SPRING 2015
Finding Forever Families
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is through the help of a place like Vista
Maria that a family is able to come together and last forever.
Oftentimes children who enter
the foster care system, many with
histories of trauma and abuse,
are not able to reunite with their
birth family. Vista Maria’s Foster
Care and Adoption Services equip
hopeful parents with the resources
necessary to provide hope, nurturing
and protection for our children. A
strong network of supportive staff
works closely with both parents
and children to make forward steps
towards a successful, loving family.
Jay and Rachel McKay found the
right path for their budding family
when they discovered Vista Maria’s
unique continuum of care through
their church. The Vista Maria team
introduced Jay and Rachel to Dontez
and Teray, two brothers in need of a
loving home. With many visits over
time, Jay and Rachel were able to
form a special bond
with the boys that
began to feel like home.
Vista Maria’s Adoption
Services made it
possible for Jay and
Rachel to officially bring
Dontez and Teray into
the McKay family. “Jay
and I did a lot of talking
and praying to make our
decision,” said Rachel. “In
the end, we knew these
boys were meant to be
in our family.” Vista Maria
staff guided the McKay’s
through each step of the adoption
process to create a smooth transition
for both the parents and the boys.
When the official decision was made
and approved, the boys were ecstatic
to be a part of the McKay family.
It was a momentous and
heartwarming time for the new family
when the boys received their birth
certificates, each with the last name
“McKay.”
Continued on page 2
From the President and CEO
As I sit and reflect
on the months since
our last newsletter,
I have to admit that
my eyes fill with
tears and there is
a bittersweet feeling. The families
that we serve have experienced
hardship, disappointment and fear.
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
The children, especially the girls, are
filled with self-doubt and emptiness
due to abandonment and abuse. All
of us as employees, board members,
volunteers, donors and friends work
together to positively impact those
that we serve. It is our desire that
each child achieve her full potential.
However, sometime children leave us
unexpectedly, and we are saddened
when the impact and outcomes we
hope to achieve are not realized. We
question ourselves; and sometimes,
we shed tears. Pausing and reflection
are positive, but we cannot linger in
the doubt.
Continued on page 2
www.vistamaria.org
There are now four McKay children, two
adopted boys and two boys by birth,
who came to Jay and Rachel at different
points on the proud parents’ journey. “All
of our children have changed our lives
and touched our hearts in ways we didn’t
realize were possible,” adds Rachel.
Dontez and Teray are now successful
students, enjoy playing sports and love
being big brothers. “In the end, all of
the waiting was worth it,” Rachel says. “I
couldn’t picture my family any other way.”
Each year, there are over 12,000 foster
children in Michigan. These children, just
like our own, need caring adults that will
love, nurture, protect and inspire them to
fulfill their dreams. The commitment and
confidence of foster parents is essential to
the future success of our children. To learn
how you can be a part of our Foster Care
family, contact the Foster Care team at 313240-4355 or fosterparents@vistamaria.org.
From the President and CEO
Our mission at Vista Maria is to
provide the support, treatment
and education that we would want
for our own sisters, brothers, or
children. The Vista Maria core value
of zeal guides us to be faithful to
our work and mission. We must
learn from every experience and
relationship to grow and become
stronger, and we must keep in
mind Sr. Dorothy Doyle’s advice,
“persevere, because sometimes the
seeds that we plant do not always
bloom in front of us.”
During the beginning of this year,
we moved girls into our DeRoy
2
Dontez and Teray officially become McKays.
Continued from page 1
housing and all of us had smiles on
our faces when a new client gasped
and said, “Oh, wow! This place is
awesome!” It was also thrilling to
see over 30 girls leave our campus
after successfully completing their
treatment. We were excited when
12 of our foster children reunified
with family and 2 were adopted!
At Vista Maria, we are dedicated to
transform tragedies into triumphs
and tears of sadness to tears of
joy! We thank you for your support
and friendship as a part of the Vista
Maria family. Your support means
the world to us and gives us the
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
strength to begin each day with the
hope and promise of a triumphant
tomorrow for our children and
families.
We hope that Spring brings you
warmth, renewal, and many
blooming flowers.
