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Category Archives: News

October 10 2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Categories News

Raising Awareness About Domestic Violence: A Conversation with Growth Works’ Sarah Cross

Growth Works’ Sarah Cross recently joined CBS News Anchor Lauren Winfrey to discuss the alarming rise in domestic violence cases—both locally and across the country. During the interview, Sarah emphasized a critical but often overlooked fact: the danger doesn’t end when a relationship does. In fact, 75% of domestic violence-related homicides occur while a survivor is in the process of leaving. This is often the most dangerous time, making safety planning absolutely essential.

At Growth Works, we are committed to supporting families impacted by domestic violence. One of the ways we do this is by providing Supervised Parenting services, which help children maintain safe, structured connections with both parents. These services take place in a controlled environment, where parents do not interact with each other, allowing children to build relationships while ensuring safety, boundaries, and emotional well-being are respected.

We know conversations about domestic violence can be difficult—but they are also necessary. By raising awareness and sharing resources, we can help those who are struggling find a path to safety and healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

To watch the full interview with CBS News Detroit, click here.

September 09 2025

Hope Empowerment Coalition works to provide at-risk youth the resources they need.

Categories In the Community, News

Last week, Brian Galdes was in studio with the WJBK-TV FOX 2 Detroit team, highlighting the important work of the Hope Empowerment Coalition through Growth Works. This initiative is making a real difference—partnering with local school districts to address adolescent suicide and bring greater awareness to the mental health resources available to families in our community. A special thank you to Amy Andrews for helping spotlight our Students vs. Stigma initiative, where young people are leading peer-to-peer efforts to support each other through life’s challenges. Together, we’re working to break the silence and build a culture of understanding, resilience, and hope. To see the full interview with Amy Andrews, click here.

September 09 2025

Growth Works Responds to Rising Domestic Violence Incidents

Categories News

In light of a recent rise in domestic violence cases across our communities — including a troubling incident in Canton — Growth Works was asked to provide perspective on the growing concern. As an organization dedicated to supporting families through some of their most challenging times, we recognize the emotional and physical toll domestic violence takes on individuals and families alike.

Our Director of Family Services was invited to comment on the increase in these cases, highlighting the critical role community organizations play in addressing and responding to abuse. At Growth Works, we provide supervised visitation services for families who have experienced domestic violence or other forms of abuse. These services are designed with safety as the top priority while also working toward rebuilding and strengthening parent-child relationships where appropriate.

We understand that we are just one part of a much larger system — one that includes law enforcement, the courts, child welfare agencies, and many other community partners — all working together to keep individuals safe and support healthy family dynamics.

Growth Works remains committed to being a resource for families in crisis and an advocate for safe, supportive environments where healing and growth can begin.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. Support is available, and you are not alone. To see the full story, click here.

September 09 2025

CBS News Detroit Hope Empowerment Coalition Interview

Categories News

This week, CBS News Detroit Anchor Lauren Winfrey sat down with Brian Galdes, Coordinator of the Hope Empowerment Coalition, and Beth Santer, Executive Director of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (SEEIS) for Wayne RESA, to discuss the impactful work happening through the Coalition, the growing Peer-to-Peer movement, and the upcoming annual conference in November.

As a former Superintendent of South Redford School District, Brian Galdes shared powerful insights into the increasing stress levels students are experiencing. He emphasized that schools should be more than just places of academic learning—they should be safe spaces where students feel supported and can truly thrive. The Coalition is focused on just that: creating environments where students are equipped with tools to cope, heal, and grow through intentional programming and mental health support.

Beth Santer highlighted the critical role students themselves are playing in this work. What began as an initiative sparked by the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment from Trinity Health Livonia has evolved into a student-driven movement. While it’s essential for adults to come together to discuss youth mental health and suicide prevention, Beth emphasized that giving students a seat at the table—and the opportunity to share their experiences and solutions—has taken the work to a whole new and empowering level.

This November, the Hope Empowerment Coalition—powered by Growth Works—will host its fourth annual conference, designed to support school-based mental health professionals. The event will offer a day of practical learning, peer connection, and most importantly, an uplifting message of resilience and hope.

To learn more about the Hope Empowerment Coalition and how you can get involved, click here.

August 08 2025

The Growth Works Hope Empowerment Coalition is working to improve mental health among teens.

Categories News

“If we have students speaking that are educated in what mental health actually is, talking about mental health, like they’re speaking with a friend – I think that’s could really save lives,” said Victoria Mirch, a peer advisor.

Last week, members from the Hope Empowerment Coalition Student Leadership team, Victoria Mirch and Josh Patterson sat down with Fox 2 Reporter Hilary Golston to share their experiences and why this work to support Mental health is so important. “You really want to talk to them and be open with them,” Josh said. “Personally students have come to me, and you want to be open about what you’ve dealt with, and how you’ve overcome it, and that you’re there for them.”

Brian Galdes, former South Redford School Superintendent and Coalition Coordinator says, “When a student is in crisis, their friends and peers are the first to know,” Galdes said. The children will give the adults ideas on how to best support their peers. Galdes says the coalition model could be duplicated elsewhere – and they are considering it, to make sure kids never have to suffer alone.

This Coalition first started out of a Community Health Needs Assessment at Trinity Health Livonia in 2015. Growth Works worked with the health system, local schools and other involved organizations to bring this coalition to life and brought the necessary funding to launch this work. This Fall, the Coalition will be hosting their fourth annual Mental Health Conference to support school mental health professions with a day of education and learning. For more information about the Hope Empowerment Coalition and their many efforts, please contact Alice Reinke at Alice.Reinke@gwcares.org.

For the full story that aired on Fox 2, click here.

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