EMQ FamiliesFirst

Hollygrove Recognized for Full Service Partnership Program

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:28:34 +0000

Reaching Kids Who Need Help Most

With Los Angeles County’s highest success rate, Hollygrove’s Full Service Partnerships (FSP) offers our most intensive program. It serves children ages 0-15 and their families who are struggling with extremely challenging circumstances.

Hollygrove was recognized by the County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health as the leading provider of FSP services for the 2010-2011 fiscal year with the highest percentage of clients meeting their goals (74%) which was accomplished in the briefest period of time (nine months).

Kids served through FSP might otherwise be hospitalized or enter the child welfare system and a potentially downward spiral. Instead we help keep them at home or with safe relatives and provide multiple services for them to recover from mental illness and function in healthy ways.

“I may not have a degree,” said one parent with a child in the program, “but I am an expert on my child. People only see him at his worst. I get to see him at his best. My feedback is critical to his treatment.”

FSP actively seeks out children who lack or are not receiving sufficient services. They may be at risk of expulsion from school, have been or are at risk of being removed from home, exhibit violent behaviors, abuse drugs or alcohol, or have been in the juvenile justice system.

Kids served by FSP are from low income families which tend to be isolated and alone. In the case of a family in need of food assistance, our staff might take the mother to a local food bank. Once there, the two also volunteer together and help others. What began as a possibly degrading experience becomes uplifting. The mother is not only empowered but linked to other volunteers and the larger community.

Although intensive mental health services are the cornerstone of the program, FSP also offers case management services, medication services, and assistance with transportation, living expenses, housing and food. FSP is not only a partnership between staff and the children and families, but also a partnership with donors like you who offer support and make some of the additional services available allowing us to do whatever it takes to offer healing and hope to kids and their families.

Sacramento Community Comes Together to Raise Funds for Kids in Crisis

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:36:49 +0000

Capital CityCaper supports EMQ FamiliesFirst programs that help children and families recover from trauma and abuse.

SACRAMENTO, CA – May 10, 2012 – EMQ FamiliesFirst’s Capital City Caper on April 22, 2012 was a success in raising funds to continue and support various programs that help Sacramento-area children and families in crisis. The event raised more than $85,000 for services like the Yolo Crisis Nursery, Family Finding for foster teens, and Residential 24/7 Treatment.

There were 200 super sleuths—pirates, “Men in Black,” Cruella De Vil with 101 Dalmatians, gamblers—teaming together to solve clues at secret sites aroundSacramento. Neumann Enterprises provided a fleet of 23 limos, buses, H2 Hummers for the teams to travel from clue site to clue site. The following first place winning teams now own bragging rights for their categories: Union Bank of California, Scotland Yard level; VSP Vision Care, Get Smart level; Tom Cicchini and the “1%,” Inspector Gadget level.

Amy Lewis, news anchor for local KFBK news radio, was the event’s emcee for the evening with Dave Bender, CBS13, serving as auctioneer for the live auction. Major donors were U.S. Bank, Union Bank of California, Wells Fargo Bank, Donald & Linda Russell, R.E.T.S. Associates, VSP Vision Care and Dr. Michael Uro. For a full list of other sponsors and major in-kind donors, visit http://www.emqff.org/capcaper/specialthanks.html).

The six secret sites for the event were Memorial Auditorium, 58 Deg. & Holding, Caverna Fifty Seven, REI,SacramentoAutomobileMuseumand Julius.

About EMQ FamiliesFirst

EMQ FamiliesFirst does whatever it takes to help children and families in crisis. The agency is recognized for innovative mental health treatment, foster care and social services that help families recover from trauma, abuse and addiction, and rebuild their lives. EMQ FamiliesFirst fights for sustainable change and advocates for improvements in the local, state and federal systems that serve children in need. For more information, please visit http://www.emqff.org.

Celebrities Support Hollygrove, 100 Years in Hollywood

admin2 — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:14:29 +0000

Hollygrove celebrated 100 years in Hollywood on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Having once been the home of Marilyn Monroe, Hollygrove now serves more underprivilaged kids in the Los Angeles area than ever before.

Mental Health Treatment Newly Available at Clinics

California Health Report — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:13:01 +0000

To prepare for healthcare reform, many health communities around California are transitioning toward what they will resemble in 2014. The biggest change happening is that community clinics will be centers of care; low-income patients will have access to primary care, prescriptions and… [Read more]

DSM-5 Debate: Committee Backs off Some Changes, Re-opens Comments

Time - Healthland — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:12:55 +0000

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has opened it’s website for public comments after dropping two controversial new diagnoses. The DSM classifies all mental disorders and determines those that are abnormal, need to be covered by insurance or need educational services. Time Healthland Article.

