Baldwin Center
The Baldwin Center’s mission is to feed, clothe, educate and empower the men, women and children of the Pontiac community. The center is a safe place where bellies are filled, where children can play and learn without fear of violence, and where people can recover their dignity and find respect. We offer “a clean, well-lighted place” to anyone who enters our doors.
Description:
The Baldwin Center runs a menu of programs serving our neighbors from the very youngest to the very oldest. In cooperation with other local agencies and with the help of local congregations, volunteers and in-kind contributions, the Baldwin Center is able to offer assistance and support. We do not charge a fee for any of the services, clothes or food that we offer to our clients.
Everything we do at Baldwin Center can be organized into the four components of our mission statement: we feed, clothe, educate and empower the people of our community.
Our food programs consist of the Baldwin Family Soup Kitchen; the Homeless Breakfast and Shower Program; Holiday Food Distribution; Food Recovery; and the Focus HOPE Food Distribution Program.
Our clothing programs include our Clothing Closet; Lighten Your Load laundry facility; hat and glove distribution; a Holiday Store; providing baby diapers and food; and a Back-to-School program.
We offer education programming through our After School Program; Summer Camperships; Summer Enrichment Day Camp; and GED preparation courses.
In addition to fostering empowering conditions in every aspect of our programming, we also provide a Warming Center from January through March; Alcoholics Anonymous; Healthy Living Classes; Get a Job, Get Ahead career readiness program; Flu Shots, Blood Pressure Screenings are also offered by community partners at our facility. We also provide assistance for pharmacy and other client expenses as we can.
History:
In June of 1981, a local church opened its doors to provide food and recreation to area children and families on a daily basis. On December 15, 1982, the Family Kitchen opened. We served 15 meals that day (In 2007 the Family Kitchen served 45,071 meals). In 1983 an emergency shelter program was initiated.
In 1987, the day care wing was constructed. In 1991 additional property was purchased for a youth center, enabling Baldwin to carry year round programs and tutoring. In 1993, the homeless shower and breakfast program began. In 1995, the Baldwin Early Learning Center opened.
In 1997, the laundry and Healthy Living adult programs were initiated. In 1999, a warming center for the homeless opened serving men and women from January through March. In 2002, our adult and family services program was expanded to include a full-time licensed counselor.
In 2006, the congregation of the Baldwin Avenue United Methodist Church merged with Grace and Peace Community Church of Pontiac; the Center became its own independent entity and is now known as The Baldwin Center.
The Baldwin Center currently runs 25 programs for families, youth, and senior citizens. The Center offers a safe place where people are respected and listened to, where children can play without fear of violence, broken glass, or drug needles.
Contact people:
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Jason Morgan, Volunteer Manager, (248) 332-6101, (email)
Lisa Machesky, Executive Director, (248) 332-6101, (email)
Linda Tucker, Office Manager, (248) 332-6101, (email) |
Office fax number: (248) 332-0533
Address:
Web Site: http://www.baldwincenter.org
Directions:
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Typically people approach the Baldwin Center in some relation to the Loop (Wide Track), circling downtown Pontiac.
From the Loop, you will "Y" off to the North where posted at Cesar Chavez Avenue. You will then turn right at the first. . . (more) |
| Last updated on August 6, 2009 |
