2017-nafi-ct-annual-report

NAFI CONNECTICUT • 1

OUR MISSION I have learned new tools to help my
child. Substance use is down, not using
Creating Diverse and at all. Outbursts are down and overall
Innovative Services for People I feel my newly learned tools have
contributed to such. Thank you!

– MST PARENT

Lynn Bishop, Executive Director NAFI At a Glance ACCREDITATION AND Our fundamental beliefs, values and assumptions emphasize:
LICENSURE
WEBSITE ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW • People can change;
www.nafict.org Council on Accreditation (COA) • Empowerment of individuals in their own care;
NAFI Connecticut, Inc. is a multi-service agency that provides • Respect and dignity must be maintained at all times;
TOTAL STAFF programming, consultation, and individualized support services Connecticut Department of Children • Education and skill building are essential for sustainable
226 to youth, families, and adults in a variety of settings across and Families (DCF)
Connecticut and Rhode Island. Foster care, services for individuals change;
MEMBERSHIP with developmental needs, residential treatment, evidence-based Connecticut Court Support Services • Recognition and honor of each person’s unique strengths and
Child Welfare League of America models, in-home services, and training and consultation are the Division (CSSD)
Children’s League of Connecticut broad scope divisions which make up NAFI CT. needs; and
CT Community Nonprofit Connecticut Department of • Individualized, cultural, gender responsive, trauma-informed
Alliance, Inc. Rooted within all of these diverse services are our common values Developmental Services (DDS)
Connecticut Association of Private and beliefs that unite all staff, children, and families known as the and holistic approach to treatment.
Special Education Facilities Normative Community Approach. The Normative Community Connecticut State Department of
Approach is not a prescriptive model but rather a culmination of Education (SDE)
our basic philosophical beliefs about working with people.

2 • 2017 ANNUAL REPORT NAFI CONNECTICUT • 3

Our Locations and Programs NEW LONDON COUNTY
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care
HARTFORD COUNTY • Child, Youth & Family Support Center (CYFSC) - Community-Based Programs; Educational Services
Corporate Office - Training and Consultation Services • Fostering Responsibility Education & Employment (FREE) - Community-Based Programs;
Educational Services
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Community–Based Programs • Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Community-Based Programs
• Multisystemic Therapy Transition Age Youth (MST-TAY) - Community-Based Programs
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care WINDHAM COUNTY
• Corbin House - Residential Programs • Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care
• Child, Youth AND Family Support Center (CYFSC) - Community-Based Programs; Educational Services
MIDDLESEX COUNTY • Fostering Responsibility Education & Employment (FREE) - Community-Based Programs;
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Community–Based Programs Educational Services
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care • Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Community-Based Programs
• Fostering Responsibility Education and Employment (FREE) - Community-Based Programs; • Mutlisystemic Therapy – Problem Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) - Community-Based Programs
Educational Services • Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) - Community-Based Programs
• Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children - Community-Based Programs
TOLLAND COUNTY
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care LITCHFIELD COUNTY
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care
4 • 2017 ANNUAL REPORT • Touchstone - Residential Programs
• Touchstone School - Educational Programs
• Thomaston Group Home - Residential Programs
• Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) – Intermediate Residential Program - Residential Programs

NEW HAVEN COUNTY
• Professional Parent Program (PPP) - Foster Care
• Multisystemic Therapy – Transition Age Youth (MST-TAY) - Community-Based Programs
• Corey Road Group Home - Developmental Services
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Community-Based Programs
• Individual Supports - Developmental Services
• Pierpont - Developmental Services; Residential Programs
• Tress Road Group Home - Residential Programs
• Milton Ave. - Developmental Services; Residential Programs
• Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children - Community-Based Programs

