San Mar Licensed Programs of Care:

San Mar Treatment

Foster Care and Adoptions

The Anderson Transitional

Living Home

Findlay Academy and Residence for Girls

Jack E. Barr Therapeutic Group Home

The San Mar School

The Graff Shelter

V O L U M E 1 2 7 I S S U E 1 S I N C E 1 8 8 3

by Keith Fanjoy, LGSW, Director of Admissions

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Anderson Home In Her Own Words Donor TGBT 2010 Unseen San Mar Showcase of the Stars CalendarOffers Hope Samantha's Story Honor Roll Bull Roast continued Coming March Contact Us

I had warned each of them that it was 1,000 feet to the ground once they stepped off the platform. Only one could be on the platform at a time. Holding onto the rope and following directions was of the highest priority. Without hesitation Joe grasped the rope tightly and swung into the air. There was no going back! The threat of danger didn’t seem to hold anyone back as I turned to see the platform swarming with large ants. No, kitty cats! Actually, it was a group of high energy 10 to 14 year old boys from San Mar’s Treatment Foster Care Program who had joined me and a group of the foster care dads for a day of adventure at the nearby Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center. The 1,000 foot drop was in reality about a two or three foot drop, but no one seemed to object to my minor exaggeration. San Mar was established in 1883 as an organization that cared for girls and boys of all ages. By the early 1980s the focus had shifted to teenagers and since

March of 1987 San Mar has specialized in providing residential services to adolescent girls. Today, many think of San Mar as an organization that cares for girls, and it is. However, what few seem to realize is that San Mar also operates a program of Treatment Foster Care throughout Washington County that is larger than all four of the residential programs combined. Approximately, half of all the youth in that San Mar program are boys! For both girls and boys in all San Mar programs the mission is the same—to provide structure, nurture and opportunity today to children and youth in need that they may become productive members of society tomorrow. Research has revealed that youth have a need to experience healthy connections with adults that will help guide them into making responsible decisions in adulthood. To accomplish this San Mar has sought to provide purposeful (Continued on page 6)

Opened: November 9, 1990Licensed: Department of Human ResourcesCapacity: Three girlsTotal In Residence: 93

San Mar’s Anderson Transitional Living Home became a reality in 1990 through the generosity of Mrs. Pauline K. Anderson who, with her late husband Edward, had operated the Anderson Dry Cleaners in Hagerstown for many years.

Mrs. Anderson contributed the total amount for the construction of the three-bedroom ranch-style home after learning about San Mar from others who had been volunteering their time on San mar’s board to make a difference in the lives of the girls in care.

The concept for the Anderson Home was developed to help build skills for living successfully after leaving group care into those older girls who had demonstrated success in one of the other residential programs operated by San Mar. Girls in the program must attend school and hold a job in the community. The staff at the program transport them as needed.

The emphasis on encouraging the girls to continue with their education has even continued as Mrs. Anderson’s attorney, Mr. Michael Day, past president of San Mar and member of the foundation board that oversees Mrs. Anderson’s estate, established a scholarship fund at the Hagerstown Community College that enables San Mar residents and former residents to attend school there.

The emphasis on education at the Anderson Home has had a positive impact on many of the girls who have had the opportunity to go through the program. To date many girls have used the resources of the program effectively and gone on to become productive members of society. For example:

Laura has completed graduate school for social work at the University of Maryland!

Ariel is completing graduate studies in biology at the University of Maryland!

Sheila is now a graduate of Frostburg State University and working as a personal sports trainer!

Melissa is a graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in social work!

Ashley is working toward an undergraduate degree in social

work at Frostburg State University ... and plans to return to San Mar when she graduates!

Page 3

Senior StaffBruce T. Anderson, LCSW, CRCCPA - CEO

Shelly Boykin, RN - Delegating Nurse

Dan Day - Director of Development and Marketing

Keith Fanjoy, LGSW - Director of Admissions

Gina Figel - Coordinator of Quality Improvement

Paul Leatherman - Business Manager

Ellen Savoy, LGSW - Director of Treatment Foster Care

Ann Shilling, MA, CRCCPA - Director of Residential Services

Millie Steinke, MA - Director of Education

Board of Managers2009-2010:

Mary Heizer, PresidentSusan Peterson, VPJef Bohn, SecretaryChip Alsip, TreasurerKendra ByardFrank ErckJudy GreenwaldLeonard KellyNick Long, Ph.D.Bob May James McCombDiane SanfordJack Slick

Donor Honor Roll:

Special thanks to the individuals, businesses, churches, clubs, organizations and foundations listed below who made gifts during from September 15, 2009 through November 15, 2009. All support is sincerely appreciated.

