Not many things are more valuable than time. Sure, we need money to pay bills, but we all have the same amount of time and how we spend it changes everything.
We are celebrating two team members who have given twenty years to helping teens at Project Patch. Both Colleen Donald (December 1999) and Stephanie Ross (January 2000) joined Project Patch as therapists. They came for different reasons but stayed for the same.
Colleen was looking for a place to work that would give her a chance to combine her faith and training in therapy. She originally planned to stay for two years since Idaho is a long way from her family in Iowa. She stayed because “I loved being a part of making a positive difference in the world. . . being able to share my faith and living in such a beautiful place where it is hard to deny that God is great and in change in a big way.”
Stephanie Ross
Stephanie grew up listening to Tom Sanford, who was her childhood pastor. She remembers stories about the youth Tom and Bonnie were helping in their home. Those early interactions with Tom inspired her to get her Master of Social Work degree but to work with teens, even when many classmates thought it was a crazy move. Stephanie shares, “All the points of contact with Tom through my growing up years led me to that moment; it felt natural to look at working at Project Patch, even though I was scared to death to make such a huge transition.”
The work at Patch isn’t easy. Every day is mentally challenging, and it’s easy to become discouraged. Stephanie remembers one client who was very resistant to connection and therapy. The girl was angry and had thick walls built around her. It took time for cracks to appear and for barriers to finally crumble. She was holding onto painful secrets, self-destructive behaviors, and reckless sexual behavior, drugs, fighting, and resentment. Stephanie remembers, “Once she began to share her experiences in therapy, she began the difficult task of healing . . . there were plenty of tears and hurt, and later forgives and rebuilding of trust.” Several years ago, the girl, now a young woman, showed up at Patch to tearfully thank Stephanie for helping change her life.
The most challenging clients are often the most rewarding. Colleen worked with a glum girl who had been sexually violated and had turned to drugs. She came from a strict but loving home. Her parents couldn’t seem to break through to help. During one parent session, her mom shared her hurt and that she too had been assaulted. They started to build trust and a bond as they shared their struggles and how to move beyond the pain. Mom learned to connect with empathy and be less rigid. The girl learned to listen, lighten up, and become trustworthy.
Project Patch is a place of miracles. Colleen shared, “I have been humbled more times than I can count, wowed at how God uses all the small things to do something great.” Even though there is a lot of uncertainty, God’s love and His care for teens and us are very real.”
Both Colleen and Stephanie are preparing for a transition. Colleen and her family are preparing to move back to Iowa. “I look forward to continuing my purpose in teaching, mentoring, and counseling kids . . . and feel that I can take what I have learned back to my roots,” says Colleen.
Stephanie will take Colleen’s place as Youth Program Director. She has been a part of the administrative team for the past 12 years and brings a wealth of clinical, licensing, and administrative talent. She sees a bright future for Patch, “continuously improving how we help hurting teens and their families.”
We honor the commitment and service of Colleen and Stephanie. Would you share memories and pictures to help celebrate their service? You can send them to info@projectpatch.org.
Project Patch Youth Program continues to serve teens with emotional and behavioral challenges. While our community was placed under “Stay at Home” order, as an essential mental health organization we had even more work to do.
We have been working closely with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare as well as The Joint Commission to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect our clients, staff, parents, and community. We had an established Infection Control Plan that we updated as screening, prevention, and control protocols became available.
Our goal isn’t just to stay open; it’s to respond to the therapeutic, safety, educational and spiritual needs of our clients. The virus came at the start of a scheduled time of home leaves and parent visits. We postponed those visits and modified our break schedule to take advantage of beautiful spring weather.
We screen clients and staff through the day for symptoms and can quickly respond to concerning symptoms. We are focused on adhering to CDC protocols for handwashing, covering coughs properly, and additional sanitation of our dorms, school, cafeteria, and chapel. We are thankful to report that none of our staff or clients have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Our campus is currently closed to visitors including parents and family of clients. Our program, by design, isolates our clients from most community interaction. We are also limiting community service projects at this time.
Our teens are keeping busy with individual and group therapy, school, on-campus work projects, and recreation. They benefit from being in a rural setting with wholesome recreational activities like hiking. We’ve chosen remote areas and many times have used animal trails with the hope of finding antlers shed from deer and elk.
