Vignettes

Meet Adam
Meet Amy
Meet Bill
Meet Chris
Meet Derek
Meet Jon
Meet Peter
Meet Tyler
Meet a few of our Academy students

Meet Adam

Imagine yourself a 14 year old adolescent whose stepfather greeted you each day with expressions such as "you are not wanted," "you do not measure up to my expectations," or "you should be like your brother."

Adam's natural father, preoccupied with the many problems his divorce created, had little time to offer Adam any emotional support.

Adjusting to his parents' divorce was very difficult for Adam. He became depressed, combative, confused and harbored bitterness and resentment towards his natural parents and stepfather.

NHS therapists readily recognized the signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and created a treatment plan which focused on developing Adam's strengths and a new vision for managing his life.

Adam's therapy sessions focused on building his self-confidence and helping him better understand and adapt to his family structure. With continuing sessions, Adam began to realize he was not responsible for his parents' divorce and responded wonderfully to the introduction of new strategies aimed at resolving conflicts with himself, peers and family members.

Adam's therapy has dramatically changed his life, for the better.

Several months ago, an NHS mobile therapist visited Adam's high school and discovered Adam was elected as student council vice-president!

Next year, Adam's goal is to become student council president!

Meet Amy

Amy began receiving treatment at Northwestern Human Services around the age of 12 utilizing the children's intensive case management service. At that time, Amy was dealing with depression and anxiety resulting in repeated suicide attempts and self-mutilation. Amy found herself in and out of hospitals due to her disorder and eventually moved out of her mother's home and into Wordsworth Residential Program. Amy enrolled in Wordsworth Academy for her academics.

At the age of 16, Amy found herself pregnant and had to move out of Wordsworth Residential Program and into foster homes. After the birth of her child, Amy retained custody of her child for 3 months. Unfortunately, Amy was still struggling with her mental illness and continued to have frequent hospital stays. Although it was a difficult decision, Amy's child, who by then had been placed in foster care, eventually ended up getting adopted. Amy feels she made the right decision and with the help of Children and Youth, Amy continues to give presents on holidays and her child's birthday.

Amy moved back into her mom and step-dad's home and graduated from Wordsworth Academy in 1999. Since then, Amy has gained control of her mental illness, decreased her hospitalizations and has weaned off of psychotropic medications. She has also completed a certification in child day care management and has been in the workforce for the past three years. Amy is currently working full time and like others found financial difficulties with credit cards. With the help of adult intensive case management with Northwestern Human Services, Amy has linked up with a debt solutions company and is rapidly depleting her debt. She is seeing an individual therapist one time a week and has also found enjoyment with the compeer program.

Amy is working hard emotionally and financially. She is hoping to one day be in her own apartment and enroll in a community college to study social work.

Meet Bill

Life has never been more special for Bill.

Riding a riverboat, visiting a waterpark and museum and yes, fishing too. These are extraordinary moments for 80 year old Bill. The types of moments which were difficult to imagine while being institutionalized for over 70 years.

Bill began living life to its fullest three years ago after moving into an NHS group home where the NHS staff have introduced him to many new life experiences.

The NHS staff did not let Bill's cerebral palsy which confines him to a wheelchair, restrict him from enjoying all life has to offer.

The riverboat cruise, visiting a waterpark and museums and fishing, all became a reality for Bill in the last three years. Camping has become Bill's new favorite activity and this past summer he thoroughly enjoyed a 10-day visit to a northeastern Pennsylvania lake resort.

The NHS staff continues to help Bill enjoy his life to its fullest.

Meet Chris

"Dad, look at this." Beautiful words for the parents of Chris to hear.

Chris has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder before being treated by NHS therapists as part of the federal EPSDT, Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program.

Chris was not verbalizing and tantrums were a frequent occurrence.

NHS therapists developed a treatment plan, which focused on developing his attention span, vocabulary, play skills and self-help skills. At the time, Chris's physician recommended medicating Chris to help with his attention span.

NHS therapists worked with Chris for a summer and achieved remarkable results. Chris has greatly developed his attention span, works at vocabulary tasks such as labeling cards and looking at children's books.

Chris has excelled through all therapy phases at a rapid pace of one a month and is now actively engaging with others in his environment.

