Jim Natural: Changing Lives for 40 Years

October 4, 2021

There is nothing better than when a career path leads a person exactly where they are meant to be, doing exactly what they are meant to do. That is the case for Jim Natural. Jim has spent his entire career helping kids. He began working with children as a public-school teacher in New England where environmental education was mandated as part of the region’s curriculum. Jim worked for one of the outdoor education programs designed to help children learn more about the environment, while engaging in outdoor educational experiences. He found working in a group setting with a new group of children each week exciting. Inspired by this work, Jim researched Pressley Ridge and the innovative Ohiopyle Wilderness program, a therapeutic wilderness camp located in the woods of Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

In 1981, he began working at the Pressley Ridge Ohiopyle Wilderness School. The camp provided intensive mental and behavioral treatment, for boys in a wilderness setting, offering juveniles a place to learn discipline and hands on skills who might not thrive in traditional placement centers.

Little did Jim know when he joined Pressley Ridge as a front-line teacher/counselor, it would be a decision that would change the trajectory of his career and his life. During his tenure, Jim became an integral part of the growth of the Ohiopyle Wilderness program. Working with many others, the goal was to get the Ohiopyle Education program accredited by the Middle States Association.

Jim worked at the Ohiopyle Wilderness program for 28 years until the day it closed in 2008. “I would have never left there had it stayed open. Being a part of that program and working with the kids was very fulfilling to me,” said Jim.

When the wilderness program closed, Jim transitioned to the Pressley Ridge training team and became a Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) trainer. LSCI is a brain-based, trauma-informed, relationship-building verbal strategy that helps turn a crisis situation into a learning opportunity for young people who exhibit challenging behaviors.

“These are children who don’t trust adults because the adults in their lives have hurt them in some way. The training helps as you work to build that trust and show them that you care. A child’s behavior is not always their choice. Many times, they are acting out because of something that happened to them,” said Jim.

Now, 40 years later, Jim is retiring from Pressley Ridge. Over these past four decades, Jim has experienced firsthand how Pressley Ridge has expanded and added to their host of programs that effectively improve the lives of children and families. This success would not be possible without the deep-seeded passion and dedication of people like Jim Natural.

Jim will never forget the children who have touched his life over the years and is comforted to know that the work of Pressley Ridge continues. Jim’s new journey will lead him to the water as a full-time fisherman.

Upon his retirement, Pressley Ridge is thankful for all that Jim has done to help so many kids feel safe and learn how to trust adults again. As careers go, Jim Natural was led to exactly the right place to do exactly what he was meant to do, and for that so many people are grateful.

40 Years of Foster Care

May 21, 2021

Prior to the 1980’s, teens with complex challenges were typically placed in residential treatment because no one thought foster care would be successful for this age group. Pressley Ridge leadership believed differently, and in 1981, the research and planning for Pressley Ridge Treatment Foster Care for teens began.

Since no other such program existed in the country, Pressley Ridge Treatment Foster Care was developed so it could be replicated. Every step was annotated and data was collected to determine what methods worked best. Foster parents were carefully selected to complete a six-week training course, which included 25 hours of role play and skills practice, as well as a commitment to never give up on the youth in their care.

In the first year, 20 teens were successfully placed into treatment foster homes. Including the home of Shawn and Dwayne Adams, who were among the first group of certified treatment foster parents.

Shawn and Dwayne were a young married couple with no children. While attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, Dwayne saw a sign posted by Pressley Ridge on a bulletin board that read ‘Help our Children’. He approached Shawn with the prospect of becoming foster parents. Though she had grown up in a home where her parents had fostered over the years, Shawn felt unqualified because they did not have children of their own.

Reluctantly, she agreed to try fostering, and the couple began pre-service training with Pressley Ridge. Little did they know then that this would be the beginning of a journey that would positively impact more than 200 children over the next four decades of their lives.

From the first training session, Pressley Ridge supported Shawn and Dwayne with education, skills, and guidance to navigate the foster care process. The program taught them how a youth’s behavior can change and how to teach youth the skills necessary for daily living. They learned effective behavior management techniques to help the children in their care deal with behavioral and emotional challenges, and they applied these same techniques in raising their own biological children.

“It was a wonderful learning experience,” said Shawn. “Over the past 40 years, it is incredible how we have implemented our training and techniques in every aspect of our family life”.

Though Shawn grew up around brothers and primarily male foster youth in her parents’ home, she and Dwayne felt most connected to teenage girls in fostering. Using the methods learned through Pressey Ridge, the Adamses were able to gain the trust of the girls in their home. The dining room table was not only a place to gather for meals, but it was a place to sit and talk through what was on the minds of the young ladies staying with them. It was not uncommon for the conversations to last long into the night. For some of these girls, it was the first time someone was listening.

Two of the first children they fostered were young sisters who spent five years with their family. It pained Shawn and Dwayne to hear the struggles they had already faced at such a young age. The girls did not have typical childhood experiences. No Easter baskets, Christmas gifts, or birthday parties—the things most children take for granted. Shawn and Dwayne were determined to change that for the girls. With the money received from fostering, they made certain that holidays were special with celebrations, treats, and gifts. For the Adams family, it became their joy to give joy.

Shawn and Dwayne have seen and experienced many changes over their four decades of fostering. Though the generational differences of behavior and respect were apparent over the years, all in all, the needs of the girls they fostered always remained the same. They needed a safe home to live in, and they needed to be respected and cared for.

After 40 years and more than 200 children living with the Adams family, the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in their decision to retire from fostering. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it was time.

Shawn and Dwayne feel blessed to have experienced the journey with all the children they have fostered.

“I feel like over the years, it’s the children who have taught us much more than we could have ever taught them. God put us on this path, and we put our trust in Him. Pressley Ridge taught us how to do the best we could to help the young people who came to live with us.”

Today, they are grateful for the lessons learned and experiences lived, and most importantly, the long-term connections they still enjoy with some of the young ladies whose lives they touched.

Watch a video and read more about Shawn and Dwayne Adams here. 

As we celebrate 40 years of Pressley Ridge Treatment Foster Care, we are grateful to our foster families, like the Adamses, who have contributed to not only the success of the program, but more importantly, to the success of thousands of young boys and girls.

Photos by Rebecca Kiger

Social Workers are Essential: Celebrating Social Work Month

March 11, 2021

Each year, March is recognized as Social Work Month. This year’s theme, as determined by the National Association of Social Workers, is Social Workers are Essential.

According to the International Federation of Social Workers, the definition of social work is “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.”

Social workers can be found working in hospitals, schools, senior centers, and mental health facilities, as well as in the corporate and nonprofit worlds, private practice and in all levels of government. It is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics with more than 700,000 professional social workers in the U.S. As our nation continues to experience the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, and societal issues such as substance abuse, systemic racism, and poverty, the demand for social workers will be even greater in years to come.

At Pressley Ridge, social workers are essential to the kids and families we serve, impacting their lives in various ways across all service lines—from in-home, outpatient and community-based mental health services to foster care, residential treatment and specialized education.

Amy Fenn, Senior Program Director, recognizes their importance to our services by saying,

“Social workers are an integral part of our team at Pressley Ridge. Whether providing services in a school, a foster care program, or one of our many community-based and in-home programs, social workers use their education, skills, and devotion to social work values to enhance our service delivery to individuals and families at Pressley Ridge.”

