the michigan banner may 16, 2014 edition

Leading in Diversity

Mental Health Awareness MonthSpecial Edition

“Empowering Communities and Changing Lives”

Volume11•Number10 TheMichiganBanner May16,2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

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GettoKnowhealthyMichiganBy 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:

• Ages19-64• NotcurrentlyeligibleforMedicaid(Ifyouhave

Medicaid only but have a spend down, you may apply for Healthy Michigan which may eliminate the spend down amount)

• NotinorqualifiedforMedicare• Notpregnantwhenmakingtheapplication

(If you are pregnant you may qualify for the regular Medicaid program.)

• Haveincomeupto133%oftheFederalPovertyLevel (Example: income of about $15,000/ year if you aresingleandabout$34,000/yearforafamilyoffour.)

• ArearesidentoftheStateofMichiganYou 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.YoucanalsogethelplocallybycallingHealthDelivery,Inc.at(989)921-5353,ortheSaginawHealthPlanat1-844-232-7740.

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.

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com

page2 TheMichiganBanner May16,2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

youthM.o.V.e.Saginaw“askingtheQuestions”SpecialinterviewwithSandraLindseyC.e.o.,SaginawCountyCommunityMentalhealthauthority

youthM.o.V.e.-WhatwouldyousayhasbeenthemostsignificantchangeorchangesinmentalhealthcareinourcommunitysinceyouhavebeenleadingSaginawCountyCommunityMentalhealthauthority?

SandraLindsey,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.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whydoyouthinkit’simportantforyouthandfamiliestobeinvolvedintheirowntreatmentplanning,bothformentalhealthandoverallhealthandwellbeing?

SandraLindsey,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.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whydoyouthinkyouthinvolvementinraisingawarenessandovercomingthestigmaofmentalillnessinourcommunityisimportant?

SandraLindsey,Ceo,SCCMha-I don’t

think there’s 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-inyouropinion,whyisouryouthMoVeimportantforourcommunity?

SandraLindsey,Ceo,SCCMha-I don’t 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 aren’t a lot of other places were youth are organized to speak about systemic issues and other topics that effect youth, and I’m proud to know that Youth MOVE Saginaw came out of our SOC initiative - very exciting.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whatwouldyousayisthebiggestchallengecurrentlyfacingmentalhealthcare

inourcommunityandthroughoutthestate?SandraLindsey,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. SotheCMHsystemistakinga63%cutto

generalfunds.NowGFiswhatweusetocoverthe 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 I’m 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 won’t be able to helpsincewearefacinga$3.4millioncutthatmay put other CMH initiatives at risk.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whataresomeofthepartnershipsthathavebeenformedaroundmentalhealthinourcommunitythatyouareespeciallyproudof?

SandraLindsey,Ceo,SCCMha- I think our work with DHS and Juvenile Justice/FamilycourtevenbeforeSystemofCare-wehave always enjoyed our relationship, but in addition I’m 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, C’Ericka Moten, and Marissa Canales of Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw arrive for interview with Sandra Lindsey, C.E.O. SCCMHA

L-R - C’Ericka Moten, Marissa Canales, Sandra Lindsey, C.E.O. SCCMHA, and Kolby Holden ‘ask the questions’ about mental health care.

ThepositiveGoalofManyempowersourCommunities

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, PublisherThe Michigan Banner “Empowering Communities and Changing Lives”

May16,2014 TheMichiganBanner page3 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

The Michigan Banner1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48602

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In This Issue Mental Health Month Special Edition .......................................... Page 1 - 0 The Latino Banner ......................................................................................LB - LB 4 Business ....................................................................................................Page 36Education ...................................................................................................Page 39 Health.........................................................................................................Page 42Praise Connection......................................................................................Page 44

WhatDoesMentorshipLookLike? Willie Hillman M.S.Youth Involvement CoordinatorYouth 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.

HayesofWordofFaithInternationalMinistries;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. It’s like having a wonderful trusted ally to go to whenever you’re 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 you’re 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 you’re 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 WordofFaithInternationalMinistriesSaginawMichigan. 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 ofFaithInternationalMinistries.

TheMichiganBanner May16,2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


FROMP2,YouthM.O.V.E.Saginawwith 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.Mary’s (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.

youthM.o.V.e.-arethereanyorganizationsorentitiesinthecommunitythatyouwouldliketodevelopapartnershipwithorstrengthenapartnership?

SandraLindsey,Ceo,SCCMha- I think there’s 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-DoyouhaveanywordsofwisdomorencouragementforyouthandtheirfamiliestryingtonavigatethesystemsinSaginawCounty?

SandraLindsey,Ceo,SCCMha- If you’re going to be a good user of the system you have to be a student of the system. People don’t know what’s going on because they don’t read anything - it’s 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whatareyourhopesforthefutureofmentalhealthcareinourcommunityandthroughoutthestate,bothinthenearfutureanddowntheroad?

SandraLindsey,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 don’t attend

to their behavioral health needs don’t 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-ifyoucouldlookintothefuturewhatwouldyouthMoVeSaginawlooklike?

SandraLindsey,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 aren’t 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 doesn’t 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 stigma—fear, shame, and misunderstanding about psychiatric disorders—the majority never receive clinical care.

Debunking myths about child mental health is critical to getting more children the help and understanding they deserve.

MyTh1:achildwithapsychiatricdis-orderisdamagedforlife.

A psychiatric disorder is by no means an indication of a child’s 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 disorder—wheth-er it’s ADHD, depression, or anxiety—and 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.

MyTh2:psychiatricproblemsresultfrompersonalweakness.

It can be difficult to separate the symptoms of a child’s psychiatric disorder—impulsive be-havior, aggressiveness, or extreme shyness, for example—from a child’s 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 can’t 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.

MyTh3:psychiatricdisordersresultfrombadparenting.

While a child’s home environment and SEE P 5, 7 Myths

7MythsaboutChildMentalhealthpsychiatricdisordersarenotaresultofbadparenting—orpoorwillpower—andtheywon’tjustgoaway.By Harold S. Koplewicz, MDPresidentChild Mind Institute



SaginawCountyDepartmentofhumanServicesRita 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 villagemustconsistofMentalHealthandFaithorganizations; 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 stationedin13SaginawCountyschoolsandtwooff-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 beenemployedwiththeSCDHSforover30years. 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

FROMP4,7Mythsrelationships with his parents can exacerbate a psychiatric disorder, these things don’t cause the disorder. Anxiety, depression, and learning dis-orders—indeed, the full range of psychiatric dis-orders—often have biological causes. Parenting isn’t to blame. But parents play a central role in a child’s recovery. They provide support and care that is crucial to their child’s treatment plan and future development.

MyTh4:achildcanmanageapsychiat-ricdisorderthroughwillpower.

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 child’s 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 don’t 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.

MyTh5:Therapyforkidsisawasteoftime.Treatment for child psychiatric disorders

isn’t old-fashioned talk therapy. Today’s 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 it’s a key component of some of the most exciting and innovative new treatment plans for kids. Research has shown that there’s a “win-dow of opportunity”—the first few years during which symptoms of psychiatric disorders ap-pear—when 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.

MyTh6:Childrenareovermedicated.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-

tion—usually 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.

MyTh7:Childrengrowoutofmentalhealthproblems.

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 child’s 14th birthday, we should have huge incentive to screen young people for emo-tional and behavioral problems. We can then coordinate interventions while a child’s 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.



