1. Brighter Futures
News from Edgewood Center for Children and Families
W W W. E D G E W O O D . O R G SUMMER 2011
CEO Letter
One of my first priorities as CEO has
been to help formulate a strategic vision
that will contribute to the success of
Edgewood for the next 160 years. The
goal is to position the agency to better
respond to the rapid changes affecting
the field of human services. Staff input
and consultations with industry leaders
has led to a sound and viable vision that
now serves as a guide to the work we do
here at Edgewood.
Education services and integrated,
family-focused programs are two of
the major themes of the new strategic
vision. This edition of Brighter Futures
showcases these priorities. An article on The 45th Annual Edgewood Fair: Guest Speaker and Tales of the City Author, Amistead Maupin; Meg Heinicke, Fair
Chair; Janet Lautenberger, Auxiliary President; Kelly Wyllie, Sponsorship Chair. More photographs on page 7.
page 3 reports on the recent review of
our Non-Public School by the California
Department of Education. The glowing Story of Hope: Sean
review demonstrates the quality of our Sean was eight years old when his aunt connections at San Mateo County
education programs which we hope to started bringing him for treatment to Human Services Agency, Sean’s mother
expand as part of the new vision. On Edgewood San Mateo Child and Family was able to enroll in an outpatient drug
page 6, you can read about the kick- Treatment Collaborative, a program that rehabilitation program and begin planning
off event for the Family Connections provides mental health services aimed at her future with Sean in Edgewood family
Program. This program provides a helping children and families develop the conferencing sessions.
transformative approach to residential skills necessary to have a healthy home
treatment, breaking down the traditional With the clarity that sobriety brought,
environment. A slight African-American
barriers between residential and intensive Sean’s mother had a new drive to reunite
boy with sparkling brown eyes, Sean was
in-home services. The program stresses her family. She found a job at a nearby
bounced from relative to relative around
continuity and heavy family involvement fast food restaurant and the family’s case
the Bay Area while his mother battled
at all levels of care. manager helped her secure low-income
a dependency on crack cocaine. His housing. Edgewood furnished the house,
Stay tuned for upcoming issues of assigned Collaborative clinician took note including a set of prized dishes on which
Brighter Futures for additional updates on of Sean’s difficulty sitting still and listening Sean’s mother served the family’s first and
how we are making our strategic vision a to authority figures, all expressions of his subsequent dinners together.
reality. turbulent life.
Sean was able to take the tools he
Sincerely, Sean had already attended three different learned from his coach and clinician to
schools by his second year of elementary succeed in his community. He joined the
school. Most school days ended with Sean East Palo Alto Boys and Girls Club and
Matthew Madaus, LCSW running away or getting so frustrated he started playing group sports at the YMCA.
CEO had to be restrained or taken home by Because Sean’s behavior was so changed,
the police. Meeting with a therapeutic Edgewood services were no longer
behavior coach at Edgewood provided needed and Child Protective Services
him with one-on-one guidance on how restored Sean to his mother’s custody.
to manage his feelings at school. As
Sean improved, it was clear that it would Edgewood transformed Sean’s life by
be helpful to have his mother involved giving him back the family he deserved.
in his treatment. Through the coach’s
Photographs by Moanalani Jeffrey.
2. Brighter Futures
Edgewood Center for Children and Families
Summer 2011 Edition
About Edgewood
Celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2011,
Edgewood Center for Children and Families
(Edgewood) helps children and families
take back their future by working with
them to overcome severe challenges like
abuse, neglect, mental illness and crisis.
The oldest children’s charity in the western
U.S., Edgewood has evolved to meet the
community’s changing needs. What began
as a refuge for Gold Rush orphans is now a
nationally recognized, multifaceted agency.
Edgewood serves more than 5,000 children
and families in the Bay Area each year
through behavioral health, family support,
and educational services. Edgewood:
transforming lives, restoring hope.
Mission Statement
To strengthen children, youth, families, and
The Olympic Club Foundation gave a $4,000 grant to support the Sports and Recreation Program. This program
encourages youth with histories of abuse, trauma, neglect, and mental illness to embrace their full potential and their communities through service, training,
build self-confidence through athleticism, sportsmanship, teamwork, and active participation. advocacy, and research.
Board of Directors
Edgewood Non-Public School New Mascot, the Eagle!
Paul B. Holm, Jr., Chairman
Children stomped their feet along the The sports league is comprised of students Brooke Shields, Vice Chairman
worn floorboards of the C. Frederick from seven other non-public schools.
