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Summer 2008 Newsletter
Winter 2007/08 Newsletter
NEWS AND NOTES FROM PATHWAYS
Adolescent Brain Development: What’s New and What Difference Does it Make?
The teen years - The best of times, the worst of times.
“Why do teenagers sleep until noon? Why do they slam those doors, forget to call home, drink
themselves silly? Why is it some, quite suddenly it seems, slide into the deep reaches of
despair, even the ravages of psychosis, while others, quite suddenly it seems, appreciate the
beauty and contours of algebra, the nuance of a subtle joke?” (1)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been making it possible for scientists to learn more about the changing
structure of the brain during adolescence. We now know that remarkable changes occur in the brain during the
second decade of life. Understanding that adolescence is a time of profound brain growth and change is contrary
to long-held ideas that the brain was mostly “fully formed” by the end of childhood. This knowledge challenges us
to re-examine the premises upon which we have based our strategies for substance abuse prevention, intervention
and treatment for teenagers.
One of the last areas of the brain to fully mature is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This is the area responsible for
such skills as setting priorities, organizing plans and ideas, forming strategies, controlling impulses, and allocating
attention.
Teen responses to stimuli tend to be more “from the gut” which may account for inconsistencies in effective
decision-making. The ability for the brain to plan, adapt to the social environment, and to imagine possible future
consequences of action or to appropriately gauge their emotional significance, is still developing throughout
adolescence. Brain functions which enhance the ability to successfully deal with these tasks are “under major
construction” during adolescence.(2)
Kids in Groups Take More Risks (3)
What happens at age 12? According to new research from Temple University, teenagers feel emotions intensely,
and care about how other kids feel about them. All that emotion resides in a part of the brain that grows quickly
during adolescence. Meanwhile, the rational, careful, thoughtful part of the brain develops more slowly. That
imbalance can cause kids to take risks. The parts of the brain that continues to develop during adolescence are
the parts of the brain that we might expect when we think about typical, negative adolescent behaviors, says
Elizabeth Sowell, Ph.D., neuroscientist, UCLA Dept. of Neurology. In fact, the study found that when kids were
surrounded by other kids while participating in a simulated driving game, they were twice as likely to take risks.
We know that adolescents are bigger risk takers; we don’t need the brain to tell us that. We know that they get in
more car accidents than adults do. Experts say the good news is that while it may not be easy to teach teens to
avoid risks, it’s not impossible, either. They do have the cognitive functions that allow them to control their emotions
and organize. They’re just not as good at it, during the adolescent years, as they will be during adulthood.
Experts say it helps to teach kids to ask themselves a question: “if you do this, what are the possible
consequences?” And don’t answer for them! It’s much more rewarding for them if they come to the conclusion.
Prevention: What implications does this information have for those concerned with prevention of substance use/
abuse by adolescents? At a minimum, teens need to be surrounded by caring adults and institutions that help
them learn specific skills and appropriate adult behavior. Additionally they need:
Opportunities to grow and mature in appropriate ways, including help in developing the skills of judgment,
planning and impulse control.
A balance in parental strategies that allow teens to sometimes make their own choices among many options,
while exercising direct parental guidance with limited options in more risky situations.
Information on adolescent brain development presented to them in developmentally appropriate formats.
This should include current and accurate information on exactly how the developing adolescent brain can be
impaired by the invasion of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs.
Pathways believes that to effectively address these four needs, the whole community needs to be involved. All of
our lives are impacted by lapses in our social structure that allow some of our youth to “fall through the cracks.”
Intervention: Effective intervention with adolescents when substance abuse has played a role in negative
behaviors must include an appreciation of what is happening in the developing teen brain. Laws pertaining to
negative behaviors by adolescents as well as school policies must provide appropriate structure which in itself can
provide guidelines for judgement and impulse control.
Consequences for violations of those laws or policies must allow for strategies which encourage movement toward
positive change. Each situation is unique, and determining an appropriate referral or consequence must consider
individual circumstances.
Treatment: Treatment providers across the country are gradually incorporating this information into their programs
for adult populations as well as for adolescents. Providers are aware that no one strategy will completely address
the issues presented by their clients, who come with their unique patterns of negative experiences and harmful
behaviors.
Both prevention and treatment strategies are now being tested for successful outcomes. Those that show positive
results are referred to as “evidence-based”. One such program is known as the “Matrix Model” which has been
used for adults and is now available adapted for teens.
This program takes into account the stages of youth substance abuse as well as what is known about adolescent
Brain Development, and tailors programs accordingly.
