecting those students with internship opportunities
at Consumers Energy over two years.
For more information on SVSUs Talent. Opportunity. Promise
fundraising campaign, visit svsu.edu/campaign. For more information
on the Consumers Energy Foundation, visit www.consumersenergy.com/
foundation.
page 40
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
The National Head Start Associations Two
Generations Together Initiative will increase
awareness of two-generation adult education
and job training models that are part of the
comprehensive child and family services
delivered by Head Start programs across the
country.
Head Start has a fifty year history of
achieving long-term outcomes for children
both by supporting their health and learning
and by enabling their families to achieve
their own goals for education, employment,
stability, and success.
As we approach our next fifty years, Two
Generations Together will highlight the most
successful two-generation efforts that have
developed in Head Start programs across
the country and disseminate strategies and
resources to help other Head Start and early
learning programs develop or enhance two-
generation work of their own.
This work is made possible by the
generous support of Ascend at the Aspen
Institute.
Many Head Start and Early Head Start
organizations have programs in place to
help parents access ESOL or GED classes,
attain college credits and degrees, participate
in workforce training programs, and earn
certificates or credentials. If your organization
integrates these opportunities for parents with
early learning for their children, youre doing
two-generation work already! We encourage
you to apply!
Six selected programs will be featured in
a nationally-distributed case study report on
Head Start two-generation models, invited
to present at the Two Generations Together
Institute before NHSAs 2015 Winter
Leadership Institute, and have their efforts
shared across NHSA and Ascend at the Aspen
Institutes national networks.
Other programs whose applications
demonstrate a commitment to two-generation
work will be mentioned in our nationally-
distributed case study report and included
on the Ascend website with two-generation
programs across the country. All applicants
will be included in the first phase of a new
NHSA Learning Network on two-generation
efforts.
To apply to be featured as part of the Two
Generations Together Initiative, complete the
application by July 1st, 2014, at www.nhsa.
org/files. There is no cost to apply.
For additional information, contact
Emmalie Dropkin of the National Head Start
Association at edropkin@nhsa.org.
Source: www.nhsa.org
Sabrina Beeman-Jackson
Saginaw ISD Head Start/Early
Head Start Program Director
NhSa Dollar per Child Campaign
The goal of the
NHSA Dollar per
Child Advisory
Council is to help
you succeed in your
fundraising effort,
whether you're
holding a bake sale or
hosting a parents night out. No matter
the size of your fundraiser, every dollar
you raise for Head Start can help keep
the window of opportunity open for at-
risk children. Visit www.nhsa.org for
additional information and your toolkit.

Make your college dreams a reality.
Register now.
Have questions? Contact us at
989-686-9093 or admit@delta.edu.
A
pply today.
J
um
p in.
of grads would recommend
Delta to a friend
go pioneers!
Tuition ra
tes:
Delta has...
150+ transfer & career programs
in todays hottest fields.
Tuition that costs less than 1/2 that
of a public university.
And, free tutoring if you need it.
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 41
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 42
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
arthritisGet the Facts
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with arthritis, it is
important to learn more about the disease and its potential
impact. The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis
involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have,
your signs and symptoms may include:
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Decreased range of motion
Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider if you are
exhibiting any of the above symptoms. Today, there are several
options for treatment and to help you enjoy life with less
discomfort, but it starts with knowledge. Happy Exercising!
Health
Better Choices, Better Medicine, Better Healing
got training?
Register and pay for your class online at
www.mobilemedical.org/education-training/register
Mobile Medical Response
834 S. Washington Avenue
Downtown Saginaw
Two-thirds of cardiac arrests
happen in the home. The life
you save will most likely be
someone you know and love....
Certified CPR & AED Training
Every 1st Tuesday of the Month
6PM - 10 PM
$35 per person
Memorial Day Diet Safety Tip
When you grill this year, grill a veggie
kabob and eat the kabob first before
eating the rest of your meal to help you
fill up and stay healthy!

Are you or someone you know having
child behavior problems?
The CAN Council, through Project LAUNCH
funding, offers FREE parenting classes.
The program is called Incredible Years and is
an evidence based curricula targeting
parents with 3 to 6 year old children. The
parent training program is designed to work
jointly to promote emotional and social
competence and to prevent, reduce, and treat
behavioral and emotional problems in young
children. There have been 40 parents and caregivers who participated in
3 series of 20 sessions each.
Is IY helpful?
National studies have shown promising results:
Increased positive and nurturing parenting
Decreased harsh coercive negative parenting
Reduction in childrens home and school behavior problems
Increased positive behaviors at home and school
Increased parent-child bonding

For more information about Incredible Years, please contact Vera, CAN
Council Great Lakes Bay Region CAPE Director and Incredible Years
Group Leader, at vharrison@cancouncil.org or 989-752-7226.

