Whaley Children's Center

Whaley Children's Center Transforming Lives and Creating Futures for the kids at Whaley Children's Center since 1926. Since 1926, many of Michigan’s most severely abused and neglected children have been treated and cared for at Whaley Children’s Center, a non-profit residential child caring institution located in Flint.
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The children are between the ages of 5 and 17 and are referred to Whaley by the State of Michigan’s Department of Human Services. Serving approximately 80 children annually, Whaley Children’s Center has 100 employees, seven group homes and an on-site school, and provides intensive treatment and support as well as a variety of educational programs to 48 children at a time in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of a lifetimes’ worth of abuse and neglect. Utilizing the Circle of Courage program philosophy, which emphasizes Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and Independence, Whaley employs evidence based interventions to deliver empowerment based services to enhance life and social skills. The focus, from the residential homes to the family based services and education services, has shifted from viewing the children as victims but rather as survivors with skills that can be developed and enhanced.

The children are between the ages of 5 and 17 and are referred to Whaley by the State of Michigan’s Department of Human Services. Serving approximately 80 children annually, Whaley Children’s Center has 100 employees, seven group homes and an on-site school, and provides intensive treatment and support as well as a variety of educational programs to 48 children at a time in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of a lifetimes’ worth of abuse and neglect. Utilizing the Circle of Courage program philosophy, which emphasizes Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and Independence, Whaley employs evidence based interventions to deliver empowerment based services to enhance life and social skills. The focus, from the residential homes to the family based services and education services, has shifted from viewing the children as victims but rather as survivors with skills that can be developed and enhanced.

Mission: Whaley Children’s Center provides tools to children and families who have experienced trauma to reach their full potential.

Operating as usual

12/05/2020
Thank You!

Tonight we are humbled, grateful, in awe, and just all around speechless of how our friends and community continue to care for our children at the Center. Not only did you all rally around us to help us reach our goal of $75,000 but you made the impossible possible and helped us CRUSH that goal, bringing our total amount raised to just over $120,000! We can’t believe it either! Because of each of YOU, this HOME we create for our 42 littles will feel even brighter and warmer. Because YOU carry OUR mission so proudly in your hearts, WE get to proudly fulfill our mission every day.

Thank you from our entire Whaley family!

I was originally introduced to Whaley by a business colleague, Dan Crannie. My wife, Barbara, and I started out as donor...
12/03/2020

I was originally introduced to Whaley by a business colleague, Dan Crannie. My wife, Barbara, and I started out as donors. When I found out about the mentor program, I decided to volunteer.

I was assigned to a 12 year old boy, who was taken from his abusive parents when he was 6 years old. Then to make matters worse, he had an aborted foster to adopt experiences. So, I am embarrassed to say that I had no hope of him being adopted, but Whaley did.

At age 14, a very nice husband & wife picked him to be their son. I like to say that I was a small part of a BIG MIRACLE.

Thank you Whaley Team for making a believer out of Doubting Thomas.

-Tom Doescher
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

12/03/2020
Karen Supports #75in75forWhaley

"To giving every kid at Whaley a magical life."

With the community, Little Caesars' Believe in the Magic of Christmas campaign will provide every kid at Whaley a magical Christmas. FInd out how in the video below.
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

Fifteen years ago, as Christmas approached, I found myself in a foster home I couldn't stay in because I was taking some...
12/03/2020

Fifteen years ago, as Christmas approached, I found myself in a foster home I couldn't stay in because I was taking someone else's bed. I had just learned that I was never going back home and my future was uncertain, to say the least. My foster mom helped me pack the things I had acquired in my short stay there along with my teddy bear that came with me. We made the long drive from her home to Whaley Children's Center.

When I got there, I was so afraid, so sad, and so uncertain. But Whaley knew what to do! I had a therapist and a worker. I slowly began to work through what had happened in my short 11 years in this world. The staff helped me sort through all my questions, my uncertainties and my self loathing. With their help, I thrived. I quickly gained privileges and was even allowed to go to a public school off grounds! I only lived in the unit for a few months when they decided that I would do better in a more home like environment. I was transferred to Zonta, which was one of their all girl homes. When my parents decided they were going to sign off their rights, my whole world fell apart again; I guess I thought I'd still go home one day.

