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Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
a place to Grow2013 Annual Report
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Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
a place to GrowThe seed of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) of Missouri was planted in
1914 when four Presbyterian ministers in Farmington, Missouri established homes for orphans
in the Lead Belt of Missouri. Over the years, our name has changed, but our mission stays the
same: to provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need.
During the past century, the agency has grown by leaps and bounds. And we are still
growing. We’ve been building upon the many successful programs we have in place, and
are always looking for opportunities to expand our programs to meet the needs of today’s
children and families. Our six core programs, which provided hope and healing to 2,200
children and families in 2012, are comprised of the following:
• Residential Treatment
• Community Counseling
• Family Solutions for Kids
• Foster Care Case Management
• Therapeutic Mentoring
• Transitional Living
In 2012, our ministry cared for 233 children in our residential
treatment programs, provided therapeutic mentoring to
587 youngsters and helped 493 children and their families
through our Family Solutions for Kids program. You’ll read
more about our success in the following pages.
We hope that the stories and programs presented in this
report show our efforts to honor the resources you have
entrusted to us. Thank you for recognizing that the work
we do is of critical importance and for giving selflessly in
response to Christ’s call to help hurting children and families.
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In 2012, PCHAS helped 2,200 children and families grow
2,200
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Robert Giegling
a message from our executive Director
The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is “a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.” The writer of
Ecclesiastes knows the joys and pains of change. At the core of our
mission at Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (formerly known
as Children’s Foundation of Mid-America), is the opportunity to help
children and families accept the challenges inherent in change.
In this year’s annual report, we look back on 2012 and the ways we cared
for 2,200 children and families through the six core programs that make
up our continuum of care: Foster Care Case Management, Residential
Treatment, Community Counseling, Family Solutions for Kids, Therapeutic Mentoring and Transitional
Living. Perhaps most meaningful of all are the stories of clients whose lives were transformed by our
dedicated staff who implement each of these programs. Of course, no annual report is complete
without its annual Honor Roll of donors. We are very honored that you have entrusted us with your
gifts of financial support, prayer and voluntary service. Thank you for providing gifts so generously
from the heart.
Looking back, we embraced change ourselves. In January, 2013, the Board of Trustees adopted
a new name that signals a return to our Presbyterian roots: Presbyterian Children’s Homes
and Services of Missouri. As we embrace our roots, we continue to welcome support from
Presbyterian and non-Presbyterian friends who share our commitment to children and families
in need. This past year we embraced the opportunity to form an affiliation with Presbyterian
Children’s Homes and Services of Texas and Louisiana, which has faithfully served children
and families in need since 1903. Together, we’re sharing staff skills, budgeting, strategic
planning and best practices. The affiliation is strengthening both agencies and is
enabling us to serve even more children and families in need.
Of the many seasons recalled in Ecclesiastes 3, I am reminded there is a time
to build, a time to plant, a time to embrace and a time to dance. With
your support, we’ve enjoyed each of these seasons and look forward to
transforming lives from despair to hope for years to come.
Robert Giegling, Executive Director
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a message from our boarD presiDent
As you read through this annual
report I hope you get a sense of
the life-changing impact that
Presbyterian Children’s Homes
and Services has on so many
children and families. It is a joy
and a blessing to see God at
work through this organization.
The need is great and sources of stress on families continue to increase. In 2012 there were far too
many confirmed cases of child abuse in Missouri. Sadly, these and countless other children and their
families do not see themselves with a future of hope. Included in this annual report are success stories
from clients and former clients in our six programs as well as donor and volunteer profiles that speak to
the continued importance of our collective efforts to provide Christ-centered services.
Your involvement enables the caring and dedicated PCHAS staff to make a real difference in the lives
of at-risk children and families. The Board of Trustees sincerely thanks you for your prayers, your time
and your financial support.
Ed Knight, President, Board of Trustees
Ed Knight with children from a PCHAS Group Home
Robert Giegling
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When he was just two years old, Walter’s mother continually beat
him and threatened him. When he was two-and-a-half, he was taken
into foster care. Over the next decade, Walter spent time in a number
of foster homes. But each time, the placement failed; each time the
parents said Walter’s behavior was problematic, and that caring for him
was more than they could manage.