TEAMMeet 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 administration, and 34 years of experience in the community mental health system. She has been actively involved in system of care work for many years and also co-chairs the Coordinating Council for Saginaw MAX System of Care. In her role, she helps to set the vision for the system of care and is very active in building collaborative relationships 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 practices to Saginaw County that would benefit 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 qualities that the community has to offer. People in Saginaw care about each other and their community, leaders are very passionate about working together to create a better 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 effectively, 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 selection and hiring of a stellar group of professionals to coordinate key positions required by the grant; the development of youth and family groups committed to the implementation of SOC goals; and the establishment of a collaborative body of systems, faith and community leaders who work tirelessly to address challenges and remove barriers children, youth and their families face on a daily basis. Wardene emphatically states that our work has just begun.

Wardene has over 30 years experience in the human service field with organizations ranging from ‎Head Start to Higher Education. This vast experience has prepared her for the challenges of her current role. Critical 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 patience, training and building culturally responsive relationships. She states that we have achieved a level of success in this area that will help us to sustain the SOC initiative far beyond the life of the grant.

Wardene is a native of Toledo, OH, but considers Saginaw her home. She earned her BSW from Bowling Green State University and her MA in Criminal Justice/Politi-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.



TEAMMeet the

continued...

Kelley Blanck serves as the Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator (TA) for Saginaw MAX System of Care. In this role, she utilizes and coordinates existing 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 identifies and confirms gaps and needs to ensure training resources are effectively targeted in cooperation with community partners, families, youth and SCCMHA Continuing Education Unit.

She also coordinates implementation of the training/technical assistance plan in cooperation with the TA Team. Work to date has included system-wide training to orient stakeholders to System of Care principles and prepare them for participation in System of Care development, in addition to cross-training to facilitate understanding of the various child-serving system and their service delivery mandates as well as cultural and linguistic competency, and family-professional partnerships including family-driven and youth-guided principles and practices.

Willie Hillman came to Saginaw MAX after 6 years of service in the human service field with most of that time dedicated to Wolverine Human Services and Holy Cross Children Services. During his time here he guided the development of Youth M.O.V.E. Saginaw. Mr. Hillman was a student at Arthur Hill High School and continued his educational journey to Colorado Technical University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice also a Master’s Degree of Science in Management with a concentration in Organizational Behavior and Change. He is an alumnus of the Saginaw Valley African American Leadership Institute (SVAALTI) under the mentorship of Kevin Gregory (President). Willie is certified to train/facilitate Strengthening families-an evidence based curriculum used to reduce risk factors by strengthening the relationship in the family; California Brief Multicultural Scale- cultural competency training; Mental Health First Aid- tools given for individuals that work with youth to identify signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. Willie has also presented on topics such as; understanding youth culture, youth involvement, bullying, leadership, teen relationships (domestic violence and sexting), 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 find their strengths and maximize them to help in the development of our SOC efforts. As a coordinator he must keep apprised of county/state information so that he may share information with the youth group. He promotes and develops leadership trainings, learning opportunities and life skills along with communicating issues that are important to youth and the policies and practices that affect them. He also plans and implements educational events and community service projects. You may contact him at [email protected]

His professional career outside of System of Care is a Music Director for Word of Faith International Ministries, Pastor Dr. Byron C. Hayes. In this ministry he met his beautiful 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. Willie’s favorite quote is “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 toward good ends.” -Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune



TEAMMeet the

continued...

In her role as Cultural and Linguistics Competency Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of Care, Dalia Smith is responsible for assisting leadership, management, staff, families, youth, contractors and all other system and community partners in ensuring culturally and linguistically competent practices in all areas of our system of care across Saginaw County.

This is accomplished in many different ways such as, but not limited to, convening and facilitating the Saginaw MAX Cultural and Linguistics Competency Team, or the CLC Team. The CLC Team is composed of individuals representing a diverse cross-section of our community including system partners (the Department of Human Services, the juvenile justice system, the mental health system, public health, and education), 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 Association for Children’s 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 creating a Cultural and Linguistic Competency Strategic Plan, or CLC Plan, which connects into the overall Saginaw MAX Strategic Plan. The CLC Plan is comprised of goals, strategies and action steps designed to foster a culturally and linguistically responsive system of care. Some of the strategies include conducting multicultural

training, policy development, and coordination of a system wide organizational needs self-assessment. The CLC Plan helps to guide the CLC Team in responding to any disparities and disproportionalities occurring in our system of care by obtaining and studying system and community data so that we are better able to understand service availability, ease of access to and utilization of services, the quality of care being delivered, and if we are achieving positive outcomes for those with the most intensive needs in our community. Information, insight, recommendations, and progress on achieving the strategic plan goals are then reported out to the Saginaw MAX Coordinating Council to inform the Saginaw MAX decision-making process.

As the Cultural and Linguistics Competency Coordinator, Dalia is a resource to Saginaw MAX system and community partners and can help with organizational change, cross cultural practice, and language access resources. She is also a bridge between Saginaw MAX and our cul-tural communities, families, youth, providers and other stakeholders so that connections are developed and relationships are strengthened. She advocates on behalf of Saginaw’s cultural communities and make sure we have diverse representation included in our planning and decision-making teams. If you have questions about the CLC Team, please call Dalia at 989-498-2270.

TriWest Group is a human service evaluation and consulting company based in Boulder, Colorado with offices 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 conducting evaluations. Equally important, many of them are parents who know first hand the challenges of raising children. They are proud to have the opportunity to support this important project through evaluation.

Peter Selby, Suki Martinez-Parham and Ana Trindade-Barber are the core team for the evaluation 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. Martinez-Parham is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Trindade-Barber has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Ms. Trindade-Barber serves as our Local Evaluation Coordinator and parent evaluator who interviews families and youth about their experiences with the system of care. She knows about services in the community first hand and is sensitive to the needs of the families the project serves.

Ana Trindade-Barber and Peter Selby



TEAMMeet the

continued...

Ashley Wilcox serves as the Administrative Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of Care.In this role she supports the administrative team in all aspects of implementing system of care, performing administrative tasks involving areas of department operations including business functions and information management, assisting in development of procedures for a smooth operation of the department and involvement in the quality improvement process. She prepares agendas and takes meeting minutes and provides customer service, working with organizations in the mental heath industry and human service organizations. Ashley also serves as the supervisor’s liaison to various agencies and community committees.

Ashley says that the best part of her job is meeting the families and youth. “They make it worthwhile and wonderful to come into work every day,” she said.

Melissa Lee serves as the Social Marketing Coordinator for Saginaw MAX System of Care. She works with youth, families, system partners and the administrative team to create awareness about Saginaw MAX System of Care and children’s mental health throughout the community. Melissa facilitates an enthusiastic and creative group of youth, families and partners that meet once a month to brainstorm and plan communication and events that promote the Saginaw MAX vision in culturally competent and inclusive ways. She also oversees the day-to-day communication needs of the initiative through writing press releases and articles, maintaining and growing a social media presence, fostering new and continued partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout the community, and much more.

Melissa is a native of northern Michigan and attended school at Central Michigan University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a Public Relations concentration. Her personal connection 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 initiative 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 Care’s 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 effort, ensuring the initiative remains aware of families’ experiences, and identifying strategies for promoting family engagement. Keva’s career accomplishments include coordinating ongoing training and technical assistance to build family leadership, build family and professional partnerships, and implement family-driven practices; along with identifying, recruiting, preparing, and supporting family and professional leaders to be co-trainers and presenters. She provides community education programs to inform the community about Saginaw MAX and the needs of families as a Proactive Service Facilitator. Keva works in partnership with professional agencies and partners across the child serving agencies.

