Program Partners

HELP teaches area residents English language skills

Though the Baldwin Center is a small organization, our nearly 30-year history of serving the Pontiac community has provided opportunities for numerous partnerships and alliances.  At our core, we are collaborators with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Our key partners include:

Oakland University – Several of Baldwin’s programs have benefited from the hard work of AmeriCoprs VISTA volunteers serving at Oakland University.  A Reading Appraisal course that meets weekly at the Baldwin Center, gives university students the opportunity to assess the reading levels of kids in our afterschool program and help them develop better reading skills.  Students in the Wellness, Health and Prevention course are assessing the fitness needs of Baldwin’s clients and building fitness programs that meet those needs. An Oakland class focusing on human resources development helps our clients improve their job search skill. And Oakland University students, staff and faculty volunteer in many other Baldwin programs and raise funds for our programs.

make a difference day

OU students help install hoophouse

Michigan State University Extension/ 4-H – A service of Michigan State University Extension, the 4-H is a key partner in the Baldwin Center’s Urban Garden and Farm Stand program.  This program has helped local youth explore the basics of planting a vegetable garden, tending plants, harvesting crops and selling their produce at local farm markets.  The Baldwin Center is grateful to the 4-H for introducing neighborhood kids “to the magic of the earth” and helping them “harvest a bushel full of knowledge and experience.”

HELP (Hispanic Education and Lifeskills Program) – Three days and two evenings a week, HELP offers comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to Spanish-speaking Pontiac residents. The classes are hosted at the Baldwin Center and are taught by an all-volunteer staff.  Class participants learn life skills and cultural norms as well.

HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center – For many years during the winter months, HOPE hosted up to 65 guests each night at the Baldwin Center. Now, HOPE has their own facility located at 249 Baldwin Ave. They provide warmth, an evening meal, a shower and a safe place to sleep.  The Baldwin Center kitchen offers breakfast to overnight guests as well as use of shower facilities. HOPE also works with shelter guests to find housing and additional supportive services appropriate to the needs of each individual.

We also work with: