INSIDE . . .
Calendar of Events Page 2
Mentor Spotlight–Catherine Navetta
As a forensic scientist with the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Crime Lab, Catherine Navetta has little opportunity to
work with children on the job. However, once the lab coat is removed, she
becomes a weekend mentoring dynamo. Matched with a lively 12 year-old boy for
nearly two years, Cat, as she is called, believes she knows just what kids like
to do.
"I
was scared to death starting-up (as a mentor)," Cat recalled. "What if he
doesn’t like me?" However, as she became more familiar with the child, she felt
the relationship evolved naturally. She discovered that being honest with the
boy from the beginning was most effective. "If you feel tired, let him know. If
you’re excited about something, share it. It is amazing how much gets across
just by sharing your day." Most importantly, Cat realized the boy just needed a
friend, and she was available.
In discussions with the youth’s therapist, Christine Huang of Western Youth
Services, Cat learned the boy was having difficulties at home and would often
voice his frustrations through tantrums. Armed with this knowledge, and with the
support of the therapist, Cat spoke with the boy about alternative ways to deal
with life’s frustrations." I shared some ideas on how to talk out what is
bothering him," Cat said. After a while, she said he began to reveal his
emotions, including his worries, fears and joys. Cat also credits the boy’s
therapist with assisting him to better communicate with his mother, and with
being receptive to his needs.
"He and I have become close. I think it mainly works because I’m pretty high
impact."
High impact indeed. The duo frequently participate in "marathon" outings. This
summer, after receiving permission from the boy’s family and his therapist, they
surfed and body boarded every weekend. "He is a great athlete, so I try to give
him every opportunity to try new sports." During the cooler months of the year,
they go to tennis and basketball courts, the local driving range and attend
sporting events, like the Mighty Ducks and Angels. "We are still getting an idea
of our likes and dislikes," said Cat, adding that the Cal State Fullerton game
room is always a good back up plan since "pool tables are pretty cheap."
However, Cat also exposes him to cultural events and the two attend child
appropriate theatrical productions at least four times a year.
"It is almost always exhilarating to see him," says Cat. "We usually share
something new each time." When asked to remember her most memorable mentoring
experience, she recalled how he had selected "the perfect birthday gift" for
her. "I could tell he had put some thought into it to match my personality. He
really knows and likes me."
For Your Information...
The Annual Holiday Party for CYS Project Together and Aspen mentors and mentees
is Sunday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Elks Club
in Huntington Beach. If you haven’t already called in your RSVP for this
delightful, kid-friendly party, please do so by calling (714) 796-0100 or you
can email cyspt@ochca.com.
MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership is an advocate for the expansion of
mentoring and a resource for mentors and mentoring initiatives nationwide. The
MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership website offers a variety of helpful
resources. To visit the MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership website, go to
www.mentoring.org.
A Holiday Message to CYS/Project Together Supporters
As 2003 comes to a close, we want to thank our mentors, volunteers and donors
for helping to make this an amazing year of caring and giving. Through your
generous support, you helped the youth and families being served in the Health
Care Agency-Children & Youth Services in so many ways.
As members of the child’s treatment team, CYS-PT Mentors worked to establish
meaningful, caring relationships with troubled youth, helping them to experience
newfound self-awareness, develop a confident outlook and meet therapeutic
treatment goals. The residual effects of this incredible partnership will last a
lifetime.
Community Service Volunteers assisted with program operations working countless
hours providing administrative support to Regional Volunteer Coordinators and
working in our ever-popular Resource Center.
Donors helped to give a child an opportunity to spend a memorable week at summer
camp, join little league or other sports related activities, learn to swim, play
the guitar and paint. They also helped many of our clients in financial need
feel like every other child and begin the school year with a new backpack,
school supplies, shoes and/or clothing. During the holiday season donors
exemplified the true meaning of giving. Through their generous donations,
hundreds of youth were able to enjoy one of the happiest holiday seasons of
their young lives. And the most touching part of this giving experience was that
the gifts were provided in such a way that the child’s parent(s) became the
holiday hero!
We want to give special thanks to the Mental Health Association of Orange County
(MHA) who partners with CYS-Project Together to make the future brighter for the
youth we serve. We are honored to have their support.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
The CYS-Project Together Staff
The CYS-Project Together Calendar is a collection of affordable, fun, wholesome and interesting events that can be enjoyed by children, teens and adults.
