ANNUAL REPORT

2017-2018

Supporting Mothers and Children in Huntington

By: Crystal Welch

With generous support from the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Founda-tion, the Huntington-based Healthy Connections coalition employed its first Family Navigator to help pregnant women, mothers, and their families identify and access substance use disorder treatment and support services. Family Navigators are trained social workers who work with a small caseload to develop a unique plan for each client and guide them through the spectrum of resources available in the community. Over the past two years, Healthy Connections has grown and hired two additional Family Navigators who collaborate to provide wraparound services.

Healthy Connections includes organizations providing a wide range of treatment and support services with a membership of more than 30 agencies serving the Huntington area. These agencies include Marshall Health, the Marshall University Department of Psychology, Marshall University Department of Social Work, Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Lily’s Place, River Valley Child Development Services, Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Valley Health Systems Inc., Cabell Huntington Health Department, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Recovery Point WV, City of Huntington, Prestera Center, and more.

Healthy Connections formed in 2017 at the direction of Marshall Health Director of Addiction Services Bob Hansen (currently Director of the State Office of Drug Control Policy) and former Marshall Health psychologist Louis Nieuwenhuizen as a response to the increased incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in the community. Since then, Healthy Connections’ Family Navigators have assisted more than 50 pregnant women and mothers and are currently working with nearly 30 clients. Family Navigators receive referrals from

Pictured:

Healthy Connections Family Navigator Deeidra Beckett,

Marshall Health Director of Addiction Services Bob Hansen,

and Healthy Connections Family Navigator Amanda Patrick

a wide range of Healthy Connections members and partners, including local hospitals, health centers, and Huntington-based Lily’s Place, the first Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Center in the United States.

Healthy Connections’ navigation process starts with a comprehensive needs assessment for each client, followed by offering options for recovery services and making connections with credentialed Peer Recovery Coaches to improve present-life conditions and help set future goals. Family Navigators also help each client with basic life needs, such as housing, utilities, and transportation, along with referring them to a support group specifically geared toward mothers. With permission, Family Navigators will also reach out to family members to facilitate connections and work to build a healthy support network for the baby while supporting the mother to achieve recovery.

During this process, Family Navigators collaborate with state-level support services to promote safety and stability, along with sharing the services of Healthy Connections’ Knowledge In Developmental Steps (KIDS) Clinic. The KIDS Clinic helps children build healthy brains and bodies through healthy relationships early in life. It provides a pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, psychologist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, and social worker all in a one-stop location for children needing these services. Soon, Healthy Connections will also begin offering a specialized child development program designed for children who experienced NAS. This program will be held at the River Valley Center for Addiction Research, Education, and Support (CARES) located in a former daycare center in Huntington. Once a child reaches age five, Healthy Connections collaborates with the educational system to make a smooth transition into school.

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS’ NAVIGATION PROCESS

The Healthy Connections wraparound approach not only provides direct services for families, but it also advocates for the expansion of treatment services and policy change, researches and implements best practices, and seeks to eliminate substance use disorder stigma by educating health care professionals, service providers, local media, and the general public. Healthy Connections coordinates its efforts with a wide variety of other community initiatives that include prevention programs, harm reduction, a continuum of recovery programs, school-based services, and the implementation of Screening/Brief Intervention/Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) to address substance use disorder.

This collaborative approach presented by Healthy Connections, its members, and the community is already starting to turn the tide of substance use disorder in Huntington. The tireless work of dedicated individuals, agencies, and coalitions who believe teamwork and coordination will lead to positive change, along with generous support from organizations like the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation, can and will serve as a model for other communities to help mothers, children, and families live healthy and fulfilling lives by making connections.

Pictured: Healthy Connections Family Navigator

Jessica Saunders, Peer Recovery Coach

Ashley Ellis, and Healthy Connections

Family Navigators Amanda Patrick and

Deeidra Beckett

AWARDS

The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation was selected as the recipient of two different awards in October 2018 because of its funding and advocacy on behalf of the victims of human trafficking and projects that strive to end violence against women in WV. These awards are:

The U.S. Attorney Award for Distinguished Service – Allied Professional Award

For recipients recognized as Champions for Victims of Human Trafficking throughout West Virginia, the award was presented on October 25, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd US Court House in Charleston, WV. In attendance and receiving the award were: Sister Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ, Board Chair; Matthew Bowles, Board Member; and Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ, Executive Director.

The Purple Ribbon Award Given by the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence to recipients who “go beyond their professional commitment through practical and statewide actions to increase safety, raise public awareness, and create hope for change at personal, public, and institutional levels,” this award was presented on Saturday, Octo-ber 27, 2018, during the Purple Gala at the Edgewood Country Club in Charleston, WV. Receiving this award were: Sister Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ, Board Chair; Sister Christine Riley, CSJ, and Sister Kathleen Durkin, CSJ, Board Members; and Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ, Executive Director.