References:
1. The Primal Teen by Barbara Strauch, Anchor Books 2003
2. The Adolescent Brain: a Work in Progress Daniel Weinberger(MD), Brita Elvevag PHD, Jay Giedd(MD) 2005
3. Kids in Groups Take More Risks Robert Seith, “Connect With Kids,” December 2007
***For additional information about Brain Development including possible presentations to groups, contact Mary
Geissler, Family Living Agent at UW-Extension/Chippewa County. 726-2950.
Addiction and the Brain
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and
use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain---they
change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful
behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs. (Including alcohol and nicotine).
While the initial decision to use an addictive substance is mostly voluntary, abuse begins when a person’s ability to
exert self-control becomes impaired. Brain imaging studies of addicted individuals show physical changes in areas
of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory as well as behavior control.
Unfortunately, many people who reach this stage of abuse are deterred from seeking treatment partly because of
the social stigma associated with admitting to a drug or alcohol dependency. It is hoped that identifying addiction
as a neurobiological disease will diminish the social stigma, discrimination and personal shame that is often a
barrier, and will further a common understanding of diseases of addiction.
A Harvest of Caring:
On October 29, Pathways hosted its thirteenth annual Harvest of Caring event, held at the Lake Wissota Golf club.
The purpose of this event is a celebration and an acknowledgment of the work of specific individuals and groups
who have worked collaboratively with Pathways to accomplish their mission.
The theme of this year’s event was “Pathways to a Healthy and Caring Community.” With Jerry Gallagher (WQOW-
TV 18's News Anchor) as MC, the focus was on the needs and concerns of the homeless in Chippewa County and
the impact on that population of substance abuse issues.
Two awards were presented:
The Community Service Award was presented to “Starting Points,” a local agency that provides resources
and programs to area homeless, including prevention and case management. This award was accepted by Mary
ClaySantineau, director of that agency since its establishment in 1990.
The Father Mike Schelble Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mary ClaySantineau for her
energy, dedication and focus she has applied to Starting Points, and her understanding of the substance abuse
issues which are sometimes exhibited in that experience.
Our Staff: The Board of Directors
Executive Director Betty Kleemeier Barry Boyer
Director of Assessment & Sandi Polzin
Intervention Services Steve Herriges
Prevention Specialist Shanna Roth Bonnie Ferstenou
Administrative Assistant Phyllis Eckwright Tom Etmund
Prevention Educators Deb Christensen, Vicki Hopkins, Steve Exner
Laura Kasdorf
AmeriCorps Member Ashley Schultz Gayle Klitzke
McKinzi Simonsen
Funding
Pathways is a private, non-profit (501(c)(3)) corporation. We contract for services with the Chippewa County
Department of Human Services and for services to other area agencies. We are a member agency of the United
Way of Chippewa County.
How You Can Help
You can help with the work of Pathways with a contribution to be applied toward prevention programming,
intervention programming, as needed, or to the endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Chippewa
County. Your tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Pathways at 404 ½ N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 4,
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Pathways is grateful for the contributions which have been received from the following persons
and organizations.
Bill & Sharon Barkley
David & Kathy Boisvert
Dennis Boisvert
C.T. Bowe, M.D.
Barry & Susan Boyer
Wynn e Cook
Joseph & Deborah Coughlin
Andrew & Joanna Dane
Lester & Rosemary Davis
Claudia Dempsey
Don & Barb Dukerschein
Steve Exner
Dennis & Bonnie Ferstenou
Jeff & Lisa Flaig
David & Evalyn Frasch
Thomas Frederick
Gary & Carol Gienapp
Susan Gillig
John Flanagan & Susan Hebert
Steven & Jill Herriges
Raymond & Donna Hoel
Marilyn Holte
Roger & Sharon Horton
Rick & Diane Hoyme
Paul & Beverly Ippel
Dan & Judy Jacobson
Gerald & Mary Jacobson
Patrick & Sherry Jasper
Cheryl Jensen
Jim & Janice Jerabek
Laura Kasdorf & Tim Wolter
Tom & Pam Kell
Allen & Susan Kern
Denise Kervin & Don Kirihara
Bob & Gayle Klitzke
Daniel & Denise Kurtz
D.J. Langenfeld
Robert & Catherine Lea
Jake & Peg Leinenkugel
Dave & Carol Lendle
Ned & Jill Lenhart
Barbara McDermid
Matthew & Jennifer
McDonough
Evelyn N. Maloney
Gary & Nancy Marine
Conrad & Judy Mazur
Jeanne Morissette
Tara Mrozinski
Gary & Patricia Nicholson
Don & Phyllis Nielson
Charles Norseng
Loren & Vicki Olson
Tom & Karen Olson
Ray & Carol Peterson
John & Sandi Polzin
Steve & Roberta Rasmus
Dennis & Betty Rivers
Brian & Denise Poesler
James & Mary Sauter
Thomas & Mary Sazama
Gordon Schafer
Father Michael Schelble
Michael & Dana Schoch
Erik & McKinzi Simonsen
Roger & Marilyn Skartrud
Julie & Dick Stafford
Gwen & David Steinmetz
Bert Swanson
M.S. Taman, M.D.