Project LAUNCH stands for Linking Actions for Unmet Needs for
Childrens Health. The Michigan Department of Community Health was
awarded a grant from the federal government and they chose Saginaw as
the area to provide services. If you want to learn more about Project
LAUNCH contact Pamela at (989) 202-1485 extension 102 or
pamela@urbanregenerationllc.com.
S A G I N A W
I N C R E D I B L E Y E A R S
Incredible Years
We began our third Incredible Years
class series in October 2012. On the first
day of classes
we do
paperwork and
introductions.
During the first
class, my
co-group leader
and I began
introductions by
saying what our
jobs are and
what our background is. Then it was the
parents turns to share.
This group went way above and
beyond the typical name and brief
background (number of children, gender
and ages) that most parents give when
they first meet each other.
These parents voluntarily opened up
and shared difficulties they were having
with each child including the troubles and
barriers their families were facing.
Several of the parents cried when they
shared. Each parent spent a good ten
minutes or more telling their story and
what had led them to be in the
class. They chose not to hold back!
We believe this story shows just
how vital the Project Launch-funded
Incredible Years is to the community.
The parents in our current session had
these feelings and concerns bottled up
just waiting for someone to listen to
them. Just waiting for someone who had
support to offer them. When adults who
have never met are willing to open up to
strengthen their families, you know the
services being provided are exactly what
they were hoping for!

