Through Ozanam Eyes: One boy’s story in his own words

When I first came to Ozanam, I had low self-esteem. I had a bad temper and a bad attitude — I would blow up at people over little things.

Since being at Ozanam, I have learned that the world isn’t a place for hatred or dishonesty. We all have to want to work and put forth effort if we want to be successful in our lives. We have to WORK to get where we want to go. We have to overcome the problems from our past.

Being at Ozanam has taught me that if you are respectful and treat others the way you would want to be treated, eventually you will develop healthy relationships. You will figure out that you are not alone in the world, and that there are people who care about you. I’ve learned that trusting and depending on other people for help is necessary to be able to care about and help others later in life. 

Ozanam has helped me learn to talk to people about things that are bothering me. My self-control is much better, and I have learned to respect myself and others. 

I appreciate all that the staff at Ozanam have done to help me. They have taught me that we all have the potential to be better, to do greater things, and to succeed in meeting the challenges we face.

- Written by an Ozanam boy

Following a Passion and Finding a Purpose

While students of all ages settle into the new academic year, I am reminded that my connection to Ozanam began long before I ever knew it existed and years before I even moved to Kansas City.

As a psychology and criminal justice major at Regis University in Denver, I had a dream of working with children who had been victims of abuse and neglect. Acting upon that goal, I landed a semester-long internship at a facility not far from campus. Within the first half hour of my time there, an incident occurred with an emotionally fueled teen and one of the staff members who was working diligently to calm him. I knew right then I was not cut out for the intensity of that role. To this day, years later, just thinking about those few minutes gives me goosebumps recalling the compassion that man showed, even during a violent eruption as a result of a teen’s longstanding and deep pain.

I completed my internship and, unfortunately, witnessed many more moments just like the one depicted above. It was heartbreaking to realize what trauma so many youth had already endured in their short lives, but incredibly uplifting to see adults dedicating their lives to the wellbeing of these young boys and girls. I recognized that although the profession would not be in my future, I needed to find other ways to connect my concern with my abilities; namely through community service.

Upon moving to Kansas City, I was looking for organizations that would allow me to meet people my age, while at the same time, affording me the opportunity to utilize my talents and time to contribute to the betterment of others. I found both Ozanam and the Ozanam Guild in July of 2002 and my life has been forever changed.

As a long-time past Ozanam Guild Board representative and as a current member of the Ozanam Board of Directors, I take pride in being associated with two partnering organizations working together to enhance the lives of children and families who struggle with situations of abuse or neglect and with disabilities that affect learning, as well as physical and emotional stability.

I am honored to be able to watch staff members who give tirelessly from their hearts, day in and day out, even if only to gain a smile from a single child on any given day. Many of those staff have been there far longer than my ten-year tenure with Ozanam, which is a true testament to every aspect of the Ozanam community. It is not an easy career, but these men and women not only stay, but create positive impact every single day.

Throughout my years with Ozanam, I have seen many young faces at kickball and basketball games, birthday parties, barbecues, and the annual gala. Some have been at Ozanam for a few short weeks, others I have come to know over the course of several years on campus. Each has had a story; one that I am lucky enough not to have lived. But every child, I believe, comes to Ozanam for a reason, even if s/he may never fully recognize it until years down the line.

And I am certain that my college internship showed me that even though I am not made of the grit exhibited daily by the Ozanam staff, I have found my place within this caring organization for a purpose I am able to fulfill; one that takes into account my heart and my deep desire to make a difference through the gifts I have been given in life.

- Steph Hart, Ozanam Board Member

Board Members Making a Difference

I was talking to a friend of mine who also volunteers for nonprofits at a Board level recently, and he was asking me how I judged the organizations I’m involved with in terms of whether they are making progress and generally making a difference. He had felt burned out by volunteering for some entities that seemed to be “treading water.”

I told him that, first of all, I have been really lucky to have worked for some nonprofits where the staff and leadership were committed and qualified – always the firmest of foundations from which to start. But there were a few other factors that I have come to see as signposts of a forward-moving nonprofit:

• Long tenure of volunteer leaders: If you have Board members who have renewed their terms on multiple occasions and have been with the organization for more than 10 years, that’s a tangible sign of a group with a mission that people can get behind.

• Management staff that stay for many years: People vote with their presence… low turnover in the form of staff management professionals who choose to stay at nonprofits means they view their jobs as mission-driven and not just money or career-path driven.

