Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

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“We are planting and watering seeds.”

Michael Voss is the Residential Program Manager at Wedgwood, and his role here is so much more than his job – it’s his calling.

Michael has an incredible story of what led him to his calling of helping people, what brought him to Wedgwood, and what keeps him going. He strives to model his faith and Wedgwood’s mission and values in everything he does.

“Honestly, I can’t see any other way to do it.”

You can use your skills and talents to live out your calling to serve others at Wedgwood! Join a team that is truly making a difference in the lives of others by seeing all current openings and applying at www.wedgwood.org/join-our-team 

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“It’s a whole person, and whole community approach.”

Chris Rivera is the Director of Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, a team that is committed to providing grace-filled support for those in West Michigan struggling with addiction.

Recovery is journey, and rarely stems from just one problem or reason. Chris talks about Wedgwood’s person-centered approach and how the process of overcoming addiction requires grace, patience, boundaries, consistency, and community. 

“It’s really about the work we are doing, providing great services for the West Michigan community.”

Wedgwood offers comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Services for adolescents and adults across West Michigan. Learn more and get connected to support at www.wedgwood.org/substance-use

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“We truly care about the people we are serving.”

Dr. Elizabeth Raese is the Associate Director of Mental Health Community Programs here at Wedgwood Christian Services. To Dr. Raese, relationships, compassion, grace and are at the core of our mental, emotional, and behavioral health services and vital to walking with people through difficult seasons.

In this Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, we discuss mental health, how needs for services have intensified, what might surprise people about counseling, and why support systems are so important.

Learn more about Wedgwood’s dedication to providing compassionate mental, emotional, and behavioral health services in West Michigan at  www.wedgwood.org

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“They just want you to be who you are, love them, and meet them where they are.” 

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been extending God’s love to children, teens, and families in West Michigan. To Pastor Arlan Palmer, Wedgwood’s Diversity Coordinator and Chaplain, showing the love and grace of God continues to be at the core of everything we do: from paperwork, to providing treatment, to interactions with others. 

Pastor Arlan shares how supporting youth in Wedgwood’s care as they rebuild trust, establish a sense of community, and rediscover their value helps them to grow and heal, and empowering staff members to cultivate a culture dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion creates a safe environment to love others well. 

Learn more about Wedgwood’s grace-filled approach to care at www.wedgwood.org. 

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“What is my purpose?”

It’s a question we all ask. For many the kids in Wedgwood’s residential care, it is a question that no one has explored with them. 

Pastor LeRae Kuperus, Chief Officer of Mission Integration and Director of Spiritual Formation, shares her experience with helping clients at Wedgwood navigate soul-searching questions and mental health. Listen as LeRae talks about faith, chaplaincy, and the power of investing in a child’s spiritual well-being.

“They want to learn who they are. They want to be able to trust people. They want to find purpose in their life. As pastors here, we can point to that purpose.”

For more information on Wedgwood’s grace-filled approach to spiritual care, visit www.wedgwood.org.

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The Employment Training Program (ETP) is a hands-on, work-based approach to care for hurting youth. Teens in Wedgwood’s residential program gain workplace experience through the crafting and business operations of the ETP woodworking and sewing shop.

Join Jackie Brewster, Program Manager, as she shares the hope and confidence that ETP instills in kids at Wedgwood, the behavioral challenges that ETP addresses, and the renewed mental and emotional health of the clients.

“Their spirit shines - you can see it – they don’t want to leave work… they feel good about themselves.” 

Learn more about Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program at www.wedgwood.org/employment-training.

Find ETP’s Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/WedgwoodETP.

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