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Director's Message

Dear Friends:



I love the programs we are featuring in today’s e-newsletter! 


I remember when the idea of Safe Haven Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange was first broached at CFS in the early 2000s and I thought, is there really such a need for families to be able to exchange and visit with their kids away from each other, so that parents’ conflicts/domestic violence aren’t witnessed by the children? As I learned more about the dynamics of domestic violence and the approach of the supervised visit/exchange model—and witnessed the growth of the program from seven families to more than 100 served annually—it became clear that the answer to that question was a resounding yes. 


The community has agreed. With generous support from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Foundation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, The Zonta Club of Petoskey Area, and St. John’s Episcopal Church for the new Safe Haven North expansion in Harbor Springs, we are able to provide these important services to more people who need them. 


Our Youth Services program is a quiet workhorse, providing outreach and support services since its Third Level days to vulnerable youth who are at risk of running away or becoming homeless. Our team meets youth in school, during after-school activities, or at libraries and the like to assure that their basic needs are met and refer them to counseling and other services. We provide 24/7 crisis telephone access and shelter as well, under the new Host Homes model that you’ll read about below. 


When you look across the continuum of services we offer, it’s fair to say that people who access one program often are eligible and meant for others. It’s not unusual for people to be referred to more than one CFS offering to build their wellness and resilience. 


I think I have to amend my original statement. I love the programs featured here today, for sure. But I really love each and everyone of the programs we offer with your generous support.


Thank you for helping us to help so many others.




Warmly,

Gina Aranki, Executive Director

Being There For Youth Experiencing Homelessness

October 10th was Homelessness Awareness Day, and November is Homelessness Awareness Month! Those without homes come in all shapes and sizes; adults, youth, children, and even babies may have no place to call home. In the Traverse City Area Public Schools system alone, an estimated 350 school-aged children and youth experience homelessness at any one time. We can all empathize with young people experiencing homelessness, but many of us wonder what, if anything, we can do to help. 


Child & Family Services’ (CFS’) Youth Services program has a long history of assisting homeless, at-risk of homelessness, and runaway youth. Although Pete’s Place Youth Shelter is no longer in operation, the programs that were run out of the shelter continue on. And this is where the answer to, “What can I do to help?” comes in! 


CFS has moved to a Host Homes model for housing young people struggling with their living situations. Host Homes are single adults or families in the community who volunteer to house young people on a short-term basis. If you are a stable, caring adult with an extra bedroom, you might want to consider becoming a Host Home! It’s hard to think of a more direct way of helping a homeless youth than this. 

Because the focus of our Host Home work is family reunification (with a youth’s own family or another identified supportive adult ), placing them in a home environment facilitates that transition. In addition, some young people have had bad experiences in facilities. They are understandably leery of residential care, and more likely to build a trusting relationship in a homestyle environment. 


Kiersten Mead, CFS Basic Care Center Supervisor, says, “Teenagers aren’t scary!” She reminds those who may be interested in becoming a Host Home, “CFS Youth Services staff are always there to back you up. Once you become a vetted Host Home, you are not obligated to take in a certain number of youth. You set your own house rules, and can specify the ages and genders you will accept. And whenever a young person is referred to your Host Home, you can say yes or no to the placement.” For youth ages 12-17, a typical stay length is 2-3 weeks. During that time, they will receive services through the Basic Center Program. Older youth, 16-21, have stays that are typically 6-10 months and receive CFS services through the Transitional Living Program. Host Homes get a small stipend for every night a youth is in their care. 


One Host Home provider says, "I became a host home for youth because I believe it is a basic way we can help our community. Simply opening your home and heart to a young person struggling to grow up is something, as adults, we can all relate to. My hosting experience has been excellent, with the broad support of the CFS staff and clear expectations set. It takes a village, and hosting a young person who needs some support is a powerful way to change the world." 



Could you be the ONE? Email Kiersten at kmead@cfs3L.org to learn more! 

Staff Highlight

Tracy Martin, Program Coordinator for Safe Haven North, brings a wealth of experience and a heart for healing to her role. Since joining CFS in January, she has quickly become a key figure in founding Safe Haven North, which offers support and protection for families in challenging situations. 

 

For Tracy, healing is not just a professional responsibility; it's a personal mission. With a background that spans both professional and personal encounters with family dynamics, she understands that safety and well-being are critically important. "I’m passionate about helping families to heal," she shares, a purpose that shapes her every decision in overseeing the day-to-day operations at Safe Haven North. 

 

Since its open house earlier this month, Safe Haven North has already received two referrals, with court dates pending. But Tracy envisions so much more for the program, "We’re hoping to extend our hours and expand our staff as the need continues to grow." She is committed to planning, implementing, and evaluating program activities, making sure they align with the organization’s goals of providing a supportive, low-stress environment for parents and children. 

