The Guidance Center

09/04/2026

If you are contemplating joining us at the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala at Michigan Central on Friday, September 18, please note this inspiring blog from agency President & CEO Laura Huot published in tandem with Detroit Philanthropy.

Ticket link in first comment!

For nearly seven decades, The Guidance Center has been a trusted resource for individuals and families across Wayne County. Since our agency’s founding in 1958, we have navigated economic shifts, changing political landscapes, and evolving funding priorities. Through it all, we have continued to g...

09/04/2026

Our VIP Reception for those who have purchased VIP level tickets or have sponsor VIP tickets to the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala on Friday, September 18 will be held in this stately room at Michigan Central - The Study - which was the original women's waiting room at the historic train station.

Gala VIP guests will hear special remarks from The Guidance Center President & CEO Laura Huot prior to joining the full festivities that will gather nearly 600 people to support the work of the agency's Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center.

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO PURCHASE tickets or sponsorships for the Gala. Please see link in first comment!

09/04/2026

With heartfelt gratitude, we recognize Nancy J. Diehl as our Michigan Central Friend Sponsor, making her generous donation in loving memory of Lynda E. Baker.

Lynda joined the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in May 1986 with the creation of the Child Abuse Unit—the first of its kind in Michigan. As the state’s first child advocate to work directly with prosecutors as part of a unified team, she partnered with prosecutor Nancy J. Diehl to help build the foundation of this groundbreaking unit.

Lynda had a remarkable gift for connecting with children and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to be heard and respected. In 2001, she and Nancy J. Diehl founded Kids-TALK to ensure that children experiencing abuse would always have a safe place to talk.

Lynda’s inspiration, innovation, and steadfast dedication shaped an organization that has touched thousands of lives. Her legacy lives on in every child Kids-TALK serves and in the countless professionals who continue her mission of giving children a voice.

As we celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK, we are especially grateful for the generosity of those who choose to make a difference in honor of someone they hold dear.

09/04/2026

At the heart of Kids-TALK are the people who make sure children feel safe enough to speak, and cared for enough to begin healing.

For our staff, being there for a child during one of the most difficult moments of their life is more than a job. It is a responsibility they carry with compassion and purpose.

For 25 years, Kids-TALK has been a place where children can find that safe space—and where being seen, heard, and believed can be the beginning of healing.

09/03/2026

We are raising a glass to our Kids-TALK Patron Sponsors: Leo Stevenson – Merrill Lynch, Dick Genthe Chevrolet and Bussa Financial Partners.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK and, more importantly, for supporting the mission that has made those 25 years possible.

Your generosity strengthens our ability to be there for children and families when they need us most. We are so grateful to have you as part of this milestone celebration.

The deadline to purchase tickets to the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala is TOMORROW, September 4! Link in the comments if you would still like to join us for this impactful evening.

09/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our Kids-TALK Patron Sponsors of the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala: Comcast, Kerr Russell and Gallagher!

Your generosity helps us continue our mission of supporting children and families and ensuring that children who have experienced abuse have a path toward healing and hope.

We are proud to celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK with partners like you by our side. Thank you for investing in the work that makes a lasting difference in the lives of children.

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase tickets for this event, so please visit the link in the comments if you would like to join us for this spectacular evening at Michigan Central on Sept 18!

09/02/2026

A very special thank you to Bridgeway Services Inc. for joining us as a Champion for Children Sponsor of the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala.

We are grateful for your investment in The Guidance Center and your support of an evening dedicated to celebrating 25 years of Kids-TALK and our commitment to children and families.

Your generosity is helping us raise a glass, celebrate a milestone and, most importantly, shine a light on the work that matters so much to our community.

Thank you, Bridgeway Services Inc., for being part of this unforgettable night!

09/02/2026

We are delighted to recognize Patrick and Karen Smithbauer as Champion for Children Sponsors of the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala.

Their generous support helps make this very special evening possible as we come together to celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK and the children and families at the heart of our work.

Thank you, Patrick and Karen, for supporting The Guidance Center and helping us make this milestone celebration one to remember. We are so grateful to have you as part of this extraordinary evening.

09/01/2026

As we celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK, we are especially grateful for partners like PNC who believe in the importance of investing in children and families and in the work we do every day.

Thank you, PNC Bank, for your generous support of the 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala and for helping make this milestone celebration possible. We are proud to have you shining alongside us as a Presenting Sponsor.

09/01/2026

September has arrived and with it comes the countdown to our incredible 25th Anniversary Kids-TALK Gala on the 18th!

We are honored to recognize the Catalli Family Charitable Trust as a Presenting Sponsor of the gala.

This extraordinary investment in our mission is a powerful reflection of the Catalli Family Charitable Trust’s commitment to children, families and the communities we serve. Their generous support helps The Guidance Center continue providing critical services, strengthening families and creating opportunities for brighter, healthier futures.

As we celebrate 25 years of Kids-TALK, we are reminded that this work is only possible because of partners who believe that every child deserves to be safe, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.

We are deeply grateful to the Catalli Family Charitable Trust for standing with The Guidance Center and helping us make this milestone celebration — and the work behind it — possible.

It's not too late if you still want to be a part of this event! Link for tickets is in the comments, and the deadline to purchase is this Friday, Sept 4.