Finally, with the help of a dedicated PCHAS Foster Care Case Manager,
Walter was placed in a loving, nurturing foster home. Slowly but surely,
he began to heal. Now a high school sophomore, Walter is on the
honor roll, has earned a 3.8 grade point average, is a member of the
math club and plays on the football and wrestling teams. His career
goal: to become an engineer.
Children like Walter don’t have much of a chance to succeed without
someone caring for them and watching over them. His case manager,
Laurencia Stikes, is one of our Foster Care Case Management program
heroes, a guardian angel committed to helping children overcome
obstacles, grow strong and mature.
foster care case management a place to Grow a Family
A founding member of the Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, PCHAS places children into loving foster homes.
In 2012, PCHAS’ Foster Care Case Management team served 473 clients; 161 were placed in permanent homes.
473
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Teddy had a lot of trouble with the children at his school
and his teachers were concerned about his emotional
outbursts. His family sought out doctors, psychologists,
neurologists, the Special School District and other
organizations for help. They were overwhelmed and
confused by conflicting advice and multiple
diagnoses. The PCHAS Family Solutions for Kids team
finally got to the root of the problem (Teddy suffers
from Asperger’s Syndrome). They suggested
simple, straightforward methods to help
Teddy deal with his frustrations. He is
doing well in school, and is making
friends while his family remains proud of
his progress.
family solutions for kidsa place to Grow hopeFul
supports struggling families during times of crisis
Family Solutions for Kids provided 13,080 hours of service to children and families during 2012. When surveyed about their experiences with the PCHAS Family Solutions for Kids program, 96% of the families rated their experience as either “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”
13,080
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There is perhaps no feeling worse than the free fall a
child experiences when he or she is abandoned. When
Sherry was 15 years old, her mother left without a word.
Understandably, after this experience, Sherry didn’t trust
anyone. She was angry and bitter and began bullying her
classmates at school. Fortunately, Sherry was placed in a
foster home. Under the watchful eyes of a PCHAS Foster
Care Case Manager and a wise and caring PCHAS
mentor, she has slowly but surely learned to love
herself and others. Today Sherry is surprisingly
strong and resilient, and has the tools she needs
to face future difficult situations.
therapeutic mentoringa place to Grow a
carinG FrienD guidance and support for children and their families
In 2012, we mentored 706 children. Our St. Louis County clients alone received 40,658 hours of mentoring services.
40,658
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A concerned teacher referred Ed and Linda Johnson to
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services’ Community
Counseling Center when their 13-year-old son, Tyler, became very
depressed and unable to concentrate on his studies. A PCHAS
therapist met one-on-one with Tyler while his parents underwent
marriage counseling. During his therapy sessions, Tyler was able
to work through feelings of sadness and anger that stemmed
from witnessing his parents’ arguments. During their sessions,
Tyler’s parents learned how to communicate more effectively with
each other. They also learned that their arguments were having
a devastating effect on Tyler. Six months of therapy has had a
profound impact on the family. Ed and Linda’s relationship has
improved, arguments are rare occurrences, and Tyler is now able to
concentrate on his school work. The PCHAS therapist is proud of
the entire Johnson family.
community counselinga place to Grow hopeFul
experienced, licensed counselors provide help to individuals and families with emotional and psychological challenges
In 2012, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Community Counseling Centers provided 1,641 hours of therapy.
1,641
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When Jennifer was four years old, her mother died from a
drug overdose. Jennifer spent the next eight years living
with her father. He was obsessed with dogs and kept
taking them in, even when there was no room or time
to take care of them. The family eventually cared for 121
dogs. Jennifer was left alone to care for the dogs for days
at a time. She tried to keep the house clean, but it was
impossible. A neighbor complained about the unsanitary
living conditions in the home and Jennifer was taken into
the state’s custody. Luckily, Jennifer was placed in a
PCHAS Residential Treatment Center where caring
and supportive therapists, tutors and mentors give
her the help she needs to heal. Every day Jennifer
is a little less depressed and more able to
concentrate on her school work. She is hoping
to graduate from high school in a few years —
something she didn’t think was possible. We’re
proud of the progress Jennifer has made in a
short amount of time.
residential treatmenta place to Grow conFiDence
provides behavioral, social, academic and spiritual care for children
In 2012, our residential treatment programs provided care and support for 219 children.
