Finding Your Voice – A Message from a Former Resident

Jimaine Wilson is a world-touring hip-hop artist known as Sixman. While he currently resides in Atlanta, his roots are right here in West Michigan, and he has a strong connection with Wedgwood – Jimaine spent 2 of his formative teenage years in Wedgwood’s Residential Program. Jimaine’s latest tour brought him back to Grand Rapids and he took the time to share how Wedgwood’s grace-filled care and dedicated staff impacted and shaped his life.

 

Jimaine had a message for the kids currently receiving treatment in Wedgwood’s Residential Care, our team of incredible staff members, and those who generously and faithfully support Wedgwood’s mission:

MESSAGE FOR THE KIDS CURRENTLY IN WEDGWOOD’S CARE:

Take the time, and let the program be of help and substance to you. Meaning, take time in therapy to really give it your all – really deal with your things inside of therapy. Try find your voice while you’re here. If you’re passionate already kind of about drawing, reading, studying sports, music – find that voice while you’re here. When I was in that room, sometimes I would draw that and write poetry a lot. And in doing it so much and so long, it just kind of instilled something into me. I took that with me when I left Wedgwood. I would like to tell the kids: you’ve just got to find your voice while you’re here – while you are inside that therapy room, and in your mind. You may think that it’s over, and you think that there’s no hope – don’t think that way! Find your passion and drive yourself in that. ‘Turn your pain into your gain’ is what I would say to them. I’m just always thinking about these kids, and I’m hoping that they don’t give up on themselves.

MESSAGE FOR WEDGWOOD’S STAFF MEMBERS:

I would say be genuine. They really are caring, but just remember to be genuine, because some of these kids, this is their life. It’s the realest thing to them. Be genuine and understanding. The staff who worked with me were very caring. I didn’t feel like they just wanted to throw me away, or just throw me off in a timeout. They took their time with me. I would say: Take your time with these kids. I know you guys do your best. And just keep doing what you guys have been doing, is what I would say. I mean, look at me!

MESSAGE TO WEDGWOOD’S SUPPORTERS:

To the people who support Wedgwood:  Keep supporting Wedgwood because it really matters. Kids like me who were here and kids who are here really need people to really care about us. We need to feel it. That is why it’s important for me to come and visit and share my story. I want the kids to see somebody who looks like them, talks like them, and has felt it. Keep being a part of Wedgwood and just keep caring. That’s my biggest thing: just keep caring. It goes a long way with kids.

 

You can hear more of Jimaine’s story in the first episode of Season 2 of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversations.

 

 

Inspired by Jimaine’s story to make an impact on the lives of kids, adults, and families in West Michigan?
Here are two ways you can be a positive influence in the lives of people in need of hope and healing!

1. JOIN OUR TEAM | Wedgwood is looking to add difference-makers to our team! See all openings and apply at wedgwood.org/join-our-team.
2. SUPPORT OUR MISSION | You can also transform lives by supporting Wedgwood’s mission and our life-changing, 100% donor-funded Transforming Services by making a monthly or one-time gift today at wedgwood.org/give.