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The IMPACT
SHARING HOPE, PROVIDING HELP, TRANSFORMING LIVES. SPRING 2018 | VOL 33. | NO. 1.
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The IMPACT | Spring 2018 | VOL. 33 | NO. 1

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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03 Light of the World

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Randy Zylstra, President/CEO

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Ellen Bruinsma, Chairperson David Israels
Jennifer Greenop, Treasurer Andrea Karsten
04 A Real, Tangible, Life-Transforming Difference
Rich Antonini II, Ex-Off icio John Kuiper

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Andrea Karsten, Wedgwood Board Member

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Daniel Baisch Erin Magley
Brad Bruinsma Matthew McGowan
06 Legacies of Light
Lori Cook Bobbie Medema RANDY ZYLSTRA
Gary Raterink, Planned Giving Officer
Tripp Corl Thomas Stritzinger President/CEO
08 Romeo Janis DeVree Lynwood Vanden Bosch RZYLSTRA@WEDGWOOD.ORG
Jacob Dunlop Jane Zwiers
Nikeidra DeBarge, Manasseh Project Coordinator
09 Light in the Darkness of Addiction FOUNDATION BOARD


Holly Wixon, Associate Director of Community
Substance Abuse Services
Jeff VanderWeele, Chairperson
Jerry Niewiek, Vice-Chairperson
Jessica Baldwin, Secretary
Deb Ondersma
Ed Stuursma
Kate Teichman
I was once asked by the Licensing Department of the State of Michigan to counsel another Christian
behavioral health agency. It seemed that they were using bribery, punishment, and fear to motivate
clients toward a “conversion.” Anyone who thinks that God would approve such trickery or strong-arm
10 Reading Street: The Road to Success Mike Cole Julie Voskuil
Cindy Hillary, Literacy Coordinator tactics has a different God than I do. That power-oriented, win-at-all-costs god, poised to fire a thunderbolt
Sharon Dykhouse Michael Zahrt
John Dykstra at us for any misstep, does not exist. And yet this myth refuses to go away. What is it that tempts virtually
11 Beacon of Hope every religious tradition to quantify God’s “requirements” into some kind of formula that allows us to
Lucas Yax, Principal - Waalkes Campus NEXTGEN BOARD appease and manipulate our creator into some kind of return obligation?
12 Transforming Services Spotlight: Young Life Guillermo Cisneros, Co-Chair Stacy Roskam
LeRae Kuperus, Director of Spiritual Formation Mike McGraw, Co-Chair Katie Rozen So what about “Lighting the Path”? It is a common analogy found in literature, philosophy, and theology.
Stefani Boutelier Jordan Tanis
13 Simply a Statement of Fact John Dykstra Josh Tanis
The prevailing thought is that you need the right light in order to find the right path, the meaning of life. It
Ellen Decker, Nursing Supervisor Lynzey Gibbons Christine Ullery presumably comes from a moral being, a higher power — God perhaps. But whose idea was it to use light
Jenn Groendyke Steve Van Stempvoort for the illustration? Why not two thick walls, one on each side? Or a very short leash attached to a rail in
14 State of the Child Elissa Herbst Mark Van Wieren
Vivian TerMaat, Chief Advancement Officer Savannah Herrmann Dan Vanden Bosch
the center of the path? Would not Almighty God want to guarantee that his creation remained on the right
Darren McKnight Josh Wall path? This “light of the world” analogy seems kind of weak. God should claim something like “FORCE of
16 A Warm Welcome Zach McNees Clint Westbrook the world.”
LaDawn Evans, Advancement Officer Andrew Norden Stacey Willis Jr.
Rochelle Roskam
17 Women of Wedgwood But this God is apparently different than those tyrants of mythology. A light illumines the path but does not
LEADERSHIP TEAM dominate or overwhelm or threaten it. Miracles and flashes of power are saved for very rare occasions.
18 Accolades
Randy Zylstra LeRae Kuperus
A real God (or a real person) does not need to intimidate or show off. The light simply encourages one
19 In Memory President/CEO Director of Spiritual Formation to follow where it shines. It builds trust. It allows the individual to choose the direction at intersections,
Sandy Boyer Anthony Muller the walking speed, even the option to doubt, or to back-up. This God sounds safer and perhaps worth
Chief Human Resources Officer Director of Clinical & Business checking out. Sure, such a being has the power to make you comply and behave…and even to create you
Development
Graphic Design: H. KIRKENDALL Dan Goodemoot in the form of a clone or a robot, if that were the intent. But this creator is relational, not forceful. We are
Editor: V. TERMAAT Director of Information Services Diane Rabe
Chief Financial Officer
designed to receive and give love freely. We are family, we are friends; not products, not subjects. There
Assistant Editors: G. RATERINK, N. LAMPEN Dawn Harvey
Director of Residential & Community Vivian TerMaat
are no threats, no bribes, no promises to love us more (or less) if we behave in a certain way. Threatened
Services Chief Advancement Officer or bribed responses are transactional, not relational.
Kevin Van Den Bosch
Chief Operations Officer What a great metaphor this is for counseling, for coaching, for parenting. This is how relationships work.
This is how we were designed. It illustrates the way God thinks and acts — with compassion, mutuality, a
gentle light and a gentle voice: “I am the light of the world.”