 

Before joining Safe Haven North, Tracy started as a pediatric nurse in the Special Care Baby Unit in the UK. She also worked as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, focusing on children with autism and dietary disorders. These roles, rooted in care and compassion, have given her a deep understanding of the complexities families face. 

 

"We take as much stress out of an often-stressful situation as we can," Tracy says. She encourages families to attend an orientation session, where they can familiarize themselves with the separate parking lots, entrances on different levels, and the comfortable, cozy visitation rooms. Meeting the staff and seeing the space in advance is extremely helpful for potential clients and their children. 

In 1999, Tracy moved to the United States with her husband, an aerospace engineer, and their two children after her husband saw a job ad in the paper. Not looking back, they settled in Monroe, MI. While still occasionally traveling back to the UK to visit family, Tracy and her husband have enjoyed traveling to many other places. Hocking Hills and Marco Island, FL have been favorites.  

 

Outside of work, Tracy’s sense of adventure keeps her inspired and balanced. She loves traveling, birdwatching, hiking, and bicycling, often enjoying biking to dinner in Harbor Springs. She especially loves spending time with her kids and grandkids. One of her favorite stories is from a hike in Pennsylvania where she and her family got lost, ending up 12 miles from their car and wandering through an unexpected ghost town!

 

As Safe Haven North continues to grow under her leadership, Tracy’s commitment to healing families and her passion for adventure will undoubtedly guide the program toward even greater success. With her steady hand and open heart, the future of Safe Haven North looks bright. 

Thank You For Taking Steps Towards a Safer Future

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first annual Seven Steps Forward: Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention on October 19th in Petoskey. Your support means so much to survivors and the community, and we are grateful for the time, energy, and compassion you brought to this important cause. 



The name Seven Steps Forward reflects a sobering reality: on average, it takes seven attempts for a person to leave an abusive relationship. Each of your steps with us represents hope, strength, and resilience for those taking their own steps to safety and healing. 


We would also like to extend a special thanks to Johan's Bakery, Roast and Toast, and King's Orchard for their generous donations of food and beverages that kept us fueled throughout the morning. Thank you for walking with us and for making this event an inspiring success. 


 Together, we’re moving forward for a brighter, safer future for all. 

Pride Month

As we reflect on Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of safe spaces. These environments are essential for fostering belonging, support, and empowerment, especially during a month that emphasizes love and acceptance.


Safe spaces provide a sanctuary where individuals can express themselves without worry of judgment or prejudice. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, these spaces serve as a refuge from societal pressures and stigma. Studies show that access to supportive environments can significantly improve mental health outcomes, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety. CFS is proud to announce that we have been designated as a Safe Space by Up North Pride. We will continue to work towards a world where everyone can live and thrive, free from fear and discrimination.    

CFS celebrated this year's Pride event by attending the Up North Pride Big Gay Brunch event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to learn more about the programs and services we offer.  

Trunk or Treat Fun

Thank you to all who joined us for our annual trunk or treat last Friday. We enjoyed seeing all of the kids and families dressed up and having fun. Hope to see you all again next year. Happy Halloween!

We All Shine On: The Power of Planned Giving

August is Planned Giving Month. Planned giving to Child and Family Services is an extraordinary way to ensure that your legacy reflects a deep commitment to the well-being and future of children and families in need. By incorporating charitable contributions into your financial or estate planning, you can provide enduring support to programs that offer essential services, such as counseling, adoption, foster care, and family preservation. Whether you choose to make a bequest in your will, establish a charitable trust, create a gift annuity, or designate Child and Family Services as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, your generosity will have a lasting impact. Planned giving not only benefits you through potential tax advantages but also empowers Child and Family Services to continue its vital work, fostering safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children and families. Consider planned giving as a profound way to make a difference, knowing that your support will help create brighter futures and stronger communities for generations to come.

Upcoming Events

Trauma Informed Parenting Training


This training will be offered in person and virtually November 2nd, 3rd & 16th, 9:00am to 3:00pm. All three days of training must be attended. For those attending, in-person lunch will be provided. Click here to register today, as space is limited.

Licensed respite providers needed! Join us virtually to learn more about this short-term foster care option. Our licensing staff will explain the process of becoming a respite caregiver and answer any questions you may have. The process is easier than you think. Consider helping today!


Virtual Respite Care Information Session Monday, October 11th at 6pm

Click to learn more and register.

Foster parents needed. Could you be the ONE? Join us virtually to learn more. Our licensing staff will explain the process of becoming a foster parent and answer any questions you may have. The process is easier than you think. Consider helping today!


Virtual Intro To Fostering Wednesday, October 20th, at 5:45pm

Click to learn more and register.

Paper Angels 2024 is coming soon! Spread your holiday spirit to others by providing requested gifts for children and families who need a little extra support at holiday time. Check back November 11th to request a list.


Click here to donate now.

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Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City | (231) 946-8975

3434 M-119, Ste F, Harbor Springs | (231) 347-4463


  cfs@cfs3L.org   |  www.cfsnwmi.org 

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