Vol. XVIII, No. 2
February 2003
Vol. XVIII, No. 2
February 2003
January was National Mentoring Month with the annual theme, "Who mentored you?" The hope is that potential mentors will think about this, thank their mentor and "pay it forward" by mentoring a child. If you have had someone like this in your life, we would like to hear about your experience. Please clip and fill out our "Who Mentored You?" self-mailing postcard on page 5, so we may learn your story. Pass a copy of the postcard on to a friend…
Also, Jan. 31, 2003, is National Groundhog Job Shadow Day, which kicks off the National Mentoring Partnership's job shadowing campaign that continues throughout the school year. The program is designed to provide caring adults with a taste of mentoring and to provide children and teenagers with an up-close look at the world of work and answer the question, "Why do I have to learn this?"…
Here's a feel-good story about people giving back during the recent holiday season. A family which received a food basket through CYS-Project Together last year at this time, has emerged from the depths of financial distress and upheaval. A priority for them was to demonstrate their gratitude. They anonymously donated funds in December, so food baskets could be delivered to others in need over the holiday season…
Volunteers Are Special!
Nicole Mardaresco is 23 years old and has already impacted the lives of four children during her three years as a Mentor for CYS-Project Together.
Her first two mentees were boys. She mentored the first young man for a year until he finished treatment. The second match ended when the boy moved out of the county six months later. Nicole was then matched with a young girl, whose older sister also had a mentor. When the older sister's mentor moved on, Nicole volunteered to serve as her mentor too.
"It works out well. They are fun, good girls," according to Nicole. "I find it rewarding to see the kids grow from the experiences we have together."
The girls live with their grandmother and cousins on a limited income. "When we go to the movies, the mall or a restaurant, it is a big deal to them," Nicole said. "We have been to amusement parks, hockey games and the mall; and I am teaching them how to swim."
"We talk about growing up, the importance of a positive attitude and going to school," said Nicole. "Since one of them had to get glasses recently, we talked about why it's not bad to wear glasses."
Nicole, who considers herself to be an older sister or friend to the girls, makes time in her busy life for them. An effervescent and assertive sales and marketing coordinator for Lennar Homes, she is also involved in her own athletic activities. She sees the girls on a weekly basis and also talks with them on the phone. "It's a rewarding experience you cannot get from hearing about their latest news every other week," said Nicole.
"Mentoring has definitely changed my life," she said. "I never wanted to have kids. Now I can hardly wait. I have learned to appreciate what I have. Mentoring has kept me young at heart, taught me how to draw the line, as well as patience. I found I have the ability to teach them something new and love to see them learn and grow."
Nicole became a CYS-Project Together Mentor in October 1999. A friend, who was a mentor with the program told her about it and gave her some information. "My friend is no longer a Mentor, but I tried it and I'm still here," said Nicole. —Information for this article was contributed by Ken Cornwell, CYS-Project Together Volunteer Coordinator, Aspen Community Services/Tustin.
INSIDE . . .
Calendar Page 3
President's Proclamation Page 4
Who Mentored You? Page 5
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
The staff and clients of Children & Youth Services (CYS) and CYS-Project Together deeply appreciate the wonderful support provided by many local businesses and organizations. Our affiliation with the Mental Health Association of Orange County allows us to accept and distribute community resources that are an important asset in the therapeutic process for all the children we serve. Each month, we extend our thanks and give recognition to our caring donors.