$10,000 to $14,999 — Mrs. Florence Graff

$5,000 to $9,999 — Columbia Bank/Hagerstown Trust Division, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stift

$3,000 to 4,999 — Cumberland Valley Cycling Club

$1,000 to $2,499 — Michelle Kordell, M&T Bank

$500 to $999 — Coldwell Banker, Cynthia Moler, Keller-Stonebraker, Ringgold Church of Christ, Gary Schmincke

$300 to $499 — Covenant Seekers, Frank Erck, III

$100 to $249 — Jef Bohn, Merle S. Elliott,

D. Joan Mandery, James and Diane McComb

$50 to $99 — Joel Bowers, Peggy Bushy

To $50 — Lucinda S. Grunberg, Flo Lease,

Paul Leatherman, Robert L. May, 2nd, James Reeder,

Violet Sweeney, Dennis Weaver, Sam Wright

MemorialsIn memory of June EggletonMr. and Mrs. John Hamburg

Need a last-minute gift idea or an end-of-year

tax deduction?

Donate in memory or in honor

of a loved one at

www.sanmarhome.org.

Thank you for Helping

Page 5

Riders Can’t Wait for The Great Bicycle Tour - 2010Many of the participants who helped raise a record amount in The Great Bicycle Tour of the C&O Canal in July are registering now to get a jump on their fundraising and make the 2010 ride the most successful yet. The 186-mile, four-day ride will be held July 11-14. For all the details and registration information go to www.TGBT.org.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2009 ride: Total raised in 2009: $66,785 Number of riders: 80 Cost per rider: $127 Total number of participants since the start of the event in 1988: 710 Total amount raised in all tours: $779,409 Top individual fundraisers in 2009:

Clara Ritenour $15,000 -- Charles Stanley $4,455 -- Nancy Houston, $3,350 -- Tim Hott $3,234 -- David Ritenour $2,121-- Curt Bachtel $2,054-- Lisa Allen $2,080 -- Shelli Null $2,050.

Each year proceeds go toward a variety of capital and program needs. Proceeds from the 2009 ride are being used to purchase an agency vehicle, continue a program of Expressive Arts and Life Skills, to provide software for the Education Program, to replace flooring in the Barr Home and to support the Adventure program for the girls and the boys of San Mar.

Eight-year old, Clara Ritenour (left) and father Dave (right) were among the top fund-raisers in the 2009 ride and plan to be back once again in 2010.

The impressive sight of more than 3,100 luminaries lighting the evening sky, along with great food and pleasant fall weather combined to give hundreds of participants an October evening to remember.

Nearly 400 people attended the October 22 San Mar’s Bull Roast and Open House. Back on San Mar’s special events schedule after an absence of several years, the event once again offered the opportunity to tour each of San Mar’s group homes on the campus near Boonsboro.

Sponsors and underwriters for the event included the Cumberland Valley Cycling Club, M&T Bank, Cynthia Moler/Coldwell Banker, Citi, The Columbia Bank—Hagerstown Trust Division, Best Buy, Keller- Stonebraker, Florence H. Graff and the Covenant Seekers class from Otterbein Church in Waynesboro.

Adding to the excitement and enjoyment of the evening was the venerable media personality Lou Scally serving as the emcee for the evening.

The event included guided tours by enthusiastic residents of each group home, the Treatment Foster Care Office and Training Center, and the historic Administration Building constructed in 1848, which houses photos and artifacts from San Mar’s 126-year history.

Volunteers joined staff, board members and San Mar residents to work throughout the day and early evening to assemble, place and light the luminaries.

Volunteers helping with the luminaries on the 22nd included Susan Peterson and children Courtney, Jamie, Kayla, and Leah, Emma Moss, Rachel Herrera, Lauren Bowyer, Lindsey Gish, Andrew Moynihan, Ryan Doyle, Diane Sanford, Kendra Byard, Mary Heizer, Debbie Moser, Sue Goller, Tina Snook and Sandy Reeder.

First Data employees labeled the bags in October. Those volunteers included Charles Horst, Eric Shropshire, Christina Rook, Laura Miller, Sherri Fritts, Kristen Lewis, Laura Zegar, Casey Hickman, Becky Hickman, Mike Blair, Brad Roach, Roxanne Coffman, Murray Wibberley, Dina Baker, Heather Hastings and Tiffany Shindledecker.

Hundreds Attend Bull Roast & Open House

The Unseen San Mar

Continued from page one

purposeful programming that will creatively engage each youth in care.

An example of this is the Adventure Club that we have formed for the boys and foster dads in our treatment foster care program. A similar program has been in place for the girls that has even offered opportunity to attend adventure camp in the Colorado Rockies.

This recent outing for the boys and their foster dads was organized to be interactive, educational, therapeutic and most of all fun. It seemed to have met those goals.

A low ropes course, platform swing and tire swing, and team building exercises, as well as a nature center tour—where the boys were afforded the luxury of handling snakes—were among the challenging and educational activities facilitated by Mount Aetna educator Joel Springer.

The activities started with icebreakers to encourage team members to work together to solve basic problems. An illustration was the hula-hoop exercise. All members of the team were asked to stand in a circle and link their hands. They then had to move a hula-hoop from person to person without breaking the circle. If it sounds easy try getting a clowder of cats together and try it on them!

