Our Mission
Empower children and families
to overcome trauma.
Key Services
Located in Flint and celebrating 100 years of service, Whaley Children’s Center (WCC) is a nonprofit residential treatment facility dedicated to helping Michigan’s foster care youth overcome trauma and build brighter futures. Serving youth from across the state, WCC provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal, develop life skills, strengthen their confidence and discover their potential.
WCC’s approach is holistic and trauma-informed, recognizing that every child’s experiences and needs are unique. Through individualized care, therapeutic support, enrichment opportunities and meaningful relationships, WCC helps youth develop the emotional skills, resilience and independence they need to move forward.
Mental Health & Behavioral Stabilization Program
WCC’s Mental Health and Behavioral Stabilization Program serves youth ages 5-17 who need a higher level of therapeutic and behavioral support. As Michigan’s foster care system continues to evolve, the need for specialized residential services has grown. WCC is responding by strengthening its programming to address the complex emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of children in its care.
The program provides expanded therapeutic, case management and aftercare services, supported by a dedicated team that offers individualized, one-on-one attention. By combining clinical care with a stable and nurturing residential environment, WCC helps youth develop healthy coping skills, build emotional stability and take meaningful steps toward long-term success.
Independent Living Program
WCC’s Independent Living Program (ILP) supports youth ages 16-19 as they prepare to transition from foster care into adulthood. For young people who have experienced trauma and instability, becoming independent can bring unique challenges. ILP provides a safe, supportive environment where youth can continue healing while developing the skills and confidence needed to navigate life on their own.
Thanks to generous grant funding, WCC is expanding the ILP from two homes to four, creating eight additional placements for youth. The third home is scheduled to open this fall, with plans to add a fourth home by the end of the year. This expansion will allow WCC to reach more young people at a critical transition point in their lives and provide them with a safe place to live while they prepare for independence.
Through its ILP homes, WCC helps youth strengthen essential life skills, build healthy relationships, develop resilience and become more self-sufficient. Each youth receives individualized guidance and support based on their goals, while also benefiting from a strong sense of community and belonging.
The goal is more than helping youth transition out of foster care. It is helping them transition into a future they can build for themselves.
Are there plans to enhance services?
Yes. WCC is continually investing in both the expansion and quality of the services we provide to youth in foster care. In addition to expanding our Independent Living Program from two homes to four, we are investing in our staff and therapists through ongoing professional development and training in current, evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. These investments strengthen our ability to respond to the complex and evolving needs of the youth in our care, as well as expand access to supportive housing and services for youth preparing for adulthood.
WCC is also committed to strengthening community awareness and support for our programs. In December 2027, we will bring back The World’s Greatest Office Party, a signature fundraising and awareness event benefiting WCC’s programs. The event will help raise critical funds while bringing the community together to learn more about the needs of foster youth and the many ways our community can support their success.
As we look ahead, WCC’s focus remains on expanding access, investing in our team and strengthening the services and community partnerships that help young people heal, grow and thrive.
How can the community help?
Community members can make a difference in many ways. Our greatest needs right now are bath towels, hygiene products and laundry supplies.
Individuals, businesses, churches and organizations can also help by:
- Becoming an event sponsor
- Hosting a Giving Tree or Pantry Pals donation drive
- Volunteering
- Mentoring a youth
- Hosting a fundraising event
- Making a financial or in-kind donation
Every donation of time, resources or support helps strengthen our community and make a difference in the lives of local youth and families.
Future Events
70th Annual Mott Park Turkey Trot
November 26, 2026
Tux and Tennies Gala & Auction
May 15, 2027
Whaley Golf Classic
Date TBD
CARS 108 Roof Sit
Date TBD
World’s Greatest Office Party
December 3, 2027
Leadership
Mindy Williams
President and CEO
Amy Anderson
Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer McKay
Chief Advancement Officer
Michelle Shamel
Chief Program Officer
Randi Beard
Director of Residential Children’s Services
Brandi Brent
Director of Residential
Danelle Freeman
Director of Program Development
Nickela Green
Director of Residential
Olivia Nagel
Director of Development
Amber Nettell
Director of Finance
Ashleigh Sanders
Director of Community Development
Melissa Taylor
Director of Independent Living
