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: Monday Friday 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Publisher Jerome Buckley Senior Editor R. L. Buckley The Latino Banner Senior Editor Rosa Morales thelatinobanner@gmail.com Circulation & Distribution: Staff Marketing & Sales Staff Sales Staff Mission: The Michigan Banner operates and serves as a print and online media venue committed to educating, informing and enlightening our readership regarding events and news that directly and indirectly affect the communities regionally and globally. Furthermore, to serve as a catalyst and a link for cultivating young adults as entrepreneurial and business leaders for the future. Disclaimer: The Michigan Banner and its staff are not responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, error, misspellings and false advertisements in part or whole that may be placed within its publication. Articles, information or comments printed in the newspaper are not necessarily the views or beliefs of The Michigan Banner newspaper. The Michigan 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. Deadlines: 2 weeks before each publication date of the 1st and 16th of each month Submission Procedure: Mailed or e-mailed Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF www.themichiganbanner.com Facebook.com/michiganbanner Twitter.com/MichiganBanner Blog: www.themichiganbanner.wordpress.com Michigan Banner Classified Call 989-753-3475 or go online at themichiganbanner@gmail.com 1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com 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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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