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2007-2008 Donor Statement
Mission Statement
The Joshua Child and
Family Development Center, Inc. provides programs designed to improve the lives
of individuals and families living with Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit
Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome through clinical,
education, social and research programs.
Needs Statement
Our most pressing need is operating support to service ever-growing demand.
Background Statement
In 1987 Becky
Ottinger became involved with the local chapter of the Tourette Syndrome
Association when her son, Josh Oliver, was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.
There she met Orrilla Clough, mother of three daughters with TS. At that time
the chapter held bi-monthly support group meetings and Becky remembers walking
away from the first meeting wondering how she was to survive for two months
without talking to someone who "understood". Not knowing then how to help Josh
in the school system with his misunderstood neurological symptoms she became
very frustrated. As the years went by she learned a lot about the disorders and
realized more needed to be done to help the hundreds of children and their
families living with TS and the associated disorders of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which many of the
children have. She didn't want other children and families to have to go through
what she, Sarah and Josh did as a family. In 1992 Becky quit teaching so that
she could spend more time helping these kids. It became her vision that the
doctor, counselor and educator needed to be all in one place for these children
to be successful. On November 5, 1996 the Joshua Child and Family Development
Center, a non-profit organization, was opened. It is named after Becky's son,
Josh Oliver. While teaching at an Environmental Science Magnet, Becky took her
2nd graders on an overnight outing to the Rotary Youth Camp. There she met Bob
Walden, the Camp Superintendent. After talking to him about her work with
children with Tourette syndrome, she learned that she could have a camp for kids
with TS, since it was a disability. In 1995 Becky designed a camp for the kids.
Each year sixty campers with a diagnosis of TS and associated disorders attend a
five-day and night program. It continues to be one of the most successful
programs we have developed. In 2003 the camp program received accreditation from
the American Camping Association. The Joshua Center sponsors periodic
conferences for parents, medical and education professionals. Publications,
including: Tictionary (a workbook for parents and professionals addressing
accommodations); Individual Home Plan and Individual Classroom Plan, (workbooks
for parents, educators and mental health professionals that address behaviors).
All proceeds benefit the Joshua Center.
Statement from CEO/Executive Director
We are the only clinic in the country with the vision of having the doctor,
counselor and educator all working together to help these children succeed.
Frequently, children with neurological disorders exhibit behavioral symptoms
that impact their learning and peer relations. It is important for the children
to receive help with their disinhibition and learn effective social
interactions. Children who have a combination of the disorders have a diminished
ability to place a thought barrier between their urges and their actions. They
are disinhibited. Some have been incorrectly labeled Oppositional Defiant. This
label implies a willfulness on the part of the individual to deliberately
manipulate and challenge authority. Disinhibition is an excessive, oppositional
state or a destabilization in an individual that results in involuntary
behavior. The individual knows he/she is doing wrong, but is unable to stop it
because of a neurological impairment and inadequate maturational development.
Counseling therefore becomes an important part of the treatment for the children
as well as the entire family. We have an experienced therapist available for not
only our children and families, but education professionals as well. Each day
the Joshua Center receives numerous calls from schools, medical professionals,
and parents of children who have recently received a diagnosis or are in need of
an evaluation. We are making a difference! The Joshua Center's funding comes
strictly though individual and corporate donations, fundraising activities,
grants and membership fees. It is Becky's belief that it is the responsibility
of those who have benefited from the services offered by the Joshua Center are
the ones to make sure the Joshua Center has funding to continue to help all
children with neurological disorders.
Statement from Board Chair/President
I am constantly amazed at the passion of the people who serve in this
grassroots organization. The Staff and volunteers at Joshua Child and Family
development Center have a passion for their mission of helping kids. The Board
is a mixture of parents and professionals, with many of the parents having
children with Tourette syndrome. This diverse board of parents, medical
personnel and community volunteers can best address the operation of the Center.
Our Executive Director is a true visionary and does a great deal to energize the
parents involved. Our overriding thought in the management of the organization
is “what is good for the kids.” Our Annual “Pork Out” Event and Golf Tournament
raise the significant portion of our operating budget. Our interdisciplinary
approach is necessary for our children because each of their situations is
extremely unique. Counseling and support for the children and their parents are
important at our Center. The children we serve are able to obtain social,
educational and counseling at one central location, which brings about the best
collaboration of care. The annual five day/four night American Camping
Association Camp program at the Rotary Club Youth Camp each summer provides a
safe environment for children who often have a hard time fitting in traditional,
mainstream activities. At Camp we serve 50-60 kids, most of them on multiple
medications. The Camp is well-run and fun for the kids and volunteers alike. Its
success can be measured in that we now have former campers returning as camp
counselors.
Organizational Description
Geographic Areas Served
Missouri, Kansas, Jackson County, Clay County, Platte County, Wyandotte County,
Johnson County
Organization Programs
Target Population Served
Children Only (5 - 14 years)
Youth/Adolescents only (14 - 19 years)
Adults
Program long-term success defined
Successful children become successful
adults. Without this support, and from many years of experience, these children
flounder as young adults. Thus, the importance of identifying and managing
correctly the medical and mental health needs of these children is critical.