• If you’re not moving forward, you’re standing still: I think too many nonprofits don’t really commit to a regular (should be annual but doesn’t have to be) schedule for strategic planning. When resources are limited, it’s easy to focus on the hot button of the day instead of keeping at least one eye toward the future.

I’m pleased to say that Ozanam meets or exceeds expectations in all of the categories above: Board members who have served for DECADES; a management team that would be an asset to any organization (for-profit or nonprofit); and a solid commitment to strategic planning that involves both staff and Board leadership. Helping children and families for decades is what drives the focus at Ozanam and what makes me proud to be a volunteer leader of the organization.

- Matt Tidwell, Ozanam Board Member

Q: What is BIST?

A: BIST is an acronym that stands for Behavior Intervention Support Team. It is one of Ozanam’s main programs that grew out of a desire to help keep at-risk students in their community schools by providing a safe and productive learning environment for everyone. As a form of early intervention, our BIST consultants provide training and other community-based services for teachers and administrators in order to give them the tools they need to help struggling students succeed.

Q: How many schools are impacted by the BIST Program?

A: BIST currently serves more than 300 schools in approximately 50 districts throughout the Midwest! By working directly with teachers and administrators through its BIST Program, Ozanam is able to impact thousands of students indirectly each year.

Q: What kind of training do BIST consultants provide?

A: Consultants help teachers, administrators, parents and students learn techniques to create positive change and a healthy learning environment for all. The curriculum is based around a concept called G.R.A.C.E. – Giving Responsibility and Accountability to Children in Education. Topics are tailored to fit each school’s needs and can include the following: discipline techniques, anger management, child abuse, substance abuse prevention, stress management, classroom behavior problems, girl dynamics, ADHD, depression, suicide prevention, partnering with parents, academic motivation, and more! 

Q: Who participates in the program and how does the process start?

A: BIST’s programs are developed specifically for each school and can be applied to individuals, teams or the entire faculty. The process begins by meeting with key people from the organization in order to take an in-depth look at the situation. This is followed by three hours of in-service training in order to give staff a feel for the philosophy. BIST consultants also provide a recommended plan of action. The plan typically includes a communication system of regular meetings, safe places where kids who are in trouble can seek help, mentors who will support teachers of difficult children, and a crisis intervention team. Additional consultation (usually between 35-50 hours) is provided as needed, along with phone or email consultation.

Q: What other services does Ozanam’s BIST Program offer?

A: Consultants can provide staff support and problem solving for schools facing a particular crisis; administrative support to develop and implement a comprehensive discipline plan; support for counselors and social workers within schools, individual support for teachers; facilitation of student groups; and facilitation of class meetings to deal with discipline issues, etc.

Q: How much do BIST services cost?

A: Fees are determined based on each school’s needs. Typically, an annual membership package for an individual school costs approximately $3,000-$5,000. District-wide services usually are calculated at $3.80 per student enrollment. As another alternative, services can be billed at $175 per hour or approximately $1,000-2,000 per day for in-service training/consultation.

Q: What challenges exist for this program?

A: One of the biggest challenges is funding at the school district level. As schools have been forced to cut back, they sometimes are unable to continue contracting with our BIST Program for support services. As a result, Ozanam is exploring the potential to raise supplemental funds for scholarships to some schools so that they can continue partnering with us.

Q: What opportunities and growth has this program experienced?

A: Our BIST Program has expanded in certain areas throughout the Midwest. It is growing again in the Kansas City area with the addition of several schools in the KCK district, as well as another school in North Kansas City. It has also experienced growth in Nebraska outside the Lincoln area (where several consultants are based). Consultation in Springfield, Illinois, has also expanded to Peoria. In addition to partnering with school districts, BIST recently expanded its contract with the Children’s Division in order to provide specialized training and support services to foster parents.

Q: How can people in the community support Ozanam’s Behavior Intervention Support Team Program?

A: People can support BIST by talking to teachers and schools about its benefits. The program has largely spread through word-of-mouth efforts, and so your support makes a big difference. Ozanam is also seeking recommendations for funders who might be interested in donating to support BIST scholarships for schools who are unable to pay for continued consultation.

To learn more about Ozanam’s BIST Program, please visit www.bist.org or www.ozanam.org.

