West Michigan, August, 2024
Children in foster care are often moved from the familiar to the unfamiliar, their routines and communities suddenly shifting and changing. At Catholic Charities West Michigan, we understand that support and encouragement is crucial in the lives of these children as they grow and develop. That’s why our Confident Kids Event started: to inspire families and children in foster care across West Michigan with hope and confidence.
On Wednesday, August 14, CCWM hosted our fourth ever “Confident Kids” event to help children in foster care feel confident, special, and worthy as they enter the new school year. Barbers, stylists, and braiders from all around our community gathered to give their time and skills to children in foster care. The evening buzzed with excitement as families filled their new backpacks with school essentials, partook in fun games and activities, and enjoyed delicious pizza and treats. Confident Kids 2024 was an incredible night of community – businesses, schools, churches, and volunteers generously serving, supporting, and encouraging families of West Michigan.
Each year, CCWM serves over 300 children in foster care. Our specialists work to connect children with resource parents to create healthy, safe, and secure relationships. From hair care for children to comprehensive family support, CCWM works to see children and their families grow and succeed.
Our Confident Kids event is only the start of our journey to see that children and families across West Michigan are encouraged and empowered to become their best. With over 50 programs dedicated to serving those in need, we provide help and create hope for thousands of individuals all across West Michigan, one person at a time.
From everyone at Catholic Charities West Michigan, thank you for supporting families in your community. We could not have done this without you!
Thank you to our generous volunteers for helping set up, facilitate, and tear down our event: Aquinas men’s lacrosse team, Catholic Central High School girls volleyball team, and Northview High School girls basketball team.
Thank you to our hair care volunteers for gifting West Michigan families with your time and talents: braiders Katarra Austin, Jackie Williams, Yvette Brown (Yvette’s Anointing Hands), Nakia Moody (Braidsbymwahhh L.L.C), Inez Riley (Reflections Salon & Suites), Mercedes Gant, Jaquierria Brown, Chloe Gilliam, Sincere Johnson, Makayla Offray, Sheena Walls, Teara Pitts, Brittany Malott; barbers Rob Smith (Forest Hills Barbershop), Nancy Brocker (Earth Wind & Fire Hair Styling), Amber Sherwood (Salon Re), Morgan Fisher and Mercedes Williams and Stephanie Dietrich and Tyler Tuttle and Kelsey Phillips (Hey Barber GR), Maura Olivero, and Alison Mack; and stylists Lyndsey Burns (A New Image Salon and Day Spa), Estelle Rodriguez, Angela Hindenach (Salon 84), Monique Casiday and Erika Weinrick (Raven Mane), Kim Walski, Mary Burns (Careline Great Clips), Elizabeth Riha (Great Clips – SonRise Clippers, LLC), Carla Vasquez (The Spiritual Hairstylist LLC), Ally Szczytko (Fusion Hair Design), Jalyn Smith (JP Studio), Ava Kelly (Salon Re), and Gabriela Leon.
Thank you to our sponsors for helping our kids shine: Premier Sponsor St. Pius X Catholic Parish; Gold Sponsor Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church; Silver Sponsors Jandernoa Foundation, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Meijer, Kona Ice, Doeren Mayhew, St. Robert of Newminster, and Visual Workplace Inc., SalonCentric, Stenger & Stenger Law, Chick-fil-A, and Franca’s Pizza (Flo’s Collection); and Bronze Sponsors Independent Bank, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Holy Family Catholic Parish, Applied Innovation, Larry Erhardt, Varnum, Macatawa Bank, Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Crowe, Haworth Helps, Solt Family Dental, Miller Johnson Attorneys, and Dan Vos Construction Company.
About Catholic Charities West Michigan
For over seven decades, Catholic Charities West Michigan has been feeding the hungry, counseling those who struggle, and building strong families. Through a broad spectrum of social service programs focused on the needs of children and families, CCWM serves residents of 11 counties in West Michigan. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, CCWM has more than 235 employees who work from nine locations and has touched the lives of more than 15,000 individuals each year. For more information, visit www.ccwestmi.org.