Jon & Jen Theisen
Randy & Peggy Theisen
Darrell & Susanne Torrence
Dan & Mary Lynn Toycen
Bill & Sheila Volker
Church of Notre Dame
First Presbyterian Church-
Chippewa Falls
Fresh N’ Kleen, Inc.
ITW Foundation
Kell Container, Corp.
Down To Earth, LLC
Northwestern Bank
Pederson-Volker Funeral
Chapel
State Farm Insurance
The Medicine Shoppe
2007 Harvest of Caring
On Monday, October 29, Pathways hosted its thirteenth annual Harvest of Caring event, held at the Lake Wissota
Golf Club. The purpose of the celebration is to acknowledge the work of specific individuals and groups who have
worked collaboratively with Pathways to accomplish their mission.
The theme of this year’s event was “Pathways to a Healthy and Caring Community”.
The program featured Jerry Gallagher, news anchor at WQOW - TV 18, as MC.
Jerry began with a news clip on some of the needs and concerns of the homeless in Chippewa County. He
presented an overview of statistics about the relationship of
Substance abuse issues to the homeless population.
Following his presentation, two awards were presented:
The Community Service Award was established for the purpose of honoring a community business,
organization or agency which has contributed significantly to the cause of controlling, reducing and preventing
alcohol or other drug abuse problems and in promoting public and professional understanding of alcoholism and
other drug problems as treatable and preventable conditions. Board member McKinzi Simonsen presented this
award to “Starting Points”, a local agency which provides resources and programs to area homeless which also
include prevention and case management. Accepting this award was Mary ClaySantineau, director of that agency
since its establishment in 1990.
The Father Mike Schelble Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize an individual who has
made outstanding contributions to the work of Pathways or in support of its mission and programs. The award is
named in honor of Father Michael Schelble, on of the founders of Pathways, and reflects the energy, dedication
and focus exemplified by him toward the agency.
Pathways Executive Director Betty Kleemeier presented this award to
Mary ClaySantineau, recognizing the energy, dedication and focus she has applied to “Starting Points” and her
understanding of the substance abuse issues which may sometimes play a role in the experience of
homelessness.
Summer 2007 Newsletter past newsletter archive coming soon!!
NEWS AND NOTES FROM PATHWAYS
Substance Abuse & Addiction in the Workplace
Prevalence
All of us are impacted by substance abuse, misuse, and addiction to alcohol or other drugs at some level. Whether it is ourselves,
family members, co-workers, or others in our community, this issue takes a toll physically, emotionally, economically, or in other ways
that alter the environment in which we live and work.
Consider some statistics cited by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention:
About 8% of the workforce are heavy drinkers.
About 8% of full time workers (adults) are current users of illicit drugs.
17% of employees surveyed across five different work sites reported situations that implied prescription drug misuse.
Employees in companies with fewer than 25 employees are twice as likely to use illicit drugs as employees in larger
companies.
Cost to Employers
Nationwide, alcoholism causes 500 million lost workdays each year.
Workplace accident rates for alcoholics are two or three times higher than normal.
Alcoholics are five times more likely to file a worker’s compensation claim.
Employees diagnosed with a substance dependency problem were found to have six times the number of absences from work.
The State of Wisconsin estimates that expenses and losses related to substance abuse average 25% of the salary of each
worker affected.
The Case for Prevention/Intervention
An owner of a computer graphics company stated “In a big company, when an employee has a drug or alcohol problem that affects
his or her work, other employees can usually take up the slack. In my company of 10 people, if one employee is unproductive
because of alcohol or other drugs, my business suffers. I can’t afford to lose time and money due to an employee’s drug problem;
but hiring and training a new employee can be expensive. I started an “Employee Assistance Program in my company, and now I can
afford to offer my employees help.”