We started admitting new clients in May. Most of our clients attend Patch from out of state. This has required us to set up a 14-day quarantine program for new clients. We want every day at Project Patch to be therapeutic and focused on client growth rather than just letting time pass. We’ve designated an area of our campus for our new clients, and a small group of staff are working exclusively in our quarantine program.
Our Family Experience Program in Goldendale, Washington, is currently closed. When social distancing is lifted, we will hold family retreats again. In the meantime, we are focusing on helping parents online using webinars and podcasts.
We appreciate your patience when you call our Administrative Office in Vancouver, Washington. Chuck Hagele is working in the office and other team members are working remotely from home. You can still reach us at 360-690-8495 or info@projectpatch.org.
A True Education
It’s rare for a teen who is doing well in school to come to Project Patch. It’s not because of their ability or brightness. Our teens can get good grades . . . but most haven’t been coming through. Some aren’t trying because they’re busy skipping school and doing risky things. Others are attending school but not doing their homework. They zone out in class. Some have so much going on in their mind that they can’t focus on school and homework. Still, others want to do well but are so far behind, and they have no idea how to catch up or even how to ask for help.
School at Project Patch is different. We are individualized. Our teachers meet with each student and review past classes, struggles in school, and what courses they need to graduate once they return home. Some teens will graduate from high school at Patch and receive their diploma from our Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accredited program. Other teens – way behind in school – get help on the GED track.
One of the biggest challenges for our clients is learning how to accept help. Anika, a 17-year-old, told us, “Physically and mentally, if it weren’t for Patch, I would be still aimlessly wandering the streets searching for a better life, but declining all help to get there.” Her pride and independence were keeping her from accepting help for her emotional and school struggles. “I love that Patch does not judge your learning style, but they work with you to improve both you and them,” she added.
As Anika accepted help, she was also able to help other girls who struggled with behaviors and attitudes. She wrote a fantastic poem that closed with the following:
When will you realize heaven is not yours to go to, but His to give to you? Your pain is not dependent on others, but your choice to hand it over. When will you realize faith and trust and grace are all His gifts? When will you realize that despite it all, you are enough to Him, and He loves you?
Jonah Shallies, our humanities teacher, is skilled in helping kids discover how to express their thoughts imaginatively. He guides students as they study poetry and lyrics. He’s helped students not only write songs but record them using multiple tracks and support from other clients. Our students are gaining skills in self-expression, awareness, and confidence in presenting their stories.
“While at Project Patch, I’ve learned a lot about my talents and how to master them,” explained Dusty, age 16. “I like drawing, reading, and music.” He came to Patch thinking the focus would be on his mistakes rather than helping him discover his strengths.
Students leave Patch with confidence and skills to succeed educationally and in life.
The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) has awarded Project Patch Youth Program the Silver level as a Research Designated Program (RDP). This milestone recognizes our commitment and track record of collecting data for evaluating our effectiveness while increasing our understanding of our impact on youth.
Past research projects completed by students from Boise State University and Walla Walla University focused on long term outcomes from attending Project Patch. Participating in the RDP provides a broader range of data points, including admittance, monthly during our program, discharge,and at 6 and 12 months post-discharge.
The questionnaire tracks client interpersonal distress, somatic, interpersonal relationships, social problems, behaviors, dysfunction, and critical items. It allows us to identify clients at risk-levels and the impact of interventions.
Bringing It Together
By Chuck Hagele, Executive Director
I work with heroes who don’t know it. They run to help rather than running for cover.
Tom and Bonnie Sanford started Project Patch because kids and parents needed help. They didn’t have many answers. One thing they knew: teenagers need love, respect, care, and hope. As they served kids, others caught their passion and shared their skills, resources, and connections.
Tom and Bonnie could have found an easier way to make a living and minister, but they couldn’t walk away from kids who desperately needed help and hope. The kids needed a hero, and they got one.
Our team recently looked at reviewed all the reasons kids need Project Patch. Most struggle with anger, addictions, depression, anxiety, school problems, conflict, loneliness, and hopelessness. We talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting teens who already were struggling. Each one of the areas where our teens struggle just got harder. They are struggling even more in each of these areas, especially depression, anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness.
