Youth & Family Treatment Center A Community of Hope HOPE A COMMUNITY OF CAMPAIGN We are meeting the challenges of today while preparing for tomorrow. A Message from the President/CEO T Our continuing mission is restoring hope and rebuilding relationships. o continue that quest in an ever-changing world, we parents who have had their children return back home have embarked on another mission, a campaign to raise after successful treatment. Let me share portions of a $10 million. Much of that total will be designated to wonderful email we received recently from the mother of rebuild, restore and raise new facilities. We have just started a 14-year-old son who was a resident here for six months. with construction of a secure youth service center that The correspondence was addressed to therapist Erika Gerhard evolved from discussions with Wayne County, and the staff. judges and state and social service agencies. “You and Wernle have done wonderful We also will add numerous features that things for Stephen and we can’t thank you will enhance the safety of our residents enough. We have such high hopes for Stephen and staff. We will modernize much of our and his future now and that is something that century-old administration building. It will we had really lost sight of prior to him coming continue to stand as a welcoming beacon to to Wernle. Stephen was totally out of control our services as a Community of Hope. and we felt very helpless. … I am actually Portions of the campaign money will be seeing the sweet side of Stephen again, dedicated to boosting our endowment. We are which I missed so much.” financially sound, but we need more of a We have all strived to make Wernle great: cushion to battle the ups and downs of a rapthe board, the staff and those who count on idly-changing economic and political climate. us for effective services. But, we can do better. Wernle must modernize and add new To do that, we need newer and enhanced programs to compete and to thrive. In that facilities. With them, you will be amazed at regard, we need to start serving girls again how much more we can accomplish. Darrell R. Gordon to increase our base and serve the needs of We need individuals, churches and President/CEO our region. All will be done while continuing businesses to step up and help us reach our MSA, JD, CFRM our 133-year Christian heritage. We started goals. We need you. as a Lutheran orphanage in 1879. Please join us in supporting this campaign Our cases are increasingly difficult, yet our successes are and ensure that thousands more can receive exemplary service growing. No one can speak better about outcomes than the in our Community of Hope. Your Friend, Left: The main building has served as a beacon of hope for more than a century. Lower left: Pat and Paul Lingle are great supporters of the Wernle mission. Bottom: Academic achievements of residents are celebrated in special ways. Right: Leo Hawk and Wernle CEO Darrell Gordon share in good times at a Notre Dame tailgate party. 2 HOPE Campaign Leadership A COMMUNITY OF Great causes require enthusiastic and caring leaders — and we have them. John Maley, Doug Meyer and Shelley Miller have accepted our request to serve as tri-chairs for the Community of Hope Campaign. These leaders all share a long and dedicated history of working with Wernle. They each represent critical areas of the $10 million effort: community, church and committed leadership. John Maley is a partner at Barnes and Thornburg, LLP in Indianapolis. His family has been dedicated to the Wernle cause for 50 years. John serves as our pro bono attorney. Pastor Doug Meyer is retired from St. John Lutheran Church in Celina, Ohio. The former president of Wernle’s Board of Directors is a tireless advocate for our mission. Shelley Miller is senior vice president and chief financial officer at West End Bank . She is a former Richmond mayor and former president of Wernle’s Board of Directors. “I am privileged to be part of this campaign. Unfortunately more children need Wernle's services and we need to continue to grow.” “Throughout the 40 years of my ministry, I have been passionate about Wernle and the ways in which it seeks to save.” “Wernle is a special place. Its mission of hope and healing is integral to the history of Richmond, Indiana and Ohio.” 1 3 A History of Responding to Change W Wernle is changing lives and creating hope ernle Youth & Family Treatment Center has provided quality, loving care to abandoned, abused and troubled children for more than 133 years. We are a well-respected social service agency, providing behavioral health care services for some of the most difficult-to-manage boys in today’s society. A creative environment has enabled Wernle to stay on the “cutting edge” of treatment and education. The Wernle Way encourages doing what is right, not what is easy. It is never easy because we treat young people with only the most severe behavioral problems whose next stop may be the correctional system and the beginning of a life of recidivism. These emotionally and behaviorally hurting boys hail from all religious, social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Most have been victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual exploitation or family substance abuse. For some, Wernle represents the last and best hope of acceptance and assistance. Wernle stands at a crossroads today. Money is tight across the government spectrum. The character of the residential treatment community has changed dramatically. With the emergence of home-based services, day treatment and the push for greater reliance on foster “Wernle is one of the foremost youth and family treatment centers in America. I’ve been there. I know what’s been accomplished.” — Regis Philbin, television celebrity 4 Wernle Fact: 71 percent of residents were reunited with their families. (State average was 50 percent). home placements, the