2 www.wedgwood.org The IMPACT 3

 A REAL, TANGIBLE, LIFE-TRANSFORMING

DIFFERENCE
An Interview with Wedgwood Board Member
ANDREA KARSTEN
How did you discover Wedgwood Christian Services? How do you describe Wedgwood to others?
I was first introduced to Wedgwood when my college roommate Wedgwood is a place that makes a difference, first for the kids they seek to
interned and then was employed by Wedgwood. She opened my serve, and secondly to those who take the time to invest there.
eyes to a population that she felt called to work with. Some years
passed, and then I was reintroduced to the work of Wedgwood How has this experience impacted your faith?
by Gary Raterink, who is the Planned Giving Officer. His story God does far more than I can ever imagine. It is so good to be reminded that
of Wedgwood was different from my friend’s story in that Gary we are not in this world alone, that there is a great big God, through Jesus
was serving Wedgwood as a CPA and business person. Christ, who came to earth to save us. This message is for those of us who
Wedgwood’s impact was so compelling that I felt maybe are all cleaned up and employed, and it’s for those of us who acknowledge
I could have a role as a business professional, as well. I we are hurt, vulnerable and in need.
served for over 8 years on the Wedgwood Foundation Board,
and now serve on the Wedgwood Board of Directors. What does Lighting the Way mean to you?

What is it about Wedgwood that keeps you engaged? This is a process, a journey. Wedgwood has experience helping kids on this journey. Wedgwood is lighting
the way, but the work is plentiful and the workers are few. This is a call to action.
Wedgwood is making a difference in transforming the lives of kids.
It’s a privilege to partner with them in doing the difficult work that they How do you see that happening at Wedgwood?
do daily.
Daily, Wedgwood is working to light the way in the communities that it serves all over West Michigan.
Most impactful Wedgwood moment?
What is unique about Wedgwood?
The most impactful moment was hearing from the director at the Manasseh Project when they were preparing
The uniqueness about Wedgwood is the life-transforming services that wrap around the agency. Activities and
to open the home. The director at the time shared a story of an 11 year old girl who had been a victim of sex
ministries that are optional and invitational. Services that are over and above the requirements for an agency.
trafficking right in West Michigan. My own daughter was the same age, and my heart broke in that board
Donor dollars make a difference in the Transforming Services.
room. In my mind and at that moment, I was truly able to connect the work of the Wedgwood Foundation
with getting girls to a safe place, out of harm’s way. This is one of many transformational stories that happen
What surprises you about Wedgwood?
at Wedgwood.
The staff and board at Wedgwood are mission focused. Management, development staff, those that work in
What has become clear to you through this partnership? finance, chaplains, and case workers – all know that kids are the focus. Not to leave them where they are,
but rather to move them along a path. Wedgwood is here to show kids that there is a different way.
I have often asserted that non-profits need business people, but it is also clear to me that businesses and
business people need non-profits. Wedgwood, as an organization that embraces the transforming power of
Jesus Christ, changes lives — one child at a time. This non-profit agency, in partnership with businesses, is
lighting the way for children and teens to have a different path.

What do you say to prospective Wedgwood donors, board members and volunteers?
Your gift (of time, talent and, treasure) to Wedgwood makes a difference; a real, tangible, life-transforming
difference.

How has Wedgwood impacted/transformed you?

First, it broke my heart for these kids, then it stirred me to action. Brokenness is real and there is an answer.
His name is Jesus, but we have to practically demonstrate this by providing a safe environment, speak up
against trafficking, break the chains of substance addiction or fund projects that make a difference on campus.

