An Update on Highfields' Residential Treatment Program
Summer 2016 - In This Issue:




"The staff really tries to help you. They know what you've been through so they understand you."

- Henry, residential student
David, a residential student, is reunited with his mom Kim and sister Makaila during a Family Treatment Weekend in Onondaga. 

Derek Hitchcock
Message from the Director:

Hello! I hope you all are enjoying the last days of summer. We have had another busy and productive summer at Highfields! Here are some of the highlights:  
  • Three Family Treatment Weekends
  • Off-campus field trips to places like Henry Ford Museum, Eaton Rapids Aquatic Center, Michigan's Adventure and a Detroit Tigers game
  • A new recording studio on campus and music classes
  • Woodworking class and building projects
  • New work opportunities (Read Henry's story below about his work in the kitchen!)
  • Weekend home visits
  • Continued support to help each and every student succeed
With the school year starting, we have immediate openings for youth in need of residential treatment. If you have a youth sitting on waiting lists, please consider a Highfields referral. Our team is fully equipped to provide the best care for each and every youth.
 
Best wishes to all and thank you for your continued support!
 
Derek Hitchcock, 
Director of Residential Services
Highfields, Inc.
Caring Staff Supports Henry
   When 16 year old Henry was sent to Highfields he had trouble adjusting. It was his first placement and he was unsure of how the staff would treat him.
   Eventually he got more comfortable opening up about his past mistakes.
   "The staff really tries to help you," said Henry. "They know what you've been through so they understand you."
   The residential counselors have helped him restructure his thinking so he can make better choices in life.
   Henry is not only supported by his counselors, but also from his boss in the kitchen, head chef Michelle Briston. He is learning how to be a good employee and work with a supervisor. Michelle takes him on shopping trips to get supplies, teaches him how to prepare meals and how to serve food.
   The kitchen is also a safe space for Henry to talk to Michelle about his problems. Michelle offers a listening ear to Henry and helps make sure he is staying on the right path. 

ArtSeparated Families Reconnect at Highfields
Thanks to a grant from Jackson National Life, we were able to host three Family Treatment Weekends this summer. On the last Family Treatment Weekend of the year, five families came to campus. Some of families had been apart for a while, so it was a great opportunity for them to reconnect and make memories together.
Student Romello smiles next to his mom, Kathy and brother, DJ. 
 When Kim got a call from Highfields' counselor Gary Turner she thought her son David was in trouble again.
   "I was relieved when I found out the call was about coming to Family Treatment Weekend," said Kim, with a laugh. "I was so excited to spend time with David!"
   David has been in and out of residential placements for the past few months so they haven't been able to spend time together as a family.
   "This is actually the first time since March that I've gotten to spend time with both my kids at the same time," said Kim. 

What makes Highfields stand out? Students say it's the opportunities...
Students build a new porch during woodworking class.
   
   "Music speaks to everyone, but especially these kids," said Russell Davis, a residential counselor in charge of the new music program at Highfields.
   The music program was set up through a grant from the James and Kimberly Currie Foundation.  Students learn how to read music, write song lyrics and make beats. Then they record their own original songs in a recording studio on campus.
   "Right now the students are writing lyrics about their life story and it's very emotional for everyone," said Russell. "It's a great outlet for them."
   A woodworking class is also offered to students on campus. Student James says that woodworking is helping him learn skills to support his family.
 
For more information or to make a referral, please contact:

Brian Philson
CEO/President
(517) 628-2287 ex. 371

Derek Hitchcock
Director of Residential Services
(517) 628-2287 ex. 323

Julie Duffey
Intake Coordinator
(517) 628-2287 ex. 321