Page 7 - AR 2019 Web

“I was adopted as an infant, and in fact my adoption was arranged by When Kalamazoo County Ready 4s reached out to Family & Children
Family & Children Services,” Melinda says. “For me, it was a positive Services for help, Nancy was ready to do her part.
experience, but I always had this sense of loss because of it.” “KC Ready 4s advances high-quality preschool education for children
The loss, Melinda explains, is one she finds many adoptees in Kalamazoo County,” Nancy says. “They needed help reaching
experience as they wonder about their biological roots. “I get a lot children with challenging behaviors. We did a pilot with them—
of calls from people looking for their biological families,” she says. I collected information about the children, did classroom observation,
“Dealing with this loss, this curiosity, is a key piece of the process and provided teachers with strategies and support.”
with adoptees.” Nancy noticed that one strategy was having particularly successful
Melinda works with a team of five adoption specialists to assess the results. She began to weave a strategy for Mindfulness into all of her
needs of each child and the families seeking children. She works children’s programs.
closely with other agency programs to find that perfect family. “Research shows that short, mindful moments can teach children
In 2019, Melinda was awarded the Child Welfare Adoption skills they will use for a lifetime,” Nancy says.
Excellence Award, recognizing her high level of service to children. When children get stressed, are upset or overactive, Nancy plays a
Melinda says: “I am so humbled, so lucky to be a part of these game called Cocoa. The children pretend they are holding a hot cup
children’s journeys.” of cocoa in their hands. The teacher tells them to blow on the cocoa
Nancy Mitchell, to cool it, sip a tiny bit at a time and focus on breathing. Playing the
Clinical Therapist cocoa game helps the children take a pause, be in the moment, and
calm their bodies and their minds.
Nancy Mitchell knew early
on that she wanted a career During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nancy also offers help through
working with children. In 1984, online workshops as teachers care for the children of essential
she started working for The workers during the workday.
Counseling Center at Family & “It’s a joyful experience,” she says. “There are so many people who
Children Services, with care deeply and want to help.”
individuals and families in the
areas of developmental disabilities, mental health, attachment,
parenting, and behavior issues.

2019 Agency Demographics Child Welfare
7,414 individuals served Family Preservation and Parenting Support – 1,912 individuals
4,356 children Foster Care – 869 individuals
76% income under 200% federal poverty Foster Care Days provided – 69,176 days
66% under age of 19 Adoption – 210 individuals, 67 adoptions completed

57% White/Caucasian 5% Hispanic/Latino 97% of high-risk families remained together after services
20% Black/African 1% Asian Behavioral Health
American
4% Declined
The Counseling Center – 1,422 individuals
13% Multi-Racial
Substance Use Disorder Services – 215 individuals
2019 Program Outcomes Community Based Mental Health – 1,474 individuals
Customer Satisfaction 92% of youth /families improved or maintained functioning
96% felt treated with respect
Crisis Services
91% felt satisfied with all services
Mobile Crisis Response – 1,005 individuals
92% felt staff were sensitive to culture/ethnicity
Crisis Residential & Respite – 262 individuals
Shelter Foster Care – 45 youth
96% of youth discharged as planned
99% of youth with no return after 90 days of discharge
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