Here you will meet three longtime employees who are making a difference every day through social work.

Wendy O’Brien, Certified Mental Health Worker for Family-Based Mental Health Services, has worked at Pressley Ridge for 15 years. Volunteering to spend time with residents at a nursing home inspired Wendy to want to help others when they may be down and feeling hopeless, which led to a career in social work after graduating from the University of Maine School of Social Work.

“We all need someone in our lives to show us compassion. I learned relationships with others and building a community are essential to our well-being,” Wendy said.

Wendy builds relationships with clients by helping them determine their needs and then developing a plan to work towards the goals set for themselves and their family. She teaches families who are at risk of having their children removed from their home, communication and life skills through modeling and role play, and advocates for them until they can learn to use these skills for themselves. Wendy finds reward in lifting up the youth and families, offering hope and showing up for them when things are most difficult.

The most rewarding experience of Wendy’s career thus far was working with a mother who feared her own difficult nature would affect her ability to communicate in court. Wendy helped the mother create a list and used role play to effectively share her concerns and fears regarding the safety and well-being of her child. When her day in court came, the judge listened to the mother as she read her list of concerns. In the end, the judge praised her preparation for court and ordered her daughter back to her care with strict guidelines for the child.

After so many years of experience in the field, Wendy encourages those seeking a career in social work to recognize and embrace the strengths of the individuals they are serving to help them make the changes at their pace, cheer them on, and most of all, believe in them.

Jennifer Thompson, another Pressley Ridge social worker, offers more personal advice for prospective social workers: “Love what you do but don’t take things personally and practice self-care. Being a helper is so rewarding, but you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”

Jennifer grew up in rural West Virginia, where she saw firsthand how poverty was affecting the families in her small town. Though she didn’t enter college with the intention of becoming a social worker, her mind was made up when she became aware of the way poverty impacted the entire state. Jennifer recalled,

“I wanted to be able to help children and families overcome the environmental factors that I saw as limitations for so many others growing up.”

As Program Director for Treatment Foster Care in West Virginia, Jennifer spends her days matching children in need with available foster homes, assessing applications for potential foster parents, reviewing cases with clinical supervisors, and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders, among other responsibilities.

The pandemic has made Jennifer and her colleague’s fast-paced work environment even faster with the implementation of virtual meetings with foster families, children, and their family of origin. Initially, the new communication methods were very stressful for the children and families due to limited face-to-face interaction, but eventually, families were able to meet in person with safety precautions. Though Jennifer was no longer driving across the state to the offices of the three regions she oversees, the frequency of virtual meetings increased as the teams shared updates on the efforts to keep children, families, and staff safe.

After 15 years with Pressley Ridge, the greatest reward for Jennifer is seeing children reunified with their families of origin or being adopted. She also appreciates the opportunity to lead and witness the growth of the social workers on her team who are passionate about their jobs and live Pressley Ridge’s mission to do whatever it takes to create success for children and families each and every day.

For 31 years, Melanie St. Clair has dedicated herself to the mission of Pressley Ridge, starting out in foster care and then wraparound services. Currently, Melanie is Admission Coordinator for the Residential and Safe at Home programs in West Virginia. In this position, she uses her vast social work experience to review referrals for youth who are experiencing difficulties and then recommend the programs that best fit each individual’s needs. Melanie works both internally with Pressley Ridge and with outside agencies to help develop programs to better identify and meet the needs of youth and families in West Virginia.

Melanie always knew she wanted to help people and families in need. Just like Jennifer, her career choice was motivated by the despair she felt in seeing her classmates from underprivileged families suffer from food insecurity and other issues related to poverty. All of these years later, the pandemic has brought to light similar needs of families within the state, such as lack of food and inadequate access to technology and internet for virtual schooling and telehealth. Melanie is proud to play a part in helping to alleviate these issues for the families receiving services from Pressley Ridge.

In more than three decades with Pressley Ridge, Melanie has touched the lives of countless individuals, and she appreciates hearing from former youth and families about how she impacted their lives. “It makes it all worth it,” she said. “Knowing that something I said 20 years ago had an impact on a life is very humbling.”

Melanie offers this advice for those considering a career in social work,

“Some days are very long and dark, but it is worth it. If you can make a difference in the life of a child or family, that impact carries on for generations. It may not be easy, but knowing you can change lives for the better is its own reward.”

Social workers are an invaluable part of the Pressley Ridge team, and we could not provide hope and support for nearly 9,000 individuals each year without them. With more than 1,100 employees and programs and services in six states, we are always in need of talented and compassionate social workers to join our team. Below is a list of just a few of the social work opportunities currently available. Review all open positions here.

Family Based Therapist/Mental Health Professional 

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Treatment Foster Care Program Director

Treatment Coordinator

Recruitment & Certification Specialist

School for the Deaf to Host ASL Game Time

March 10, 2021

Join Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf for ASL Game Time

ASL students can join us to practice using visual gestural skills, facial expressions, and ASL skills through virtual games like charades and ASL handshapes games. You can also learn about job opportunities at the school, including full- and part-time Direct Support Professionals.

Tuesday, March 16th
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 20^th   
Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 25^th
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Join via Zoom

Healthcare Mentorship Maryland

February 16, 2021

As challenging as the past year has been, the Healthcare Mentorship Maryland program has flourished during the pandemic due to the demand for front line medical professionals. The program is offered at our Career Development Center in Towson, Maryland and provides healthcare career training and job placement for young adults ages 18-24. Currently, students can train to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA).

Despite personal upheavals, the determined future CNA/GNAs proved that they were able to withstand the pressures of a global pandemic, personal challenges, and academic pressures to succeed.

Danielle always dreamed of working in healthcare but believed her aspirations were out of reach due to financial hardship. When Danielle first enrolled in Healthcare Mentorship Maryland, she worked part-time in food service and was barely able to make rent. After successfully graduating from the program, Danielle obtained her CNA/GNA license and immediately accepted a job offer from Keswick Multicare, where she now works as a full-time nursing assistant. Danielle is grateful that her education and employment have allowed her to become more self-reliant. She hopes to continue her education and become a patient care technician after gaining more experience as a GNA.

Regine is a 20-year-old single mother who was experiencing homelessness when she enrolled in Healthcare Mentorship Maryland. The case manager developed a plan that helped Regine acquire affordable housing and stable employment to support her through the training. Despite her obstacles, Regine graduated with her nursing assistant certification on time with 100% attendance and a glowing recommendation from her clinical instructor. Regine is now using her new skills to seek advanced employment opportunities in a hospital setting, where she will receive increased wages and enhanced medical benefits.

Our workforce development programs are designed to develop the skills and increase the employment possibilities for young adults transitioning out of foster care, juvenile justice or other state programs. These youth are full of untapped potential and big dreams but face even bigger challenges with fewer opportunities. Pressley Ridge offers the support they need to achieve their goals and change the way they view life and their own potential.

For more information about our career development and other support programs for transition-age youth, visit our website.

Mental Health Monday: Coping with Holiday Stress

December 7, 2020

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. And if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your and your loved ones’ health. You may also feel stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship.If you’re feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat.

   Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, consider dropping off a meal and dessert at a friend’s home during the holidays.

