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Cornerstone 2007 Spring/Summer

Nexus publishes Cornerstone, a company newsletter, which is mailed out twice annually. If you would like to receive a copy, please e-mail info@nexustreatment.org and include your name, agency and mailing address with your request to be added to the mailing list.

How do we look?
When you think of Nexus, what comes to mind? Many associate Nexus with a hair-care product and perhaps a woman named Sasha who has perfect hair and face to match. Sorry, ladies and metrosexuals, but that's not what Nexus is about! | More

A new web site-just for you!
Nexus has unveiled a newly designed web site with your needs in mind. Have we met your expectations? | More

Staff present vicarious trauma at NAPN conference
Mille Lacs Academy Sexuality Therapist Michelle Kimman and Unit Coordinator Denise Dallas have both done extensive research on vicarious trauma and have presented the research at a conference hosted by the National Adolescent Perpetration Network (also known as NAPN). | More

Vicarious trauma and you
At one point or another in social service careers, many employees vicariously experience living traumatic events | More

Mille Lacs Academy to stay in Onamia
It's official. Nexus will build Mille Lacs Academy's new campus in Onamia, Minnesota. | More

Fun + work = MSSA conference
Who ever said work can't be fun? Well, they were wrong, just ask several staff members from Nexus treatment sites who recently attended the Minnesota Social Services Association's (MSSA) 114th Annual Training Conference and Expo, titled "Times They Are A Changing." | More

A 30-year connection to Gerard
Executive Director Brent Henry reflects on his career at Gerard Academy-and what's in store for the future
Brent Henry began his career at Gerard Academy in 1973 at the Mason City campus, working part-time on the overnight shift.
"I've had a fortunate career here," Henry paused. "I hope it's not done yet," he added laughing. | More

Changes and growth for Gerard Academy
In December Gerard Treatment Programs-Mason City Campus transitioned from a Nexus treatment program to become part of Four Oaks, an Iowa-based nonprofit that, like Nexus, provides residential treatment for youth.

The Austin campus remained part of Nexus, and its name has changed from Gerard Treatment Programs to Gerard Academy. | More

Blending academics and healing
Grand Prairie School, Onarga Academy's on-campus school, is well into its first year as a private junior/senior high school and has expanded its curriculum-based fine arts program. Students now have the opportunity to express themselves in both art classes featuring drawing, painting, pottery and sculpting instruction, and in music classes featuring voice and instrumental instruction. | More

Weaving superheros into treatment
Onarga Academy staff members, Karen Robertie, Ryan Weiden-benner, Leya Barrett, and Robert Poole, recently collaborated to write a chapter [Chapter 8, A Super Milieu: Using Superheroes in the Residential Treatment of Adolescents with Sexual Behavior Problems] in the book, Using Superheroes in Counseling and Play Therapy by Lawrence C. Rubin. | More

Giving up is not an option
Michael struggled to overcome many obstacles because he wanted a better chance at life-and to never victimize anyone ever again. | More

Tier 1 Status for Indian Oaks Academy-second time in a row!
For the second time in a row, Indian Oaks Academy received Tier 1 status from a recent IPI Medicaid Three-Year Recertification audit!
What does this mean? According to requirements specified by Medicaid, the academy achieved or exceeded these standards:1) The administrative review was better than 90% compliant. 2) The forms review was 100% compliant. 3) The client record review was better than 90% compliant.

Gerard Academy offers videoconferencing
Imagine being able to travel over 120 miles without leaving your office? That's what Gerard Academy Admissions Coordinator Loren Nerison can now do from the comfort of Gerard Academy's videoconference room. | More