BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WSBT) — One Benton Harbor non-profit is helping young children learn emotional regulation, empathy, and coping skills.
The goal of the nonprofit called “Grounded” is to empower youth with free mental health services, focusing on creative outlets, creative expression, and life skills in education.
I see a positive influence from Grounded with my kids,” said Tynisha Hopkins, a parent of children enrolled in the program.
One Benton Harbor non-profit is helping young children learn emotional regulation, empathy, and coping skills (Grounded Incorporation)
Benton Harbor resident Cori Burton started the self-funded program.
It offers free biweekly get-togethers for children, focusing on prayer, crafts, gratitude, and perseverance.
The program began in January of last year after Burton noticed many children facing mental and emotional trauma were struggling to be their best at school.
It is a trend that I see often with kids having those adult responsibilities, and then they get to school, and they’re not taught about the importance of school. They just have all these responsibilities. So something has to fall short. And unfortunately, that’s the educational piece that they need to get out of that situation,” said Cori Burton, Grounded Founder and Executive Director.
The program has since grown from just six kids at the start to more than 100 today.
One Benton Harbor non-profit is helping young children learn emotional regulation, empathy, and coping skills (Grounded Incorporation)
The program’s home location for meet-ups is at Benton Harbor’s Bethel Church.
One Benton Harbor non-profit is helping young children learn emotional regulation, empathy, and coping skills (WSBT Photo)
One parent, who has four children enrolled in the program, says she’s seen a huge difference in her kids’ behavior since they started going.
They prefer to be there than home, which I just love. It keeps them off the streets. It gives these kids something stable,” said Hopkins.
Burton said that her whole reason for starting the program is to create a safe space, and said she sees many kids in Benton Harbor who have to carry the weight of adult responsibilities.
One thing I pride myself on is that the kids that I started with in January are still here. They still consistently come. To be able to be somebody that they trust, that’s better than anything else I can get in this world. To be able to know that there are kids out there that have a safe space in me and in my team,” said Burton.
Burton said they’ve recently partnered with Benton Harbor Girls Association for Learning and Self-Esteem to further expand the program.