Baldwin Center

Like all of our volunteers, Barclay Oudersluys is one-of-a-kind. From his unique name to his athletic skill, Barclay is catching attention this summer: he plans on completing the Michigan Titanium triathlon event on August 26 in Grand Rapids, and raising funds for Baldwin Center along the way.

Barclay Oudersluys

A graduate of Seaholm High School in Birmingham,  Oudersluys spent last summer managing work projects and providing administrative support. “Barkclay was an institution here at Baldwin last summer.  Many projects were completed as he coordinated hundreds and hundreds of volunteers.  We are grateful that is helping Baldwin again this summer,” said Jason Morgan, Associate Director for Programs at Baldwin.

Oudersluys, who is studying nuclear engineering in Ann Arbor, is a former varsity wrestler who has been training for the event. The triathlon meets the standard for Ironman designation: a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, finished with a marathon race – 26 miles. It’s a total of over 140 miles, and Barclay has made Baldwin the beneficiary. “My goal is to raise $10 for every mile I’ll run, so a total of $1,400, to go to support Baldwin’s programs. It’s amazing what they do here,” he said. Continue reading →

Raven at the Velodrome

Raven and her family have been coming to the Baldwin Center for a long time, but it wasn’t until this past weekend that she found her own unique place to shine: on the track at the Bloomer Park Velodrome. A ten-year-old 4th grader who comes to Baldwin Center’s afterschool youth program, Raven was last Saturday’s stand-out biker. “The velodrome coaches said they were impressed by how well she did, and invited her to come back to keep riding,” said Matt Matthews, Baldwin’s assistant director for the youth program.

Raven has struggled at times to stay focused and be respectful in the program. Like many kids who act out, she was searching for positive attention and a healthy outlet for her energy. Insert Baldwin’s creative adventure programming: Saturday trips to area parks, bike rides (part of the national Trips for Kids program), camping, and model plane construction. These enrichment opportunities, made possible by a grant from the Detroit Auto Dealer’s Association through the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan, offer something outside of the classroom to kids like Raven who have energy and want to be active. They are fun, yet educational, and promote exercise and healthy living. Continue reading →

Pontiac Summer of Service

It’s National Volunteer Week, so we’re rolling out a big goal – 5,000 hours of volunteer service to the Pontiac community! Will you make a difference this summer in the lives of the men, women, and children who live here? Join Baldwin Center and Pledge Today!

When you complete your pledge, Baldwin Center has a gift for you!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR PLEDGE!!! Continue reading →

Statistics for April:

- Renowned acoustic musicians Putnam Smith & Jeff Karoub gave a benefit concert for Baldwin at Cranbrook-Kingswood Auditorium.
- The Family Kitchen served 4,193 lunches, 800 dinners and 803 homeless breakfasts. Youth in the after school program were served 560 snacks and dinners. Overall, 6,916 meals were served.
- 359 volunteers served over 1,839 hours of service at Baldwin, valued at $36,908.73.
- Two families were provided emergency food.
- The Clothes Closet had 1,465 shoppers (seven from HAVEN, a local domestic violence shelter, and four from area rehab).
- 14 enrolled in the GED program.
- 29 families cleaned 121 loads of laundry. 41 people had showers.
- 11th & 12th graders from University Prep Academy in Detroit began volunteering at the Clothes Closet.
- 26 mothers received diapers; 16 families were helped with baby furniture; and two newborn layettes were given to families.
- 12 AA meetings were held.
- 9 families were protected from utility shutoffs and 23 families no longer face eviction. Assistance totaled $9,924.90.
- Yoga was held weekly.
- St. Patrick’s Parish donated boxes of books and kitchen items.
- 22 prospective volunteers visited to learn more about our programs. Continue reading →

This summer, hit the road for Baldwin Center. The Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge is looking for 25,000 individuals across the country to ride their bike this summer. By logging onto the group’s website (click here) and creating an account, you can help bring greater awareness to the Baldwin Center and our national program to get kids engaged with healthy activities. More information available here.

The Trips for Kids program started last year at Baldwin. Twice during each warmer-season month, Baldwin Stars youth, volunteers, and staff go out to area parks and trails to ride bikes. The kids learn how to repair and maintain the bicycles, many of which were donated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. For many youth, this is their first opportunity to learn how to ride a bike. Contact Matt Matthews for more information on how you can get involved with the Trips for Kids program, by emailing him at tmatthews@baldwincenter.org or calling 248.332.6101.