Kids Lives Turn Around at Hollygrove

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:15:51 +0000

Each year in Los Angeles, thousands of children are reported abused and over 100,000 kids are in foster care. Without the support of private donors, like you, the programs of Hollygrove would not survive. Hear stories about how donations have helped change the lives of Hollygrove children.

Thanks to Roger.tv for producing this video.

Hollywood Helps Hollygrove Raise More Than $150,000 At 100 Year Anniversary Event

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:24:26 +0000

Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Busy Philipps, Mary McCormack, and Rob Reiner Join Juicy Couture to Raise Funds for Los Angeles’ Children in Crisis

HOLLYWOOD,CA, April 26, 2012 – Celebrities and Hollywood insiders joined forces last night at The Hollywood Museum in the historical Max Factor building to support the children in crisis and their families in Hollygrove’s programs while raising more than $150,000. “Hooray for Hollygrove– Celebrating 100 Years in Hollywood”, Presented by Juicy Couture, was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Busy Philipps, and Mary McCormack with Rob Reiner serving as the night’s Master of Ceremonies.

Hollygrove is a non-profit organization focused on helping children recover from trauma, abuse and addiction, and ensuring that families thrive. “Hooray for Hollygrove,” a milestone 100^th anniversary event, featured an exclusive cocktail reception, dinner, live auction and program highlighting the best of Hollygrove – then and now. Attendees also got a special sneak preview of the young Norma Jean exhibit, featuring memorabilia from one of Hollygrove’s most famous residents, who later became known as Marilyn Monroe. Several Hollygrove artifacts were on display from the 1930s when Marilyn Monroe lived at Hollygrove for 18 months.

“We hope that people will see that everyone, even celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, can need help,” said Darrell Evora, CEO of EMQ FamiliesFirst, the parent organization of Hollygrove. “Today we’re continuing to do whatever it takes to help kids in crisis thrive. Thanks to the support of the Hollywood community we’re helping more children and their family members today than we ever have in the history of Hollygrove.”

Live auction items such as a set visit to AMC’s hit show Mad Men, results show tickets to American Idol, and a three-night exclusive-resort vacation garnered more than $60,000 for Hollygrove. Additional items including a walk-on role on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, a “pitch” lunch with Sherryl Clark at Bad Robot Productions, and VIP Shopping Experience at Juicy Couture in Beverly Hills are still being auctioned online at http://www.charitybuzz.com/search?keywords=hollygrove through May 9.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hollygrove on their 100 Year Anniversary Event,” said LeAnn Nealz, President and Chief Creative Officer of Juicy Couture. “Hollygrove has a rich history of caring for the most vulnerable children in the Los Angeles area. We at Juicy Couture are proud to be associated with such an incredible organization.”

Since its inception, Hollygrove has cared for more than 25,000 children. In 1911, Hollygrove opened its doors in Hollywood with property donated by Senator Cornelius Cole (on the same plot as Paramount Studios) so that orphans could be in the country fresh air. In 2006, Hollygrove opened its campus to the community and began school-based and home-based services. Today, innovative programs relying exclusively on private funding include: Camp Hollygrove; the Endless Summer therapeutic after school program; Project Fatherhood; and Family Finding for foster care youth.

About Hollygrove

Hollygrove now serves more kids than ever before in its 100-year history in Hollywood. Hollygrove is the Los Angeles division of EMQ FamiliesFirst, the largest children’s behavioral health provider in the western United States. The agency is recognized for innovative mental health treatment, foster care and social services that help families recover from trauma, abuse and addiction, and rebuild their lives. EMQ FamiliesFirst fights for sustainable change and advocates for improvements in the local, state and federal systems that serve children in need. For more information, please visit http://www.emqff.org

About Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture embraces the bright and glamorous fun of its Los Angeles heritage by discovering the couture in the everyday, and delivering an element of surprise in all of its designs. Famous for ascending the tracksuit to its status as a casual luxury icon, the brand continues to evolve, bringing the same confident, whimsical and feminine attitude to everything it creates. Today, the global phenomenon offers an assortment that spans fashion apparel for women, girls and baby, handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear, fragrance, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses and small goods. Started by two fashion-obsessed friends in 1997, Juicy Couture quickly achieved global recognition and garnered millions of fans, many with famous faces. In 2003, Liz Claiborne Inc. acquired the company, and in 2010, Juicy Couture tapped LeAnn Nealz as Chief Creative Officer and President to guide the brand into its next phase of growth, while preserving the house’s playful and unique DNA. North America is home to over 100 Juicy Couture and Juicy Couture Outlet stores. You can also shop Juicy Couture in select department stores, online at JuicyCouture.com and in over 60 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Editorial Contacts:

