2023 Annual Report · Narrative Archive

This archive preserves the text published in the 2023 annual report on our previous website. It is historical information, not a statement of current program schedules or finances. Original financial charts and the linked report document are still being recovered.

2023 Annual Report

3 years of Mental Health Interventions, Children, Families, Community, and Change.

Executive Director’s Message

“Our community waits for someone to initiate change, not because the people in it are incapable, because those who need solutions are often exhausted with obstacles too tall to overcome alone.”

Nicole N. Liggins, CEO

I remember the very first board meeting, I was so excited. I was nervous yet hopeful. I realized in that moment win lose or draw that I had an opportunity along with the other brilliant minds sitting along side of me to make an impact on a city that I grew up knowing and loving all of my life. Not just any impact, a real footprint of sorts. Mental health interventions , childcare, out of school time programming, therapy, community outreach -how could anyone not love us?

Fast forward three years ahead, we will continue to spread awareness and do the work. We have a great team of leaders who do hard things great. The Department of Education in partnership with Michigan Afterschool Partnership awarded our organization $517,000 under the section 32n OST grant funding. We collaborated with 6 sites in 2023 to implement programming during winter, spring and summer months. In all we were to serve 680 youth in Saginaw, Bay, and Oakland counties. Youth engaged in a unique camp that focused on diversity and inclusion. They sharpened skills in science, literacy, math, and social emotional learning all while embracing the similarities and differences of other cultures. Families were offered therapy if they faced challenges and youth learned ways to regulate their behavior through the use of unique interventions. As an organization we employed over 2 full time, 16 part-time employees and 11 contractual workers Youth participated in community activism as they utilized their voices against the uptick in violence in Saginaw, MI during the summer of 2023. Youth participated in ”Fashion & Reflection” which was a expressive display of fashion, art, anti – violence video messages from local lawmaker and community member directly affected by violence. The event was held at the Temple Theatre on September 19th 2023. Both WNEM TV5 and WJRT TV12 covered the event. There were 250 people in attendance.

Organizational Overview

The Guided Grace FYS story

Guided Grace FYS is a tax-exempt, non – profit organization established in 2020 with the sole purpose of promoting mental health and wellness within the community. We support innovative therapeutic interventions and approaches that benefit a broad base of psychosocial and behavioral strategies using technology that is sensory-based. We create and implement unique program-specific interventions to lead clients ages 4 – 99 to their total mental wellness goals! We collaborate with multiple systems with like interests to support community goals. We believe mental health needs a fresh perspective, so we strive to be the difference. Guided Grace FYS, we are navigating change!

Our Guiding Mission

Our mission continues to be providing hope to children, families, and the community using a holistic approach to mental health and total wellness. Bringing modern technology, innovative programs, and field expertise to each barrier and challenge we overcome.

Organizational Overview

Our Community Impact

Happening Now

We Care About Science

Under the direction of curriculum director Dr. Sheree Schattenmann youth were empowered learn and do! Youth K-8 learned about the diversity of seeds and root systems, they further understood the local issue of food insecurity that plague Saginaw county and many urban areas. As a sustainable solution, they all grew micro greens and witnessed how quickly this problem could be solved. In addition to that, when the weather permitted, youth grew an outdoor garden and compared and contrasted differences, noting cost, time, and overall feasibility. There were some experimental fails but this is how youth learn and grow along the way. “Dr. Sheree” continues to empower our youth with the gift of science each grant year sparking new thought processes through her take on solution based programming.

Financial Summary

We have experienced growth due to grant funding.

The majority of funds raised for the year came from grant funds secured through the Michigan Department of Education.

Fundraising is needed to attract public and private donors. More work is needed on behalf of the fundraising committee to attract new ideas and implement a plan of action to generate funds that will help sustain this thriving organization which has superseded expectations. It is our hope to help support other organizations in the community that share like ideology, vision, and goals however this is nearly impossible without strengthening our own financial outlook.

Innovation and Growth

Facing the Future

This year was full of hope an optimism as we venture to move into the future. With collaboration and community relationships, it is my hope that we bridge the gap between those issues that concern us the most like crime, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and unfair unequal systems that work to suppress the most vulnerable populations in underrepresented communities. By committing to do the work each day, we are impacting lives beyond the county lines we represent. Our reach can be felt throughout the entire state. Again, we are not finished. Indeed, we have only begun. As we move forward we will market our brand vigorously so that recognition is more common while expanding the partnership between the Guided Grace and Guided Grace FYS entities.

Further Reading