4 www.wedgwood.org The IMPACT 5

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Wedgwood Christian
Christian Services Wedgwood Christian Services
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The IMPACT 7
 ROMEO Light in the Darkness
of A d d i c t i o n BY HOLLY WIXON

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”
— John 1:5

A s Wedgwood Christian Services’ Manasseh Project works to educate and

provide awareness to the community on Human Trafficking, we are constantly
reminded of the darkness that it creates for many. It can be difficult to think about, talk
I n a 2017 report, Michigan ranked 10TH nationwide for
substance use disorder (SUD) issues. 14% of Michigan
youth were identified as having a SUD by the Michigan Youth
about, and especially difficult to listen to the stories of those who have been misused Treatment Infrastructure Enhancement (MYTIE) initiative, and
and treated so unjustly. Yet, even with all of the darkness in the world, light shines and only 8% of those get treatment. In 2016, more people died
the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it as long as we continue doing what from drug overdoses than car accidents in Michigan (2,356
our mission calls us to do. people to be exact).

Every year in January we do something special to recognize Human Trafficking
Awareness month. Through our efforts, we strive to light the path for others as we Stills from “Romeo”
journey to end Commercial Sexual Exploitation. This year we debuted our newest video
“Romeo.” It was created to educate the public on how subtle grooming and “Romeo”
pimping can be. In this video, teens share their experiences with social media, and
specifically how often it is the place where new relationships are developed. The
goal of this video is to help
students look at social
media through a different
lens by encouraging them
to identify the tactics that
can be used to exploit them
and to encourage them to make healthy decisions while utilizing
social media, thus decreasing their vulnerability. We are excited
about the positive connections and impact that we are making
through our work and grateful for the opportunity to continue to
confidently and creatively shed light on the issue of human trafficking
You can watch “Romeo” at www.wedgwood.org/video to #StopThisTraffic.
NIKEIDRA DEBARGE
Coordinator, Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project
NDEBARGE@WEDGWOOD.ORG
Wedgwood Christian Services’ Community SUD Programs
have a long history of helping communities address the
substance use epidemic they face daily. Our newest
expansions include Ottawa and Ionia County, bringing the
total to 9 counties that now have Community Substance Abuse
Services. This growth is a testament to how Wedgwood is
Wedgwood offers a variety of SUD programs in 9 counties.
lighting the way; for clients and communities.
Learn more: www.wedgwood.org/substance-abuse-treatment
When Wedgwood enters a new county, we strive to not only help clients, but to join a network of resources and
make valuable connections with other community partners. Whether it’s by providing transportation for clients to
medical appointments or informing clients of community activities, we want to provide a path for other agencies to
accomplish their missions, as well.
But it’s our mission that makes me proud to work at
Wedgwood. “Transforming lives” is really what our
work is about, what our philosophy is built on, and
what drives our staff to get up every day and go
to work. As our reputation grows, agencies refer
more clients and even clients refer those around
them. We have seen time after time, if we transform
the life of one client, that influence impacts their
family, friends, and lights the way for others to get
the help they need.
tment Team
bs ta nc e Use Disorder Trea
Su

Why We Support Wedgwood HOLLY WIXON

Associate Director of Community Substance Abuse Services
“Reformed Church of America supports Wedgwood Christian Services because we HWIXON@WEDGWOOD.ORG
want to help young women reclaim their lives after experiencing human trafficking and
sexual exploitation. Making blankets for the Manasseh Project residents was a fun and
easy way for our staff to help when we were all together on a recent staff retreat.” Sources: MDHHS - MYTIE & Information for Opioid
Prescribers; WOODTV - Report: Michigan 10th

