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Wholistic Health Care - Counseling
The Counseling program provides individual, group, and family therapy to address numerous issues, including depression, grief/loss, anxiety disorders, marital and family issues, domestic abuse, traumatic life events (including rape), social/emotional disturbances, and ADD/ADHD. Counseling services are free of charge, and volunteers assist with client transportation to community support groups, referrals, and respite care.
Referrals to specialized services are an ongoing part of the program. Clients facing substance abuse issues are referred to rehabilitative services, such as Pathfinder and Project Rehab. Families with special needs children are referred to Ken-O-Sha, and a relationship is maintained with the Kent County Juvenile Court to address specific youth behavioral issues.
Through a partnership with Caring Communities, Baxter hosts Movin’ On Up classes several times a week. These art therapy classes, like the Clinic itself, operate from a wholistic philosophy that accounts for mind, body, and spirit; they contribute to participants’ well-being, growth, and healing.
Baxter Community Center is in partnership with local organizations to offer support groups addressing specific situations such as those of parenting grandparents (through Grand Rapids Community College), Alcoholics Anonymous, and families affected by ADHD/ADD. The program also offers rotating parenting classes, such as Effective Black Parenting and Parenting with Love and Logic.
“My favorite part of mentoring is that we always learn something new.”
- Maleeka Conley, Mentoring Student
“The mentoring program has helped me to break down the stereotypes that I harbored without even knowing it…”
- Anne Cassard, Mentor
“I choose to be a mentor because I think it’s important that our kids have role models and support…”
- Shayon Smith, Mentor
“Women getting together and accomplishing something is really one of the best parts…”
- Nancy Barnhart, Threads Teacher since 2000
“The Threads project provides students with self esteem. It tells them, ‘You can do something if you put your mind to it.’”
- Erica Millbrook, Threads Project Coordinator
“The best part of coming to Baxter is sewing class. I get to make my creations.”
- Ivory, Threads Student
“Beyond serving obvious physical needs in the community, people know they can count on Baxter…”
- Tammy Beckering, Volunteer
“I know that if I have an emergency, I can just walk through the door, and someone is there to help me.”
- Mrs. Willa Alexander, Adult Clinic Client
“We cherish [our son's] safety and security while we are at work and he is being cared for at Baxter Child Care.”
- Luke and Andrea Robinson, Child Development Center Parents
“Baxter offers their children nurturing care to help them feel safe and secure, and a planned curriculum to engage them in learning.”
- Jennifer Griffith, Kent County Regional 4C
“If I could choose one word to describe this environment, it would be ‘friendly.’”
- Michelle Mitchell, Marketplace Pantry Client
“This has transformed the way I spend money. Now I know that everything under heaven belongs to God.”
- Hazel Lewis, Freedom in Your Finances Class Participant
“What I love most about volunteering at the Marketplace is working with the people. ”
- Amber Hora, Marketplace Volunteer