Elizabeth Rosenberg for Hollygrove, EMQ Families First
310-598-0131
elizabeth@loftmkt.com

Kristine Austin,
Hollygrove, an EMQ FamiliesFirst agency
408-718-8446
kaustin@emqff.org

Child Abuse Prevention Month

KFBK News Talk Radio — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:34:33 +0000

Mike Simpson from KFBK News Talk Radio interviews survivors of abuse raise awareness and help prevent child neglect and abuse for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Jason, a former resident of EMQ FamiliesFirst speaks of the home and love he was able to find after surviving physical abuse. Listen to the stories of these kids who experienced an overwhelming amount of neglect and abuse.

Using a Blood Test, Researchers ID Depression in Teens

ABC News — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:33:42 +0000

Diagnosis of depression in teenagers has always depended upon the teens willingness to report symptoms but researchers have now found that a blood test can diagnose depression. By studying rats with genetic and environmental predispositions for depression, researchers were able to identify 28 markers of depression. After studying teenagers, researchers found 11 of those markers in teens with depression. ABC News Article.

Foster Care and Adoption Services (FCAS)

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:55:43 +0000

The Foster Care and Adoption Services (FCAS) of EMQ FamiliesFirst is dedicated to keeping children safe at home with their families. In cases where a child’s personal safety is at risk, the court may ask EMQ FamiliesFirst to place the child with a certified, trained foster family until he or she can be reunified with other healthy family members. EMQ FamiliesFirst will work directly with the immediate and extended biological family to facilitate reunification and permanency. For more information, read about the Family Finding program at EMQ FamiliesFirst.

FCAS programs cover counties throughout California. Many counties also offer Intensive Treatment Foster Care. Please check to see what services are offered in your county.

Colorado Mental-Health First-Aid Program Wins National Award

The Denver Post — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:04:55 +0000

Mental Health First Aid Colorado has won the 2012 Best Community Impact Award from Mental Health First Aid USA for combining private and public partnerships to train others to detect emotional crises. Mental health first-aid is a 12 hour training course that shows people how to help someone who is showing signs of emotional crises or developing a mental-health problem. The Denver Post article.

Supervisor Neil Derry Visits Inland Empire

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:11:13 +0000

Supervisor Neil Derry, Third District Supervisor for the County of San Bernardino, attended a meet and greet with Regional Executive Director Armando Ontiveros of EMQ FamiliesFirst. During the visit, Armando shared with Supervisor Derry the Family Finding program of EMQ FamiliesFirst and a video which highlights the programs success. He also pointed out the interest EMQ FamiliesFirst has for continued partnerships with the County as they begin to realign programs that serve the needs of children and families in crisis through prevention and early intervention.

Supervisor Neil Derry (Left) with Inland Empire Regional Executive Director, Armando Ontiveros.

ADHD Diagnoses In Children Up 66 Percent

Huffington Post — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:03:02 +0000

A new study finds that diagnoses of ADHD in chilren have risen 66 percent in the last ten years. The study did not focus on new diagnoses, but rather the increase in the number of ADHD related doctor visits. This study fuels the ongoing debate of whether or not ADHD has a tendency to be over-diagnosed. Huffington Post article.

Study of ‘Meth Babies’ Finds Behavior Problems

Associated Press — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:52:13 +0000

A new study suggests that when used during precnancy, methamphetamine leads to higher risk of behavioral problems in young children. Meth babies are smaller in size, are prone to drowsiness and stress and when older, show signs of anxiety, depression and moodiness. Although it is unknown whether problems persist in “meth babies”, meth has a strong effect on the brain and it may be more likely than cocaine to leave lasting effects on children. Associated Press article.

Child Abuse Costs Victims $200,000 Over A Lifetime, Report Finds

Huffington Post — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:55:05 +0000

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that victims of physical, psychological, sexual abuse or neglect as a child will cost them more than $200,000 over the course of a lifetime. This number takes medical care, criminal justice, child welfare and lost productivity as an adult costs into account. The report also finds that someone abused or neglected as a child will earn $5,000 less a year than someone who did not endure abuse.
Huffington Post article.

