"The children really haven’t changed; it’s the life that they live with now that is so much more complex.

Thursday, December 28, 2000

"The children really haven’t changed; it’s the life that they live with now that is so much more complex."

With these words James Fischer describes what has changed in his 31 years as president and CEO of 10 sheriff’s youth programs around the state, including Austin.

Fischer officially retired from his position on Dec. 4, though a banquet will be held in his honor on Jan. 19. He is still aiding his replacement, Steven Hubbard, as a consultant on some projects. Hubbard comes to the program with 25 years of experience at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, Ga.

Fischer began his career as a social worker for St. Louis County in Duluth. After hearing that the Minnesota Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Austin was going to close without a director, Fischer contacted Sheriff Don Eustice about the position. Fischer was soon offered the position and started work in November 1969.

Under Fischer’s direction, the organization currently serves 1,488 children, though they only served 10 children when he began in 1969.

"Today children don’t have extended family to help care for them," said Fischer. "Consequently, the state of their lives has made their behaviors more complex."

Fischer said that the success of the program is dependent on how it addresses each child’s individual problem.

The Sheriff’s Youth Program utilizes strong educational programs, trained counselors, psychologists and therapists, and work with the family and community from which the child originated.

Fischer said that an alignment of all of these factors is the only way to accomplish success. Additionally, the program uses a special aftercare program to ensure that children are adjusting to life away from the program.

Three of the programs, in Austin, Albert Lea and Rochester, contain both boys and girls. The other seven programs in Minnesota focus on helping boys.

The staff, some of whom Fischer has worked with for 25 to 26 of the 31 years, have become his "children" over the years. Their strength, commitment and dedication have been inspiring, he said.

President of the National Association of Homes and Services for Children, board member of the Alliance for Children and Families, and twice president of the Minnesota Council of Child Care Agencies, Fischer has been instrumental in legislature focusing on children’s issues.

He has received the award of the Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies and the Samuel Gerson Nordlinger Award, both for his work over the years.

Fischer and his wife Monica will spend winters in Florida and summers in Minnesota, where their four children and five grandchildren live.

"I left knowing that I loved my job as much leaving as I did coming. That’s something I would stress to young people out there – do what you enjoy doing."