Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversations

“And we let these youth know that they are loved regardless of what they did. And we are here to help them. We aren't here not to judge them, but to build them back up to encourage them, to give them hope. To let them know that they don't have to be a product of what they came from because they do have a second chance and we do our best to give them a second chance.” DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems, or as many of the teens in our Residential Program call her – Mama DeeDee – is the Supervisor of our Zondervan Home. For the last 14 years, DeeDee has been focused on one thing – sharing God’s love with the kids at Wedgwood. She talks about the patience, grace, and love required and how God is really moving at Wedgwood. If you’d like to learn more about Wedgwood’s Residential Care and how you can be a part of giving kids a brave space to discover hope and healing head to www.wedgwood.org

“You help them learn those skills, you just start to see their interests, what makes them happy, and kind of start to see them being able to live who they are.” Launched in 2015, Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development, or ACCD, is truly transforming lives. Through individualized, center-based therapies, the team at Wedgwood’s ACCD works with young children with autism spectrum disorders – helping them develop crucial skills. In today’s episode, Keili Scott (Clinical Supervisor of Early Intervention & After-School Programs) & Jen Ruffin (Clinical Supervisor of Training and Transitions Programs) join us to talk about the impact their work has on kids and their families, and how services are expanding! Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development provides Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for children ages 18 months – 6 years old and focused, after-school supports for kids ages 6 -12. To learn more, get connected to services, or tour our center, visit www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter. Wedgwood’s Autism Center: 616.965.3492 | autismcenter@wedgwood.org

“Just be supportive. Kids need to be listened to and not just pushed to the side […] don't label our kids, any other kids. Just be understanding, build those relationships, because when you have relationships, that kid will trust you and share with you what they need.” When kids and families are involved with the court system, they often work with the probation team. Today’s guest, Marcela Moralez-Morris, has worked with these families in Kent County for 24 years. She joins us today to talk about the state of kids and families in West Michigan – what they are dealing with and the challenges she and her team are seeing, and offers some insight on how we as a community can support kids. Check out Marcela and other incredible State of the Child Panelists talking about the state of youth and families in West Michigan at www.wedgwood.org/sotc. Interested in volunteering or mentoring at Wedgwood? Email alisiak@wedgwood.org. Interested in mentorship opportunities through the court? Email marcela.moralez-morris@kentcountymi.gov Wedgwood’s Bouma Counseling Center and outpatient support services have immediate openings for kids and adults across West Michigan. Wherever life finds you, Wedgwood is here to help. Visit www.wedgwood.org/services/counseling-services to learn more and get connected to support today.

“But the more often there's trauma, and there's pain, there's misunderstandings, and there's feelings of isolation. So I have the power of just showing people love and giving them some connection and giving them the space to be whoever they need to be, encouraging them on the journey to whoever God wants them to be. Instead of telling them how they need to be, which is really powerful. Because I'm coming alongside, I get to help them to flourish in whatever capacity God wants them to flourish.” It’s no secret that the state of mental health for youth is a big concern. Hannah Reed, a Wedgwood Therapist and recent panelist at Wedgwood’s State of the Child, joins us for a Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation to talk about mental health and substance use, and how the two often go hand in hand for the teens she works with. Wedgwood Outpatient Mental Health & Recovery Services have immediate openings for kids and adults across West Michigan. Wherever life finds you, Wedgwood is here to help. Visit www.wedgwood.org/services/counseling-services to learn more and get connected to support today.