Nursery Teacher Has ‘A Heart for Children’

Davis Enterprise — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:54:58 +0000

The Rotary Club of Davis presented their first “Have a Heart for Children” award to Nancy Kam, a preschool teacher at the Yolo Crisis Nursery. The award was presented at an annual fundraiser which has raised over $300,000 for child abuse prevention programs in the last 12 years.
Davis Enterprise article

Caper Supports Yolo Crisis Nursery

Davis Enterprise — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:36:30 +0000

The Capital City Caper, a limousine scavenger hunt, benefits EMQ FamiliesFirst the host agency for the Yolo Crisis Nursery. Teams of eight will solve clues and riddles around Sacramento and then enjoy a buffet, live auction and prizes all while raising money for children and families in crisis.
Davis Enterprise Article

First Unforgettable Hearts Awards Honors Armando Ontiveros

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:31:50 +0000

Inland Empire Executive Director Noted for Helping Children and Families

Unforgettables Foundation awarded their Unforgettable Hearts Award to Armando Ontiveros, Inland Empire regional executive director of EMQ FamiliesFirst. The award recognized Armando’s hard work, dedication and “big heart.” The foundation held their inaugural Unforgettable Hearts Award Luncheon on Valentine’s Day to honor all of those people with the “biggest hearts” in the Inland Empire. Those recognized have made a profound difference in the lives of many children and families.

Armando has worked with EMQ FamiliesFirst for six years and has spent over 26 years working with organizations that help children and families in crisis. Armando played an instrumental part in the collaboration with the Inland Regional Center for the development of California’s first Wraparound Program and the first Wraparound Crisis Stabilization Program.

: Assemblyman Mike Morell (left) with Armando Ontiveros at the Unforgettable Hearts Award Luncheon.

For more information, please contact Gwendolyn Rodgers at (909) 266-2774 or gwendolyn.rodgers@emqff.org

EMQ FamiliesFirst Helps Give Hope to a Foster Child With Anxiety, Depression and Low Self-Esteem

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:29:56 +0000

Former Foster Teen Aspires to be Country’s First African-American Female President

CAMPBELL, CA – Feb. 29, 2012 – When Adrian was six she and her older sister were removed from their home because of abuse and severe neglect. A drug-addicted mother and a drug-dealing pimp father were what they knew as family. Adrian and her sister entered “the system” and a pattern of many different placements in foster homes. Adrian was anxious and insecure, and wondered why she had been chosen for such a terrible life. She spent her young years just trying to survive and yearned for a family to love her.

Then Adrian was placed in a certified foster home with EMQ FamiliesFirst, California’s largest social services agency for children in crisis (http://www.emqff.org/index.html). She received weekly visits from her social worker and was enrolled in a new, engaging school. She began to thrive.

Adrian had compensated for her insecurity by being “the bad girl” but now realized that to succeed, she was going to have to change. EMQ FamiliesFirst pitched in to locate a tutor to help Adrian catch up on her studies. Eventually, the painful but necessary separation from her troubled sister helped her to concentrate on her own work and behavior.

From that point, she took advantage of every opportunity to succeed. In high school, she was invited to attend several youth leadership programs: the Junior Statesmen of America summer program followed the next year by the Global Young Leader Conference in Europe, a summer session at Washington University in St. Louis and finally an invitation to attend the Presidential Youth Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Attending President Obama’s inauguration inspired her dream of becoming president.

Adrian graduated from high school with an impressive 3.62 GPA and was accepted to one of the country’s most prestigious universities. Before leaving for college, EMQ FamiliesFirst awarded Adrian a donor-funded, $4,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of textbooks and supplies.

Adrian said, “My first year has been bumpy, but overall I have truly grown to know who I am and who I want to be. My school is by far one of the best universities for exploring your talents and broadening one’s intellect. I’m really excited for my second year.” Adrian continues to attend academic seminars and has become involved with Running Start, an organization dedicated to inspiring young women to run for political office.

She credits many with helping her get to where she is today – including teachers, social workers, donors and EMQ FamiliesFirst.

