SILVER SPRINGS – MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL

We love therefore we serve(AGAPOMEN DIAKONOMEN)

THE LATEST NEWS FROM

Spring 2017

Our Children are Stars!

Photo: awards given at Martin Luther School’s annual "Oscars" ceremony rewarding students' achievements.

A mosaic of public and private funding makes possible these services to children and families. Silver Springs receives funding through managed care organizations, the Commonwealth and the federal governments. Non-allowable and capital expenses are funded by individuals, businesses, groups, congregations, corporations, foundations, other friends, Lutheran Home at Germantown Foundation, and Silver Springs - Martin Luther School. Funding is received from Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties (and other counties), the Pennsylvania Department of Education, local school districts, the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services; a partnership in serving children and families in need...

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AGAPOMEN DIAKONOMEN: “WE LOVE THEREFORE WE SERVE”Silver Springs - Martin Luther School is a Social Ministry Organization affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and its Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, a member of Lutheran Services in America, and accredited by The Joint Commission. Please direct inquiries about the newsletter to Lynn Unipan, Development Director, Silver Springs – Martin Luther School, 512 West Township Line Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1001; Tel: (610) 825-4440, ext. 206; Fax: (610) 825-3839; e-mail: Lunipan@silver-springs.org.

Visit us on the web at www.silver-springs.org

President’s Message Recently I had lunch with Sister Sally Kerr, a Lutheran Deaconess who dedicated much of her career to the children of Silver Springs. During lunch, she gave me a coin dated 1859 that she had carried with her for many years. Sister Sally said now that she has retired, she felt like it was time to pass the coin on to me. Now I carry this coin with me everywhere I go because it reminds me of some very important things. You see, Silver Springs was founded in 1859. To me, this coin represents the many children and families whom Silver Springs has served over the past 158 years. It also symbolizes the many people

who come together to help us fulfill our mission. It represents Elizabeth Ashmead Schaeffer, the wife of a Lutheran Pastor who is credited as our founder; it represents our staff who work tirelessly every single day to help our children learn and heal; it represents you and the varied, unique ways you contribute to our success.

As we celebrate 158 years of service, Silver Springs is working on a strategic initiative that will inform our vision and direction for the next several years. Through this process, we are finding that there are more children who need help than we currently are able to serve. The new strategic plan will help us define our priorities and develop a shared sense of purpose. We are working to answer questions like: Should we build a new school building so we can educate more children? Are there ways we can support the children’s parents/caregivers more effectively? How can we improve our services so we can set children on the best path to success?

Sometimes I think about all the things that have changed in 158 years. It is hard to even begin to name all the advances that have occurred in technology and medicine. But here is the cool part — no matter what direction our strategic plan takes, we know that some things will never change. Silver Springs has been and will continue to be dedicated to helping children in need. Silver Springs has employed and will continue to employ mission-filled people who dedicate their careers to helping children. The other thing that remains a constant is that we will continue to need you to help fulfill our mission. We need YOU to help us provide the best services to the precious children entrusted to our care. We need YOU to be partners with us in our work to provide a safe place for children to learn, to grow, and to heal. Even after 158 years of working with children and families in our shared community, still we need you, and the children still need all of us.

Thank you,

Kristen E.M. Gay, Ph.D.

Silver SpringsBoard of Trustees

Officers

C. Andrew Krepps, Jr. Chairperson

Richard L. Strouse Vice Chairperson

Janice A. Vogt Secretary

William C. Andrews Treasurer

Kristen E.M. Gay President/CEO

Phyllis A. HandleyAssistant Secretary

Other Members

James L. Allison

Kelli A. DiVito

Jodi S. Donohue

Clifford P. Haugen

James L. Hollinger

Nina V. Rogers

Denise M. Stearns

David C. Toner

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Children’s living room before (L), during (C), and after (R) the painting phase of the project.

Thanks to many caring friends who donated to our “Fund the Mission” portion of the November Chefs for Silver Springs dinner, Silver Springs raised more than $100,000 for improvements to the children’s bedrooms and gathering rooms on our Plymouth Meeting campus! Because of your incredible generosity, the Weinmann Building, home to approximately 72 children between six and fourteen years old, is receiving a major facelift!

Phase one is underway as bedrooms and living rooms get fresh coats of paint in brighter colors. Dark brown ceiling beams are now white, giving the rooms a fresher feel, and bedrooms and living rooms each have an

accent wall in cheerful colors. New lighting, bedding, wall decorations, and more are on the way.

“We wanted to brighten the children’s living spaces,” explains Kristen Gay, Ph.D., President/CEO of Silver Springs. “We hope the improvements create a warm, peaceful living environment where the boys and girls know this is a place they are loved and can be safe.”