Keva’s educational accomplishments include a Masters of Education and Administration, Secondary Teacher Certification, and Parents as Teacher Certification. Within the education sector, Keva has over 15 years of experience working with students that have learning disabilities grades K-12 focusing on Academic Intervention. Her heart is still with the success of students, leading her to develop the “Families Matter Collaboration Workshop” with Saginaw Public School District. She is currently a part of the Collaborative Learning Group for Team Up for Families to become fully credentialed to teach Team Up for Your Child/Road Map Workshops under the direction of Author Wendy Lowe Besmann, National Federation for Families in Washington DC. Having experienced trauma herself, Keva is the Scheduling Coordinator and Facilitator for the National Child Traumatic 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.



TEAMMeet the

continued...

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 communities. PACT seeks to partner with faith-based and community organizations to develop ways to meet the many needs of the citizens of a community. PACT is contracting with Saginaw MAX System of Care to coordinate mentoring for young people in Saginaw County. PACT hopes to bring value to their initiative by recruiting, training and overseeing a team of mentors in Saginaw County.

Terry has also been the Mentoring Director for Operation Transformation since the inception of the program. Operation Transformation has contracted with the Michigan Department of Corrections since 2006 to provide mentoring for men and women on parole in eleven counties. Terry has presented the mentoring program to over three thousand returning citizens and has recruited and trained several hundred volunteers to serve as mentors. He has served on state and national committees addressing family and community issues for citizens returning from the prison system, and has been a private consultant to government, faith-based and community organizations.

A pastor since 1998, Terry has worked to nurture collaboration between government agencies, churches and other community service providers. Terry currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Saginaw, Michigan.

Denise Montrel serves as the Disproportionate Minority Contact Coordinator within Saginaw MAX System of Care. Disproportionate minority contact refers to the disproportionate number of minority youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. This initiative was formulated by a collaborative partnership with Saginaw County Juvenile Justice System, Saginaw County Child Welfare System and other system and community partners including Saginaw Max System of Care. As the Coordinator, Denise utilizes her public administration knowledge to contribute to the continued efforts of DMC and Saginaw Max System of Care.

The DMC Project is lead by the Saginaw County DMC Steering Committee, which includes youth and families. Incorporating youth and family voice is especially important to address and reduce disproportionate minority contact throughout Saginaw County.

Denise also facilitates the California Brief Multicultural Scale (CBMCS) Multicultural Competence Training Model to train staff at all levels across systems to heighten necessary awareness among agency staff which include: Courts, Law Enforcement, Department of Human Services, Education, Public Mental Health, Faith Based Organizations and Family and Youth representatives to be culturally responsive. The mission of the Michigan Coalition for Race Equity in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice is to reduce racial disproportionality and disparities in Michigan’s Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems through a data-driven approach.



Children’s Mental HealthWHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

• One in five young people have one or more mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. One in ten youth have challenges that are severe enough to impair how they function 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 Latino children have unmet mental health needs. In addition, Latino children are less likely than others to be identified by a primary care physician as having a mental disorder.

• One-half of all lifetime cases of psychological challenges begin by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24. In addition, 80% of people who have experienced multiple 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, particularly depression, are at a higher risk for suicide. An estimated 90% of children who complete suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.

• Unmet mental health needs may complicate daily activities and education 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 detection and intervention strategies for mental health issues improve children’s resilience and ability to succeed in life. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, preschoolers at high risk for mental health problems showed less oppositional behavior, less aggressive behavior, and were less likely to require special education services 3 years after enrolling in a comprehensive, school-based mental health program.

• Create awareness surrounding positive mental health practices and supports. Actively work to reduce stigma, awareness of mental health needs and promote wellness programs.

• Contact your local, state and federal legislators to request funding for early intervention and prevention programs, enacting anti-bullying legislation and promoting the “system of care” approach.

• Encourage culturally and linguistically competent supports and services.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?



SaginawCountyCommunityMentalhealthauthorityandSaginawMaXSystemofCarepromotespositiveactionforyouthMentalhealth By Wardene Talley, Director Saginaw System of Care

It’s somewhat cliché to begin the introduction to the Michigan Banner’s special issue for Mental Health Awareness month with the African proverb: It takes a village to raise a child. If you’ve 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.

In2009,SaginawCountyCommunityMentalHealthAuthoritywasawardeda$9million 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 betweentheagesof6-17yearsofageandtheir 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, SystemofCare,andERTFT.

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 YouSaginaw 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

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com


SaginawMaXSoCimplementsMulticulturalCompetenceTraininginSaginawCountytoidentifyDisproportionateContactinJuvenileJustice

In2013,SaginawMAXSystem 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 modelconsistsof3daysofintensive 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 County’s juvenile justice, and children’s 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 County’s 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-yearchildren’smentalhealthfederalgrantawarded 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 Michigan’s 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,overthepast3yearsSaginawCounty 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.

Inthefallof2013,theDMCProject was awarded a special 1-year DMC reduction grant from the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. The DMC Project’s 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 County’s 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-daymulticulturaltrainingatthehighestlevelof 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

FromL-R:PastorOtisDickens,SamonaPerry,MarshallThomas,YalondaFreeman,KenyaPalmer, 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

InAugust2013,Saginaw MAX System of Care completed evaluationoftheFourSites 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.

Fourchurchesembracedthechallengeofprovidingfulldaysummercampsforthe2013nine week summer vacation. All four sites were strategically chosen based in part, on their geographic location in Saginaw County:

CenterofattractionFellowship,4375S. 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 surroundingareafor13years.

VictoriousBelieversMinistries,624S.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.

ShieldofFaithMinistries,10320SwanCreek Rd., is centrally located to provide a rich camp experience to children and families in the out-lying and rural communities.

KingdomLifeMinistriesinternational, 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.Attheendofthenineweekcamp,each

participantwith80%attendancereceivedafishingpolefromProjectFish.Studentsalso visited local parks, libraries, Saginaw Children’s 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 preparedfortheirreturntoschoolintheFallof2014



FromP13,SaginawMAXSOCImplementsMulticultural Competence Traininga cross-section of the community including faith-based partners, in the intensive 4-day CBMCS Multicultural Competence Training of TrainersinNovemberof2013.

To become certified as a CBMCS Multicultural Competence Training facilitator an individual must successfully complete prerequisites, the 4-day Training of Trainers,

aseriesofsix2-3hourcoachingcalls,and2supervised3-daytrainingpracticums.Atpresentthe 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 22June11,12,and13August12,13,and14September 10, 11, and 12FormoreinformationabouttheSaginaw

Model, or the CBMCS Multicultural Competence Training, contact Dalia Smith at 989-498-2270,[email protected].

ChurchSummerCampSiteshaveRemarkableResults!By Ashley Wilcox, Administrative Coordinator Saginaw MAX System of Care

SaginawpathwaystoBetterhealthSaginaw Pathways to Better Health provides

FREEassistancetoadultswhoareeligiblefororenrolled 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.

Benefitsforpathwaysparticipants:Ongoing support from a Community Health

WorkerIdentification of ways/resources to reach

desired health outcomesLinkage to social services and access to

primary careAssistance in setting and achieving health

improvement goalsForadditionalinformationcallthe

Saginaw Pathways to Better Health HUB at 989.498.2266.