Angela Aufdemberge
President and CEO
www.vistamaria.org
Welcome
to the Vista
Maria Family
Vista Maria announces the following
appointments to its Advisors to the
Board of Directors:
@ Tammi Dukes, Global Director
of Internal Audit for International
Automotive Components Group,
Southfield
Tammi is a
seasoned financial
consultant with a
strong background
in corporate
governance. She is
an active member with the Institute
of Internal Audit and the Society of
Corporate Compliance Professionals.
She received a bachelor of arts
in business management with a
concentration in accounting from
Kentucky State University.
@ The Honorable Catherine Heise,
Third Judicial Circuit Court of
Michigan
Judge Heise is a highly
regarded member
of the State Bar of
Michigan, serving
on the Insurance
and Indemnity Law
Committee, and is an advocate for
children’s needs, including protecting
abused and neglected girls. Judge
Heise currently serves as a member
of the Greater Detroit CPCU Society,
and served previously on the Board
of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
and Dearborn Heights City Council.
@ Detective First Lieutenant
Denise Powell, Michigan State
Police, Taylor
Denise is an accomplished and
resourceful law enforcement
www.vistamaria.org
professional with 24
years of investigative
and administrative
experience.
Her extensive
background
includes experience
in human trafficking crimes and
assignments with the FBI, U.S.
Marshals and the Southeast Michigan
Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Welcome to Our Newest
Executives!
@ Ryan Ambrozaitis,
CFRE, has joined the
Executive Leadership
Team at Vista Maria
as our new Chief
Development Officer.
Ryan is responsible
for the direction and management of
the marketing and fund development
functions for our organization. His
experience spans nearly 20 years
within the Detroit area with significant
accomplishments in the non-profit,
health system, and State and local
municipal fields. He has a proven
track record launching operations,
managing campaigns, corporate
planning and planned giving program
disciplines. He was previously the
Executive Director of the Henry Ford
Village Foundation in Dearborn.
Ryan earned a bachelor of arts in
political science from the University
of Michigan-Dearborn and holds a
fundraising executive certification
designation.
@ Mary Treder Lang
has been appointed
to our Executive
Leadership Team as
our Vice President
of Development
Programs. In this
capacity, Mary is responsible for
leading individual, group and family
development-based programs and
initiatives related to our Community
Programs for at-risk youth and their
families. She serves on the Board
of Regents at Eastern Michigan
University, as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Education
Achievement Authority of Michigan
and as a Board Director for the
Michigan Association of Certified
Public Accountants (MICPA). In 2013,
she was selected as the first time
recipient of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Women
to Watch – Emerging Leader Award,
presented by the MICPA. She is also
the first female commodore of the
Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.
Let’s Chat About
Economics!
Our children recently received
generous donations of books
and funding from Author
Michelle Balconi. The Let’s
Chat About Economics! author
donated $1,080 in proceeds from
her book release event. Michelle
personally autographed each
donated book with an inspiring
message for our girls to reach for
the stars. Vista Maria’s President
and CEO Angela Aufdemberge
spoke to Michelle’s guests about
our compelling mission to serve
at-risk youth of Southeastern
Michigan.
(Left to right) Michelle Balconi, Author;
Angela Aufdemberge, President and CEO
of Vista Maria; Mary Kinsora, Illustrator.
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
3
Volunteers Make a Difference
This past year blessed Vista Maria with the opportunity to work with
more volunteers than ever before. Our volunteer groups beautified
our campus, mentored our teens and made our special events
spectacular. We had 1,735 volunteers share their time and talents
and provide 18,500 hours of service in 2014. Thank you volunteers,
for living our core values of mercy and compassion, reconciliation,
individual worth and zeal!
Altria
Alternatives for Girls
AVL
Be Encouraged Ministry
Bethel Deliverance
Brooksource
The Brown Group
CBRE
The Center for Yoga
Chicktime Detroit
Chrysler Engineering
City Year Detroit
Comcast
Delta Tau Sigma Sorority of
Lawrence Tech University
Divine Child High School
The Divine Divas
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble GEMS Institute
Dunamis Outreach Ministries
El Bethel Baptist Church
ELITE Women
First Reformed Church of Wichert
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company Diversity Team
Ford Women In Finance
Gilead Baptist Church
Girls on the Run
Girls Scout Troop 75238
The Good Girl Come Back
Greater Ebenezer Ministry
Inforum
International Gospel Center
The Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit
Johnson Controls Women’s
Resource Network
Ladywood High School
Lawrence Tech University
Lear Corporation
Livingston International Church
Macomb SW Dining and Dolls
Merck & Co.