219
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When Wanda moved into one of our Transitional Living facilities last
year, she was feeling a little lost. She was doing well in the culinary
arts program at a nearby junior college. She longed for independence,
but there was a lot to learn. Most teenagers’ parents teach them the
life skills that pave the way to independence – practical things like
how to open a checking and a savings account, and how to live on
a budget. But Wanda’s parents abandoned her many years ago, so
PCHAS’ Transitional Living team stepped in to help. Within 18 months,
Wanda moved out of our Transitional Living home and into her very
first apartment. She is excited about her new life of independence and
has every reason to be! She has worked hard and has overcome great
obstacles. Best of all, she knows that if she has questions or challenges,
she can turn to PCHAS staff for guidance and support. Our team “has
her back”.
transitional livinga place to Grow selF-suFFiciency
encourages responsible decision-making, academic progress, and steady employment through independent residential care
8 The average length of stay in PCHAS’ Transitional Living program is eight months
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After suffering abuse at home, Kylie has struggled in school.
She had a very difficult time concentrating and had some
behavioral issues that frustrated her teachers. When she
moved into a PCHAS Residential Treatment Center, she
continued to struggle. But with the help of the intensive
education program at the Center, she started to enjoy
school. In her last semester, she learned that she
really enjoys—and excels at—math. Math skills will
come in handy when Kylie goes to college, where
she plans to study veterinary medicine.
educationa place to Grow briGht Futures
supporting the academic growth of children in our care
of students in PCHAS’ care improved their academic performance.
65%
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learn more aboutFoster care case manaGementWhen children are removed from their homes by the Missouri
Department of Social Services, getting them placed quickly and in a
nurturing home environment is the mission of Presbyterian Children’s
Homes and Services’ Foster Care Case Management program.
Because of the trauma the children have faced in their young lives
(many have been abused or neglected), most of them struggle with
social and emotional difficulties, developmental delays, learning
problems or behavioral challenges. Foster Care Case Managers start
by gathering a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Together, they
create a treatment plan that will support the child and his or her foster
family. They surround each child and family with love, and map out the
most appropriate way to find the child a permanent home.
There are many issues to consider, and sometimes it seems like an uphill
battle. But in 2012, PCHAS reached 110% of its goal for placing children
in permanent homes; 161 children found safe, loving – and permanent--
homes. Children who at one time had little hope are now seeing their
faces in a family portrait they will cherish forever.
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learn more aboutFamily solutions For KiDsEvery family has its challenges, but for some families, the problems
are overwhelming. Family Solutions for Kids case therapists provide
12 to 20 weeks of intensive, in-home intervention for families in crisis.
The program is designed to help a family work through problems
before the problems get out of control. Sometimes it is one child
who is the intended recipient of services—he or she might be angry,
defiant, or missing school—but the entire family receives therapy and
support.
Family Solutions for Kids has quickly made a name for itself among
school teachers, pastors and mental health professionals. It is so suc-
cessful that since the program was founded in 2011, we’ve added a
second team of social workers and there’s a waiting list of children
and families who need our help. The program operates in collabo-
ration with Every Child’s Hope and is funded through the St. Louis
County Children’s Service Fund. Services are available at no charge to
children and families throughout St. Louis County.
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learn more abouttherapeutic mentorinGAll children need guidance and direction to grow and mature. But
many children are faced with making their own way without the
support of a loving family. For these children, PCHAS’ Therapeutic
Mentoring program is a Godsend. PCHAS’ mentoring program
is unique because it includes therapeutic treatment. All of our
mentors are paid professionals with advanced degrees and extensive
experience working with at-risk youth. The program has an excellent
reputation, and is sought by school districts and other organizations.
Every day, we see the success of our efforts in the transformed lives of
the children and families in our care.
