An Update for Friends of Highfields · November 16, 2016
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When Community Comes Together
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Mary Beth struggled to find healthy activities for her sons who suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome. Thankfully, she has found support from the community.
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The "Bike Rules" written by Mary Beth, Isaiah, Rowan and Caris
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Mary Beth worked as a nanny for 14 years caring for other kids. When she adopted her own, she thought she could handle it, but she became overwhelmed raising children with special needs. Now Mary Beth is getting resources she needs, thanks to you.
Mary Beth is a single mother raising three adopted children: Caris, age 12, Isaiah, age 9 and Rowan, age 7. Isaiah and Rowan are brothers who suffer from ADD and fetal alcohol syndrome. They have a lot of aggression and have frequent outbursts and tantrums.
Last year, Isaiah became too uncontrollable for Mary Beth to handle alone. Mary Beth found help through Highfields' Wraparound Program. She works with her counselor, Keanna Mendez, to find resources and support for Isaiah.
Keanna spent time getting to know Mary Beth and her children. She held family counseling sessions, worked with the schools to secure an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for Isaiah, and helped Mary Beth find outside resources.
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College freshman Jarod Taylor credits Reaching Higher for helping him get accepted into University of Michigan.
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When Jarod was a student at Springport Middle School, he saw a flyer for Reaching Higher, a brand new after school program which helps students reinforce academics, develop new interests, and socialize with other peers. He was curious about the program and decided to sign up and give it a shot.
He realized right away that Reaching Higher was just the program he needed. It was the first school activity that he really dedicated himself to.
"Up until I joined Reaching Higher I was struggling to find my niche," said Jarod. "I didn't really know where I fit in or what sort of things I liked doing."
Reaching Higher pushed Jarod to become a more involved and responsible person. He became more active in school, put forth more effort into his homework, and made new friends.
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Highfields Holiday Toy Drive:
Nov. 23 - Dec. 14
You can help make the holidays brighter for children and families! Bring a new, unwrapped toy, book, or clothing item to a participating Ford Dealer near you and drop it in the Highfields' box! Gifts will be wrapped and delivered to families involved in Highfields' counseling programs.
Click here to find a drop-off location near you!
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#GivingTuesday:
Nov. 29!
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. On November 29th, you can make a difference for teenagers in our counseling programs!
We are currently helping 105 teenagers.
Our goal is to raise $1,050 so every teen will receive a $10 gift card for the holidays!
Please save the date for #GivingTuesday 11/29 and support Highfields' teens!
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Onondaga Campus
5123 Old Plank Road
Onondaga, MI, 49264
(517) 628-2287
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Lansing Office
4305 S. Cedar Street
Lansing, MI, 48910
(517) 887-2762
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Jackson, MI, 49202
(517) 783-4250
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Howell Office
204 S. Highlander Way,
Suite 3
Howell, MI, 48843
(517) 262-0874
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Hillsdale Office
51 S. Howell Street
Hillsdale, MI, 49242
(517) 212-8168
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