Blog

March 03 2023

Juvenile Justice Association of Michigan Conference

Team members from Growth Works’ Case Management Organization, attended the mid-winter conference for the Juvenile Justice Association of Michigan (JJAM) in Midland Michigan. This session focused on working with traumatized youth, suicide prevention and secondary trauma from presenters from the area including Dr. James Henry. Thank you to our incredible team who is constantly working to provide support and resources that will benefit the youth in our care.

The Juvenile Justice Association of Michigan was formed in 1973 by the County Juvenile Officer’s Association and the Family Court Workers Association. JJAM is actively working to provide representation for all juvenile justice personnel, promoting and maintaining standards of efficiency within the Michigan Family Justice System and encouraging innovative legislation, resolutions and other desirable efforts representing the common interest of children and their families in the State of Michigan.

July 07 2025

County Innovation in Youth Justice: Probation Report

Growth Works would like to thank Chairwoman Alisha Bell of the Wayne County Commission for spotlighting the youth justice here in Wayne County. She recognized Growth Works role in serving youth in the recent County Innovation in Youth Justice: Probation report published by the National Association of Counties, NACo.
“Counties are central to youth wellbeing as purveyors of health, social services, education and local juvenile and criminal legal systems. The “County Innovation in Youth Justice” series will offer strategies and practices to enhance services, improve outcomes and strengthen communities.
Counties play a critical role in youth probation implementation, with authority that can include determining when and how probation is imposed and managing day-to-day supervision, services and sanctions. Youth probation (i.e., juvenile probation) is court-ordered supervision requiring young people to follow specific rules and conditions for a set period, which can range from months to years.

“By establishing a central intake system and connecting youth with agencies in their ZIP codes, we provided wraparound services for youth and their families within their communities. This culture shift not only saved the county money but also gave us greater control over youth outcomes.” Alisha Bell Chair, Wayne County Commission.

Wayne County’s investment in the community-led probation model has significantly reduced probation caseloads, enabling more personalized care and collaboration with families and communities. This strengths-based approach not only improves outcomes for young people but also enhances community safety and wellbeing. To read the full report, click here.

June 06 2025

Trinity Health expands substance abuse peer recovery program

“Trinity Health Michigan is expanding the successful peer recovery coach program Growth Works to Trinity Health Ann Arbor. This builds on the successful, multi-year partnership that has benefited patients with substance use disorders at Trinity Health Livonia. The program provides emergency response support, connecting patients treated in the emergency department and the inpatient behavioral health unit with dedicated peer recovery coaches to address the root causes of substance use.

The Growth Works program bridges a critical service gap, ensuring individuals experiencing a substance use crisis have immediate access to support when they need it most. Growth Works, with its long-standing commitment to assisting youth and adults struggling with substance use, deployed nine experienced peer recovery coaches to Trinity Health Ann Arbor.

‘This expansion marks a significant step forward in providing accessible and timely care for individuals in need, who are struggling with substance use, and who could benefit from those who have battled addiction themselves,” said Nick Griswold, GrowthWorks CEO. “We look forward to the opportunity we have to break the cycle and help individuals and families in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities.’ “

For the full article in the Livingston Post, click here.

For more information about Growth Works, please contact Laura.Reiners@gwcares.org

June 06 2025

A Special Graduation Ceremony in Inkster

WXYZ-TV Detroit’s Carolyn Clifford recently covered a heartwarming and powerful graduation event at the American International Academy (AIA) in Inkster, Michigan. This year’s ceremony featured the awarding of the inaugural scholarship created by Growth Works in memory of a student’s brother, whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence in 2022. A big shout out to Darryl Woods who has been instrumental in the creation of the mentoring program to combat gun violence and unite the community.
The scholarship serves as both a tribute and a call to action, aiming to support youth pursuing their dreams while raising awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence.
Nick Griswold Growth Works CEO says, “Growth Works is proud to partner with AIA to offer a robust mentoring program designed to combat gun violence and empower youth. Together, we are committed to transforming lives and strengthening our community through positive guidance, education, and support.”

For more information about Growth Works, please contact Laura.Reiners@gwcares.org

April 04 2025

Growth Works Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval®

We’re proud to share that Growth Works continues to meet the rigorous standards required to maintain The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Case Management, Diversion, and Clinical Treatment. This Gold Seal represents a national symbol of quality, reflecting our commitment to safe, effective, and client-centered care.

During our most recent review in August 2022, The Joint Commission conducted a comprehensive, unannounced onsite evaluation. Their team assessed our compliance with a wide range of standards, including client care, emergency management, suicide prevention, infection control, environment of care, leadership, and individual rights and responsibilities.

“We commend Growth Works for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, Chief Operating Officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and Chief Nursing Executive at The Joint Commission.

Growth Works CEO Nick Griswold added, “We are proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation and want to thank our team for their hard work and dedication to delivering the highest quality services. Achieving and maintaining the Gold Seal of Approval reinforces our mission to provide excellence in all areas of care.”

Looking ahead, The Joint Commission will be returning for our next review this summer. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence—it’s your dedication that allows us to meet and exceed these high standards.

For more information, visit The Joint Commission’s website.

March 03 2025

Partner Appreciation Luncheon

This week, we had the privilege of expressing our gratitude to the incredible partners who make up our village, supporting youth and families in the Growth Works Care Management Organization and Diversion services. We could not do this important work without you, and we are deeply thankful for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission.

“Each of these partners holds a piece of the wheel, and when we come together to surround these kids and families, we are providing them with what they need to rise up and succeed,” said Youth Services Coordinator, Sarah Parker.

It is thanks to these partners—police departments across Western Wayne County, residential treatment providers, service organizations, former clients and their families, community action groups, and many more—that we are able to build a network of support that surrounds the young people who are seeking guidance. Our goal is to create an environment where they can thrive, no matter the decisions that led them to Growth Works.

“These partnerships are vital because they broaden the continuum of care, offering young people opportunities beyond traditional services. It truly takes a village, and you are an integral part of ours. What you do has a profound impact on the lives of the clients and families we serve,” said Jen Sibel, Director of CMO and Diversion.

On behalf of Growth Works CEO, Nick Griswold, Director Jen Sibel, and the entire CMO and Diversion team, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your support is helping us bring hope to those who need it most.

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