After that, I was a pretty sad little girl. I still did well in school and with my peers, but I spent most nights crying until I slept. One day, I had a meeting with my worker and she asked me if I'd like to have a new family and I excitedly agreed. I did an on camera interview and had my picture taken for perspective families to see. And then I waited.

It didn't take long and before I knew it, they had a family for me! Just after my 13th birthday, I went home with my new parents.

Everything was not perfect after that, although I'd love to say we lived happily ever after. Things were still really hard for me and I spent a lot of my teenage years angry, confused and questioning everything and everyone. But there was always someone along the way to guide me: a teacher, a counselor, another adult who took notice. I wish I could go back and tell that 13 year old me that everything was going to be ok!

I am now 26 years old. I have been married 4 years now to a man who loves me unconditionally. He helps me through my bad days and is an amazing father to our 2.5 year old little girl. Plus, I'm expecting a son in March!!

You see, it doesn't really matter where I came from, what statistics say or how hard things were along the way because with the right help and people that care and notice, I have everything I had dreamed of!! My life is not perfect by far, but I'm happy, healthy and I've broken the chains that bound me to the same life my parents lived; thanks to Whaley and all the adults that took notice along the way!

-Rochella
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

12/03/2020

Second chances are so important. They can truly change someone's life. Watch Ed's story to see how a second chance transformed his.

Be our difference maker, donate now https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. #75in75forWhaley

12/03/2020
Together We Can

We are currently at $27,960! We can't thank you enough for making this possible. Your support means everything to us!

Together we can reach $75,000. #75in75forWhaley

Be our difference maker, donate now at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

12/02/2020
Jordan's Dream

Watch Jordan's journey as she finds hope, home, and family at Whaley Children's Center.

Help us continue to make Whaley a place where kids can simply be kids. Donate now at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours.

#75in75forWhaley

One of my most memorable and heartwarming stories comes from the Christmas holiday a few years ago. At the house with th...
12/02/2020

One of my most memorable and heartwarming stories comes from the Christmas holiday a few years ago. At the house with the boys, we were celebrating Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful dinner with all of the kids, and we began opening some presents to celebrate the evening before winding everyone down for bed. With all of the fun and celebrations we had, it slipped the mind of one of our boys that it was really close to Christmas, and the day was almost here. We thought it was odd, as he asked to be excused to his room while the other boys continued to open presents.

About 30 minutes later, he came out of his room and had wrapped up several items with notebook paper and some of his used wrapping paper. He went around the room and gave every one of the other boys and staff members the items he had wrapped and sat back down. I had asked him more about the items and what he had been doing in his room. He said that he had forgotten the date, and wanted to make sure that everyone had something to open from him. He felt bad for not having gifts for everyone. He said he didn't have much to give, but he also knew what it was like to not have a Christmas and wanted to be sure that everyone of his peer's and the staff had received a gift from him. He added that he wanted everyone to know how thankful he was, and wanted to give back to others who may not have been able to celebrate a Christmas holiday before. He thanked us for everything, and added that this was already the best Christmas he ever had. Being in Foster Care, he had not had many Christmas' spent celebrating. He spent many worrying about what was next for him, and where he would be after the holiday.

That moment touched my heart just thinking of everything that he had gone through over the years, and that he still wanted to make sure others were happy and never had to go through what he had. I still have my homemade Bingo game that I was given that Christmas, and I will continue to cherish the memory of that very special moment.

-Randi Beard, MA

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Help us continue to transform the lives of our littles. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

12/02/2020
Matt Supports #75in75forWhaley

Our board member, Matt Franklin ABC 12 News, explains the work and the impact the staff have on our children.

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

In my eight years of working at Whaley, I have diligently kept a wall of photos of children or pictures they have gifted...
12/02/2020

In my eight years of working at Whaley, I have diligently kept a wall of photos of children or pictures they have gifted me with. These photos and gifts serve a dual purpose in that they are daily reminders of the immense honor I have had to know them and work with those that have left our agency to transition to their next home, from the very first child to the last. My current caseload of children often will stare at the photos in wonder about where those children are now and what their story is. The children I have served through these years come into my office and know, with this tangible reminder, that the others before them may be gone but are not forgotten. They remain on my mind and in my heart, that they are loved, no matter how long ago it was, just as the child looking at them is as well.