In today’s episode, we talk to Dr. Heidi Cate, Superintendent of Integrity Educational Services about the district’s history and connection to Wedgwood, the challenges students are facing, and some of the ways Heidi and her team are finding collaborative, whole-student solutions to help kids succeed. You can hear more insights from Heidi and other community experts at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Discussion on March 21. For details and tickets, visit www.wedgwood.org/sotc To learn more about Integrity Education Services and how you can get involved visit www.integrityedservices.org

“We need to do it well in a way that brings honor to His name. That was one of the things that we talked about. We talked about how Jesus wanted us to love Him and love each other. […] And it was a commandment and wasn't an option.” In today’s Dick Gritter, Wedgwood’s Executive Director of 33 years (1968-2001), and current Wedgwood team member Kali Jackson have a special “Then-and-Now” conversation about the founders’ vision for a distinctively Christian, professionally excellent organizations, and how our core values such as diversity and excellence cannot be separated from fully loving our neighbors. To learn more about Wedgwood’s history and our distinctively Christian, professionally excellent services, visit www.wedgwood.org

“[Diversity] – it’s a part of who we are, it's part of our identity, a part of our fiber. We're working with kids teaching them that, hey, you belong to God, everybody's created in the image of God and that is special.” Wedgwood’s core values are Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity. In today’s episode Pastor Arlan Palmer, Wedgwood’s Diversity Coordinator and Chaplain talks about how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral parts of not only how Wedgwood operates, but also our Christian faith. To learn more about Wedgwood’s distinctively Christian, professionally excellent services, visit www.wedgwood.org

“We should not underestimate the power of showing up. If you want to turn the tide, you’ve got to show up for kids, including kids that aren't yours, and treat them as if they are.” In today’s episode Andy Soper, community advocate and consultant, sits down for a conversation about understanding and addressing trauma, a community and collaborative approach to empowering youth, and the realities of human trafficking and other challenges in our community. To learn more about Wedgwood’s whole-person approach, commitment to collaboration, and partnership opportunities that can transform lives, head on over to our website – www.wedgwood.org

“God has a future for Wedgwood. And we need to grow because the need for Wedgwood, is growing. And if God has put his hand on Wedgwood and said, ‘Okay, I got something for you.’ We need to rise to that occasion, and find ways to strengthen our systems to invest in the people that make this work.” In today’s episode Wedgwood’s President/CEO Dr. Dan Gowdy provides an Executive Update – a look back at 2022 and God’s faithfulness, and a look ahead to the future – for our organization and our community. To learn more about our exceptional services, innovative approach, and to read Dan’s full Executive Update, head on over to our website – www.wedgwood.org.

“Yes, January is Trafficking Awareness Month. But one of the main things that I want people to know that is, that is a month that we've set aside to acknowledge it, but this happens every day… I just want people to know that, first of all, trafficking is a real thing. It's not the Taken movie that you that you've seen. There are a lot of myths that are going around, and we have to be careful about the information we’re sharing.” In today’s episode Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge joins us for a Coffee Break Conversation. As the Coordinator for Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project, Nikeidra leads Human Trafficking prevention efforts through education, awareness, advocacy, and collaboration. Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project is just one of the donor-funded services that extend God’s love and helps our community grow and thrive. You can learn more about Human Trafficking and Prevention in West Michigan at www.manassehproject.org. If you are interested in training and education opportunities, email Nikeidra at ndebarge@wedgwood.org or call 616.942.2110 Other Resources: Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888Text HELP or INFO to 233733Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Videos - Romeo: https://youtu.be/Pj2ZV6M9P3o #StopThisTraffic: https://youtu.be/U0j8fOdFuJIPolaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/

“Wedgwood is not just a place where we house kids until they're no longer a danger, it's just not. I think there's a perception of like, oh, it's “juvie-lite.” We do so many, really good things that help them. We're not just housing kids here. These are kids who need to be loved, who have unfortunately not seen a lot of love or felt a lot of love. And they're getting it here.” In today’s episode Steve Carigon joins us for a Coffee Break Conversation. As Wedgwood’s Youth Ministry Leader, Steve provides fun, engaging opportunities for kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Program to learn about and experience God’s extravagant, life-changing love. Steve shares more about what youth ministry looks like at Wedgwood and why it is so important. Wedgwood’s Chaplaincy and Youth Ministry programs are just one of the donor-funded services that extend God’s love help kids grow into who they were created to be. You can join us in extending God’s extravagant and awesome love. Your support of Wedgwood means that kids, adults, and families can experience God’s love, hope, and healing through exceptional Residential Care, Counseling Services, and Community Programs that are provided with grace. Show God’s life-changing love today by making a gift at www.wedgwood.org/extravagant-love