Moving into the woods to a low-ropes course, foster fathers served as spotters and gave encouragement and direction to the boys as they traversed a difficult web of ropes a 1,000 few feet off the ground... OK, 3 feet!

One boy continually cried out “I can’t do it. I CAN’T DO IT!” when faced with an especially challenging section of the ropes course. It was a phrase he had used many times in his young life. He fell off the ropes repeatedly and had grown very frustrated. Each time, with the encouragement of those around him he got back up and tried again, only to fall again. Frustration melted into fury as the familiar feeling of failure flooded him.

For some unknown reason, (Was it the encouragement of the team?) he didn’t quit. Ultimately his perseverance paid off with success and the great feeling of true accomplishment. More importantly, he learned the value of not giving up and completing a task he previously thought impossible for him to accomplish. It was a day one boy will remember forever, and a

lesson he will carry with him into life.

The programs of San Mar have provided hope and shelter for girls and boys continuously for 126 years. For each of those 126 years, individuals have joined with this organization in making a difference in the life of a child. Today we need you standing with us to make a difference in the life of an at-risk child. Give us a call or come see us. We would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about San Mar—the seen and unseen.

* The Unseen San Mar

Showcase of the Stars Promises Great FunMark your calendars for Saturday, March 13! The Showcase of the Stars, the one charity event you will not want to miss, will return with dozens of community leaders taking the stage at Hager Hall! The lively event will feature the lip-syncing talents of some of the top celebrities in the region.

Who could forget the Doctors Allen Ditto, Edward Ditto, Steve Kotch and Ralph Salvagno acting to “Staying Alive;” businesswomen Peggy Bushy, Judy Greenwald, Cynthia Moler and Cynthia Perini performing “Nine-to-Five” or any of the other great performers including Washington County Health System President and CEO James Hamill, Washington County Commissioner John Barr, businessman Vincent Groh, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elizabeth Morgan or Washington County Delegate Christopher Shank, to name only a few participants in the last Showcase of the Stars?

Tickets available now for the March 13 plated-dinner event are just $35 each, or two for $60. Tables of eight will be $225. To order your tickets just use the form in this newsletter or call 301-733-9067, extension 101.

Special Sponsor Opportunities

The Showcase of the Stars is also a great opportunity for businesses and organizations to support the mission of San Mar Children’s Home and enjoy the evening’s food and fun and be recognized for their community spirit.

$2,500—Diamond Sponsors receive 20 event tickets, reserved tables, full-page ad in program, visual and verbal recognition at the event, link from San Mar web page for one year, recognition in San Mar newsletter.

$2,000—Ruby Sponsors receive 16 event tickets, reserved tables, full-page ad in program, visual and verbal recognition at the event, link from San Mar web page for one year, recognition in San Mar newsletter.

$1,500—Sapphire Sponsors receive 12 event tickets, reserved tables, 2/3-page ad in program, visual and verbal recognition at the event, link from San Mar web page for one year, recognition in San Mar newsletter.

$1,000—Emerald Sponsors receive 8 event tickets, reserved tables, 1/2-page ad in program, visual and verbal recognition at the event, link from San Mar web page for one year, recognition in San Mar newsletter.

$500—Pearl Sponsors receive 4 event tickets, 1/3-page ad in program, visual and verbal recognition at the event, link from San Mar web page for one year, recognition in San Mar newsletter.

To arrange a sponsorship call 301-733-9067, extension 101.

Showcase of the Stars Order Form Tickets

$225 Reserved Table of Eight

$60 Couple

$35 Individual

Show Your Support With a Program Ad Full Page (5 x 8 ) $300

2/3 Page (5 x 5 ) $200

1/3 Page (5 x 2 ) $150

1/6 Page (2 x 2 ) $75

Mail completed form to San Mar Children's Home8504 Mapleville Road • Boonsboro, MD 21713

Questions? Call 301-733-9067 Ext. 101

_______________________________________Contact Name

_______________________________________

Company

_______________________________________

Address

_______________________________________

Phone

Total Enclosed_______________

Method of Payment

Please send me an invoice for the total

Check Payable to San Mar Children's Home

Visa

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Account Number___________________Expiration Date_______

Name on Card_________________________V-Code__________

8 5 0 4 M A P L E V I L L E R O A DB O O N S B O R O , M A R Y L A N D 2 1 7 1 3

3 0 1 . 7 3 3 . 9 0 6 7 A D M I N I S T R A T I O N , R E S I D E N T I A L & A C A D E M Y2 4 0 . 6 2 5 . 9 5 4 5 T R E A T M E N T F O S T E R C A R E A N D R E S P I T E S E R V I C E S

w w w . s a n m a r h o m e . o r g

November 8126-years of continuous

service to children and youth

December 12Christmas party for girls

[Guests Are Invited]

March 13

Showcase of the Stars

Remember San Mar in your will and estate planning!