Program short-term success defined
Less stressed children and families. We receive fewer calls of desperation from
parents.
Program success monitored by
We continue to receive a large number of calls from doctors, educators and
mental health professionals in and out of the Greater Kansas City Community.
Examples or evidence of program success
We see children happy and more successful in their daily lives. Letters of
endorsement are received from parents. Many area doctors call to thank us for
this service in the community.
Joshua Center Camp
Program Description
5 day/4 night program providing a normal camp experience like those of children
without disabilities. Helps the children make friends and feel
accepted for the first time in their lives.
Program Category
Camping - Recreation & Sports
Target Population Served
Children and Youth (3rd – 8th grade)
Program long-term success defined
The children beg to return each year. It is the highlight of their year. They
have made a friend to communicate with no matter where they live. They
know they are accepted.
Program short-term success defined
Sometimes the children arrive at camp the first day apprehensive, but on the
last day are in tears because they truly have made a friend for the first
time in their life. It's just amazing how often this happens. It's the greatest
joy in the life of the Joshua Center.
Program success monitored by
Each year after camp the staff meets to discuss successes and concerns and to
determine what changes need to take place. With 60 campers and
a staff of 40-50 we are determined to provide the best possible experience for
children with neurological disorders. We implement any suggestions
during the next year's camp program.
Examples or evidence of program success
Children and families tell us and write us. We have a wonderful DVD my camp
director develops each year to share with the kids. It’s the most wonderful
endorsement that we are changing children’s lives.
Individual and Family Counseling
Program Description
Monday through Friday the counselor is available to see clients individually or as a family. He
also observes children at school and works to educate teachers.
Target Population Served
Children and Youth (ages 4 to 20 years)
Adults
Program long-term success defined
The key to our success is the tremendous communication between the Joshua Center
and parents, children and schools. The continuing collaboration between the
counselor, doctor and executive director assures that all needs are addressed.
Program short-term success defined
Continuing communication with the doctor, counselor and Joshua Center staff is
shared with the appropriate professional to make sure all of the child’s needs
are being addressed.
Program success monitored by
The Joshua Center therapist monitors all communication between the school,
parents, and medical and mental health professionals. Once again, communication
is the key.
Examples or evidence of program success
The children and families are less stressed, able to manage the symptoms better
and able to participate successfully in life experiences.
Conferences
Program Description
Parents and teachers often describe children with neurological disorders as
impulsive, immature, inattentive, disorganized and craving predictability. While
bright, the children often appear to be clueless about everyday situations,
conversations, and social conventions. Common behavior management techniques
usually do not work with neurological disorders and require different
treatments. Educating parents and professionals helps the children succeed.
Program long-term success defined
We receive more referrals from educators and additional requests received for
speaking.
Program short-term success defined
Participants purchase publications during and after conferences and thank the
conference speakers. More requests received for speaking as result.
Program success monitored by
Good attendance at conferences and positive evaluations.
Examples or evidence of program success
More requests for publications, services and e-newsletters.
Social Skills
Program Description
Frequently, children with Tourette syndrome, Asperger syndrome, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder and ADHD have difficulty interacting with their peers. The
Joshua Center offering opportunities for these kids to have fun hands-on
activities with 6 kids their age. Each session addresses one social skill
objective. Our goal is to help the kids develop self-esteem, improve
relationships and foster good communication skills. The groups are led by staff
that has considerable experience working with children who have neurological
disorders.
Target Population Served
Children Only (ages 9 to 14 years)
Program long-term success defined
Parents, teachers and children will communicate social skills improvements and
successes.
Program short-term success defined
The facilitators see positive interactions among participants.
Program success monitored by
Facilitators provide lesson plans each week for parents with suggestions. The
Social Skills Facilitators meet after each session to review and make
suggestions for improvement for the next sessions.
Examples or evidence of program success
The children seem to enjoy coming and have made lasting friendships. They feel
safe in this environment to practice newly learned social skills.
Management Governance
Board of Directors
Board Chair/President
Mr. Mike Allen, GE Energy
Jack Southwick, Secretary (1996)
Co-Founder, Social Worker/Author
Janet Erwin, Treasurer (2006)
Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C., Parent
Bruce Kusmin (2007)
Mariner Wealth Advisors, Kansas City Businessmen’s Club
Ed Molotsky (2006)
KMR Consulting
Deidre Benson (2007)
EMT, Parent
V. Cramer Hass (2007)
Bank Midwest
Commercial Loan Officer
Stanley N. Woodworth (2007)
Polsinelli, Shalton, Flannigan, Suelthaus, PC
Shareholder, Kansas City Businessmen’s Club
Executive Director
Becky Ottinger
Collaborations
The Joshua Child and Family Development Center is a member of the Kansas City
Chamber of Commerce, Council for Exceptional Children, Council on Philanthropy
and the Tourette Syndrome Association. We continue to collaborate with local
school districts to help teachers.
Financial
Name of company providing above financial document: Mize Houser & Company
All success consists in this: You are doing something for
somebody - benefiting humanity - and the feeling of success
comes from the consciousness of this. Elbert Hubbard
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