NAFI CONNECTICUT • 5

Thanks to the therapist, we managed to Two MST therapists were awarded an MST
be a better family. Sustained Excellence award in the category of
Therapist Adherence. MST Services presents this
– NAFI PARENT award on an annual basis to therapists who rank
in the top one percent among their peers
Shining Moments of 2017 internationally in measures of adherent model
implementation.
The MDFT Intermediate Residential program expanded to eight beds to meet the Touchstone School
growing demand for services. Staff from our DCF group homes began a cooking
87% group which allowed clients to learn about other
Clients from our DDS programs continued their NAFI CT, Inc. was awarded the contract for the cultures weekly. Clients then chose one cultural
tradition of giving back to their communities. This Adolescent Sexual Behavior and Treatment of students averaged a1.25 meal to prepare and enjoy as a community on a
year, they held the first ever NAFI DDS Harvest Education Program. The program will begin grade level increase in monthly basis.
Festival and collected 400 canned goods to providing services to youth and their families math skill
donate to their local food pantry. Other service in 2018. The NAFI CT Continuum Events Committee hosted
projects included baking cookies and delivering 88% several agency-wide events including the NAFI
them to the local VFW on Veteran’s Day, Youth from the Willimantic and Waterford Child, Prom, the Day of Giving, and NAFI Idol.
participating in a neighborhood cleanup on Youth and Family Support Centers participated in of students averaged a1.46
Earth Day, and supplying water bottles to those a six week summer program during which they grade level increase in Clients from our DCF Group Homes, Touchstone,
in need during a summer heat wave. had the opportunity to explore the themes of reading skill and MDFT Programs traveled to Massachusetts to
education, community awareness, nutrition, participate in the Annual NAFI/NFI Conference
The Professional Parent Program continued its work team building and volunteering. Talent Show.
in helping children establish permanent family
connections. This year, eight youth were reunified Seven youth from the FREE program graduated Touchstone School continues to help students
with biological family members, a sibling group from high school and four moved on to attend a achieve educational success. From September 2017
of three was legally adopted, and two children post-secondary educational setting. – January 2018, 87% of students averaged a 1.25
transitioned to independent living environments grade level increase in math skill. In that same
while maintaining relationships with their time period, 88% of students averaged a 1.46
identified “forever” family. grade level increase in reading skill.

6 • 2017 ANNUAL REPORT NAFI CONNECTICUT • 7

FOSTER CARE 86% 90%

Program Specifc Outcomes graduated to the next did not recidivate.
academic level.
91%
GROUP HOMES MDFT INTERMEDIATE RESIDENTIAL
were attending school
88% 88% 87% 96% upon discharge.

of clients displayed an of clients experienced success had abstinence / reduction were enrolled in school
increase in independent in an educational / vocational in substance abuse. upon discharge.

living skills. program.

CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER (CYFSC) FOSTERING RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT (FREE)

77% 75% 76% 88% 88%

of clients did not have a of clients demonstrated an of eligible clients maintained of clients demonstrated did not acquire new charges
new arrest while in the increased level of functioning employment while improved employment skills. while in the program.
in program.
program. on Ohio Scale.

DDS 100% MST 85% TOUCHSTONE

100% maintained living 89% completing full course 95%
arrangement in least of treatment.
maintained restrictive environment. of youth remained home of clients discharged produced
employment / vocation plan. at discharge. negative urine screens 30 days

prior to discharge.

8 • 2016 ANNUAL REPORT NAFI CONNECTICUT • 9

Client Demographics 2017 Spirit of the Community Awards

NUMBERS SERVED, INTAKES, AND DISCHARGES

690 690 423

youth, families and intakes discharges
adults were served

CLIENT RACE Freddy Mendez Danielle Kleczkowski

28% — BLACK Prior to coming to NAFI Connecticut, Freddy Mendez worked at Danielle is known for her contagious smile and infectious laugh.
21% — HISPANIC Community Partners in Action for over 15 years. During this time, In the world of social work and non-profits, this is a MUST! She
33% — WHITE she developed a collaborative partnership with NAFI program began her career in NAFI CT’s Professional Parent Program in
10% — TWO OR MORE RACES leaders and was known for her sound reputation for her work 2010 and has been with the program ever since. During the
8% — OTHER with girls in the juvenile justice system. NAFI CT was thrilled course of the last seven years, she has remained a steadfast
when she applied for the position of Program Director for one supporter of the program and the agency as whole. Danielle
87% 65% 73% of our DDS programs. In her role as Program Director, she has wonderful relationships with youth, families, co-workers
transformed the program, focusing on creating a home-like and stakeholders alike. She commits fully to the position, the
discharged to lower or reported improved level completed 50% or more environment and drastically improving previously strained program and every aspect of the job! She is ambitious to grow
same level of care. of functioning. of treatment goals. relationships with clients’ families and our funding source. herself as well as the Professional Parent Program and works
She left the agency when she had an opportunity to return to collaboratively with the program director to do so. Over the last
her passion of working with adolescent girls, but couldn’t stay few years, she finished the requirements for a Master’s degree in
away for long. When the position of Residential Manager of our Social work, while working full time and completing an intern-
Touchstone program became available, Freddy came back to ship! When talking to Danielle about the complexities of cases
combine her love of working with girls and the NAFI culture. For within the foster care system, her wealth of clinical knowledge
a year, the program did not have a Director and Freddy stepped and expertise is evident. Although she has been qualified for
up and covered this role without missing a beat. She brought the a higher position for quite some time, she was committed to
campus together ensuring the mileu, clinical, and school staff waiting patiently for the “right” job within the NAFI CT family.
all worked collaboratively. Freddy has the ability to make both While waiting, she continued to do a stellar job and took on the
clients and employees feel important and valued. She provides additional task of becoming a Normative Approach trainer for the
consistent mentoring to staff, ensures birthdays and holidays are agency. Finally, in June, the “right” position became available and
special, the house is decorated festively, families know they are she was promoted to Clinical Director of the Professional Parent
an important part of the treatment team, and kids are supported Program. NAFI CT is pleased to recognize Danielle Kleczkowski as
through community process. She is known to come in on her a 2017 Spirit of the Community Award recipient.
day off when she knows the community would benefit from her
presence in the program. She is a true culture bearer and we are NAFI CONNECTICUT • 11
proud to recognize Freddy Mendez as a 2017 NAFI Spirit of the
Community recipient.