8 www.wedgwood.org — Christina Tazelaar nationwide for drug problems; WalletHub - Drug Use
The IMPACT 9
by State: 2017’s Problem Areas
 READING STREET:
The Road to Success
at Hope Academy of West Michigan!
W hen students are proficient in and enjoy reading, they are
more likely to be on a path set for academic success. Hope
Academy of West Michigan’s K-6 students are seeing these positive
effects through participating in a new program called Reading Street.
This new, Common Core-aligned curriculum includes 40 minutes of
daily individualized, small group time, known as HAWKs. During this
time students are supported in the areas where they are struggling,
giving them the opportunity to achieve their academic goals. The
goal of HAWKs is to increase students’ interest in reading, their desire
to be good readers, and to close the achievement gap.
Both students and teachers are enjoying the new designated reading
block. Many teachers agree that implementing Reading Street has
been very beneficial in supporting students’ academic needs. They are
seeing students be more actively engaged and willing to participate in
class discussions and group tasks. Hope Academy of West Michigan
is continually striving to spark a love of learning in our students and
nurture that spark to light their path to success.
CINDY HILLARY
Hope Academy Literacy Coach
CHILLARY@HOPEACADEMYWM.ORG
Learn more about Hope Academy of West Michigan
WWW.HOPEACADEMYWM.ORG
The goal of the Wedgwood Institute: Lifelong Learning is to
equip individuals with the knowledge, attitude, and skills to
bring wholeness and healing to children and youth.
WWW.WEDGWOOD.ORG/TRAINING
Beacon of
BY LUCAS YAX
Hope
I n an ideal educational model, teachers teach, students listen, and everyone is happy. In the real
world, many students do not see success in the traditional school setting. What happens to those who
are unable to sit in a classroom, who act-out, or who just plain refuse to go to class? The sad reality
is that many of these students slip through the cracks of the educational
system and are left behind.
Wedgwood Christian Services took action on this issue in January 2005,
launching the program that would become Lighthouse Academy. Its sole
purpose was to light an alternative pathway for teens with expulsions,
court involvement, and/or special education needs to complete their
high school education. Since 2005, that path has broadened into a
charter school with eight programs and six different locations.
Lighthouse Academy focuses on the whole child, and the students
who attend work on both their academic goals and their social and
emotional well-being. They are provided with the needed tools for
success in their next step of life — whether that’s graduation from
Lighthouse or preparation to return to their home district. Lighthouse
Academy works to help students graduate and reach their goals
after high school, providing a beacon of light for those who have
experienced life’s storms.
LUCAS YAX
Principal, Lighthouse — Waalkes Campus
LYAX@LIGHTHOUSEACADEMYSCHOOL.ORG
Learn more at
WWW.LIGHTHOUSEACADEMYSCHOOL.ORG
Upcoming
Courses
Professional Boundaries June 13 9:00am - 11:00am $20
First Aid and CPR June 14 1:00pm - 5:00pm $30
Human Trafficking June 22 9:00am - 12:00pm $30 + $10 for 3.0 CEU’s
Visit www.wedgwood.org/training for details & email institute@wedwgood.org to register
 Transforming Services
S P O T L I G H T: Simply a Statement of Fact BY ELLEN DECKER

“I sought
the Lord and
Young Life’s Western Great Lakes Region Leader
Training at Wedgwood
he answered me; W hen kids walk through the door at Wedgwood, they are soon introduced to one of
the four nurses here on campus. During our first encounter, the children are often
he delivered me from sad, angry, or even fearful. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including juvenile
detention, failed foster home placements, or shelters; many have been neglected or
all my fears. Those
W e would like to introduce you to a fresh face at Wedgwood, Lester
Anderson, our new Young Life Leader. Lester works with the children and
teens in our Residential Programs. Within this position, Lester coordinates Young
who look to him are
radiant.”
abused. While being shuffled from place to place, many of these young people have
not had quality medical or dental care. Our job as nurses is to assess their medical
needs, and create a plan to best meet those needs. Wedgwood is blessed to have loving
Life Club, provides residents with camp experiences at Timber Wolf Lake, leads — Psalms 34: 4-5 physicians who come to us and meet with these children. Our team deals with their hurts,
small group ministries, and develops meaningful 1:1 relationships with kids. their physical and emotional pain, along with their tooth aches, runny noses, and coughs.

When asked about his passion, Lester’s response is simple and heartfelt: “People--
developing relationships and understanding the real value of living and learning
from others is what fills and fulfills my life.”
He appreciates the warmth and openness of our kids and their anticipatory
excitement to attend Young Life Club. Lester’s dream for Wedgwood’s Young Life
Program is not to force a Young Life paradigm of ministry on our kids, but “for
Young Life to fit our kids—both in who they are and what they need.”
Lester Anderson
Lester is a great asset to our Chaplaincy/Young Life Team and we are overjoyed
with this mutual responsibility and partnership to share God’s Word, nurture kids in their faith and love kids
wholeheartedly regardless of their response.
Collectively, we have over 140 years of nursing experience in hospitals, doctor’s offices and as
in-home healthcare providers, and every one of those years prepared us to provide medical treatment for these kids. But
the grace and love of God has prepared us to care for these children. Our job at Wedgwood is to reflect years of God’s
grace, faithfulness, and compassion on to the children in our care.
Recently, one of our nurses was doing a routine check on one of our
kids, a simple weight, height, and blood pressure check. As she
was going about her task, they were chatting together,
and the child was carefully studying her face. He
finally said to her, “You really do love the kids
here.”

