There's More Than One Way to Hug a Child - Page 3
Handling Emotional Crisis - Page 6
Building a New Relationship - Page 7
One for the kids
Here is an easy way to donate needed items to the CYS-Project Together Resource Center, which benefits CYS clients and their families in need. Next time you purchase bulk items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, soap, hair clips, nail care products or other grooming items, donate one of the items to the CYS-PT Resource Center. This can also work for "2 for 1" coupons. Keep one of the items purchased and donate the second item to the Resource Center.
If you have a donation for the CYS-PT Resource Center,
or would like more information, please call 714-796-0100 or
email mmurphy@ochca.com.
was able to model social skills and behavior that the child could
emulate. Since she wanted the child to know the
benefit of having friendships, she introduced the child to her
own friends.
"When Wendy decided she wanted something, she threw herself into it completely and with an open heart and mind," according to Sarah Rineer, Wendy's closest friend and former CYS-Project Together mentor.
Wendy had the innate ability to engage the child in activities, as well as introduce her to social situations, according to the child's therapist. although the child's anxiety and fear of the world continued, she felt safe when she was with Wendy.
Wendy and the child officially said "goodbye," to the CYS-Project
Together
Wendy Callahan initially heard about the CYS-Project
Together mentoring program through a professor at Golden West
College in Huntington Beach. She wrote on her mentor
application that she wanted to become a mentor to "make a
difference with those who did not have an adult to
support them, and to give back what I was given in my life."
In October of 2002, Wendy had an opportunity to do just that when she was matched with a preteen child who was selectively mute. According to Western Youth Services Program Manager, Annette Cantanese, LCSW, who supervised the case, "this was a huge endeavor compared to other cases being matched. She (Wendy) was extremely positive and enthusiastic about this challenge, and was very patient with the situation."
According to the therapist, the child did not speak in school and had limited verbalization with peers. Due to her isolating behavior, she also did not have friends. However, this did not deter Wendy, and she quickly befriended the child. In fact, she was the child's only friend. From the beginning of their relationship, Wendy's positive attitude and presence encouraged the child to engage with her and be verbal.
Wendy's experience as a model and actor may have prepared her
to work effectively as a mentor to this child. According to the therapist,
Wendy
(continued on page 6)
It's a CakeWalk
Melissa Robles, a mentor candidate with CYS North Region, volunteered to assist with activities, including a CakeWalk, at the recent CYS-Project Together Annual Picnic at Mile Square Park. Look inside this issue for more photos of the fun-filled event.
October 2003
Calendar of Events
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
Tustin Tiller Days
Columbus Tustin Park
17522 Beneta Way @ Prospect Street
Tustin
(714) 544-7725
Celebrating Tustin's agricultural heritage since 1957, the Tiller Days event features food, entertainment, information booths and a carnival.
Time: Friday 4-11 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Parade at 10 a.m.
Sunday Noon-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Upper Newport Bay Reserve
2301 University Dr.
Newport
(714) 973-6820
Join the naturalist at Shellmaker Island for a 2-hour nature walk around the bay. Bring binoculars and sunscreen. No reservations required.
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: Free
Huntington Beach Sand Castle Festival
Pacific Coast Highway & Main
Huntington Beach
(714) 969-3492
www.saveourbeach.org
Fifty teams will compete and artists will create a spectacular 60-foot dragon for this first annual event to benefit "Save Our Beach."
Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Adults $5
Children $1
Surfing Band Concert
Huntington Beach
International
Surfing Museum
411 Olive St.
Huntington Beach
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Dr., Building 14
Costa Mesa
(562) 592-1009
Time: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Dana Point Library
33841 Niguel Road
Dana Point, CA. 92629
(949) 496-5517
The performance, for all ages, combines music, comedy, and ventriloquism in a fun-filled salute to the silly side of the season. Children are encouraged to come in costume for the evening's festivities, and the Annual Costume Parade.
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Santa Ana Public Library
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana
(714) 647-5250
www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us\library
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
South Side of Pier
Pacific Coast Highway & Main
Huntington Beach
(714) 596-5019
United States Surfing Federation sanctioned event
Time: Check website @ www.hbsurfseries.com
Cost: Free
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $17
Children $8
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
30902 La Promesa
Rancho Santa Margarita
(949) 459-6094
Local silent film enthusiast Jeff Calof will present classic "shorts" from "The Golden Age of Comedy" at Rancho Santa Margarita Library. Prior to each short, a brief commentary on the respective artists and their works will be provided.
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Computer Fair
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Dr., Building 14
Costa Mesa
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $5
Children under 10 Free
OCTOBER 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
Tustin Public Library
345 E. Main St.
Tustin
(714) 544-7725
This is a special program for children ages 6 to 12 and will begin with a Halloween Craft Program Oct. 30. Please sign up in advance.
Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Chapman & Glassell
Orange
(714) 744-7278
Kids up to 14 years of age meet at the Plaza in Old Town Orange in costume.
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Columbus Tustin Activity Center
17522 Beneta Way
Tustin
There will be a costume contest, bounce house and music.
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Dr. at Festival Grounds
Costa Mesa
(949) 548-2600
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
The staff and clients of Children and 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.