Q&A with our Recreation Director about Ozanam’s Basketball Program

Q: Who participates in the basketball program at Ozanam?
A: We have 24 members on the “Ozanam Eagles” team this year. This includes 20 players on our varsity and junior varsity teams and 4 managers. These youth typically come from our Residential and Day Treatment Programs. In the past couple of years, we welcomed the first female to the team! We also have cheerleading squad known as the “Lady Eagles”, which started the season with 8 girls participating.

Q: How many games are in a season and what other teams participate?
A: We typically play 22 games in a season. We play smaller private schools or home school teams. Some examples include Hebrew Academy, Kansas School for the Deaf, Heartland Academy, and Olathe Christian.

Q: How is it different from other teams in the community?
A: Besides the fact that our youth are dealing with multiple challenges and might not have played on a sports team in the past, the biggest difference is the amount of turnover we experience each season. In addition to losing players after they graduate each year, we also lose them mid-season when they are discharged after making progress in their treatment at Ozanam. Other high schools might have groups who have played together for at least four years. We have to make progress with our team in less time, and our players are not selected based on ability.

Q: What must players do to earn and maintain a spot on the team?
A: Each player must complete a pre-season conditioning program that consists of running 3 miles on 6 occasions. They also must maintain a “C” average in school and refrain from drugs, alcohol and physical violence.

Q: What do students learn by participating in the Basketball Program at Ozanam?
A: They learn about making a commitment and having to make sacrifices. Players also learn to respect authority, deal with adversity, and follow directions. Best of all, they make new friends and feel what it’s like to be part of a team.

Q: How does basketball help youth with their goals in school and in therapy?
A: The basketball program motivates the players to stay in school and to make good grades. Youth understand that they have made a commitment to the team and that they need to make good decisions off the basketball court in order to stay on the team. In addition to academic and behavioral improvements, we have seen children make progress with therapy when family members start to attend games and take an interest in how their children are doing at Ozanam.

Q: What would the boys and girls say is their favorite part of the program?
A: The most common response is that they enjoy being a part of a family. They also enjoy taking an annual field trip. Some years, we are able to take them to St. Louis for a special tournament. This year, we are going to the Basketball Experience at the Sprint Center here in Kansas City and then out to dinner and bowling.

Q: How are students graded or recognized for their achievements on the team throughout the year?
A: They are graded on a statistical basis after each game and receive recognition at an awards banquet at the end of the year. They earn Ozanam School letters and receive certificates and medals for their participation, as well.

Q: What is Alumni Night?
A: It’s our version of homecoming each year. This has become a very special evening for Ozanam because it gives alumni an opportunity to visit campus. Unlike other schools, we cannot follow our students after they leave us because their privacy is protected under HIPAA, and so it’s up to them to contact us and visit voluntarily. This year we had 18 former clients show up for Alumni Night on January 19th, and most were a part of the basketball program at one time.

Q: How long has the basketball program existed at Ozanam?
A: It has existed for 15 years at the level where we play other high schools in the Kansas City area. We just formed a new Athletic Conference that Ozanam will be a part of next year. There will be 8 schools, and we’ll play a tournament at the end of the season. For the first time, Ozanam will be able to compete for a conference championship!

Q: Does Pathways have a basketball team?
A: In the past few years, our Pathways Program has started to put together a basketball team called the “Pathways Magic”. Whether or not it is active depends on the interests of the young adults they are serving at any given time. They typically scrimmage at various gyms in the community.

 - Compiled with assistance from Randy Smith, Ozanam’s Recreation Director

Holidays at Ozanam: What They Mean to our Youth and How You Can Help

All of us at Ozanam try to make the holiday season a meaningful time for the children and families we serve through our various programs, but we couldn’t do this without your help! Here are some of the ways that we can work together this year to make the youth in each of our programs feel special:

