KIWANIS HOUSE & ZONTA HOUSE
Adolescent Group Treatment Homes
Kiwanis House
Established 1989
In 1989 Kiwanis House was officially dedicated as a Whaley Group
Home. The mission of Kiwanis International (Division 17 of Michigan)
is specifically outlined:
- Major emphasis is on supporting the children
- Kiwanis members maintain home and work with the children
- Kiwanis members are personally active in beautifying and maintaining
the home. Many club members visit the home regularly.
The 12 clubs that make up the Division 17 of Michigan donated 5,000
dollars each over 12 years for the purchase of Kiwanis House.
Kiwanis House serves emotionally disturbed children who may have
suffered neglect, physical abuse and or sexual abuse. It is specifically
designed to provide the strong support and structure that is key to
helping emotionally disturbed children’s family environment.
Before Kiwanis House was opened it was specifically remodeled to
accommodate 6 children age 6-14 each with their own bedroom. The Kiwanis
members continue to make changes and consistent up grade in the home.
Kiwanis House has recently been transitioned over into a Specialized
Adolescent Boys Group Home with 7 children ages 11-17.
We have also implemented the Level System, which consist of 4 levels
(Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior). The primary goal of the Level
System is to help the youth confront conflicts in their lives (physical
aggression, emotional aggression, verbal aggression and property destruction)
and teach them the necessary and appropriate skills needed to help
them deal with these types of behavior in a more appropriate way in
the future. Our mission of the Level System is to assist preadolescent
and adolescent boys in their transition from Residential Treatment
to achieving their goals by embracing and enhancing their strengths.
To teach them independent living skills, help them develop personal
responsibilities in understanding of their own personal life situations
and to empower them to become successful leaders. This goes hand in
hand with Whaley’s Strength Base Philosophy of the Circle Of
Courage, which consists of 4 components (Belonging, Generosity, Independence
and Mastery).
The Children at Kiwanis House are never far from a helping hand.
They are supervised 24hrs a day 356 days of the year by specially trained
Youth Specialist workers assigned to 3 8hr shifts. Kiwanis House is
designed to function as much like the traditional home as much as possible.
The structured daily life of Kiwanis Residential Program is designed
to regain a child’s ability to trust and behave appropriately.
The children attend either Flint Public Schools or the Whaley Residential
School located on the main campus. Placement is based on the individual
needs and capabilities of the children. As in any traditional family
the home environment gives the children a chance to learn to grow by
taking on household chores. Kiwanis House is equipped with a van used
to transport the children to school, medical and therapy appointments
and on outings to special activities.
The children typically stay at Kiwanis House from 6-12months. Afterwards
they go to a foster family, an adoptive family or back to their biological
family.
The group home setting allows the children to get the help they need
to put their past behind them and to move on to healthy and productive
lives. Strong home environment like Kiwanis House help the children
to trust again and believe in their futures.
ZONTA HOUSE
Established 1994
Zonta House can serve seven female youth ages 10-17 in a residential
group home environment. With support from Zonta I and Zonta II Clubs
of Flint and donations from our community, we are able to service these
youth with meals, clothing, shelter, and education. The youth that
reside at Zonta are involved with community activities, extra-curricular
and educational activities that are offered throughout the community.
The children will learn basic life skills, participate in rap sessions,
Our youth are able to feel safe and protected from their past experiences
by our fully trained and dedicated staff who work around the clock
to keep our mission alive.
The children are provided with an environment
filled with the conveniences of family living. Five children have their
own individual rooms, which they can decorate to their liking. Meals
are served family style with the children participating in the preparation
of the meals. Chores are shared and everyone has a designated chore
for which they earn money. Staff provides ongoing life skills with
our Strengths Based Circle of Courage Philosophy enabling a smooth
transition from Whaley Children's Center.
