VAN WERT, Ohio –The Marsh Foundation School will hold its annual Christmas Program and Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 21 beginning at 10:15 a.m. Each student will perform during the piano recital and in the school’s production of “Scrooge.” Following the performances, a luncheon will be held in the school cafeteria for students, staff, friends and family.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
VAN WERT, Ohio – What do the girls at The Marsh Foundation’s Clymer Hall and the models of Los Angeles Fashion week have in common? They’ve both recently been spotted wearing fabrics and clothing from Halston Clothing!
Author and philanthropist Dennis Yang of the Papa Didos Ideals Foundation and Halston Clothing provided a generous donation of fabrics left over from their Fall and Winter 2012 clothing lines to help make Halloween special for the girls at Clymer Hall. Overnight family teacher Lisa Washam was instrumental in this project.
Washam worked with the girls throughout the months of September and October to help them design their own unique Halloween costumes from a variety of haute couture fabrics that included silks and embroidered lace.
Washam said they had only one rule, “I encouraged the girls to go big and have fun designing the dress of their dreams.” Washam said she loved seeing the girls’ reactions in the mornings after she’d spent time sewing, and them seeing their dresses take shape. “One of their happiest surprises was learning they actually got to keep the costumes,” said Washam.
In 2010, Washam provided costume workshops with the Marsh Hall boys and loves to create costumes with and for the youth to provide them with a special Halloween memory and a costume created for them and them alone. “This year was particularly enjoyable for me because we were able to use high-quality fabrics used in upscale fashions and seen on the ramous runways to create the Halloween costumes for our girls at Clymer Hall,” said Washam.
The Papa Didos Ideals Foundation promotes education and literacy to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Founder Dennis Yang visited The Marsh Foundation during his 2011 run across the country. Halston clothing has been worn by celebrities such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Lauren Bacall and Elizabeth Taylor.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
Photo caption: One of the girls from Clymer Hall models her Halloween costume created with Halston fabrics.
VAN WERT, Ohio – Youth at The Marsh Foundation are once again selling poinsettias this holiday season. All proceeds from the sale will go to the campus’ Marsh Grown gardening program. The plants make beautiful decorations and holiday gifts.
There are three sizes available. The multi-bloom plants are available in 4.5 inches for $3.50, 6.5 inches for $8 and 8.5 inches for $15. Each size is available in white, red, pink, burgundy, or jingle bells (red/pink mix). All proceeds will go to the Marsh Grown program for The Marsh Foundation youth. Orders must be placed before Friday, November 16 and can be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. during the greenhouse holiday open house.
To order, complete an order form: Download Order Form
Or, call Sherry Grone at 419.238.1695 ext. 270 to place your order.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to a total of 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation has recently promoted two experienced family teachers. Rob Davis has taken the position of CPST and Kelly Gross is the new coordinator of admissions and training.
Davis has been employed at The Marsh for more than eight years. He’s held the positions of family teacher, school family teacher and has also provided home-based services for some youth in the community.
Now, as community psychiatric support treatment worker, he is putting his experience working with the youth to work in a slightly different way. Family teachers spend their time, day to day, working on improving behaviors and building relationships.
As a CPST, he’s taking that to the next level and working on helping the youth build social skills and working their overall treatment goals. In this role, he is able to meet with youth one-on-one as well as in the group setting. He’s also responsible for coordinating the monthly treatment team meetings for his clients.
“I’m excited to help youth in a new way,” Davis said. “I’m thrilled to still be working with the youth but in a new way and in a different setting. I’m really looking forward to the one-on-one interaction and helping the youth complete their treatment goals,” he added.
Davis holds a BA in psychology from Ohio State, and served as an ABA therapist for five-and-a-half years providing home based services and teaching at an academy before coming to The Marsh. He is originally from Van Wert and he and his wife Chris have a son Will, eight, and a daughter Lily who is six.
Kelly Gross has also been with The Marsh Foundation for eight years. She spent all of those years working inside the group homes with the youth as a family teacher.