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
EAP’s are one of the most effective ways to deal with alcohol and other drug problems in the workplace. They can enhance the work
climate of an organization and promote the health and well-being of everyone involved. There are many different kinds of EAP’s but
most are usually multifaceted designed to assist employees with personal problems that affect job performance. Some do focus
primarily on alcohol and other drug problems, but most address a wide range of issues including stress, marital difficulties, financial
trouble, and legal problems.
Effective EAP’s include onsite employee education, assessment, and referral to counseling or treatment. Special training is provided
for supervisors to help them recognize problems and make an appropriate referral.
Confidentiality is a key factor in an effective EAP. If employees perceive that the EAP is there to help them deal with personal issues
in a private and confidential manner, they will fell more valued as part of the workplace.
The manager of a bank stated “When we first started using an EAP, I assumed it would be the employees with chronic job
performance problems who would use the service the most. However, when we reviewed the program at the end of the first year, we
discovered that the majority of the employees who used the EAP were self-referred. When annual reviews were conducted, several
supervisors noted an overall improvement in productivity and employee morale.”
Employee Assistance Programs offer a variety of benefits:
They can assist with policy development, employee education, and supervisor training.
They offer an alternative to firing, thereby saving the costs of recruiting, rehiring, and retraining.
They have been linked to decreases in accidents, Workers” Compensation claims, absenteeism, health benefit utilization, and
turnover rates.
They can assist employers in complying with drug-free workplace laws.
Not every EAP is right for every organization. Costs to a company will vary according to the level and types of services provided.
Pathways Updates
Pathways provides resources and services to Chippewa County residents…
They are a participating agency with the United Way of Chippewa County.
They are a member of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce.
They have established an endowment fund for Substance Abuse Prevention with the Community Foundation of Chippewa
County.
In June and July, Pathways staff have recruited youth to participate with them in summer camps for Positive Youth
Development, one at Beaver Creek Reserve and one at Manitowish Waters.
Our Mission Statement
Pathways promotes awareness and knowledge of the harmful consequences of misuse, abuse, and addiction to alcohol and other
drugs, while developing and supporting comprehensive, community-based prevention services
Community Tolerance for Underage Use
The National Survey on Drug Use has listed Wisconsin as the state with the highest rate of underage drinking for youth ages 12-17.
Within Wisconsin, the Western region has the highest rate of underage drinking.
What is there in our communities that lead to these discouraging statistics? We have numerous programs for youth that provide
them with current information in school settings, opportunities to participate in positive youth development activities, and mentor
programs. What is missing? Pathways suggests that we all look around our communities through a child’s eyes. What are they
seeing and hearing on television and the radio, on their Ipods? Do their parents and caregivers talk with them openly about
substance abuse issues? What kind of using behaviors do they witness at family celebrations and community events? Is drinking
supported as a “rite of passage”?
Among the “red flags” we might see when we look around our local communities are:
Public celebrations/fairs where the beer tent seems to be promoted as the “main event” Public festivals are an important part of
community life and culture and at their best can be a place for kids to play and family and friends to gather. However, when there is
not a thoughtful effort to separate the drinking areas effectively from the youth and family events, there is great risk of negative
messages.
Signage at fairs and sports events which is underwritten by beer distributors further promotes the perception that beer drinking
is indeed the “main event.”
Recent legislation now makes it possible for stores to provide samples for “beer tasting.” In itself this does not promote
“inappropriate drinking behavior”, but does add to a child’s perceptions that beer/drinking is everywhere.”
Numerous “double messages” given to youth regarding drinking. Although it is illegal for youth under 21 to consume alcohol,
Wisconsin is among less than a handful of states which allows a parent to purchase a drink for their child and has it served to them.
Most youth can identify a source for beer/alcohol (often their own homes or a friend’s) or an older youth or adult who will purchase it
for them.
A disturbingly large number of parents in Chippewa County sanction youth drinking parties in their homes, reasoning that “they’
ll do it anyway” and that the youth will be safer at their homes.
Incidences where parents who have signed, along with their children, athletic or co-curricular codes which spell out
consequences for underage use, but become irate when the school and/or juvenile justice system try to hold them accountable.
Pathways has a CD available for loan which illustrates what youth see around them. It is called “This Place,” and is described as
“displaying the reality of alcohol in our children’s lives.” 16 minutes long, it is put out by “FACE: Resources Training & Action on
Alcohol Issues.” Contact the Pathways office, 723-1101, to inquire about borrowing this CD.
