On October 31, 2007, Tricia Reinhard, Whaley's Chief Development and Finance Officer, provided a heartwarming presentation to the AGO Group, which included AGO Officer Kevin Thompson; Media Professional John Mashni; and Media Specialist Brent Mata, during their visit. The group was able to meet some of the children, tour the center and see the operation of the Whaley Children's Center first hand. This tour also inspired the TEAM Office in Flint, where Thompson is the Chief Legal Counsel, to adopt the Whaley Children at Christmastime, resulting in large donation of items from their needs list for the children, as well as a $1,000 cash donation.
Whaley Children's Center has a fascinating history. Donald Whaley, son of founder Robert J. Whaley, died in 1880 at only 11 years old. Deeply saddened by the death of his son, Robert decided to establish a home to care for "homeless and neglected children". Following Robert's death in 1922, the Donald M. Whaley Children's Center, a private agency that cares for children and families in crisis, was incorporated in 1924 and built in 1926; the agency has been helping less fortunate children ever since.
Whaley currently houses 40 children from throughout the state of Michigan, with ages ranging from 5-17 years. The children who come through the agency's doors have been severely abused and neglected, and as a result suffer emotional and behavioral struggles. Several of these children have already been part of the social services system, such as foster care, and for the children at Whaley these placements have not been successful. Many of these children need professional assistance in developing and coping with their circumstances.
Sadly, there are more children in need of help than Whaley Children's Center can possibly support. Of particular need are the transitionally aged children preparing to transition out of the school years and into adulthood. Because some of these children may not be ready to be on their own, Whaley feels a strong need to establish stable homes for them until they are adequately prepared to live independently.
Whaley has approximately 100 employees and over 200 volunteers. Approximately 79% of the agency's funding comes from the State of Michigan, with the other 21% dependant on other resources, such as private donations, events, grant dollars and trust distributions. Imagine the amount of resources it takes to operate a facility that cares for children and makes a home for them 365 days a year! We applaud the love and patience of the Whaley staff!!
The philosophy of Whaley Children's Center is referred to as the "Circle of Courage." The four elements of the Circle of Courage are: Generosity, Independence, Belonging and Mastery. To read more about the philosophy, history, operations and how you can help, visit the Whaley's website at www.whaleychildren.org.