Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

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In this episode, Hillary and Nick Bayer explore the rising trend of substance use disorders among adolescents, focusing particularly on marijuana use. They discuss the environmental and mental health factors contributing to this trend and highlight the importance of addressing these issues to provide effective support for individuals struggling with addiction.

The conversation covers the complexities of addiction recovery, including recognizing signs of addiction, addressing underlying issues, and offering ongoing support to prevent relapses.

Nick emphasizes that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and underscore the...

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In this episode, Hillary and Brina Tiemeyer discuss the critical topic of framing suicide as a public health issue. They highlight the importance of using language that de-stigmatizes suicide and providing trauma-informed care.

The conversation covers the need for understanding and intervening in suicidal thoughts, particularly among teenagers and adolescents, and emphasizes approaching the topic with empathy and sensitivity.

Brina and Hillary address the challenges of discussing suicide and suicide prevention, including the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of open, honest conversations.

Tune in for insights...

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In this episode, Hillary and Gina Boscarino discuss the complex challenges of raising teenagers in the digital age. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for teens to talk about the issues they face and offer guidance on navigating social media and technology use. Emphasizing the need for strong relationships with teachers, classmates, and community members, they explore strategies to help teenagers build resilience.

The conversation also highlights the importance of educating both parents and children about the dangers of teen substance abuse, including the increased potency of vaping and...

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In this episode, Hillary and Katrina discuss the unique challenges that back-to-school transitions pose for both kids and adults, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Katrina offers practical tips for helping children prepare, such as communication, preparation, and setting expectations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for raising neurodivergent children.

They also touch on the need for accommodations in schools to create a welcoming environment for children with ASD. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and insights to make the back-to-school season smoother...

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In this episode of "Coffee Break Conversation," Hillary sits down with Asha to discuss the unique challenges faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, education, and community engagement. Asha shares her personal journey of becoming a mental health therapist, shedding light on the specific obstacles encountered by people of color within the foster care system and the mental health field.

The discussion dives into the critical role of cultural competence in mental health care and encourages white community members to support...

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Join Hillary for a special episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation as she sits down with Maranda, a beloved figure in the West Michigan community, and long time partner with Wedgwood.

In this episode, Maranda shares her experiences and passion for empowering kids and families through her work in local media.

With nearly 40 years of experience working for WOODTV8, Maranda discusses the evolving challenges children face today, from cultural shifts to mental health issues, and the importance of genuine communication and connection.

We dive into her ne...

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In this episode, Hillary and Asu discuss what seeking professional help for your mental health can look like, the importance of breaking the stigma of therapy, and the benefits of counseling.

Asu shares his experience with the cultural differences in mental health from where his family comes from (Rwanda). He also emphasizes that seeking help shows strength, not weakness. 

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation is available wherever you listen to p...

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In this episode of Coffee Break Conversation, host Hillary sits down with Jason Olvera, a Clinician at Wedgwood. Together they explore the true meaning of self-care. Beyond the buzzword, they discuss practical steps to incorporate self-care into your daily life, as well as how to balance life's demands while prioritizing your mental health. So grab your coffee (or tea) and join us for a meaningful conversation on taking care of yourself.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org

Wedgwood's Coffee...

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In this Season 4 Premiere episode of Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation, Hillary and Kali discuss the importance of boundaries.

Kali, a mental health expert from Wedgwood, emphasizes the unique and vital role boundaries play in personal and professional relationships. Together, they explore the necessity of clear communication, vulnerability, and problem-solving skills in maintaining healthy boundaries.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org

For more information on Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

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“And we let these youth know that they are loved regardless of what they did. And we are here to help them. We aren't here not to judge them, but to build them back up to encourage them, to give them hope. To let them know that they don't have to be a product of what they came from because they do have a second chance and we do our best to give them a second chance.”

DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems, or as many of the teens in our Residential Program call...

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“You help them learn those skills, you just start to see their interests, what makes them happy, and kind of start to see them being able to live who they are.”

Launched in 2015, Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development, or ACCD, is truly transforming lives. Through individualized, center-based therapies, the team at Wedgwood’s ACCD works with young children with autism spectrum disorders – helping them develop crucial skills. In today’s episode, Keili Scott (Clinical Supervisor of Early Intervention & After-School Programs) & Jen Ruffin (Clinical Supervisor of Training and Transitions...

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“Just be supportive. Kids need to be listened to and not just pushed to the side […] don't label our kids, any other kids. Just be understanding, build those relationships, because when you have relationships, that kid will trust you and share with you what they need.”

When kids and families are involved with the court system, they often work with the probation team. Today’s guest, Marcela Moralez-Morris, has worked with these families in Kent County for 24 years. She joins us today to talk about the state of kids and fami...

