Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversations artwork

Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversations

59 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

Professional advice and personal experiences of hope in mental health, residential care, youth programs, substance use, care for children with autism, and more. Take it from the folks at Wedgwood Christian Services, a nationally accredited and state-renowned nonprofit: grace-filled care transforms lives. So, take a break, grab a cup of coffee, and relax. We'd love to talk with you.

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Episodes

Actions Speak Louder than Words w/ DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems

May 08, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

“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 her – Mama DeeDee – is the Supervisor of our...

How Communication Skills Can Change Everything w/ Keili Scott & Jen Ruffin

April 26, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

“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 Ea...

Advocating for Youth Mental Health in the Juvenile Court System w/ Marcela Moralez-Morris

April 10, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

“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...

Reasons Teens Use Substances w/ Hannah Reed

March 27, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

“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 flouris...

Beyond Grades - Equipping Students to Succeed w/ Dr Heidi Cate

March 13, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

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 m...

Modeling Diversity - from Past to Present w/ Dick Gritter & Kali Jackson

February 27, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

“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 organizati...

Celebrating Diversity & Bringing the Kingdom Wherever We Go w/ Rev. Arlan Palmer

February 13, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

“[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 ...

Building Safer Systems: Addressing the Root Causes of Human Trafficking w/ Andy Soper

January 30, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

“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...

Executive Update w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy

January 20, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

“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 and our co...

Stop This Traffic w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge

January 09, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

“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 for a Coff...

Extravagant Love w/ Steve Carigon

November 28, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

“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 Ministry Leader, Ste...

More than Work w/ Dick Teft

November 14, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.78 MB

“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 se...

Finding the Grain of Truth w/ Sophia Dykstra

October 12, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

“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 impac...

Stability & Hope w/ Ashley Ward

September 19, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

“[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 r...

Building Foundations of Hope w/ Mick McGraw

September 12, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.31 MB

“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 t...

A Marathon, not a Sprint w/ Jason Olvera

September 05, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

“Addiction is messy, and it is hard and it is difficult. It often takes time to get where we want to go. And if we want to help kids, we’ve got to help their parents, we’ve got to help their aunts, their uncles, we’ve got to help their grandmothers and grandfathers.” In today’s Coffee Break Conversation, we chat Jason Olvera, one of Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Clinicians. We talk about a few of the different kinds of services Wedgwood offers and why different types are treat...

Joining Your Journey w/ Beth Oman

August 29, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

“And there's a lot of kids out there that are just struggling. I’ve heard from a lot of places that no one accepts kids, no one takes care of kid. Not true. We do. That’s what we’re here for. Wedgwood has the means and the resources to help them.” The need for mental health support is great, and many services in West Michigan have long waiting lists. Wedgwood’s Psychiatric Services not only have immediate openings, but are available for the whole family – including children as young as six ...

Meeting Each Individual’s Needs w/ Rebecca Kelm

August 22, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.75 MB

“It’s really important for kids to feel accepted and loved. Most of the challenging behaviors we see stem from an ‘Are you going to love me, are you going to love me for me?’ mentality. We can say, ‘Hey, I appreciate you and who you are is important to me.’ And that, to me, is the resounding love of Christ.” In this Coffee Break Conversation, we talk with Residential Home Supervisor Rebecca Kelm about the importance of Residential Care, how faith integrates into treatment – for both our sta...

Whole-Person Wellness w/ Chris Stehlik

August 08, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

“They are just children. They make have been that kid that was having a rough day, and telling you all about it, but they are skill kids. They may be 12, they maybe 18 but they are still a child that needs all that nurturing, and everything we can do from all the areas of wellness in order for them to lead positive lives.” August is Wellness Month! In this Coffee Break Conversation, Recreation Therapist Chris Stehlik talks about what wellness is, how it’s multidimensional and interconnected...

Investing in People

August 01, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

“Yes, it's big work that we do, and it's super important, but I like the opportunity to pour into other people, to develop them to give them the skills and the tools that have made me successful in my role, and help them be successful in theirs.” Justin Malcolm is one of Wedgwood Christian Services’ incredible Residential Treatment Home Supervisors, who knows that investing in people and helping them develop their skills is crucial – crucial to his team feeling confident and capable in thei...

Investing in People w/ Justin Malcolm

August 01, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

“Yes, it's big work that we do, and it's super important, but I like the opportunity to pour into other people, to develop them to give them the skills and the tools that have made me successful in my role, and help them be successful in theirs.” Justin Malcolm is one of Wedgwood Christian Services’ incredible Residential Treatment Home Supervisors, who knows that investing in people and helping them develop their skills is crucial – crucial to his team feeling confident and capable in thei...