“I teach the kids that we can fix just about anything. But sometimes we can't. Sometimes we can't fix things. And we just have to make it work and do the best we can with what the issue is. If there's a problem, we'll talk about it, compensate and do something else.” In today’s episode we join Dick Teft, an Employment Training Specialist, in Wedgwood’s Woodshop for a Coffee Break Conversation about the importance and value of developing kids’ interpersonal skills in a hands-on employment setting, and how God is working through this special program. Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program is donor-funded and able to help kids grow into who God created them to be through generous support. You can support Wedgwood’s ETP, and other life-changing donor-funded services by making a donation at www.wegdwood.org/give. To learn more about Wedgwood’s ETP, how to purchase handcrafted products, inquire about custom projects, or sign up for services head on over to www.wedgwood.org/employment-training. You can also support Wedgwood’s ETP by shopping our Etsy Page – www.etsy.com/shop/WedgwoodETP. Be sure to follow Wedgwood on social media for more details about holiday pop-up shops, coming soon!

“I see a lot of folks on believing the lie from depression or believing the lie of anxiety, that it's going to be forever. Depression’s favorite lie is, you'll never be happy again, you don't remember what it feels like to be happy, you're going to feel this way forever. That's actually not true. It's just not true.” In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, Sophia Dykstra, a therapist at Wedgwood sits down for Coffee Break Conversation talks about how mental illness tells us lies and can impact the whole family, how finding the grain of truth can help us fight these lies, and the importance of being a supporting, loving, listening presence but not taking on other people’s emotions and burdens. Wedgwood has immediate openings for adults and kids in our counseling and psychiatric services. Get compassionate, excellent mental health support you need without the waitlist. Call 616.942.7294 or email counseling@wedgwood.org today to set up an initial appointment or to learn more.

“[My advice for kids at Wedgwood is] I think it's a really good opportunity for them to start picking up those pieces and taking control of who they are, even if it's little tiny baby steps, just doing one thing a day they can to focus on themselves.” In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat with Ashley Ward, Founder and CEO of Hire for Hope, who, as a community advocate and business leader, has been honored with several awards and recognitions. She shares insights on recruitment and retention, her heart for giving back, how she got to where she is today, and how Wedgwood played a role in her childhood! Learn more about Hire for Hope at www.hireforhope.com.

“Nonprofits like Wedgwood really add to the fabric of a community like Grand Rapids. We're blessed, there's a number of fantastic nonprofit organizations that come alongside whether it's children, or senior adults, or whoever might be in need. I think [many of us] think about and we might be moved by, as we're looking at the scriptures, [our] responsibility to take care of the widows and orphans and what to do for the least of these. When we work with an organization like Wedgwood, we know that we're giving our money for them to do work that we would like to do, but we just aren't as capable of doing it as they are. So let's go take our resources and support them.” In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat with Mick McGraw, President & CEO of Eastbrook Homes, a longtime, faithful friend of Wedgwood. Mick shares his heart for West Michigan, why giving back and supporting nonprofits is beneficial and important for our community, and why Wedgwood is special. Celebrate 62 years of Hope and Healing at Wedgwood’s 62nd Anniversary Celebration, presented by Eastbrook Homes, on October 6! See all details and purchase your tickets at www.wedgwood.org/celebration. Learn more about Eastbrook Homes at www.eastbrookhomes.com.