“I love the bright blue wall,” one child shared. “It looks so happy!” Our thanks to the many generous and caring friends who are helping to make this transformation possible!

Building Improvement Project Underway!

Happy Endings and New Beginnings It was a special day this past February in a Philadelphia courtroom when two young sisters officially became members of their forever family. “I’m so happy!” their new mom shared, who had served for several months as foster mom to the two girls, ages ten and four. “The day is finally here and I got to adopt them!” The older sister was equally joyful, and exclaimed “I’m so excited this is my real family!” The day’s excitement and emotion touched everyone involved. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” shared Juana Smith, their Silver Springs caseworker.

To add to the family’s good news, the adoption process is beginning for the girls’ brother, currently in foster care with relatives of the new adoptive mother. “We are thrilled to be able to link extended families and keep siblings connected,” explained

Shelley Spear, Senior Community Based Program Clinical Director. This family’s happy ending is sure to be the beginning of a bright and happy future for all of them!

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I’m beautiful for who I am and not just what I look like,” one female Martin Luther School student wrote in a Valentine’s Day card to herself. These cards were the product of an activity that a group of seven 7th and 8th grade girls engaged in during their Positive Body Image group this winter. “We wanted the girls to explore their feelings about their health and self-esteem,” explained

Social Worker, Nicole Guessford, one of the group’s facilitators.

The girls met three times a week for six weeks. In addition to discussions about body image, the girls also learned mindfulness and yoga practices. Kristie McCourt of Roots 2 Rise, an organization whose mission is to promote yoga and mindfulness, assisted with the group. The

facilitators also guided the girls through conversations and activities that addressed topics such as healthy eating, identifying positive qualities in themselves, and learning how media and societal expectations

affect them.

Another activity the girls engaged in saw them writing notes that included a negative message they say to themselves. McCourt

explained that the girls then gave these notes to her, directing the sentiments to her. “The girls said it didn’t feel good to say these negative things to me,” McCourt said. “We had a conversation about who is hurt when we think and say unkind things about ourselves and others.”

Each group meeting ended with yoga and upbeat, empowering music. The girls learned yoga poses to help calm themselves. One girl shared, “Yoga helps me collect my thoughts.”

Guessford plans to run the successful group again, this time with younger girls. “The girls ended the program with a more positive and healthy perspective about themselves,” she said. One participant shared, “This group has helped me to see myself in a better light.”

Preparing for Success in High School and Beyond!At Martin Luther School (MLS), preparing our eighth graders for high school begins on the very first day of the school year. “We provide them with lessons and activities that help with the transition to high school as well as their life beyond Martin Luther School,” explained Amy Grossman, Director of Admissions.

A team that includes teachers, guidance counselors, family members, and representatives from future high schools combines to guide each of our thirty-one 8th graders through the transition year. “We help them learn skills they will need to be successful in high school,” said Sherri Reed, Supervisor of Special Education. Adam Coleman, School Counselor, explained that topics covered include: how to stay organized, meeting new people, advocating for yourself, writing a resume, and interviewing for a job. Field trips to explore local museums, tour historic sites in Philadelphia, and learn about technical high schools further enhance the transition program. “We want to help them explore who they are, their strengths and learning styles, and their connection to the larger world,” said Grossman.

The team also works to alleviate students’ concerns about their impending move to high school. One student shared, “I’m nervous about catching the bus. I’ve never done that

before!” Another student said she is concerned about meeting new classmates and making friends. “We talk about all of these things and more,” shared Coleman.

As the school year draws to a close, the 8th graders are beginning to feel ready for their next big step. “I’m more organized now,” shared one student. “I know how to handle my anger and talk about issues that come up rather than fight,” explains another. “Martin Luther School has helped me more than any other school.” He continued, “My future would have been bad without my teachers here.”

All of the students’ hard work will culminate with our graduation ceremony in June. “I’m excited for my family and friends to see me in my cap and gown!” exclaimed one student. We are excited to celebrate all of their success!

Positive Body Image Group

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Silver Springs is proud to celebrate the recipients of the Silver Star Award, given monthly to recognize employees who have gone “the extra mile.”

OctoberShantel Drake-MurrayJoe FioritoAlexis GriffinKiya WintMargo Wunder

NovemberMandy AdamsonGlenda ChaseMark HargroveJohn MortonTeresa SmithHelen Walsack

DecemberGeneva Linthicum Sarah MaierRachael LoweryJanuaryKathleen Comly Erin Price

FebruaryArmond Norris

The Christmas spirit once again filled the Silver Springs campus during the months of November and December. Twinkling lights shone from the trees throughout the 35-acre property, and beautifully decorated wreaths adorned each building.

