In Their Own Words

MIZIZI MAJI MENTORING PROGRAM

“My favorite part of mentoring is that we always learn something new.”

- Maleeka Conley, Mentoring Student

“The mentoring program has helped me to break down the stereotypes that I harbored without even knowing it… It presents me continually with the opportunity to grow personally and to expand my understanding of where people come from, what they’re given to work with.”

- Anne Cassard, Mentor

“I choose to be a mentor because I think it’s important that our kids have role models and support, not just from parents but also from community members. It’s an old African saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, it really does!”

- Shayon Smith, Mentor

THREADS PROJECT

“The Threads project provides students with self esteem. It tells them, ‘You can do something if you put your mind to it.”

- Erica Millbrook, Threads Project Coordinator

“Women getting together and accomplishing something is really one of the best parts. Some days you don’t learn as much sewing as you do make friends.”

- Nancy Barnhart, Threads Teacher since 2000

“The best part of coming to Baxter is sewing class. I get to make my creations.”

- Ivory, Threads Student

WHOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC

“Beyond serving obvious physical needs in the community, people know they can count on Baxter, and the reason we’re here is because we love Christ. I’ve only been here for five years, but Baxter has been a continual source of hope and attention in the community, providing care and a hand of grace for generations.”

- Tammy Beckering, Volunteer

“I’ve been coming to Baxter’s Clinic for, oh my goodness, 20 years. I know that if I have an emergency, I can just walk through the door, and someone is there to help me. Baxter has helped me with all of my needs, Christian and social. Since I’ve been coming to Baxter, I’ve made a lot of true friends. Baxter has done so much; I can’t even name it all.”

- Mrs. Willa Alexander, Adult Clinic Client

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

“A safe place to grow is very important to us as we raise our son Dean. We cherish Dean’s safety and security while we are at work and he is being cared for at Baxter Child Care. We are also very happy to discover the many things that Dean is learning at Baxter. It is clear that the staff in the Child Care Center are dedicated to helping us raise our son in a safe and enriching environment.”

- Luke and Andrea Robinson, Child Development Center Parents

“Beyond grand-scale excellence, Baxter offers their children nurturing care to help them feel safe and secure, and a planned curriculum to engage them in learning. These are critical needs to help children prepare for school and for life.”

- Jennifer Griffith, Kent County Regional 4C

THE MARKETPLACE

“If I could choose one word to describe this environment, it would be ‘friendly.’ The people are helpful and welcoming, and I am always impressed at how clean and organized everything is. Since I moved here several months ago, the Marketplace has been a continual sense of security for me and my family.”

- Michelle Mitchell, Marketplace Pantry Client

“This has transformed the way I spend money. Now I know that everything under heaven belongs to God. When I start telling myself that, my life has been so much better. I let God handle it before I get my hands into it.”

- Hazel Lewis, Freedom in Your Finances Class Participant

“What I love most about volunteering at the Marketplace is working with the people. I enjoy the staff, and I love being a part of this Christian environment. Beyond providing clothes and food for the community, I see Baxter helping in so many other ways. With the medical offices, the tax program, child care, and all the other good things going on around here, there is a place for everyone at Baxter.”

- Amber Hora, Marketplace Volunteer