Abundant Hope for Children - Wedgwood Christian Services

Abundant Hope
for Children
Sharing hope, providing help, transforming lives.
Fall 2013 | vol. 27 | no. 2
The impact
Fall 2013 Vol. 27, No. 2
03 Abundant Hope for Children
By Sam Beals, President & CEO
04 Growing Hope for Children Becomes a Reality
05 Bringing Awareness to Our Community
An interview with Dick & Ethie Haworth
06 Community Services – Trauma Highlights
07 Community Services – Treatment Highlights
08 Sex Trafficking Awareness Becomes State Wide Reality
09 Through Wellness there is Hope
09 A Vision of Hope and Impact through Legacy
By Gary Raterink, CPA, Planned Giving Officer
10 Educational Services
– Refugee Program
– Hope and Lighthouse Graduation
– Kids Hope USA
By Heidi Cate, MA, M.ED., Superintendent, Lighthouse & Hope Academies
Phil Haack, M.ED., Principal Hope Academy of West Michigan
11 The Impact of Your Support – Wedgwood Events
By Connie Frazier, Chief Advancement Officer
Board of Directors
James Boelkins, Chair
Judy Barnes, Vice-Chair
Scott G. Smith, Secretary
J. Lindsey Dood, Treasurer
Richard Antonini, II
Luis Avila
Ellen Bruinsma
Lori Cook
Jennifer J. Greenop
Annie Hawks
David Israels
John Kuiper
Bobbie Medema
Kyle Ray
Greg Schierbeek
Michelle Smith-Lowe
Wedgwood Foundation
Board of Directors
15 God’s Love is Everlasting
By Sara Webb, Sr. Young Life Coordinator
Jeff Vander Weele, Chair
Jerry Niewiek, Vice-Chair
Jessica Baldwin, Secretary
Sharon Dykhouse
Brian Hughes
Andrea Karsten
Edward Stuursma
Kate Teichman
Lynwood Vanden Bosch
Jane Zwiers
16 Embracing God’s Love
By Rev. Emily Vanden Heuvel, M.Div., Chaplain Supervisor
Stay Connected with Wedgwood
For more information: (616) 942-2110
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Follow us @wedgwoodcs
Sign up for email updates at http://bit.ly/wedgwoodemail
Visit WEDGWOOD.ORG for more information
Advisory Council
Dick Antonini
Dennis Bergakker
Henry Bouma
Bob Bredeweg
Ben Brinks
Tom Claus
Tripp Corl
Ed De Vries
John F DeVries
Frank Doezema
Gordon Elgersma
James Engen
Michael Garrett
Pat Gill
Jason Grant
Jim Haveman
Nancy Haveman
Robert Haveman
David Hoogendoorn
Bob Israels
Mark Jansen
Phil Koning
Doug Kool
Greg Lambert
David May
Mick McGraw
Doug Nagel
Tom Nobel
David Nykamp
Wally Olsson
Norman Pylman
Joel Rahn
Bob Sack
Marvin L. Sapp
Stanley J. Stek
Tom Stuit
Duke Suwyn
Bill Swets
Sally Swets
Carol Van Andel
Mark Windemuller
Rick Zweering
Next Gen
Advisory Council
Tim Alles
Emily Atsma
Katie Baker
Chad Barton
Matt Boelkins
Stefani Boutelier
Brad Bruinsma
Sean Casey
Guillermo Cisneros
Sammi Cook
John Dykstra
Stephen Disselkoen
Jenn Groendyke
AJ Hills
Brad Laackman
Matthew McGowan
Michael McGraw
Liz Moradi
Tim Nagelkirk
Bruce Pobocik
Mary Remenschneider
Rochelle Roskam
Stacy Roskam
Jake Schrock
Carrie Soule
Jordan Tanis
Josh Tanis
Tanell Thomas
Matt Uhl
Zack Vanden Berg
Josh Wall
Jeff Zylstra
Save the Dates
29th Annual Charity Golf Outing
Monday, June 2, 2014
Heroes on the Run 5k Run/Walk
October 5, 2014
54th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
October 28, 2014
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The impact Editor: ALLISON SEELEY Assistant Editor: Dave Blakeslee Graphic Design: JAMES FALK ©2013 Wedgwood Christian Services
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Abundant Hope
for Children
By Sam Beals, President & CEO
Perhaps the single, most poignant emotion experienced by the children
this ministry is privileged to serve is that of despair.
B
y the time our opportunity to care for
them arrives, they have experienced
multiple traumas, innumerable
losses, disappointment in the capacity of
people or systems to meet their needs,
and the sense that their life has no
meaning. They have internalized a deep
seated sense that they are the least, the
last and the lost.
In the midst of this despair, it is the honor
of our staff, Board, volunteers and faithful
supporting constituency to intentionally
and lovingly accept these children as
image bearers of God, to love them unconditionally, and
to provide relationships and learning opportunities by
which they will experience safety, significance and success.
Most importantly, it is our mission to bring them hope –
an abundant hope that their life, heart and future will be
filled with purpose and promise from God, within healthy
relationships and choices.
As a ministry, we are called to bring this abundant hope to
as many children as we receive the opportunity to serve.
Having experienced a significant increase in the number
of children referred to us in recent years, in late summer of
2012 we took a bold step of faith, endeavoring to increase
our capacity to bring effective and excellent community,
education and residential services to more children by
launching the Growing Hope for Children capital campaign.
In this Impact edition you will learn the exciting ways in
which the Lord has worked through donors to this ministry
and the community at large to enable us to meet our
campaign goal. You’ll also be given more details about how
the campaign positions Wedgwood to
meet the needs of the vulnerable children
we serve for many years into the future.
