My City December 2022

Monday” emails to get the week start ed, and reminders and resources for practicing mindfulness can be found throughout the buildings. A room in the school building was transformed into the “Zen Room’’ that contains many items to support mindfulness practice and yoga.The room is open to kids and staff to use at their leisure. “Thanks to support from a generous grant, the Crim Fitness Foundation team provided training for our staff over the past two years to help us create this mindful culture throughout our agency,” Williams adds. In addition to the training, the Crim Fitness Foundation came to Whaley to teach brief mindfulness and yoga classes with the staff and kids.They were also helpful in designing the Zen Room and bringing attention to details through out the campus to create a mindful environment that encourages staff and kids to take moments for self-care and self-awareness. “It was a joy to work with the Whaley team,” said Sarah Sullivan, Director of the Mindful Flint Initiative at the Crim Fitness Foundation. “They already had such an inclusive, compassionate approach to their relationships with one another and the kids they serve.” Sullivan also noted that the Whaley team took the training and resources shared by Crim and quickly prioritized and implemented all of the recommendations. Whaley Children’s Center has un dergone two threat assessments con ducted by the Genesee County Sheriff ’s Department.The department has been Safety

ADVERTORIAL

For the kids and staff at Whaley Children’s Center, 2022 has been a year of positive change. And many good things are happening thanks to the support of the community and dedicated volunteers, according to CEO/President Mindy Williams.The Center has focused on three main goals: launching the Inde pendent Living Program, creating a mindful culture and designing a safer campus. It’s All Positive! at Whaley Children’s Center BY CHERYL DENNISON WHALEY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF THEIR TUX & TENNIES FUNDRAISER.

Independent Living Program Whaley’s new Independent Living Program offers a multi-service approach to provide for the physical, emotional and social needs of youth transitioning out of foster care.The new residence, Journey Home, is located in Downtown Flint, providing youth a safe place to call home while they are learning to be independent.

“We are so happy to be up and running, filling the house with kids and help ing them succeed as they transition to independence,”Williams reports. “The boys were able to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner this year, help each other with school work challenges, take driver’s training, obtain employment and soon will celebrate Christmas as a family. It’s not always easy and there have been bumps along the way.The boys have grown and learned to jump over the bumps and keep going! They don’t give up, which they easily could, because we are here to help guide them.” Whaley has partnered with the Crim Fitness Foundation to assist them in creating a more mindful climate and culture throughout the campus.The staff receives “Mindful Mindfulness

“Through the platform My City Magazine has provid

ed us, we have been able to tell our story throughout the year. The My City team has been welcoming, supportive and encouraging.” Mindy Williams, CEO/President Whaley Children’s Center

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