ADOBE PDF format and will require ADOBE READER obtained here FREE OF CHARGE
Summer 2008 Newsletter
Winter 2007/08 Newsletter
NEWS AND NOTES FROM PATHWAYS
Adolescent Brain Development: What’s New and What Difference Does it Make?
The teen years - The best of times, the worst of times.
“Why do teenagers sleep until noon? Why do they slam those doors, forget to call home, drink
themselves silly? Why is it some, quite suddenly it seems, slide into the deep reaches of
despair, even the ravages of psychosis, while others, quite suddenly it seems, appreciate the
beauty and contours of algebra, the nuance of a subtle joke?” (1)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been making it possible for scientists to learn more about the changing
structure of the brain during adolescence. We now know that remarkable changes occur in the brain during the
second decade of life. Understanding that adolescence is a time of profound brain growth and change is contrary
to long-held ideas that the brain was mostly “fully formed” by the end of childhood. This knowledge challenges us
to re-examine the premises upon which we have based our strategies for substance abuse prevention, intervention
and treatment for teenagers.
One of the last areas of the brain to fully mature is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This is the area responsible for
such skills as setting priorities, organizing plans and ideas, forming strategies, controlling impulses, and allocating
attention.
Teen responses to stimuli tend to be more “from the gut” which may account for inconsistencies in effective
decision-making. The ability for the brain to plan, adapt to the social environment, and to imagine possible future
consequences of action or to appropriately gauge their emotional significance, is still developing throughout
adolescence. Brain functions which enhance the ability to successfully deal with these tasks are “under major
construction” during adolescence.(2)
Kids in Groups Take More Risks (3)
What happens at age 12? According to new research from Temple University, teenagers feel emotions intensely,
and care about how other kids feel about them. All that emotion resides in a part of the brain that grows quickly
during adolescence. Meanwhile, the rational, careful, thoughtful part of the brain develops more slowly. That
imbalance can cause kids to take risks. The parts of the brain that continues to develop during adolescence are
the parts of the brain that we might expect when we think about typical, negative adolescent behaviors, says
Elizabeth Sowell, Ph.D., neuroscientist, UCLA Dept. of Neurology. In fact, the study found that when kids were
surrounded by other kids while participating in a simulated driving game, they were twice as likely to take risks.
We know that adolescents are bigger risk takers; we don’t need the brain to tell us that. We know that they get in
more car accidents than adults do. Experts say the good news is that while it may not be easy to teach teens to
avoid risks, it’s not impossible, either. They do have the cognitive functions that allow them to control their emotions
and organize. They’re just not as good at it, during the adolescent years, as they will be during adulthood.
Experts say it helps to teach kids to ask themselves a question: “if you do this, what are the possible
consequences?” And don’t answer for them! It’s much more rewarding for them if they come to the conclusion.
Prevention: What implications does this information have for those concerned with prevention of substance use/
abuse by adolescents? At a minimum, teens need to be surrounded by caring adults and institutions that help
them learn specific skills and appropriate adult behavior. Additionally they need:
Opportunities to grow and mature in appropriate ways, including help in developing the skills of judgment,
planning and impulse control.
A balance in parental strategies that allow teens to sometimes make their own choices among many options,
while exercising direct parental guidance with limited options in more risky situations.
Information on adolescent brain development presented to them in developmentally appropriate formats.
This should include current and accurate information on exactly how the developing adolescent brain can be
impaired by the invasion of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs.
Pathways believes that to effectively address these four needs, the whole community needs to be involved. All of
our lives are impacted by lapses in our social structure that allow some of our youth to “fall through the cracks.”
Intervention: Effective intervention with adolescents when substance abuse has played a role in negative
behaviors must include an appreciation of what is happening in the developing teen brain. Laws pertaining to
negative behaviors by adolescents as well as school policies must provide appropriate structure which in itself can
provide guidelines for judgement and impulse control.
Consequences for violations of those laws or policies must allow for strategies which encourage movement toward
positive change. Each situation is unique, and determining an appropriate referral or consequence must consider
individual circumstances.
Treatment: Treatment providers across the country are gradually incorporating this information into their programs
for adult populations as well as for adolescents. Providers are aware that no one strategy will completely address
the issues presented by their clients, who come with their unique patterns of negative experiences and harmful
behaviors.
Both prevention and treatment strategies are now being tested for successful outcomes. Those that show positive
results are referred to as “evidence-based”. One such program is known as the “Matrix Model” which has been
used for adults and is now available adapted for teens.