Chris's parents are thrilled and his physician recently has commented on his successful treatment.

Meet Derek

31 year old Derek has been an NHS consumer for years.

He is a dually diagnosed (symptoms of mental health illness/mental retardation) individual whose life has been greatly improved by the NHS nursing staff.

Derek suffered for many years with tuberous sclerosis, which caused renal failure of both kidneys. Derek's condition required dialysis treatments three times a week for several years. He was unable to place his name on the national kidney donor list and one hospital denied a kidney transplant.

The NHS nursing staff and his family members worked passionately and diligently with Philadelphia's Einstein Hospital representatives for over 18 months to help Derek receive a kidney transplant. The transplant was a success and thankfully, Derek can now sustain a regular diet and no longer requires dialysis.

Today, Derek holds a job, participates in community outings and now spends more time with his family. He is very happy, enjoying his life to the fullest each day.

Meet Jon

"I was able to succeed due to being in a great foster home, with support, love and people who listened and cared."

These are the words of Jon, a 19-year-old senior enrolled in a Pennsylvania auto mechanic vocational education program. Jon also volunteers for a dog rescue agency and plans to enhance his independent living skills by moving into his own apartment near the foster care family referenced above.

A remarkable achievement for a young man who tragically lost his father in a drug-related incident at age 3. Jon's mother habitually used drugs and alcohol, was physically and emotionally abusive and incarcerated several times.

In his early teens, Jon started to sell drugs to feed he and his sister.

Jon was placed at the Northwestern Academy in 1999 and in November, 1999, following his departure from the Academy, Jon was placed in Northwestern's Therapeutic Family Care program where he held a part-time job and enjoyed playing basketball and baseball.

After a troubling childhood, Jon now enjoys an active, fulfilling life.

Jon's advice to other young individuals: "Stay real and be willing to get help from others and give help to others."

Meet Peter

Peter was born a happy, healthy baby. Earlier this year Peter's mother called an NHS therapist to report amazing news. At age four, Peter has just called her "Mom."

Peter's case is a perfect example how lives can be changes with all interested parties working together. It is truly an amazing story.

As he approached two years of age, Peter began to experience a serious loss of previously developed skills. A psychologist delivered a diagnosis any parent would fear: Peter was diagnosed with Autism.

Peter exhibited the classic symptoms associated with autism: no eye contact, loss of interest in others, loss of speech and repetitive play habits. Not unlike other autistic children, Peter was withdrawn and had difficulty responding to questions.

Following his diagnosis, Peter's parents explored various treatment options and hired a consultant specializing in Discrete Trials.

Peter's treatment was also supplemented with wraparound services administered by NHS staff.

Wraparound services address the overall unique needs of a child, including educational, developmental and emotional needs. A therapist provides services by "wrapping" themselves around a child in a home, school or community setting to address their needs. Family involvement is critical throughout each stage of treatment.

After three years of collaboration and hard work with Peter, his parents, NHS staff and his teachers, Peter was successfully discharged from NHS services in December 2001. He is now diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, rather than autism and is fully mainstreamed in a regular education system with minimal supports.

He is now communicative, receptive and exhibits expressive skills. He is able to go to McDonald's and order by himself and enjoys playing T-ball with other children in his community.

Peter, his family and the NHS staff all worked together for three years to change Peter's life - for the better.

Meet Tyler

Tyler is a 9 year old little boy who first received services through Northwestern Human Services in April 1998. He had no functional systems of communication and displayed rigid behavior patterns. Tyler required constant supervision, primarily by his mother, Jackie, who could anticipate his needs. Tyler's daily activities consisted of guttural screaming while jumping in front of the TV licking his hands. Intensive Behavioral Rehabilitation Services were implemented to Target communication, behavior and socialization goals. Given the collaboration between his BHRS team and Jackie, Tyler made substantial gains. Jackie excitedly began to identify goals for Tyler's life - going to kindergarten, having friends and increasing level of independence within the community. She was the heart and motivation of the comprehensive team.