Matt Madaus, LCSW, President and CEO
Kohl Memorial Gymnasium, chanting Edgewood physical education teacher
at a louder and louder pitch, “EAGLES, Noam Scott was the primary advocate for Donna B. Abrahamson
EAGLES, EAGLES!” Teachers and staff Edgewood to join the league. Suzanne Baird
members shared the enthusiasm and John J. Bell
“Teaching P.E. here for three years, I’ve
cheer. The afternoon was grey and seen the impact sports has on these kids. Elizabeth Strong Coover
raining outside, but the excitement inside It’s inclusive and allows them to build Denise Dettore
Edgewood San Francisco couldn’t have self-esteem and confidence. The league is
been sunnier. Julie Flynn
really unique. The schools work together
“It’s our pep rally, ya know?” exclaimed to promote athleticism, participation, Graeme Hanson, M.D.
one of the students. “We’re the best!” safety, and self-awareness. There is Jeannette McCabe Harris
a really strong sense of respect that Julene Hunter
The inaugural rally was held to unveil
transcends sides.”
the school’s brand new mascot, the Cynthia Lohr
Edgewood Eagle. Students chose the The program has been widely successful. Adrian J. Sawyer
eagle in a school-wide vote. The bold and Out of 70 students, 27 tried out to be
Paul R. Touchstone
majestic eagle embodies strength and on the basketball team and 14 students
tenacity, inspires respect, and alludes to made the team up from five last year. Janet Lautenberger, Auxiliary President
the transformative power of soaring to They finished the season 7–4. For the
Help Edgewood build better lives and
new heights. The Edgewood Eagle was youth who don’t play on the teams, the
brighter futures for thousands of
designed pro-bono by David Byrd and Edgewood Eagle is still a great source of
San Francisco Bay Area families by getting
Brian Perkins of the renowned advertising pride. involved:
agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. Go Eagles! Sign-up for volunteer events at
Edgewood Non-Public School has edgewood.org/getinvolved/volunteer.
participated in the Bay Area non-public
Make a gift at edgewood.org or by calling
school sports league for almost two years. Edgewood Development at 415.682.3200.
2 For expanded coverage of the Edgewood Eagles, please visit edgewood.org/news/the-soaring-eagles-report-iii.html.
3. Edgewood Non-Public School Wins Praise from California
Department of Education
After a three-day in-depth review by problematic behaviors) were noted for
the California Department of Education, the good relationships they have with
the lead reviewer found that Edgewood the students and their “proactive and
Non-Public School was, “one of the preventative positive behavior support.”
finest non-public schools” she had ever Other praises about the school included in
seen, with “spectacular” staff team work the report were:
that support all the functions of the
• Clear focus on the student;
program. This review occurs every three
years to certify that a school is operating • Proactive/preventative behavior
under California law. State workers rate intervention in the classroom facili-
EDGEWOOD
Want to help keep the Eagles
strong and fit? Gift them an
compliance across more than fifty areas:
administrative, personnel, curriculum,
safety, records, etc. The process is a
tating the student’s ability to focus
on the instruction, and the teacher’s
ability to teach;
lengthy one. Two weeks prior to the
item from their wish list: State visiting the site a report is sent to
• Amazing technology integration;
• Baseball Bats (youth size) Sacramento. A team of reviewers then • Wonderful reinforcement programs
visits the site to track eight students. The in the classroom to support behav-
• Baseball Gloves selected students are followed, their files ioral goals;
are reviewed, they are observed in class,
• Basketballs (regular or indoor) and their behavioral health treatment • Fabulous structured physical educa-
plan is examined. This year, Edgewood tion program;
• Basketball Hoop (portable)
teachers were commended for their • Excellent nursing staff;
• Bicycles rigorous instruction and interesting lesson
plans. Therapeutic Behavior Coaches • Well-written student progress
• Bicycle Helmets (coaches who provide one-on-one reports.
behavioral interventions to emotionally Congratulations to all the Edgewood
• BPA-free water bottles
disturbed youth and their caregivers to Non-Public School staff for all their hard
• Cleats help them reduce and/or manage their work.
• Footballs
• Helmets/Pads for Biking or Skating
• Light Free Weights
• Skateboards
• Soccer Balls/Shin Guards
• Sports Illustrated Magazine
Subscription
• Tennis balls (new or used)
• Whiffle Balls and Bats
• Yoga Mats
To schedule a time to bring a donation
to Edgewood, please call Akiko Ebina at
415.682.3200, email her at Pine Pod houses the classrooms for the younger Non-Public School students. Special Education teachers create and
akikoe@edgewood.org, or visit implement individualized learning plans based on each student’s specific needs. Instruction focuses on core academic
edgewood.org/getinvolved/ways-to-give. subject matter and critical social skills instruction.
Learn more about Edgewood Non-Public School, visit edgewood.org/whatwedo/non-public-school.html. 3
4. Who is a kinship caregiver? A kinship caregiver is a relative or friend who is raising someone else’s child in the absence of the biological parents. They can be
grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends who have a personal relationship with the youth or with one or both of the parents.
