The Salvation Army to Celebrate New Living Facility for Girls at June 18 Ceremony and Open House
Ribbon cutting and tours begin at 10 a.m. Thursday
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., – The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit will dedicate its new housing unit for female children and teens at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Denby Center for Children and Family Services’ campus, 20775 Pembroke Ave., Detroit.
The new residence will house 24 children and teens ages 10-17 placed in Denby’s residential treatment program. The Treatment Program helps adolescents experiencing social, behavioral and/or emotional difficulties that require a highly-structured, therapeutic and supportive environment.
A reception with refreshments provided by LaBelle Development will follow a short ceremony, music, ribbon cutting and plaque presentation. Later, tours by the residents of Denby and their staff will offer guests an insider’s perspective to life there. The program develops positive peer relationships, teaches responsible behavior, improves self-image through successful experiences and develops independent living skills and academic and/or work skills.
"This dedication illustrates The Salvation Army's continued support of
Michigan's citizens, including the young women who find hope and love in Denby's treatment programs," said Ismael Ahmed, director of the Michigan Department of Human Services. "This is an occasion to see the growth of a program that's not just surviving, but thriving."
As wards of the state, participants are referred to The Salvation Army’s Denby Center by the Department of Human Services and can come from communities across the state of Michigan.
“It is our program philosophy that every child is entitled to a loving home in which to grow and develop,” said Capt. Katherine Clausell, executive director of Denby Center. “The girls are thrilled to move into this new building, one where we can teach them every day social responsibilities from the ground up, in a setting both structured and nurturing.”
The unit will feature 12 two-bed rooms decorated with cozy comforters, wardrobes and desks, a community bathroom, on-site laundry room, kitchen, large television room, open common area and more.
The Denby Center campus is in a residential Detroit neighborhood and accommodates children and teens with disabilities.
Some costs for the $1.5 million building were absorbed and underwritten by LaBelle Development. Former resident Shirley Miller, who lived in the original Denby residence from 1939 to 1944, donated a significant amount to provide for interior furnishings as well.
While the length of stay for each resident at Denby is determined by individual needs, Denby’s housing program is structured as a short-term clinical treatment, with a view toward returning residents to a less restrictive environment, such as foster or adoptive homes, natural parents or a legal guardian.
Denby’s successful maternity program, for expectant and new mothers 12- to 17-years-old, will remain in the main Denby building.
The Salvation Army Denby Center for Children has been a refuge for adolescents and young mothers with nowhere else to turn for nearly 80 years. Located in a neighborhood setting on Detroit’s Northwest side, the center is nationally accredited and licensed by the state of Michigan to provide short and long term care for abused and neglected children, and a continuum of care to pregnant and parenting teens. The Children and Family Services branch of The Salvation Army Social Services Department recognizes the value of children and families in the sight of God. Through our services, we seek to encourage and empower each individual to achieve their unique potential and to strengthen the family unit.
Founded by William Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. In 2008, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing more than 3 million meals and 776,973 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.83 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.