Whether your role in this campaign
was one of prayer, volunteering and/or
supporting the campaign financially, we
are very grateful for your help. Your soft
heart for children will help many more
benefit from the abundant hope that is
possible when children are loved with
compassion and enthusiasm in the name
of Christ.
Thank you for your help in enabling
this ministry to serve more children than ever as a result
of the success of the Growing Hope for Children capital
campaign, and for all you do to insure that our growing
services are sustainable many years into the future through
your support of our Children’s Hope Annual Fund.
We trust that during this holiday season, your belief in the
Christ child as the source of hope for all will buoy you,
giving you purpose and strength for your future in the same
way that His hope provides a life line for the children we
serve together. n
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
The Impact
3
Advan ce me n t D epa r t m en t – CAP ITAL CAMPA I G N
Manasseh Project Shelter Dining Area
Bouma Counseling Center Expansion
Lighthouse Academy North Campus
Growing Hope for Children Becomes a Reality
A
s the summer of 2013 ended, familiar signs of
growth and harvest once again dotted the Michigan
landscape. Here at Wedgwood, we celebrated
the completion of a very successful endeavor, the Growing
Hope for Children campaign. Announced in 2012, this
past year and a half has proven to be a gratifying journey
of faith as we experienced God’s provision and engaged in
collaborative partnership with many friends in our community
who share a heartfelt concern for hurting children and
families in urgent need of compassionate guidance and
transforming grace.
The campaign was undertaken in response to the harsh
reality that demand for our specialized services has grown
exponentially in the past five years. Our Community and
Educational Services have increased in the number of at-risk
children served by more than 300% and those served by
our Residential Service programs have increased by 60%.
As the campaign was just getting underway, our facilities
were beyond capacity. We set out with a goal to raise
$10,000,000 to meet the demand for services we currently
provide, and services we hoped to offer in the near future by:
• Establishing a northeast Grand Rapids campus of
Lighthouse Academy, a specialty school to meet the
needs of expelled students, those adjudicated for a crime
or those with special needs
• Expanding the Bouma Counseling Center to support our
growing clientele for counseling and community based
programs for children, teens, and families and
to accommodate specialized training needs
• Establishing the Manasseh Project Shelter/Trauma
Recovery Center, the first residential facility of this kind
in Michigan, to provide a nurturing environment and
trauma-focused treatment for girls who are victims of
sex trafficking and severe sexual abuse
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• Providing facility upgrades and technology enhancements
to increase operational efficiencies
• Supporting the Wedgwood Foundation Expansion to
grow the endowment fund
Thanks entirely to the working of God’s spirit on the hearts of
so many of our supporters who have generously entrusted us
with their gifts, we’re delighted and humbled to announce
that we have met our campaign’s fundraising goals! Even
more importantly, our ministry has been strengthened by the
encouragement we’ve received from your pledges and your
prayers. Providing West Michigan’s most robust and diverse
continuum of care for at-risk youth is a profound privilege
and responsibility. We thank you for accompanying us along
the way and for making the Growing Hope for Children
campaign a resounding testimony to our confidence in the
healing power of Jesus Christ. n
BY Capital Campaign – Co-Chairs
– Richard and Dawn Antonini II – Jim and Ellen Bruinsma
– Jim and Barbara Boelkins
– Dave and Bobbie Medema
Capital Campaign – Honorary
Dick and Linda Antonini
Henry and Carolyn Bouma
Dick and Ethie Haworth
Doug and Lois Nagel
Dave and Carol VanAndel
Capital Campaign – Cabinet
Henry and Cathy Atsma
Stan and Judy Barnes
Bob and Kristi Bredeweg
Ben and Betty Brinks
Ron and Lori Cook
Tripp and Kelli Corl
Gord and Barb Elgersma
Jim and Nancy Engen
Pat and Kim Gill
Steve and Annie Hawks
David and Stephanie Israels
Greg and Susan Lambert
Mick and Lucy McGraw
Gary Raterink
Greg and Betsy Schierbeek
Tom and Mary Stuit
Duke and Sue Suwyn
Bill and Sally Swets
Mark and Carol Windemuller
Rick and Teresa Zweering
Advan ce me n t D epa r t m en t
Bringing Awareness to Our Community
An Interview with Dick and Ethie Haworth
F
or more than 20 years, Dick and Ethie have been strong
supporters of Wedgwood’s mission, service and values
and this is evidenced today by their capstone gift to the
Growing Hope for Children capital campaign to help at-risk
children in our community have a purpose and hope to
thrive and lead productive lives. We are grateful to Dick and
Ethie for walking along side us to bring Kingdom services to
the most vulnerable children and families in our community.
How and why did you first get involved
with Wedgwood?
We originally got involved with Wedgwood because of
Molly Guillaume. She worked for the organization for
40 years as a volunteer coordinator, and in many other
roles. I (Ethie) have known Molly since we were 12 years
old. We tend to support organizations where we know
someone with passion and integrity. We knew that Molly
would only be associated with an organization of the
highest standards and values. That gave us confidence that
Wedgwood has a strong mission and uses resources wisely.
We’ve been gifting to Wedgwood for at least 20 years.
What motivates you to be so supportive of
Wedgwood’s mission and services?
Our latest gift was motivated by my (Ethie’s) becoming
aware of the tragedy of human trafficking. You’d think that
this would be a problem only in developing countries or
large cities, but it’s happening right here in West Michigan.
Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project is the only program in
Michigan that specifically targets human trafficking. It’s
coordinated by articulate and compassionate leaders who
are willing to combat a problem too difficult for many
people to even talk about. Our ultimate goal is to stop
human trafficking before these kids get trapped in it. We
want to see our police get trained in what to look for, and to
redirect these victims rather than just recycle them.
What’s your hope for the children served by
Wedgwood and the schools it manages?