Melissa Almon
Aliso Viejo
American Sewing Guild
Fullerton
Feei Ang
Fullerton
Cub Scout Pack 580
Dens 5 & 8
Yorba Linda
E-Machines
Irvine
Ford Motor Credit
Orange
First Harvest Chapel
Tustin
Gabrielle Godinez
Fullerton
Carina Gonzalez
Santa Ana
Monica Guevara
Placentia
Harvest Church
Irvine
Larry Herschler
Anaheim
Joann Hill
Anaheim
Pat Huber
Capistrano Beach
Lynn Kliest
Lake Forest
Knott's Berry Farm
Buena Park
Melanie Lamoureux
Anaheim
Antonio Larrea
Brea
Los Alamitos High School
Los Alamitos
R. Mclemore
Anaheim
Mission Hospital
Mission Viejo
Mumolo & Davey, DDS
Tustin
Nations Capital
Aliso Viejo
Orthodyne Electronics
Irvine
Stacey Padzur
Aliso Viejo
Psi Beta Psychology Club
Fullerton College
Randy's Interiors
Santa Ana
St. Simon & Jude School
Huntington Beach
Triangle Group
Corona
Vision Electronics
Irvine
Bill Welsh
Orange
Yee Yuen Linene Company
Los Angeles
Yorba Linda Friends Church
Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda Public Library Patrons
Yorba Linda
Welcome New Mentors
North
Diana Huijsmans (rematch)
Edward Kim
Heather Laird
South/ Costa Mesa
Karen Baig
Nichoel Bergman
Marie Debor
Miki Fujikawa
Star Lopez
Julia Munoz
Vanessa Nguyen
Alberto Sosa
Dave Udden
West
Doug Voorhees
Welcome New Volunteers
Aspen/Santa Ana
Phyllis Lissmore
Gwenda Hamel
Thanks to Those Who Have Moved On
South/Costa Mesa
Dolores Guintu
Victor Pulido
Amber Schubert
Happy Birthday
Lana Arrellanez 2/4
Mary Gore 2/4
Young Joon Kim 2/4
Mark Breaux 2/6
Albert Castro 2/12
Molly Powell 2/14
Loretta Golleher 2/16
Naoko Matsuo 2/16
Regina Hernandez 2/20
Donna Lindsey 2/20
Larry Herschler 2/25
Ernesto Puchades 2/26
FEBRUARY 2003
FEBRUARY 2003
Calendar of Events
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
The CYS-Project Together Calendar is a collection of affordable, fun, wholesome and interesting events that can be enjoyed by children, teens and adults. To submit an item for the calendar, please call (714)
796-0100.
Westminster
(714)898-3311
Little Saigon residents and visitors will celebrate the Asian New Year. Be prepared for crowds, food, firecrackers and a parade.
Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kidseum
1802 N. Main St.
Santa Ana
(714)480-1520
Learn how Asian New Year is celebrated around the world, make a dragon puppet and have your face painted during this celebration of the Year of the Goat.
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: General admission $5
Begins at Broadway & Washington
and ends at
Civic Center Drive and Flower
Santa Ana
(714)446-1192
This annual parade begins at 10 a.m. and it will be followed by a cultural fair that begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Featured will be ethnic foods, entertainment, as well as a Kids' Lane that carries items especially for kids.
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
All City Parks
Santa Ana
(714)647-6559
The City of Santa Ana is sponsoring a city-wide Valentine's Day Party with arts, crafts and entertainment at all city parks.
Memorial Center, 2102 S. Flower
Jerome Center, 726 S. Center
Centennial Regional Park, 3000 Centennial
El Salvador Park, 1825 Civic Center Dr.
Santiago Park, 2535 N. Main St.
Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
Buildings # 10, 12 and 17
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa
(909)734-4307
(www.ocfair.com)
This is an interesting event for anyone who has ever made a scrapbook or wants to develop one. Learn the latest scrap booking techniques, take a workshop, enter your book in a contest and attend the crop party.
Time: TBA
Cost: General admission $8
Workshops $10-20
Crop Night $20
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa
(714)708-3247
This is one of the largest shows of its kind in the West.
Time: Noon-7 p.m. Friday
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: General admission $5 Under 12 Free
2000 Gene Autry Way
Anaheim
(714)940-2046
Groups of 20 or more may tour the field beginning at the giant baseball cap, then on to home plate and behind the scenes. Individuals may call to make arrangements to join tour groups scheduled. The tour takes about 90 minutes.
