“This is the building our children and families deserve.”
It took a long time to get here – especially long, depending on how you count:
… from the 5 years since the Together for Kids Campaign launched…
… to the dream it was even years before that…
… to the 13 years sinceD.A. Blodgett for Children and St. John’s Home merged to form DABSJ…
… to the 136 years back during the original founding of our legacy organizations!
You could say it was a day 136 years in the making. And on August 10, 2023, the Together for Kids Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marked the official opening of our new building to the community. And what an incredible journey it was.
At the ceremony, we got to acknowledge so many who brought us to this moment – the Together for Kids Campaign cabinet; the construction team of Erhardt Construction, Integrated Architecture, plus Journey Construction; the DABSJ staff; and of course the 500+ individual and corporate donors who believed in this vision and generously gave to make it possible.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch shared remarks, noting the model of excellence DABSJ provides for the entire state. State Senator Mark Huizenga’s office shared an official proclamation to mark the occasion. And lead donor Susan Samrick did the honors of snipping the ribbon to a chorus of cheers.
“This facility was built with 100% focus on the needs of children and families,” said India Manns, chairperson of the DABSJ board of directors. “It was done in a way that provides dignity and respect for their experience.”
For the first time, the entire DABSJ team is together on one campus with an innovative, intentionally designed building that offers expanded programming space, administrative offices, a health and family clinic, community meeting spaces, a gymnasium, and educational and wellness space for children and families.
As we step into this new chapter, we are filled with hope, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of unity – thanks to you. Here’s to the next 136 years of making a positive change, together!