We hope they can lead normal lives. We want them to
be free of fear, to have human dignity, and to have the
opportunity to get an education. We want them to be healed,
to lead lives that contribute to society, and break the cycle of
neglect and abuse.
Ethie and Dick Haworth
What value do you think Wedgwood’s services
bring to our community?
With its Christian focus, Wedgewood is able to accomplish
things that organizations without it just can’t get done.
Unless these children know God’s love, they can’t heal,
move ahead, and be the citizens we want them to be.
These children don’t think anyone loves them, because
they’ve never experienced it. To bring in God’s love and
Jesus’ forgiveness makes a huge difference in reaching these
children. They take children that are forced out of school
and rejected by society, and change them to the point
where they can be positive contributors.
This organization is doing the hard work that many people
cannot do. Our gift is our resources. Their gift is far greater.
They put their time, their energy and their souls into this work.
How do you encourage others to support Wedgwood?
We encourage people to get to know what they do and
judge their effectiveness by their results. It’s as simple as
that. This is a wonderful faith-based organization that
deserves support. n
By Connie Frazier, BBA
Chief Advancement Officer
The Impact
5
Com mu ni t y SERVICE S – T r au m a h ig h light s
TFCBT
A
pproximately one in four children will suffer from some
sort of trauma in their lives. Trauma Focused Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) helps children heal from a
traumatic event. TFCBT decreases anxiety, depression, and
other behavior problems. It also helps improve parenting
skills and strengthen the child-caregiver relationship.
A family recently came to therapy broken, ashamed and torn
apart by traumatic events they had experienced, including
sexual abuse, running away and domestic violence. Through
this treatment process, each family member developed
coping skills and changed their thought processes, telling
their clinician that “we appreciate you so much for taking our
crazy family on and giving us hope again.” n
by Erin Rolson, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
F
or people who feel ruled by their emotions and
impulses, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been
widely recognized as an effective approach to gain the
skills needed to build a better life. The DBT program at
Wedgwood is designed for adolescents who demonstrate
patterns of self-harm or suicide attempts, self-destructive
behaviors, significant mood changes, and/or intense
conflicts in relationships. DBT is a more intensive form of
treatment which involves individual therapy and group
therapy (including parent participation and support). DBT
is uniquely effective for adolescents and their parents who
have become discouraged after trying many different types
of therapy, as in the case of Amanda (name changed to
protect confidentiality).
ubstance Use Disorder (SUD) Outreach is a program
in which clients receive counseling services in the
community. This service offers the benefit of sessions
being conducted at the client’s home or other agreed
upon locations, thereby reducing transportation obstacles.
Individuals seeking this service often are already
contemplating abstinence, allowing for the clinician’s role
to be supportive, as they address concerns which impact
the client’s journey to sobriety. Addressed topics include:
management of triggers and urges, relapse prevention, goal
setting, conflict resolution, grief and loss, and the importance
of healthy use of leisure time. n
Before starting DBT, Amanda
had dropped out of school, been
to juvenile detention, and been
hospitalized four times for self-harm
(“cutting”) and thoughts of suicide.
She had low self-esteem, intense
mood swings, and emotional
outbursts that significantly impacted her family and peer
relationships. Since completing DBT, Amanda has been
attending school consistently and is on track to graduate next
spring. Both she and her parents agree that her emotions are
more stable and her relationships have improved through
her use of DBT skills. Amanda stated, “DBT is something that
I still implement in my daily life.” Her father, remarked, “It is
light years from how she was before… it is amazing to see
how she is flourishing now.” n
by Flavio Flavio Da Silva, LLMSW
Clinician
by Dr. Elizabeth Raese
Associate Director of Community Services
Substance Use Disorder Outreach
S
What is Wraparound?
W
raparound is a program that brings all members
of the treatment community together to develop a
unified direction and plan for clients that helps children
and their families realize their hopes and dreams. With
help from a Wraparound Coordinator, the family and
child work together with a team of their choosing, made
up of professionals and natural support people like
friends, relatives, coaches, etc. The team works together
to identify the family’s needs and strengths to develop a
plan that will help them reach their goals.
Every year, many kids are removed from their home and
referred to residential placements or foster homes. This
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is not only costly for the community - it also strains the
attachments between children and their caregivers. It is
our mission to create a support team that helps children
stay in their own homes, in school and out of trouble.
At a recent community meeting, a parent of a youth
with bipolar disorder spoke about her experience.
“Wraparound gave me a voice,” she said, “a voice to
regain power in my home and be a better parent,
a voice to get the help that my child needed.” n
by Mattie De Boe, LMSW
Supervisor
Com mu ni t y SERVICE S – t r eat m en t h ighlig ht s
Youth Enhancement Program
B
orn from a desire to give hurting children and teens a
safe and healthy place to learn and grow, the Youth
Enhancement Program (YEP) has provided services to
hundreds of youth since its inception three years ago. Each
evening of the week, children from ages 6 to 17 attend YEP
in order to enhance their social skills and learn to manage
their emotions more effectively. Through the use of skits,
music, sports, media and crafts, children and teens meet
as a group with staff who are passionate about building
relationships and coaching youth to be successful. Age
specific lessons target issues relevant to youth; from lessons
on stranger danger and bullying for young children to
interviewing skills and dating curriculum for teenagers.
Recently, we asked the teen group to comment on the
aspects of the Youth Enhancement Program they enjoyed.
