Our
th
Year!
BLUE MONARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Blue Monarch Board and Staff
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Board Chair - Dr. Bryan Myers Vice Chair - Elizabeth Bowling Treasurer - Henry Crais Secretary - Doug Cameron
Susan Binkley Donna Lodge Jenny Orr Tiffany Vaughn
STAFF
Founder, President Susan Binkley Executive Director Deanna Howell Operations Director Kate Cataldo Program Director Jeannie Campbell Director of Parenting and Children’s Services Tricia Schmeide Christian Counselor Grace Drummer Bookkeeper and Office Administrator Joy Malone Director of Case Management Lauren Mason Officer of Development and Community Relations Shakia Craig Director of Residential Life Tasha Williams Administrative Assistant Megan Scott Residential Life Assistant Heather Neumann Residential Life Assistant Ashlyn Bryson
From our Founder For most of 2023, I walked around feeling like the girl on the cover. I could hardly believe it was our 20th year and was completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the hundreds of miracles I had seen over that time. The entire year was a time of celebration, but it was also a humbling reminder of the many milestones that have developed the powerful recovery program we have today and all the many people who helped to make them happen. Wow! What a journey! The miracles are too numerous to count and the number of families impacted, just as staggering. As I look over this annual report for 2023, it reminds me of social media in that it accurately displays our happy, beautiful moments but what you do not see are all the tears and painful struggles our moms endure. Nowhere does it illustrate the angry screams and crying from our children who are still hurting from severe trauma for which they need to heal. And it definitely does not show you our hardworking staff huddled in my office pouring their hearts into a treatment plan for each woman and child between earnest prayers for every individual we serve. 2023 was a year I will never forget because it was such a vivid illustration of the painful experiences our children endured before crossing our threshold with their mothers. If I shared the details you would think I was making them up because the stories are so horrific. This upward trend is heartbreaking and seems to have been on a steady climb over the past couple of years. All this may sound disheartening, but I am pleased to say as an organization we are making a difference. We have steadily met the needs of the children we serve, we have reached out in every direction to find every resource we could, we have become trauma informed through additional training, and we have actively made sure our state government officials know we have a problem that needs to be addressed on a broader scale before it becomes an even bigger problem. For twenty years I have known Blue Monarch offers a priceless opportunity for every family we serve. But I am more convinced of that than ever. Our program is robust in all aspects and it addresses every need for each individual family. Our program may be the best chance our families ever have to heal and change their family trees. If you are receiving this annual report, you are likely a part of the amazing miracles we see here daily. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Is it worth it? Without a doubt. I often say, the frustrations outnumber the rewards – but the rewards always outweigh the struggles and frustrations. And there is never a day when I don’t believe I am part of something that is down right amazing. I hope you feel the same.
SUSAN BINKLEY FOUNDER, PRESIDENT
Blue Monarch Recovery Program
Developing a personal relationship with God Up to 3-year program Hands-on parenting coaching and training Focus on child’s recovery as much as mom’s Finding root of addiction, healing from trauma Developing integrity for the workplace Gradual independence with accountability
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
LONG-TERM AND RESIDENTIAL
PARENTING SOBER PROGRAM
ROBUST CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
WORK ETHICS
WINGS COMMUNITY FOR GRADUATES
Blue Monarch Proverbs 22:6 Children’s Program
We focus on the child’s recovery as much as we do the mom’s. After all, they have experienced their own trauma and also need to heal.
Since 2020 we have seen a dramatic increase in the level of trauma our children have experienced. 2023 was no exception to this tragic trend. The extreme abuse and suffering has resulted in increased behavioral issues and intense anger, which our children have every right to feel. As a result, we have adjusted our program to meet the increasing needs of the children we serve.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Careful evaluation for specific needs Seeking additional therapeutic help if needed Determining specific goals and methods of interventions Assisting with school work if needed Providing a nurturing, Christian environment Encouraging healthy and appropriate behavior Promoting parent participation with teachers Regaining lost childhoods through play on our 108-acre farm
ASSESSMENTS
REFERRALS
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PLANS
TUTORING AND MENTORING
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM
MOM/SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
FUN ON THE FARM!