In my opinion...“People fear what they don’t 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 people’s 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 person’s condition. Don’t 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 thatnot 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 earlyage with the appropriate community, state and national resources that will help change people’s 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 CoordinatorRuben 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



WhatCanWeLearnFromelephants?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. Atleast39endangered 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 didn’t 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%havehadseriousproblemsatschool (poor academic performance and attendance or behaviors that have resulted in formal disciplinary action)

• 96%havebehavedinwaysthatarequiteoffensive to others

• orhaveplacedothersatrisk.(Youthwith these behaviors have difficulty making and keeping healthy relationships.)

• 95%havebeenseriouslynon-compliantor dangerous at home. (Parents of these youth likely struggle with feeling tired, ineffective, and/or resentful.)

• 92%havestruggledwithseriousmoodsymptoms such as depression, anxiety or reactions to a trauma.

• 57%havecommittedrepeatedorseriousillegal behaviors.

We have a tremendous opportunity right now to effect change by coming alongside the young people of our community. SaginawMaXSystemofCare 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.paCTiscontractingwithSaginawMaXSystemofCaretocoordinatementoringforyoungpeopleinSaginawCounty,andithopestobringvalue

totheirinitiativebyrecruiting,trainingandoverseeingateamofvolunteerstomentortheseyoungpeople.

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:

• Mentorshelpkeepstudentsinschool(students who meet regularly with their mentors are52%lesslikelythantheirpeerstoskipadayofschooland37%lesslikelytoskipaclass).

• Mentorswhohelpwithhomeworksignificantly improve their mentees’ academic skills.

• Mentorshelpimproveayoungperson’sself-esteem.

• Mentorshelpkeepyoungpeopleawayfrom drugs (youth who meet regularly with their mentorsare46%lesslikelythantheirpeerstostartusingillegaldrugsand27%lesslikelytostart drinking).

• Mentorsprovideteenswithavaluableplacetospendfreetime(roughly40%ofateenager’s waking hours are spent without companionship or supervision).

• Mentorsteachyoungpeoplehowtorelate well to all kinds of people and help them strengthen communication skills.

• Mentorshelpyoungpeoplesetcareergoals and start taking steps to realize them.

• Mentorscanusetheirpersonalcontactsto help young people find employment and through modeling a good work ethic they show them how to keep employment.

• Mentorsshowayoungpersonthatthereis someone who cares about them.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about PACT, LLC, contact [email protected].



JudgeThompsonpartnerswithyouthM.o.V.e.Saginaw

Judge M.T. Thompson, Jr. has served in the 70th District Court of Saginaw,since1997.Heistheauthorand 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 Thompson’s 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.

youthM.o.V.e.Saginaw“askingtheQuestions”Special Interview with Honorable Judge Faye Harrison Saginaw County Family Court

youthM.o.V.e.-Whatwouldyousayhasbeenthemostsignificantchangeorchangesinmentalhealthcareinthejuvenilejusticesystemsinceyouhavebeenleadingthe10thCircuitFamilyCourtDivision?

JudgeFayeharrison- 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. AsapartnerinSaginawMaxSystemofCareoverthepast4-5yearsevenbeyondthatwehavebeenabletobroadenourservices.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whydoyouthinkit’simportantforyouthandfamiliestobeinvolvedintheirowntreatment/supportsplanning?

JudgeFayeharrison- I’ve 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 what’s 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whydoyouthinkyouthinvolvementinraisingawarenessandovercomingthestigmaofmentalillnessinourcommunityisimportant?

JudgeFayeharrison- 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-inyouropinion,whyisouryouthMoVeimportantforourcommunity?

JudgeFayeharrison-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 C’Ericka Moten andJudgeFayeHarrison

“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 SchmidtEmpowered to Reach and Teach Families TeamExcerpt of The Caregiver and the Seed



FROMP17,YouthM.O.V.E.tell that there is leadership in this group and that’s the voice I want to hear.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whatwouldyousayisthebiggestchallengecurrentlyfacingmentalhealthcareinthejuvenilejusticesystem,inourcommunity,andthroughoutthestate?

JudgeFayeharrison-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.

youthM.o.V.e.-Whataresomeofthepartnershipsthathavebeenformedaroundmentalhealthandthecourtsthatyouareespeciallyproudof?

JudgeFayeharrison- 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.

youthM.o.V.e.-DoyouhaveanywordsofwisdomorencouragementforyouthandtheirfamiliestryingtonavigatethesystemsinSaginawCounty,especiallythecourts?

JudgeFayeharrison-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.

youthM.o.V.e.-ThisisyourlasttermoverseeingfamilycourtinSaginaw.Whatareyourhopesforthefutureoffamilycourt/juvenilejusticeandmentalhealth

afteryou’vesteppeddown?Willyoustillbeinvolvedinfamilycourt/juvenilejusticeandmentalhealthwhenyourtermisup?ifso,how?

JudgeFayeharrison- 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 don’t how until we get there in November.

youthM.o.V.e.-ifyoucouldseeintothefuture,whatwouldyouthMoVelooklike?

JudgeFayeharrison-Bigger and stronger along with connections with legislators. I love toviewyouallonFacebook.Ialsowouldliketo 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.

youthM.o.V.e.Saginaw(MotivatingothersThroughVoicesofexperience)isDirectingyouthpowerTowardsGoodendsBy 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 child’s place” or “kids are to be seen and not heard”—well 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.

YouthM.O.V.ESaginawislocatedat1901Maple Street (old Merrill Park Boys and Girls Club).

ForadditionalinformationconcerningYouthM.O.V.E.,pleasecontactmeat989-860-0319.



youthM.o.V.e.SaginawMembersyouthM.o.V.e.Saginaw,1901MapleStreet(oldMerrillparkBoysandGirlsClub).

“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

FreedomReligion can be a very intimidating topic to

talkaboutespeciallyinschool.Fearofpersecutionor 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.

That’ssomethingIcanspeakonfirsthand.Forexample 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 hadn’t 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, that’s what you need to do. Speak up, speak out, and free religion!

Diamond

SpeakForyourhealthMany people never speak on the problems

that they face. Most are afraid of the feedback, and some are just private and don’t want to feel embarrassed about their situation. Little do we know that being quiet is a silent killer. Don’t be afraid to get things off your chest.

Forexample,Ihaveanauntwhohaslostherbest friend this summer, who is my grandmother. Her death was so unexpected and it actually hasn’t hit me yet that my grandmother is no longer living. However, when it does I’m 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 doesn’t talk about it nor does she show emotion. She just recently went to the doctor and they told her that she’s 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 can’t look in the eye and smile at.

Tori



DoyouhaveapassiontohelpyouthM.o.V.e.SaginawReachtheNextWaveofCreativeendeavors?By C’Ericka 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 it’s 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. I’ve long been associated with YMS and have had a great time in the past. I’m 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...I’d 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. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of and leading this group.

I hope you’ll 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 experiencingmentalhealthchallengesandotherinvolvementinsystems(FosterCare, 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.

WearealsoonbothFacebookandTwitterasYouthMOVESaginawandmove_yms, please like and follow for upcoming events, meetings, trainings, data, and information beneficial to system involvement.

Together we can stay positive—learn more about social networking, system operations and how youth voice can play a part in all of it—as 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. I’m hoping that if you are interested and have a great vision for the organization, you’ll contact us, and based on your passion and lived expertise; we’ll 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.