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“But the more often there's trauma, and there's pain, there's misunderstandings, and there's feelings of isolation. So I have the power of just showing people love and giving them some connection and giving them the space to be whoever they need to be, encouraging them on the journey to whoever God wants them to be. Instead of telling them how they need to be, which is really powerful. Because I'm coming alongside, I get to help them to flourish in whatever capacity God wants them to flourish.”

It’s no sec...

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In today’s episode, we talk to Dr. Heidi Cate, Superintendent of Integrity Educational Services about the district’s history and connection to Wedgwood, the challenges students are facing, and some of the ways Heidi and her team are finding collaborative, whole-student solutions to help kids succeed.

You can hear more insights from Heidi and other community experts at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Discussion on March 21. For details and tickets, visit www.wedgwood.org/sotc

To learn more about Integrity Education Services and how you can get in...

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“We need to do it well in a way that brings honor to His name. That was one of the things that we talked about. We talked about how Jesus wanted us to love Him and love each other. […] And it was a commandment and wasn't an option.”

In today’s Dick Gritter, Wedgwood’s Executive Director of 33 years (1968-2001), and current Wedgwood team member Kali Jackson have a special “Then-and-Now” conversation about the founders’ vision for a distinctively Christian, professionally excellent organizations, and how our core values such as diversity and...

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“[Diversity] – it’s a part of who we are, it's part of our identity, a part of our fiber. We're working with kids teaching them that, hey, you belong to God, everybody's created in the image of God and that is special.”

Wedgwood’s core values are Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity. In today’s episode Pastor Arlan Palmer, Wedgwood’s Diversity Coordinator and Chaplain talks about how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral parts of not only how Wedgwood operates, but also our Christian faith.

To learn more abo...

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“We should not underestimate the power of showing up. If you want to turn the tide, you’ve got to show up for kids, including kids that aren't yours, and treat them as if they are.”

In today’s episode Andy Soper, community advocate and consultant, sits down for a conversation about understanding and addressing trauma, a community and collaborative approach to empowering youth, and the realities of human trafficking and other challenges in our community.

To learn more about Wedgwood’s whole-person approach, commitment to collaboration, and partne...

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“God has a future for Wedgwood. And we need to grow because the need for Wedgwood, is growing. And if God has put his hand on Wedgwood and said, ‘Okay, I got something for you.’ We need to rise to that occasion, and find ways to strengthen our systems to invest in the people that make this work.”

In today’s episode Wedgwood’s President/CEO Dr. Dan Gowdy provides an Executive Update – a look back at 2022 and God’s faithfulness, and a look ahead to the future – for our organization a...

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“Yes, January is Trafficking Awareness Month. But one of the main things that I want people to know that is, that is a month that we've set aside to acknowledge it, but this happens every day… I just want people to know that, first of all, trafficking is a real thing. It's not the Taken movie that you that you've seen. There are a lot of myths that are going around, and we have to be careful about the information we’re sharing.”

In today’s episode Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge joins us f...

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“Wedgwood is not just a place where we house kids until they're no longer a danger, it's just not. I think there's a perception of like, oh, it's “juvie-lite.” We do so many, really good things that help them. We're not just housing kids here. These are kids who need to be loved, who have unfortunately not seen a lot of love or felt a lot of love. And they're getting it here.”

In today’s episode Steve Carigon joins us for a Coffee Break Conversation. As Wedgwood’s Youth Minist...

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“I teach the kids that we can fix just about anything. But sometimes we can't. Sometimes we can't fix things. And we just have to make it work and do the best we can with what the issue is. If there's a problem, we'll talk about it, compensate and do something else.”

In today’s episode we join Dick Teft, an Employment Training Specialist, in Wedgwood’s Woodshop for a Coffee Break Conversation about the importance and value of developing kids’ interpersonal skills in a hands-on employment setting, and how God is...

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“I see a lot of folks on believing the lie from depression or believing the lie of anxiety, that it's going to be forever. Depression’s favorite lie is, you'll never be happy again, you don't remember what it feels like to be happy, you're going to feel this way forever. That's actually not true. It's just not true.”

In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, Sophia Dykstra, a therapist at Wedgwood sits down for Coffee Break Conversation talks about how mental illness tells us lies and can impact the whole fa...

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“[My advice for kids at Wedgwood is] I think it's a really good opportunity for them to start picking up those pieces and taking control of who they are, even if it's little tiny baby steps, just doing one thing a day they can to focus on themselves.”

In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat with Ashley Ward, Founder and CEO of Hire for Hope, who, as a community advocate and business leader, has been honored with several awards and recognitions. She shares insights on recruitment and retention, her he...

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“Nonprofits like Wedgwood really add to the fabric of a community like Grand Rapids. We're blessed, there's a number of fantastic nonprofit organizations that come alongside whether it's children, or senior adults, or whoever might be in need. I think [many of us] think about and we might be moved by, as we're looking at the scriptures, [our] responsibility to take care of the widows and orphans and what to do for the least of these. When we work with an organization like Wedgwood, we know that we're giving our money for th...