A soft spoken girl stated she did not believe she had any
worth and did not believe she mattered to anyone. She
stated that it was through the relationships she built with YEP
staff that she began to believe she was important to others
and began to think about living. n
By Diana Simpson, LPC
Clinical Supervisor
Positive Youth Development–Prevention
Wedgwood is responding to the need in our community for prevention services
A
s a resource to our local community, Wedgwood’s
Prevention Department offers the following Positive Youth
Development programs to help youth make healthy decisions
and to set goals for a successful future:
• Project Success – offers substance abuse prevention
education and early intervention programs
• WAIT Training – promotes healthy relationships and
sexual risk avoidance
• Teens on Track – offers a long-term group mentoring
program
In Kent County
66% 33%
of teens reported ever
using alcohol
of teens reported ever
using marijuana
• Births to young people under the age of 20 accounts
for nearly 10% of the total
• The highest rates of sexually transmitted disease in
Kent County are seen in those15-24 years old
• Pure Passion for Fashion (P2) – a teen leadership team
provides an annual multi-media event and promotes year
long messages of positive choices, healthy relationships
and sexual risk avoidance
• Learn to Earn – provides teens with employability skills
and empowers them to pursue work opportunities
Community youth connect with these programs in many
locations including schools, churches, community centers,
apartment complexes, Boys and Girls Clubs and the Juvenile
Detention Facility.
In 2013, over 5,000 youth participated in prevention
programs, truly making a difference in the lives of the
children we serve. n
by Cathy Jordan, MA, CHES.
Prevention Program Coordinator
The Impact
7
RE SI DENTI A L s e rv i c eS – m a n a sseh PRO J ECT
Sex Trafficking Awareness
Becomes State Wide Reality
W
hen the doors to the Manasseh Project Trauma
Recovery Center opened on October 15th,
2012, many doubted that Human Trafficking
happened in Michigan, let alone here in West Michigan.
One year later, 15 girls have entered our safe and
therapeutic home to be served with compassion, respect
and professionalism by our expert staff.
As the first home of its kind in Michigan, the staff have
worked diligently to develop therapeutic relationships as
well as enriching, new positive life experiences for these
young women who have had their childhood stolen. While
providing the environment for ‘home’, we also house a
classroom for young women who are more suited for
specialized education. Just off this classroom, we’ve built in
a beauty salon and sewing room to encourage community
and self-esteem.
Approximately one
year later, Manasseh
is meeting the needs
of these young victims
with a personalized
treatment built on
four pillars: therapy
(individualized, group
and activity-based),
education, independent
living skills, and employment training. Combined with our
Chaplaincy/Young Life services and our Employment Training
Program, we strive to offer holistic treatment for these strong
young women as they walk toward healing and success. n
As we move forward, we want to inform you of the
additions in staffing that we’ve made. In September,
Amber Herlein, Lead Clinician in the Manasseh Project
Trauma Recovery Center, and Nikeidra DeBarge were
hired as Coordinators of the Manasseh Project. They will
be providing education and advocacy across the state as
we work with our partners to improve both awareness of
Commercial Sexual Exploitation and treatment for victims.
Andy Soper, who helped found the Manasseh Project,
will remain on the team as a consultant.
To schedule an
awareness event at your
organization, church,
school or other places
that you are connected
to, please contact
Nikeidra DeBarge
Amber Herlein
Amber Herlein
([email protected]) or Nikeidra DeBarge
([email protected]).
Manasseh Advisory Council
Ryan Anderson
Katie Baker
Bob Bass
Marc Berry
Stefani Boutelier
Ellen Bruinsma
Sammi Cook
Patricia Dalton
Kathy Dembinsky
Steve Disselkoen
Janet Ewing
Judge Patricia Gardner
The average age of entry
Jennifer Grant
Jenn Groendyke
AJ Hills
Pat Kluz
Jami Kok
Jeshua Lauka
Aaron LeClaire
Maranda
Mary Elizabeth Medawar
Thom McGuire
Corey Niemchick
Wendy Niemeyer
Ruth Olsson
Sarah Pettinga
Norm Pylman
Emily Quinn
Rochelle Roskam
Stacy Roskam
Andy Soper
Sally Swets
Lori Tanis
Tanell Thomas
Josh VanVels
Val Volkema
Jane Zwiers
There are more than
into Prostitution is
will be approached by a trafficker
within 48 hours of running away
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at high-risk for commercial sexual
exploitation in America today
well ne ss s e r v i c es
Through Wellness there is Hope:
An Heroic Horse Named Blue
T
he Wellness Department at Wedgwood had an opportunity
to partner with “Roanoke Horse Ranch for Kids” during
this past summer. One day a week, for seven weeks, the
children learned a foundational truth about God’s word and
had an opportunity to experience these promises in their
interactions with the horses.
One client, Noah (name changed to protect confidentiality)
experienced a healing realization while working with a horse
named Blue. Blue was abused and neglected by his previous
owner and is blind in one eye as a result of some beatings
he received. While staff held Blue’s halter, Noah brushed him
gently and spoke to him saying, “Don’t be afraid, I just want
to help you. I’m sorry you’ve been hurt.” Considering Noah’s
own significant trauma experiences, his display of empathy was
remarkable! In an amazing conclusion to the activity, Noah
remarked, “I’m glad we get to come help these horses get better.
I know that they are lucky to get to live at Roanoke. I think I’m
lucky to live at Wedgwood where there are people who want to
help me get better too.” Praise the Lord for rescuing and healing
hurting hearts! n
Each week when the kids visited the ranch they received a
word card like this one and they would incorporate it with
the horses. It was a great learning experience and made it
fun for the kids.
wed gw o o d l e g ac y s o c i et y
A Vision of Hope and Impact through Legacy
W
edgwood has been blessed by many donors
who have left a lasting legacy to this ministry.
These individuals have gone to Glory knowing
their earthly assets will bring Hope to many kids and families
far into the future.
When you inform us now of your future plans to remember
Wedgwood, we have the opportunity to thank you
appropriately and often. For this very reason, some years
ago we established the Wedgwood Legacy Society.