“Addiction is messy, and it is hard and it is difficult. It often takes time to get where we want to go. And if we want to help kids, we’ve got to help their parents, we’ve got to help their aunts, their uncles, we’ve got to help their grandmothers and grandfathers.” In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat Jason Olvera, one of Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Clinicians. We talk about a few of the different kinds of services Wedgwood offers and why different types are treatment may be needed, the importance of grace and keeping an open mind, and that the recovery process is a marathon, not a sprint. If you or a loved one are looking for recovery support, Wedgwood is here to help. Wherever you may be in this journey, our Substance Use Disorder treatment services can meet you where you are. To learn more about our recovery services, visit www.wedgwood.org/substance-use. To get connected to services you can email SUDReferral@wedgwood.org or call 616.930.5004 of 616.240.0612.

“And there's a lot of kids out there that are just struggling. I’ve heard from a lot of places that no one accepts kids, no one takes care of kid. Not true. We do. That’s what we’re here for. Wedgwood has the means and the resources to help them.” The need for mental health support is great, and many services in West Michigan have long waiting lists. Wedgwood’s Psychiatric Services not only have immediate openings, but are available for the whole family – including children as young as six years old. In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat with Beth Oman, a Physician’s Assistant at Wedgwood Christian Services about what Psych Services are, how they are an important component of a holistic approach to mental health, and how Wedgwood can help kids and families in West Michigan right now. To get connected to Wedgwood’s Psych Services or set up an initial appointment, email psychiatry@wedgwood.org or call 616.831.5641. You can learn more at www.wedgwood.org/psychiatry

“It’s really important for kids to feel accepted and loved. Most of the challenging behaviors we see stem from an ‘Are you going to love me, are you going to love me for me?’ mentality. We can say, ‘Hey, I appreciate you and who you are is important to me.’ And that, to me, is the resounding love of Christ.” In this Coffee Break Conversation, we talk with Residential Home Supervisor Rebecca Kelm about the importance of Residential Care, how faith integrates into treatment – for both our staff members and those in our care, and how valuing and celebrating each child’s uniqueness impacts their treatment. If you would like to learn more about meeting the wonderfully diverse self-care and hygiene needs of the kids and families that rely on Wedgwood Christian Services, you can email alisiak@wedgwood.org or call 616.831.5621 for specific needs. You can also make a monetary donation at www.wedgwood.org/give.

“They are just children. They make have been that kid that was having a rough day, and telling you all about it, but they are skill kids. They may be 12, they maybe 18 but they are still a child that needs all that nurturing, and everything we can do from all the areas of wellness in order for them to lead positive lives.” August is Wellness Month! In this Coffee Break Conversation, Recreation Therapist Chris Stehlik talks about what wellness is, how it’s multidimensional and interconnected, and its importance in our lives. Chris shares the impact she sees Wellness & Recreation programs have in the lives of kids in our care, and great advice for taking care of your wellness and supporting the well-being of the kids your own life. Wedgwood’s Recreation and Wellness Programs are 100% donor funded. To support the well-being of kids who’ve experienced trauma, or to get connected to services to improve your own well-being, visit www.wedgwood.org.

“Yes, it's big work that we do, and it's super important, but I like the opportunity to pour into other people, to develop them to give them the skills and the tools that have made me successful in my role, and help them be successful in theirs.” Justin Malcolm is one of Wedgwood Christian Services’ incredible Residential Treatment Home Supervisors, who knows that investing in people and helping them develop their skills is crucial – crucial to his team feeling confident and capable in their work, and crucial for the treatment and care of the kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Program. And it’s all tied together by a calling to make an impact. In this Coffee Break Conversation, Justin shares why this “weird and sometimes hard” work is so important, how good leadership and investing in staff makes a difference in our kids’ lives, and why Wedgwood is a special place to work and heal. Are you committed, passionate and tired of being compared to a superhero? Do you just want to be yourself? Bring experience and expertise – and a deep desire to make a difference to a supportive place where you can do just that while feeling valued. If you’re ready to let someone invest in you for a change, head on over to www.wedgwood.org/takeoffyourcape to join Wedgwood’s team and extend God’s love to youth, adults, and families today.