10 • 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Team Giselle Lopez Breana Morrison
Nicole Murowsky Tashyia Dawson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Shanelle Williams Markus Alvarado
Matesha Davis Calline Jones
Andy Quinn Kim Opperman Cidalia Silva Angela Harris
Mark DeFanti Sharon Lillibridge Joy Jackson
Chairman Glendaly Macci Alyssa Fiore Jessica Markure
Julio Rivera Amy Lakin Rebecca Hutchinson
Hildy Paris Jessica Serra Christopher Martinelli Cassandra Suarez
Diane Fuller Freddnette Watkins-Mendez
Treasurer Alfred Calabrese Ebenezer Adjedu
Kevin McLaughlin
William Benjamin 1 YEAR
3 YEARS
Amanda Buckingham Emily Shovelin
Jaime Morales Shakora Beckford
24 YEARS 14 YEARS 9 YEARS 6 YEARS Leila Connor Catherine Callaghan Keyonna Crockett Adirana Cartagena
Lynn Bishop Renae Earlington Zanetah Sasser Jason Primini
Antonio Vazquez Theresa Mete Kerel Tiggett Trudy Granston Kashana Ferguson Monica Swanbeck Victor Ekpenyong
22 YEARS Laura Pires Diane Thompson Katherine Pronovost Corinne Eckstein Gina Santoro Christina Gonzalez
Melissa Petrone Melissa Niver Cory Soulier Jessica Abouanni Timothy Goldberg Theodore Mayo Shatia Hing Kacy Bryan
Amy Lefebvre Melinda Baller Maria do Carmo Elizabeth Mejia Rachael Loveland Timaya Robinson
13 YEARS Stephen Merwin Selina Diotaiuto Abigail Okarmus Giovanna Nittoli Amina Hosaini Catrina Franco
21 YEARS Francis Tortora Andrew Greene Kenneth Sinclair Beatriz Jaramillo Diamond Boxton
Andy Torres Diana Bennett Josephine Ahiati Carey Starr Andrea Mountain Natalie Conley Sotiria Vamvakas Jessica Maroun
Heather Kalin Danielle Vyce Monica Schiavo Jessica Clow Tyra Brooks Julia Waters Michelle Simon
Vernell Peggins-Russell Jose Cooney Kelly Markure Janay Wages Brian Siecienski Julie Kolakowski
20 YEARS Amanda Bergantino 5 YEARS Michele Bassetti Damien Perkins Amanda Perreault
Deborah Gundersen 12 YEARS Katrina Lopes Deanne Mastroccola Camryn Cox Nicholas Kolosky
Rebecca Hamilton 8 YEARS Jessica Farrelly Jonathan Sellers Kevin Foye Erika Hunter
Ann Naughton Douglas Dauphinee Ryan Tacy Danashia Saunders Ashley Harris Theresa Pennachio
19 YEARS Angel McNiel Ashley Walker Meri Elizabeth Young Lisseth Jurado Telicia Townsend Avina Jonshon
Kristen Taylor Linda Klimaszewski Abigail Gyampo Darrius Conaway Othilia Davis Alyssa Ramos William Pizzuto Leanette Lantigua
Denise Modine Catherine Garrahy Kionna Whitehead Clancee Victor Sylvia Stevens Melissa Gaudet
Matthew Burns 11 YEARS Karley Root Jorge Lopes Brittany Hallenbeck Sean Mansfield De’Bree Robinson Theresa Gonzalez
Maria Pakalnis Denisha Dozier Kaitlin Brexel Aileen Evangelista Sabria Hardy-Pitter
18 YEARS Deborah Campbell Heather Dattel Nicole Ouellette Dwayne Strawder Phyllis Kaplan Loly Gallego
Maryjane Mariano Eleanor Smith 7 YEARS Veronica Danz-Datzuk Monee Moore Fabiola Robertson
Diana Arango Dolin Seana Hunter 2 YEARS David Rowe Emily Tyson Colette Wilson
17 YEARS Julie Waters Caitlin Clancy Shirley Rodriguez Anthony Simpson Joshua Jenkins
Antonio Muniz Donna Thomas Devon Forbes Meichelle Maynard Stacey Shaia Lora Small Gavin Craig
Jacob Irwin Nilda Lebron Katherine Korineck Jesse Bigelow Rebecca Dawn Monica Mobley
Terri Malin David Castro Melvin Campbell LESS THAN A YEAR Annieshia Hutton
10 YEARS Danielle Kleczkowski 4 YEARS Amber Perez Ceyon Prince
Lisette Ibraimov Lucelenia Morales Laura Smith Elizabeth Boyajian
Craig Schmitt Laura Speller Cathleen Greene Alyssa McGrath Kristine Evans Jeanine Boston
Kaneisha Hill Clifton Roberts Patricia Vega-Dones Laqueshia McKenna Joseph Maisonet Celine Conti
Elizabeth Sitler Pontien Moket Kristen Fracasso-Kersten Tamara Lucas Matthew McBride Yarianly Castro
Benjamin Hauslaib Jaime Perez John Johnson Mark King Rayona Holley
Lauren Coats
Angelica Cortes
Patricia McKenna
Jamie Minton
Marisa D’Amico
Christine Finnegan
Willmely Rivera