-Kelly Henson, MA, LPC
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

12/02/2020
Scott Supports #75in75forWhaley

Watch to see how Great Harvest Bread Co. Grand Blanc is supporting Whaley Children's Center for their month of giving.
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

12/02/2020
Brandi Shares a Memory

Listen as our Director of Residential Services, Brandi, shares an experience she will never forget.
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

We have tallied up all the donations we have been receiving so far and we are at $9,800! Thank you all for supporting ou...
12/02/2020

We have tallied up all the donations we have been receiving so far and we are at $9,800! Thank you all for supporting our Center and kiddos!!

We still have a ways to go but we know with your help we can reach our goal. Please share our donation page https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forwhaley #grateful

12/01/2020
John Supports #75in75forWhaley

Peerless Mattress CO. has been part of our Whaley family for many years. We thank them for their support and donation. Watch the video below to hear John's connection with Whaley Children's Center.

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

12/01/2020
Erin's Favorite Memory

Our youth specialist are so special. It's amazing to see the bonds they create with our kids. See how one of our youth specialist, Erin, connected with one of our kiddos over tomatoes.
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley

1201 N. Grand Traverse St. That large nondescript older brick building. I know you see it. All of you have seen it as y...
12/01/2020

1201 N. Grand Traverse St. That large nondescript older brick building. I know you see it. All of you have seen it as you drive by. I know you have heard the unseen laughter from behind the building as you drive by. I know you have seen glimpses of a fleeting child playing with other kids as you drive by. I know you have wondered what goes on in that building as you drive by.

Magic happens there.

Love, Compassion, Tenderness, Understanding, Transformation. I know we don’t capitalize these words in the middle of a sentence. But you do when you understand these are not just words but a calling by those that provide those most needed elements to children that may have never felt those elements in their young lives.

I have had the opportunity to stop on my drive by and see the magic. Some is hard to see, some is breathtaking. All is needed. The look in the young eyes of those that have experienced what we block from our minds is life altering.

We need to not drive by any more. We need to understand what these kids need to survive be loved and be transformed. We need to understand what the employees, the new mom and dads, need to block out the harsh realities that they deal with every day. They need us. Those of us that just drive by.

Think of Whaley Children’s Center when you think of your generous donations to those that aren’t as fortunate. Magic doesn’t happen often. Magic deserves more than a drive by.

We all will be better people for it.

-Philip Shaltz

#75in75forwhaley

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

12/01/2020
Meet Elisha

The kids that come through our doors can feel nervous, scared, and alone. We make sure that our kiddos feel safe, cared, and loved. For our kids, Whaley is more than a center but a true home.

#75in75forwhaley

Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Working at Whaley Children’s Center changes your life. Not only for the kids and the staff, but for me too. Walking in t...
12/01/2020

Working at Whaley Children’s Center changes your life. Not only for the kids and the staff, but for me too. Walking in the doors each morning is a new start. It never leads down the path I prepare for and most days I walk out to my car with a smile on face. Sharing snacks, playing outside, teaching littles to tie shoes and talking about the future are some of my most favorite things to do each day. Working here is life changing, working here during a pandemic is still just that. Just because the world stopped, paused, stayed home and limited our resources, we kept changing lives. Our kids needed us more than ever this year. While we ran low on many things, pieced together what we could and learned the difference between need and want, we used our strength as a Family and made sure this was HOME. Now, I am asking all of you to please join us in our #75in75ForWhaley campaign and help us continue changing lives each and every day!

With many thanks and much love,
Mindy
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Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Address

1201 N Grand Traverse St
Flint, MI
48503

Telephone

(810) 234-3603

Website

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Videos

Together We Can
Together We Can

We are currently at $27,960! We can't thank you enough for making this possible. Your support means everything to us! Together we can reach $75,000. #75in75forWhaley Be our difference maker, donate now at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Jordan's Dream
Jordan's Dream

Watch Jordan's journey as she finds hope, home, and family at Whaley Children's Center. Help us continue to make Whaley a place where kids can simply be kids. Donate now at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. #75in75forWhaley

Matt Supports #75in75forWhaley
Matt Supports #75in75forWhaley

Our board member, Matt Franklin ABC 12 News, explains the work and the impact the staff have on our children. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

John Supports #75in75forWhaley
John Supports #75in75forWhaley

Peerless Mattress CO. has been part of our Whaley family for many years. We thank them for their support and donation. Watch the video below to hear John's connection with Whaley Children's Center. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Sheriff Swanson Supports #75in75forWhaley
Sheriff Swanson Supports #75in75forWhaley