population of residential treatment centers also has dramatically changed. So we must change in dramatic ways, yet still deliver the quality of services that set us apart from others. That’s what this campaign is about. “Wernle is a special place. If we don't help these boys, who will? One of the most special things I have is a birthday card signed by every boy (after a visit.)” “What we do here is heal young people. Our family is on a mission to help them at Wernle. It started 50 years ago with my husband, Bob.” “It’s such a great cause. Children are our future, our hope. They have a chance if they are inspired to believe in themselves.” — Dorothy Tillman, contributor to Wernle — Charlotte Maley, with Rupert of ‘Survivor’ — Lou Holtz, coach of Notre Dame title team Success Stories R Wernle’s guiding hands and caring staff have turned around thousands of lives. Here is one recent success story. oger Thompson admits his impulsiveness led him to being assigned to Wernle by the court system. He found himself in trouble with the law and way behind in his classes at his home in Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. He lacked the motivations and the means to succeed, despite a bright mind and gifted abilities as an athlete and an artist. He discovered them – and a bright future – through nine months of hard work as a resident on the Wernle campus in 2011. “They helped me with everything. They put everything in motion,” said Roger, 18. “Brandy Wells put everything in motion.” Brandy served as his case manager. She works each year with many young people like Roger. The hugs and the laughs they shared at a recent Wernle Representatives’ meeting illustrated the relationship story between mentor and student. She encouraged Roger to better himself. “I brag about him all the time,” Brandy said. “I’m proud of him, the obstacles he has overcome.” They jelled, she believes, because they share common interests in music, education, sports and spirituality. It wasn’t easy at first for Roger at Wernle. It took many months for him to adjust. “Playing basketball kept me sane. It was my outlet,” he said. Roger learned self-control. “Before, I was so impulsive. I wouldn’t think anything through,” he said. “Now, I just slow down. I think how my actions can affect me now and down the road. I’m so much happier.” S He has reasons to be. Roger received high honors on his GED and he is ready to start classes at the University of Southern Indiana. Brandy helped him narrow his college choices. She drove him to visits at Ball State University and University of Evansville and set up interviews with three others. “Once he believed he could be successful, it was easy,” Brandy said. Roger knows his life is so much better: “I’m so thankful for everything I learned at Wernle. “These are people who can help you, who really care.” Brandy Wells and Roger Thompson in May 2012. Jacqueline Bell moved her family to Richmond because she considers the town and Wernle as the homes of her dreams. he was an angry teen-ager when she arrived at Wernle in 1978 after being labeled a troubled child. Her mother had abandoned her at birth and she had bounced around a series of foster homes around Indianapolis. Poverty and violence were common in her life. It took many rough months and lots of caring and therapy from the Wernle staff for her to begin healing. She learned about discipline, self-control and living a positive life. “Caring people helped me find the way at Wernle,” Bell said recently as she talked to residents who were being honored for their academics. It was so appropriate for her to talk about the subject. She knows that education is invaluable for young people in guaranteeing a good future. Jacqueline married at 20 and started to raise a family that now includes seven children. Despite a divorce and tremendous financial difficulties, she was determined that every child would go to college. There were times they went door-to-door to find shelter and meals. There were times she could not buy toys, but she could buy books. She could apply for scholarships and be actively involved in her children’s education. Her efforts have paid off. Five of her children have received college degrees or are working toward them. In fact, she graduated with a BA in business last year in the same week her older son received his master’s and a daughter received her undergraduate degree. Her youngest son and daughter are excellent students in high school and middle school. “It’s a way of life for us,” Bell says. Jacqueline is now working toward another personal dream, an MBA at IU East, which is in Richmond, Ind. 5 Our Campaign Goals $10,000,000 The Wernle Advancement Campaign . . . In May 2010, the Wernle Board of Directors approved the planning and pursuit of a major area wide fundraising campaign to seek gifts and pledges over the next three years with the following goals: n Support annual operations. $1,500,000 The goal is to begin to reduce the dependence on uncertain public funding sources. n Construct state-of the-art residential facilities to meet current and future needs of our children and community. $6,700,000 The goal is to provide modern, safe, flexible space to support changing program therapies. This includes the new secure youth service center. n Grow long-term endowment. $1,800,00 The goal is to expand our ability to meet future challenges. The “Community of Hope Campaign” began with a generous lead gift of $500,000 and a matching pledge from the Wernle Board of Directors of another $500,000. This is how we plan to grow with proceeds n We will increase facilities and equipment for counseling and education. Much of what we have is outdated and inefficient. n We will build housing that provides more safety and a more therapeutic environment. Currently, our staff cannot view many areas of the dormitories. n We will renovate our administration building. Our