Category Archives: News

“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

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.

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.