The Guidance Center

On Monday, the agency held its second "Cool Cuts, Styles and Smiles" event that provided free haircuts/styling and formal portraits to children in The Guidance Center's Children's Behavioral Health program. This sweet event was made possible through a grant from the Eagles for Children organization through the direct support of many members of Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club. Eighteen licensed stylists and barbers (from Daybreak Salon and Spa & Spa and Goodfellas Barber Company, among several others) provided professional services to 45 children (whose photos then were captured by Jefferys Photographic). Thank you to everyone who made this excellent day possible. #guidancecentermi #eaglesforchildren #GIGCC #hairstyle #thankyou

It was wonderful to have United States US Rep. Debbie Dingell join us this morning at The Guidance Center's Belleville Head Start site to read books to the students enrolled in both the Early Head Start and Head Start programs during National Reading Month. Congresswoman Dingell celebrated the joy of reading with the children and was joined by agency President & CEO Laura Huot. Thank you, Representative Dingell! #guidancecentermi #headstart #NationalReadingMonth #reading

Today, The Guidance Center President & CEO Laura Huot and Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center Melanie Richards are meeting with state legislators in Lansing to update our leaders on the agency's Kids-TALK CAC, which is the largest Children's Advocacy Center in Michigan. Each year, Kids-TALK is called upon to help more than 2,000 children who are victims of sexual abuse or other forms of trauma. Our vision is to break the cycle of child sexual abuse and build a safer, more supportive community for children throughout Wayne County. It is important to engage community leaders, partner agencies, and government officials to ensure that we fully leverage all available resources to effectively respond to community needs. #kidstalkcac #guidancecentermi #advocacy #ChildrensAdvocacyCenter #ProtectingChildren

#Savethedate! Please mark your calendars for our annual Grape Expectations for Kids Dinner on September 18 at a beautiful new location: The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms! ? ? The Guidance Center invites you to join us for this impactful event that supports Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center. Let's come together to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Wayne County. We look forward to seeing you there! ? ? Sponsorships, tickets, and more information available at https://lnkd.in/g8m3vrir? ? ? #kidstalkcac?#guidancecentermi?#grapeexpectationsforkidsdinner2025? #TheWarMemorial?#childrensadvocacycenters?#nonprofit??

?? Know Your Rights: Special Education – A Free Parent Advocacy Session Join MiPAAC in Downriver for a Special Education Advocacy Information Session to gain knowledge and tools to navigate the special education system and advocate for your child. ?? Thursday, February 27, 2025 ? 5:00-7:00pm ??The Guidance Center ?Building 4, Door D (Located at the back of the building) 13101 Allen Rd. Southgate, MI 48195 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gAv8N5hi Topics covered: ?Explore the IEP Process (Child Find / Eligibility) ?Understand Least Restrictive Environment ?Learn effective advocacy strategies ?Discuss current challenges for students and families

Last night's Champions of Wayne Student Achievement Banquet was our biggest yet, as we honored 277 students for their hard work this past semester to build high grades and academic success. Students and their family members were welcomed to the event at Wayne Tree Manor by Champions founder and primary sponsor Richard Helppie. After dinner we were moved by speeches from Briana Johanson, WMHS Class of 2024; Tracy Phan, WMHS Class of 2026; Fareeha Mehmood, WMHS Class of 2025; and an amazing video from WHMS '17 Alumna Trinity Atkins who recorded a message of gratitude and hope all the way from her job at Nickelodeon in California! Finally we heard from Scott Arnest, a WMHS teacher and Champions mentor who left us with the message to "lead with love" and always respect others. After these powerful presentations the students received their stipend checks from Rich Helppie, program sponsor and President & CEO of Arrow Strategies Jeff Styers and his wife Lisa, and Guidance Center CEO Laura Huot. Students were all smiles as they walked the stage and celebrated their academic success with their families. We are honored to host this banquet for all of the hard working students at WMHS and congratulate them for their achievements! #championsofwayne #guidancecentermi #studentsuccess #mentors #congratulations

#blackhistorymonth #guidancecentermi

This week staff in our agency's Head Start program participated in the National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. Director of Early Learning Education Adrienne Sewell and Assistant Director of Early Learning Education Suzanne Wilson were joined by Leslie Windless, a former TGC Head Start parent who is working on her doctorate degree, serves on the School Board in Dearborn Heights, and is a strong advocate for the Head Start program. Together the team met with Congressman Gary Peters, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and the staff of Representative Shri Thanedar to discuss the importance and positive impact that Head Start has on children, families and communities. We are grateful for the strong support and advocacy each of these leaders has shown for the Head Start program and are proud of our staff for representing our agency and the children we serve! #guidancecentermi #NHSA #headstart #HeadStartStrong #washingtondc

One week from today - Wed., February 5 - Do Good for The Guidance Center and enjoy a great meal at Chipotle Mexican Grill! #guidancentermi #fundraiser #chipotle #goodfood #TFCO

It's not too early to secure your sponsorship or purchase your tickets for https://lnkd.in/gFmMtJtc at the beautiful waterfront home of Heidie Hmgorno. Heidie and daughter Cindy Czarnik are hosting our Friday, June 6 fundraiser this year, working with returning Chairs Katie Vitale, Santina Bragadin, and Christina Daly Gruber, and our Live Auctioneer Extraordinaire Joe Gruber, MCD, MiPDM! The Guidance Center's children's programming, Community Resource Center, and Nurture the Future - The Guidance Center benefit. See you there and rev up for an unforgettable evening! #guidancecentermi #summerglow #grosseile #fundraiser #waterfront