beloved building is more than a century old. It is a maze of clinical, clerical and administrative offices. Utility costs are immense. n We will boost employee numbers. We are an economic engine in a 10-county region with a budget in excess of $5 million per year. We are recognized around the region for our excellence. n A new on-campus youth service center will address a wide array of needs for Wernle and Wayne County, Indiana. Currently, youth in need of secure facilities are taken to another county. Construction on the $810,000 facility started in June with hopes of being finished by Jan. 1, 2013. The facility will serve up to 15. n Possibilities will grow for specialization or combining services with other similar organizations. State and county bodies are moving toward economies of scale and proven excellence as funding sources get tighter. n We plan a return of programs for girls. That service is strongly needed again in our service area. Artist’s renderings of new campus Many of the buildings will be connected. 6 A closer view of a planned residence unit. Upper left: Gary and Connie Sharpe visit with Darrell Gordon and his daughter, Justis, at the annual tailgate party before an opening game for Notre Dame football. Left: Dorothy Tillman poses next to the bell outside the Wellness Center at a Wernle Representatives’ Meeting. Bottom left: First Bank Richmond President Garry Kleer (left) and Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey (center) had fun playing with the First Bank team in the annual Coaches for Kids Golf Tournament. Bottom: Young boys and girls have received loving, Christ-centered care at Wernle for 133 years. Right: Pastor Daniel Nugent leads services and always is available for residents. HOPE A COMMUNITY COMMUNITY OF OF A The problems are growing for those in residential treatment. Here are some illuminating statistics from the Indiana Association of Residential Child Care Agencies (IARCCA): n 56% have been a witness to domestic violence. n 52% have a history of special education. n 50% have parents with a history of incarceration. n 48% have suffered from physical abuse. n 46% have a history of neglect. n 29% have experienced a form of sexual abuse. Wernle Back Cover Pocket_Layout 1 5/22/12 9:15 PM Page 1 Leaders in Making a Difference Our Core Purpose “Rebuilding relationships and Restoring hope.” Our Core Values Children come first and deserve our commitment to providing them with the highest quality of care. Families are important to children and, as such, we partner with them in treating their children as if they were our own. We respect the inherent potential of children and families and are committed to innovative approaches to their education and personal growth and development. We value our Lutheran spiritual heritage and strive to teach and model God’s grace through care, concern, love and compassion for others. We value and honor our employees and strive to empower each to utilize their unique talents, skills, and diverse cultural learning to build healing relationships with children and families. Mission Statement Wernle is a family focused, child centered agency providing opportunities for the growth and development of troubled children and their families – individually, interpersonally, and socially – through caring programs and healing relationships, which are reflective of God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ. Honorary Cabinet: NBA Coach Del Harris Former Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz Notre Dame Basketball Coach Mike Brey Indiana-Kentucky Synod Bishop William Gafkjen Northwestern Ohio Synod Bishop Marcus Lohrmann Northeastern Ohio Synod Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Southern Ohio Synod Bishop Callon Holloway Campaign Chairs: John Maley Shelley Miller Current Board Members: Pastor Doug Meyer Matt Gilmore Sandie Rowe John Boerger Frank Eck, Jr. Julie Edsall Bill Goins Gerry Hopper Victoria Lutz Chris Hunt Pastor Doug Meyer Pastor Andre Keeley Charlotte Maley Joel Marhenke John Oberle Patrick Olmstead Pastor Sue Rodgers Ron Westerfeld Edwin Zumstein Roland Cutter Mayor Sally Hutton Mike Bennett Mickey Johnson Phil Quinn David Ernst Mary Jo Clark Amy Holthouse Ron DeMao Mark Vander Kooy Vagas Ferguson Dorothy Tillman Jason Troutwine Jeanne Rush Andrew Cecere Avis Stewart Nancy Green Jackie Carberry Karen Ball Mike Kovaleski Lee Elzemeyer Mary Hoppe Vic Jose Dave DeVita Jon Ford Eric Marsh Martin N. Foos Kyle Ingram Alan Spears Debbie Rudd Dr. Brad Barrett Diana Pappin Anne Murphy Joe Kaiser Roland Cutter Pastor Daniel Nugent Dr. Allen Bourff Tyler Vanderpool Bonnie McCurdy Greg Lardi Additional Cabinet Members: (Established list as of May 15, 2012) Accreditations: Youth & Family Treatment Center A Community of Hope As an affiliate social service agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Wernle is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section (501)(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, Wernle is a notfor-profit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana, and is licensed by the Indiana Department of Children’s Services as a provider of residential child care. Wernle also is approved for placement by the Indiana State Department of Education, Indiana Department of Corrections, and under the Federal Title IV-E funding program. 2000 Wernle Road, P.O. Box 1386, Richmond • IN 47375-1386, www.wernle.org • 765-962-4210 n 56% have been a witness to domestic violence. n 52% have a history of special education. n 50% have parents with a history of incarceration. n 48% have suffered from physical abuse. n 46% have a history of neglect. n 29% have experienced a form of sexual abuse. The problems are growing for those in residential treatment. Here are some illuminating statistics from the Indiana Association of Residential Child Care Agencies (IARCCA): HOPE A COMMUNITY OF