Growth Works Responds to Rising Domestic Violence Incidents

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.

CBS News Detroit Hope Empowerment Coalition Interview

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.

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

“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.

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

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