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.

Hope for Juvenile Offenders and Paving the Path for Others

When it comes to juvenile justice, those with lived experience offer invaluable insights into improving the system. In January 2021, a group of former Growth Works clients, staff members, and community stakeholders came together to form the Juvenile Advisory Council (JAC), with the mission of connecting youth with direct experience in the youth justice system to support current participants. The council provides a platform for sharing ideas to enhance the rehabilitative process and systems change.

Since its inception, the council has made a significant impact. It developed a comprehensive handbook to guide youth and families navigating the court process, organized community services and activities for justice involved youth, and recognized the dedication of community members who play a vital role in the system. Additionally, several young men on the council have been instrumental in creating a framework to integrate Credible Messenger practices, using their own lived experience to mentor and support youth currently involved in the youth justice system. Several of the Council members also served on the State of Michigan Task Force for Juvenile Justice Reform.

As part of its ongoing commitment to youth advocacy, Growth Works is proud to announce that, in 2025, the council will be renamed the Western Wayne Youth Advisory Council and will operate as a subcommittee of the Growth Works Board of Directors. “The Youth Advisory Council will allow the Board of Directors to have a direct line

of communication with former clients who can share their lived experiences. What better way to improve and learn from those on the receiving end of the services Growth Works provides?” says Growth Works Board President and former client, David Sculati. This transition will further elevate the voices of youth and families, ensuring they are heard, represented, and empowered to advocate for meaningful changes in the youth justice system.

Youth Advisory Council Chair, John Casteel says,” This work is important to me because it is who I am, I’ve been involved with the juvenile justice system my entire life. I don’t just have a dog in the fight, I am the dog in the fight. My experience is that if the right people are in the right places we can make lasting change in lives.”

This new structure will also provide a critical support and mentorship pathway for youth currently under court jurisdiction. By continuing to engage individuals with lived experience in shaping system improvements, the Western Wayne Youth Advisory Council will play a pivotal role in building a youth justice system that truly supports the rehabilitation and well-being of youth in need. “It is exciting and powerful to witness young people who have been impacted by the youth justice system to be able to use their voices and their stories to not only help others but as part of their own healing journey. The YAC members’ stories, thoughts and ideas are vital to transforming juvenile probation for the clients and families we serve,” says Growth Works Care Management Program Director, Jen Sibel.

Growth Works Welcomes Judge Kathleen McCann to Board of Directors

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Board of Directors: Judge Kathleen McCann! A distinguished leader in her community and the legal field, Judge McCann brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to justice, and a passion for making a meaningful impact.

Judge McCann’s remarkable career began after she graduated from the Detroit College of Law, followed by years of service as a Wayne County assistant prosecutor. She then founded a domestic relations law firm in Oakland County before being elected to the 16th District Court in 1995. Following in the footsteps of her late father, the esteemed James McCann, Judge McCann played a pivotal role in securing funding for a new courthouse, which now bears his name—James R. McCann Hall of Justice Courthouse.

A true champion for her community, Judge McCann’s legacy includes the successful launch of Livonia’s Sobriety Court program in 2006, a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed countless lives. As she describes it, the program has been “life-changing” for many participants, providing them with the tools to overcome addiction and rebuild their futures. Her work in this area has had a profound impact on individuals and families in Livonia and beyond.

Having lived in Livonia for most of her life, Judge McCann remains deeply dedicated to supporting her community, and she now brings that same commitment to Growth Works. Her passion for helping others and her unwavering belief in the power of second chances align perfectly with our mission to empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve lasting success.

Growth Works CEO, Nick Griswold says, ”We are honored to have Judge McCann join the Growth Works family, and we look forward to the incredible impact we will make together as we continue to support our clients and transform lives.”

Please join us in welcoming Judge Kathleen McCann to our Board of Directors!

About Growth Works
Established in 1971, Growth Works continues to provide our clients with extraordinary support as they navigate substance use treatment and the youth justice system. We are proud of our many accomplishments and successes in supporting youth and families with a variety of essential services. Our mission is to help individuals and families restore hope, support change and improve their lives. For more information, please contact Laura.Reiners@gwcares.org.

Growth Works Development Update

Exciting things are happening at Growth Works! Thanks to key grant awards and partnerships, we’re expanding our reach and enhancing critical services for those in need.

Peer Coaching at Trinity Health Ann Arbor

We’re proud to announce that Growth Works has been awarded an MDHHS grant to expand our Peer Recovery Coaching services at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital! This funding closes a critical service gap, allowing us to provide 24/7 emergency response support—ensuring individuals in crisis always have access to a Peer Coach when they need it most.

Fighting Youth Suicide with the HOPE Coalition

Growth Works is proud to be a United Way funded agency and continuing that partnership, we are proud to have been awarded the Plymouth Community United Way partnership grant. With this funding, Growth Works will continue our work with the HOPE Coalition. This grant will support our mission to end youth suicide, including the facilitation of our annual Mental Health Conference each fall—bringing together experts, resources, and community members to make a lasting impact.

Expanding the Mobile Community Closet

We are also honored to receive the CAPTRUST Employee Grant, which will support the Growth Works Mobile Community Closet initiative. This program serves 500 families each summer, providing essential items like hygiene products, clothing, and other necessities to our most at-risk residents in Western Wayne County. Thanks to CAPTRUST’s generosity, we can continue to meet these vital community needs!

Summer Programming & Volunteer Opportunities

As we gear up for summer, Growth Works is planning volunteer opportunities and upcoming Mobile Community Closet Days in partnership with local organizations. If you or your organization are interested in getting involved, we’d love to connect!

Stay tuned for details on our fall initiatives, which are designed to educate, engage, and build a stronger community around youth services.

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!