Children’sMentalhealthawarenessDayBy 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 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day”. Every yeartheNationalFederationforFamiliescelebrate children’s mental health awareness day, this year we chose a more informative social marketing strategy to raise awareness about children’s 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. Mentalhealthisnotmerelytheabsenceofmentalillness,butitisalsotheabilitytocopewiththechallengesinlife.itisjustasimportantasone’sownphysicalhealth.

Failuretodetectearlysignsofmentalillnessinyouthmay 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).

SaginawMaXSystemofCare has been working hard to address barriers, challenges, and red tape that youth and families mayfacewhileaccessingcare.YouthandFamiliesarebeingempowered 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.



SaginawMaXSystemofCareFamilyGuideRepresentativeBy 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 thatnet-theSaginawMAXFamilyGuideRep-resentative,orFamilyGuideforshort,whosejob it is to work with individuals with children andyouthbetweentheagesof6to17.

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,alongwithFamilyandChildren’sadvo-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.

TheFamilyGuideknowsaboutthesethingsfirsthand 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.TheFamilyGuide listens to the

“family voice” and assists individuals gain ac-cess to services and interventions.

So,theFamilyGuidemodelsresilienceandinstills 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 youcancontactMelissaLeeat(989)[email protected].

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!



Alone! Alone! Alone!

Its like I’m wearing a mask, no one can see my faceI’m not scared of monsters; I already wear the ugliest faceForever in the dark; can someone lead me to the light?My only friend is the silence, so I’m always at the nightNo one can step in my shoes; tell me why you won’t fit?No one can understand me; not even if you went through what I didBroken mirror in my hands; I can relate to the broken piecesBecause once my heart was shattered; I couldn’t stand so I dropped to my kneesDid the world just end? I’m already drowning in tearsI’m also burning inside; flames are coming out of my earsI built walls around me, but it’s like the walls are laughing at meI’m probably crazy in my head; these words are starting to attack meNo home so I’m alone. Ill crawl back to the darkMy shadow left me; so now I’m back from where I start.

Listen to Me!I’m becoming to hate who I am.I’m a fake pretending to be something for them.The golden child is who I’m made out to beNo one is perfect, God why me?It was said never to question God, but I’m lost in the world I can’t see.I hide things even when I’m forced to speak wordsI wish I could but it seems as my voice is

not being heard.I’m a good example; my life is all a lie.I don’t show my mistakes, you could probably imagine why.You couldn’t walk a mile in my shoes.Stress, fear, tears, worry I’ve always been through.You know nothing about my life you swear it’s an easy book to read.I refuse to wear my scars; I stitch them up so that they won’t bleed.You know nothing of how I feel, something that you wouldn’t understand.“Friends” claim they’re right beside me but they are far from where I stand.Man, this is every night, when everything runs through my mindI could write this in my sleep, and I would only be half blind.I’m coming to the conclusion of no sightSo then I clap twice, to hit the lights.LISTEN TO ME!Victim to rape, victim to molestationHappiness? Oh no! There’s 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 don’t think at 19 I would want to be a mother.



Foundedin1984,theSaginawCommunityFoundation(SCF)works to improve the quality of life in Saginaw County by linking donor interests with the community’s 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:• ProvidingSTRATEGICLEADERSHIPinourcommunity• GrowingourENDOWMENT• PracticingimpactfulGRANTMAKING• STEWARDSHIPofourresources,humanandfinancialTheSaginawCommunityFoundationdoesnotconsideritselfan

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 makeSCFawareofwhat’sgoingoninthecommunity.Inreturn,SCFcan effectively provide leadership and financial support, where necessary, to assist with areas of need.

Because of its collaborative spirit, the Saginaw Community FoundationwasnominatedtobethefiscalagentforAlignmentSaginaw(Alignment), Saginaw County’s community collaborative.

In1996theSaginawCountyHumanServicesCollaborativeBody(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.

In2009thecollaborationinSaginawCountyevolvedtoincludeadditional 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 County’s quality of life.

SEEP24,SaginawCommunityFoundation

Renee Johnston, President & CEOSaginaw 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.Forover34yearstheCANCouncilGreatLakesBayRegionhas

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:

• Getalongwithyourchildusingplay• Encouragegoodbehaviorusingpraise• Setclearlimits• BeahappyparentIt 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 oneatyourchurchororganization,pleasecall(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 aGoodparentMeansTakingCareofyou



Saginaw Max System of Care is proud to be in partnership with the Ezekiel Project. This association operatesasa501(c)(3)nonprofitorganization,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 inJune1996,basedonthenameoftheBiblical

prophet Ezekiel through whom God promised a new heart, restoration, and resurrection in the dry bones of God’s people. The Ezekiel Project launchedwithaCovenantCeremonyonMarch9,1998.Monthlymeetings,beginningin1985,laidafoundationforthenewlydevelopingorganization.

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:• Thegrowthofmemberorganizationsnumericallyandspiritually• Theunifiedpowerofthecommunitytochangeadverse

conditions on specific issues of concern; • Promotesactiveinvolvementofallpeopleinthecommunityin

planning and implementing its goals and objectives;• Providestrainingforleadershiprolesinthecommunity;• Workstoempowerpeopletohaveagreatersayindecisionsthat

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 oftheGamalielFoundationnetworkofcongregation-basedcommunityorganizing projects which connects The Ezekiel Project to similar organizations throughout the U.S.

ThankyouezekielprojectforyourcollaborationeffortswithSaginawMaxSystemofCare.

SaginawMaXSystemofCarepartnerswithTheezekielproject

Joyce Seals, PresidentThe 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 master’sdegreeinFamilyLifeEducationandFamilyandConsumerScience. 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 andanxiety.Aftercollectingthisdatathecommunityidentifies3-5specific risk and protective factors to focus on, and then seeks evidence-based programs and strategies to address those priorities.

After2-3yearsofimplementingthesestrategies,thecommunityre-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 County’s 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.

WhatisCommunitiesThatCare?

FROMP23,SaginawCommunityFoundation BoththeSaginawCommunityFoundationandalignmentSaginaw

arededicatedtothesuccessoftheSaginawCountycommunity.and,becauseofthatcommitment,SCFandalignmentwillcontinuetobesurroundedbykeyorganizations,suchas,SaginawCountyCommunityMentalhealthauthorityandMaXSystemofCare.

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 WilliamsCTC Coordinator



Empowered to Reach & Teach Families Leadership TEAM

Meet the

Keva Clark, Lead Family Involvement Coordinator

Tina Schmidt, Chair

Reena Meredith, Co-Chair

Yalonda Freeman, Administrative Coordinator Lorisa Bellinger,

SecretaryGreg Schmidt,

Sergeant of Arms

Roslynn Williams, Family Mentor Team Chair

Wanda Dunlap, Family Mentor Team Co-Chair



inspiredtoContinue…By Tina Schmidt, Chairperson EmpoweredtoReachandTeachFamiliesTeam

Being a part of the Saginaw MAX System of Care Empowered to Reach and TeachFamiliesTeam(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 themonthlymeetingsfortheERTFT.Ifoundthat 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 thatIenjoydoing.BeingapartoftheERTFThas 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 FamiliesTeam(ERTFT)isresponsibleforproviding input to the MAX System of Care effort, ensuring the effort remains aware of families’ experiences, and identifying strategies for promoting family engagement.