Currently over 100 donors have shared with us their
commitment to leave a portion of their earthly estate assets
to benefit our future ministry work. We are humbled by such
generosity.
Each year we receive bequests or inheritances that totally
surprise us. Although we are grateful and appreciative of
such surprises, we would have preferred to have offered our
thanks and appreciation to the donor before they left this life
for their eternal home. If you are remembering Wedgwood’s
ministry at your death, we would be pleased to know of
your intentions so we can express our thanks. We do
not ask for the value of any planned gift as that is a
personal matter.
If you share Wedgwood’s vision of Hope in extending
Christ’s love to the hurting kids and families around us, we
invite you to join our Legacy Society. By such action now,
your Treasure can be a blessing to many future generations.
If you would like additional information or have any
questions on how you can bless Wedgwood, please feel
free to call Gary Raterink at (616) 831-5623 or email
[email protected]. n
By Gary Raterink, CPA
Planned Giving Officer
The Impact
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Edu cat i o n s e r v i c es
Hope and Lighthouse Graduation
A
Refugee Program
L
ighthouse Academy North began a new program
this fall. This program partners with Bethany Christian
Services, offering a new educational option for refugee
students. The unaccompanied minor program has enrolled
28 students, with the majority coming from South America.
It has been exciting to see students from different countries
come together in one classroom and become a close knit
group that works toward high school graduation. All of
the students speak English as a second language, and
they are making great strides in writing in English as well.
Sometimes students speak English without realizing it! The
staff and students are excited to participate in the program
as they continue to make improvements. Just recently the
program started offering after school tutoring. Serving as
educational partners with Bethany for kids in need has
been a privilege for both organizations. n
s Hope Academy and Lighthouse continue to grow,
we will invariably explore new opportunities to
better educate our students. At both Hope Academy
and Lighthouse we had our largest graduating classes
this past year and that would not have been possible
without the dedicated staff, teachers, supportive parents
and community leaders. Hope Academy had 30 students
graduate this year. These students will now have an
opportunity to attend college, serve in the military, enroll in
technical trainings or start a full time employment position,
something that would have been greatly challenging prior
to Hope Academy. Lighthouse was also proud of the 16
graduates that reached their goals and better prepared for
a new beginning and future. n
Kids Hope USA
of church-school partnerships that pair church members with
at-risk kids in supportive, mentoring relationships. Pastor
Eric Slack from Davis Memorial Church has reached out to
Hope Academy, offering to pair mentors with students in
Kindergarten through 4th grade this year. Kids Hope USA
mentors spend just one hour per week reading, talking,
playing and listening to a child at school. By helping the
child feel loved and valued, they help that child to learn,
grow and succeed. n
K
ids Hope USA
operates on the
guiding principle
that one simple thing will
make a big difference in the life of an at-risk child: One-onone, positive attention from a responsible, caring adult. Kids
Hope USA develops these connections through the creation
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by Heidi Cate, MA, M.Ed.
Superintendent, Lighthouse &
Hope Academies
By Phil Haack, M.Ed.
Principal Hope Academy of
West Michigan
Wed gw o o d E v e n ts
We are grateful for the hundreds of people who
support Wedgwood’s ministry, making a difference
in the lives of the most vulnerable children and
families we serve in Christ’s name.
All of Wedgwood’s Transforming Services (Chaplaincy/
Young Life, Manasseh Project – Community Awareness
and Education, Employment Training Program, Education
Support, Wellness Services, and Prevention Services) are
funded 100% by event and donor contributions. These
services are what make Wedgwood so successful and
allow us to be a leading provider of child and family
services in our state.
More than 53 Years of
Transforming Lives
Chaplaincy and
Young Life
Core Services
Kids Fun Run Sponsor
Ada Christian School
Gold
Baker Book House
Butterball Farms, Inc.
HUB International
NETech Corporation
Notions Marketing Corp
Philadelphia Insurance Co.
Silver
Amway Corporation
Klingman’s Furniture
Bronze
Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists now
an ATI Physical Therapy Company
Gary Raterink
Seyferth & Associates, Inc.
Community Hero
Alpine Oral Surgery
Armbrecht Orthodontia
BenePAY Dr. Preston Brown
Maranda
Snyder Family Dentistry
Employment
Training
Transforming
Services
Residential
Funded 100%
by public sources
Residential
Education
Wellness
and Camping
Educational
Support
Funded 100%
by donor contributions
to the Children’s Hope
Annual Fund
Our Mission
Ex­tend­ing God’s love to youth and fam­il­ ies through pro­fes­sional
coun­sel­ing and ed­u­ca­tional ser­vices.
ore than 200 “Heroes”, dressed
in capes, costumes, running
gear, or volunteer t-shirts, helped
transform the lives and hearts of children
who are victims of unspeakable abuse
and neglect through their participation at
this annual 5K event. “Heroes” of the day
include our community heroes from the
Kentwood Police and Fire Departments,
Ada Christian School, and Bruce and
Title Sponsor
Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency
Community
Education
We praise God for everyone whose contributions made
this year one of the most successful in our history, raising
nearly $500,000 through the following events. n
M
Prevention
Community
Mark from the “Rhino Challenge”. We
offer our heartfelt thanks to all “heroes”
who participated or sponsored the event
to help make this so successful for those
we serve, raising more than $20,000 in
proceeds.
This 5K event continues to commemorate
the legacy of a beloved colleague and
friend, Terry Chamberlain. n
Friend
Bob’s Disposal Craig’s Cruisers Eagle Tec, Inc.
Eric Lanning Photography Gazelle Great Lakes Shipping Company
Houlihan’s
John Ball Zoo Society
JustInTymeSports
Life EMS Inc.