3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can’t come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.Try these alternatives:
   • Donate to a charity in someone’s name.
   • Give homemade gifts.
   • Start a family gift exchange.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for meal prep and cleanup.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.Try these suggestions:
   • Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
   • Eat healthy meals.
   • Get plenty of sleep.
   • Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.
   • Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.
   • Avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
   • Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress, and adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.Some options may include:
   • Taking a walk at night and stargazing
   • Listening to soothing music
   • Reading a book
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

Content courtesy of the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Foster Parent Spotlight: Natalie Price-Starks

November 19, 2020

Natalie Price-Starks has been a foster parent for more than two decades, and in that time, she has welcomed more than 20 young children into her home. Recently, Natalie was featured in our Storytelling Event and shared a powerful story of taking a chance on two teenage sisters. Watch the video below.

Natalie and her family were also featured in a Delaware Today article entitled “Meet the Middletown Couple Celebrating 20 Years of Foster Parenting.”

“Price-Starks has always been nurturing, but after giving birth to one biological child (now an adult) and realizing she couldn’t have more of her own, the Philadelphia native looked into foster parenting. Nineteen years later, she’s cared for more than 20 children, from infants to teenagers. Price-Starks works exclusively with Pressley Ridge, a social-impact organization that helps children and families through an array of supportive services, including foster care.”

Read the full article here.

Foster Youth Featured in New HBO Docuseries “The Cost of Winning”

November 9, 2020

St. Frances Academy is located in one of Baltimore City’s toughest neighborhoods. Yet, their football program is one of the top in the country. The 2019 St. Frances Academy Panthers football team, including Alonzo “Ace” Colvin, are featured in the new four-part docuseries produced by Michael Strahan called The Cost of Winning.

Alonzo has grown up in the foster care system and came to live with Benjamin and Hope Jackson in 2018. The Jacksons have been foster parents with Pressley Ridge since 2013.

A recent Baltimore Sun article quoted Alonzo on his decision to leave his former high school, where he was the football star: “I wanted more for myself and I had to make the decision on my own. So I had to look at the bigger picture and I see how they care about their players and their students and everything. That’s why I came here. It wasn’t just a football decision for me to come to St. Frances at all.”

Michael Strahan promoted The Cost of Winning today during Good Morning America and also presented Alonzo and his former teammate Kobe Page with $25,000 college scholarships courtesy of Gillette. Alonzo plans to attend ASA College in Hialeah, Florida next school year.

You can check out the official trailer for the series below and catch the premier of the first two episodes on HBO on November 10th at 9:00 p.m.

Pressley Ridge Enhances Care for Foster Youth Returning Home

October 7, 2020

The Pressley Ridge Treatment Foster Care Aftercare Program is designed to help strengthen families as youth exit treatment foster care.  The goal of the program is to provide the resources necessary for parents to care for their child, including skill-building, while connecting the youth and family to needed community services such as medical, educational, vocational, and basic needs.  The aftercare services enhancement is made possible through the BluePrints for the Community grant funding provided by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

“We are honored to receive this BluePrints for the Community grant,” said Coni Grant, Pressley Ridge Executive Director of MD and DE.  “The funding will help to develop sustaining support systems for youth and their families as they transition out of foster homes and back to their families. The positive impact on these families will last for many years to come,” said Grant.

“Strengthening the familial connection and supporting those we serve through capacity building and resilience development are core to this program,” said Cha-Tanya Lankford, Director of Delaware Programs for Pressley Ridge.  “Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware’s investment sets the groundwork for a future of positive outcomes for these families.”

Through this grant, Pressley Ridge will monitor and support the foster youth and family for a 90-day period, with a focus on activities that promote successful integration into the family, school, and community.  The ultimate goal is for youth to remain healthy, continue to develop and progress, and avoid future out-of-home placements.

BluePrints for the Community awarded more than $1.1 million in funding to nine Delaware nonprofits in this grant cycle announced in September.  Established as a donor-advised fund at the Delaware Community Foundation, BluePrints for the Community has contributed more than $16 million to the community since its inception in 2007.  The fund supports projects that focus on social determinants of health, increasing access to health care, decreasing health disparities, early childhood health and health care workforce development.

“We are pleased to support Pressley Ridge and their expansion of services for youth leaving the foster care system in order to provide sufficient support for them and their families,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “Re-entry to home is exciting but challenging and it is imperative Delaware families get the help they need to transition children home safely and holistically.”

The BluePrints for Community Grant will provide funding for enhanced aftercare services for up to 25 youth and families in 2021.

Bullying Prevention Month

September 30, 2020

October is Bullying Prevention Month, a month-long event to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

What is Bullying?

According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. There are three types of bullying: verbal, social and physical. For more information on what constitutes bullying, visit StopBullying.gov.

As the use of computers, tablets and other devices has increased for kids and teens over the past several months in addition to the prevalence of social media, cyberbullying may be a big concern for parents. ConnectSafely recommends that take the time to really listen to your child if they come to you for help with cyberbullying. Also, take the time to understand the whole situation from multiple perspectives. You can read their full Tips to Stop Cyberbullying here.

Teaching children about kindness and acceptance from an early age is very important to the prevention of bullying. You can read books with your child about empathy and positive ways to stand up to bullying or watch movies that teach about the importance of kindness.

Anti-Bullying Resources and Information

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers resources for individuals, schools and communities to show their support and help stop bullying. 

STOMP Out Bullying™ is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country.

How parents, teachers and kids can take action to prevent bullying (American Psychological Association)

Back to School

September 9, 2020

Like all schools, we spent many months preparing to reopen our school buildings, focusing on the health and safety of both our staff and students. The buildings have been sanitized from top to bottom, installed Plexiglas panels, equipped the buildings with air purifiers and hand sanitizing stations, and purchased masks and face shields for both staff and students.

Many of our students have unique needs that require additional problem solving to ensure their health and safety. At the Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf, we are offering clear face masks for both students and teachers so that facial expressions are visible when communicating. At the Pressley Ridge School for Autism, in addition to traditional masks and face shields, we are also offering face shields that clip onto the brim of a baseball cap for those students unable to tolerate anything on their faces. Disposable hospital gowns and latex gloves are available for staff who need to assist students with feeding, toileting, or other physical tasks that they are unable to complete on their own.

We are so happy to have our staff and students back on campus. Although this school year is much different than other years, one thing hasn’t changed – our teachers and staff remain dedicated to providing our students with the best education possible.

Trauma Summit Draws More Than 150 Mental Health Professionals

October 25, 2019

On October 23rd and 24th, Pressley Ridge brought together more than 150 national and regional mental health professionals invested in the advancement of trauma-informed care for the 2019 Building Connections and Hope for the Future Trauma Summit. Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, renowned children’s mental health and trauma expert, served as the keynote speaker.​​​

During the two day summit, participants shared information, explored successful strategies and engaged in a deep dialogue on sustaining hope for those who have experienced significant adversity and trauma. Day one explored innovative practices and featured a two-part keynote presentation from Dr. Perry that focused on how trauma interrupts human development and what therapists can do to help children who have experienced trauma.

Michelle McMurray, MSW also discussed her personal experiences surrounding mental health and culture and how it has led her to a compassionate pursuit of system change. She spoke of her efforts to improve access to high-quality physical and mental health care for low-income and racial and ethnic minority populations and to strengthen small, community-based nonprofits.