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learn more aboutcommunity counselinGThere comes a time in nearly every person’s life when he or she is
knocked out of balance emotionally. The trigger may be a recent
event like a death in the family. It could also stem from issues that
haven’t been dealt with for years. PCHAS’ Community Counseling
program helps people process their feelings and adjust to challenges
with healthy responses.
Because small towns and rural areas often lack the free or low-cost
services that are available in urban areas, Presbyterian Children’s
Homes and Services reaches out to underserved rural communities
in Central Missouri. PCHAS Community Counseling centers provide
individual and group therapy for children, adults, adolescents and
families. Experienced, licensed clinicians help people who are
wrestling with parent/child conflicts, divorce, retirement, depression,
anxiety and other issues.
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learn more aboutresiDential treatment Sadly, most of the children in our residential treatment programs
are there because they’ve been abused, neglected or abandoned.
Most struggle with low self-esteem and depression. Some exhibit
aggressive behaviors, which can stem from their being exposed to
substance abuse or domestic violence during childhood. A team of
professionals (and sometimes caring family members or guardians)
work with each child to create a plan of treatment during his or her
stay in one of our residential treatment facilities. During their time in
care, they receive therapy, nurture and guidance. With hard work by
all, broken spirits are healed. Some children are able to return home.
Others move into a facility with a less-restrictive living arrangement
– like one of our Group Homes. Change tends to come about very
gradually. But with lots of therapy and caring mentors, the children in
our care discover what it’s like to live in a place where they are valued
and loved. These are monumental moments of restoration where
love, hope and peace pull children into God’s light.
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learn more about ourtransitional livinG Statistics for children who “age out” of the foster care system are
grim. More than 50% do not complete high school; 55% percent
are unemployed; 50% are at risk of homelessness. The PCHAS team
studied these statistics, and after a lot of careful planning, launched
a Transitional Living program. The program serves children 17 to 21
years old who are preparing to “age out” of the foster care system.
They live in apartments or in one of our Group Homes and learn
how to care for themselves, including cooking healthy meals and
managing their time and money. Our staff members live nearby
in separate apartments and act as “guiding neighbors.” They act
as surrogate parents, encouraging these fragile young adults to
develop independence; walking beside them every step of the
way. Most of our Transitional Living program clients find good jobs.
Some attend college and trade schools. Many stay in touch with
us throughout their lives. They tell us that our ministry has made a
difference, and that’s rewarding to everyone at PCHAS.
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learn more abouteDucationA good education gives children wings to fly. Unfortunately,
education is sometimes the last thing many children in foster care
think about, and it’s not their fault. Many have been bounced from
foster home to foster home, often changing schools each time. With
each move, they encounter new teachers, new classmates and form
new friendships. It’s no surprise that nationwide fewer than 70% of
children in foster care complete high school, and fewer than 3% earn
a bachelor’s degree.
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services is passionate about
making sure every child receives a great education, which usually
includes lots of help from tutors. Some attend public school and
others are taught by teachers at our residential campuses. Tutors and
mentors are available to help children not only learn subject matter,
but also learn how to learn. Every year, we make slow and steady
progress. More and more of our children graduate from high school
and attend trade school or college.
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administrationRobert Giegling – Executive [email protected]
John R. Hogan – [email protected]
Lyle Gramling – Director of Human [email protected]
Cindy Lively – Director of Quality Assurance and Risk [email protected]
Steve Mullenix – Director of Information [email protected]
Anita Kiessling-Caver – Director of Services, Central [email protected]
Caren Mell – Director of Services, Farmington [email protected]
Kathy Morrison – Director of Services, St. [email protected]
Kelly Turk – Director of Services, Southwest [email protected]
Penny Valvero – Director of Business Services, Eagle [email protected]
Development staffWilliam A. Anderson – Senior Development [email protected]
Angie Brown – Director of Foundations and Community [email protected]
Trueman Orson – Development Officer, [email protected]
Debra Paulus – Development Officer, St. [email protected]
Jamie Taylor – Development Officer, [email protected]
Jim Thurman – Special Consultant [email protected]
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SM
1220 North Lindbergh Blvd.,St. Louis, MO 63132
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and ServicescarinG in christ’s name since 1914
