Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversations
59 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsProfessional 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
Integrating Faith w/ Nathan Kline
September 22, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.44 MB“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 wi...
Opportunities for Excellence w/ Jeanna Raterink
September 15, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB“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 s...
Embracing the Spectrum w/ Dr. Candice Lake
September 01, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB“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...
Planting Seeds of Hope w/ Michael Voss
August 18, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB“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 ...
Part of Something Bigger Than Myself w/ Chris Rivera
August 11, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB“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...
Meeting You Where You Are w/ Dr. Elizabeth Raese
August 04, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB“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 abou...
Woven in Everything We Do w/ Pastor Arlan
July 28, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB“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...
Finding Purpose w/ Pastor LeRae Kuperus
July 21, 2021 18:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MB“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 th...
Crafting Confidence w/ Jackie Brewster
July 12, 2021 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBThe 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 ...