Time: 9:30 a.m. Fridays only
Cost: Free
300 W. Lincoln Ave.
Anaheim
(714)535-7465
The public may skate in this premier ice skating facility seven days a week. Also available are hockey leagues, skating classes, broomball and the Mighty Ducks Pro Shop.
Time: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
Saturday 1-3 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
9:30-11:30 p.m.
Sunday 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Including skate rental
Adults $10.50
Children $8.50
611 Anton
Costa Mesa
(714)384-5500
Sculptor Isamu Noguchi created this tranquil sculpture garden that covers two acres with abstract granite, sandstone and marble works of art with environmental themes.
Time: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Quotable Quote
"There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone;
All that we send into the lives of others,
Comes back into our own.
—E Markham
FEBRUARY 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
THE WHITE HOUSE
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH, 2003
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A Proclamation
Across our great Nation, many Americans are responding to the call to service by mentoring a child in need. By offering love, guidance, and encouragement, mentors put hope in children's hearts, and help ensure that young people realize their full potential. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the vital contributions of dedicated mentors, and we encourage more Americans to make a difference in the hearts and souls of our communities by volunteering their time to meet the needs of America's youth.
Volunteers provide friendship and support to young people who are facing challenging situations, serve as positive role models, and help to instill important values, goals, and skills. Mentors help young Americans build confidence, gain knowledge, and develop the character necessary to make the right choices and achieve their dreams. Statistics show that at-risk children with mentors demonstrate improved academic performance and are less likely to be involved in destructive activities such as drugs, alcohol, and violence.
During these extraordinary times, we are experiencing a growing culture of service, citizenship, and compassion in our country, with millions of Americans sacrificing for causes greater than self. Dedicated individuals are getting involved in mentoring through faith-based and community organizations, corporate initiatives, school-based programs, and many other outlets for kindness. By dedicating their time and their talents to offer a child a quality relationship with a caring adult, mentors strengthen our families and our communities and reflect the true spirit of America.
Many Americans can point to individuals who influenced their lives and helped to shape them into who they are today. Whether they were teachers, coaches, relatives, clergy, or other community leaders, these positive role models have been critical to our healthy development and helped to instill purpose in our lives. As we honor these everyday heroes, we also recognize that there is a great need for more mentors in America. Too many children in our Nation are growing up without enough support and guidance in their lives, and we must work to ensure that no child is left behind.
This month, I encourage all Americans to become a mentor and change the life of a child in need. In July, the National Mentoring Partnership helped establish the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network—the largest system in the Nation for matching individuals with volunteer opportunities. I am proud of this partnership and ask individuals to go online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call 1-877-USACORPS to find millions of ways to help children in their neighborhoods. Together, we can reaffirm the promise of America and point the way to a brighter future for all of our children.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2003 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of being role models for our youth, to look for mentoring opportunities in their communities, and to celebrate this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
George W. Bush
FEBRUARY 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
I resolve to lecture less and listen more. My children have gently pointed out to me my tendency to give long-winded, elaborate answers to simple questions.
I resolve to pick my battles carefully. The older my children, the more I recognize in my nature a stubbornness to prove I'm right even if that means falling into ridiculous, petty arguments.
I resolve to make our home a pleasant place for my children to bring their friends, but at the same time, I will act as a chaperone, never trying to pass as one of the crowd.
I resolve to discern when and where not to interfere in my children's lives... to learn which problems at school or with peers require my intervention and which are best left for my children to handle on their own.
I resolve to keep faith central in our family life…
I resolve to step back and let others whom I respect and trust—teachers, relatives, coaches, neighbors and friends—form meaningful relationships with my children. Older children benefit immensely from the guidance of role models outside the immediate family.
I resolve to allow my children to dislike me and my decisions. As hurtful as their anger toward me can be, I realize not everything I say and do will be agreeable to them, not every decision I make popular.
I resolve to forgive. I will forgive those times when my children betray my trust, hurt my feelings, act irresponsibly and inconsiderately. And I will forgive myself for the many times I will fail my children.
