Judson Center, a non-profit human service agency, and its affiliate, Child Safe Michigan, have announced the first phase of a major renovation and expansion of its historic Royal Oak campus at 13 Mile and Greenfield roads.
The project — a groundbreaking is planned on April 6 from 10-11:30 a.m. — is funded through the human service agency’s Centennial Capital Campaign, which has raised $8.5 million of its $9.5 million goal.
“We are beyond excited about the start of construction on this highly anticipated undertaking,” says Lenora Hardy-Foster, president and CEO of the Judson Center. “The transformation of the campus will enable us to expand services to 900 additional children, adults, and families every year. This project reflects our commitment to meeting the urgent needs of the community and building the next century of providing unwavering care.”
The Royal Oak location is where Judson Center began in 1924 as the Detroit Baptist Children’s Home. Today, the agency operates in six counties with programs for children, adults, and families in autism, behavioral and primary health care, disabilities services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring.
The groundbreaking ceremony will include a program beginning at 10:30 a.m., featuring remarks from state and local government officials, Judson Center and Child Safe Michigan leaders, and major donors.
The project plan includes:
- Larger rooms, offices, and zones for Child Safe Michigan and Child & Family Services programs
- Visitation room suite for Foster Care and Adoption Services
- Creation of an on-site Behavioral Health Clinic
- Addition of a Ring Road for easier access to facilities
- Flexibility to allow for program growth
“Our Master Plan will transform the campus into a more functional site that meets the demand for integrated care,” says Hardy-Foster. “It will enable us to provide outpatient substance use disorder treatment, behavioral and primary health care, vocational services for people with disabilities, autism services, and foster care, adoption, and foster youth mentoring at that one location.”
The Judson Center Centennial Capital Campaign Committee is co-chaired by Judson Center Board Members John Carter and Tricia Ruby, and Child Safe Michigan Board Co-Chair Keith Pomeroy.
“This is Judson Center’s first major Capital Campaign in its 100-year history,” says Scott Trudell, chief development officer of the Judson Center. “We received $1 million gifts from The Carls Foundation, the State of Michigan, and an anonymous donor. Plus, our board and executive team members donated $1.2 million. We are incredibly grateful to all our financial contributors for supporting our legacy and mission.”
Engineering and architecture firm Stantec, Nowak & Fraus Engineers, Cadaret Architecture, and Gilbane Building Co. have collaborated with Judson Center and Child Safe on the creation, construction and management of the renovation project.
Construction will begin shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony and is expected to be completed in a year. The start of fundraising for the second phase of the project will be determined later.
For more information, visit judsoncenter.org or childsafemichigan.org.