Mercy High School
4
The Mission Continues
Veterans Group
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Northridge Church
OUWB AMWA
Order of the Eastern Star
Our Lady of Sorrows Youth Group
Perfecting Church
Phi Mu Sorority of the University of
Michigan-Dearborn
Plastipak Packaging Inc.
Power of Prayer Ministry
Praying Girls Love God
Princess of Bathsheba #149
Project Hope, Dream, and Believe
Pursuit of Happyness
Reaching Higher
Rivers of Living Water
International Ministry
The Slape Family
Soroptimists of Trenton
St. Anastasia Church
St. Paul’s COGIC
Starbucks
Stay Fit! Health & Wellness
The Tithof Family
The Trott Family
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy
Nursing Students
University of Michigan-Dearborn
University of Michigan PCAP
University of Michigan Project
Outreach
UPS
Wayne State University Softball Team
WINGS Mentoring
Women Empowering Women
of Michigan
Women in Learning and Leadership
Women of Ally Financial
Women of AT&T
Word of God Church Ministries
Young Ladies Ready for Life
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
www.vistamaria.org
Making Holiday Wishes Come True
Over 50 churches, companies, groups and individuals answered the
call to be Most Valuable Elves (MVE’s) this past holiday season.
Their compassion and generosity helped
to give Vista Maria’s youth an amazing
holiday to remember.
friends that we received hundreds of
games, bath and body items, makeup,
craft supplies, journals and more!
The Vista Boutique looked like Santa’s
Workshop for many months after the
holidays thanks to the overwhelming
response to our Holiday Wish List
program. It is because of our caring
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all of
those who became Most Valuable Elves
this year. We can’t wait to see what this
year brings!
Volunteer
Spotlight:
Kaleigh
Carlone
In the fall of
2012, Vista Maria
received a call
from a young lady who wanted to
help Vista Maria through her Gold
Award Project for the Girls Scouts.
Kaleigh Carlone, now 17 years old,
had an idea to use her love of interior
decorating to help the girls at Vista
Maria. With the help of her family,
friends and volunteers, Kaleigh ran a
gift wrapping station at Laurel Park
Mall, now going strong for three
years. She also performed an Extreme
Makeover: Vista Edition on the Vista
Maria Boutique.
We are so thankful for Kaleigh for
being an inspiration to the entire Vista
Maria Family. Thank you, Kaleigh!
Kaleigh continues to be an advocate
for Vista Maria and has secured a
number of clothing and toy donations
for our youth. So far, she has helped to
raise over $80,000 for Vista Maria!
Want to Join the Fun?
Host an In-Kind Drive!
With a gesture as little as spending
an extra five minutes and as little as
5 dollars while you’re shopping at
Target, you can make a difference! We
are in need of a number of items that
our girls, and the young men in our
Community Programs, use on a regular
basis. By helping to organize a drive for
these items, or donating a few on your
own, you help to alleviate costs!
@ New shoes: Women’s sizes 5-12,
various widths, gym shoes or casual
shoes (no shoe laces, please)
www.vistamaria.org
@ Dove bar soap or any brand of body
wash: For both young men and
young women
@ Yoga and lounge-style pants: Sizes
S to 4XL
@ Basketball-style shorts: sizes S
to 4XL
@ Lip balm (no glass jars, please)
@ Deodorant: For both young men
and young women
@ New, plastic water bottles
To learn more, contact Becky Hermann
of Volunteer Services at 313-203-2027.
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
5
Stop Human Trafficking:
It Begins with Awareness
America has placed a spotlight on
the multi-billion dollar industry of
human trafficking of children and
young women while amplifying the
call to stop human trafficking in every
town, large and small. Vista Maria is
committed to providing hope and
healing to girl victims of human
trafficking from our own communities
in southeastern Michigan. We began
2015 with the first of many initiatives to
raise awareness about the problem of
sex trafficking of Michigan’s children.
