We want to recognize Christopher Oliver as the employee of the quarter. Christopher has been an exceptional asset to the center and has gone above and beyond in the last quarter. He is always willing to lend a hand and shows initiative when help is needed. He is fluent in Spanish and has great rapport with each of the residents and staff at the center. We want to thank him and recognize him for a job well done. Congratulations Christopher!
Facility Audits
We have been very busy in the past few months preparing for several state audits. Each year the State of Idaho conducts an audit on our facility. The auditors review files and interview staff, management, and residents to ensure we are following all of the policies and procedures from the Idaho Department of Administration and Procedures Act. We want to commend our management team for their hard work and preparation. The audit was a success and we received a fantastic score and some great feedback from the State of Idaho.
Welcome
We want to extend a warm welcome to Kyle Gould, who has been named as the new Drug and Alcohol Specialist at Five County. Kyle has been a longtime resident of this community and has worked with at-risk youth for over 7 years. He has completed addiction courses through the University of Idaho and is currently working to complete his last few hours of supervision. He is also working towards completing his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Idaho State University. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, hunting, and fishing. Kyle is passionate about his work and believes he can make a difference in the lives of those youth that struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
We also want to welcome Mindy Jensen as our clinical intern. Mindy has joined the team for the next few months as she completes her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boise State University. She is currently licensed as a social worker and has five years experience working in the field. Mindy enjoys working with at risk youth and hopes to be able to teach them valuable skill that will lead them to success. We are excited to have her on board.
Cyn Reneau with Idaho Meth Project and Truth208 visited the facility in August. She gave a presentation to the residents about meth and opioid use. Cyn used her own story and experience to teach the residents about the dangers and negative consequences of meth and opioid use. She also led a great discussion that led to many of the residents reflecting on their own drug and alcohol abuse. We appreciate those that will share their experience and hope it will inspire change in others.
Tami Hymas visited the facility in August to talk with the residents about her program BeUtoFullness. This program shares an empowering message about learning to love yourself and reaching your full potential. Tami has also shared this message through a TED talk and has recently written a book. The residents loved her energetic spirit and enjoyed hearing her thoughts and ideas about what beauty really means. We appreciate her taking the time from her busy schedule to share her powerful message.
Five County Fun
At Five County we strive to give our residents a variety of experiences to enhance treatment. We have had several great outings and activities over the past few months. Here is a quick overview:
- Mesa Falls and Johnny Sacks Cabin – Residents enjoyed a tour of Johnny Sacks cabin in Island Park, Idaho and then stopped to take in the breathtaking views of Mesa Falls in Ashton, Idaho.
- Facility BBQ – The staff worked hard to organize a fun summer BBQ and water activity for residents. Many of the girls could be seen playing water volleyball and running for the slip n’ slide. It was a great day full of smiles from ear to ear.
- Madison County Fair – In August the residents visited the Madison County Fair. They enjoyed looking at the animals and 4-H exhibits. Many of them enjoyed their very first funnel cake! After the fair, residents enjoyed lunch at the park and a competitive game of badminton.
- Eclipse 2017 – For many of the residents the eclipse is an experience they will never forget. Management and staff did an amazing job educating and providing fun activities to lead up to totality. This is an activity they are still talking about!
- Cupcake and Cookie Wars – One of our amazing staff, Ms. Haringfeld, coordinated and organized a week full of cupcake and cookie decorating education. The girls had the opportunity to get creative and express themselves through the art of baking. It was exhausting and full of sugar rushes, but the girls were proud of their work!
