The Myths of Foster Care
Foster care seems to be a mystery to many people, with quite a few myths following the name of foster care around. In this post, Bridget Leonard, Operations Director with Nexus-Kindred, debunks the myths.
Entering the World of Foster Care & Adoption
Taking the first step in becoming a foster parent or learning about adoption can be intimidating. It’s hard to know where to start and who to contact. Sonja Stang, PATH’s Director of Community Relations, writes about the initial steps to becoming a foster and adoptive parent.
What to Expect When Bringing Your Child to a Therapist
Your child is struggling with their emotions and behaviors and you would like them to see a therapist. What should you expect? Shawna Croaker, the Director of Community Based Services and licensed therapist at Nexus-PATH Family Healing, gives pointers on what to expect when starting the process.
The Value in Vocational Education and Training
Vocational Education and Training is designed to prepare youth for initial entry into employment. Vocational education utilizes hands-on learning while offering opportunity and exposure to a variety of skill-based activities within a career-focused environment. The goal of vocational education is to focus on enhancing independent life skills and increasing vocational skills of youth, with the end result of reducing recidivism through increasing protective factors.
Nexus Names Louisa D'Atalia Executive Director of Community Mental Health Services
Nexus Youth and Family Solutions, a national nonprofit organization providing emotional, behavioral and mental health services to youth and families, has named Louisa D’Altilia Executive Director of Community Mental Health Services.
New Executive Director Named for Mille Lacs Agency
Onamia, MN – Mille Lacs Academy, a nonprofit organization providing emotional, behavioral and mental health services to youth and families, has hired Shannon Amundson as Executive Director.
Nexus Names New Leadership to Drive Innovation in Mental Health Services
Nexus, a nonprofit organization providing mental health services to families, has hired Margaret Vimont as Vice President of Strategy and Service Development and Scott McGuire as Chief Financial Officer.
Margaret Vimont, LCSW, steps into the newly created position of Vice President of Strategy and Service Development, to focus on identification, growth and implementation of community-based programs to add to Nexus service offerings.
Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Nexus President and CEO, stated, “Nationally, there is a large gap in mental health care for families, whether that’s due to a shrinking workforce, an overflow of clients, lack of insurance coverage or other obstacles. Margaret’s extensive background makes her well-positioned to identify the needs of our communities and help creatively build service lines that can meet families where they live.”
Family Adolescents and Children Therapy Services (FACTS) affiliates with Nexus
Nexus and FACTS are excited to announce a new partnership that will expand and strengthen FACTS programming serving families and children throughout Minnesota.
By affiliating with Nexus, a national nonprofit with a 45-year record of providing high-quality children’s mental and behavioral health services in five states, FACTS will be able to expand the successful programs it has developed over the past 14 years, including in-home and outpatient individual and family psychotherapy, as well as specialized treatment programs for families and preschool-aged children.
Nexus Welcomes New Board Members
Nexus, a national nonprofit based in Plymouth, MN, has welcomed several new board members to help continue the organization’s 45-year history of providing innovative programming and high-level mental health care to children and families. Through its sites, affiliates, and community partners, Nexus provides community-based mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment programs to children and families, serving over 3,500 youth and families in 2018. Each program offers high-level, specialized services to heal complex trauma and restore well-being when a child’s needs are greater than a family, school, or community program can safely address.
Stubborn Love
By the time Mia* was placed with her foster parents, Joseph and Traci, she was severely traumatized and almost nonverbal. At only five years old, she’d already endured sexual abuse, chronic neglect, and frequent hunger.
As a result, she’d become hyper-vigilant, with severe defense mechanisms like extreme tantrums and urinating on herself. Making things worse, Mia was also on the autism spectrum.
The toughest kid ever placed
Within the first three weeks of living with Joseph and Traci—along with her six-year-old sister and baby brother—Mia was kicked out of her school. At her new school, she rarely made it through the day without needing to be picked up early. Twice within two years, she required placement in the mental health unit of an area hospital. The only thing in Mia’s bedroom was her bed because she destroyed everything, including furniture.