Creating Our Story

On a Thursday evening in March, over 320 guests gathered in the Great Hall to learn about the mission of The ROCK Center for Youth Development. Greeted by dreamers, supporters, and achievers, they excitedly gathered to their seats to find out the story of the evening.

A teen walks up to the stage to begin the program. Her name is Maddie Pilaske, and she was honored as the ROCKin’ Teen of the Year. Maddie exemplifies the values of The ROCK inside and outside of the program.

“The Creating Our Story honorary chair is Eric Blackhurst. Mr. Blackhurst serves as Associate General Counsel for Corporate Transactions of The Dow Chemical Company. He is also a director of Horizon Bank, a trustee of Alma College, and a director of the Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities. Mr. Blackhurst has been a long-time supporter and champion of The ROCK, and we are honored to have him as our chair. Please Welcome Mr. Blackhurst to the stage.”

The crowd claps and awaits the exciting program.

Eric Blackhurst welcomes the attendees and recognizes they are here because they care about their community. “During the evening, they will hear from teens about the impact The ROCK has on their lives, adults who work closely with The ROCK, and why they commit their time to their mission,” states Mr. Blackhurst.

Another teen walks to the stage and shares that her story with The ROCK is just beginning. She is writing her book called The Open Door. The storytelling program she participated in inspired her to write her book.

The ROCK Center for Youth Development hosts four out-of-school sites in Midland County. Those sites worked collectively together to create a story about resiliency. They made a story of hope and encouragement that we can work through the hard stuff and make it through it all. Working with Storyteller Rae Chesny, they created the plot, characters, story, and style.

By creating their story, they gained a voice. A voice that can create. A voice that advocates. A voice that can encourage others. A voice that can be a part of the good.

The book “The New Kid at The ROCK” introduces us to Slate.

Slate is facing significant changes this year. He must leave his mom and the home he has always known to live with an aunt and maneuver his way into a new world. Slate begins a new school and encounters the challenges of learning the layout, making friends, and understanding the expectations of new adults. His aunt, having anticipated needing help for Slate to adjust, connects him to The ROCK afterschool program.

Surrounded by intentional and caring adults, Slate finds his way to slide in. Not pressured but always welcomed and encouraged, he moves into this chapter. He finds a new home, support, and a place to belong.

Filled with the familiar anxiety of new beginnings, Slate must face his role as the new kid head-on. Along the way, he will need the support of loved ones, new friends, and community members to succeed.

“Intentional interactions provide the foundation for young people to become the best version of themselves. We are writing stories today that will be told and retold tomorrow for ages to come,” stated Beverlee Wenzel, CEO, and President at The ROCK.

Mr. Blackhurst closed the evening by sharing his own story. He shared how important it was to have two mentors who were his life’s teachers. To show him that life can be different. To show him to laugh. To show him that they cared.

Our community and The ROCK C4YD have mentors for area teens. The evening reminded us that it is now it is our turn to be that mentor to someone who needs it. Check-in, lend a listening ear, and let them know that you are there. You can make a difference today.

Over $130,000 was raised during the evening while the crowd listened to inspirational stories sharing the impact of The ROCK Center for Youth Development.

For more information about The ROCK, please visit their website or contact them by phone or email. www.therockc4yd.org or 989.835.2542