This program takes into account the stages of youth substance abuse as well as what is known about adolescent
Brain Development, and tailors programs accordingly.
References:
1. The Primal Teen by Barbara Strauch, Anchor Books 2003
2. The Adolescent Brain: a Work in Progress Daniel Weinberger(MD), Brita Elvevag PHD, Jay Giedd(MD) 2005
3. Kids in Groups Take More Risks Robert Seith, “Connect With Kids,” December 2007
***For additional information about Brain Development including possible presentations to groups, contact Mary
Geissler, Family Living Agent at UW-Extension/Chippewa County. 726-2950.
Addiction and the Brain
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and
use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain---they
change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful
behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs. (Including alcohol and nicotine).
While the initial decision to use an addictive substance is mostly voluntary, abuse begins when a person’s ability to
exert self-control becomes impaired. Brain imaging studies of addicted individuals show physical changes in areas
of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory as well as behavior control.
Unfortunately, many people who reach this stage of abuse are deterred from seeking treatment partly because of
the social stigma associated with admitting to a drug or alcohol dependency. It is hoped that identifying addiction
as a neurobiological disease will diminish the social stigma, discrimination and personal shame that is often a
barrier, and will further a common understanding of diseases of addiction.
A Harvest of Caring:
On October 29, Pathways hosted its thirteenth annual Harvest of Caring event, held at the Lake Wissota Golf club.
The purpose of this event is a celebration and an acknowledgment of the work of specific individuals and groups
who have worked collaboratively with Pathways to accomplish their mission.
The theme of this year’s event was “Pathways to a Healthy and Caring Community.” With Jerry Gallagher (WQOW-
TV 18's News Anchor) as MC, the focus was on the needs and concerns of the homeless in Chippewa County and
the impact on that population of substance abuse issues.
Two awards were presented:
The Community Service Award was presented to “Starting Points,” a local agency that provides resources
and programs to area homeless, including prevention and case management. This award was accepted by Mary
ClaySantineau, director of that agency since its establishment in 1990.
The Father Mike Schelble Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mary ClaySantineau for her
energy, dedication and focus she has applied to Starting Points, and her understanding of the substance abuse
issues which are sometimes exhibited in that experience.
Our Staff: The Board of Directors
Executive Director Betty Kleemeier Barry Boyer
Director of Assessment & Sandi Polzin
Intervention Services Steve Herriges
Prevention Specialist Shanna Roth Bonnie Ferstenou
Administrative Assistant Phyllis Eckwright Tom Etmund
Prevention Educators Deb Christensen, Vicki Hopkins, Steve Exner
Laura Kasdorf
AmeriCorps Member Ashley Schultz Gayle Klitzke
McKinzi Simonsen
Funding
Pathways is a private, non-profit (501(c)(3)) corporation. We contract for services with the Chippewa County
Department of Human Services and for services to other area agencies. We are a member agency of the United
Way of Chippewa County.
How You Can Help
You can help with the work of Pathways with a contribution to be applied toward prevention programming,
intervention programming, as needed, or to the endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Chippewa
County. Your tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Pathways at 404 ½ N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 4,
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Pathways is grateful for the contributions which have been received from the following persons
and organizations.
Bill & Sharon Barkley
David & Kathy Boisvert
Dennis Boisvert
C.T. Bowe, M.D.
Barry & Susan Boyer
Wynn e Cook
Joseph & Deborah Coughlin
Andrew & Joanna Dane
Lester & Rosemary Davis
Claudia Dempsey
Don & Barb Dukerschein
Steve Exner
Dennis & Bonnie Ferstenou
Jeff & Lisa Flaig
David & Evalyn Frasch
Thomas Frederick
Gary & Carol Gienapp
Susan Gillig
John Flanagan & Susan Hebert
Steven & Jill Herriges
Raymond & Donna Hoel
Marilyn Holte
Roger & Sharon Horton
Rick & Diane Hoyme
Paul & Beverly Ippel
Dan & Judy Jacobson
Gerald & Mary Jacobson
Patrick & Sherry Jasper
Cheryl Jensen
Jim & Janice Jerabek
Laura Kasdorf & Tim Wolter
Tom & Pam Kell
Allen & Susan Kern
Denise Kervin & Don Kirihara
Bob & Gayle Klitzke
Daniel & Denise Kurtz
D.J. Langenfeld
Robert & Catherine Lea
Jake & Peg Leinenkugel
Dave & Carol Lendle
Ned & Jill Lenhart
Barbara McDermid
Matthew & Jennifer
McDonough
Evelyn N. Maloney
Gary & Nancy Marine
Conrad & Judy Mazur
Jeanne Morissette
Tara Mrozinski
Gary & Patricia Nicholson
Don & Phyllis Nielson
Charles Norseng
Loren & Vicki Olson
Tom & Karen Olson
Ray & Carol Peterson
John & Sandi Polzin
Steve & Roberta Rasmus
Dennis & Betty Rivers
Brian & Denise Poesler
James & Mary Sauter
Thomas & Mary Sazama
Gordon Schafer
Father Michael Schelble
Michael & Dana Schoch
Erik & McKinzi Simonsen
Roger & Marilyn Skartrud
Julie & Dick Stafford
Gwen & David Steinmetz
Bert Swanson
M.S. Taman, M.D.