We Say No to Kinship Cuts Ms. Debbie Gaspar bravely took over the the first time. I don’t think we would be
primary care for her stepson, Tony, despite able to do this without the services our
Edgewood relies heavily on government chronic health issues, including suffering case manager found for us. We also take
funding. As funding levels decrease, from a hip injury that has required 12 Kayla to recreational activities where she
Edgewood continues to face the difficult surgeries. In 1999, after being turned meets other children who are growing up
task of doing more with less. Edgewood down by three different social service without their biological mom and dad.
Kinship San Mateo is dealing with this agencies, Ms. Gaspar was referred to Edgewood Kinship San Mateo gives her
challenge right now. The San Mateo Edgewood by a social worker. Ms. Gaspar a community that she can’t find in our
County Human Services Agency has was assigned a case manager who taught neighborhood or at her school.”
recommended a $180,000 cut to kinship. her how to navigate the social welfare
This cut reflects 37% of the program’s Because caregivers like the Coles have
system.
entire operating budget and will be this outlet, rates of abuse and neglect are
devastating to this landmark program. Edgewood San Mateo is more than an lower among these families than rates for
Without these funds, the following agency for Ms. Gaspar; it is family. She foster care placements. Unmet caregiver
services are in jeopardy of being scaled says, “Kinship support groups connect need is the primary cause for a child to
back or cut completely: caregivers with peers. You can share enter foster care.
things with a safe, non-judging group.”
• Case management; It is essential San Mateo Human
This sentiment is echoed by Mr. and Mrs. Services Agency continue to fully fund
• Family counseling; Cole, who at ages 77 and 72 are raising the kinship program so Edgewood can
their seven year old granddaughter Kayla. continue to provide support for the
• Community health services;
“It is a different world to raise children ongoing and critical needs of kinship
• Support groups; than it was 40 years ago when we did it caregivers and the children they raise.
• Childcare;
Do you live in San Mateo County? Please consider calling your
• Recreational activities. supervisor on behalf of Edgewood.
Edgewood is the only agency in San
Mateo County that provides social services District 1: Dave Pine, 650.363.4571
specifically aimed toward the needs of
kinship caregivers. 2,011 respite hours District 2: Carole Groom, 650.363.4568
were provided last year alone. These
District 3: Don Horsley, 650.363.4569
hours make a difference. 97% of the
children served remain in a stable home District 4: Rose Jacobs Gibson, 650.363.4570
environment with the primary caregiver
involved with the program.
4 Send an automated email to San Mateo County supervisors, visit edgewood.org/whatwedo/advocacy.html.
5. Volunteer activities
Thank You Rebuilding Together, Webcor Builders, and Jensen Corporation for Volunteering in
Support of the Edgewood Garden Learning Center
National Rebuilding Together Day, Saturday, April 30, 2011 All photographs courtesy of Yolanda Mendoza.
Want to contribute to the Edgewood Garden Learning Center? Please visit edgewood.org/getinvolved/gardennamingopps.html. 5call
6. Supporters and Events
Family Connections Program Kick-Off Event Thursday, May 19, 2011
featured a barbeque lunch, speeches
from representatives across the state
including: master of ceremonies John
Franz, Lead Program Consultant for
Residential Based Services/Family
Connections Program; Debby Jeter,
Deputy Director, San Francisco Human
Services Agency; Miryam Choca, Senior
Director, California Strategic Consultation,
Casey Family Programs; Greg Rose,
Deputy Director, California Department
of Children’s Services; Carroll Schroeder,
Executive Director, California Alliance of
Child and Family Services; and a family
panel. City and State officials applauded
the shift in the type of residential
Edgewood Family Connections Program staff. Serving families with children who up until now have required extended
care Family Connections Program
placements in high level group homes, the Family Connections Program uses a methodology that fundamentally
transforms the nature of traditional residential services.
represents. John Franz called the initiative
“groundbreaking, no other state has
Edgewood is pleased to be a participant “transform the current system of group done this level of collaboration between
in the Family Connections Program care for foster children,” will deliver state, county, and federal government.”
along with the City and County of San enhanced services to families.“A unique and Greg Rose referred to the passing
Francisco, St. Vincent’s School for Boys, aspect of RBS is that each child or youth of Assembly Bill 1453 as “leading the
and Seneca Center. Part of a state-wide and family will experience continuity of pathway to permanency . . . this reminds
pilot project to offer Residentially Based care across living environments,” said me of why I entered social work in the
Services (RBS) to improve outcomes Debby Jeter, Deputy Director of the San first place.”
for children and youth, the goal of Francisco Human Services Agency, Family Family panel participant Yolanda could
Family Connections Program is to help & Children Services Division. “The same already feel the impact the program has
children, youth and their families achieve direct care team will remain consistent had on her family in the short time the
and sustain positive and permanent whether the child or youth is in a program has been in existence. “It is so
relationships. Family Connections residential cottage, in a foster or relative nice to be included in the process. The
Program provides a comprehensive array caregiver home, or back home with their staff actually wants to know how I’m
of services for families who have highly family.” doing whenever I visit. I like to hang out
disrupted relationships and need support with the other kids. We baked cupcakes
An event was held at Edgewood San
to reconnect. This pilot project, a result together.”
