OPTIMIST HOUSE & ROTARY HOUSE
Youth Group Treatment Homes
OPTIMIST HOUSE
Established 1994
Optimist House can serve six youth ages 6-17 in a residential environment.
Optimist House is located in the Mott Residence building located on
the Main Campus of Whaley Children’s Center. With support from
Flint Breakfast Club, Downtown Flint, West Flint, Davison Optimist,
Central Optimist, Greater Flint, and Donations from our community,
we are able to service these youth with meals, clothing, shelter, and
education. The youth that reside at Optimist are able to get involved
with community activities, and additional educational activities that
are offered throughout the community. Our youth are able to feel safe
and protected from there past experiences by our fully trained and
dedicated staff who works around the clock to keep our mission alive.
The children are provided with an environment filled with the conveniences
of family living. Six children have their own individual room in 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 “job” in 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.
ROTARY HOUSE
Established 1985
Rotary Group Home was established in 1985 as an extension of Whaley
Children's Center. Formally known as Alarie Group Home. Rotary was
purchased with funding provided by the Flint Rotary Club. Rotary is
licensed to provide services for six youths age 6 through 17, Rotary
is dedicated to Whaley Children's Center’s mission of providing
a loving, nurturing living environment for children. Ten staff members
are committed to the task of providing around the clock support to
the youth we serve. With support from area sponsors including the Flint,
Burton and Fenton area Rotary Clubs, Rotary is able provide the children
we serve an environment filled with the conveniences of family living.
Six children have their own individual room in 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 “job” in which they earn money. Rotary children
are encouraged to express their individuality and are participants
in area soccer, football and basketball teams. Academic awards along
with Cultural and Arts participation are other successes achieved by
current and former residents. Our sponsors have provided us the means
to maintain the upkeep of the house as well as clothing, Christmas
and birthday gifts and outings to movies, camps and amusement parks.
Rotary Group Home strives to provide an atmosphere in which children
feel they can fulfill any goal they may want to achieve.
