The Guidance Center

11/07/2025

Last week the National Children's Alliance held their Urban Forum in Omaha, Nebraska where directors from large metropolitan Children's Advocacy Centers all over the country met to share best practices and discuss current trends and challenges related to responding to child abuse.

Melanie Richards (bottom left), Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center Director at The Guidance Center, joined the ranks to discuss innovative projects and leadership strategies. Thank you to Project Harmony for hosting this event gathering so many passionate minds united in their cause to protect children and help them to heal!

This week was our 13th annual Urban Forum in Omaha, Nebraska. Leaders from CACs based in Urban communities across the US convened at Project Harmony to share innovative projects, discuss current trends and challenges, and learn strategies to promote resiliency in the workforce. Participants were also treated to a session from experts at Gallup on Leadership research. A huge thank you to the team at Project Harmony for the hospitality!

11/07/2025

Yesterday was a big in-kind donation day!

The Happy Cookers of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish in Wyandotte visited our Kids-TALK location in Southgate to donate boxes upon boxes of delicious and healthy snacks collected during a special snack drive at the parish.

This group also regularly supports Kids-TALK with a monthly donation of $200 to purchase snacks.

Sue Byrd, the leader of the Happy Cookers, unfortunately passed away recently. Kids-TALK had always had a very special place in her heart, especially after Sue and the group attended a tour of the program. We are tremendously grateful for the ongoing generosity of the Happy Cookers and honor Sue's memory as we continue our mission to help the most vulnerable children in our community.

11/06/2025

Today our agency celebrated the grand opening of the new Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) on our Southgate campus. We were thrilled to welcome Mayor Joseph Kuspa of Southgate, chamber and council members, local law enforcement, and community partners to commemorate the formal opening of the BHUC.

This innovative facility is designed to provide immediate, walk-in care for individuals experiencing non-life-threatening mental health or substance use crises, regardless of their medical insurance status. The BHUC serves adults and children ages 6 and older. By offering timely intervention outside of traditional emergency rooms, the center aims to reduce wait times and connect patients to the right level of care faster.

With the launch of this urgent care model, The Guidance Center aims to reduce barriers to mental health treatment and support the well-being of individuals and families throughout Downriver. Hours will be Monday through Thursday from 4-11pm, and Friday from 4-9pm. No appointment is necessary. BHUC accepts most insurances but will also see any individual regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

For more information on the BHUC please visit www.guidance-center.org/bhuc or call 734-785-7726. Thank you to all who joined us today to celebrate this grand opening event!

11/05/2025

Please note that our Nurture the Future program's Family Nature Quest this Saturday, November 8 is postponed. Due to the government shut down, the wildlife refuge is unable to host the event at this time. Please check back for the rescheduled date!

11/04/2025

Quality sleep is crucial for children's physical growth, immune system development, mental health, and learning. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and a sleep-friendly environment can help ensure children get the sleep they need.

Join us at our "Sweet Dreamzzz" workshop at the Taylor Community Library on November 14 to learn helpful tips to manage your child's bedtime routine and build healthy sleeping habits!

This workshop is geared for children ages 3-8. Register at https://www.guidance-center.org/community-calendar-event/sweet-dreamzzz-2/

11/04/2025

Our free "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition" film screening is tomorrow! Join us at 7pm at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church for this helpful documentary on the challenges of screen time for children and how to maintain a healthy balance of digital devices and unplugged play.

The second film in this series, "Screenagers Under the Influence" will be presented next week on November 12, also at 7pm at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church.

Register at https://www.guidance-center.org/community-calendar-event/film-series-gi/2025-11-12/

11/03/2025

2 more days until our "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition" screening at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church! Join us from 7-9pm on Wednesday, November 5 for this insightful documentary on the complexities of screen time for children, followed by a helpful Q&A for parents and caregivers about how to better help their children manage screen time in this digital age.

Register at https://www.guidance-center.org/community-calendar-event/film-series-gi/2025-11-12/

11/03/2025

There are still openings for our upcoming ALICE training on December 16 & 17 on our Southgate campus. This essential in-person training reviews safety and strategies for active shooter situations. Once you attend this training you will be a certified ALICE instructor and can share these life-saving tactics with your business or community!

Register at https://web.cvent.com/event/b149c81d-bdd3-45cd-9ea6-06bcc1d3fe1f/summary?RefId=social

10/31/2025

Join us for our Screenagers film series at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church next month: November 5 will feature the "Screenagers Elementary School Age Edition" Film and November 12 will feature the “Screenagers Under the Influence" Film. These powerful documentaries cover the tremendous impact of screentime on young developing minds and how to overcome screentime addiction, peer pressure, and substance use and to build healthier connections to family, friends, and society.

Doors open at 6:45pm and the films begin at 7pm. All guests receive one free small popcorn and small drink.

Register at https://www.guidance-center.org/community-calendar-event/film-series-gi/2025-11-12/

10/31/2025

The Guidance Center's new Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) provides an additional resource to clients and the community to complement the safety net within the behavioral health system of care. BHUC serves as an alternative to local emergency rooms and a navigation hub to community resources and ongoing behavioral health services, providing specialized services for adults and children 6+ who need assistance with mental health and/or substance use.

Medication prescriptions and refills coming soon.

BHUC does not require insurance or an appointment. Simply walk in during our regular hours (Mon-Thurs 4-11pm and Friday 4-9pm) to Building 6 on our Southgate Campus (19291 Northline Road).

Call 734-785-7726 for more information.