These kids are crying out for help in ways that scare us. They are self-harming, suicidal, angry, giving up, argumentative, not getting out of bed, and craving escape.
They need heroes. People who don’t wait for them to ask but recognize the need for caring people to come to their aid.
Our work is more important than ever. Most teens don’t know how many heroes it takes to reach them. They give credit to their counselor, dorm staff, and teachers at Patch, not realizing that those staff could never step forward if not supported by the hundreds who faithfully donate each month.
Most people are generous when they have much. But heroes give even when times are uncertain. When the personal cost is high, generosity seems risky. Thank you for responding to the needs of teens and families. It is an honor to work with you in restoring hope to teens and building thriving families.
Life Ready Kids Video Program Now Available
Life Ready Kids Video Program Now Available
Our kids are growing up in a world saturated with technology. Our computers and phones makes some amazing things possible. Yet tech is fighting for their attention and competing for their affections. Many kids don’t want to or can’t turn it off.
This series is designed for parents and kids to watch together. Discover how to grow up capable of using technology but not being owned by technology.
This 12-part series addresses pornography, video game addiction, and social media distortions.
Life Ready Kids
How to Communicate with Kids Who Don’t Want to Listen
Raising Kids Safely in a Pornographic World
The Video Game Antidote
Disconnected in a Connected World: Our Kids and Media
We are so grateful for your faithful generosity. Even amid economic uncertainty, we continue to receive sacrificial donations. We are committed to two things to show our gratitude. First, we stretch every dollar you give to change as many lives as possible. Second, we pray you will be blessed.
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act is a new set of laws designed to reward you in your generosity. It allows all taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 ($600 for joint filers), even if you do not itemize. For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities, including Project Patch, to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.
Our donors in Idaho additionally get two tax credits worth up to $1,200 for joint filers since Project Patch qualifies both as an Idaho educational entity as well as a youth and rehabilitation facility.
Please consult with your tax professional to develop the best giving plan for your situation.
For those who prefer to give toward a specific project, the following list contains items which are needed, yet are not part of the operating budget. Please make sure to note on your gift if you would like it designated for a Wish List item. In the event that the item has already been purchased, we will contact you for further instructions.
If you are mailing a check for a specific item, please mark “Wish List” and the item you’d like to purchase on your check. To make your donation via credit card, you can call our office at 360-690-8495 or give online at www.projectpatch.og/wishlist.
PatchWorks Spring 2020
The Gift of Twenty Years
Not many things are more valuable than time. Sure, we need money to pay bills, but we all have the same amount of time and how we spend it changes everything.
We are celebrating two team members who have given twenty years to helping teens at Project Patch. Both Colleen Donald (December 1999) and Stephanie Ross (January 2000) joined Project Patch as therapists. They came for different reasons but stayed for the same.
Colleen was looking for a place to work that would give her a chance to combine her faith and training in therapy. She originally planned to stay for two years since Idaho is a long way from her family in Iowa. She stayed because “I loved being a part of making a positive difference in the world. . . being able to share my faith and living in such a beautiful place where it is hard to deny that God is great and in change in a big way.”
Stephanie grew up listening to Tom Sanford, who was her childhood pastor. She remembers stories about the youth Tom and Bonnie were helping in their home. Those early interactions with Tom inspired her to get her Master of Social Work degree but to work with teens, even when many classmates thought it was a crazy move. Stephanie shares, “All the points of contact with Tom through my growing up years led me to that moment; it felt natural to look at working at Project Patch, even though I was scared to death to make such a huge transition.”
The work at Patch isn’t easy. Every day is mentally challenging, and it’s easy to become discouraged. Stephanie remembers one client who was very resistant to connection and therapy. The girl was angry and had thick walls built around her. It took time for cracks to appear and for barriers to finally crumble. She was holding onto painful secrets, self-destructive behaviors, and reckless sexual behavior, drugs, fighting, and resentment. Stephanie remembers, “Once she began to share her experiences in therapy, she began the difficult task of healing . . . there were plenty of tears and hurt, and later forgives and rebuilding of trust.” Several years ago, the girl, now a young woman, showed up at Patch to tearfully thank Stephanie for helping change her life.