Our children get to just be kids when they are no longer worrying about grownup problems, such as food, shelter, and safety. For many, it’s the first time they truly have a childhood because mom is now a healthier parent and can take a more active role in protecting and caring for her family.
Reunification Moments In 2023
Through our Carmen Simmons Reunification Program at Blue Monarch, over 350 children have been reunited with their mothers who had previously lost custody. In 2023, there were 19 children who reestablished relationships with their mothers effortlessly. Our moms work very hard to become healthier parents in order to restore their families. We celebrate our mothers who have the courage to fight for their children and stay the course, because it is a difficult path and one filled with many tears and challenges. However, the rewards are always beautiful. after lengthy, painful separations. This is not something that happens
Our Core Values
UPHOLD CHRISTIAN VALUES
DEMONSTRATE INTEGRITY
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
COMMUNICATE RESPECTFULLY
PROTECT ALL RESOURCES
PROMOTE HOPE AND HEALING
GROW RESPONSIBLY
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
GROW RESPONSIBLY We must only increase to serve more women and children and to enrich our programs, and not be motivated by numbers. Growth of any kind must not compromise the integrity or quality of the services we provide. Although our capacity has increased, we have also remained mindful of the extensive needs of the existing community as we introduce new families. The number of children we served in 2023 greatly increased, as well as the individual needs they brought with them.
Parenting Sober Program
For many of our moms, this may be the first time they have parented their children without drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress and frustrations of being a single parent. Without this influence in their systems, the mothers often discover they enjoy spending time with their children in a way they never knew before.
Becoming a healthier parent is no easy challenge and can be rather painful. It requires consistency, an openness to instruction, willingness with hands-on coaching, honesty regarding past mistakes - and lots of prayer. But through this challenging process, the mother-child relationship is healed and families are restored.
Blue Monarch Turned 20! 2023 was a year of much celebration as we looked back over twenty years of serving women and children and doing it well. It was a time of reflection as we revisited some of the great milestones through the years that developed the highly unique, successful recovery program we have today. Since we began in 2003, we have served close to 1,000 women and children and have reunited over 350 children with their mothers who had previously lost custody. Women have found freedom from addiction, families have been restored, and hearts have been healed. We are tremendously grateful for all the hundreds of individuals, churches, foundations, and organizations who have given of their time and resources to provide what we needed to serve the families in our care for the past two decades. We are excited to see what God has in store for us the next twenty years and are expecting even more miracles that will amaze us.
Guests came from all over, and some traveled great distances, to share this spectacular day with us. We had a campus-wide Open House for the first time ever, lots of food trucks, the launch of our founder’s new book, and a wonderful stroll down memory lane.
2003 Purchased Blue Monarch property and were established as 501(c)(3) non-profit organization 2006 Developed Proverbs 22:6 Children’s Program to focus on the child’s recovery as much as the mom’s 2008 Began work ethics training and on-site employment through outside business 2009 Developed Parenting Sober Program to provide a more intense parenting curriculum Years of Growth 20
2014 Paid off property debt for nearly $1 million
2015 Introduced evidence based RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) into recovery curriculum Purchased Out of the Blue Granola business to provide on-site employment and job training Began offering on-site counseling instead of relying on outside services 2016 Established WINGS Transitional Program for Graduates and built four cottages for the WINGS Community 2017 Established $500,000 investment account for growth and emergency fund 2019 Constructed four additional cottages for WINGS Community Purchased 58-acre adjacent farm for campus and programming expansion Enriched Parenting Program with hands-on coaching 2020 Began on-site interactive horse program for women and children 2021 Constructed Rechter Home to house eight additional families 2023 Built addition onto Woods House to add common area and kitchen Began plans for construction of multi-purpose building
Of course, there is no way to celebrate our 20th year without recognizing the couple that believed in Blue Monarch’s mission from the day we took our first breath. Their support through encouragement, resources, and tireless dedication, has impacted hundreds of lives in ways that will have an endless ripple effect.