~ Danelle Elliott
Incredible Years Group Leader
CAN Council Great Lakes Bay
We believe this
story shows just
how vital the
Incredible Years
and Project
Launch are to
our community.
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 43
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 44
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Nigerian Christian Teen Whose Father, Brother Were
Killed by Boko haram Stands With abducted Schoolgirls
By Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter
Washington A teenage girl whose family
was murdered nearly three years ago by Boko
Haram for being Christian has finally spoken
about her experience.
Deborah Peters, a native of Northern
Nigeria who is now 15, described the murder
of her father and brother at the hands of Boko
Haram at a Hudson Institute event recently.
Peters was from Chibok, the very same village
that terrorists raided in April and abducted
hundreds of school girls, forcing them into
marriages with Boko Haram leadership.
On December 22, 2011, 7:00 PM, me and
my brother were at home. We started hearing
gun shooting, said Peters, now a student in
the United States.So my brother called my
dad and told him not to come home because
they are fighting and my father told him to just
forget about it.
Peters described how at 7:30 PM, three
individuals came to her house and demanded
that her father, a pastor whose church had
been destroyed earlier that year, to renounce
his Christian faith.He told him that he would
rather die than to go to hellfire, said Peters,
who told those gathered that they shot her
father three times in the chest.
Initially the terrorists were only going to
kill her father because he was a pastor. Then
they decided to kill her young brother because,
they reasoned, he would grow up to become
a pastor. Peters remarks were part of a panel
hosted by the Institute titled A Survivors
Account of Boko Harams Religious Cleansing
in Nigeria.
In addition to Peters, the other panelists
were Nina Shea, Hudson Institute senior
fellow and director of the Center for
Religious Freedom and Emmanuel Ogebe, an
international human rights lawyer and expert
in bilateral U.S.-Nigerian relations. Shea
moderated the panel and asked Peters questions
about her experiences. Ogebe provided an
update on the situation in Northern Nigeria,
noting Boko Harams increased attacks on
women and girls.
In recent years, Islamic terrorist
organizations, especially Boko Haram, have
been attacking Christian communities in
Northern Nigeria. These attacks on churches
and towns have resulted in hundreds of deaths
and have made Boko Haram one of the most
violent religious extremist groups in the world.
Peters is not the first survivor of Boko
Haram violence featured by the Hudson
Institute. Last November the Institute featured
Adamu Habila, who was the sole male in his
Christian village to survive a Boko Haram
attack.
In comments made to The Christian Post
during question-and-answer time, Ogebe
explained that the persecution of the Christian
communities in the northern part of the West
African country had been going on for decades.
Persecution in Northern Nigeria has been
the new normal for decades, said Ogebe,
adding that many acts of abduction or violence
have been directed at Nigerian Christians in the
past.
What is happening now is this is
persecution on steroids. Northern Nigerian
Christians are used to being killed a couple of
times a year but for terrorists to come out
and abduct 300 kids, this is where Northern
Nigerian Christians are saying okay, we didnt
sign up for this.
Last month, Boko Haram raided the
Government Girls Secondary School in the
town of Chibok, abducting an estimated 300
school girls. Unlike past attacks on civilians and
churches, the incident sparked global outrage.
The U.S. Department of State promised
assistance to the Nigerian government to find
them and a social campaign using the phrase
#BringBackOurGirls gathered international
support calling for the school girls freedom.
When asked by CP why this incident in
particular has garnered so much attention,
Shea responded that the enslavement of the
girls struck a nerve with many.We abolished
slavery 150 years ago and now that has become
the norm worldwide and this was a really bold
move of Boko Haram to say no were going
back to the bad old days, and these are our
slaves, and were going to sell them for 12
dollars apiece, said Shea.
It just shocked the conscious of the world.
I know moderate Muslims have stood up and in
Southern Nigeria and protested this It really
is an escalation and something that is just so
shocking.
www. Christian Post.com
Deborah Peters recalls her life in Nigeria. Photo:
Christian Post
Praise Connections and Life
Bethel AME Church
Pastor P. David Saunders
535 Cathay St.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 755-7011
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Pastor Ernest W. Bothuel
3309 Bundy Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-752-5866
Bread of Life Harvest Center
Senior Pastor Rodney J. McTaggart
3726 Fortune Blvd.
Saginaw, MI 48603
(989) 790-7933
Christ Disciples Baptist
Pastor Eddie Benson
3317 Lapeer Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 754-2444
Christ Fellowship MBC
Pastor Robert Davis
818 N. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 754-4435
Corinthian Baptist Church
Pastor Roy L. Manning
104 S. 10
th
St.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 754-1820
Faith Harvest Church
Bishop Ronald E. Chipp
Faith Harvest Church
1734 N. Mason
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 799-4200
Website: www.faithharvestministry.org
E-mail: office@faithharvestministry.org
Greater Freewill Missionary
Greater Williams Temple
Bishop H.J. Williams
608 Remington
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 755-5291
Saginaw
Jacobs Ladder
Pastor Dempsey Allen
1926 Fairfield Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-799-6601
Life In Christ Ministries
Pastor Dennis Cotton, Sr.
2915 S. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-752-2837
LifeInChristMinistries07@gmail.com
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
2615 Williamson Road
Saginaw, MI 48601
Pastor Otis Washington
Phone: 989-777-2636
Fax: 989-777-2640
Email: Messiahmbc@att.net
Website: www.Messiahsag.org
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Pastor Marvin T. Smith
1114 N. 6th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 752-8064
New Beginning Christian Church
Reverend Dr. Willie F. Casey
1016 Sherman Road
Saginaw, MI 48604
989-754-2963
New Beginnings Life Changing
Ministries
Pastor Otis Dickens
2312 S. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 755-3650
New Birth Missionary Baptist
Pastor Larry D. Camel
1418 S. Warren
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 755-6604
New Covenant Christian Center
Pastor Ron Frierson
523 Hayden
Saginaw, MI
752-8485
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Floyd A. Logan
1721 Tuscola Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 753-7600
Email: NewHope1721@yahoo.com
New Life Baptist Church
Pastor Rufus Bradley
1401 Janes St.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 753-1151
Ninth Street Community Church
Pastor William L. Scott, Jr.
Assistant Pastor Rex Jones
1118 N. 9th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-752-7366
Prince of Peace Baptist Church
825 North 24th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.754.2841
Pastor Robert B. Corley, Jr.
Resurrection Life Ministries Church
Pastor Carolyn L. Wilkins
2320 Sheridan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.754.9466
St. Paul Baptist
Pastor Vincent D. McMillon
120 N. 15
th
St.
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 752-5023
Saginaw Valley Community
Pastor Richard Sayad
3660 Hermansau
Saginaw, MI 48603
(989) 752-4769
St. Lukes CME Church
1121 Tuscola
Saginaw, MI 48607
(989) 755-0351
The Potters Touch Ministries
Pastor Kareem J. Bowen
1402 North 6th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.755.9406
Facebook.com/The Potters Touch
Transforming Life Ministries
Pastor William Brown
3024 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48601-4353
(989) 754-9573
Truevine Baptist Church
Pastor Paul E. Broaddus
2930 Janes Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-752-0751
Victorious Believers Ministries Church
Rev. Christopher V. Pryor
624 S. Outer Dr.
Saginaw, MI
(989) 755-7692
Wolverine Baptist State Convention
615 S. Jefferson Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
World Outreach Campus of
Greater Coleman Temple Ministries
Supt. H.J. Coleman Jr.
2405 Bay Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 752-7957
Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Rodrick Smith
721 Johnson
Saginaw, MI 48607
(989) 754-9621
To Celebrate a Life
Call 989.753.3475, or email themichiganbanner@gmail.com
Obituaries and Memorials
May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 45
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
page 46
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
help Saginaws youth earn Scholarships:
Volunteers needed to help SCORE
SCHOLARSHIPS Volunteers will review a
packet of applications and score the students in
10 different areas such as leadership, volunteer
service, extracurricular activities and essays-
according to the provided guidelines.
Registration hosts: Volunteers needed to
welcome donors and provide a professional
registration process for blood collections.
Bilingual and Sign Language: Profcient
volunteers needed to help assist individuals in
crisis.
For further information about the volunteer
opportunities in the Great Lakes Bay Region,
contact Henrietta Watson at the United Way
of Saginaw County at 755.0505, ext. 216,
hwatson@unitedwaysaginaw.org, or view
the web-based volunteer program at www.
GOvolunteerNOW.org.
Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community!
MeMoRiaL Day
ReMeMBeR ouR MeN aND
WoMeN Who haVe DieD
WhiLe SeRViNG
iN The uNiTeD STaTeS
aRMeD FoRCeS.
GoD BLeSS aMeRiCa
A.Philip Randolph Institute
POB 1107
Saginaw, MI 48606
American Red Cross
1232 N. Michigan
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-754-8181
Boys & Girls Club of Bay County
300 Lafayette Ave.
Bay City, MI 48706
989-892-6723
CAN Council Saginaw County
1311 N. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 752-7226 / fax (989) 752-2777
www.cancouncil.org
Castle Museum of Saginaw County
History
500 Federal Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607