James and Dena Anderson
Anaheim
Smith Barney Citigroup
Orange
Bill Reed
Brea
Statek Corporation
Orange
Nancy Decker
Placentia
Rembrandt's Employees
Betty Beach
Ms. Harris
Paul Kelly
Barbara Jacobson
Lisa Townsend
Jack and Friends
Jennifer
Sally
Placentia
Faye Knowlton
Yorba Linda
Dr. Genc
Placentia
Connie Coleman
Garden Grove
Sally Tuhonen
Brea
Bill Flaherty
Fullerton
Bernie Gordon
Placentia
99 Cent Only Store
Yorba Linda
Dr. and Mrs. Al Gobar
Fullerton
Jordan DiVito
Placentia
Cathleen Berry
Placentia
Mission Hospital
Mission Viejo
Samantha and Victoria Brayer
Anaheim
In-N-Out Burger
Irvine
Disney Ice
Anaheim
Fountain Valley Skating Center
Fountain Valley
Albertsons Community Partner
Boise, ID
Happy Birthday
Julia Munoz 10/3
Helen Griffis 10/4
Lara Edgar 10/6
Laura Torres 10/12
Rhet Peterson 10/15
Vy Nguyen 10/21
Shannon Watson 10/22
Suzanne Laros 10/23
Matt Kempton 10/24
Ruth Haiduc 10/26
It was a day of fun, food, camaraderie and games. Not just one or two, but a total of ten. Beginning with bingo and
ending with a very messy, but laughter-filled egg toss, mentors and kids enjoyed a marathon of cakewalks, hula-hoop relays,
and games that involved water, eggs and endurance. For a visual review of the day's events, please see photos below.
CYS-PT mentors teamed with the kids to determine either how far they could toss a water balloon or
how wet they could get each other. Participants include (left photo, from left) mentors Sharon Claudius,
Shannon Watson, Urvashi Iyer and Melanie Lamourex, and (right photo, from left facing camera) Adrienne
Davalos, Aspen Community Services Volunteer Coordinator, and mentors Janet Peters and Ruth Haiduc.
Mentors Phil Schreiber, Scott Haiduc and Ruth Haiduc (left photo, from left) enjoy a respite from the games while (right photo, from left) Michael Coffey and Jeannette Luevanos work their way through a hula hoop.
OCTOBER 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
Having cold water dripped on your forehead may not be the
most comfortable way to stay cool on a hot, summer day, but it works!.
Bingo, Wheelbarrow races, Egg Toss and more
Mentors John Muse (above) and Ozgun Tumer
(center) relax with Bingo. A mentor and mentee (right) join
forces to make a fast dash to the finish line. Playing a game
of egg toss are mentors Nancy Bresnan (lower right) and
Sharon Claudius (far lower right).
OCTOBER 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
While serving as a CYS-Project Together mentor, there may be the rare occasion that you hear or witness the client or the client's family experiencing an emotional crisis. The most likely time that you will witness a situation of this nature will be when you:
1) Call the child's home to schedule an up-coming outing
2) Pick up the child to go on an outing
3) Drop off the child after an outing.
It is important to understand that usually, most "crises" will not be physically threatening to the child or adult and as such, you are not asked to intervene. Rather, you are asked to utilize good observational and listening skills so that you can accurately relay your observations back to the therapist and volunteer coordinator.
The following are three scenarios that could occur and that can be considered emotional crisis situations.
n Scenario #1: When calling the child's home to schedule an outing, you are confronted with an angry, hostile or unreasonable parent or client.
Solution: Should you encounter a situation of this nature, it is best to listen for a short time to the speaker and then firmly and politely refer the issue back to the therapist.
n Scenario #2: When arriving to pick the child up for an outing you overhear loud or angry voices coming from the home.
Solution: It is best to wait outside for a few moments until the emotional level decreases, then ring the bell and announce you are there to take the child on an outing. Do not attempt to engage the family to find out what happened. Also during the outing, the child may or may not wish to tell you what happened. Allow the child to process feelings in his or her own way.
n Scenario #3: When you return the child from an outing, you overhear threatening, loud or angry voices from the home.
Solution: Gently but firmly, guide the child back to the car. Wait a few minutes until you feel the emotional level of the family has diminished. Ask the child to remain near the car, then go to the door and let the person that answers know that you are returning the child.
If at any time, you believe the client or parent may
be endangering his or her life or the lives of others, you
are directed to call 911 and make your report. If you are at
the
child's home and you believe the situation is physically
threatening, go to your car and use your cell phone, or go to
the nearest pay phone and inform the police of your location.
For all other emotional emergencies
1. Call and alert the therapist. If you call and get a voice mail, leave a complete and detailed message. The therapist will call you back as soon as they are able.
2. If the emotional emergency occurs during normal business hours and the therapist isn't available, call the clinic's general telephone number and ask to speak to the Officer of the Day, (O.D.) and make your report.
3. If the emotional emergency occurs after regular business hours, call the County of Orange, Evaluation and Treatment Services (E.T.S.) at (714) 834-6900 and make your report.