Young Life and Chaplaincy are optional programs that provide kids here at Wedgwood the opportunity It wasn’t a question; it was simply a statement of
to learn about Christ and His message of hope, healing, and wholeness at a critical time in their recovery fact. As nurses, we can meet the child’s medical
that is often a time of real darkness. Our needs, but we are also blessed to be in a position
chaplains and Young Life leaders provide to reflect God’s love on them, lighting their path
spiritual support and guidance to the kids for a healthier future.
and staff at Wedgwood. This valuable
CORE SERVICES
support can light the way out of that Community TRANSFORMING
darkness. Education SERVICES
Residential Funded 100% ELLEN DECKER
Young Life and Chaplaincy are two of Funded 100% by by donor contributions Nursing Supervisor
Wedgwood’s Transforming Services, public sources Education EDECKER2@WEDGWOOD.ORG

which are all 100% funded by generous

and faithful donors. We are grateful for
the gifts that make it possible to offer
these life-changing programs led by
Why We Support Wedgwood
remarkable individuals like Lester. “The criminal justice system is not designed to repair the lives broken by any one of the
many issues my office deals with on a daily basis, but Wedgwood Christian Services is.
They are a tremendous resource we rely on to assist children and families dealing with
Learn more about Wedgwood’s unique LERAE KUPERUS trauma and struggling to rebuild their lives.”
Transforming Services: — Chris Becker
Director of Spiritual Formation
Kent County Prosecutor
wedgwood.org/services/transforming-services LKUPERUS@WEDGWOOD.ORG

12 www.wedgwood.org The IMPACT 13

 State of the Child
PA N E L CO N V E R S AT IO N
“Teens today are trying to find themselves. They are not just
their GPA or the sport they play or their social lives.”
— Summer, age 16

O nline bullying, school safety, severe anxiety and depression; these are a few of
the issues today’s teens are dealing with regularly. While the teens who walked
through the doors of the newly established Wedgwood Christian Services in 1960
were struggling with different issues, what remains constant is that kids of every age
need guidance, support, and someone to talk to in order to flourish.

“Our intention this morning is to focus on prevention, solutions, and

transformations because that’s what we at Wedgwood Christian Services are
all about,” said Wedgwood CEO/President, Randy Zylstra in his welcome to
Teen Panelists
the guests.

Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Conversation at Frederik Meijer Gardens

and Sculpture Park on April 17th was an opportunity for a group of West
Michigan teens to share their perspectives on being a child today with a room full of engaged
and committed business and community leaders. Our distinguished panel of experts, who
are wholly committed to the health and well-being of children and teens right here in West
Michigan, heard from the teens and responded to related questions. Sgt. Joel Roon, Holly
Wixon, Dr. Bill Pink, Judge TJ Ackert, and Ashley Anderson comprised the panel and shared
their valuable insight.

Sgt. Joel Roon Holly Wixon Dr. Bill Pink Judge TJ Ackert Ashley Anderson Moderated by:
Top Left moving Clockwise: Chair of the Wedgwood Executive Board of Directors, Ellen Bruinsma, shares her thoughts on State of
Kent County Sheriff’s Wedgwood GRCC 17TH Circuit Court Wedgwood’s Maranda
Department Substance Abuse Treatment Manasseh Project Clinician
the Child; Wedgwood President/CEO, Randy Zylstra, interviews for Maranda Where You Live; Teen Panelists, Holly, Tori, Ellen,
President Family Court Judge WOTV 4 Women
and Jadon chat during breakfast; The Panel of Experts discussing school safety; Maranda and Dr. Bill Pink in conversation

“Students have to know that no matter how well they did on an exam or how qualified they are, they will not be hired
for employment if they cannot pass a drug test. They need to make choices that will set them up to succeed,” said Dr.
Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College, during a discussion on substance use.