The most challenging clients are often the most rewarding. Colleen worked with a glum girl who had been sexually violated and had turned to drugs. She came from a strict but loving home. Her parents couldn’t seem to break through to help. During one parent session, her mom shared her hurt and that she too had been assaulted. They started to build trust and a bond as they shared their struggles and how to move beyond the pain. Mom learned to connect with empathy and be less rigid. The girl learned to listen, lighten up, and become trustworthy.
Project Patch is a place of miracles. Colleen shared, “I have been humbled more times than I can count, wowed at how God uses all the small things to do something great.” Even though there is a lot of uncertainty, God’s love and His care for teens and us are very real.”
Both Colleen and Stephanie are preparing for a transition. Colleen and her family are preparing to move back to Iowa. “I look forward to continuing my purpose in teaching, mentoring, and counseling kids . . . and feel that I can take what I have learned back to my roots,” says Colleen.
Stephanie will take Colleen’s place as Youth Program Director. She has been a part of the administrative team for the past 12 years and brings a wealth of clinical, licensing, and administrative talent. She sees a bright future for Patch, “continuously improving how we help hurting teens and their families.”
We honor the commitment and service of Colleen and Stephanie. Would you share memories and pictures to help celebrate their service? You can send them to info@projectpatch.org.
We’re Open And Hard At Work
We have been working closely with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare as well as The Joint Commission to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect our clients, staff, parents, and community. We had an established Infection Control Plan that we updated as screening, prevention, and control protocols became available.
Our goal isn’t just to stay open; it’s to respond to the therapeutic, safety, educational and spiritual needs of our clients. The virus came at the start of a scheduled time of home leaves and parent visits. We postponed those visits and modified our break schedule to take advantage of beautiful spring weather.
We screen clients and staff through the day for symptoms and can quickly respond to concerning symptoms. We are focused on adhering to CDC protocols for handwashing, covering coughs properly, and additional sanitation of our dorms, school, cafeteria, and chapel. We are thankful to report that none of our staff or clients have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Our campus is currently closed to visitors including parents and family of clients. Our program, by design, isolates our clients from most community interaction. We are also limiting community service projects at this time.
Our teens are keeping busy with individual and group therapy, school, on-campus work projects, and recreation. They benefit from being in a rural setting with wholesome recreational activities like hiking. We’ve chosen remote areas and many times have used animal trails with the hope of finding antlers shed from deer and elk.
We started admitting new clients in May. Most of our clients attend Patch from out of state. This has required us to set up a 14-day quarantine program for new clients. We want every day at Project Patch to be therapeutic and focused on client growth rather than just letting time pass. We’ve designated an area of our campus for our new clients, and a small group of staff are working exclusively in our quarantine program.
Our Family Experience Program in Goldendale, Washington, is currently
closed. When social distancing is lifted, we will hold family retreats again. In the meantime, we are focusing on helping parents online using webinars and podcasts.
We appreciate your patience when you call our Administrative Office in Vancouver, Washington. Chuck Hagele is working in the office and other team members are working remotely from home. You can still reach us at 360-690-8495 or info@projectpatch.org.
A True Education
School at Project Patch is different. We are individualized. Our teachers meet with each student and review past classes, struggles in school, and what courses they need to graduate once they return home. Some teens will graduate from high school at Patch and receive their diploma from our Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accredited program. Other teens – way behind in school – get help on the GED track.
One of the biggest challenges for our clients is learning how to accept help. Anika, a 17-year-old, told us, “Physically and mentally, if it weren’t for Patch, I would be still aimlessly wandering the streets searching for a better life, but declining all help to get there.” Her pride and independence were keeping her from accepting help for her emotional and school struggles. “I love that Patch does not judge your learning style, but they work with you to improve both you and them,” she added.
As Anika accepted help, she was also able to help other girls who struggled with behaviors and attitudes. She wrote a fantastic poem that closed with the following:
Jonah Shallies, our humanities teacher, is skilled in helping kids discover how to express their thoughts imaginatively. He guides students as they study poetry and lyrics. He’s helped students not only write songs but record them using multiple tracks and support from other clients. Our students are gaining skills in self-expression, awareness, and confidence in presenting their stories.
