A newsletter for friends of Highfields                                                         March 2, 2015
Motivation
Grant Gives Counselors Opportunity to Motivate
Chris Robinson teaches Motivational Interviewing  techniques to counselors.
Learn more about MST at highfields.org/mst.

   "I want to be someone my son can look up to," Chris Robinson said and looked at the room of counselors standing before him.

   "Family is important to you," one counselor said.

   "Being a good father is important to you," another responded.

   "You want to set a good example for your son," a third counselor said.

   Chris nodded, knowing each counselor has told him a truth about his values. The counselors are using a technique called reflection - one aspect of Motivational Interviewing, or MI. Chris is not a client, but the manager of clinical services for Highfields' residential program. He is leading a training in MI to teach Highfields' counselors these techniques.

   "MI is a way of getting information and helping the person realize what their motivations are to reach their goals," Chris said. "You never tell anyone they're right or wrong or good or bad, but rather you help them navigate through their own thought processes and motivations."

   He began giving trainings last July and has since given 10 in places like Detroit, Eaton and even in California. Most recently, he decided to share his knowledge with his coworkers at Highfields. The training was made possible by a grant made by the Granger Foundation for training and treatment.

   "It's important to continue to help staff update the skills they have," he said. "Highfields' personnel utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques already, which was a pleasure to see. It will probably be used to its full potential here."

   Chris performed the training with Jennifer Salerno, a nurse practitioner who trained Chris. Nearly 30 Highfields counselors from all four offices came to the training.

   "It's very topical at what I'm trying to get to with my clients," said Cheryl May, a Multisystemic Therapist from Highfields' Howell office. "It will help them sustain advancements after treatment is done."


Learn more about Multisystemic Therapy at highfields.org/mst.
BasketballTeaching Values
Through Basketball
Highfields residential students practice basketball in the on-campus gym.

   For many teenagers, sports like basketball or football are a big deal. They play on their school or community teams, dedicate themselves to practice and some of their biggest goals might be to set a personal record or to go with their team to a championship. But to others, sports play a much bigger role.

   To Darryl Scott, the manager of operations in Highfields' Residential Treatment Program, offering sports teams is a teaching opportunity they can use to reinforce lessons the residents learn at Highfields, like goal setting and dedication. Scott said many residents come to Highfields with low self-esteem and don't like to participate when things start to get tough.

   "It breaks down mental barriers that are set in them before they get here," he said. "Many of the students think they can't accomplish anything. We teach them it's all about progress. Everyone starts at different points."

   He also said joining a sport, whether it's at Highfields or back in their community, is a good outlet for the boys. It keeps them dedicated to something positive, rather than turning to destructive behaviors.

   "Most of our kids are in trouble so they're not on their high school or community teams," he said. "Hopefully they'll see the fun in being a part of a team. When you're at practice, you're not on the streets."

   The residents see the value in being a part of a team, too. They know that focusing on basketball will keep them away from negative behaviors.

   "I like playing basketball so I can stay out of trouble," said Airick Cherry, one of Highfields' residents who joined the basketball team.

   Another student said working hard at basketball could help him get into college. He said when he leaves Highfields, he will concentrate on basketball and school and stay away from the behaviors that have gotten him into trouble in the past.

   "It's good to play basketball because you might get a scholarship," he said. "You might even go to the NBA."

 

 

Learn more about Highfields' Residential Treatment Program at highfields.org/residential.

In This Issue

Basketball
Upcoming Events
Annual Golf Outing

Our 35th annual golf outing will be held on Monday, June 8 at Forest Akers. Foursomes and individuals are welcome; to RSVP, please contact
Deanna Rowen at dlrowen@highfields.org
or (517) 628-2287 ex. 370.

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

Highfields serves 11 mid-Michigan counties and helps over 6,000 people each year.

Learn more about Highfields at www.highfields.org.

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
Board of Directors
OFFICERS

Sheila Brake, Chairperson
Accident Fund

Sara Bennett, Chair-Elect
Two Men and A Truck

Anethia Brewer, Secretary
Ingham County Court

Mike Zamiara, Treasurer
Integrated Systems Consultants

Brian Gallagher, Past Chair
Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C.

DIRECTORS

Kristin Bartley
Two Men and A Truck

Bill Clark
Clark Constructors

Patrick Dean
Dean Transportation

Mark Emmert
Dart Bank

Michael Foster
Plante & Moran, PLLC

Alan Goschka
Bergman Associates

Michael Hull
Spartan Linen Services

James Hunsanger
MSU Federal Credit Union

Eric Jamison
Michigan Attorney General's Office

Karen Johns
Retired DHS

Mark Kellogg
Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C.

Jeff Klug
Klug Law Firm

Wallace Markham
Retired JP Morgan Chase

Nick Oertel
Foster Swift Collins and Smith, P.C.

Doug Peters
Christman Constructors

Katie Rexrode
Jackson National Life

Tanda Reynolds
Retired DHS

Marlon Roberts
Office of General Counsel

Reshma Sambare
Miller Canfield

Tom Shewchuk
Logicalis, Inc.

Amy Tripp
Chalgian, Tripp Law Offices

SENIOR MANAGERS

Brian Philson

CEO/President

 

Timothy Monroe
VP, Clinical Services

Jill Clark
Director, Quality and Program Development

Derek Hitchcock
Director, Residential Services

Beverley McGill
Director, Fund Development


Onondaga Campus
5123 Old Plank Road
Onondaga, MI 49264


Jackson Office
1206 Clinton Road
Jackson, MI 49202


Lansing Office
4305 S. Cedar Street
Lansing, MI 48910


Howell Office
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 3
Howell, MI 48843