Maranda of WOTV4Women moderated the panel conversation and thoughtfully sought input from each guest
helping to create an atmosphere of collaboration. A special thanks to our event underwriters who helped make this
event a reality; Lumbermen’s, Cascade Engineering, Land & Company, Meijer and Plante Moran. We are fortunate
Save the Date
to live in a community with such dedicated organizations that don’t just claim to be invested in the

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
lives of children and teens but regularly lead through
partnership and action. VIVIAN TERMAAT
Chief Advancement Officer
VTERMAAT@WEDGWOOD.ORG
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
14 www.wedgwood.org
 A Warm Welcome BY LaDAWN EVANS

D uring a recent conversation I had with

Wedgwood clinician, Erin Williams, a
growing need for the girls in two of our residential
homes arose. The Antonini and Cook Claus Homes
provide care and programming for adolescent
girls, age 12-18, that have experienced abuse
and neglect, mental health and behavioral issues,
or sexual exploitation. Erin identified the on-
going need for new comforters and bedding for
clients recently admitted into those two homes.
Erin Williams
We agreed that a new set of sheets and a warm
blanket can help make the transition into living in a residential setting
easier, and feel a little more like home.
“Happiness springs from doing good and helping others.”
-PLATO
“Many of these girls have bounced from place to place, never having anything new, and having very little that is
all their own,” shared Erin. “A gift upon their arrival to Wedgwood would help the girls feel a sense of warmth
and love that they may not ever have experienced,“ she added.

To address this need, we invited our friends at Ada Bible Church, Brookside Christian Reformed Church,
F our times a year a group of dedicated and enthusiastic women meet for lunch in the Nagel Chapel on Wedgwood’s
campus to learn about the variety of programs offered by Wedgwood and how they can personally get involved to help
others. These women are members of the Women of Wedgwood (WoW) Advisory Council.
Shawnee Park Church, and The Reformed Church of America to create Welcome Baskets full of the essentials
listed below for all of the current residents in the Antonini and Cook Claus Homes here at Wedgwood. Through After spending time volunteering with other WoW members, Jen McGraw was inspired to launch a cooking class for the
their generosity we were able to exceed our goal of providing baskets for all 30 of the young ladies in our young ladies. Jen recalled her own experience of spending time in the kitchen with the women in her family while growing
care. Our next goal is to build up a supply of Welcome Baskets that will then be gifted to every teen girl upon up and what a blessing it was in her life. The class is now led by a group of WoW members who volunteer to teach meal
their arrival here at Wedgwood Christian Services. Each basket contains: planning, budgeting, and cooking in the Antonini Home kitchen. Jen has expressed what a fantastic experience it has been
 A Comforter  Trial Size Toiletries: helping the young ladies develop life-skills that they can carry with them into the future.
 Twin Sheet Set  Shampoo & Conditioner WoW continues to grow by attracting new members through word of mouth. Our current
 Bath Towel  Deodorant members regularly reserve two seats to lunch and bring a guest as they want to share their
 4 Wash Cloths  Toothbrush & Toothpaste enthusiasm for the work being done to help children, teens, and families through programs
and services provided by Wedgwood. WoW meets in September, December, February and
 A Pillow  Lotion
April, with a different focus at each meeting.
If you feel inspired and called to act, please consider this your invitation to join us by creating a Welcome
Women of Wedgwood is an intergenerational group of ladies who represent a variety of
Basket to contribute so that we can continue to extend God’s love as demonstrated by staff, like Erin, who
vocations ranging from stay-at-home Mom, to active volunteer, to career professional. This
work to light the way for the girls that God has brought to Wedgwood.
dynamic group continues to ask what they can do to help the residents here at Wedgwood as
well as how they can advance the mission of; Extending God’s love to children and families
through professional counseling and educational services.
LADAWN EVANS
Advancement Officer
LEVANS@WEDGWOOD.ORG
If you are inspired to connect with this engaging group please contact
Stephanie at SZIMMERMAN@WEDGWOOD.ORG or call (616) 831-5620.

Why We Support Wedgwood Why We Support Wedgwood

The women’s ministry at Ada Bible Church had the privilege of serving alongside
Wedgwood by creating welcome baskets. We desired to give in this way because
our mission in women’s ministry is to share life, pursue God, and invest in others.
We invest in others because we desire to take what God has filled us with and
pour it out to others. Showing love and generosity to these beautiful young girls
was a joy for our entire ministry
— Tamara Gurley
“Wedgwood is known for sharing the love of God to children, youth, and families.
Psalms 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from God; they are a reward from him.” We then
must; love whom God loves, care for whom God cares for, and cherish the gifts that
God has given us. When we minister to the children of God, we are ministering to God
himself. This alone fuels my passion for sharing the Love of God at Wedgwood!
— Dr. E. Jean McMurray
First Lady, Renaissance Church of God In Christ
 Gifts in Memory

30
Gifts in Memory are placed in the Wedgwood Living Memorial Fund which is a part of the Wedgwood Foundation. This Living

25 YEARS Memorial Fund is quite special in that it is a permanent fund, and the earnings are used for the care of the children and teens
at Wedgwood. These gifts help make it possible for Wedgwood to provide for young people for many years to come.