• Pathways Program: Approximately 90 young adults (60 in Kansas City and 30 in Wichita) appreciate gift cards and/or other small gifts depending on their needs. Many of these youth do not have anywhere else to spend the holidays and will wake up on Christmas morning in their transitional living apartments or in The Path transition home.
• Residential Treatment Program: Approximately 75 boys and girls, ages 12-18, appreciate gifts from donors who sign up to sponsor their wish lists. A little less than half of these youth will open their gifts at Ozanam on Christmas morning, and the others will open their gifts at home if they have a home pass.
• Day Treatment Program: Approximately 35 students appreciate a standard gift from Ozanam before they leave for their holiday break from school. They spend Christmas at home.
• Ozanam Families: Many of our clients come from families who are struggling financially. More than 90% are estimated to fall below the poverty line. As the holidays approach, staff members identify the families who are in need the most, some who specifically request assistance, and then their wish lists are distributed to donors who are willing to sponsor their gifts or shop for them.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Sign up to sponsor gifts for one of our children or families in need and shop with suggestions from their wish lists.
• Donate a $25 gift card to Walmart or Target to help young adults in our Pathways Program.
• Sponsor an activity for one of the dorm units by donating 12-15 movie passes or bowling passes.
• Bake cookies or deliver stocking stuffers for a group of youth.
• Make an in-kind donation of warm clothing or other items on our general list of needs.
• Make a donation to Ozanam to support general operating expenses related to the holidays.

Feel free to contact us at 816-508-3600 or email info@ozanam.org to learn more about how you can help. You can also visit Ozanam’s website at http://www.ozanam.org to view our most up-to-date wish list of general needs. As always, we appreciate your support!

Q & A with the Ozanam Guild

The OZANAM GUILD is a special volunteer group made up of young professionals who are dedicated to helping Ozanam children. We are always looking for more individuals to get involved, and so here are some additional details about this wonderful philanthropic group!

Q: What is the Ozanam Guild and how is it different from other young professional groups?

A: The Ozanam Guild is a volunteer group made up of young professionals who participate in events and other activities to benefit Ozanam. Formed more than 20 years ago, it was one of the very first groups of its kind. The Guild is unique because it benefits Ozanam exclusively, and members have a close connection to the youth served by the organization. There are  about 30 Guild members who make up the “core group” of regular participants, and there are more than 1,000 interested individuals on their email list who receive invitations to upcoming events.

Q: Who would make a great Guild member?

A: An ideal candidate would be a young professional who likes to volunteer, who is willing to dedicate at least two hours per month, who is looking for opportunities to network, who likes to have fun, who wants to showcase leadership skills, and who is interested in building philanthropic experience within the community.

Q: What are the activities?

A: Guild members participate in a variety of fundraising events, social activities, and volunteer opportunities within the community and at Ozanam. Here are a few highlights:

In the community: Monthly meetings, Second Fridays Happy Hours, Martini Mile, Recess concert event, and more!

At Ozanam: Youth birthday parties, barbecues, and the annual “Hanging of the Greens” holiday event in the winter.

There is at least one volunteer/social activity per month in addition to the standard monthly meetings (2 hours/month).

Q: What are the expectations?

A: Guild members should participate in monthly meetings held on the second Thursdays at Dark Horse in Westport. It is also recommended that members take part in as many events and volunteer activities as possible during the year.

Q: How much time do volunteers typically dedicate?

A: Members are asked to spend at least 2 hours per month attending the monthly meeting and Second Fridays happy hours. Officers and committee leaders spend about 5-10 hours per month depending on their schedule of events.

Q: How much of an impact do they make on the Ozanam children?

A: A small amount of time can make a big impact! Last year, the Ozanam Guild donated more than $5,000 and 380 volunteer hours! With its 20-year history, the Guild has raised an estimated $100,000 and countless volunteer hours to support Ozanam! Proof of this significant impact is best measured by the priceless smiles on the children’s faces.

Q: What’s the best part about being a member of the Ozanam Guild?

A: The best part is interacting with the boys and girls at Ozanam and feeling like you are doing something positive for them. Also, you will make some of your closest friends through the Ozanam Guild! To get an insider’s perspective, you can read a recent guest blog written by the Ozanam Guild President.

Q: What officer positions and leadership opportunities exist?

A: Upcoming officer positions include President and Vice President, who plan events and meet goals of the Ozanam Guild while serving in an ex-officio capacity on the Ozanam Board of Directors. The Secretary position records minutes during monthly meetings and creates regular Constant Contact emails to notify members about upcoming activities. The Treasurer tracks all income/expenses for the group and turns in monthly statements to Ozanam. Volunteers are also needed for committees like Second Fridays, Community Outreach, Ozanam Liaisons, and more!

Q: How can you sign up to get involved?

A: Sign up at http://www.ozanamguild.org or contact us at info@ozanam.org. Plus you are welcome to join us at the next meeting to learn more!