Jeni Ferg
Treatment Team Leader
Trillium Parry Center and Waverly Children's Programs
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in May 2007, Jeni Ferg was sure she wanted to expand her worldview by
exploring another part of the country. During a solo trip to Oregon, her adventurous spirit connected with the area, and
she decided to make the big move to the West coast. Jeni had worked at an organization similar to Trillium Family Services
back in Wisconsin and wanted to continue improving the lives of children and families. During her tour of the Parry Center
for Children, Trillium's philosophy of family and community involvement resonated deeply with her own ideas for how best to
treat children with mental health challenges. She says she felt especially heartened to see staff and clients involved in
carefully planned, well-facilitated therapeutic groups. She knew right away that this was a perfect fit.
After almost a year as a Child and Adolescent Treatment staff member, Jeni recognized a similar interest among her clients
that matched her own-they loved soccer. Jeni decided to start an after school soccer program where kids could learn new
dribbling and passing skills while bolstering their confidence in themselves. Above all, the soccer program would give kids
the opportunity to run around and have fun.
It wasn't easy, but last March the soccer program became a reality. Jeni submitted a formal proposal outlining how the group
would work and what the benefits would be... then she went in search of donations. Her diligence paid off; a local second-hand
soccer store donated soccer balls, cones and a soccer net, which completed the sturdy goals built by Trillium's own facilities
supervisor, Dan Dinca.
Jeni's soccer group now meets every Monday, and she says the kids anticipate the program all week, which helps keep them focused
and on task. She also says that they really love the opportunity to get their energy out and play with a variety of staff members.
It's become more than a one woman show, since other staff members often join in the activity. Dan, a former professional Romanian
soccer player, not only built the goals, but comes out to practice with the kids. One particular day, he took the time to work with
a young boy he saw having behavioral problems. He met the boy at the soccer group and practiced drills with him one on one. Jeni
says these small instances can make a big difference in the experience of children, who appreciate the personal care and attention.
Jeni also has facilitated a therapeutic group called "Voices," which includes a curriculum to help girls share coping skills and
other ideas with young women experiencing similar challenges. Jeni says the girls have done everything from talking about depictions
of women in the media to making homemade mud facial masks.
Now that Trillium's Parry Center has its own fenced outdoor basketball court, Jeni is looking into starting a basketball group
for the older kids on campus who she says like the sport even more than soccer.
For Jeni, the most important part of working at Trillium Family Services is the team on which she depends every day for support
and understanding. "I'm happy to be here as a positive role model," she says, and it's clear that the work of building brighter
futures with children and families is important to her.
In December 2008, Jeni moved into a new role at Trillium. She now serves as a Treatment Team Leader. Trillium Family Services
is grateful to have such a dedicated and caring staff member working with the children everyday.