Dr. Perry and Ms. McMurray were featured in a panel discussion around trauma-informed care and future action, which also included Walter Smith, Jr., PhD, founder of The Western Pennsylvania Family Center and former executive director of Family Resources, a child abuse treatment and prevention organization in Pittsburgh, PA; and Dr. Dennis Daley, PhD, who most recently served as Senior Clinical Director of Substance Use Services, Behavioral Health Integration Division, UPMC Insurance Division.

On the second day, summit participants built on their collaborative vision of what trauma-infused care means and discussed ways to act on their vision.

Trauma and adversity have been shown to directly correlate with an increase in addiction, systematic racism, poverty and poor mental health. As a leader in trauma-informed care, Pressley Ridge continuously seeks to improve the services we offer to children and families impacted by adversity. The goal of this summit was to create a shared power that will advance policy and practice from trauma-informed to trauma-infused institutions.

“Our long history of serving children and families affected by trauma has led us toward infusing trauma-informed practices into everything we do. We are privileged to be able to bring together our region’s leading social service providers along with national experts to collaborate and create communities that thrive,” said Susanne Cole, President and CEO of Pressley Ridge.

Dr. Perry is highly-regarded for having developed the Neurosequential Model, which is a developmentally-informed, biologically-respectful approach to working with at-risk children and their families that has revolutionized the trauma-informed community. Pressley Ridge is in the final stages of certification as a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics flagship site through the ChildTrauma Academy.

Students Begin School Year in Brand New Building

September 6, 2019

Students and staff at the Pressley Ridge School for Autism and School for the Deaf began their school year in the much-anticipated brand new facility. Under construction for the past year, this school was designed from the ground up with the help of Deaf and autism experts to meet the needs of these students. After more than two decades, the students and staff finally have a permanent school with the tools they need to learn effectively and reach their potential.

Pressley Ridge Awarded Top Workplaces 2019

September 3, 2019

Pressley Ridge has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2019 honor by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, ranking 8th in the Large Companies category. The list is based solely on employee feedback through an anonymous survey that measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, connection and more.​

Thanks to our dedicated and passionate employees for recognizing us with this honor!

Jesse McLean Honored with Prestigious Awards

August 23, 2019

Executive Director of Western PA, Jesse McLean, has been honored with two prestigious awards in recognition of his service to his community and his field. Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc. and BCC Ministries named Jesse a 2019 awardee of the Ninth Annual Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Awards, recognizing him as a Pittsburgh individual that has displayed faith, courage and leadership in his field. Jesse has also been awarded the 2019 Jennie A. Carter Award from California University of Pennsylvania for exemplifying Jennie’s legacy of life-long service and dedication to education, students, and California University of Pennsylvania. Congratulations to Jesse on his well-deserved honors!

Little Free Library Opens at Cleveland Office

August 15, 2019

The Northern Ohio programs’ Men of Honor & Integrity Council spent time this summer constructing a ‘Free Little Library’ for the Cleveland office and living the values of Re-ED. The Group is Important in these young men’s lives. This project allowed them to gain basic carpentry Competencies that Make a Difference in their futures, as well as allowing them to serve the Community that is Important in their lives. Now, when youth and families visit the Cleveland office, they will be able to pick up and enjoy and new book.

2019 Graduates

June 11, 2019

In total, 22 students accepted their diplomas from the Pressley Ridge schools this year.

• In Pittsburgh, Marcus Morris spoke a message of hope based on Nelson Mandela’s quote “It always seems impossible until it is done” to his fellow graduates from the Career Development Center, as well as Day School Pittsburgh, School for Autism and School for the Deaf.
• ​Day School Greensburg celebrated with a brunch and talent show to honor their four grads, who are all going on to employment.
• Among the seven Day School Johnstown grads, some will move on to full time work, while others will continue their education at community college or vocational schools.

Mental Health Month 2019

May 6, 2019

May is Mental Health Month, and we are doing our part to help increase awareness of the connection between physical and mental health.

Mental Health America offers these suggestions for:

• A healthy work-life balance: Work allows you to provide for yourself and your family while also serving a purpose in the community, but when it takes over your life, it can negatively affect your health.
• Humor: Finding humor in the circumstances of life can lift moods with laughter and help people to better deal with and overcome difficult experiences.

Check back throughout the month for more mental health tips and facts.

Click here for more information on community-based and outpatient mental health services offered by Pressley Ridge.

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Strong and Thriving Families

April 15, 2019

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the theme for 2019 is Strong and Thriving Families. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Children’s Bureau have assembled some tips and recommendations for strengthening your family.
Download the fact sheet here.

Keeping Your Family Strong

Every family has strengths, and every family faces challenges. When you are under stress—the car breaks down, you or your partner lose a job, your child’s behavior is difficult, or even when the family is experiencing a positive change, such as moving into a new home—sometimes it takes a little extra help to get through the day. Protective factors are the strengths and resources that families draw on when life gets difficult. Building on these strengths is a proven way to keep the family strong and enhance child well-being. This tip sheet describes six key protective factors and some simple ways you can build these factors in your own family.

All content courtesy of Childwelfare.gov.

Construction Updates on the new Pressley Ridge School for Autism and Deaf

December 6, 2018

Construction is progressing on the new Pressley Ridge School for Autism and Deaf! You can stay up to date on the building’s progress through time-lapsed video. The facility is on track to welcome students in the 2019-20 school year.

Pressley Ridge Acquires New Pathways: Expanding Services for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care

July 26, 2018

Pressley Ridge recently acquired New Pathways, Inc. in Baltimore, MD to address the needs of youth transitioning out of foster care. This acquisition further strengthens Pressley Ridge’s impact in the region, allowing us to positively affect the lives of 450 youth in foster care and juvenile services each year. In addition to the already established treatment foster care, parent-child foster care and community based mental and behavioral health services, Pressley Ridge now provides independent living, career and workforce development and community outreach services for transition-age youth in Maryland. For more information on the services offered by the New Pathways program of Pressley Ridge, visit newpathways.org​.

Pressley Ridge Featured at York Revolution Baseball Game

July 16, 2018

Pressley Ridge was in the spotlight when the York Revolution took on the Long Island Ducks on Friday, July 13th. Staff members Cindy Plunkert and Ron Gruca were joined by foster parent Dan McMillan in a pre-game radio interview (Check out the interview here). Then Dan and his wife, Willeas, stood by as their foster child threw out the first pitch of the game. The Revs came out on top with a 16 – 1 win!

“The Children Did Not Ask to Be Here, But They Have to Be Cared For”

July 2, 2018

Annie Harrison is no stranger to the idea of helping children in need. Growing up in Tennessee, her mother took in everyone who needed guidance, saying, “The children did not ask to be here, but they have to be cared for.”

It was this philosophy that led her to become a treatment foster parent with Pressley Ridge. After fostering for over a decade, she never imagined that she would end up adopting two young children.

​Elizabeth, 12, and George, 9, were first placed in Ms. Harrison’s home when they were 8 and 5 years old. After staying with her for a time, the children were sent to live with a relative. When that placement was not successful, Children Services contacted Annie, who was thankful that she had the space to bring them back to her home.

During their first summer together, Annie began to notice that Elizabeth needed help with reading and George was behind on alphabet and number recognition. So, she spent the summer tutoring them. Together they made flashcards and practiced until they felt more prepared to start the new school year. George learned how to hold a pencil and write his name, and Elizabeth became a more confident reader.

