“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.