12 • 2016 ANNUAL REPORT NAFI CONNECTICUT • 13

The Spirit of Giving Wine For the second year in a row, NAFI CT was
and Beer Tasting Event named a Top Workplace!

This year, NAFI CT hosted its second annual “The For the second year in a row, NAFI Connecticut, Inc. was We are honored to be recognized for the
Spirit of Giving Wine & Beer Tasting Event.” The event named a Top Workplace by both The Hartford Courant second year in a row as a Top Workplace.
featured wine and beer sampling from some of the and Hearst Media Services. The Top Workplace lists are The fact that this distinction was
areas top vendors as well as a silent auction and based solely on the results of an employee feedback determined solely by employee feedback
raffle prizes. survey administered by Energage, a leading research firm is particularly special. Creating strong
that specializes in organizational health and workplace culture, one in which a sense of caring for
Proceeds from the event benefited the NAFI CT Enrichment Fund which provides grants improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture both consumers and employees permeates
and scholarships for educational, vocational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and the whole organization, is essential to the
those we serve. NAFI CT would like to thank the sponsors, guests, and committee Connection, just to name a few. mission of the agency. The Top Workplace
members who helped to make this event such a success! award is a testament to the spirit,
“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. integrity, and commitment our employees
The Spirit of Giving Wine and Beer Tasting Sponsors And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks bring to their work each and every day.
and benefits” says Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “But to
Cabernet Sponsor Pinot Sponsor be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict – LYNN BISHOP
MJF Properties, LLC Integral Industries, Inc. standards for organizational health. And who better to Executive Director for NAFI CT
USI Insurance Services LLC The Heroux Family ask about work life than the people who live the culture
Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP Enterprise Fleet Management every day – the employees. Time and time again, our
research has proven that what’s most important to them
is a strong belief in where the organization is headed,
how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that
everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, “Without this
sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a
shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

The work of NAFI Connecticut, Inc. would not be possible, were it not for our dedicated team of
volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Because of your time, energy, and financial support, we were
able to provide numerous educational, recreational, and culturally enriching opportunities to
the youth, individuals, and families we serve.

Thank you!

Volunteers and Cultural Enrichment Fund Donors We are very proud to announce that NAFI CT
has been reaccredited by the Council on
Skrip’s Auto Body, Inc. Thomas Fallon Photography Nicole Goudreau-Green Accreditation.
Mary Anne McIntyre Sea Glass Fine Art Photography The Tobacco Shop
Jim Isenberg Lorraine Spadaro Leila Connor Reaccreditation is a tremendous achievement that demonstrates that our organization is recognized
Hildy Paris Jessica Serra Beverly Hills Limousine as a provider that continues to successfully implement high performance standards and, as such,
Lynn Bishop Kristen Fracasso Anne Marie Armstrong is delivering the highest quality services to all of its stakeholders. The accreditation process is an
Nell Smith W.B. Mason Goodwin College enormous undertaking and we thank the many employees who dedicated their time, energy, and
Tanya Anisimov Brown & Brown of MA Ben Hauslaib resources to helping make this possible.
Waddell & Reed Amanda Bergantino Hometown Pizza III
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Katie Pronovost MGB Tire NAFI CONNECTICUT • 15
Thomas Portraits Ashley McGee Luxury Nail Spa
Kramer Portraits Jessica Abouanni

14 • 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Creating Diverse and
Innovative Services for People

20 Batterson Park Road www.nafict.org
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