The children’s adjustment in Ms. Harrison’s home wasn’t easy. George had frequent temper tantrums, and Elizabeth had the mindset that she did not have to listen to her because she was not her mother. Yet as Ms. Harrison demonstrated her love and commitment over time, they began to trust her. The children’s biological father even thanked Annie for her support and told her that he knew the children loved her.
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After four years in her home, the pair became available for adoption. Annie had become very attached to the children and did not want to let them go. Though she heard from several people that she was too old to adopt, she decided to follow her heart. On June 14, 2018, Annie, Elizabeth and George became a forever family!

There are more than 2,300 children in Cuyahoga County in foster care – many due to the opioid crisis. These children need a loving and nurturing home while their families of origin strive to get healthy. Foster parents can serve as role models for the kids and provide support to birth parents. The ultimate hope is that children can be reunited with their families or make permanent connections to other loving adults in their life.

If you or someone you know may be interested in opening your heart and home to a child in need, please contact your local Pressley Ridge office. In Cleveland, contact Zina Klypchak-Guercia at (216) 763-0800 or ZKlypchak@pressleyridge.org.

2nd Annual Sporting Clays Event Raises More Than $47,000

May 15, 2018

The 2nd Annual Pressley Ridge Sporting Clays Shoot was held on Monday, May 14th at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Despite the stormy weather that forced shooters indoors about halfway through the course, the event was a great success with an increase of 40 shooters and $14,000 over last year. Day School Johnstown student Nate Swauger spoke to attendees during the buffet lunch, describing how his life has improved since he began attending Pressley Ridge.

Day School Johnstown Prom

May 11, 2018

The Junior and Senior Prom was held at Johnstown Day School on Thursday May 10th. GJCTC Culinary Department catered a delicious meal of stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Mr. Deater was the DJ for the evening as the student danced the night away. The Prom Queen and Prom King were chosen by their peers and were crowned by our very own Grandma Jo.
It was a beautiful night to make memories!

Pressley Ridge Featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Article on Opiod Abuse

April 30, 2018

“Pressley Ridge, which operates in six states, has been able to find families for all of the opioid-affected children referred to it by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, said agency president Susanne Cole. But in Ohio and West Virginia, the opioid epidemic has dislodged so many children that it’s becoming difficult to find enough foster parents, she said. “The numbers are huge,” she said, “and it’s not going away.”
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Pressley Ridge is included in Part 2 of “The Needle in the Family Tree” published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Click to read the full article here.

Pressley Ridge Pursuing Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Certification

March 9, 2018

Pressley Ridge integrates a trauma-informed perspective into all of our services, which provides the foundation for a basic understanding of the psychological, neurological, biological, and social impact that trauma and violence has on individuals. This mindset leads our staff to ask “What happened to that child?” rather than “What’s wrong with that child?”. Learn more about Pressley Ridge’s Trauma-Informed Care practices here.

We believe that a trauma-informed perspective needs to be supported by specific trauma-informed practices.  To this end, Pressley Ridge’s clinical leadership is in the process of becoming certified in The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) through the ChildTrauma Academy.

NMT is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology informed approach to clinical problem solving. NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. It is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families and the communities in which they live.
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The Neurosequential Approach has three key components – training/capacity building, assessment and then, the specific recommendations for the selection and sequencing of therapeutic, educational and enrichment activities that match the needs and strengths of the individual. The catalyst for this process is the creation of a “Brain Map”. This map is a metric of brain development that is complete by a skilled NMT clinician. This map is not a visual of the actual brain itself but, a heuristic tool that guides quality treatment. As a result, NMT will allow our programs to better serve those who have experienced trauma and adversity, as well as, support caregivers, the child protective system and the judicial system to make decisions are in the child and families best interest.

Building for Successful Futures

March 2, 2018

Pressley Ridge is excited to announce plans to build a new School for Autism and Deaf on our main campus in Pittsburgh, PA. This $12 million project, slated to break ground in the spring, has been designed through the help of autism and deaf experts to serve our unique population of students with enhanced learning experiences that include:

• Large sensory rooms with adjustable strobe lighting, as well as textiles, swings, and other comforting sensory objects
• S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and culinary classrooms provide opportunities for all students to explore their diverse interests
• The PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab gives students the opportunity to explore careers through simulated work environments, while learning life skills to encourage independence
• Flexible space, such as a multi-purpose room and media labs, for community engagement

Thank you to our early supporters of this project, including Pressley Ridge Foundation, Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, Massey Charitable Trust, and FedEx Ground, as well as the Pressley Ridge Board of Directors.

Follow our progress and get involved with PR2020: A Campaign For Successful Futures here.

Caring Communities

February 12, 2018

Pressley Ridge’s ability to deliver our critical mission is dependent upon our partners who provide us not only with monetary support but also with the items and services our kids and families need. With countless individuals, companies and groups aiding 55 programs in six states, we can’t possibly mention all of the good will being done on our behalf, but we can highlight just a few of our strongest supporters.

• In the fall, Pressley Ridge was the beneficiary of Whole Foods 5% Day. In all, more than $15,000 was donated to our programs from sales at all three Pittsburgh, PA locations.
• Barnes & Noble in Cranberry Twp., PA featured Pressley Ridge in their annual Holiday Book Drive. In addition to $800 in proceeds donated by the store, shoppers purchased more than 3,200 new books for our children – a store record for the Holiday Book Drive.
• Nationally, Mattress Firm is dedicated to creating hope and opportunities for children in foster care. In the past year, their Ticket to Dream Foundation has donated thousands of dollars, clothing, shoes, school supplies and toys for children in Delaware and Western PA.
• Once again, Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was a staunch supporter of Pressley Ridge Delaware, purchasing and wrapping Angel Tree gifts for children in care. In total, chapter members have donated 700 gifts over the past four years.
• In Central PA, OWL Chiropractic in Lancaster adopted Pressley Ridge as their charity of choice, and in just four months, they have already donated more than $2,000, along with Angel Tree gifts for our kids. Nearby, The Melting Pot Harrisburg is in its third year of hosting charity dinners to benefit Pressley Ridge. And in York, restaurateur Athena Keares has consistently supported Angel Tree over the past five years.
• The holiday party for families in Cumberland, MD was made possible by contributions from Rehab First, Chessie Federal Credit Union, Cumberland American Legion, Scarpelli’s Funeral Home, Dr. Ryan Pensyl, Domino’s Pizza, Martin’s Grocery Store and Weis Grocery Store.
• Legacy Construction has been a great friend to our kids and families in Cleveland, OH, sponsoring events and providing no cost repairs to the local office.
• Mt. Healthy Hatcheries has been a tremendous partner to Pressley Ridge Cincinnati for more than five years, providing funding, sponsoring events and introducing others to our mission.
• Kappa Sigma Pi’s history of supporting Pressley Ridge and our youth in West Virginia spans more than three decades. The organization provides the 107-acre campus of our Laurel Park residential treatment program and has financed several major capital improvements over the years. Each year at the holidays, they also provide gifts for the youth.
• The Annie E. Casey Foundation works to improve the lives of America’s children and their families and has generously provided funding and gifts for foster children in the Baltimore, MD area for the past four holiday seasons.

We also want to thank the hundreds of others who have supported our kids and families in so many ways!