Daily Through Dec. 24
Knott’s Christmas Craft Festival
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park
(714)220-5200
www.knotts.com
The theme park becomes Knott’s “Merry” Farm where people of all ages may
participate in crafting. Shopping and family entertainment also will be
available.
Time:
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults:
$6
Seniors:
$5
Children 3-11:
Free
Saturday, Dec. 6
Christmas With the Critters
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut
Santa Ana
(714)836-4000
www.santaanazoo.org
Arts and crafts will be featured at this fun holiday event, which will be
followed by a white elephant sale.
Time:
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: Adults:
$4
Children 5-12:
$2
Sunday, Dec. 7
Las Posadas
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
Hispanic Arts Council (714)771-8598
This annual Mexican fiesta event is co-sponsored by the Hispanic Arts Council
and depicts the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter for the birth of
Jesus. The traditional program includes the angel, candle lighting and the
sounding of the bell, in addition to music, a piñata, dancing and food, such as
tamales and champurado.
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sunday, Dec. 7
Holiday Classic Car Show
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
Main Mall and South Lawn
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa
www.ocfair.com
This particular show draws participants worldwide and features classic cars from
the early 1900’s to present day.
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free with $2 admission to Market Place
Saturday, Dec. 13
Children’s Holiday Party
Eddie West Field
Flower at Civic Center Drive
Santa Ana
Holiday entertainment and free gift will be available for every child.
Time:
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Wednesday, Dec. 17-
Sunday, Dec. 21
Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Harbor
Newport Beach
This is the 95th annual boat parade, which features illuminated boats, from
canoes to yachts, celebrating the holidays California style. Newport’s Christmas
card to the world sets sail from Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 or
9 p.m. The New York Times has ranked this event as one of the “Top 10 Holiday
Happenings” in the nation.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sunday, Dec. 21
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach
(949)721-2000
www.shopfashionisland.com
Join Rabbi Reuven Mintz of the Chabad Jewish Center at Bloomingdale’s Courtyard
to celebrate Chanukah with music, dancing, gelt and dreidels.
Time: 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
*Mentors may use the Harbors Beaches & Parks passes for entry and parking at
County of Orange facilities. Special events may have an additional fee.
There’s More Than One Way to Hug a Child...
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.
Paul Anderson
Cambria
Ivy Banowetz
Diamond Bar
Cathleen Berry
Placentia
Jordan DiVito
Placentia
Mark Crispen
Placentia
Mark Gunderson
Huntington Beach
Stanley Hall
Westminster
Kim Jung
Placentia
Antonio Larrea
Placentia
Katya Maluf
Yorba Linda
Rembrandt’s
Lisa
Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas
Sally
Faye Knowlton
Barbara Anderson
Bernie Gordon
Jack
Betty
Placentia
Smith Barney Citigroup
Orange
Statek Corporation
Orange
Lloyd Warman
Surfside
Mary and Bill Widner
La Mirada
Rhonda Williamson
Bloomington
Welcome New Mentors
South/Costa Mesa
Stacy Cochran
North
Melissa Robles
Thanks to Those Who Have Moved On
South/Costa Mesa
Alberto Sosa
Laura Torres
South/Laguna
Cherise Richey
Ernesto Puchades
East
Rebecca Burwell
North
Julie Bai
Shannon Watson
Happy Birthday
Candice Roditi
12/7
Stanley Hall
12/13
Christopher Looney
12/13
Roxanna Taghavi
12/16
Ryan Maddox
12/21
Cherise Richey
12/23
Shabnam Dezgulisn
12/24
Kristen Langston
12/27
Nancy Bresnan
12/28
A Children and Youth Services Newsletter for Volunteers & Mentors of CYS-Project Together
December 2003
Vol. XVIII, No. 12
Published by:
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
Diane Prescott
Martha Murphy
Sharon Modaff
Making a dramatic entrance is characteristic for Santa Claus, so it was not unusual when members of the Huntington Beach Fire Department escorted the "Jolly Old Elf" to last year’s Holiday Party for CYS-Project Together and Aspen mentors and mentees. This year, the traditional Yule celebration, sponsored by the Huntington Beach Elks Club, is set for Sunday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Elks Club, 7711 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. Aspen Mentor, Nancy Bresnan, is again coordinating the fun-filled event and promises "kid friendly" food, holiday gifts and ongoing entertainment. If you still need to make your reservation, please call CYS-Project Together at (714) 796-0100.
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)896-7509
Aspen—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.
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
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