Focusing on Others w/ Jason Lheureux

July 25, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

“All of our community depends on how we take care of our children. And the health of the community today dictates where we're going tomorrow. It might not feel like it affects us right now, but it will affect us.” When kids have experienced trauma and are removed from their homes and communities for one reason or another, Wedgwood serves as a place where kids can heal and continue to grow. Jason Lheureux, an Associate Director of Residential Programs here at Wedgwood, knows that Residential...

More Than a Diagnosis w/ Brina Tiemeyer

July 18, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

“Here at Wedgwood, we see you as a person first, and we want to meet you where you're at, and we want to help. We don't see you as a diagnosis, you are always a person first.” The complexity and intensity of mental and behavioral needs continues to grow. Brina Tiemeyer, Clinical Supervisor in Wedgwood’s Community Mental Health Programs, knows that to address this growing need, individuals need integrated, well-rounded, tailored care. In this Coffee Break Conversation, Brina talks about the...

Showing Up w/ Scott Peterson

July 11, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

“It's not about us as individuals. It's not really, dare I say, it's not even about therapy. It's about relationships and growth.” Wedgwood’s Residential Program offers safety, stability, and care to kids who have experienced some form of trauma in their young lives – which is sometimes compounded by other challenges like developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. Scott Peterson has spent the last 8 years working with these teens in Wedgwood’s VanderArk Program, providing special...

Expert Advice – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 6

May 11, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.26 MB

“My best piece of advice for everyone in the audience is that when trauma and mental health, substance abuse, any of these aspects are on the table. The only way out is through, talk about it stop avoiding the situation.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our final in the State ...

Relationships – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 5

May 04, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

“A healthy relationship is not a one-and-done conversation. It’s about opening the space and having that ongoing conversation, and showing that you care.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our second in the State of the Child series, we dive into a conversation about Healthy Rel...

Life Online – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 4

April 27, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

“I feel like social media is part of the reason why there's so much stress and anxiety.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our fourth in the State of the Child series, we dive into a conversation about Life Online. Teens from Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE student leadership group share...

Life Online – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 4

April 27, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

“I feel like social media is part of the reason why there's so much stress and anxiety.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our fourth in the State of the Child series, we dive into a conversation about Life Online. Teens from Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE student leadership group share...

Substance Use – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 3

April 20, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

“I like to have the open and honest conversation with kids. Thank them for telling me, but then what can we do? Why are you vaping? Okay, so you're anxious, tell me a little bit more about that. And then how can I help you?” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our third in the Sta...

Substance Use – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 3

April 20, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

“I like to have the open and honest conversation with kids. Thank them for telling me, but then what can we do? Why are you vaping? Okay, so you're anxious, tell me a little bit more about that. And then how can I help you?” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, our third in the Sta...

Trauma – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 2

April 13, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MB

“I think it's really important for adults to be a safe place for kids, whether that's a teacher, whether that's a parent, whether that's a coach, we need to put our phones down, and we need to be making eye contact with our kids. They need to know that you're present and that you're there and that you're a safe space for them.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at We...

Mental Health – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 1

April 06, 2022 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.26 MB

“Childhood seems fun. But there are things that people are going through, and there are even times where like, we just put on a show. Most of us kids are really good actors, and you might not believe it.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation.  In this Coffee Break Conversation, we kick off our State of the Child serie...

Finding Your Voice w/ Jimaine Wilson

March 30, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.07 MB

“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 ...

Stepping Up to End Human Trafficking w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge

January 19, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

“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 ...

Empowering Change w/ James Sherrill

January 12, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

“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...

All Done in Love w/ Gina Boscarino

January 05, 2022 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.39 MB

“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 a...

Without Limits w/ Jennifer Ruffin

December 29, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

“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 A...

Providing a Positive Influence w/ Steve Carigon

December 22, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

“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, te...

Called to Serve w/ Jake Dunlop

December 15, 2021 11:00 - 14 minutes - 9.7 MB

“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 t...

Overcoming Roadblocks w/ Kari Schulte

December 08, 2021 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.51 MB

“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 shar...

For Such a Time as This w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy

December 01, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

“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 D...

Managing Mental Health w/ Paul Breithaupt

November 24, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

“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....

Managing Mental Health w/ Paul Breithaupt

November 24, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

“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....

Work You Put Your Heart Into w/ Cathy Racalla

November 17, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

“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 cha...

Living & Learning w/ Aileen Fiest

November 03, 2021 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.38 MB

“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 im...

Future Full of Hope & Possibility w/ Dr. Wendi Miller

October 27, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

“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...

Growing in Grace w/ Dawn Harvey

October 20, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 7.28 MB

“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 Coff...

Trauma & Resiliency w/ Kali Jackson

October 13, 2021 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.5 MB

“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...

Sense of Calling w/ Manuel Ortiz

October 06, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

“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...

Bridging the Gap w/ Emily Quellet

September 29, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

“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, su...