Home Places Youth Experience Cirque Du Soleil Crystal from the Suite Seats

January 30, 2018

On Friday, January 19th, seven youth and five staff from the Pressley Ridge Home Places program had the opportunity to attend Cirque Du Soleil Crystal in a beautiful suite at PPG Paints Arena thanks to Tickets for Kids. The privacy of a suite allowed youth with sensory issues or difficulty being in crowded places to enjoy an evening out.
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For many years, Tickets for Kids has generously provided opportunities that spark interest and excitement in our kids and families, sending them to events that they would otherwise not have the means to attend. In just the past year, more than 300 Pressley Ridge youth and families enjoyed over 100 different events and activities.

WOWK-TV features Pressley Ridge Foster Care

December 11, 2017

A recent WOWK-TV news story featured Pressley Ridge foster family The Crytzers and highlighted the great need for foster families to care for children affected by the opioid epidemic.
Check out the story here: ​​http://www.wowktv.com/news/local-news/pressley-ridge-center-helps-foster-families/878787202

Western MD Homebuilders Program Receives Official Citation

November 27, 2017

The Pressley Ridge Homebuilders program in Western Maryland received a Maryland General Assembly Official Citation of Recognition from MD Delegate, Aruna Miller. Delegate Miller spent time visiting with staff and learning about the program and the needs of our clients.
​The Homebuilders program, located in Allegany County, MD is an intensive in-home program designed to assist children at risk of out of home placement, including families affected by parental substance use. Pictured from left to right are Amy Crowley, therapist, Delegate Aruna Miller, Mary Beth DeMartino,  Program Director and Wendy McKenzie, Program Supervisor.

Running Wild at Laurel Park

November 9, 2017

Laura O’Hara, Clinical Liaison at the Laurel Park program has a passion for running. Luckily for the youth at Laurel Park, she is sharing her passion for this sport with them. As a Therapist, Laura often teaches self-regulation skills to the youth on her therapy caseload and for the past three months she has incorporated a twice per week Running Group with several of the young men at Laurel Park.

Over the course of twelve weeks, Laura entered the group of five young men into several races and ran right alongside them. The races included the Ritchie Regional Health Care 5K, Cooper’s Rock Stump Jump 10K and the Salem Apple Butter Festival 5K.
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Laura is proud of how invested these young men were and how they continued to improve their individual race times. One young man improved his 10K time from 57:37 to 50:04, ending the season with a fourth overall finish in the Test the Watters race.

Day School Pittsburgh Students Showcase Artwork

October 5, 2017

Six students from the Day School Pittsburgh shared their artwork in the community by participating in the Annual Flowering of Insight Art Exhibit held in the Department of Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh.
The Flowering of Insight Art Exhibit began more than 20 years ago.  The theme for this year’s exhibit was “I can…” and showcased artworks by artists ranging in age from youth to seniors. The exhibit was on display throughout the month of September, with an artists’ reception on Saturday, September 30th.
DaySchool Art Teacher MaryAnn Fabian helped to coordinate and plan the exhibit, along with representatives from other participating agencies, including Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, PA Connecting Communities and Milestone Centers.​

Pressley Ridge Delaware Walks With Leah

September 25, 2017

On Saturday, September 23, 2017 Pressley Ridge – Delaware staff supported the 3rd Annual “Delaware Walks with Leah 5K Walk/Run” at the Christiana Mall located in Newark, DE.  Hundreds were in attendance which presented a great opportunity to recruit and increase “friends” of Pressley Ridge. Pictured above are Marcie Byus, Recruiter with Ms. Delaware 2017, Chelsea Bruce, Tanya Johnson, TFC Supervisor and Leah Still with mother Channing Smythe.

Walsh Construction Donates $25,000 to Pressley Ridge

August 25, 2017

Once again, Walsh Construction has generously supported Pressley Ridge by donating a portion of the proceeds from their annual golf outing. We are grateful for our partnership with Walsh, which also includes the Constructing Their Futures program for students at the Career Development Center and support for the Angel Tree drive during the holidays.

A Youth Voice for Mental Health

July 10, 2017

In collaboration with the Beaver County System of Care, Pressley Ridge is honored to be a part of the
Beaver County Youth Ambassador Program, which aims to spread awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health issues among high school students. The program began in 2016 with representatives from five school districts, and by next school year, the list will have grown to 15 with as many as 10 students participating from each school.

During two events held in early 2017, the students attended workshops and heard personal stories of mental illness, advocacy and recovery. The ambassadors also discussed ways to alert their peers
how and where to find help. Student-designed posters featuring reassuring messages and helpline
information will soon be hung throughout the halls of the partner schools. In addition, ambassadors
volunteered to speak about their own mental health experiences for a compilation video that was shared on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 4.

Two Decades of Devotion

July 3, 2017

Henrietta Thomas has been a foster parent with Pressley Ridge for 20 years, and in that
time, more than 100 children have called her house home.

Many of the kids she has fostered continue to visit – some bringing their own children to meet
Henrietta and all hoping for one of her home-cooked meals. Her current foster children agree
that she makes the best dinners and baked goods.

Ms. Henrietta is a model parent, offering guidance and support to others who are new to
fostering. She is always available in a time of need or crisis and will go above and beyond to
make sure a child has a safe and loving home.

One child said, “Ms. Henrietta does whatever she can to make sure we get along. She doesn’t
make me feel like I am in a foster home.”

We are fortunate to have hundreds of foster parents, many of whom, just like Ms. Henrietta,
have given decades of love, support and dedication to our kids and families.

Coffee Shop Prepares Students For Life Beyond PRSA

June 26, 2017

An afternoon coffee break is a daily routine for many. For the staff working at Pressley Ridge’s Pittsburgh Campus – which includes the Day School Pittsburgh and the School for Autism – their coffee break is much more meaningful.

Three days each week, students from the Pressley Ridge School for Autism (PRSA) operate a coffee shop on campus. On the surface, the PRSA Coffee Shop offers a welcome service to the staff in the form of beverages and snacks, but it’s the students who run the shop who benefit much more than the customers.

The coffee shop is a therapeutic environment where the students learn valuable social and vocational skills, including appropriate work place etiquette. The are four jobs: greeter, snack stand, barista and cashier. Each job has specific expectations that vary based upon the individual student’s needs and abilities, which increases the students’ chance for success.

The use of meaningful Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the coffee shop is encouraged. AAC includes various methods of supplementing or replacing speech to convey wants and needs. When a student uses any form of AAC, a unique vocabulary is developed for communication in the work environment, which promotes communication in settings outside of the classroom. Group conversations are led by PRSA’s Speech-Language Pathologist, and social language and the art of “small talk” become a byproduct of the work environment.

Though staff are closely monitoring, students working in the coffee shop are given the least intrusive level of prompting to promote independence. The staff are also able to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to develop a work-biography to be passed on to future placements.
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For our students, the PRSA Coffee Shop is an important stepping stone between a highly structured therapeutic environment and the real world, and it is just one of the many ways we prepare our students for life after Pressley Ride.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

June 26, 2017

This spring, 28 students graduated from the six Pressley Ridge Schools, along with dozens
more youth from our foster care, community-based and residential programs. These
students have experienced varying degrees of adversity in their young lives, yet through hard
work and determination, they have succeeded.