Norman Family Dentistry
Palazolla Gelato
Target
United Dairy Industry of Michigan
Van Eerden Distribution
5K Committee
David
Baker
Ruth Olsson
Sue Barthold
Rochelle Roskam
Elizabeth Boelens
Chad Steininger
Terri Campbell
Mark Swets
Dan Cooke
John Tymes
Kathy Dembinsky
Brittney Williams
Laurie Kersjes
David and Jami Kok
Kathy MacGregor
Liz Moradi
Tricia Nelson
The Impact
11
Wed gw o o d E v e n ts
On Par With Excellence
This was another record breaking year thanks to the 450 golfers and
sponsors who contributed more than $225,000 in proceeds!
So why is this event so successful? The answer is because of the
tireless efforts of Wedgwood’s Golf
Committee Co-Chairs – Jim Bruinsma
and Jim Engen, along with the
ongoing dedication of committee
members, sponsors, and volunteers.
Contributing to the success are the
championship courses and superb
service provided by Egypt Valley.
And, the weather cooperated with an
absolutely perfect day for golfers! All
with God’s blessings. n
L-R: Cheryl and Steve Timyan
Mark and Sue Kinsser
L-R: Beth Schimmel, Kristi Bredeweg, Sandi
Waldron, Chris Hoekwater
L-R: Curt Van Solkema, Barry Capel, Brad Cook,
Harold Voorhees
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wedgwood.org
L-R: Henry Atsma, Cathy Atsma, Emily
Atsma, Mitch Nol
Joel Rahn, Regional President, Chemical Bank,
speaking at dinner
L-R: Marge Kool, Lois Nagel, Mary Jingles,
Marilyn Grant
Golf event Committee
Jim Bruinsma, Co-Chair
Jenn Groendyke
Jim Engen, Co-Chair
John LaBarge
Tim Alles
Eric Lanning
Marv Andringa
Rob Lisiak
Bruce Bacon
Chris McMillan
Dan Bailey
Mark McMillan
Dan Baisch
Cal Nagelkirk
Judy Barnes
Doug Oetman
Cole Barnett
Todd Penning
Sue Barthold
Jake Schrock
Brad Bruinsma
Jodi Sevigny
Barry Capel
Harold Van Eerden
Jim Corl
Ron Van Houten
Patrick Dalton
Curt Van Solkema
Kathy Dembinsky
Tom Visser
Brandon Derusha
Rick Zweering
Gord Elgersma
Michael Garrett
Wed gw o o d E v e n ts
L-R: Dan Baisch-HUB, Keith Maciejewski, Jeff Wressel, Ben Koetje
L-R: Dave Gennen, Curt Zondervan-MTM, Dennis Palmer, Jeff Muller
bronze SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
tEe green SPONSORS
friends
A & K Finishing
Chemical Bank
Ajacs Die Sales Corp.
Arrowhead Golf Course
Air Components & Engineering, Inc.
Amerikam
BellaDonna Hair Salon
Amerisure Insurance
Platinum SPONSORS
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Brann’s of Caledonia
Amway Corporation
Bauer Products, Inc.
Architectural Metals, Inc.
Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
AmWINS Brokerage of Illinois
Henry and Carolyn Bouma Arlington Roe
Blue Water Technology
BenePAY
Bredeweg & Zylstra PLC
Berger Chevrolet
Celebration Cinema
Blue Cross Blue Shield/Blue Care Lumbermen’s, Inc.
Center Manufacturing
Central Mutual Insurance Company
Network of Michigan
MTM Recognition
Chubb Insurance
Costco Wholesale, Inc.
Jim and Ellen Bruinsma
Netech Corporation
Colliers International
De Nooyer Chevrolet, Inc.
Citizens Insurance
Nyenhuis Collision
Kevin and Meg Cusack
Design 1, Inc.
CNA Foundation
Dominion Systems
Duthler Family Foods
Custer Office Environments
Gold SPONSORS
Family Medical Center-C.R. Barnett MD.
East Hills Athletic Club
Eikenhout, Inc.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Feenstra Guide Service
Egypt Valley Country Club
First Companies, Inc.
Borgman Ford/Mazda
Ferris Coffee and Nut
Fast Signs of Grand Rapids
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
Meijer, Inc.
Financial Advisory Corporation
Fifth Third Bank
The Gilmore Collection
Norris, Perné and French LLP
Founders Bank & Trust
Fischer Group
Grand Flower Growers
Van Manen Petroleum Group
Frankenmuth Insurance
Forest Hills Foods
The Granger Group
Gerrit’s Appliance
Thomas S. Fox, Diamond Jewelers
Hanover Insurance
silver SPONSORS
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Grand Hotel
Hedrick Associates
Allied Finishing, Inc.
Grand Rapids Round Table Club
Grand Rapids Ballet Company
Helmholdt + Company LLP
Alloy Exchange, Inc.
Katerberg-VerHage, Inc.
Grand Rapids Griffins
High Impact Promotions
Andy J. Egan Co.
Kentwood Office Furniture
Grand Rapids Symphony
Hungerford Aldrin Nichols & Carter PC
Applied Imaging
Life EMS Inc.
Grand Traverse Pie Company
J & H Oil Co.
Bank of America
Meeuwsen Group of
Heeren Brothers, Inc.
Kool Chevrolet
Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Huizenga Brothers Greenhouse
KSC Properties
D.L. Neu and Associates
NAI Wisinski of West Michigan
Ironwood Golf Course
Mall City Containers
Elgersma Financial
Oppenheimer & Co.