About EMQ FamiliesFirst

EMQ FamiliesFirst http://www.emqff.org/about/agency/backgrounder.shtml does whatever it takes to help children and families in crisis. The agency is recognized for innovative mental health treatment, foster care http://www.emqff.org/services/foster.shtml and social services that help families recover from trauma, abuse and addiction, and rebuild their lives. EMQ FamiliesFirst fights for sustainable change and advocates for improvements in the local, state and federal systems that serve children in need. For more information, please visit http://www.emqff.org

Editorial Contacts:

Kristine Austin
EMQ FamiliesFirst
(408) 364-4029
kaustin@emqff.org

Sandy Smith for EMQ FamiliesFirst
(310) 560-8372
sandysmithpr@yahoo.com

Young Seek More Mental Health Help

The Independent — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:03:56 +0000

Mental health and depression are among the most common new issues facing youth today. What leads youth to mental disorders? Some reported that family break-ups, pressures of social media and having parents with mental disorders were among some of the reasons. The… [Read more]

Stanford Study Suggests Girls Can ‘Rewire’ Brains to Ward Off Depression

Stanford University — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:55:29 +0000

A Stanford study suggests girls ages 10-14, who are at high risk of depression overreact to negative experiences and images. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and video game experiments, the girls are able to control their negative thoughts and react less to stressors. Stanford University article

Yolo Crisis Nursery Welcomes Family Justice Center

Davis Enterprise — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:24:56 +0000

The Yolo Family Justice Center is now open. The center is a place where families dealing with violence can address all of their needs and allows for organizations and law enforcement to work together to help heal families in need. The Yolo Crisis Nursery, working closely with the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center, is extremely thankful for the Yolo Family Justice Center and all the help and hope they bring to those in need.
Davis Enterprise article

Fleet Feet Owners Support Crisis Nursery

Davis Enterprise — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:06:08 +0000

Clients of the Yolo Crisis Nursery never go without on Christmas because donors and families are matched based on needs and what the donors can afford to donate. Owners of Fleet Feet in Davis, J.D. and Chris Denton are well known for donating a dozen shoes to the program in the past but this year, they donated well over that amount to the nursery.
Davis Enterprise article

Volunteer for the Happy Dragon

San Jose Mercury News — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:32:24 +0000

The Happy Dragon Thrift Shop is seeking new volunteers for at least three days a month. The thrift shop raises funds for EMQ FamiliesFirst and is a great place to find clothing and collectibles.
San Jose Mercury News article

Yolo Crisis Nursery: Dads Need Help, Too

Davis Enterprise — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:49:28 +0000

When one father found himself alone with two young children and nowhere to live, the Yolo Crisis Nursery came to his aid. The nursery provided a safe and loving environment for the children while their father worked and they also provided housing assistance and counseling services to help the family cope with their new situation. Davis Enterprise article

Yolo Crisis Nursery Saves Families, and Lives

Davis Enterprise — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:41:50 +0000

Amanda knew she was going to be hospitalized for a growing medical condition. What she did not know was how she was going to keep her daughter safe while she was in the hospital. She turned to the Yolo Crisis Nursery for help. The nursery quickly stepped into action when Amanda was hospitalized and kept her daughter safe. Once healthy, Amanda and her daughter were able to receive other basic necessities. Davis Enterprise article

Sacramento County Starts Mental Health Campaign

CaliforniaHealthline — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:01:37 +0000

In January, Sacramento County dedicated $800,000 on a campaign which will encourage individuals to seek treatment and increase awareness of mental illness. This County campaign is in conjunction with a statewide $12 million campaign. CaliforniaHealthline article.

New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

NY Times — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:45:31 +0000

A new definition of autism could significantly reduce the amount of people being diagnosed. This new definition would make it more difficult for many people who would not meet the new defintion to receive medical, educational and social services. [Read more]

Deep Brain Stimulation May Help Treat Mental Illness

CNN — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:23:33 +0000

A new study says mentally ill patients may benefit from battery powered electrodes implanted into their brains which deliver small electrical charges to mood controlling brain circuits. The procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), has treated movement disorders in the past but use for mental illness is experimental. Subjects who were studied were thought to be severely depressed, with a Hamilton score of 20 or above. After a two year test period, 92% of subjects experienced a response (a drop of 50% in Hamilton score) and 58% were in remission (Hamilton score below 8).
CNN Article

Gov. Jerry Brown Calls for Historic Shuttering of State’s Notorious Youth Prison System

San Jose Mercury News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:05:36 +0000

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s blueprint budget,California may become the only state to close all youth prisons. The responsibility of jailing youth would be turned over to local governments. The number of youths in custody has dropped significantly from 10,000 in 1996 to 1,100 today. Brown has given counties one year and $10 million to prepare for the changing needs of the jail systems if legislature approves this plan. San Jose Mercury News article.