Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

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“I would like to tell the kids to find your voice. You might think that it's over. And you think that there's no hope, but don’t think that way. Find your passion and drive yourself in it and turn your pain into your gain.”

Jimaine Wilson understands the impact of Wedgwood’s grace-filled care. What he learned while in Wedgwood’s Residential Program has shaped him and helped him to become the man, and artist, he is today. 

In this Coffee Break Conversation, Jimaine shares his story, offers advice to kids currently receiving treatment at Wedgwood, encourages the Wedgwood staff, and shares a message with those who support our mission.

Learn more about how you can get connected to services, support Wedgwood’s mission, or join our team at www.wedgwood.org. 

Check out Jimaine’s music, his merch, and see when he’s performing:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealsixman
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSixman/ 
• Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/sixman/312409040 
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3q9FLTl 

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“There are so many different myths around human trafficking. When you hear the “human trafficking,” people often assume that it's a situation where someone's being kidnapped or forced into it. When, really, it's easier to get someone to do what you want them to do when you’ve made them feel comfortable.”

Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project is an outreach, dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of young people in West Michigan through awareness, education, advocacy, and treatment. For the last 10 years, Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge has been leading Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project, training first responders, and activating change in our community. 

In this Coffee Break Conversation, Nikeidra talks about the realities of trafficking, how to make a difference, and why Wedgwood’s mission uniquely empowers us to take on this issue. 

Learn more about Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project, get connected resources, or request a training by visiting www.manassehproject.org.

Other Resources:

• Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888
  • Text HELP or INFO to 233733
• Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Videos -
  • Romeo: https://youtu.be/Pj2ZV6M9P3o
  • #StopThisTraffic: https://youtu.be/U0j8fOdFuJI
• SEE. Believe. Disrupt: https://www.seebelievedisrupt.org/

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“When they know that they can trust me and they know that they're safe sharing things with me, then we can really start to touch on the important issues."

Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services help teens, adults, and families overcome the challenges that addiction can bring. James Sherrill, a community-based clinician works primarily with teens in the Ottawa County court system, has walked with countless kids and families on their roads to recovery. To James, it’s when people realize that there is hope that transformation starts to happen. 

In this Coffee Break Conversation, James shares great insight into substance use and how having support, encouragement, and finding hope can make all the difference.

Learn more about Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services and get connected to support by visiting our website www.wedgwood.org/substance-use or by calling our intake lines: 616.930.5004 or 616.240.0612

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“We just love these kids, we show kindness, but it doesn't have to be something that we actually speak about, we can show them in our actions.”

Working in Wedgwood’s Positive Youth Development Program for the last 10 years has shown Gina Boscarino that being a teenager will always come with challenges, and their need for positive support and to be reminded that they are loved doesn’t go away.

In this Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Gina shares about her passion for working with teens and why they are giving her hope for the future. 

Learn more about Wedgwood’s Positive Youth Development Programs, including Teen CHARGE at www.wedgwood.org/services/community-programs/positive-youth-development 

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“Kids are like little sponges; they soak up all the information they might need. But our kids don’t always get as much out of those learning opportunities. So we give them the extra help they need.”

Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development (ACCD) provides and fun, engaging environment for kids with autism spectrum disorder to receive therapy and learn crucial skills. Jennifer Ruffin, the Clinical Supervisor of Training and Transitions Programs, makes sure staff members at Wedgwood’s ACCD have all the skills and support they need to make a life-changing impact on the lives of the kids. 

In this Coffee Break Conversation, Jennifer shares why she loves what she does, why Wedgwood and the ACCD are special, and the importance of a supportive team.

For more information about navigating the diagnosis process, getting connected to services, or for a tour of Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development, visit www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter

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“I call working at Wedgwood ‘James 1:29 work’ It’s good work.”

Steve Carigon has had his hand in a variety of Wedgwood’s programs. In each he has been able to do what he feels he has been called to do – love others.

In this Coffee Break Conversation Steve shares his Wedgwood story, how he sees lives transformed through grace-filled care, and why he thinks Wedgwood’s work makes God smile.

Be a part of a team that is doing good work and truly making a difference in the lives of children, teens, adults, and families in West Michigan. See all career opportunities and apply at www.wedgwood.org/join-our-team

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“Wedgwood is where I'm supposed to be, and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. It's exciting because I feel called to do it.”

Over the last few years Jake Dunlop has been serving on Wedgwood’s Board of Directors, currently serving as Chairperson. During that time, he has learned a great deal about community needs and how Wedgwood has adapted to meet them over the last 61 years. As he oversees strategic planning for the organization, one thing has become quite clear to him: he is called to serve at Wedgwood. 

In this Coffee Break Conversation, Jake shares what it means to serve on the board, what gives him hope, and how he as seen God moving here at Wedgwood.

Wedgwood Christian Services is making a meaningful difference in the lives of kids, adults, and families in West Michigan. You can be a part of the transformation. Visit www.wedgwood.org/hopeful-futures to make a gift today.

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“God is definitely ever present in our department, and I've definitely seen his hand in all of it. We're still getting to do the good hard work with these people.”

Addiction does not discriminate. It’s an issue wreaking havoc on our communities. But Kari Schulte, a clinical supervisor for Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, sees hope for recovery and lives transformed through the dedication and compassion of her team. 

In this Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Kari shares what she thinks makes Wedgwood’s special, the widespread nature of addiction, and how we are coming alongside kids, adults, and families across West Michigan to help them overcome their roadblocks to recovery.

Learn more about Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services and get connected to support by visiting our website www.wedgwood.org/substance-use or by calling our intake lines: 616.930.5004 or 616.240.0612 

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“It is in the small moments, over time, consistently, that we see God moving here at Wedgwood.”

Dr. Dan Gowdy, Wedgwood's President/CEO is proud of the people who work at Wedgwood. He is proud of the work they do and their dedication to offering care that is both professionally excellent and full of grace and compassion. He’s proud of the organization’s calling and mission. And he is full of hope for the agency, our community, and those we serve. 

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation Dan shares his passion for to cultivating an environment where those who rely on Wedgwood’s care to find hope and healing, and an environment in which employees can realize, develop, and fulfill their purpose using their unique, God-given skills. In this conversation, Dan also shares about agency’s response to the challenges of the last year and half and where he is finding joy and hope for brighter futures here at Wedgwood.

You can help children, teens, families, and adults discover their wings and soar into futures full of hope and possibilities. www.wedgwood.org/hopeful-futures

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“One of the coolest things is when a child gets to the point where they recognize that they can do more than just be a passive observer in their own life.”

Wedgwood’s Outpatient Counseling and Community Care Management help kids and families get the support they need as they navigate life’s mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges. Our therapists, with grace, patience, and compassion, help them build self-care tools, develop their sense of self, and understand that there is hope.

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation we talk with Paul Breithaupt, a Wedgwood therapist, about managing mental health, preventing burnout, and the importance of knowing you can make a difference.

Get connected to a therapist or learn more about Wedgwood’s outpatient counseling services at www.wedgwood.org

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