MADELINE AND HOWELL ADAMS
#1 Bestseller on Amazon in two categories: Inspirational Christianity and Christian Missions & Missionary Work “The release of my book coincided with our 20th Year Celebration, which felt like divine timing. It was a labor of love compiling some of my favorite Blue Monarch experiences over the past twenty years, and even though I knew how they turned out, they took my breath away for the second time.”
HOW WE APPLY OUR RESOURCES Financial Overview
PROGRAM
65%
ADMINISTRATION
15%
FUNDRAISING
20%
ASSETS FOR 2023 Fixed $3,643,516
REVENUE FOR 2023 Annual Operating $1,205,982 Capital Expansion $778,264 EXPENSES FOR 2023 Annual Operating $1,274,064 Capital Expansion $220,824
Bank Accounts $746,745 Investments $2,243,043
LIABILITIES FOR 2023 Total $7,329
Fiscal year 2023 results are not yet audited at the printing of this report
Numbers from 2023
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 6 Mothers regained legal custody
POPULATION SERVED IN 2023 39 Women 40 Residential children 41 Non-residential children 8 Graduates in WINGS Transitional Program
19 Children were reunited with their mothers 2 Babies were born drug-free and healthy
RESIDENTS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING HOURS OF SERVICES IN 2023 2,203 Individual and group counseling for mothers and children 6,260 Addiction recovery 6,144 Spiritual growth
2,497 Carmen Simmons reunification program 15,397 Parenting sober with hands-on coaching 4,696 Proverbs 22:6 children’s program 11,596 Life skills and healthy living
2,933 Individual case management and court advocacy 2,995 Work ethics, job training, and on-site employment 6,371 WINGS transitional program for graduates
Growing up I always felt unseen and unloved by my parents. I wanted their attention and acceptance so badly but drugs and alcohol were their only focus. At the age of 13, in desperation to be seen and heard, I inserted myself into their world by drinking and using drugs myself. I soon became involved with an older man and started living with him. This would be the first of many men in my life as I was trying to fill a void and hide my feelings of being unloved. I started experimenting with harder drugs and became a middle school dropout at only 15. As the years went by I was acknowledged by my parents but not as their daughter – simply as a friend. When I tried heroin for the first time nothing else mattered, my loneliness and emptiness disappeared. Soon I couldn't function without it. Robbing people and prostituting myself, while my parents waited in the car so we could all get high, were normal to me. I hated myself and I was just so angry all the time. I was arrested more than 10 times for assault before the age of 21. I had zero value for my life and continued to spiral downward. I overdosed and flatlined for more than 6 minutes. When I was finally revived I was furious at the EMS workers for bringing me back to life. I just wanted to die. I had been living in this life of chaos and addiction for so long, I wanted out but didn't see any other way than death. My life changed on April 9, 2021 when I was arrested with the potential for a life sentence. While being booked into jail, I found out I was pregnant. Hopeless, broken, and lost, I cried out to the Lord for a way out. While in jail, I heard about Blue Monarch where I could work on my recovery, and my baby and I could remain together as a family. Not only did I find freedom from my addiction, but my son was born drug free, happy, and healthy. Blue Monarch helped secure the best future for my son and me and also became the family I had always longed for that would love, support, and encourage me. I am redeemed and made new thanks to Jesus, and for the very first time in my life I am truly happy to be alive and I am excited for my future. Mrs. Susan always tells us we can do whatever we set our minds to, and I plan to do just that as I am managing Out of the Blue Granola and hope to pursue a career in criminal law. TAYLOR 2023 BLUE MONARCH GRADUATE
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 Introduced a new flavor, Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt
New Customers in 2023: 50 Publix stores
23 Whole Foods stores (30 total) 9 Major chain hotels 5 Specialty shops 4 Online sales platforms
Multi-purpose Building Coming Soon
A much needed structure to serve families more efficiently, which will also provide additional housing for families in our main house, currently being used for operations.