Our efforts started in January with
activities in support of National Slavery
and Human Trafficking Prevention
Month. Businesses received
information on the warning signs and
the red flags that indicate a child may
be in danger. The initiative has been
an eye-opener for many people who
thought sex trafficking of children only
happens in other parts in the world.
The fact is, trafficking in Michigan
is a problem. Information from the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Polaris and the Michigan Commission
on Human Trafficking reveal some
disturbing truths:
@ Michigan ranks in the top 5
states for sex trafficking activity.
@ Michigan ranks in the top 3
states for internet solicitation
for children.
@ 1 of every 3 victims of sex
trafficking are children.
6
To date, Vista Maria leaders have
trained more than 525 human services
workers and medical personnel on the
indicators and risk factors for at-risk
youth and the devastating effect on
adolescent girl victims. By the end of
January, we had given presentations
to leaders at churches and schools,
and to women’s groups and the civic
community throughout Wayne and
Oakland Counties.
Our awareness events resulted
in many positive responses and
invitations for our leaders to speak on
this issue. We have also received funds
that allow Vista Maria to provide hope,
safety and treatment to trafficking
survivors in our Vista Maria Human
Trafficking Treatment Program for
Adolescent Girls. We are grateful for
your support of our young girls in
treatment and to help us get the word
out to stop human trafficking in our
neighborhoods.
It is not too late to join us in support
of stopping human trafficking of
children in Michigan. Blue is the
national symbolic color for trafficking
awareness and victims’ rights. You can
be part of the change:
@ Give the blue: Vista Maria is now
licensed to serve victimized girls
and young women who have
nowhere to turn once rescued from
the traffickers. Help us expand
our reach by making a donation
to the Human Trafficking Capital
Campaign at www.vistamaria.org.
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
@L
ike the blue: Vista Maria
understands how difficult it is to
talk about the sexual exploitation
of children. Invite us to make a
presentation to your group, club or
church youth, or ask us how you can
plan your own Human Trafficking
Awareness Rally by contacting Kelly
Small at 313-271-3050 Ext. 182.
@W
ear the blue: Make a visual
statement and show your blue by
holding Dress Down Day to raise
proceeds to benefit Vista Maria, or
create your own blue day activity.
Tell others about your efforts to
stop human trafficking on Twitter,
Facebook and Instagram by using
the #turnfactstoblue tag.
Together, we can
give children a great
sense of safety
where they can
build trust, regain
control over their
lives and receive the
support needed to
help them rebuild
their lives.
www.vistamaria.org
Mark Your Calendars
@ Vista Maria’s 16th Annual
Celebrating Women
Presented by Ford Motor
Company
NEW
LOCATION!
Thursday, May 7, 2015 at The Henry in
Congratulations to the 2015
Women of Achievement
Honorees:
Dearborn
Tara Coughlin
Celebrating Women honors extraordinary women
from our community and our girls for their
outstanding courage and success in their treatment
and educational programs.
Saunteel Jenkins
@ 16th Annual Vista Maria Charity
Golf Scramble Sponsored by Ford
Purchasing
Monday, June 1, 2015 at the Dearborn Country Club
in Dearborn
Open to all Ford Motor Company Suppliers
President, Malayka International
Foundation
Chief Executive Officer,
The Heat and Warmth Fund
(THAW)
Barbara Yolles
Chief Strategy Officer, United
Shore Financial Services
@ George Blaha’s 26th Annual High
Hopes Golf Invitational
June 15, 2015 at Knollwood Country Club in
Bloomfield Hills
Hosted by George Blaha and featuring celebrity
friends!
@ Vista Maria Special Recognition
Breakfast and Annual Meeting
Friday, June 19 at The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth
@ 10th Annual Women Fore! Women
Golf Outing
August 13, 2015 at the Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center
in Plymouth
@ Vista Maria’s 6th Annual Dolly Drive
August 2015—Location to be announced!
Find more details and register for these and other events at www.vistamaria.org!
Calling All Meijer Shoppers!
