Ingham Academy is an alternative high school in Lansing that gives youth involved in the court system a chance to earn a diploma while learning necessary life skills. It is run with a partnership between Ingham Intermediate School District, Highfields, and the Ingham County Circuit Court. Joanna Hayes began working at Highfields 13 years ago
Read MoreBeing a parent can be both rewarding and terrifying, especially at 17 years old. For James*, it meant stepping up and providing for his family. James was struggling to balance a good relationship with his son’s mom, provide for his family, and look out for his six siblings, all while trying to make it through
Read MoreEvery year Highfields’ Reaching Higher after school program provides kids with the chance to have a summer camp experience. Although many camps have closed, it’s given staff the opportunity to think “outside the box” to provide a new experience for students called: “camp in a box!” Staff from Reaching Higher schools have created over 700
Read MoreOnly six months in the role of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Supervisor, Morgan was blindsided by the worldwide quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m being pushed to be more creative with problem solving,” said Morgan. “I’ve learned how to stay true to the MST model while remaining considerate and empathetic to every client’s unique situation.”
Read MoreHighfields’ music studio has helped many at-risk students since opening in 2017, thanks to the James and Kimberly Currie Foundation. Three years later, the original placement of the music studio is no longer safe due to the age of the structure. Now, thanks to the Currie Foundation’s continued support, Highfields was able to move the
Read MoreDuring the current COVID-19 pandemic, Highfields’ campus has been closed to visitors and non-essential staff, but as a 24-hour facility for at-risk boys, some adjustments needed to be made. Some residential students have been given a chance to go home, however, those who remain on campus have adapted to a “new normal.” At first, dealing
Read MoreJonathan became friends with people who influenced his actions in a negative way. He committed crimes such as breaking and entering, larceny, and concealing stolen vehicles. After he was caught breaking into four phone stores, Jonathan was referred to Highfields’ residential treatment program to help turn his life around. Right away, he tried to make
Read MoreEducation has taken a challenging turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. For after school programs like Reaching Higher, directing resources and students have taken a whole new form of creativity. Program Director, Brenda Weck, received the go-ahead for the “Learning at a Distance Plan” from the Michigan Department of Education. The new platform for learning and
Read MoreCommunity resources can be difficult to find without a little help. Highfields’ counselor, Sherronia Walker knew this all too well from growing up in Detroit with 11 brothers and sisters. During childhood, Sherronia always took care of her siblings. She recognized that people don’t always have the resources they need in order to help better
Read MoreAngel and his family moved 2,000 miles away, from Honduras to the United States, to escape the violent cultural unrest and find a better life. For the past 5 years, Angel struggled with a new life, new country, and bad experiences from his past. He coped with his pain by using marijuana and fighting with
Read MoreSupported By WordPress Customer Service