Circle of Love
1809 Durand Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-754-2377
Emmaus House of Saginaw
733 S. 15th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-755-7538
THE EZEKIEL PROJECT
ezekielprojectnow@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 3470
Saginaw, MI. 48605-3470
Phone: 989.755.1620 Fax:
989.755.4038
First Ward Community Center
1410 N. 12th Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-753-0411
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
5470 Davis Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48604
989-799-9565
Good Neighbors Mission
1318 Cherry Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989-399-9918
Health Delivery, Inc.
501 Lapeer Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
989.759.6400
Houghton-Jones Task Force
1708 Johnson Street
Saginaw, MI
989-752-1660
Lighthouse Outreach Center
808 Janes Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.928.9096
Michigan Banner Outreach
1400 W. Genesee
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-714-2240
Operation Reach
119 S. Jefferson Avenue
Saginaw, MI
989-754-4444
Pit and Balcony Theatre
805 N. Hamilton
Saginaw, MI 48602
www.pitandbalconytheatre.com
989. 754.6587
pitandbalconytheatre@yahoo.com
Public Libraries of Saginaw
Butman-Fish, Claytor, Hoyt,
Wickes & Zauel Libraries
505 Janes Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-755-0904
www.saginawlibrary.org
Restoration Community Outreach
1205 Norman
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 753-1886 / fax (989) 753-2880
Email: rcosag@yahoo.com
Saginaw County Community Action
Agency, Inc. (CAC)
2824 Perkins Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.753.7741
The Saginaw Community Foundation
1 Tuscola, Suite 100
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-755-0545
Women of Colors
POB 5525
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.399.9275 or 989.737.9286
NON PROFIT DIRECTORY
Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Celebrates Service of pastor
The members of Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 721 Johnson
Street in Saginaw will celebrate 13 years of pastoral service of
Pastor Rodrick A. Smith and his family on Sunday, May 18, 2014.
The speaker for this event will be Pastor Walter L. Butts, Pastor of
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Muskegon Heights, Michigan.
Pastor Butts is the Dean of the Wolverine Baptist State Congress of
Christian Education. The service will begin at 10:00 A.M.

May 16, 2014
The Michigan Banner
page 47
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com
Healthy Kappas
healthy communities
SAVE THE DATE
for the
2
nd
Annual
Mens Health Fair
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
11:00AM3:00PM
WORLD OUTREACH CAMPUS (formerly Greater Coleman Temple)
2405 BAY ROAD (Corner of Bay Road and Deindorfer)
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR:
Cholesterol
Hearing
Vision
Blood Pressure
Mini Health Assessments...and much more!
For additional information, contact 989-239-8406 or 810-624-3432
kapsi-np.org
Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Saginaw Alumni Chapter

Its About You. Its About Family.
Its About Community!
Co-Sponsors:
F
r
e
e
F
r
e
e
College of Health and Human Services
For Lauren Little, its all about making connections. The
rhetoric and professional writing major spends her summers
volunteering and works during the school year giving tours
as a Club Red ambassador and an Orientation Leader. A
students mom came up to me years after she took a campus
tour, and she wanted to say hi, Lauren said. Thats the kind
of connection I want to make.
Lauren hopes to go on to pursue a masters degree in
Chicago and eventually to run her own public relations frm.
Waking every day at 5:30 a.m., Lauren organizes her life
around running, but ask her, and shell tell you that learning
is the top priority. Education is my all, and SVSU is truly
home for me; it makes it that much easier for me to love
what I do every day. I simply love everything it has to offer
the campus life and all the opportunities for growth.
i am
a runner
and go-getter
Prospective or transfer students can check out SVSU by taking
a campus tour and meeting with an admissions representative.
Call (989) 964-4200 or email admissions@svsu.edu.
Visit us online at svsu.edu
page 48
The Michigan Banner
May 16, 2014
First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com

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