Her new position as coordinator of admissions and training is allowing her to use that experience and knowledge of the youth The Marsh serves to further staff training opportunities and streamline the referral and intake process.
Gross’ new responsibilities include coordinating all training for the Child and Family Services division at The Marsh. She is also the initial point of entry for all foster care and group home referrals. She handles coordination of the application process, assessments and the intake appointments for new youth.
“I love helping kids and I love that The Marsh is able to help find homes for those who don’t have them,” she said. “I’m excited to put a new twist on my skills and use them to help the kids in a different way,” Gross added.
Originally from St. Mary’s, Ohio, Gross studied psychology at the University of Toledo. She lives in Van Wert with her husband Dane and their two daughters, Katie, three and Lauren, seven months. She loves animals and has been riding four-wheelers since she was two.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
Photo captions: Rob Davis is The Marsh Foundation’s newest community psychiatric support treatment worker, while Kelly Gross has taken on the position of coordinator of admissions and training.
VAN WERT, Ohio – CARF International recently announced that The Marsh Foundation has been reaccredited for a period of three years for its Case Management/Services Coordination: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents); Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults); and Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) programs. The latest accreditation is the third consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to The Marsh Foundation.
This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
Some of The Marsh’s strengths, as noted by CARF, are:
- “The leadership of The Marsh Foundation demonstrates a dedicated commitment to developing, maintaining, and expanding quality behavioral health services as it pursues its mission that addresses the needs of the community served.”
- “The organization provides a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment that is conducive to quality treatment and recovery programming.”
- “Program staff members are committed, highly flexible, and child focused.”
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure the quality of their programs and services.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, or their CARF accreditation, visit www.marshfoundation.org or call 419.238.1695.
###
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation recently hosted Heather T. Forbes LCSW, a nationally known speaker and author, for a daylong training entitled “Why Tokens Aren’t Working: Helping Children with Difficult Behaviors.” The seminar was a collaborative effort between Mercer County DJFS and the Western Ohio Regional Training Center through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. The training was provided as a free educational opportunity for parents and professionals and social work and counselor CEU hours were offered.
Forbes presents a method of working with children affected by trauma that is love based. “We often underestimate the impact of trauma on a child’s development,” Forbes said. “When children experience trauma, their internal survival mechanisms can become activated, dedicating all the body’s resources to remain alert in “survival mode.” They perceive the world as threatening. This state of fear and stress is often demonstrated through difficult, severe, and socially inappropriate behaviors,” she said.
The event focused on understanding the child’s point of view and included a lot of video clips, role-play and lectures to help understand how to work with these children. “Traditional behavioral techniques and therapies are not only ineffective for these children, but often escalate the intensity of the behaviors and drive them further away from parental relationships and from participating in treatment,” Forbes said.
Forbes’ "Beyond Consequences" approach is detailed in her three top selling books. “We want to give parents, teachers, and professionals the tools to help children not only change their behaviors, but to move them onto a path of deep healing,” she said.
Forbes has a master’s degree of social work from the University of Central Florida. She has authored “Dare to Love: The Art of Merging Science and Love into Parenting Children with Difficult Behaviors” and “Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control: A Love-based Approach to Helping Attachment-Challenged Children with Severe Behaviors” Volumes 1 and 2, among others. To learn more about her and her approach, visit www.beyondconsequences.com.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
Photo caption: Heather T. Forbes LCSW, presents at The Marsh Foundation on her “Beyond Consequences” approach to dealing with children with difficult behaviors.
VAN WERT, Ohio – On Thursday, Jennifer Justice, the deputy director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) visited The Marsh Foundation in Van Wert. She made the trip along with Mark Mecum, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies (OACCA) in an effort to further familiarize themselves with the private agencies that are serving children in the state of Ohio.
“We were thrilled to have Jennifer and Mark on campus,” said Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh. “It was a great opportunity to talk about the services The Marsh Foundation provides and to discuss the challenges facing many of the children and families we serve. They also gave us the chance to ask questions and learn more about activities happening on the state level.”