Francisco to kick off the program that
of Assembly Bill 1453 which strives to
Miryam Choca summed up the research
behind the program best with the simple
Family Connections Program Guiding Principles statement, “kids do better in families.”
• Respect the family’s culture, individuality, and humanity
• Focus and build plans of care on the individual strengths, needs and goals
• Ensure active and equitable family participation
• Understand and support the emotional, behavioral, intellectual and
physical development of children and youth
• Help children and youth to: replace behaviors requiring residential
placement with pro-social alternatives that best express and address their
unmet needs; develop and sustain positive connections and remain safely Edgewood staff led tours in the newly refurbished
with family, school and communities Halleck residential cottage, home of the Family
Connections Program.
6 Learn more at edgewood.org/whatwedo/intensive/familyconnectionsprogram.html.
7. The 45th Annual Edgewood Fair: San Francisco Days, San Francisco Nights, May 3 - 4, 2011
The Golden Gate Club, The Presidio
Thank you to the Edgewood Auxiliary and
the many generous supporters of the
45th Annual Edgewood Fair, San
Francisco Days, San Francisco Nights.
This two-day social and shopping
extravaganza featured the very best of
the City by the Bay and helped raise
vital funds that go directly towards the
children, families and communities served
by Edgewood. With a flair for all that is
quintessential San Francisco, including
special lunch speaker, Armistead Maupin,
Kelly Wyllie, Sponsorship Chair; Meg Heinicke, Fair Chair; and Dr. Robin Randall, Medical Dir. author of Tales of the City, it truly was “A
Janet Lautenberger, Auxiliary President with wife Monique Hosein Fair to Remember.”
Super Hero ($10,000+)
Dodge & Cox
Glass Lewis & Co.
Ideas, The Special Events Co., Inc.
Verizon Wireless
WDFA Marketing
Hero ($5,000+)
Suzanne and Douglas Baird
British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd.
Kerry Bourdon with Marisa Lori Shigekane, Production Chair Carter Graber; Elizabeth Leep, The Chill Foundation
Scordelis, Lunch Chairs with Jennifer Marples, PR Chair Membership Chair; Laurel Frazier
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Susan and Bill Oberndorf
Kim and Jeffrey Qvale
Wildcat Cove Foundation
Guardian ($2,500+)
CAL Insurance and Associates, Inc.
Dan and Stacey Case Family Foundation
Julie and Greg Flynn
Joan O. Lautenberger and Margaret
Koniniec
Elizabeth Leep
Mary Ann and Bill Margaretten
The Morrison and Foerster Foundation
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati
Paul B. Holm, Jr., Board President, Donna B. Abrahamson, Board Ifen Carlson with Foundation
Development Chair; Matthew Madaus, CEO Michelle Stauffer
Wells Fargo
All photographs courtesy of Moanalani Jeffrey.
To view expanded photo albums from the event, please visit edgewood.org/getinvolved/partnerships/fair2011sponsors.html. 7
8. The mission of Edgewood Center for Children and Families is to strengthen
children, youth, families, and their communities through service, training,
advocacy, and research.
NONPROFIT ORG.
SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS EDGEWOOD SAN MATEO EDGEWOOD SAN BRUNO U.S. POSTAGE PAID
1801 VICENTE STREET 957 INDUSTRIAL ROAD, SUITE B DROP-IN CENTER SAN FRANCISCO, CA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116 SAN CARLOS, CA 94070 931 SAN BRUNO AVENUE, STE. #1
PERMIT NO. 7055
TEL: 415.681.3211 TEL: 800.496.3019 SAN BRUNO, CA 94066
TEL: 415.375.7626
EDGEWOOD.ORG
Address change requested.
Edgewood. 160 Years of Transforming Lives and Restoring Hope. Since 1851.
2011
In 1911, the San Francisco Protestant Orphanage Asylum (now known as Edgewood)
purchased 17.5 acres of land in Alamo to build Camp Swain. For ten weeks each summer,
Edgewood children enjoyed the warm East Bay sun and all that the camp had to offer. At its
height, the camp included two caretaker homes, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, a dining hall, Please contact Daniel L. Smith, Sr. Events Fundraising
a nursing building and a swimming pool. Edgewood sold the land in 1946 but continued to Manager for sponsorship opportunities at 415.682.3201 or
visit every summer until 1953 when the land was converted to a cattle ranch. events@edgewood.org.
