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Director's message
Dear Friends:

Like so many businesses and organizations, CFS has had challenges recently in finding motivated people to join our team. As we wind down our fiscal year and people try to take vacation time in order not to lose it, our 24/7 work has been tough to fully staff. As a result, I took a couple of short grave shifts at Pete’s Place this week to help out.

Even though I know how things work at Pete’s, how we provide safety and support to youth who find themselves without homes or who have run from home, it was another experience altogether to show up at the door in the middle of the night and, every 15 minutes, take a quiet walk down the hallway of the shelter to peek in on our youth there to assure their safety. Last night they were awake when I arrived, but all in bed. When I knocked or widened their already-open door they looked back at me in the dark with a little wave and a slight smile. They were used to this routine, even if my face was new.

Later, as the night grew deeper and they slept, I would look in and see them in all stages of their rest. Their hair splayed on their pillows as they lay in a fetal position. On their backs with their knees up, as though protecting their hearts. Brows sometimes furrowed, sometimes calm and unworried, as though in a good dream. I was moved by how young they are, how vulnerable. I wondered what the circumstances were that brought them to Pete’s, and was glad they had this place as a refuge. I wanted to hug each of them and tell them not to be afraid, that everything was going to be OK, even though I can’t be sure of that.

Later, at shift change, I heard from our counselor how she was working with one of the youth to reunite him with his father. The family dynamic includes a generational cycle of domestic violence and both the parent and the child have been victimized by it.
Gina Aranki,
Executive Director
But our counselor brought her service dog to their first appointment. She described how the child lay on his side on the floor of the room, not looking at her as he spoke about his life and feelings. How the dog, a beautiful, gentle young German Shepherd, lay down next to him and cuddled him on the floor. How he stroked her in rhythm to his speech, as though doing so helped him form his words. How the dad was excited to hear that for his first counseling session with his boy, Greta the dog would be there for the aid and comfort of both of them. While it’s only the beginning of the process, I wondered—and had hope—that maybe things would truly be OK for this family.

After, I walked to my car in the full harvest moon and drove, thankful for my own home and the people in it.

And for the good folks at Pete’s, including Kiersten Mead, whom you will meet below.

Could YOU work at Pete’s Place or know someone who might enjoy working with our young people? Please inquire at ndilloway@cfs3L.org or at cfsnwmi.org/careers.
Gina
Program Highlight: Pete's Place Youth Shelter
I have worked at Pete’s Place Youth Shelter for three years. In that time, I have been able to be at the shelter in a few different capacities, starting as a part time Direct Care Worker to helping supervise the shelter. Working here the past three years has taught me a lot, both professionally and personally.

Some youth that come to Pete’s Place (ages 12-17) work closely with our counselor and their family to return to their home, and some youth utilize Pete’s Place as a space to learn all the skills they need to move out on their own. I have seen many youth come and go in both of our programs, each one with a unique background. The youth here struggle, achieve, get set back, and continue to persevere on a daily basis. Through a trauma- informed and person-centered approach we provide a safe space to help the youth through crisis and figure out what their next step is.

On a typical day, I will make sure the youth get to their appointments, school, or work on time, help with meals, connect them with community partners, and participate in recreational activities. I also have weekly meetings with each youth where we talk about their schedule for the upcoming week. During these meetings we are able to talk about what type of things they are or would like to work on, and how I can support them in achieving the goals that they set. When needed, I am able to provide the youth or family with referrals to community organizations that may also support them.
Kiersten Mead, BA
Pete's Place Case Manager/Supervisor
Recently, we have started another school year with youth in shelter. This is always a hectic time, as we make sure that youth who are in shelter have all the necessary supplies for school, and have enough adequate clothing. Most of these items come from donations made by community members. We work closely with the schools to make sure we have transportation set up so they can get to and from school. While they are here, we make sure they have any help they may need with homework, whether that is staff here or outside help. We strive to connect our youth to any services they may need to help them be successful.

If this sounds like something you might like to be a part of, we are looking for a full-time overnight staff person currently! Just email Nichole Dilloway at ndilloway@cfs3L.org to learn more about this opportunity!
CFS would like to give a special shout out to the mAIDens of Michigan. This local women's giving circle meets twice a year to raise funds to help women in the community who need a "hand up."

They often lift up the women in our programs, and in the past year they honored over ten requests for support. These requests range from car repairs, down payments on rent, or assistance with college needs.

This assistance gives an immediate helping hand to move forward and help our clients make a better life for themselves. Thank you so much, mAIDens for your long-standing support of women in our community!
The Northern Home & Cottage Virtual Tour is back! Explore 8 of Up North's most stunning residences from the comfort of your own home through virtual video documentaries by MyNorth's partner, Eagle Eye Video Production. Donation based ticket sales benefit CFS! Special thanks to sponsors, Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings and Honor Onekema Building Supplies.

The Northern Home & Cottage 2021 Virtual Tour—launching October 29—features contractors, designers and homeowners walking you through eight unique and outstanding homes in Northern Michigan. One by one, they share the thoughts behind each home’s features, point out the details that make each house stand out and reflect upon capturing the dreams of the homeowners.

Tickets are on sale today, and the tour will be open from October 29 until December 31. Feel free to visit your favorite homes over and over during this time! Last year this event raised over $30,000 for CFS. We greatly appreciate your support!
FREE suicide prevention training offered
September 30, 2021
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.

Child and Family Services is offering this training for free to the community with the support of our partners at The Northern Angler, Real Estate One, the 2020 Cross Country Ride for Mental Health Awareness, and Hope Lives in Northern Michigan.

Visit https://www.cfsnwmi.org/suicide-prevention to register for this event. A Zoom link will be sent to you after registration. Although this is a free event, please let us know if you have changes in plans. This training is limited to 30 participants.
CFS has achieved a 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Guidestar, showing our commitment to integrity and accountability. By providing information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and vision, we are highlighting the difference we help to make in the world.
Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan
3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City | (231) 946-8975
3434 M-119, Ste F, Harbor Springs | (231) 347-4463
Third Level/Pete's Place | (231) 922-4800