Tragically, Jackie died unexpectedly on December 22, 1998. Tyler's progress spiraled backward while his family and team struggled to put the pieces of his life back in place. The independence the team had systematically been working Tyler towards was suddenly demanded of him. After Jackie's death, Tyler's progress was slow and inconsistent. In addition, Jackie's death benefits threatened his MA eligibility to even receive BHRS services. However, Tyler, his family and team persevered. He attended a private kindergarten in his local community and worked hard to achieve his goals. Today Tyler lives with his maternal grandparents and attends day programming at Clelian Heights School. He communicates through sign language and giggles with classmates. He is a charming and engaging young boy. His current NHS team continues to provide an excellent foundation for his behaviors and fades level of support as his independence increases. I had the pleasure of working with Tyler and Jackie witnessing the true gift of a parent's love. I only see Tyler a few times each year and I'm always surprised as to how much he reminds me of his mother. Tyler may never fully understand what a special person his mother was, but he will continue to flourish under the programs she started. Congratulations Tyler, your mother would be proud!

For more information on Autism services, please contact Karen Markle.

Meet a few of our Academy Students

The Northwestern Academy places a strong emphasis on community service, with cadets completing thousands of hours of activities supporting Red Cross Blood Drives, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and Highway Beautification programs.

Each holiday season, groups of students visit the Geisinger Children's Hospital located in Danville, Pennsylvania to deliver gifts, toys, teddy bears, serve meals, play games with the children and join in the holiday cheer.

It is a beautiful example of how all lives are touched and how the experience helps Academy residents examine their own lives.

The cadets are encouraged to reflect on the experience and describe how they have been affected by their experiences.

A few excerpts from the residents capture the remarkable moments……..

PFC Taft:

"Today was just about the best day I ever had in my life." "Today I learned a lesson not only a lesson but felt pride and joy for the things I did. Today I learned that you shouldn't judge anyone by their looks or by color, or judge people at all because you don't know what they're about or what. they're going through……."

"I wish the best for the kids and groups in there and that they get well and get to go home or just get to live a better life …… and they live a progressive one."

PFC Buch:

"I learned many things in this community service. One thing is that I didn't have a hard life. There are many people that have it much worse than myself. I believe that I will stop taking life for granted and live my life the best I can."

…… "The trip made me think of my mother because my mother works in a similar place but it's not a hospital. I never saw the children that she works with though she told me all about them and the work she does. It makes me work even harder, so I can be successful and make myself and my mother proud."

PFC Olson:

"Thank you for taking me to the Children's Hospital on your own time."

"I thought I had it bad, (but) there was a baby the size of my foot. Kids that are blind, can't see. But it felt god playing cards with this one girl who can not see the numbers on the card……. Because she could not see. She looked very grateful that she had fun with someone unexpected. I got to know her, asked her what music she likes, what she like to do. And she acted like I was her brother. And I acted like she was my sister……

"Then it was time to go, she waved her hand and said nice meeting you and then the best part of all, her mom said thank you. And she meant it.
Probably 3 ½ months ago it's sad I would probably make fun of her. But I don't even think about saying anything negative to her."

PFC St. Clair:

"I didn't know what to think before I got there. It went very well, the place was pretty amazing. But I felt a little uncomfortable for the first couple of hours. We got so many compliments on our manners and how we presented ourselves. It made me feel like a new me like you said. It's time to bring out the new you and that's what happened."

PFC Durrette

"There was one little girl that as soon as I gave her the bear she snatched it out of my hands like it was something really special. At first, I didn't realize how important the bear could possibly be until I put myself in their shoes."

PFC Santiago

"Thank you for letting me go to the Children's Hospital."

"I just thank God that I was born healthy. Now I realized that there are other people that got it harder than me and I thought that this program was hard but I think that it's harder to be born with no skin or weigh less than a pound. I learned a lot from going to the Children's Hospital and what I learned there …. I brought it back to the Barracks and by telling them what we saw and what we did they felt bad for them and they all prayed that the babies and teenagers would get better."

Unsigned

"I walked into this room and saw this little kid sitting in a wagon eating turkey and I handed him this teddy bear but he couldn't take it, ….. I saw a cast on his arm. I think he just got surgery as he kept trying to reach for it with the hand that had the cast. So, I just reached down and put it in the wagon by his feet. I bent down and with his other hand he wanted to shake my hand and there was a big smile on his face …. soon as he did
that I knew the reason why I was there and what I had to do…….

"And they we both the same, to put a smile on some kids faces and try to put them in a good mood."