602/585-3535 Keys to Excellence, Inc. Christmas, 2002

Beyond the Nine Dots:
Beware the Grinch May Be Lurking!!

The Grinch that stole Christmas is one of my favorite stories. I believe Dr. Suess, like many children's authors, has a message for us older kids, too. In the Grinch, we find a character, a comic Scrooge, who gives a voice to that part of ourselves that we may hear in various forms during this holiday season.

You see the Grinch's head wasn't screwed on quite right.
All he could think about was his "past sights."
Locked on to past people, places, and things,
Missing all the joy that "the now" brings.
A wiser Grinch counts all his past blessins,
Creating "today" is one of our most important lessons.
What else is possible? He asks a lots,
Moving right out of the Christmas Nine Dots!

Could be the Grinch's shoes were too tight.
Finances, crashing markets, he viewed as a plight.
His belief system was that Christmas = money,
He whined and worried until his nose got runny.
A wiser Grinch would see blessings not lack,
Would take time to STOP and get his thinking on track.
Choose more comfortable shoes, walk a different path,
The true value of Christmas in not in the math.

Perhaps his heart was two sizes too small?
Holding on to stress and fear - he felt 1 foot tall.
His heart was aching, hurting, and shrinking,
Choosing anger and revenge - stinking thinking.
The only way to rid himself of Christmas dread,
Is to affirm pictures of forgiveness and love in his head!
A wise Grinch knows he has internal power,
To control how he feels, hour by hour.


NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! - the one thing he hated.
It's the noise in our heads that makes Christmas ill fated!
The Grinch tries to control the noise by stealing the outer stuff,
Outside change is a lot of work, and it is never, never enough.
Avoiding the relatives, prime roastbeast, and a new sweater,
Is not going to make your insides feel much better.
If you wanna make this Christmas one where peace abides,
You are lovable and capable of changing your insides!

The wisdom of the Who's who joined hands, and sang Merry - very!
It is a picture of Christmas we may want to carry - very!
Reach out and touch others, a joyful sound in our hearts to be giving,
It is in our common bond and love where Christmas spirit is living!
God Bless Us! Every One!
Phyllis R. Antonelli
What Else Is Possible?
KIV Numbers Makes A Difference!
Becker County, Minnesota 		Getting Around the Rocks!
Master Facilitator, Nicole LeDoux has been tracking results of the Keys to Innervisions program at Becker County Probation. In her preliminary report, she notes that since the program began in May, of 94 referrals, 55 successfully completed the program and 30 are currently enrolled. Juvenile probation agents made 25 of these referrals in the first four months. The goal of this new diversion option is to use short-term placements and Keys to Innervisons to avoid lengthier out-of-home placements of youth. The new option has saved the county money and resulted in noticeable behavioral improvement in 56% of the participants. In addition, Nicole has provided training and expanded the KIV community network to several agencies in the county. One of the most evident benefits is the common language that agencies are able to use when working with youth. When a young person is involved with several agencies, the staff from one program to the next are reinforcing the same concepts that have been practiced in another. This results in a reduction of duplicated services. Congratulations and special thanks to Nicole and her supervisor, Wendy Spry, who bring possibilities to reality!

Prevention Resources, Warren County, NJ
Takes KIV to School

Chris Goeke, Coordinator/Educator, is taking KIV into Alternative Education classes in two schools. One of the most important steps he did was Empowerment Team Training with the school staff before he trained the students. In this way, the staff can provide the practice and support to assist students in applying the curriculum to their daily lives. One way Chris is urging his students to the next level of action is by asking an additional "So What?" question. "Now that you know what it means to your life, so what are you going to DO about it?"

Chris noted Keys to Innervisons has created new excitement and enthusiasm within their agency. Keys, Inc. knows this is the result of leadership and effective facilitation. We commend Terry Eyler, Director, Chris, and their staff for providing the momentum and skill to make it happen!

