Current Group Home Census/Anticipated Vacancies

The month’s Community Service and Recreational activities

Monthly Bio: Stephanie Braski

2001 Racing Season

As of June 27, 2001, MYS has 10 boys in placement between the two group homes. Summer, as usual, is proving to be a relatively quiet time. We currently anticipate 6 vacancies during the month of July. This certainly presents an opportunity to think creatively for placement of youth who might otherwise require a similar or more restrictive intervention. As usual, Doug and his staff are willing to meet with staff to discuss creative programming/assessment for Agency clientele. Doug can be reached at 842-3240, and is always flexible about arranging meetings.

Community Service and Recreational Activities occupies the free time available with summer. With summer school in the morning, this allows for structured activities afternoons and weekends. Also, because we run our own summer school program, we have the ability to incorporate activities with the school experience. One such opportunity presented itself with the boys’ participation in a high ropes challenge course, sponsored by Antigo School District and Family Planning Services of Wausau. The boys learned how to work together as a team, how to encourage and support each other, and challenged their skills and confronted fears. In that same vain, one of the Wings residents has been accepted into the National Guard Challenge Academy and is scheduled to enter into that program in July.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, on June 16^th the Wings boys helped a neighboring farmer with mowing hay and brushing horses. On June 17^th the Reynolds residents once again helped out with bingo at the Kennedy Park Rehabilitation Center. All the MYS residents will once again be assisting the Wausau Area Jaycees with the Fourth of July Celebration at Marathon Park. The boys help each year with the setup and cleanup activities. A few boys will also be allowed to work the concessions during the celebration as they have in previous years.

Earlier in the month of June, residents of both houses joined forces for a weekend excursion to the Council Grounds State Park outside of Merrill for an overnight camping experience. They were joined overnight by Darwin and Dan, staff of the two homes. A good time was reportedly had by all.

This month’s Bio is about Stephanie Braski, one of the more senior employees of Marathon Youth Services. Many of you already know Steph in her capacity as program manager at Wings Group Home. In addition to providing an understanding ear and guiding hand to youth in placement, Steph is responsible for the guidance and coordination of programming at Wings. Her administrative duties include coordination of services and treatment at Wings, writing progress reports, conducting regular progress reviews, and occasional attendance at Court appearances. She frequently finds herself mediating differences between residents and their parent/relatives, and periodically doubles as a school liaison.

Stephanie originally called Price County, Wisconsin home, moving to Wausau in 1990 to attend school at the University of Wisconsin Marathon Campus. She subsequently transferred to UW Stevens Point where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Following graduation, Steph worked at Homme Youth and Family Programs at Wittenburg, WI until she joined the MYS staff in 1995.

Beginning as the primary weekend staff, Steph moved to second shift as primary staff until she began working the regular day shift. She has worked virtually all the shifts available at Wings, and continues to fill in for other staff on different shifts even now. Having proven herself an effective employee and leader, Steph was appointed group home manager in 1998, a position she continues in today. Her contributions to the clients, their families, and to MYS, continue to be immensely appreciated.

The 2001 Racing Season is now in full swing, and Doug and his crew continue to do quite well! Racing in the Mini Stock Division, as of June 27, 2001, Doug is 2^nd in point standings at State Park Speedway and 6^th at the Marshfield Super Speedway. Complete race results and standings can be found at www.racingonline.com.

This year has brought another driver onboard to drive one of the three cars run by the team. Doug’s oldest son Devin is following in Dad’s footsteps with his enthusiasm for racing. He also show’s signs of becoming a real challenge to his Dad on the track! In a June 14^th race at State Park Speedway, they managed to finish 4^th and 5^th in a head to head duel. While Doug finished ahead this time, how long can it be before Devin begins to lap Dad? A proud moment for both.

Doug and MYS want to again thank the many sponsors of our race team. A partial list includes Wausau Imports (www.wausauimports.com), Brickner Motors (www.bricknerfamily.com), 2510 Family Restaurant, Wausau Steel Corp. (www.wausausteel.com), Green Valley Septic, Walters Buildings (www.waltersbuildings.com), and Wimmer Construction. Without their generous assistance, this race team would not be possible. Thanks again for helping us provide yet another outlet to the youth we deal with!