Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

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“We kind of step in as that person for them that's giving them good information that's answering questions that they have.”

Prevention and Positive Youth Development are a vital part of the comprehensive continuum of care that Wedgwood offers. Through these school and community-based services our team is able to be a source of reliable information, encouragement, and support. 

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation Cathy Racalla, the Prevention Services Team Lead, talks about how the challenges of kids and families have changed (and what challenges have continued), the impact positive youth development and prevention education can have, and how fun activities can also teach important lessons.

Wedgwood provides a comprehensive continuum of care, from prevention education and outpatient counseling services, to residential treatment and aftercare support. Learn more at www.wedgwood.org/services/community-programs/positive-youth-development/

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“I love seeing the ‘Aha!’ moments, when they use skills we’ve been teaching them and helping them practice without reminding them.”

Activity Therapy is a part of Wedgwood’s Recreation & Wellness Services – which is one of our 100% donor-funded Transforming Services. Aileen Fiest is the Activity Therapy Coordinator and Activity Therapist for one of our specialized residential treatment programs.   

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation Aileen talks about leisure and coping skills, the importance of Activity Therapy for kids who have experienced trauma, and how every day activities can have therapeutic benefits.

Wedgwood provides 100% donor-funded Transforming Services, which work together to restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who rely on Wedgwood. Learn more at www.wedgwood.org

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“And that was that was something new to me that I did have, instead of running away from something, I had something I wanted to get to.

This week’s Coffee Break Conversation is a very special conversation. Recorded at Wedgwood’s 61st Anniversary Celebration, Maranda of WOOD TV8 sits down with Dr. Wendi Miller, who spent a portion of her formative teenage years in Wedgwood’s Residential Care.  

“I'm fortunate to be able to sit here and tell you that yes, what you do works and it matters and it's the greatest blessing ever.”

To learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children, teens, families, and adults navigating mental, emotional and behavioral challenges, visit  www.wedgwood.org/giving

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“Impacting a child’s life is really valuable, but to be able to help the whole family, that is where the long-lasting impact is going to happen.”

Dawn Harvey, Chief Program Officer, has been a part of Wedgwood’s team for over 30 years. She was initially drawn to Wedgwood because of the life-changing work being done and the dedication to providing that care with grace and excellence, and it is those same reasons she remains committed and passionate about what she does.  

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation Dawn shares what makes Wedgwood a uniquely effective service provider and special place to work.

You can be a part of a team that is transforming the lives of children, teens, families, and adults through professionally excellent, grace-filled care. See all openings and submit an application at www.wedgwood.org/join-our-team

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“We have to consider what they’ve been through and help them be the leaders of their own story.”

Kali Jackson is the Therapist for one of Wedgwood’s specialized residential programs and helps kids navigate, process, and work through their trauma. 

In this week’s Coffee Break Conversation Kali shares the impact trauma has on treatment approaches, what success look like for kids, and the hope and resiliency she sees here at Wedgwood.

Wedgwood offers specialized Residential Care for children and teens who are struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges stemming from trauma. Learn more about our grace-filled approach at www.wedgwood.org

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“Whether we are the first step, big step, little step, or last step, we are planting seeds.”

Manny Ortiz is the Home Supervisor of one of Wedgwood’s specialized residential programs. While he’s worked at Wedgwood for 3 years, he doesn’t view it as a career. To him, this work is his calling. 

“God has been very good to me, he’s provided me with great people, and I want to do the same for the kids that come through my program.”

In this week’s Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Manny shares what keeps him motivated in his work, how he and his team encourage kids, and the impact understanding and compassion have in treatment.

Wedgwood offers specialized Residential Care for children and teens who are struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges stemming from trauma. Learn more about our grace-filled approach at www.wedgwood.org

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“That's something that's so special about the NextGen Board – everyone just has such a passion for Wedgwood, and we just want to do as much as we can.”

Emily Quellet is the incoming co-chair for the NextGen Board at Wedgwood Christian Services, a group of rising community leaders who are dedicated to advancing the mission of Wedgwood Christian Services by increasing awareness of the organization within their circles of influence, making a positive impact in the lives of Wedgwood clients, supporting agency events, and providing feedback on strategic planning for NextGen initiatives. 

In this week’s Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Emily shares how she initially connected with Wedgwood, what keeps her engaged, and the importance of being actively involved in your community.

Wedgwood’s NextGen Board is currently accepting applications for new members! Learn more about how you can get involved visit www.wedgwood.org/nextgen 

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“Being able to integrate those two things – work and faith together – I think, is tremendous.”

Nathan Kline is the Director of Information Services here at Wedgwood. As the head of our IT team, Nathan was instrumental in getting the organization set up to continue offering vital mental and behavioral health services throughout the pandemic. All within his first couple of weeks at Wedgwood! 

But for Nathan, it’s about more than the computers and technology. It’s about the work being done with them. “We can be so influential in a child life.”

In this week’s Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Nathan discusses how integrating effective technology has been critical, what it means to integrate faith in your work, and why he loves his job.

Learn more about how Wedgwood’s grace-filled mental, emotional, and behavioral health services – many available through teletherapy - are helping children, teens, families, and adults in West Michigan at www.wedgwood.org 

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“Everything we do is through the lens of providing excellent care to those we serve.”

Jeanna Raterink is a Contract Administrator at Wedgwood. In her 20-year tenure at Wedgwood, Jeanna has worked a variety of roles which now help her in making sure community partners, funding sources, and Wedgwood services providers can come together to meet community needs.

“It’s not just paperwork and requirements to me, I see the people behind that.”

In this Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, Jeanna share how Wedgwood’s mission motivates her work, how she’s seen the needs of the community change, and the opportunities organizations have to walk alongside people.

Learn more about how Wedgwood’s grace-filled services are helping children, teens, families, and adults in West Michigan at www.wedgwood.org

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“There is hope, there is a process. We know what to do and things can get better.”

According to the CDC, 1 in 54 children has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Children who have autism spectrum disorders can face serious communication, emotional, and behavioral challenges. But early intervention services can help set kids up for success!

Dr. Candice Lake is the Director of Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development joins us for this Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation to talk about the incredible work being done. She shares some powerful stories and advice for families.

If you or someone you know has a child with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, Wedgwood is here to help! Learn more about the comprehensive, individualize services provided at Wedgwood’s Autism Center at www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter

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