New Jersey Juvenile Justice Students
Give Kudos to KIV

Master Facilitator, Mary Richter often asks the students in the juvenile institutions for their comments about Keys to Innervisons. Her latest survey results:

Comments: "The RON process gave me a better understanding of my problems. The T-Chart helps me see the situation clearly to decide if it is right. The Nine Dots taught me to be open-minded. This was the best class that I have ever taken, and I always looked forward to the days we had it."

The information most useful to me was: "How thoughts trigger feelings and feelings trigger actions; that planning and preparation determines your future; how to be a winner and coming to this class made me a winner."

Mary is one the most creative Master Facilitators in our KIV network. Take a tip from her: Staying close to the students for feedback enables you to adjust the curriculum, keep it fresh, and relevant for a positive facilitation "Next Time!"


KEYS TO EXCELLENCE, INC. ANNUAL AWARDS


Each year, we honor three individuals who have done exemplary work in implementing Keys to Innervisions. It is always a difficult choice as there are so many of you "Playing at the Edge of Your Skill" to ensure that students and staff receive the empowering processes of KIV. Please accept our deep appreciation for your commitment and know that these honorees represent each of you. Each member of the KIV network has touched the lives of so many. As the quote in KIV states, "As the blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance, so no one can tell what becomes of his influence."

THE RONALD G. KUHN MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
David Cocoros, Youth Development Institute, Arizona

In 1997, Ron created the annual President's Award in order to acknowledge those administrators or KIV staff who were especially creative and outstanding in the implementation of the curriculum. In 2001, the award was re-named in honor of Ron's memory, his vision, and his dedication to making a difference.

It is with deep gratitude that we honor David Cocoros as the 2002 recipient of this award. Keys to Excellence, Inc. has enjoyed a long relationship with David. In 1991, he hired Ron and Phyllis to teach KIV to the staff and students of a state youth facility in Crockett, Texas. In 1992, as Clinical Director for Arizona Juvenile Corrections, David incorporated Keys to Innervisons as a cornerstone of their treatment program. In 1995, David and his partner and wife Trish realized a long-term goal and founded a private facility to offer treatment as an alternative to incarcerated youth. Youth Development Institute (YDI) is firmly committed to KIV with Master Facilitators, Chris Kuhn and David Dyess, and an active KIV Core Planning Team. Today the 100 residents of YDI are surrounded by an empowering milieu.

Phyllis was delighted to conspire with Trish Corocos and Chris Kuhn to plan a surprise award ceremony for David. The staff and students of the Youth Development institute cheered enthusiastically as their Founder was presented with the Ronald G. Kuhn Memorial Award for Excellence. David Cocoros has been in the service of youth before many of those kids were born. He speaks of his own use of the KIV tools to reach his dreams and to see the light when shadows are long. David is a walking, talking example of the word, role-model. Keys to Excellence, Inc. is proud to remain a part of his vision.


David Cocoros and Phyllis Antonelli.

Master Facilitator of the Year - 2002
Sedezier Thompson
BRG, Inc., Pelham, Georgia

In selecting an honoree, Keys, Inc. has a very skilled field of 50 Master Facilitators to review. Master Facilitators are trained and evaluated in four competency areas. It is with great pleasure that we honor Sedezier Thompson for demonstrating expertise at many levels. Beyond these competencies, he brings the essential quality of personal enthusiasm to his work with Keys to Innervisions. In his nomination of Sedezier, Director of Pelham YDC, Choice Nelson noted, "Sed embodies the essence of KIV in his work with the staff and youth of our facility."

Since his certification in February, Sedezier has done an extraordinary job of providing Keys to Innervisons training throughout the facility and in supervising and providing leadership to his Facilitators. Beyond these skills, Sedezier's dedication and personal integrity are apparent to those who know him. He is an outstanding representative of the Master Facilitator group and of Keys to Excellence, Inc. We are proud and grateful to have Sedezier as part of the KIV network.
Sedezier Thompson and Alvin Burch,
Assistant Director
An Opportunity to Empower Your Agency
Master Facilitator Training
 In February, 2003, we are holding our annual Master Facilitator Training in sunny Scottsdale, AZ. This trainer-of -trainer program enables communities and agencies to have certified trainers deliver the three-day Facilitator Training. In addition, Master Facilitators are able to train other staff in the foundation units to create an Empowerment Team, to provide supervision of KIV, to provide leadership to the Core Planning Team, and to act as a liaison to Keys, Inc. It is both a cost effective and quality assurance measure. Candidates must have experience in facilitating the curriculum and be willing to participate in an exciting and intensive five-day training process. Now is the time for agencies to secure funding for tuition and for candidates to acquire experience in delivering all units to clients and an 8 hour staff Empowerment Team Training. Class size is limited to 10 participants. For further information, contact Keys, Inc.

