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.

Judicial Honors Event

On February 6th, Growth Works hosted the Judicial Honors Event, recognizing Judge Kathleen McCann, Judge Tina Brooks Green, and Judge Ronald Lowe as they retire from the bench. Their commitment to justice and rehabilitation aligns with the mission of Growth Works.

Their leadership in juvenile justice reform and community-based initiatives has provided second chances and fostered recovery. At Growth Works, we recognize that true transformation occurs with the right support and belief in one’s potential-a philosophy these judges have embodied in their careers/

At the Judicial Honors Event, we celebrate their significant impact on our courts and communities. Their legacy will continue to inspire our mission of restoring hope, supporting change and improving the lives of all we serve. Thank you to everyone who came out to make this event a tremendous success!

2025 Annual Mental Health Conference

Suicide prevention is a critical issue for all mental health practitioners. School mental health staff often work on isolated teams and can be unaware of resources outside of their experience. They often feel isolated and are at higher risk of burnout. The third annual Mental Health Conference was hosted by Growth Works and the Hope Empowerment Coalition, formerly the Suicide Prevention Coalition. On November 5th, more than 375 participants, representing more than 8 local school districts and members from the community gathered at Thurston High School in Redford Township for a day of continuing education. This day of learning was designed with school mental health care teams in mind and included keynotes from Dr. Robert Fink and Matthew Swartz, LMSW, with the goal of informing conversations around mental health while building positive forces within the school community. The conference hosted 35 breakout presentation topics for participants to choose from, presented by a variety of school mental health specialists and Michigan organizations that work to prevent and also support families through mental health challenges. Attendees learned how to access services, had the opportunity to meet providers, and ask questions about how they can help support students and families. In addition 37 participants were trained as Question, Persuade and Respond, QPR, Gatekeepers. We want to thank our amazing team for all of the hard work and dedication that went into planning this year’s conference.

For more information about the Hope Empowerment Coalition, click here. And don’t forget to Save the Date, November 4th 2025, for the fourth annual Mental Health Conference.

Run 2 Save Our Youth

Growth Works is proud to support Livonia Save Our Youth’s annual Run 2 Save Our Youth. Livonia Save Our Youth’s mission is to educate and empower the community regarding the health and safety of our young people with a focus on alcohol and other drugs. For over a decade now, each June they have held a Run/Walk event called Run 2 Save Our Youth as a way to support the programs the coalition provides to the community. To register for the event and learn more, visit Livonia Save Our Youth.

Save the Date! Run 2 Save Our Youth Event 2023

Saturday, June 3, 2023
9:00-11:00am
Livonia City Hall

Run Drugs Out Of Town

JOIN THE NORTHWEST WAYNE FAN/GROWTH WORKS TEAM!! Be part of the crowd. Be part of the pageantry. Be part of the solution. Saturday, June 17, 2023 8:00 Walk-Up Registration 9:00 Start Time
Fraser High School 34270 Gareld Fraser, MI 48026
Over 2,500 Participants! Register at www. familiesagainstnarcotics.org

Go to familiesagainstnarcotics.org/rundrugsoutoftown to register. When asked if you want to register individually or join a team, choose “join a team,” then choose “GDUBS and NW FAN” from the dropdown menu –THAT’S OUR TEAM!!

For more information please contact Michele.Baldori@gwcares.org