Finally, I resolve to recognize the need to call upon... grace to accomplish these goals...
Mary Hood Hart
Catholic Miscellany
Mentoring Month
In keeping with this year's theme for National Mentoring Month held in January, CYS-Project Together Mentors and Health Care Agency employees are being asked to "Share the Experience" by telling their stories about their mentors and how they changed their lives. Mentors make a difference in how we assess ourselves, our skills, our talents and even our ethics and philosophy of life. Mentors are responsible for modeling behavior, performance and ways of coping with life. Mentors very often are our inspiration to take certain paths in our lives.
On the form below, write a few sentences about your mentor, what you did together and how he/she changed your life. Clip out, fold over and mail back to us. Or e-mail your response to mmurphy@ochca.com.
Your Name Day Phone
Your Mentor's Name
Your Experience
FEBRUARY 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
Mentors are invited to attend the training, "Boundaries."
Adrienne Davalos, Volunteer Coordinator for Aspen Community Services/Santa Ana, will conduct the session during which mentors may share, discuss and learn how to set healthy boundaries for themselves and for children or teenagers. Mentors may attend the training closest to their home or work. Reservations are required for proper credit. Please call Curtis Livingston at the CYS-Project Together Central office, (714)796-0100.
Trainings will be held in each region on the following dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7-8:30 p.m.
West Region Clinic
14140 Beach Blvd., Suite 155
Westminster
Reservations: (714)796-0100
Thursday, February 20, 7-8:30 p.m.
South Region Clinic/Costa Mesa
3115 Redhill
Costa Mesa
Reservations: (714)796-0100
Wednesday, Feb 26, 7-8:30 p.m.
Aspen Community Services and East Region Clinic
1633 E. 4th St., Suite 120
Santa Ana
Reservations: (714)796-0100
Thursday, Feb. 27, 7-8:30 p.m.
North Region Clinic
377 E. Chapman Rd., Suite 110
Placentia
Reservations: (714)796-0100
Monday, Mar. 3, 7-8:30 p.m.
South Region Clinic/Laguna Beach
21632 Wesley Dr.
Laguna Beach
Reservations: (714)796-0100
Quotable Quote
"One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in or how much money I had in the bank. But the world may be a better place because I made a difference in a child's life."—Forest Witcraft
County of Orange Health Care Agency
Behavioral Health Services
405 W. 5th St., Suite 436
Santa Ana, CA 92701
FEBRUARY 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
2002 Donors
Your gracious in-kind and monetary donations throughout the year have helped to support the clients and families of Children & Youth Services in numerous ways. Through your support, children received eye exams and glasses, backpacks filled with supplies, emergency food, camperships, sports fees, books, music lessons, holiday and birthday gifts, clothing and shoes, passes to sporting, cultural and entertainment events and much, much more. Your generosity has touched many lives in a meaningful way.
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
Adventure City
Albertsons
Albertsons Community Partner
Melissa Almon
American Sewing Guild
Anaheim Angels
Anaheim Pond
Feei Ang
Angel Tree—Yorba Linda
Armstrong Garden Centers, Inc.
Aspen Community Services
Aspen Education Group
Aspen MSO
Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors
Boise Cascade
Books Are Fun, Ltd.
Bowers Museum
Jean Brayer
Illiana Bravo
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Coby Byerly
California Cushion
California Cushion & Design Center
Camelot Golfland
Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.
Cedar Fair L.P.
Irene Chisholm
Circus Vargas
CM School Supply
College Health
Construction Purchasing Assn.