Tammy Broxton (Cook-Claus)

Kathy Maysick (Admissions) Bud and Ella Decker Orie Oppenhuizen
Sara Murray (Antonini) Kendal and Jane Lovell Terry and Jan Brummel
Gary Raterink (Advancement) Monsma Marketing Corp

YEARS Michelle Riley (DeVos-Crossroads)

June Sinkfield (Engen-Crossroads)
Willard and Gert Nieboer

Judy Betten
Dr. Kenneth Betten
Cleon Oosterhouse
Gezina Oosterhouse

Ethel Pasma
Jennifer Baker Cheryl Adams
VanAndel - Summit
20 YEARS Harvey Bratt
Phyllis Bratt


James and Sue Baar
Robert and Gayle Becker
Ernest Hope (VanAndel-Summit) Ronald and Pamela Bernal
Terry Chamberlain Jim and Ellen Bruinsma
Jeff Kazmierski (Institute/On-Call) Martin and Barb De Young
Helen Chamberlain
LeRae Kuperus (Chaplaincy) Tait Chamberlain Bryce Fowler
Michael Voss (Residential Administration) Faith Gauger
Norm and Molly Guillaume
JDH Engineering
Ted Grabrielse Douglas and Kimberly Josephson
Douglas and Deborah Lunde
15 YEARS Kathi Gabrielse

Gary Garehan


Michael and Sheila Messina
Patricia Petersen
Lisa DeHaan (VanderArk) Harold and Patti Ploeg
Jean Garehan Eunice Raar
Cathy Racalla (Positive Youth Development) Ann Russ
David Grant Jessie Seven
Irma Ledy Patricia Pruiksma Elaine Ike James and Melissa Smith
DeVos-Crossroads Parramore Lynn Surdock/WPF Engineering

10 YEARS Suzanne Grant

Elaine Ike


David and Kathleen Verwys
Grace Verwys
Jamie Baker (Antonini) Julie Nagel
Frances Potter
Joe Gofoe (Young Life)
Raleigh J. Huizinga, PhD Craig and Trudy Sietsema
Eva Nunez (DeVos-Crossroads)
Margaret Kok
Diane Rabe (Finance) Peter Rottschafer
Regina Ruark (Information Services) Ruth Jackson Linda Rottschafer
Jim and Carlee Koessel
Bob Smit
Leah Kos Leonard and Leonora Smit
5 YEARS Lois Williams
Joyce Start
Marnie Kotwick Terrence Start
Katrina Branch (Finance)
Patricia Bandy
Kevin Van Den Bosch Laura Verbrugge Marcus Chandler (VanAndel-Summit)
Joe and Anne Cornillie
Chief Operations Officer DeVos - Crossroads Joshua Gallentine (VanderArk) Paul and Martha Hayes
Cheryl Lovett (Cook Claus) John Kotwick For more information about Gifts in Memory
Joshua Rumenapp (VanderArk) Alice Paedez
Email: ADVANCEMENT@WEDGWOOD.ORG
Stephanie Zimmerman (Advancement) Douglas and Sherry Singer
Phone: (616) 942-2392

18 www.wedgwood.org GIFTS RECEIVED 10/1/17—3/31/18 The IMPACT 19

 NON-PROFIT ORG.
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3300 36th Street SE PA I D

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Grand Rapids, MI, 49512-2810
PERMIT NO. 564

You can provide hope and healing to children and

#GiveAndTransform families in our community. Here are 3 ways you can
give a gift and help transform lives:

WWW.WEDGWOOD.ORG/GIVING

Send checks payable to WEDGWOOD CHRISTIAN SERVICES to

3300 36TH STREET SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512

Call (616) 942-2392 and talk to our

Advancement Department

STAY CONNECTED WITH WEDGWOOD

WWW.WEDGWOOD.ORG • (616) 942-2110
HELLO@WEDGWOOD.ORG