Kay Pharmacy
Maple Hill Golf Course
Grand Rapids Plastics
Pepsi Beverages Company
Kent Country Club
Kitchen 67
McGarry Bair PC
The Hartford
Rio Grand Steakhouse
Mackinaw Administrators
Merrill Lynch-Howell/Sharp Group
Harvest Health Foods
RISC Insurance
The Meadows
Miller Canfield
HUB International
Roersma & Wurn Builders
Meijer Gardens
Newco Design Build LLC
Huntington Bank
Royal Securities Co.
Meritage Hospitality Group
Owen-Ames-Kimball
Integrity Business Solutions
Save-A-Lot
Bob and Margaret Nault
Pioneer Construction
Interactive Studio
Seif Chevrolet, Inc.
Nugent Builders
Realvesco
Lacks Enterprises, Inc
Standard Lumber & Kitchens
Opera Grand Rapids
Rockford Construction Company
Greg and Susan Lambert
Suburban Inns
Orchard Hills Golf Course
RT Specialty
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Utility Contracting Company
The People Picture Company
Terra Verde Landscaping
Mercantile Bank
VanderWeele/Stewart Group of Raymond
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
Van Eerden Distribution
Miller Johnson
James & Associates, Inc.
Pilgrim’s Run Golf Course
Wolverine Bank
Newhof Construction
Whitecaps Professional Baseball Corp.
Railside Golf Club
Parkwood Pharmacy
The Rhino Challenge
HOLe SPONSORS
Pinnacle Construction Group
practice green SPONSOR
Sam’s Club
AIC Insurance
Service Express, Inc.
Ron and Doris Van Houten
The Shack
Bayes Water Treatment
Stifel Nicolaus
Spring Lake Country Club
Blis Gourmet
Tanis, Herman & Schultz PLLC
media SPONSOR
Tanaz Hair Boutique & Day Spa
D & M Metal Products
Steve and Cheryl Timyan
Gemini Publications/GR Business Journal
Thousand Oaks Golf Course
D J’s Lawn Service Inc
Watkins Ross & Co.
Universal Sign Systems
Exxel Engineering, Inc./RJM Design, Inc
Wolverine Power Systems
HOLE in ONE SPONSOR
Russ and Chris Visner
Hudsonville Trailer Co.
Xtreme Engineered Floor Systems
Betten Imports
Waterworks
Lamphear Service Co-Heating & Cooling Delta Imports
Macatawa Bank
Grand Buick
Real Pro Auto Service
The Sharpe Collection
TDS Metrocom
The Impact
13
Wed gw o o d E v e n ts
Dick and Ethie Haworth accept the Doug and Lois Nagel Leadership Award
Jim Boelkins announces the successful
completion of the Growing Hope for Children
capital campaign
Ellen Bruinsma and Molly Guillaume receive Wedgwood’s first Volunteer
of the Year Award
Rev. Robert Sirico’s inspirational speech highlighted
that “every human being has worth – we are all part
of God’s creation”
Wayburn Dean glorified God through his music
53rd Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Wedgwood praised God for his continued blessings
and faithful guidance as more than 600 people
celebrated 53 years of hope to hurting children.
T
his was a time to show appreciation to all in attendance
for their prayers and support throughout the decades and
for making the Growing Hope for Children campaign a
reality to address the extraordinary and growing needs of our
community’s most at-risk children and families.
Attendees were honored with the insightful and inspirational
presentation by Rev. Robert A. Sirico, President, and
Co-founder of the Acton Institute. Rev. Robert Sirico
offered a deeply inspiring message on the privilege and
responsibilities granted to Christians who earnestly seek
to honor their Creator through gifts of prayers, time, or
resources to “the least of these” that Jesus frequently spoke of
throughout his earthly ministry. By allowing God’s grace to
move through us, His purposes for our lives are realized.
Wayburn Dean, award winning recording artist and
Executive Director of The Other Way Ministries, glorified
God through his inspirational songs that were a source of
encouragement to all.
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wedgwood.org
Dick and Ethie Haworth were awarded the Doug and Lois
Nagel Leadership award for their exemplary investment
to provide hope and healing to the hurting children in our
community through their encouragement and support of
Wedgwood’s ministry for more than 20 years. In honor
of their capstone gift to the Growing Hope for Children
campaign, Wedgwood’s main campus will be named the
“The Dick and Ethie Haworth Campus of Hope.” Thank
you, Dick and Ethie, for all you have done to serve hurting
children and families in the name of Christ. The Molly Guillaume Volunteer of the Year Award,
established this year, is named in honor of Molly’s 40 years
of service at Wedgwood, including her many years as
the Volunteer Coordinator. Molly and members of the
Wedgwood Guilds were the first to receive this special
award to express our gratitude for their generous gifts of
prayer, time, and talents that have helped transform the lives
of thousands of children. We are thankful to all who attended and supported this year’s
Anniversary Dinner – your support helped to raise more than
$225,000 for the Children’s Hope Annual Fund. n
Wed gw o o d E v e n ts
Children's Hope Annual fund contributors
Visionary
Dick and Linda Antonini
Eastbrook Homes
Guilds of Wedgwood
Dick and Ethie Haworth
Netech Corporation
Notions Marketing
Arvin and Pearl Tap
Wedgwood Foundation
Jane Welch
Benefactor
Chuck and Christine Boelkins
Henry and Carolyn Bouma Foundation
Jim and Ellen Bruinsma
Bill and Carol Dearinger
Deppe Mold and Tooling, Inc.
H I Foundation
Doug and Lois Nagel
Perrigo
Skip and Janet Pylman
Dave and Bea Zylstra
Patron
Bredeweg & Zylstra PLC
Jim and Barb Boelkins
Butterball Farms, Inc.
Dr. David and Rebecca Dull
J.C. Huizenga
HUB International
Zondervan Corporation
Jim and Jane Zwiers
Partner
Bank of America
John and Judy Bielema
Dave and Margaret Boelkins
Buist Electric, Inc.
