Category Archives: In the Community

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.

The Office on Violence Against Women and Justice for Families sponsored training in partnership with Growth Works where First Step trained court staff including judges and referees.

This project was supported by Grant No. ­­­­­15JOVW-23-GC-00329-JFFX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Growth Works‘ staff and board members visited Mother’s Pantry in Inkster to help them prepare to reopen their doors to the public! The team was onsite to help build and stock their shelves; great work team!

Pantry is Inkster’s only client choice food pantry. A “client choice” food pantry is a model of emergency food distribution that enables clients to select their own food, much like a grocery store. Unlike most pantries, which provide clients with fixed boxes of food with no ability to select the items included, client choice pantries allow clients the ability to choose from a wide variety of foods. This effectively helps clients to meet their personal dietary needs. To learn more about Mother’s Pantry, visit their website.

The Growth Works Peer Recovery Coaching Team shared information and resources at the Inkster Community Resource Fair. The Peer Recovery Coaches are regularly out in the community sharing their personal stories of growth and dedication to their recovery, setting an example to individuals and families who need to hear this message of hope. Thank you for your service to the community and to Growth Works.

To learn more about Growth Works Peer Recovery Coaches, click here.