From June 22-26th, the Baldwin Center and Henry Ford Health Systems Maplegrove Center teamed together to provide a free "Drug Free That's Me!" camp for the kids in the community. Maplegrove Camp taught healthy communication skills and tips to help the kids stay drug free, they also learned life lessons on how to deal with stress in their life.
Christina Meli, the youth center director said, "Maplegrove camp helped the children open up and talk about their problems, and really have a chance to get their voices heard by an adult."
Not only was this camp great for the kids, but it was also a great opportunity for volunteers to become mentors, and really help kids stay drug free. The camp helped about 40 kids a day cope with their feelings about drugs and stress in their lives.
Your Summer of Service Begins Here
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Baldwin Center. Without you, we can't operate.
President Obama has issued a call for all Americans to serve this summer, and if you're looking for a place to begin - you've found it! Our large numbers of dedicated volunteers allow us to carry out our mission with a small staff and low overhead costs.
Our volunteers work with us in established programs serving those in need. They also lead projects and create new programs where they see a need. Our volunteers are empowered to make a difference in the lives of the many people we serve.
The numbers of people coming through our doors are rising at a staggering rate; we need your help to serve our community. Start here. Work here.
You can see some of the positions we have ready at allforgood.org. If you don't see what you're looking for, give Jason a call or email. I will find a way to bring your passion to work for good!
Three New Ways to Give to Baldwin
In addition to clicking the "Donate Now" button to the left in support of the Baldwin Center's mission, there are three unique ways you can make a monetary gift:
For all you United Methodists, the Baldwin Center has been approved as an advance project for the 2009-2012 quadrennium. Our Advance number is 161125. You can donate directly online at the Board of Global Ministries website or through your local congregation.
Detroit Conference United Methodists can also give through Ministry Jubilee. The Ministry Jubilee number is MJ1150. The gift can also be given through your local congregation.
Federal Employees can designate Baldwin as a workplace deduction in the Combined Federal Campaign. CFC#35580.
-->Baldwin Hires New Resource Developer
The Baldwin Center welcomes Jason Morgan as its new resource developer. Jason will be responsible for volunteer management and development.
According to Executive Director Lisa Machesky, "we are excited to have Jason aboard. During these tough economic times we need to think about all our resources--both people and financial. Jason has the skills and experience necessary to do both."
Some of Jason's goals include bringing more groups to Baldwin so that more can "experience Baldwin" and to increase the number of individuals and churches that support Baldwin financially.
Prior to coming to Baldwin Jason was working as a substitute teacher in the Pontiac Public Schools and has been active in the
Presbytery of Detroit. He has an undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College and a Master of Divinity degree from Boston University.
Jason is a Pontiac resident, a father of a young son and married to Amy Morgan, a Presbyterian minister in Birmingham. To contact Jason email him at jmorgan@baldwincenter.org.
Clothing Closet Has New Home
Thanks to over 30 volunteers participating in the Martin Luther King Day of Service sponsored by the United Way, the Clothing Closet now has a new home at 200 Baldwin. This is the building that formerly housed the youth programs and the Holiday Store. It is a much larger and more inviting space.
Over 200 families visit the clothing closet each week where they receive used clothing free of charge. The clothing closet also assists victims of fires and residents of area domestic violence shelters and substance abuse treatment centers. Donations of gently used clothing and small household items are always welcome.
The Baldwin Center is also looking for volunteers to sort clothing Monday through Friday from 9 to 4 pm. Call 248.332.6101 if interested.
Campaign for Youth Meets Match
Baldwin has been a bright spot in many children’s lives for over 25 years. Through our after school and summer enrichment programs youth have found a safe and enriching place with adults who care.
In order to continue its commitment to Pontiac’s youth, the Baldwin Center has launched a financial Campaign for Youth that will raise $200,000 dedicated to youth programming.
The Young Foundation has issued a challenge grant for this effort, for the first $50,000 raised the Young Foundation will match every dollar raised. As of January 10th, the match has been exceeded!! Special thanks go to FIRST foundation of Birmingham First Presbyterian Church, the Filmer Foundation, Trips for Kids and the DeRoy Foundation. Additional appreciation goes to each and every one of you who are committed to making sure every child succeeds!
Help support the youth of Pontiac by contributing to the campaign today!
Campaign Letter
Baldwin Center kicked off the summer with the Summer Enrichment Program on Monday June 29th. Over 50 children in the program started their day off with a healthy breakfast followed by a relaxing yoga class. The kids then broke off into separate groups by age and grade then separated into different color groups: orange, purple, green, and blue. After breaking up into different groups they began their daily lessons.