Kira, who recently transitioned to independent living from Pressley Ridge foster care, is just
one of this year’s commendable stories. Throughout high school, Kira maintained straight A’s
while working part time and taking free online college courses. She graduated with honors
from Hamilton High School and will attend Miami University Hamilton in the fall, where she
was awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships and plans to study forensic investigation.
Steve came to Pressley Ridge Day School Johnstown at the age of 12 with a diagnosis of
Selective Mutism. He struggled with academics, refused to participate in group activities,
ignored instruction and became physically aggressive. In his eight years at the school, he
made great strides and eventually began responding verbally in class, making friends and even
participating in a school-to-work program at REI, where he now hopes to secure full-time
employment. Steve’s mother proudly boasts, “Pressley Ridge has been a life saver. I now get
to see my son, whom I never expected to graduate, not only graduate, but with the highest
grades…and the opportunity to go on and further his education.

There are many more shining examples of success in the Pressley Ridge Class of 2017, and we are
proud of how far they have come. No matter where they are headed, we wish them the best of luck.

Champions for the Community

June 5, 2017

The children of Pressley Ridge are big fans of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins – both on and off the ice. Over the past five years, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has supported our kids with nearly $75,000 in financial contributions that have provided art therapy and educational tools for children and young adults with autism. During the most recent NHL season, groups of Pressley Ridge kids from Pittsburgh and Johnstown, PA, Morgantown, WV and Western Maryland were treated to the unique experience of watching a game from the Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Charity Suites. One youth said, “Thank you for giving me one of the best Christmases ever. Seeing the Penguins was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.” One lucky group of kids not only got to experience a Peng-win, they also sat next to Christina Aguilera, who graciously took time to take photos with our kids! We are so grateful to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation for their continued support of our kids and families.

Pressley Ridge Johnstown Day School Prom

May 30, 2017

On Friday, May 19th Johnstown student danced the afternoon away at the Junior/Senior Prom. Students enjoyed music by our own DJ, Mr. Deater, posed for pictures with their classmates, and enjoyed light refreshments. It was a day filled with happy memories!

Pressley Ridge Johnstown Day School Receives Generous Donation

May 24, 2017

Dave Donate, owner of The Orchard, in Geistown recently visited the students and staff to make a $2,800.00 donation to the Day School Johnstown. The students were also entertained by a few magic tricks and all received a new water bottle and a pen. Every April for the past six years Mr. Donate has donated a percentage of patron’s dinners along with portions of his Saturday night tips in the effort to raise autism awareness. To date, he has donated over $11,500.00.

Pressley Ridge Goes Blue for Foster Care Month

May 2, 2017

May is National Foster Care month, which was created to not only highlight the children in care and the need for foster parents, but also to celebrate the dedication of the families and the workers who support them.  Staff, kids and families all across the regions celebrated National Foster Care Day by wearing blue. One of our WV foster parents commented, “This team is awesome. They do an amazing job guiding and helping foster homes. They truly do love their jobs and have hearts of gold to give these kids a loving home. Proud to belong to such an amazing company!”

Pressley Ridge Johnstown Boys Win 19-16

May 1, 2017

As a part of our community outreach program, The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District brought their Senior boys basketball team for a little competition. The Shanksville- Stonycreek Vikings are the District V Champions, Single A Division, West PAC South Champions, and reached the Sweet 16 Playoffs in the State Playoffs with an overall 25-2 record. Two of the senior boys, Aaron Smith and Jessie Bittner played a half-court game against two of our students and our one and only Mr. Martin.  The other senior boys acted as referees and the cheering section. The final score was 19 – 16, Pressley. After the game the senior boys spent time shooting hoops with all students who wanted to participate and then allotted time for autographs. It was a great morning spending time with a neighboring school.

Walter Randolph Celebrated on Administrative Professionals Day

April 28, 2017

For the 9th year in a row, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce honored  the wonderful, resourceful, and creative people that are Administrative Professionals! This year, Walter Randolph, Office Manager, Dover, DE was surprised by his selection of being recognized as one of three “BEST OF THE BEST” winners! Walter, along with the two other winners will be highlighted in the Chamber Connections newspaper, receive a prize donated by a Chamber Member as well as a prize package inclusive of a pampering package from  Aurora Academy of Hair Design; a floral bouquet from  Jen-Mar Florist and a Mary Kay Cosmetics Gift Basket
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The Dover, DE team jumped at the opportunity to recognize and celebrate Walter who has been a member of the Pressley Ridge team for the past ten years. Walter is a man of action; he is described by his peers as loyal, dedicated and supportive.  He serves as the face of the Kent Co. office; he warmly greets all visitors and always has a story about his family’s beloved Basset Hounds!  Walter stays abreast of deadlines that not only impact his work, but those of staff as well and sends gentle reminders prior to expiration to keep us all in compliance.  Walter is proactive and does not wait for directives to address issues.  Due to this attention to detail and cooperative spirit direct service staff are able to focus and manage the stressful day to day of serving youth and families.
Pressley Ridge has a vision of “all kids thrive” and a mission that states “whatever it takes to create success for children and families.”  Walter personifies these statements and presents with a“whatever it takes” attitude and can do spirit.  He has a calm and relaxed demeanor and often serves as a sounding board presenting practical and a neutral positions; both qualities needed in such a fast paced and emotionally charged work environment in which we operate.  Walter makes himself available 24/7; he stays abreast of staff’s community location daily for safety purposes and can be found offering a helping hand, whether its loading or unloading cars ; changing a co-workers or families tire in our parking lot or being present during emotionally charged family visitation; Walter can be depended

Walter is a consummate professional. He arrives early each day; has a unique sense of humor; is well rounded and can hold a conversation on an array of topics.  Walter accommodates the many requests of staff and foster families to ensure their day moves a little more smoothly.
CONGRATULATIONS WALTER!!!! We greatly appreciate you!

Pressley Ridge Career Development Center Students Test Video Game

April 3, 2017

Several students at the Career Development Center had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of game developers from SimCoach Games.  The students were asked to play a game that is in its earliest stage of development.  The game was designed to give information about careers associated with building roads and bridges and geared towards young people from ages 14-25.  The team from SimCoach Games observed the students interact with the app and then followed up with a brief Q & A session.  The students were very engaged and gave specific feedback about ways the game could be improved.  They all enjoyed their glimpse into research and development and were motivated to see what other games are available through the company.

Pressley Ridge Pittsburgh Day School Helps Fight Hunger

March 21, 2017

Ms. Fabian and her art students again supported the Empty Bowls Dinner benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest. The students created handmade bowls to be used as part of the meager meal, served at the event, which highlights the state of hunger in our area. Day School students have been participating in this event for over a decade. Here are some of their creations that went home with lucky attendees at the event on March 20th.

Pressley Ridge Career Development Students Bring Soup to Homeless

March 9, 2017

The students at the Career Development Center spent some time during the month of February learning empathy first hand. The Skill Streaming class, along with the Culinary class, made soup to distribute to some of Pittsburgh’s homeless citizens.