TheeRTFTMembershipincludesthefollowing:

• Familymemberswhoaredaytodaycaregivers currently raising children, youth or adolescentsbetweentheagesof6and17yearsold with serious emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges;

• Familymemberswhowere/aredaytoday caregivers of a youth or adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral or mental health

challenges who are 18 and over; • Championsofchildren’smentalhealth

(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.Foradditionalinformationcall989.754.7829.

More to come in July highlighting:

National Minority Mental Health Awareness

Month 2014



Westlund Guidance Clinic is a non-profit agency that provides counseling and psychiatric services to children, adolescents, adults and families. Westlund has licensed master level therapist’s who are skilled in a variety of evidence based, and best practice treatment modalities. Each clinician has extensive experience in treating numerous mental health and behavioral issues. Westlund also has psychiatric services available to assist with medication management if needed. To learn more about our services you can find us on the web at www.westlundguidanceclinic.com, or you can contact us at 989-793-4790 and speak to one of our trained staff members who can assist with any questions you may have.

Saginaw Psychological Services, Inc. is a private, multidisciplinary, outpatient 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 offices in Saginaw, and Bay City Michigan. Our main office is located at 2100 Hemmeter Road in Saginaw.

Our goal is to improve the quality of life of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.

Clients benefit 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 information or to schedule an appointment, you may contact us at (989) 799-2100.

WESTLUND GUIDANCE CLINIC

TheMichiganBanner May16,2014

FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


TeamworkMaximize

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.

BANNERATINOL THE

Leading in Diversity Vamos Adelante

Volume2•Number10 TheLatinoBanner May16,2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalLatinoNewspaper

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475TheLatinoBanner–[email protected]

I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend Carrollton High School in the1990swhereI learned how to construct floats. It was fun, lots a work, but the ex-perience pays off. Years have passed and I’ve 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 Unión Cívica 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) I’m 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, let’s 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, “That’s 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.

Forthisyear’sMay3rdparade,theMexi-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 didn’t 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 Stricker’s 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, let’s 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, colorfulpaperflowers---wonFirstPlaceinthe2014CincodeMayoFloatCompetition.

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,LaEstrelladeNorteBakeryat2406N. Michigan Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., as well astheownersofElRanchoGrande,2403N.Michigan Ave., and Maria’s Mexican Restau-rant,6090StateSt.,fordonatingcandytogiveto the children along the parade route. Also, a special thank you to La Unión Cívica Mexi-cana,theSaginawAmericanG.I.ForumandM.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 Unión Cívica Mexicana. He’s 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.

WhyiBelieve...Cinco de Mayo Can Make a CommunityBy Alberto Jimenez


LB2 TheLatinoBanner May16,2014

Vamosadelante

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 [email protected] Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF

Saginaw-Thewindy,rainyandchilly35thannual Cinco de Mayo 2014 is already a faint memoryformanyinSaginaw.Forthevolun-teersages8to19whobravedthebadweathertowin 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 Council’s (M.A.C.) float took first place---surprising the eight youths who volunteered two Sundays to the make the flowers and paper maché 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,including19-yearoldManuelVillegasand 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 wouldn’t have known how to do it without Alberto’s experience and guidance.”

Villegas says it’s really good to come to-gether like family and be part of a community. They’re 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 we’ve gotten thus far. Next year----we’ve got big shoes to fill.”

VolunteersFindSweetSpotat#1Creating Winning Float a Team Effort

education/educaciónMay 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 year’s list:

• Elinfinitoenlapalmadelamano/Infinity in the Palm of Her Hand by Gioconda Belli.

• TheDisappearanceofIreneDosSantosby Margaret Mascarenhas.

• ACountryforAll/TierradetodosbyJorge Ramos.

• FitHomeTeambyJorgeandLauraPosada.

• BeforeYouWereHere,MiAmorbySamantha Vamos.

• SergioSavestheGame!byEdelRodriguez.

• FrivolousWomenandOtherSinners/Fri´volasypecadorasbyAliciaBorinsky.

Forafulllistofallbookrecommendations,visit the AAP Latino Voices for America’s Resource Page.

May is Latino Books Month

May16,2014 TheLatinoBanner LB3 Vamosadelante


GlobalNews/NoticiasGlobales

“TheApril14abductionofover230Ni-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.Jointhesocialmediacampaign:●‘Like’BringBackOurGirlson

Facebook.com●Tweet#BringBackOurGirlsPlease 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,anonprofitorganizationcommittedtoempow-ering the Hispanic community by igniting Hispanic youths’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), welcomes theappointmentofnewFoundationBoardChair,MiguelAlemañy.Mr.AlemañysucceedsDianaGomez,whoservedasBoardChairfortheFoundationsince2009.Ms.GomezwillcontinuetoserveontheFoundationBoardofDirectors.

“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, SHPEInc.InterimCEO,BoardPresidentandSHPEFoundationBoard 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.”

“ItisanhonorformetoserveasChairoftheSHPEFounda-tion,”saidAlemañy.“Thereisnothingmoreimportantforthefu-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.

SocietyofhispanicprofessionalengineersappointsMiguelalemanyasNewFoundationBoardChair

LB4 TheLatinoBanner May16,2014 Vamosadelante


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successful business ownership, and what it takes to startandrunathrivingbusiness.This3-hourseminarwill be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 1 p.m. at the HoytLibrary,505Janes,andisfreeofcharge.Formore information, contact Lynn Heitkamp at the HoytPublicLibrary,755-0904,ext.1118(orusethe

library’s T.D.D. services for the speech and hearing impairedat755-9831).Registrationisencouraged.TelephonetheMI-SBTDCRegion5officeat989-686-9597orvisitwww.misbtdc.org/region5andclickon training.



Phone (989) 667-2000 Ext 341Direct (989) 460-0341Fax (989) 667-0103

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Labadie Buick Cadillac GMC711 S. Euclid Ave. • Bay City, MI 48706

Terry ReedSales Professional

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A special thanks to all of my customers.

I appreciate each one of you.

FREE 10 YEAR LITHIUM BATTERY SMOKE DETECTORSSAGINAW FIRE DEPARTMENTThe 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.

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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.

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MoolenaarBilltoassistVeteransenteringtheWorkforceSenttoGovernor

Lansing—Legislation 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 it’s about supporting our veterans by removing unnecessary barriers to getting a job here in Michigan.”

Moolenaar’smeasure,SenateBill671,wouldrequiretheMichiganDepartment 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



AttorneysThe Law Offices of Alan A. Crawford PLLCAlan A. Crawford, Attorney At Law615 Griswold Ste. 1215, Detroit, MI 48226803 Court Street, Saginaw, MI 48602313.559.7881313.556.2487 (Fax)www.acrawfordlaw.com

Michael L. Oakes, Attorney At Law2811 E. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 486011-888-886-5711www.oakeslawgroup.com

AutoLabadie Olds 711 S. EuclidBay City, MI 48706Terry ReedSales Professional989-667-2000 Ext. 341Direct 989-460-0341Fax 989-667-0103E-mail [email protected] www.labadieauto.com

McDonald Pontiac-GMC, Inc. 5155 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 Leon V. Washington Sales & Leasing Professional989-790-5155 [email protected]

Saginaw Valley Ford Lincoln4201 Bay Road Saginaw, MI 48603Parys LiddellSales Consultant-Lincoln Certified Representative989.792.2453

Auto DetailMorningstar Auto Detail Shop306 East Remington Street Saginaw, MI 48601 989-482-6505www.MorningStarDetail.com