“While at Project Patch, I’ve learned a lot about my talents and how to master them,” explained Dusty, age 16. “I like drawing, reading, and music.” He came to Patch thinking the focus would be on his mistakes rather than helping him discover his strengths.
Students leave Patch with confidence and skills to succeed educationally and in life.
Silver Level Research Designated Program
The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)
has awarded Project Patch Youth Program the Silver level as a Research Designated Program (RDP). This milestone recognizes our commitment and track record of collecting data for evaluating our effectiveness while increasing our understanding of our impact on youth.
Past research projects completed by students from Boise State University and Walla Walla University focused on long term outcomes from attending Project Patch. Participating in the RDP provides a broader range of data points, including admittance, monthly during our program, discharge,and at 6 and 12 months post-discharge.
The questionnaire tracks client interpersonal distress, somatic, interpersonal relationships, social problems, behaviors, dysfunction, and critical items. It allows us to identify clients at risk-levels and the impact of interventions.
Bringing It Together
By Chuck Hagele, Executive Director
Tom and Bonnie Sanford started Project Patch because kids and parents needed help. They didn’t have many answers. One thing they knew: teenagers need love, respect, care, and hope. As they served kids, others caught their passion and shared their skills, resources, and connections.
Tom and Bonnie could have found an easier way to make a living and minister, but they couldn’t walk away from kids who desperately needed help and hope. The kids needed a hero, and they got one.
Our team recently looked at reviewed all the reasons kids need Project Patch. Most struggle with anger, addictions, depression, anxiety, school problems, conflict, loneliness, and hopelessness. We talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting teens who already were struggling. Each one of the areas where our teens struggle just got harder. They are struggling even more in each of these areas, especially depression, anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness.
These kids are crying out for help in ways that scare us. They are self-harming, suicidal, angry, giving up, argumentative, not getting out of bed, and craving escape.
They need heroes. People who don’t wait for them to ask but recognize the need for caring people to come to their aid.
Our work is more important than ever. Most teens don’t know how many heroes it takes to reach them. They give credit to their counselor, dorm staff, and teachers at Patch, not realizing that those staff could never step forward if not supported by the hundreds who faithfully donate each month.
Most people are generous when they have much. But heroes give even when times are uncertain. When the personal cost is high, generosity seems risky. Thank you for responding to the needs of teens and families. It is an honor to work with you in restoring hope to teens and building thriving families.
Life Ready Kids Video Program Now Available
Life Ready Kids Video Program Now Available
Our kids are growing up in a world saturated with technology. Our computers and phones makes some amazing things possible. Yet tech is fighting for their attention and competing for their affections. Many kids don’t want to or can’t turn it off.
This series is designed for parents and kids to watch together. Discover how to grow up capable of using technology but not being owned by technology.
This 12-part series addresses pornography, video game addiction, and social media distortions.
Order today by calling 360•690•8495 or at www.projectpatch.org/lifeready
CARES Act
We are so grateful for your faithful generosity. Even amid economic uncertainty, we continue to receive sacrificial donations. We are committed to two things to show our gratitude. First, we stretch every dollar you give to change as many lives as possible. Second, we pray you will be blessed.
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act is a new set of laws designed to reward you in your generosity. It allows all taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 ($600 for joint filers), even if you do not itemize. For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities, including Project Patch, to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.
Our donors in Idaho additionally get two tax credits worth up to $1,200 for joint filers since Project Patch qualifies both as an Idaho educational entity as well as a youth and rehabilitation facility.
Please consult with your tax professional to develop the best giving plan for your situation.
Project Patch Wish List
For those who prefer to give toward a specific project, the following list
contains items which are needed, yet are not part of the operating budget. Please make sure to note on your gift if you would like it designated for a Wish List item. In the event that the item has already been purchased, we will contact you for further instructions.
If you are mailing a check for a specific item, please mark “Wish List” and the item you’d like to purchase on your check. To make your donation via credit card, you can call our office at 360-690-8495 or give online at www.projectpatch.og/wishlist.
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