The purpose of the activity was to encourage students to interact with diverse people and realize that life takes many unexpected turns. The students first gathered lidded bowls and utensils from local businesses, then decided which recipe they would like to prepare. They made individual portions and delivered them in person.
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The students had the opportunity to listen to the stories some of the recipients had to share. They also found that some of the folks recognized the vehicle and were looking for them. Possibly the greatest lesson the students learned was when they saw some young men taking pictures and making fun of some sleeping homeless people. Our students got out of the vehicle and delivered the warming soup to those people who just moments before had been treated unkindly. They had the opportunity to lead by example and to treat fellow human beings with the dignity we all deserve.​

Penn Hills Satellite Employee Leads Team to Championship

March 8, 2017

Omar White has worked at the Penn Hills Satellite Program since 2015. In his spare time he volunteers to coach with the Steel Valley Ironmen Football Team. Omar coaches on the defense working with the students throughout the school year. This past season, the Ironmen were on fire, not losing a game in the regular season and enforcing the mercy rule in 15 out of 15 games. They were able to play the WPIAL Class 2A championship at Robert Morris University. With that win, Omar and the Ironmen went onto Hershey where they would face Southern Columbia. Omar and the Ironmen crushed Southern Columbia 49-7.

​Omar continues to volunteer his time with the Ironmen, coaching and working with the students, while they condition in their offseason. While working with our students at the Penn Hills BEST program, Omar offers behavioral supports as well as educational help. Omar is a great role model for the students in our program, offering character education and building rapport with students and families.

Pressley Ridge Day School Johnstown Attends Pittsburgh Penguins Game!

March 7, 2017

The Johnstown families could not be more thankful to The Penguins Foundation for providing VIP seats, snacks, and a visit from Iceburgh. This once in a lifetime trip was made even better with a 5-2 Win for the Pens!

Pressley Ridge Day School Johnstown Celebrates Read Across America Week

March 6, 2017

Day School Johnstown students celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss week with special guest readers. Tom Chernisky, Cambria County Commissioner, brought his friend Chopper, from the Johnstown Tomahawks to read with Classroom 4. Down the hall in Classroom 8, students were quietly listening to Max Pavlovich, candidate for District Magistrate 47-1-02. It was a great week of fun filled activities!

Pressley Ridge Day School Pittsburgh Hosts 22nd Annual Chili Cook Off!

March 2, 2017

The Day School Pittsburgh hosted our 22nd Annual Chili Cook Off on February 24th. Each classroom at Marshall Ave. and the CDC prepared their secret recipe and a panel of student and staff judges taste tested them all. The chili’s were judged on best taste, hottest and most original. There were some very creative ingredients again this year but our winners had some very old school flavor profiles. Thanks to all our judges who lent their taste buds to this event.

Valentine’s Day Celebration at Pressley Ridge Johnstown Day School

February 21, 2017

Students will always remember the excitement of their first dance! Love was in the air as the students at Johnstown danced the afternoon away. Our high school students in Classroom 7 helped put together the playlist and chaperone, while Mr. Deater was our DJ. The students enjoyed refreshments and a casual, fun time with their friends.

Pressly Ridge Johnstown Day School Students Tour Blind Association

February 10, 2017

Day School Johnstown students had the opportunity to tour the Cambria County Association for the Blind. During the tour students learned about the products the program makes for mines, gas/oil companies, electric companies, solar energy, and other state facilities. Students were lucky enough to try some metal working first hand! The Association for the Blind offers school to work programs and meaningful employment for students with disabilities.

No Surprise Here: “Tracer” Highlights Ohio Program’s Strengths

January 25, 2017

HAMILTON, OH – The Pressley Ridge Family Preservation Program (FPP) here in Butler County recently completed a “Family Tracer” that demonstrated what program staff and leadership might have already suspected: Pressley Ridge families greatly appreciate their partnership with our organization and the hard work that is done on their behalf.

The Family Tracer is a new endeavor at Pressley Ridge that was developed by the Organizational Performance department to assess our family engagement efforts and inform leadership of the findings, in order to better align organizational practices with our strategic initiatives. How is this done?

A Family Tracer assessment is conducted via a site visit to a program by a team of reviewers. The goal is to review and rate evidence of family engagement, based on current practices. The data collection procedures include chart reviews, review of program materials and handouts, and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with staff, individuals in services, and family members. The physical environment of the program site is also rated.

Getting back their lives
In Butler County, located outside of Cincinnati, perhaps the most telling piece of the Tracer was the focus group interview. A group of eight caretakers – biological parents, grandparents and foster parents – participated in a conversation that was scheduled to last an hour but ran over because of the enthusiasm of the participants.
The gratitude these parents and caretakers expressed for their Pressley Ridge service providers was humbling and heartwarming. They provided one example after another of Pressley clinicians providing tireless, competent support, helping families one day at time. “It’s so wonderful to have support when you find it,” said one person. Another simply said: “Pressley Ridge gave me my life back.”

More than one person said that, whenever possible, they don’t use any service provider other than Pressley Ridge. There was a consensus not only about the superiority of existing Pressley Ridge services; when asked to think about what their area needed to enhance the quality of life, the answer was unanimous: more Pressley Ridge services.

How do we know that this wasn’t a case of a few appreciative clients skewing the outcome? For one thing, the Family Tracer’s validity is dependent on data from a variety of sources, not just satisfied customers; for example, there was a chart review of randomly selected files and a review of program materials, which measured current practice, not planned or intended behavior. This data supported what the parents and caretakers said – that the program is very engaged with families.

Satisfied partners
Butler County’s Family Preservation Program used to be run in-house by Children’s Services (BCCS) but was discontinued in 2011 due to budgetary issues. When it was decided last year to bring the program back through outside providers, Pressley Ridge won the contract. The county’s response to the job Pressley Ridge is doing presents further evidence of the program’s effectiveness.

BCCS Director Bill Morrison told a local newspaper that choosing Pressley Ridge was the best decision the county could have made. Pressley “hit the ground running much quicker than any other new program I’ve ever started,” he told the paper. “It immediately started affecting our practice.” Within six months of starting work, the Pressley FPP program was credited with keeping 20 children in their homes. Many more families have been helped since then.

Program supervisor Anna Robinson says, “The staff deserves all of the credit. We didn’t start slow but full force; they’ve been working hard since day one.” She praises them for coming together as a team in a short amount of time. “It’s their dedication to the program and the clients,” said Robinson. “I can’t compliment them enough.” Says Dr. Annette Trunzo, director of Organizational Performance: “Tracers give us an opportunity as an organization to determine if we are achieving the results that we want.” Butler County FPP is the first Pressley Ridge program to complete a Family Tracer in its official rollout – several programs participated in the pilot stage last year while the process was being fine-tuned.

Trunzo looks forward to more programs completing Family Tracers this year. “It’s a good peer-to-peer process that lets us step into the shoes of the persons who use the services to see how the delivery of services is experienced from their perspective.”

Day School Pittsburgh Holiday Celebration

December 28, 2016

​Pressley Ridge Day School Pittsburgh held a Holiday Celebration on December 15th for our kids and their families.  Our families decorated sugar cookies and made holiday picture frames.  Classrooms prepared appetizers and treats for the event.  Our Career Development Center’s culinary class created delectable delights for their Holiday event as well.  The highlight of the evening was the Holiday family photo studio manned by our photographers, Ms. Brayer and Mr. McDonough.​

Pressley Ridge Recognizes 21 Employees For Outstanding Service

November 11, 2016

Today and every day, we are thankful for all of our 1,100 employees. Recently at an event at PNC Park, we recognized 21 “Employees of the Year” who have gone above and beyond in their work on behalf of our children and families. Special thanks to Ideal Integrations for their sponsorship of the event and their continued support of our employees and our mission.