IMPORTANT: Call your Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. If they are not available, or you call after hours, leave a complete and detailed voice mail about the emergency.
Please keep in mind that an emotional emergency can be upsetting. As such, it's important to view the safety of the child as your primary concern. Understand that as a result of a call you make, the police or emergency evaluation teams may take the child into custody. However, this action is to protect the safety of all concerned, including you. Also, remember to report your observations to the child's therapist and your volunteer coordinator, as they will be available to provide you with support and guidance.
(continued from page 1)
mentor program in July of this year, however the two
decided to continue to correspond and remain friends.
Wendy was also preparing to leave for Virginia where she was to
be married.
Sadly, on August 24, after leaving her engagement celebration in Virginia Beach, Wendy Callahan was killed, along with her future mother-in-law, in an automobile accident. Their car was struck broadside by another car that had sped through a stop sign.
"Wendy never wanted to be labeled as a democrat or a republican, but as a humanitarian," recalled Sarah. "She wanted only to improve the lives of others and bring them what happiness she could. I always envied and admired the way my friend recognized her dreams and followed them, regardless of how impossible or silly they may have appeared to others. She never had to regret a chance not taken."
Wendy will be missed.
OCTOBER 2003
HIGHLIGHTS CYS-Project Together Volunteer & Mentor Newsletter
A Children and Youth Services Newsletter
for Volunteers & Mentors of CYS-Project Together
A wilderness adventure hike is scheduled for CYS-Project
Together mentors and the child or teen they mentor for Saturday, October 18 from 9
a.m. to noon at the James Dilley Preserve in Laguna Canyon, Laguna Beach.
Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to prepare for and enjoy
the outdoors from Sierra Club wilderness experts during this autumn outing.
To make the most of the adventure, mentors and youth are asked to wear a hat, light colored clothing and sturdy shoes (no sandals), bring a plastic bottle of water along with a simple lunch, and use sunscreen on your face, neck and arms. Plan to arrive at the location at least 15 minutes early since the hike will begin promptly at 9 a.m.
October 2003
Vol. XVIII, No. 10
County of Orange Health Care Agency/
Behavioral Health Services
405 W. 5th St., Suite 436
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714)796-0100
CYSPT@ochca.com
www.ochealthinfo.com/behavioral/cyspt
Contributors to This Issue:
Nancy Robins
Martha Murphy
Jonathan Schiesel
Diane Prescott
Welcome New Mentors
North Melissa Capasso
Susan Payne
South/ Laura Torres
Costa Mesa Denise Wagoner
South/Laguna Catherine Spencer
Robert Koeblitz
Aspen Chris Barrett
Jennifer Combs
Dustin Harris
Angelina Locasio
Thanks to Those Who Have Moved On
South/Laguna Elarian Anderson
East Heather Dion
Robin Jordan
West Gina Hernandez
Aspen Polly Nirvath
Trevor Persaud
Christine Ruby
Rosa Zamarripa
Children and Youth Services/Project Together
To submit an item for the Newsletter, please call (714)796-0100 or email
CYSPT@ochca.com .
Reservations are limited and will be accepted through Friday, October
10, on a first-come, first-served basis. When making reservations,
please leave your name, the name of your mentee and your phone number.
Prior to the outing, you will receive a packet that includes parent permission
forms, important safety tips and a map to the location. For more information, or
to make reservations, please call
(714) 796-0100 or email
CYSPT@ochca.com
Mentoring Tips and Tidbits
The following guidelines, which are discussed during mentor trainings, can help to build trust and develop responsible behavior during the early stages of a relationship.
• Be friendly. Share information about yourself to help your child get to know you better.
• Be a good listener. Show sincere interest in what your child tells you about him or herself.
• Let your child help you choose activities for your visits. Try to suggest activities where the child will find success. Compliment the child if he or she does a good job.
• Be clear and consistent about your rules or limits. Your child will feel more secure if he or she knows what to expect.
• Be sure to follow through with all commitments.
• Remember to be punctual.
• Be a positive role model.
• Be non-judgmental
• Try to be comfortable with, and sensitive to, the child's quiet times.
• Spend some time getting to know the child's
parents. This will help them to feel more comfortable
about developing a friendship with their child and to
become more supportive of your involvement.
OCTOBER 2003
How to Contact
Children and Youth Services—Project Together
General Information
Phone: (714) 796-0100
Website: www.ochealthinfo.com/behavioral/cyspt
Email: CYSPT@ochca.com
Central Staff
Sharon Modaff, Service Chief I (714)796-0100
Nancy Robins, Program Supervisor I (714)796-0115
Martha Murphy, Volunteer Coordinator (714)796-0121
Peggy Evans, Volunteer Coordinator (714)796-0117
RegionalVolunteer 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 Community Svcs.—Adrienne Davalos (714)565-2830
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.
October is the ideal time to enjoy a hike among
nature with Sierra Club members as your guide. Reservations
for this special mentor outing on October 18 are a must
and need to be made by October 10 by calling (714)
796-0115. For more information, please see the story on page 7.
DTP947
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
CYS-Project Together provides mentors and supportive services to clients of Children & Youth Services