About Us
STRONG FAMILIES SUPPORT HEALTHY CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Our non-profit organization has been helping families like yours for three decades. Our name recently changed, but our mission to eliminate and prevent all forms of child abuse and neglect through awareness, advocacy and education remains strong.
We began in 1979 when community leaders from the Barry County judicial system, state family support agencies, state human service agencies and child advocate professionals determined a need to eliminate child abuse in Barry County. Together the Barry County Child Abuse Prevention Council was born.
In the 1980s the Children Trust Michigan designated us as the county’s premiere Child Abuse Prevention Council of Barry County.
Since we began our organization has provided services to families, children and Professionals who serve these groups with education, advocacy and awareness.
Today the organization has evolved and strives to reach deep into our community to help families create healthy, nurturing environments for their children. By strengthening parents and supporting child development and safety our community will enjoy strong future.
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
AWARENESS
Acknowledging the issue of child abuse and neglect.
ADVOCACY
Supporting families to make the needed changes.
EDUCATION
Apply what you’ve learned to strengthen and support families. Knowledge is prevention.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Robert Becker
President
Retired Hastings Insurance
Dominique Ambriz
Vice President
Gun Lake Tribe
Laurie Ann Curtis
Treasurer
Highpoint Community Bank
Carol Dwyer
Secretary
Attorney-at-Law
Dave Banister
Barry County Prosecutor’s Office
Laura Brahdt
Retired Barry County ISD
Amanda Hoeksma
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
Bret Hoxworth
White Oak Counseling & Recovery
Chief Jenny Johnson
Barry Township Police Department
Susan McKinstry
Barry County CMHA
Julie Nakfoor-Pratt
Barry County Prosecuting Attorney
Sheryl Overmire
Retired Wraparound Coordinator
Dave Pelon
Deputy Court Administrator
Barry County Trial Court
Diane Slocum
Barry Eaton District Health Department
Brittney Wright
Department of Health & Human Services
All meetings begin at 11:30 AM unless otherwise stated.
Meetings will be held at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI in the Leason Sharpe Hall. Contact Bill Mattson for additional information at Bill@familysupportbarry.com
2025
January 23
March 27
May 22
July 24
September 25
November 20