Martin Luther School students enjoyed fireside holiday stories read by staff members about various cultural holiday traditions. Students performed for family, friends, teachers and staff members during the annual winter concert. Smiles and excitement were abundant at the Christmas

party where the residential children, staff members, and volunteers totaled over 300 guests, all who enjoyed a delicious meal and sang carols. Loud applause followed as each child was called to the stage to collect lovingly donated holiday gifts. The children in residence at Silver Springs also enjoyed a visit from volunteers dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and one of Santa’s elves.

A joyful Christmas at Silver Springs is only possible because of the tremendous support of countless caring individuals, congregations, businesses, volunteers, and staff members. Thank you one and all for making Christmas joyful for our boys and girls!

A Joyful Christmas

Upcoming EventsJoin us for these fun upcoming events in support of Silver Springs! For more information or to buy tickets, please visit:

www.silver-springs.org/news-events.

Rockin’ BingoFriday, April 28, 6 PM – 10 PM $30 per person in advance, $35 at the doorLuLu Shrine, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting

2nd Annual Sarah’s Blessing GatheringTuesday, May 9, 6 PM – 8 PM $50 per personGreat American Pub, 123 Fayette St., Conshohocken

Burgers, Beer, & BaseballFriday, June 16, 6 PM – End of game$75 per person for pre-game gathering and game ticket, Phillies vs. DiamondbacksRooftop, Citizens Bank Park

Welcome Aboard!Silver Springs – Martin Luther School welcomes Clifford Haugen and Kelli DiVito to the Board of Trustees!

“I am pleased to help Silver Springs enhance and expand on its mission, which serves to better not only children, but society as a whole,” shared

Haugen, Principal & Portfolio Manager at Burke, Lawton, Brewer & Burke Advisors, LLC in Ambler. He continued, “Education is crucial for success in life and Silver Springs delivers it to children during some of the most difficult times in their young lives.”

DiVito, who teaches Engineering Innovations at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center in the Downingtown Area School District, was drawn to Silver Springs by her, “strong desire to help children and make their lives better.” DiVito comes to Silver Springs with 15 years of experience working with children in and out of the classroom.

Welcome Cliff and Kelli!

Congratulations!

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Celebrating Chefs 2016!Chefs for Silver Springs 2016 was an incredible evening! More than 375 guests gathered to enjoy delicious food and fun silent and live auctions.

Chefs 2016 raised more than $200,000 to support the children and work of Silver Springs – Martin Luther School! The evening featured the delicious culinary creations of Philadelphia’s acclaimed Chef Marcie Turney of Barbuzzo, Little Nonna’s, Lolita, Jamonera, and Bud & Marilyn’s. Glen Macnow of WIP Sports Radio was MC and kicked off the evening that had guests on their feet singing along with the Silver Springs Children’s Choir. Thank you to our guests, donors, volunteers, and the evening’s sponsors!

Please plan to join us for our 10th Anniversary Chefs for Silver Springs

on Friday, November 3, 2017!

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Thank You, Chefs 2016 Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Vogt FoundationBELIEVER SPONSOR

DREAM BUILDER SPONSORS

Jodi and David Donohue

DREAM WEAVER SPONSORS

Robert F. Bartelt, Jr.

DREAMER SPONSORS

Atrion • Bethlehem Baptist Church • Bruce Bonner and Andrew Leschak • EisnerAmper LLC • Exude, Inc.David and Linda Fazzini • Amy and Marc Grossman • iSolutions • Lutheran Trust • Meenan Oil

Moore Outdoor Rejuvenation, Inc. • Pathcom, Inc. • Donald and Barbara Schell • Sovereign Insurance GroupTrinity Counseling Service • Upper Merion Dental Associates • US Foods

DREAM CATCHER SPONSORS

Gregory S. KauppBecky and C. Andrew Krepps, Jr.

IN KIND AND MEAL SPONSORS

Breakthrough Beverage • Vintage Imports

*KPMG International’s Trademarks are the sole property of KPMG International and their use here does not imply auditing by or endorsement of KPMG International or any of its member firms.

**The Zenith® is a registered service mark of Zenith Insurance Company.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA

PERMIT#341512 West Township Line RoadPlymouth Meeting, PA 19462

For more info, visit www.bidpal.net/chefs2017

Friday, November 3, 2017 6-10 PMGreen Valley Country Club, Lafayette Hill, PA

Cocktail Hour • Four Course MealSilent and Live Auctions

Chef Greg VernickPlease Join Us For an Evening of Good Food and

Friends to Benefit Children Facing Steep Challenges[ ]

10TH ANNIVERSARY

Save

the d

ate!

Featuring

James Beard Award Finalist 2017, Best Chef Mid-Atlantic