Wedgwood Announces Faith In Our Future Campaign

Wedgwood announces $6.5 million campaign to improve campus and invest in children

GRAND RAPIDS, MI., [October 17, 2019]—Today, the leaders of Wedgwood Christian Services announced the Faith in Our Future campaign, a $6.5 million fundraising effort to fund campus renovations, invest in agency infrastructure and staff retention, and establish a maintenance endowment fund.

Founded in 1960, Wedgwood has served over 300,000 children, youth and families suffering from abuse and neglect, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, developmental delays, school expulsion and learning difficulties. These services are delivered with the help of over 400 staff members, and hundreds of community volunteers and donors.

Launched earlier this year, the Faith in Our Future campaign cabinet has been extremely active and have just days ago successfully reached the $6.5 million goal. 106 community donors, local businesses, and area foundations have generously supported the campaign to date. All funds raised beyond the goal will enable Wedgwood to fully furnish and equip the new spaces made possible because of this initiative.

When completed, the renovated campus will feature expanded counseling space at the Bouma Counseling Center, which will help relieve waiting lists for counseling services, a centralized campus cafeteria and a professional kitchen, state of the art occupational therapy space, and upgraded electronic infrastructure. Campaign donations will also provide funding for staff retention and recruitment and a maintenance sinking fund for future facility updates.

At today’s public announcement of the initiative, Jim and Jane Zwiers, Jim and Ellen Bruinsma, and Rich and Dawn Antonini, the operational chairs of the campaign, invited the public to join in and participate in this successful fundraising effort that has exceeded expectations and will make a difference in the lives of children in Wedgwood’s care.

“As we work to provide the very best in programs for vulnerable children and youth, I am pleased to be part of an effort that improves outcomes for children from very difficult backgrounds,” said Jane Zwiers.

“Demand for our therapeutic counseling is increasing,” said Dawn Antonini, “Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of children in Kent County continues, and we need to provide an exceptional, safe place for youth in our area as we remain strong advocates for their care.”

Nearly 20% of children under the age of 17 years old in Kent County have experienced abuse or neglect. (Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment 2017)

Ellen Bruinsma announced that the campaign has received broad support from local and regional foundations, area businesses, and generous community donors. “We have been so fortunate to receive gifts to this important campaign. Our Campaign Cabinet joins me in thanking the community for their meaningful gifts. We now invite the larger community to participate in this campaign effort. We continue to welcome gifts of all sizes.” said Bruinsma.

Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the public phase of the $6.5 million campaign.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for the community to help build a strong network of support for children and families that are struggling,” said Jim Zwiers. “With the help of our friends and supporters, we can ensure a place where children are loved and healed through dedicated and faithful staff and volunteers. As a result, our community will thrive over time,” he said.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.wedgwood.org/faith-in-our-future