Phyllis Crane
Curves for Women
Frank W. Cutler
Daniel Daitch
Dr. Chantel Daitch
Alma Davis
Denny's, Corporate
Cheryl Destro
Dulux Paint Centers
E-Machine
El Torito Grill
El Torito Restaurants
ESPN Zone
Family Fun Center
Family Fun Centers-Boomers
Farmers Insurance—Orange
First Harvest
Ford Motor Credit
Ford Motor Credit Orange Branch
Frazee Paints
Patty and Lee Fullmer
Glacial Garden Ice Arena
Gabrielle Godinez
Golfland
Carina Gonzalez
Gorman Framing & Art Gallery
Monica Guevara
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Hall
HCA Volunteer Services
Larry Herschler
Mary Herzog
Hewitt & Associates
Pat Huber
Pizza Hut
IKEA
Irvine Lanes
Island's Fine Burgers & Drinks
Young Joon Kim
Lynn Kliest
Knott's Berry Farm
LA Fitness
LA International Church of Christ
Melanie Lamoureux
Antonio Larrea
Laser Quest
Cheryl Leisenfelder
LensCrafters-Anaheim
LensCrafters Westminster
Local Union 324
Los Alamitos High School
R. Mclemore
Marshall's
Mead Paper, Inc.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Mimi's Cafe
Carol Mintzer
Mission Hospital
Mumolo & Davey D.D.S.
Nation's Capital
Nickel City
Northrup Grumman
Orange County Woodworkers Assn.
Orthodyne Electronics
Pacer Community
Pfizer Foundation
Vanessa Piscazzi
Cheryl Pitts, LCSW
Psi Beta Psychology Club
R & J Cabinets
Vicki Ramsdell
Randy's Interiors
Judy Raydel
Red Lobster
Regal Lanes
Michelle Roth
Rubio's Baja Grill
Ruby's Diner
Ruby Restaurant Group
St. Pius V School
St. Simon & Jude Catholic School
Salamon Art, Inc.
Bill Sauter
Six Flags Magic Mountain
South Coast Repertory
Jody Spellmeyer
Statek Corp
Gregory Stevens
Strawberry Festival
Taco Bell
Tarsadia Hotel
Triangle Group
Bernice Tucker
Vans, Inc.
Vision Solutions
Lindsay Velianoff
Welch & Schaffner, Inc.
Bill Welsh
Yee Yuen Linene Company
Yorba Linda Friends Church
Paul Youngerman
FEBRUARY 2003
Mentoring Means Having Fun Too
Wendy Cordero, Mentor for Aspen/Tustin, is teaching her mentee how to roller skate. The boy's physician has recommended exercise and athletic endeavors to help him physically and mentally. Wendy is helping him learn how to feel free enough to have fun and also get his exercise.
February 2003
Vol. XVIII, No. 2
Published by:
County of Orange Health Care Agency/Behavioral Health Services
405 W. 5th St., Suite 436
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714)796-0100
www.ochealthinfo.com/behavioral/cyspt
Central Staff
Sharon Modaff, Service Chief (714)796-0100
Nancy Robins, Program Supervisor I (714)796-0100
Martha Murphy, Editor (714)796-0121
Peggy Evans, Support Services Coordinator (714)796-0117
Curtis Livingston, Office Technician (714)796-0100
Volunteer Coordinators/Resource Specialists
East Veronica Chavez (714)480-6756
North Sunney Shin (714)577-5422
South/Costa Mesa Jonathan Schiesel (714)850-8444
South/Laguna Lee Boon (949)499-8614
West Diane Prescott (714)896-7570
Aspen/Santa Ana Adrienne Davalos (714)565-2830
Aspen/Tustin Ken Cornwell (714)508-1919
The Health Care Agency/Behavioral Health Services/Children and Youth Services provides mental health treatment for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youth and their families throughout Orange County. CYS-Project Together is a volunteer mentor program for CYS children and teens. The program also offers supportive resources to clients and families to assist them in achieving treatment goals. The program operates cooperatively with its community partner, the Mental Health Association of Orange County.
Children and Youth Services/Project Together
County of Orange Health Care Agency
Behavioral Health Services/Children & Youth Services
CYS-Project Together Highlights
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 436
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Address Correction Requested
CYS-Project Together provides mentors and supportive services to clients of Children & Youth Services
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