BakeriesLighthouse 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 FacilitiesRowan - West Facility1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan 48602989-753-3475

BeautyIllusions Beauty SalonValerie KingOwner/Operator1400 W. Genesee StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989.755.2666/989.755.3883

Business DirectoryImani Beauty SalonFelicia Thomas212 Federal Ave. (Downtown)Saginaw, MI 48601

Reflection of U TooLouise McKinnie, Owner2103 Sheridan Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989.753.4600

Sports Barbershop1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, Michigan 48602989-992-2600

Unique Cuts & Massage1502 Court StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-327-2338

Unique Cuts II3125 E. Holland Saginaw, MI 48601989-327-2338

Business SolutionsThe Growth CoachCal Talley, Owner293 Provincial Ct. #78 48602989-401-6229C.Talley@The GrowthCoach.comwww.The GrowthCoach.com

Cleaning ServicesExtreme Carpet & UpholsteryWilliam & Denise Murphy - OwnersCommercial & ResidentialJanitorial Services989-753-3335

Best Choice Floor Maintenance & Carpet Cleaning989-316-8327 [email protected]

Community Centers and ServicesFirst Ward Community Services1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, Michigan 48601989-753-0411

ConstructionKingdom BuildersJim Shafley, President2210 Annesley StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989. 948.8094www.kingdombuildersmi.org

ConsultantsEnviCare Consulting, Inc.Billy J. Strawter, Sr., President2809 Blairmont DriveMidland, MI 48622989.839.9177www.envicareinc.com

DentistsJack W. Nash, DDSCosmetic andRestorative Dentistry1320 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989-752-1200

FashionWhere Did U Get That Hat? Specialize in Custom Designs“Sunday’s Best” Yvonne Ellison/MillinerPhone 989-529-4193E-mail: [email protected]

FinancialCity 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 [email protected]

Florists Erika’s Flowers214 Federal Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989-755-9330www.erikasflowerssaginaw.com

Food & Dining Spencer’s Route 46Spence DambroProprietor5530 Gratiot989-793-3400Saginaw, MI 48638www.spencersfinefood.com

Funeral Homes Deisler Funeral Home2233 Hemmeter Rd.Saginaw, MI 48603989.799.1151

Graphics/DigitalTBF Graphics Digital803 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989-752-5540TBFGRAPHICS.COMTBFDIGITAL.COM

Heating and CoolingHORIZONAzola Williams989-755-8650 Business989-233-3295 Cell

Home Health Care Services Comforcare Home Care320 S. Washington Ave. Ste. 202Saginaw, MI 48607989.752.5502www.mbsmichigan.comforcare.com

Painting Services Resurrection PaintingScott Severin989.792.2009Interior/ExteriorDrywall Repair/Power WashingDeck StainingFree EstimatesPhotography E.B. Studio212 Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989-397-4144 PublicationsDavid HallCrimiel Publications LLCPOB 20061Saginaw, Michigan 48602

RestaurantsBrother Arthur’s Fish & More2522 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-0200

Rite Spot 1205 Lapeer Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-6001

Savoy Bar & Grill127 S. Franklin StreetSaginaw, MI 48607989.754.9660

RetailersGREEKS “R” US 2203 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 48601 989-755-4925 [email protected]

Shoe RepairMorgans Shoe Repair 308 Federal Ave. Saginaw, MI 48607 989-754-6155

Tax ServicesRobert McDuffy Tax & Accounting Service/ERO e-file2127 LedyardSaginaw, MI 48601Business - 989-443-0115 Fax [email protected]

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 [email protected].


‘inspiredbyBricks’attheSaginawCastleMuseumGet inspired this summer by visiting the Castle Museum’s 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. “It’s 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.

TheCastleMuseumisopenTuesday-Saturday10a.m.to4:30p.m.andSundayfrom1to4:30p.m.Formoreinformation,call989-752-2861or go to www.castlemuseum.org.

Education


Fromlefttoright:AndyBethune,executivedirectoroftheSVSUFoundation;MarilynWheaton,directoroftheMarshalFredericksSculptureMuseum;CarolynBloodworth,secretary/treasureroftheConsumersEnergyFoundation;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.

ConsumersenergyFoundationMarksSVSu’s50thanniversarywith$50,000inGrants

TheConsumersEnergyFoundationishelpingSaginawValleyStateUniversity celebrate its 50th anniversary with $50,000 in grants that will support the university’s acclaimed sculpture museum and a program that trains future electrical engineers.

Officials from the university and Consumers Energy attended the sculpturegardengrandreopeningattheMarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumFriday,May2.SVSUrecognizedConsumersEnergy’s$25,000donation 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 sculptor’s 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 we’re excited to support another Michigan institution with deep roots in its community,” said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.“Weknowthatbyteamingupwiththeuniversity,wecangrow 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 region’s 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.

FormoreinformationonSVSU’s“Talent.Opportunity.Promise”fundraisingcampaign,visitsvsu.edu/campaign.FormoreinformationontheConsumersEnergyFoundation,visitwww.consumersenergy.com/foundation.



The National Head Start Association’s 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, you’re 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 NHSA’s 2015 Winter Leadership Institute, and have their efforts

shared across NHSA and Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s 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.

Foradditionalinformation,contactEmmalie Dropkin of the National Head Start [email protected].

Source: www.nhsa.org

Sabrina Beeman-JacksonSaginaw ISD Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director

NhSaDollarperChildCampaignThe 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 parent’s 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.

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Have questions? Contact us at

989-686-9093 or [email protected].

Apply today.Jump in.

of grads would recommend

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arthritis—GettheFactsIf 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• DecreasedrangeofmotionBe 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 Response834 S. Washington Avenue

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Two-thirds of cardiac arrestshappen in the home. The life you save will most likely be someone you know and love....

Certified CPR & AED TrainingEvery 1st Tuesday of the Month

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MemorialDayDietSafetyTip…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 children’s 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 [email protected] or 989-752-7226.

Project LAUNCH stands for Linking Actions for Unmet Needs for Children’s 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 [email protected].

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.”





NigerianChristianTeenWhoseFather,BrotherWereKilledbyBokoharamStandsWithabductedSchoolgirlsBy 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.”

Petersdescribedhowat7:30PM,threeindividuals 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 Survivor’s Account of Boko Haram’s Religious Cleansing in Nigeria.”

In addition to Peters, the other panelists were Nina Shea, Hudson Institute senior fellow and director of the Center for ReligiousFreedomandEmmanuelOgebe,aninternational 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 Haram’s 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 andabduct300kids,thisiswhereNorthernNigerian Christians are saying ‘okay, we didn’t sign up for this.’”

