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Detroit, MI

As the new school year approaches, many parents are focused on helping their children manage back-to-school anxiety. The mix of excitement and uncertainty can trigger a range of emotions in children, making it important for parents to address any negative feelings early on. 

“At The Children’s Center, we understand the challenges families face during the back-to-school transition,” said Kris Armstrong, Director of Clinical Services- General Behavioral Health at The Children’s Center. “Young people often feel stressed due to changes in routine, social pressures, or academic expectations. However, there are practical steps families can take to support their children’s mental health and help them feel more confident as the school year begins.” 

Kris Armstrong
Director of Clinical Services
General Behavioral Health

To ease this transition and set your child up for success, consider these strategies: 

1. Establish Routines: Start consistent routines before the first day of school, including regular sleep and meal times. A predictable schedule provides a sense of security for children.
2. Gradual Exposure: Reintroduce academic activities and social interactions, such as reading or organizing playdates, to help with the transition. 
3. Visit the School: Take a trip to the school with your child before classes begin, especially if it’s a new school. Familiarity with the environment can reduce anxiety. 
4. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings regarding the new school year. Validate their concerns and reassure them that feeling anxious is normal. 
5. Promote Positive Thinking: Focus on the positive aspects of returning to school, like reuniting with friends, learning new things, and participating in enjoyable activities. 
6. Practice Problem-Solving: Role-play potential scenarios that may cause anxiety, such as meeting new classmates or getting a teacher’s attention. This helps your child feel more prepared and confident. 
7. Model Self-Care: Show your children the importance of self-care by practicing it yourself. Whether through reading, hobbies, exercise or relaxation, children learn by seeing their parents prioritize their own well-being. 
8. Recognize Signs of Stress: Be aware of signs of stress or anxiety, like changes in sleep patterns, irritability, or withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy. Early recognition is key to intervention. 
9. Seek Help When Needed: If your child shows signs of persistent anxiety or other mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The Children’s Center offers a range of services to support children’s mental health. 

By establishing healthy routines and being proactive about mental well-being, parents can provide the stability and reassurance their children need during the transition from summer break. “It’s normal for kids to feel anxious, especially after a long summer and facing changes like a new school or grade level,” Armstrong says. “But with proper planning and the right supports, parents can help their children manage these feelings and build resilience, ensuring a smoother and more positive start to the school year.” 

Detroit, MI, August 8, 2024

As summer winds down, families at The Children’s Center start to anticipate a new school year. There is a tangible sense of excitement among the youth who receive behavioral health and child welfare services from our agency in the heart of Midtown Detroit. Ensuring our children are prepared with essential school supplies sets them up for academic success from day one. 

This is where our remarkable community partners have stepped in to fill in the gap. This year’s Back to School Bazaar event, made possible by our Presenting Sponsors, the Tigers Foundation and Meijer, and our Academic Sponsors, Forvia and Detroit Manufacturing Systems, takes place at The Children’s Center on Thursday, August 8th and 13th. Along with their financial support and donations, these fantastic partners volunteered their time to stuff a total of 1,650 backpacks, helping our kiddos get geared up for a great school year. 

Volunteers from Meijer and the Tigers Foundation stuff backpacks with school supplies for the annual Back to School Bazaar.

Preparing this large number of backpacks and school supplies for our families took several days and the help of many community partners. It began with 50 volunteers at Marriott who unboxed hundreds of backpacks, setting the stage for the following volunteer events. This effort kicked off service days both on The Children’s Center campus and offsite at partner locations, including Comerica Park! 

Meijer and the Tigers Foundation backpack stuffing volunteer service day at The Children’s Center.

Marriott volunteers prepare backpacks and supplies for the Back to School Bazaar.

We also had tremendous support from community partners like Rehmann and KIRCO, who assisted with various service projects on campus to prepare for this event. They helped with beautification projects, groundskeeping, and sorting items, as well as stuffing backpacks with school supplies. Forvia, one of our Academic Sponsors, even hosted their own volunteer event to help us get ready for the big day, ensuring our families will have smiles on their faces during the giveaway. 

Rehmann Service Day at The Children’s Center.

The Back to School Bazaar could not have been possible without the incredible support from all the groups and individuals who pitched in. Their dedication and hard work ensure that 1,650 children will start the school year with the materials they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and community spirit of everyone involved. Together, we are creating a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Detroit by setting them up for a successful school year. 

Spiteri Family, Client Testimony

Elizabeth Agius, Board Chair

Desiree Jennings, President and CEO

The Children’s Center Hosts 20th Annual “Power of Possibilities” Breakfast, Celebrating Community Impact and Generous Support

Detroit, MI, May 9, 2024 – On Tuesday May 7th, The Children’s Center celebrated its 20th Annual Power of Possibilities Breakfast at the Motor City Casino & Hotel, marking another milestone year of transformative community impact under the theme “Your Story Matters.” The event highlighted the unique stories of resilience, hope, and empowerment that families and supporters bring to The Children’s Center.

This year’s event saw a strong turnout from community members, stakeholders, and generous donors, all gathered to support and uplift the lives of children and families in need. The annual breakfast remains one of the most significant fundraising efforts of the year for The Children’s Center.

The breakfast featured heartfelt testimonials from clients such as the Fallstich family, Kevin Bell, the Spiteri family, and ReShanna DePriest who shared their journeys of overcoming challenges with the support of The Children’s Center. These stories highlighted the event’s theme, uplifting inspirational stories of making progress through behavioral health challenges and working to overcome developmental delays.

The morning was led by The Children’s Center’s new CEO, Desiree Jennings, who, in her inaugural address, shared the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. “This past year alone, we’ve helped 556 families write their success stories,” said Jennings. “We’ve achieved an 88% high school graduation rate among our youth in semi-independent living and successfully diverted 82% of kids in crisis from psychiatric hospitals.”

Special recognition was given to Detroit Manufacturing Systems, who was honored with the Hero of Hope Award for their substantial contributions and commitment to the community. The event’s major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company as the presenting sponsor and Detroit Manufacturing Systems at the envision level, were also acknowledged for their pivotal roles in the success of the breakfast.

Board Chair Elizabeth Agius opened the event with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the Village of Giving Members and all sponsors for their unwavering support.

The Children’s Center remains dedicated to its mission of providing evidence-based mental health treatments to the children and families, powered by the expertise of therapists, clinicians, and social workers along with the enduring support of their wider community.

Detroit, MI – For personal reasons, Nicole Wells Stallworth has made the decision to step down from the position of President & CEO at the Children’s Center. We respect her decision and wish her the best in the future.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Desiree Jennings as the new CEO. With a distinguished career at The Children’s Center since 2010, where she served in key executive roles, including Chief Sustainability & People Officer, Desiree is uniquely prepared to guide the organization through its next growth phase.

Under the leadership of former CEOs Debora Matthews and Nicole Wells Stallworth, Desiree has played a pivotal role in strategic initiatives and brings a wealth of experience in operational management, finance, and personnel management. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to drive the organization’s mission forward.

Elizabeth Agius, Board Chair of the Children’s Center, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “With her passion for children and families, her understanding of the challenges in mental health care, and her proven leadership qualities and vision, the Board is thrilled to have Desiree lead us into our next chapter. We are confident that Mrs. Jennings is the perfect choice for our organization, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on the communities we serve.”

Desiree Jennings shared her vision for the future, saying, “I am humbled and honored to step into the role of CEO at The Children’s Center, an organization where I have dedicated much of my career. I am grateful for the support of our talented team and committed board. As we move forward, my primary focus will be on our mission to help children and families shape their own futures and supporting the team who work tirelessly to serve our families every day.”