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Media Contacts:
Kristine Austin
Cell: (408) 718-8446
kaustin@emq.org
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HOLLYGROVE TO MERGE WITH EMQ CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
Private Children's Nonprofit Expected to Serve Thousands Statewide
Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif., May 2, 2006 - Hollygrove, an organization that has served nearly 20,000 children in its 125 year history, and EMQ Children and Family Services, nationally recognized for its innovations in children's services, today announced that they have joined forces to help California's most vulnerable children. In the first year alone, the private nonprofit expects to serve nearly 7,000 children and family members who suffer from the effects of abuse, severe neglect and trauma.
"What is most crucial is that the children receive greater and even more effective benefits from our merger," said Judy Nelson, President and CEO of Hollygrove Children and Family Services. "Since shifting to a community-based model last year, the Hollygrove team is already serving more than four times the number of children than we were last fall. Our staff is helping children to remain safely with healthy family members through programs based on the best and latest research. I'm very proud of the work our team is doing in enhancing the services we are providing to these vulnerable children."
"In addition to individualized help, the most vulnerable in our society need someone to speak out on their behalf," said F. Jerome "Jerry" Doyle, CEO of EMQ Children and Family Services. "With the inclusion of Hollygrove in the EMQ family, we will be able to expand our efforts to give children and their families a strong voice through legislative advocacy and to work with partners in the local communities to transform the child welfare systems that help serve and protect these kids."
Jerry Doyle is CEO and Darrell Evora is President and Chief
Operating Officer of the newly combined organization. Martine
Singer moves from Chief Operating Officer to Executive Director
at Hollygrove. The two Boards have merged with leaders from
the entertainment industry, high tech, and philanthropic
communities. The statewide nonprofit agency serves children
and family members in 20 counties around California, including
Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino and Santa Clara.
Practice Shift to Family-Based Programs
The U.S. Surgeon General's office estimates that more than 900,000 children in California struggle with serious mental illnesses. Currently, there's a major shift to helping these troubled children through family-based services and support. County agencies are now looking to reduce their reliance on residential programs and to provide therapeutic services in healthy home and school settings where children have natural supports like healthy family, friends, teachers and Little League coaches.
Through a model called "Wraparound", intensive planning, mental health and related services are "wrapped" around children and their families to help them stay safe at home and in their communities. EMQ successfully implemented the first Wraparound pilot project in California in 1996 for Santa Clara County. Today, the staff at EMQ helps more than 275 youth every day through Wraparound services. When parents cannot care for their children, it's possible to find healthy relatives/extended family or friends who can offer lifelong connections and safe, nurturing homes. With ongoing support and counseling, these traumatized children and their families can thrive.
"In light of the recent 'Katie A.' case ruling by a federal district court in Los Angeles that requires California to provide Wraparound and other family-based services, this partnership is a perfect example of how two children's agencies can join forces to become a champion for better children's services," said Carroll Schroeder, executive director of California Alliance for Children and Family Services.
About Hollygrove
Hollygrove, an EMQ Children and Family Services agency, is a child-centered community organization serving abused and neglected children and those at risk of abuse in the Los Angeles area. The organization was dedicated to serving orphaned children in its early years and was once home to Marilyn Monroe. It evolved into a residential treatment facility with a strong emphasis on values-driven services. Today the goal is for children to be part of safe, healthy and permanent families and to become contributing members of society. More information on Hollygrove can be found at www.hollygrove.org.
About EMQ
EMQ Children and Family Services, a 139-year old organization, is dedicated to helping children who have been or are at risk of being removed from their family because of serious behavioral challenges with services to keep them safe at home, in school and out of trouble. The private nonprofit serves more than 5,600 children and family members annually, and has been nationally recognized for its innovation in family-centered, community-based programs like Wraparound, support and educational services. Headquartered in Campbell, California, EMQ Children & Family Services is a United Way/Silicon Valley agency. More information on EMQ can be found at www.emq.org.
NOTE to editors: For interviews, press kit, bios and photos,
please contact SoHanna Minami at (408) 431-1335.
Editorial Contacts:
SoHanna Park Minami
Cell: (408) 431-1335
sohanna@sbcglobal.net
Kristine Austin
Cell: (408) 718-8446
kaustin@emq.org
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