An Update for Friends of Highfields · December 19, 2016
Highfields' Program Helps Sandra Find Her Voice
Your support of Highfields helps keep families together.
When Rachel* became abusive toward her mother, Sandra*, they were referred to Highfields' Multisystemic Therapy program (MST). Now they are working through their problems together at home, thanks to you. 
    Sandra* and her late husband Dave* were foster parents for 40 years. They have three biological children and three adopted children. Their youngest adopted daughter Rachel* came into their foster care when she was only 10 days old. She was born a drug-addicted baby.
   Sandra and Dave were told that by the foster care agency that Rachel would only be with them a short amount of time; however, they could not find anyone to adopt her. Sandra and Dave were hesitant because of their age, but they loved Rachel and decided to adopt her.
   Rachel showed signs of difficulty even as a baby. As an infant, she startled very easily, and would throw her hands up over her face when she heard loud noises. Even the human touch made her frantic, which was a symptom of drug-withdrawal. Rachel had constant tantrums and screamed at unexpected things.
   "She was one of the roughest kids we ever took care of," said Sandra.

*Names have been changed
 Jayvon Thrives with the Right Opportunities
Jayvon succeeds at Highfields thanks to the staff, support groups and work opportunities. He's becoming a well-rounded kid, thanks to your support. 
Jayvon smiles next to his Highfields' counselor Russell Davis IV. Jayvon credits Highfields' staff for motivating him to always do his best.
    Jayvon struggled in his life before coming to Highfields. He admits he hung out with the wrong crowd and was pressured into shoplifting. He had trouble following the laws of probation and was sent to a juvenile detention center. He went back and forth between different detention centers before the Judge referred him to Highfields.
   "I expected a lot less from Highfields to be honest," said Jayvon. "All I had known was juvenile detention centers where there are a lot less privileges and you barely get to see the outside world."
   Jayvon arrived at Highfields in August. He was immediately impressed at the opportunities he had at Highfields. He joined support groups which helped him change his way of thinking. His favorite group session on campus is called Mutual Support.
   "Mutual Support is based on openness and trust in the group," he said. "You talk about problems that you have in your community, and then get feedback from your peers and the staff about how to handle it."

In This Issue:
Upcoming Events
Highfields Golf Outing 2017: Sponsored by Lyman and Sheets

Save the date for Highfields' 37th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 12, 2017 at Forest Akers West in Lansing!

For information about sponsorships or to RSVP, please contact Bev McGill at 517-628-2287 x332 or bmcgill@highfields.org.
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