Pictured: Michael B. Stuart, Chief United States Attorney for the WV Southern District; and Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ, Executive Director of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation

Health and Wellness News!

Pictured: Sister Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ, Board Chair of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation; Tracy Chapman (USAWVS), Victim Witness Coordinator for the US Attorney’s Office; and Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ, Executive Director of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation

Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation Grants Awarded FY 2017-2018

Since its creation in 2001, the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in grants. In fiscal year 2017-2018, the Foundation awarded $813,157.00 for grant funding for the following selected projects:

School-Based Health Initiative (SBH):

Belington Community Medical Services - $55,000 - Supports the Counselor for Brandon Wellness Center

Camden-on-Gauley Medical Center - $50,000.00 - School-based health mobile unit to support health services at Summersville Elementary School

Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers - $25,000.00 - Supports the Mental Health Educator position

New River Health Association, Inc. - $25,210.00 - Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Mt. Hope Elementary, Collins Middle, Oak Hill High, and Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Schools

New River Health Association, Inc. - $31,000.00 - Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Nicholas and Raleigh Counties

New River Health Association, Inc. - $27,978.00 - Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Valley Elementary and Valley High Schools

Pendleton Community Care - $34,044.00 Supports the school-based Mental Health Counselor

Pendleton Community Care - $36,779.00 Supports the school-based Mental Health Educator

Rainelle Medical Center - $32,499.00 - Supports the school-based Mental Health Counselor serving seven schools in Greenbrier, Fayette, and Summers Counties

Rainelle Medical Center - $25,721.00 - Supports the school-based Mental Health Educator

The West Virginia Catholic Foundation $139,900.00 - Supports the school-based health programs serving the Catholic Schools of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall Counties

Child Advocacy Programs (CAC):

Burlington United Methodist Family Service - $23,000.00 - Supports the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at Sarah’s House

Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. $10,000.00 - Supports the Direct Service Manager position

Child Youth & Advocacy Center - $8,000.00 Supports the CYAC Therapist position

Marion County Child Advocacy Center $47,481.00 - Supports the Child Advocacy Center Program

Randolph and Tucker CAC - $14,500.00 Supports the Advocacy and Prevention Coordinator

West Virginia Child Advocacy Network $25,000.00 - Continued support of the risk assessment and quality assurance project for the Child Advocacy Centers in WV

Children and Families:

Crittenton Services - Support - $44,550.00 - Supports the Trauma-Informed Elementary Schools (TIES) program

Task Force on Domestic Violence - Hope Inc. - $30,000.00 - Capital grant to renovate the children’s play area in the new shelter

Taylor County Collaborative FRN - $16,495.00 - Supports the Strengthening the Families Initiative at TCCFRN

University Physicians & Surgeons - $50,000.00 - Support for Healthy Connections program

Youth Services System, Inc. - $50,000.00 Support for Lazarus House and Martha & Mary House

Parents as Teachers (PAT):

New River Health Association, Inc. - $11,000.00 - Supports MIHOW Home Visitor Certification

Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation, Inc.

Statements of Financial Position As of June 30, 2018

ASSETS

Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 451,220 Total current assets $ 451,220

Property and Equipment Furniture and fixtures $ 8,081 Less: accumulated depreciation $ 7,925 Total property and equipment $ 156

Other Assets Investments at fair market value $23,740,873 Total assets $24,192,249

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Net Assets Unrestricted $24,192,249

Total liabilities and net assets $24,192,249

Sisters of St. Joseph

Health and Wellness Foundation 137 Mount St. Joseph Road

Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 233-4500

www.ssjhealthandwellnessfoundation.org

Sisters of St. Joseph

Health and Wellness Foundation VISION STATEMENT

The children of West Virginia have resources available to assist them

in living to their fullest potential.

MISSION

The Foundation will make optimal use of its resources in order to promote and support

collaboration and partnership among various local, state, and national groups working

to strengthen the holistic health of children and families in West Virginia.

Board of Directors of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation

Matthew Bowles

Kathleen Durkin, CSJ

James Gordon - Treasurer

Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ -

Chairperson

Christine Riley, CSJ - Secretary

Judith Romano, MD -

Vice Chairperson

Joseph Santer

Ruthann Scherer, CSJ

Becky Shilling Rodocker

Judith Smith Wilkinson

For more information

about the foundation,

contact:

Helen Skormisley, CSJ

Executive Director

(304) 363-4223, helenssj@aol.com

Clara Crinkey

Office and Grants Manager

(304) 233-4500, ssjhwf@aol.com