Last month, Boko Haram raided the Government Girls Secondary School in the townofChibok,abductinganestimated300school 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 #BringBackOurGirlsgatheredinternationalsupport 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 we’re going back to the bad old days, and these are our slaves, and we’re 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 ChurchPastor P. David Saunders535CathaySt.Saginaw,MI48601(989)755-7011

Bethlehem Baptist ChurchPastor Ernest W. Bothuel3309BundyStreetSaginaw,MI48601989-752-5866

Bread of Life Harvest CenterSenior Pastor Rodney J. McTaggart 3726FortuneBlvd. Saginaw,MI48603(989)790-7933

Christ Disciples BaptistPastor Eddie Benson3317LapeerStreetSaginaw,MI48601(989)754-2444

ChristFellowshipMBCPastor Robert Davis818 N. Washington Ave. Saginaw,MI48601(989)754-4435

Corinthian Baptist ChurchPastor Roy L. Manning104 S. 10th St.Saginaw,MI48601(989)754-1820

FaithHarvestChurchBishop Ronald E. ChippFaithHarvestChurch1734N.MasonSaginaw,MI48602(989)799-4200Website: www.faithharvestministry.orgE-mail:[email protected]

Greater Williams TempleBishop H.J. Williams608RemingtonSaginaw,MI48601(989)755-5291

Saginaw Jacob’s LadderPastor Dempsey Allen1926FairfieldStreetSaginaw,MI48602989-799-6601

Life In Christ MinistriesPastor Dennis Cotton, Sr.2915S.WashingtonAve.Saginaw,[email protected]

Messiah Missionary Baptist Church2615WilliamsonRoadSaginaw,MI48601Pastor Otis Washington Phone:989-777-2636Fax:989-777-2640Email:[email protected]: www.Messiahsag.org

Mt. Olive Baptist ChurchPastor Marvin T. Smith1114N.6thStreetSaginaw,MI48601(989)752-8064

New Beginning Christian ChurchReverendDr.WillieF.Casey1016ShermanRoad Saginaw,MI48604 989-754-2963

New Beginnings Life Changing MinistriesPastor Otis Dickens2312S.WashingtonAve.Saginaw,MI48601(989)755-3650

New Birth Missionary BaptistPastor Larry D. Camel1418 S. WarrenSaginaw,MI48601(989)755-6604

New Covenant Christian CenterPastorRonFrierson 523Hayden Saginaw, MI 752-8485

New Hope Missionary Baptist ChurchPastorFloydA.Logan1721 Tuscola StreetSaginaw,MI48601(989)753-7600Email:[email protected]

New Life Baptist ChurchPastor Rufus Bradley1401 Janes St. Saginaw,MI48601(989)753-1151

Ninth Street Community Church Pastor William L. Scott, Jr. Assistant Pastor Rex Jones 1118N.9thStreet Saginaw,MI48601 989-752-7366

Prince of Peace Baptist Church 825 North 24th StreetSaginaw,MI48601989.754.2841Pastor Robert B. Corley, Jr.

Resurrection Life Ministries ChurchPastor Carolyn L. Wilkins 2320SheridanAvenueSaginaw,MI48601989.754.9466

St. Paul Baptist Pastor Vincent D. McMillon120 N. 15th St. Saginaw,MI48601(989)752-5023

Saginaw Valley Community Pastor Richard Sayad3660HermansauSaginaw,MI48603(989)752-4769

St. Lukes CME Church1121 Tuscola Saginaw,MI48607(989)755-0351

The Potters Touch MinistriesPastor Kareem J. Bowen1402North6thStreetSaginaw,MI48601989.755.9406Facebook.com/ThePottersTouch

Transforming Life Ministries Pastor William Brown3024SouthWashingtonAvenueSaginaw,MI48601-4353(989)754-9573

Truevine Baptist Church Pastor Paul E. Broaddus 2930JanesStreetSaginaw,MI48601989-752-0751

Victorious Believers Ministries Church Rev. Christopher V. Pryor624S.OuterDr.Saginaw, MI (989)755-7692

Wolverine Baptist State Convention615S.JeffersonAve.Saginaw,MI48607

World Outreach Campus of Greater Coleman Temple MinistriesSupt. H.J. Coleman Jr.2405 Bay Rd. Saginaw,MI48602(989)752-7957

Zion Missionary Baptist ChurchPastor Rodrick Smith721 JohnsonSaginaw,MI48607(989)754-9621

To Celebrate a Life Call989.753.3475,[email protected] and Memorials





helpSaginaw’syouthearnScholarships: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.

Registrationhosts:Volunteers needed to welcome donors and provide a professional registration process for blood collections.

BilingualandSignLanguage:Proficientvolunteers needed to help assist individuals in crisis.

Forfurtherinformationaboutthevolunteeropportunities in the Great Lakes Bay Region, contact Henrietta Watson at the United Way ofSaginawCountyat755.0505,ext.216,[email protected],orviewthe web-based volunteer program at www.GOvolunteerNOW.org.

Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community!

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WhiLeSeRViNG iNTheuNiTeDSTaTeS

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A.Philip Randolph InstitutePOB 1107Saginaw, MI 48606American Red Cross1232 N. MichiganSaginaw, MI 48602989-754-8181Boys & Girls Club of Bay County300 Lafayette Ave.Bay City, MI 48706989-892-6723CAN Council Saginaw County1311 N. Michigan AvenueSaginaw, MI 48602(989) 752-7226 / fax (989) 752-2777www.cancouncil.orgCastle Museum of Saginaw County History500 Federal Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607 Circle of Love 1809 Durand Ave.Saginaw, MI 48602989-754-2377Emmaus House of Saginaw733 S. 15th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-755-7538

THE EZEKIEL [email protected]. Box 3470Saginaw, MI. 48605-3470Phone: 989.755.1620 Fax: 989.755.4038First Ward Community Center1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-753-0411Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan5470 Davis Rd.Saginaw, MI 48604989-799-9565Good Neighbors Mission1318 Cherry StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-399-9918Health Delivery, Inc. 501 Lapeer Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989.759.6400Houghton-Jones Task Force1708 Johnson StreetSaginaw, MI989-752-1660Lighthouse Outreach Center 808 Janes StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.928.9096

Michigan Banner Outreach 1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48602989-714-2240Operation Reach 119 S. Jefferson Avenue Saginaw, MI 989-754-4444Pit and Balcony Theatre805 N. HamiltonSaginaw, MI 48602www.pitandbalconytheatre.com989. [email protected]

Public Libraries of SaginawButman-Fish, Claytor, Hoyt, Wickes & Zauel Libraries505 Janes AvenueSaginaw, MI 48607989-755-0904www.saginawlibrary.org

Restoration Community Outreach1205 Norman Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 753-1886 / fax (989) 753-2880Email: [email protected] Saginaw County Community Action Agency, Inc. (CAC)2824 Perkins StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.753.7741The Saginaw Community Foundation1 Tuscola, Suite 100 Saginaw, MI 48607989-755-0545Women of Colors POB 5525Saginaw, MI 48603989.399.9275 or 989.737.9286

NON PROFIT DIRECTORY

ZionMissionaryBaptistChurchCelebratesServiceofpastorThe members of Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 721 Johnson StreetinSaginawwillcelebrate13yearsofpastoralserviceof 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.



Healthy Kappashealthy communities

SAVE THE DATEfor the

2nd Annual

Men’s Health FairSATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

11:00AM–3:00PM

WORLD OUTREACH CAMPUS (formerly Greater Coleman Temple)2405 BAY ROAD (Corner of Bay Road and Deindorfer)

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR:Cholesterol

HearingVision

Blood PressureMini 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

It’s About You. It’s About Family.

It’s About Community!

Co-Sponsors:

Free Free

College of Health and Human Services

For Lauren Little, it’s 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 student’s mom came up to me years after she took a campus tour, and she wanted to say hi,” Lauren said. “That’s the kind of connection I want to make.”

Lauren hopes to go on to pursue a master’s degree in Chicago and eventually to run her own public relations firm. Waking every day at 5:30 a.m., Lauren organizes her life around running, but ask her, and she’ll 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 ama 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 [email protected].

Visit us online at svsu.edu



the michigan banner may 16, 2014 edition

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