Vista Maria is now part of Meijer Community Rewards! Use your Meijer
Credit Card or obtain a Meijer 1 Card and designate Vista Maria as your
beneficiary. Sign up at www.meijer.com/rewards and use Vista Maria’s
organization number 106751 to start earning every time you shop!
www.vistamaria.org
Vista Maria News | Spring 2015
7
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Dearborn, MI
Permit #1308
20651 West Warren Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
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Board of Directors
Board of Advisors
Russell F. Agosta,
Board Chair
Retired Partner, Grant Thornton
Patricia Aberlich
Deanna Arnott
Mohammed Arsiwala, M.D.
Kathleen Aznavorian
Michelle Bain
Andrew Behm
George Blaha, Honorary
Norbert Boes
Maria Bowles
Kevin Braye
Evelyn Brown
Cindie Bucks
Barika Butler-Quarles, M.D.
Philip Cavanagh
Patricia Claramunt
Katherine Crossley
Paul Dalpiaz
Angelique Day
Tammi Dukes
Laura Eisele
Donna England
Ermal Faulkner
Karen Harry-Tolbert
Hon. Catherine Heise
Maureen Huber
Jumana Judeh
Gary Kabzinski
Amy Karaban-Finley
Hon. Mary Beth Kelly
Jamie Kliebert
Gale LaRoche
Michelle Lemerond
Nicole Lewis
Jeanne Martens
Bill McCurdy
Sheila Minetola
Andrea Moody
Magda Moss
Michael Neel
Thomas Nolte
Harold Dubrowsky,
Vice Chair
Retired Partner, Grant Thornton
James Gouin,
Treasurer
Tower Automotive
Denise Kurowski,
Secretary
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Sr. Dorothy Doyle,
RGS Representative
Sisters of the Good Shepherd
Lynn Quigley,
Member at Large
Ford Fund
James Bernacki
Comerica Bank
Barbara Boroughf
Lear Corporation
Josie Hunwick
Grant Thornton
Elizabeth James
Automotive Professional
Paul Morris
Alix Partners
Patricia Pitts
Consultant
Jeffrey Sokolowski
Robert Half International
Gregory Spinazze
Wealth Strategies Partners
Carol Taylor
Amerisure Mutual Insurance
Margaret Warner
Retired Director,
Wayne County DHS
Mary Williams
Insurance Exchange Agency, Inc.
Gail O’Brien
Hon. Daniel Paletko, Honorary
Erin Patrick
Lt. Denise Powell
Shannon Quinn
Referee Kelly Ramsey
Michael Rennick
Dina Richard
Sr. Janice Rushman
Lisa Sasaki
Sue Ann Savas
Elizabeth Schmidt
John Selesko
Marisa Spinazze-Main
Beverly Stovall
Thomas Sullivan
William Swift, Honorary
Aaron Tate
Daniela Tomatti
Marcey Uday-Riley
Eileen Vernor
Sr. Anna Wallette, Honorary
Andy Zaleski
Executive Leadership
Angela Aufdemberge
President and CEO
Kathy Regan
Chief Financial Officer
Ryan Ambrozaitis
Chief Development Officer
Meredith Reese
Vice President, Treatment Programs
Mary Treder-Lang
Vice President, Development Programs
Karen Hall
Director, Quality Improvement
How to Reach Us
For additional information on any of the articles in this
issue, please contact the Marketing and Fund Development
Department at 313-271-3050.
@ Ryan Ambrozaitis, CFRE, Chief Development Officer, ext. 304
@ Lauren Elizabeth, Manager of Events, ext. 190
@ Becky Hermann, Associate Manager of Volunteer Resources,
ext. 114
@ Kristine Sholty, Annual Fund Associate, ext. 343
@ Kelly Small, Senior Manager, Public Relations, ext. 182
@ Mary Vogt, Grant Writer, ext. 165
Our Mission
We deliver innovative care, support,
treatment and education to vulnerable youth
so that they heal, believe in their worth,
and build the skills needed to succeed.
Our Vision
We will ensure that vulnerable youth and
families are supported, prepared and
equipped to achieve lifelong success.
Judy Willard
Director, Human Resources
If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 313-271-3050, ext. 343.