Jon & Jen Theisen
Randy & Peggy Theisen
Darrell & Susanne Torrence
Dan & Mary Lynn Toycen
Bill & Sheila Volker
Church of Notre Dame
First Presbyterian Church-
Chippewa Falls
Fresh N’ Kleen, Inc.
ITW Foundation
Kell Container, Corp.
Down To Earth, LLC
Northwestern Bank
Pederson-Volker Funeral
Chapel
State Farm Insurance
The Medicine Shoppe
2007 Harvest of Caring
On Monday, October 29, Pathways hosted its thirteenth annual Harvest of Caring event, held at the Lake Wissota
Golf Club. The purpose of the celebration is to acknowledge the work of specific individuals and groups who have
worked collaboratively with Pathways to accomplish their mission.
The theme of this year’s event was “Pathways to a Healthy and Caring Community”.
The program featured Jerry Gallagher, news anchor at WQOW - TV 18, as MC.
Jerry began with a news clip on some of the needs and concerns of the homeless in Chippewa County. He
presented an overview of statistics about the relationship of
Substance abuse issues to the homeless population.
Following his presentation, two awards were presented:
The Community Service Award was established for the purpose of honoring a community business,
organization or agency which has contributed significantly to the cause of controlling, reducing and preventing
alcohol or other drug abuse problems and in promoting public and professional understanding of alcoholism and
other drug problems as treatable and preventable conditions. Board member McKinzi Simonsen presented this
award to “Starting Points”, a local agency which provides resources and programs to area homeless which also
include prevention and case management. Accepting this award was Mary ClaySantineau, director of that agency
since its establishment in 1990.
The Father Mike Schelble Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize an individual who has
made outstanding contributions to the work of Pathways or in support of its mission and programs. The award is
named in honor of Father Michael Schelble, on of the founders of Pathways, and reflects the energy, dedication
and focus exemplified by him toward the agency.
Pathways Executive Director Betty Kleemeier presented this award to
Mary ClaySantineau, recognizing the energy, dedication and focus she has applied to “Starting Points” and her
understanding of the substance abuse issues which may sometimes play a role in the experience of
homelessness.
Summer 2007 Newsletter past newsletter archive coming soon!!
NEWS AND NOTES FROM PATHWAYS
Substance Abuse & Addiction in the Workplace
Prevalence
All of us are impacted by substance abuse, misuse, and addiction to alcohol or other drugs at some level. Whether it is ourselves,
family members, co-workers, or others in our community, this issue takes a toll physically, emotionally, economically, or in other ways
that alter the environment in which we live and work.
Consider some statistics cited by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention:
About 8% of the workforce are heavy drinkers.
About 8% of full time workers (adults) are current users of illicit drugs.
17% of employees surveyed across five different work sites reported situations that implied prescription drug misuse.
Employees in companies with fewer than 25 employees are twice as likely to use illicit drugs as employees in larger
companies.
Cost to Employers
Nationwide, alcoholism causes 500 million lost workdays each year.
Workplace accident rates for alcoholics are two or three times higher than normal.
Alcoholics are five times more likely to file a worker’s compensation claim.
Employees diagnosed with a substance dependency problem were found to have six times the number of absences from work.
The State of Wisconsin estimates that expenses and losses related to substance abuse average 25% of the salary of each
worker affected.
The Case for Prevention/Intervention
An owner of a computer graphics company stated “In a big company, when an employee has a drug or alcohol problem that affects
his or her work, other employees can usually take up the slack. In my company of 10 people, if one employee is unproductive
because of alcohol or other drugs, my business suffers. I can’t afford to lose time and money due to an employee’s drug problem;
but hiring and training a new employee can be expensive. I started an “Employee Assistance Program in my company, and now I can
afford to offer my employees help.”