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING
2023 UPDATE
Approval by county planning commission Approval from state fire marshal Groundbreaking soon $2.6 million raised so far $100,000 unsolicited gift from state of Tennessee toward construction
Blue Monarch Graduate to Executive Director
We were excited and proud to announce in 2023 the appointment of our new Executive Director, Deanna Howell. Not only is she extremely qualified for the job, she is also an outstanding Blue Monarch graduate from 2018. She has worked in multiple roles at Blue Monarch and knows our entire operation inside and out. She also knows, firsthand, the journey our women experience and can relate to every step along the way. “I am happy to share the enormous responsibility of Blue Monarch with Deanna, and this move allows me to focus on big projects coming up and anticipated growth. Deanna is perhaps the smartest person I know so Blue Monarch is in excellent hands!” says Susan Binkley, Founder and President. “I can’t think of a greater testament to the success and effectiveness of our program.”
Blue Monarch Graduate, Lateisha Hutchins, earned her Associates degree from Chattanooga State Community College Blue Monarch Graduate, Kayla Nicholson, visited New York with her Theater class from Motlow State Community College Blue Monarch Graduate and Staff Member, Shakia Craig, was chosen as one of the Top 40 Professionals under 40 in Tullahoma Founder and President, Susan Binkley, was named Fox 17 Hometown Hero in Nashville Notable Highlights From 2023
LATEISHA 2023 BLUE MONARCH GRADUATE
Growing up I thought my childhood was pretty normal, but now I realize it was the total opposite. The place I called home was filled with immorality, drugs, and abuse. There were always people in and out but at that time I really didn’t understand. When I was just three years old my mom got involved with my step dad, who battled a cocaine addiction. They were not good for each other and it seemed like every other day my mom had black eyes and bruises. For many years I watched the arguing and fighting go on. By the age of 17, I struggled with low self-esteem which led me to taking pills and partying all the time. I was more sociable and this made me feel more connected to others. After a while, my body became dependent on opiates and I had to have them in order to function. Before I knew it, I was in full blown addiction to pain pills. I couldn’t hide the person I was becoming any longer so manipulation became my best friend. It didn’t take long for me to hit my rock bottom and I just stopped caring about life altogether. It was also during this horrible time that I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Aarayna. I was so scared and felt all alone at the time. I didn’t care about myself, so how was I going to care for a baby? I continued to use drugs throughout my pregnancy. On the day that I had her I knew God was there the whole time and was giving me a second chance. I heard about Blue Monarch and applied right away. By the grace of God, I was accepted. After just 5 months of being at Blue Monarch I found out that Aarayna’s father had passed away from an overdose. I thank God that I’ve been able to grieve and process his death here at Blue Monarch. I know deep down inside if I didn’t make the decision to come here I would probably be dead too. Since being at Blue Monarch my life has changed so much. I never believed I could be the mother I am today. Now I’m walking in freedom and have a healthy and loving relationship with my beautiful daughter, Aarayna. I gave up my own plans and desires for the plans that God has for me and His plans are so much better! Blue Monarch has changed my life and I'm so grateful for their WINGS Transitional Program where I am employed with Out of the Blue Granola while pursuing a career in the medical field.
Our Volunteer Program
We are enormously grateful for all our wonderful volunteers who give us one of their greatest resources, their time. “Miss Melissa” has been one of our faithful volunteers teaching piano lessons for twenty years. In 2023, we had 263 volunteers who gave us a total of 2,529 hours, generously blessing us with their countless gifts and talents.
“Not your typical rehab!”
As we reflect on 2023, it was a year of beautiful memories. Healthy babies born with no drugs in their systems, a celebration of two decades serving women and children, nearly twenty children reunited with their mothers, the beginning of a much-needed structure, and many more exciting milestones and moments. But we will also remember 2023 as a year when the horrific trauma our children had experienced before coming to Blue Monarch surfaced in a larger-than-life way. Behavioral issues were off the charts and the level of trauma was profound. This increased need caused us to respond immediately as we sought the help our children needed to heal and recover and we enriched our program accordingly. Please pray for the women and children in our care and those we will serve in the days to come. Their struggles are very real but so is our desire to help. We ask that you also keep our hardworking, dedicated staff in your hearts as we show up every day with an overwhelming commitment to see our moms succeed and our children thrive. Thank you for being a part of what we feel is one of the greatest places on earth. Blue Monarch. In Summary
PO Box 1207 Monteagle, TN 37356 931-924-8900 info@bluemonarch.org
bluemonarch.org
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