Growth Works was founded over 50 years ago as a way to keep kids from indulging in mischief and at-risk behavior. Originally known as Plymouth Youth Inc. (PYI), the agency’s mission has evolved from just keeping kids out of trouble to restoring hope, supporting change and improving lives, which is the guiding light amid the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve.

Growth Works has expanded its services to meet the needs of young people and families throughout Wayne County and beyond. In 2024, Growth Works served clients in more than 100 communities across the state of Michigan. In addition, it provides a menu of services that includes adult and adolescent substance use treatment, supervised visitation, case management and probation, youth assistance and diversion, peer recovery coaching, and school-based clinicians.

While Growth Works operates as a local nonprofit, we are serving the community with nationally accredited health care services. Growth Works has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating continuous compliance with national performance standards. This recognition of quality care reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

We are proud to offer our community these vital services that are more in demand than ever before in our organization’s history. Challenges of substances, mental health, anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide plague our kids and we want to be the place families can turn when they face these struggles.

One key to our success is our ability to bring organizations and community leaders together to create resources for those in need. We celebrate our strong partnerships with Western Wayne County school districts, elected officials, police departments, health systems and nonprofits.

One of the programs available to youth is the Youth Assistance and Diversion Program. This program provides an opportunity for kids aged 11-17 to improve their decision making, take responsibility for their actions, address substance use and gain the skills to navigate adolescent life. The program helps adolescents stay out of the Youth Justice System and stay connected to their community. Referrals to the Youth Assistance Program can come from the prosecutor’s office, a parent, school administrators or through local police departments.

"A Growth Works referral gives our youth and their families an opportunity to address behavioral issues while keeping them out of the court system,” said Plymouth Township Police Chief Jim Knittel. “We have seen tremendous success for the kids we have referred to the Youth Assistance Program.”

Growth Works is also proud to be a part of the newly launched Self-Care and Prevention Program in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS). This program is aimed at supporting students’ mental health, preventing substance use and promoting overall well-being.

“Together we can make a significant impact on our community,” said Kathy Grodus, a psychologist at P-CCS. “Along with Growth Works and community partners, we are taking a vital step toward empowering students to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.”

Growth Works is grateful to the Plymouth community and proud to offer the resources and support for youth and families. We recognize the services we provide may be difficult to discuss, or some might think families in Plymouth don’t face these challenges. But the reality is, addiction, suicide and mental health do not operate within certain geographical borders.

We provide services and support to everyone who comes through our doors. Growth Works has been honored to serve Plymouth for the past 50 years and we hope to continue serving this community for many more.