Thomas H. and Nancy J. Claus Charitable Foundation
Colliers International
Comerica Bank
Don and Leslie Cummings
De Vries Development
Frank and Kerrie Doezema
J. Lindsey Dood
John and Donna Dykstra
Eastern Floral and Gift Shop
Eikenhout, Inc.
Grant and Molly Ellis
Ernst & Young
Exxel Engineering/ RJM Design
Fifth Third Bank
Grand Auto Family
Jason and Jennifer Grant
Steve and Annie Hawks
Integrity Business Solutions
Interactive Studio
Interphase Interiors
Israels Family
Kool Chevrolet
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Greg and Susan Lambert
LAT Management LLC
Advocate
Stan and Judy Barnes
Bauer Products, Inc.
Beals, Beals & Associates
Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency
Matt and Ruth Boelkins
GR Outdoor
Hungerford Aldrin Nichols & Carter PC
Parkway Electric
Pinnacle Construction Group
Mr. and Mrs. Garry Schuil
Scott and Mari Smith
Ed and Joan Stuursma
Thinkbox Creative
Ron and Carol Van Antwerp
Jack and Joyce Vander Sloot
Warner Norcross and Judd LLP
James and Phyllis Wynsma
Donn and Marlene Van Der Schie
William and Sally Swets Foundation
Leisure Living Management, Inc.
McGarry Bair PC
Merrill Lynch-Howell & Sharp Group
Miller Canfield
Norris, Perné and French LLP
Art and Beverly Ophoff
Bruce and Shirley Osterhaven
Owen-Ames-Kimball
Plante Moran
PNC
Gary Raterink
Barth and Denise Roberts
Van Haren Electric, Inc.
Lynwood and Mary Vanden Bosch
Jerry and Jessica Vander Wall
Varnum Law
Watkins Ross
Zeeland Lumber & Supply Co.
Friend
Hopkins Fundraising Consulting
Dr. Janet Johns
Margaret Kok
Life EMS, Inc.
Lizzie Photo - Lynell & Dan Miller
Mercantile Bank
NAI Wisinski of West Michigan
Rockford Construction Company
S. A. Morman & Co.
Seyferth & Associates, Inc.
Williams Distributing, Inc.
You n g L ife Min is t ry
God ’ s Lov e is
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Everlasting
his summer we were able to send over 90 clients,
students, and staff to Young Life’s Timber Wolf Lake
Camp. It is always a privilege to watch God work in
powerful and life changing ways. Each day we had
an opportunity to sit down as a group in our cabin and talk
about our day, asking questions and reflecting on what the
camp speaker had shared. One of the young ladies was
initially very quiet during cabin time. She was hesitant in
sharing her life with us. Halfway through the week as we sat
down to have our discussion, she immediately broke into my
first question with: “For the first time, I believe that God loves
me.” She continued to share how when she would pray
she would almost say “I love you” to God, but something
stopped her every time. That night while she heard the
speaker talk about how much God loved her, she believed
it to be true. God loves her. There is no greater hope to hold
on to than the love of God. n
By sara webb
senior young life Coordinator
The Impact
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NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
3300 36th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-2810
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
PERMIT NO. 564
Scan this QR code with your smart phone or visit
www.wedgwood.org to view a special video and learn
about the ways you can help abused and hurting
children in our community.
Gifts i n me mo ry
Cha pla in c y servic es
Dora Bloem
Ron and Grace De Vries
Leonard Van Liere
Lavern and Ruth Van Wyk
Annalise Bristol
Carolyn De Haan
George Vander Laan
Gennie Marlink
Terry Chamberlain
Robert and Grace Bowman
Helen Chamberlain
Ray Chamberlain
Peter A. Whigham
Peter and B.J. Whigham
Jen Jellies
Tom and Claudia Larson
Gordon and Jeanne Kauffman
Ted and Ethel Pasma
Arlene Kladder
The David Guild
Dr. Edward Postma
The Timothy Guild
Dorothea Swart
Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance
Greg and Mary Keeton
Evelyn Knott
Calvin and Lois Weesies
Mildred Swett
Helen Hutt
gif t s i n h o n o r
Jim Boelkins
Ray and Sue Smith
Dawn Harvey
James and Mary Sue Brasser
Mick McGraw
John and Luann Forbes
Diana and Kevin Simpson
Michelle Bardin
Clare De Haan
Kalani De Haan
Kelsey Hoffman
Dale and Kathy McRae
Roger and Jane Simpson
Dianne Wolf
Donald Wolf
Embracing God’s Love
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his summer was a busy one for
the Chaplaincy Department as we
offered more ministry activities than
ever before. Our Art and Spirituality
workshop provided opportunities for
kids to learn and practice new creative
techniques. The art was always
connected with a biblical theme.
We offered a “God and Games” group.
Once a week, we invited the clients to
come and learn a new outdoor game that was fun and energetic.
Again, we used the activities to build community and teach
spiritual lessons.
Vacation Bible School was another huge success. The younger
clients were invited, six homes were represented, and we averaged
about 30 kids each afternoon. Many staff who normally don’t work
with our kids volunteered to help out by providing tasty snacks,
assisting with crafts, and facilitating small group discussions after the
Bible lesson. Together we learned about the wonderful ways that
God loves us and keeps us safe.
During one of the events, a client shared that he recently had
received some devastating news about his family. But then he
added, “I am reading my Bible every day, and I know that Jesus
is always with me.” Though a busy time of year, summers offer an
incredible opportunity to walk alongside kids, sharing God’s grace,
and watching His abundant hope blossom in their lives. n
By Rev. Emily Vanden Heuvel, M.Div.
Chaplain Supervisor