A newsletter for friends of Highfields August, 2014

New Zip Line Installed

It has been over a year in planning, constructing and training our facilitators. Finally last week several of our staff were given the opportunity to take our new Zip Line for a test drive. Screams and laughter could be heard all over our campus.

To be used as part of our Breakthrough Experiential Program, it adds a component of challenge that will help break down fears and self-doubt while increasing self-esteem and confidence.

Ride Information:

Average speed is 15-20 MPH
Average ride lasts 30 seconds
Ride goes more than 650 feet
Platform is approximately 15 feet from the ground
Cables runs 20-30 high off the ground.

The element of zipping over water is an added experience unique to Highfields. No other Mid-Michigan facility has this feature.

Currently we are offering the Zip Line as an add-on to groups who attend our Breakthrough Program. We hope to open it up to the general public in the future.

If you are interested in bringing a group out for a unique team-building, communication improving, fun-filled day, call Brenda Weck at (517) 628-2287 x324 or email her.

In This Issue

New Zip Line Installed

Youth for Christ Provides Services to Residential Program

Upcoming Events

"Strengthening Families" Breakfast

Thursday, October 23rd

Kellogg Center

8am-9am

For more information or to sign up as a table host, contact:

Bev McGill

(517) 628-2287 x332

or email her now.

Highfields' Services

Highfields is a human services agency providing opportunities for at-risk children and families through counseling, residential care and education programs.

Highfields provides 16 different programs in 11 counties and serves about 6,000 children, youth and families.

Our Mission

To provide opportunities to children, youth and families to be more responsible for their own lives and to strengthen their relationships with others.

Our Vision

To create Bright Futures for children, their families and the community

Youth for Christ Provides Services to Residential Program

It was a Monday evening a little after 5 pm and Debby Conroy and Tom Jelenek, representing Youth For Christ, Juvenile Justice Ministries, show up to set up the room and get ready to meet any of the Highfields boys who were interested in the services that YFC-JJM provides.

Debby, who has been coming to Highfields for 15 years, comments, "A lot of kids have never had a church or spiritual experience - it's one more resource where they can grow." Tom, a retired GM executive, has been coming out to the campus for about 5 years. He notes that it's usually when the Lord brings you though some struggles with family background and experiences that you come out wanting to help others. Debby has had her own share of struggles with a son who was incarcerated. Now he hires troubled youth because he knows how important it is

Tom and Debby are there to help mentor the boys so that they can develop a sense of self-worth through faith. They also help show their caring and support by surprising the kids and showing up at one of the basketball games.

Carlton Polk, Highfields Supervisor, says, "The kids talk about loss and change. They usually get something out of it even when they don't expect it." Debby hopes that they are able to help the boys know that "just because you've had a bad experience doesn't mean you are a bad person."

Highfields, Inc. | 5123 Old Plank Road | Onondaga, MI 49264

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