The visit included a tour of campus and a conversation over lunch about how private and public agencies can work together more closely and better meet the needs of children and families. According to Mullins, The Marsh, which is licensed through ODJFS, continually works to stay abreast of state policies and happenings. “This was a great way for Jennifer and ODJFS to broaden the lines of communication and reach out to agencies in different parts of the state,” she said.
The Marsh is also a member of OACCA. The association’s mission is to promote and strengthen a fully integrated, private/public network of high quality services for Ohio’s children, youth, and their families through advocacy, education and support of member agencies. The Marsh regularly takes advantage of OACCA conferences and training opportunities.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
Photo caption: Jennifer Justice, the Deputy Director of ODJFS, and Mark Mecum, the executive director of OACCA, toured The Marsh Foundation campus on Thursday. They were able to meet several staff and youth.
VAN WERT, Ohio - The Marsh Foundation School held its annual spring celebration on Friday, May 25. The day included piano recitals, a musical production of The Wizard of Oz, an awards program and a luncheon. In addition, two students were honored for receiving their high school diploma; one from Lincolnview Local Schools and another from Spencerville.
Many of the youth’s friends and families, as well as community members joined in the celebration. More than 30 students were honored for their accomplishments throughout the school year.
Everyone in attendance got a special treat when they visited the basement for the luncheon celebration. The hallway was decorated in an under the sea adventure, complete with paintings, balloon octopuses and even an over-sized scuba diver.
The youth had completed the underwater paintings in art class. The octopuses and scuba diver were a production of a special balloon workshop conducted by Tammy Corzine, owner of Celebrations in Delphos. Corzine visited The Marsh School the week prior to the spring celebration and spent class time with each youth. She taught them how to inflate, shape and create creatures out of balloons.
In addition, each of the three classes worked to create part of the large scuba diver. It was a fun, and interactive experience. Marsh School art teacher, Karla Hoying, was excited to expose her students to yet another type of art. “The students learn about painting, drawing, glass and many types of art, but I thought this would be something a little different,” she said.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation along with Mercer County DJFS and the Western Ohio Regional Training Center through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, is bringing a nationally recognized speaker to Van Wert on Thursday, June 21. The seminar, “Why Tokens Aren’t Working: Helping Children with Difficult Behaviors,” will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Marsh Foundation and qualify for social work and counselor CEU hours.
The free training is being facilitated by nationally known author and licensed clinical social worker, Heather T. Forbes. Forbes has a master’s degree of social work from the University of Central Florida. She has authored “Dare to Love: The Art of Merging Science and Love into Parenting Children with Difficult Behaviors” in 2009, “Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control: A Love-based Approach to Helping Attachment-Challenged Children with Severe Behaviors” Volume 2 in 2008 and “Going Beyond the Behaviors: How to Heal from the Impact of Early Trauma” in 2008, among others.
“We are beyond thrilled to be hosting Forbes at The Marsh Foundation,” said Kim Mullins, P.C.C., executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh Foundation. “She has written some excellent materials and this will provide a wonderful opportunity for our staff as well as others in the community to gain some new insight when it comes to working with difficult children,” she said.
Mullins also noted that The Marsh is excited to partner with other organizations to make this event possible. “This is a collaborative effort between us, Mercer County DJFS and the Regional Training Center,” she said. “It is great to be able to work together to provide a valuable resource for the social workers in our area.”
This presentation will help participants understand the behavior from the child’s point of view. In the morning, trauma will be defined and the impact of early childhood trauma on a child’s behavior will be examined. Participants will be able to identify risk factors that can negatively affect childhood development. Forbes will also address why tokens don’t work and explore parent/child interactions, boundaries vs. consequences and several case studies through video clips, role-play and lecture.
This training is free and a free boxed lunch will be provided. The registration deadline is June 7. To register, call 1.937.427.4540. Or, for more information, contact The Marsh at 419.238.1695 ext. 233.
Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation School will hold its annual spring celebration on Friday, May 25. The day will begin at 10 a.m. and it will include piano recitals, a musical production of The Wizard of Oz, a short awards program and a luncheon. One student will also receive his high school diploma.
The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.
The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.
###