Has Your Master Facilitation Certification Expired?

We are also opening this training process to any previously trained Master Facilitator who wants to be recertified and/or renew certification that has expired. Certification is valid for two years. There is no fee for this opportunity. In our last training, not only did Master Facilitators enhance their skills, they also expressed delight in mentoring the new Master Facilitators.

Facilitator of the Year Award - 2002
Kristina Martineau
Juvenile Court Services, Fargo, ND

This year we requested the Master Facilitator network to nominate Facilitators for our annual award. We know there are many Facilitators being trained that we have never met and who are dedicated to facilitating KIV to youth and families. The nominations were touching. This year's recipient Kristina Martineau was nominated by Master Facilitator, Nicole Leitner. Nicole's words best describe Kristina's work:

"Kristina attended my KIV Facilitator training in August 2001 as an interested member of the community. She is a daycare provider and mother of four who just wanted to make a difference in a child's life. Since being trained, Kristina has been one of our primary Facilitators. She is passionate about her interaction with the youth in Keys to Innervisions. She also attended another three-day training on her own time, just to update her skills and to learn from the group. She recently observed my KIV class to see how I interact with the kids because she wants to do the best job possible. I have seen her get emotional when discussing how proud she is to be a part of this program. Kristina's commitment is inspiring to me, her co-facilitators, and the youth she serves."

Wow, wouldn't we all like to clone Kristina? Keys to Excellence, Inc. is proud and fortunate to have Kristina touching the lives of kids and staff in North Dakota. We extend a special note of gratitude to Nicole who is so creative in reaching out to the community to get support for Keys to Innervisions and the youth in Fargo. Under the guidance of Mary Hall, Director of Court Services, Fargo Juvenile Court Services, they continue to pursue innovative ways to empower youth.

Mary Hall, Nicole Leitner, Kristina Martineau, and Erica Peterson,
Keys Coordinator for YouthWorks.


Honorable Mention to Past Recipients of Keys to Excellence, Inc. Annual Awards
Master Facilitator Facilitator Ronald G. Kuhn Memorial
2001 Shauna Jones, WV Sandi Geddes, ND Mary Richter, NJ
2000 Kristie Tollefson, ND
Nicole Leitner, ND 		Michele White, NJ Bob Hare, AZ
1999 Chris Kuhn, AZ Kathy Mahoney, WV Chris Laquidara, NJ
1998 Janis Mayer-Obermeier, NJ Betty Hare, AZ Elbert Grimes, AR
1997 Angela Grisso, WV
Barbara Moore, WV 		Cheri Langei, ND Marie Dils, AZ
1996 Ed Martinez, AZ Pat Seals, CA
A Picture for 2003 - Power of One

With all the world events of the last few years, sometimes it is hard to see how any one of us as individuals can make a difference in the violence and hatred. As Unit 1 reminds us, "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change." Perhaps we can each take the personal challenge "To play at the edge of my skill" in our world. This poem says it so beautifully. I invite you to join me in this resolution. Please hold this picture in your mind, heart, and prayers.

May your New Year be filled with many blessings.

Phyllis
Let us swing wide all the doors and windows
of our hearts on their rusty hinges
so we may learn how to open in love.

Let us see the light in the other and honor it
so we may lift one another on our shoulders
and carry each other along.

Let holiness move in us
so we may pay attention to its small voice
and give ourselves fully with both hands.

I will not die an unlived life by Dawna Markova