Client Spotlight

Pictured above, Jessica’s two foster children.

The Smallest Details Make the Biggest Difference

Foster family of two flourishes thanks to your support.

"My daughter would wake up from sleep and not make a sound or move until I came in to pick her up,” said Jessica, foster mother of two. “There is no way to tell how long she had been doing this, but I started losing sleep thinking about my daughter laying in her crib not making any noise to alert me to her waking up. I would sleep in her room on the floor to make sure I was there for her. I wanted to immediately put in a camera system so I could monitor her closer, but due to the fact that I am a foster parent, I needed an exemption that I couldn't get without help. I would call out to my daughter, saying her name to get her attention and she would respond sometimes, but never make eye contact with me."

These are classic signs of avoidment attachment, and Jessica, started noticing them in in her 5 month old foster daughter.Thankfully, Jessica is familiar with Highfields because she used to work there as a Home-Based Clinician. Jessica reached out and started the process to find her daughter the resources she needed to succeed. Highfields referred her to Heather Church, Home-Based Clinician, to work with the family and the daughter individually. As time progressed, Jessica realized that her son was also displaying signs of speech delays and requested services for him as well. Heather then also began working with Jessica's 19 month old foster son.

"I do not know what would have happened or where I would be if it were not for Highfields and Heather," said Jessica.

After well over half of a year of working diligently, Heather and Jessica started seeing progress in both of the children’s development. Heather wrote a letter of recommendation to the foster case worker associated with Jessica's children, and Jessica received approval to install a camera system in her daughter’s room for peace of mind.

Through all of the ups and downs, Jessica and her children persevered. Jessica and Heather monitored the kid’s mental health down to each small detail, noticing triggers for relapses that occurred during the family’s treatment with the biological mother. Jessica beams with pride when she sees her children working hard and developing skills that they previously had trouble with.

After over 7 months, her children were re-tested using the DECA developmental scale, which stands for the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment Program. The DECA scale is a standardized, norm-referenced behavior rating scale for children ages two to five evaluates the frequency of 27 positive behaviors related to three protective factors: attachment, self-control, and initiative. Both children scored at or above the level that they were meant to be at.

Highfields changes lives through our workers and the donations made by our community. Highfields is proud of Jessica and her family, and values Heather and the work that she does on a daily basis. If you would like to learn more about how to help families in your community, take a look at the employment opportunities available at highfields.org/employment

Do you have a story about Highfields that you would like to share?

Contact Ariel Pontius:

apontius@highfields.org

517-512-5783

Upcoming Events

Highfields and WLNS are proud to present our Annual Toy Drive! Donation boxes are located in select Lansing and Jackson Ford Dealerships starting Tuesday, November 16th - Tuesday, December 14th:

Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln

Merrill Ford

Pauli Ford

La Fontaine Ford

Signature Ford Owosso

Irish Hills Ford

Candy Ford

Signature Ford of Perry

Seymour Ford Lincoln

You can help a child in need this holiday season! Bring a new, unwrapped toy, gift or book to one of the dealerships listed below, or stop by WLNS or one of our Highfields offices! You can make a difference this holiday season for families who need your support. Thank you!

Please contact Ariel Pontius for questions:

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Highfields, Inc.

5123 Old Plank Road, Onondaga, MI 49264

Cell: 517-230-7505

Office: 517-628-2287 ext. 332

apontius@highfields.org

www.highfields.org

Make a Donation

Faces of Hope Tours

Join us for a 30-minute inspirational tour of our mission.

"Faces of Hope" brings Highfields' mission to life through stories and videos of families who were impacted by the organization. President and CEO, Brian Philson, will also share the latest news and updates from Highfields.

These events will take place online via Zoom. Please register ahead of time. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 9:00am - Click Here to Register

Thursday, January 13th at 9:00am Click Here to Register

Tuesday, February 15th at Noon Click Here to Register

Thursday, March 24th at 5:00pm. Click Here to Register

Questions? Contact Laura Jurasek, Fund Development Director

ljurasek@highfields.org or (517) 628-2287