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
EAP’s are one of the most effective ways to deal with alcohol and other drug problems in the workplace. They can enhance the work
climate of an organization and promote the health and well-being of everyone involved. There are many different kinds of EAP’s but
most are usually multifaceted designed to assist employees with personal problems that affect job performance. Some do focus
primarily on alcohol and other drug problems, but most address a wide range of issues including stress, marital difficulties, financial
trouble, and legal problems.
Effective EAP’s include onsite employee education, assessment, and referral to counseling or treatment. Special training is provided
for supervisors to help them recognize problems and make an appropriate referral.
Confidentiality is a key factor in an effective EAP. If employees perceive that the EAP is there to help them deal with personal issues
in a private and confidential manner, they will fell more valued as part of the workplace.
The manager of a bank stated “When we first started using an EAP, I assumed it would be the employees with chronic job
performance problems who would use the service the most. However, when we reviewed the program at the end of the first year, we
discovered that the majority of the employees who used the EAP were self-referred. When annual reviews were conducted, several
supervisors noted an overall improvement in productivity and employee morale.”
Employee Assistance Programs offer a variety of benefits:
They can assist with policy development, employee education, and supervisor training.
They offer an alternative to firing, thereby saving the costs of recruiting, rehiring, and retraining.
They have been linked to decreases in accidents, Workers” Compensation claims, absenteeism, health benefit utilization, and
turnover rates.
They can assist employers in complying with drug-free workplace laws.
Not every EAP is right for every organization. Costs to a company will vary according to the level and types of services provided.
Pathways Updates
Pathways provides resources and services to Chippewa County residents…
They are a participating agency with the United Way of Chippewa County.
They are a member of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce.
They have established an endowment fund for Substance Abuse Prevention with the Community Foundation of Chippewa
County.
In June and July, Pathways staff have recruited youth to participate with them in summer camps for Positive Youth
Development, one at Beaver Creek Reserve and one at Manitowish Waters.
Our Mission Statement
Pathways promotes awareness and knowledge of the harmful consequences of misuse, abuse, and addiction to alcohol and other
drugs, while developing and supporting comprehensive, community-based prevention services
Community Tolerance for Underage Use
The National Survey on Drug Use has listed Wisconsin as the state with the highest rate of underage drinking for youth ages 12-17.
Within Wisconsin, the Western region has the highest rate of underage drinking.
What is there in our communities that lead to these discouraging statistics? We have numerous programs for youth that provide
them with current information in school settings, opportunities to participate in positive youth development activities, and mentor
programs. What is missing? Pathways suggests that we all look around our communities through a child’s eyes. What are they
seeing and hearing on television and the radio, on their Ipods? Do their parents and caregivers talk with them openly about
substance abuse issues? What kind of using behaviors do they witness at family celebrations and community events? Is drinking
supported as a “rite of passage”?
Among the “red flags” we might see when we look around our local communities are:
Public celebrations/fairs where the beer tent seems to be promoted as the “main event” Public festivals are an important part of
community life and culture and at their best can be a place for kids to play and family and friends to gather. However, when there is
not a thoughtful effort to separate the drinking areas effectively from the youth and family events, there is great risk of negative
messages.
Signage at fairs and sports events which is underwritten by beer distributors further promotes the perception that beer drinking
is indeed the “main event.”
Recent legislation now makes it possible for stores to provide samples for “beer tasting.” In itself this does not promote
“inappropriate drinking behavior”, but does add to a child’s perceptions that beer/drinking is everywhere.”
Numerous “double messages” given to youth regarding drinking. Although it is illegal for youth under 21 to consume alcohol,
Wisconsin is among less than a handful of states which allows a parent to purchase a drink for their child and has it served to them.
Most youth can identify a source for beer/alcohol (often their own homes or a friend’s) or an older youth or adult who will purchase it
for them.
A disturbingly large number of parents in Chippewa County sanction youth drinking parties in their homes, reasoning that “they’
ll do it anyway” and that the youth will be safer at their homes.
Incidences where parents who have signed, along with their children, athletic or co-curricular codes which spell out
consequences for underage use, but become irate when the school and/or juvenile justice system try to hold them accountable.
Pathways has a CD available for loan which illustrates what youth see around them. It is called “This Place,” and is described as
“displaying the reality of alcohol in our children’s lives.” 16 minutes long, it is put out by “FACE: Resources Training & Action on
Alcohol Issues.” Contact the Pathways office, 723-1101, to inquire about borrowing this CD.
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