Sheriff Chris Swanson shares the importance of Whaley Children's Center. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate in the comments below as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

The Warda Foundation Supports #75in75forWhaley
The Warda Foundation Supports #75in75forWhaley

We are grateful for the continued support we receive from The Warda Foundation. Listen as Jason Warda discusses his community involvement! Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Karen Supports #75in75forWhaley
Karen Supports #75in75forWhaley

"To giving every kid at Whaley a magical life." With the community, Little Caesars' Believe in the Magic of Christmas campaign will provide every kid at Whaley a magical Christmas. FInd out how in the video below. . . Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Nickela Asks For Your Help
Nickela Asks For Your Help

Make all our kiddos' dreams come true. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Scott Supports #75in75forWhaley
Scott Supports #75in75forWhaley

Watch to see how Great Harvest Bread Co. Grand Blanc is supporting Whaley Children's Center for their month of giving. . . Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

John Supports #75in75forWhaley
John Supports #75in75forWhaley

"What these kids need is hope. In hope it's help." Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Nolan Supports #75in75forWhaley
Nolan Supports #75in75forWhaley

Nolan has gotten a special request from Santa. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Mike and Elliot Support #75in75forWhaley
Mike and Elliot Support #75in75forWhaley

"We support Whaley because it's the right thing to do." Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Brandi Shares a Memory
Brandi Shares a Memory

Listen as our Director of Residential Services, Brandi, shares an experience she will never forget. . . Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Erin's Favorite Memory
Erin's Favorite Memory

Our youth specialist are so special. It's amazing to see the bonds they create with our kids. See how one of our youth specialist, Erin, connected with one of our kiddos over tomatoes. . . Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Thank You!
Thank You!

Tonight we are humbled, grateful, in awe, and just all around speechless of how our friends and community continue to care for our children at the Center. Not only did you all rally around us to help us reach our goal of $75,000 but you made the impossible possible and helped us CRUSH that goal, bringing our total amount raised to just over $120,000! We can’t believe it either! Because of each of YOU, this HOME we create for our 42 littles will feel even brighter and warmer. Because YOU carry OUR mission so proudly in your hearts, WE get to proudly fulfill our mission every day. Thank you from our entire Whaley family!

Meet Elisha
Meet Elisha

The kids that come through our doors can feel nervous, scared, and alone. We make sure that our kiddos feel safe, cared, and loved. For our kids, Whaley is more than a center but a true home. #75in75forwhaley Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Amber Supports #75in75forWhaley
Amber Supports #75in75forWhaley

Amber Lynn Taylor is motivated to support Whaley Children's Center this Giving Tuesday. Are you?! Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Genesee County Commissioner-Elect Domonique Clemons Supports #75in75forWhaley
Genesee County Commissioner-Elect Domonique Clemons Supports #75in75forWhaley

Genesee County Commissioner-Elect Domonique Clemons joins us for #75in75forWhaley Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

Stephanie Parkinson Supports #75in75forWhaley
Stephanie Parkinson Supports #75in75forWhaley

Find the reason why Stephanie Parkinson gets involved at our Center. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

The Peterfi-Cantleberry Team Supports #75in75forWhaley
The Peterfi-Cantleberry Team Supports #75in75forWhaley

Giving is what The Peterfi-Cantleberry Team does best! Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Real Estate for a Cause Supports #75in75forWhaley
Real Estate for a Cause Supports #75in75forWhaley

Watch this video to find out why Real Estate For A CAUSE supports our Center. Who will you challenge? #75in75forWhaley Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL

#75in75forWhaley
#75in75forWhaley

They say it takes a village. Thank you to each and every one of you for being OUR village. For the next 75 hours, we would like to take you on a journey through the lives that are transformed each and every day at Whaley Children's Center or as we like to call it, HOME. Please like, share, and challenge others to donate as we work to raise $75,000 in 75 hours. Click here to donate today at https://bit.ly/39tO2tL #75in75forWhaley

Skaff Save and Share 4 Day Sale
Skaff Save and Share 4 Day Sale

Starting next week, Skaff Furniture Carpet One Floor and Home Save & Share 4 Day Sale will be going on from November 27 until November 30. 5% of all sales will go to 1 of 4 local charities including Whaley!

Our Whaley Golf Classic silent auction closes at 6pm. Get your bids in at https://whaleygolf2020.ggo.bid Click "Start Bidding" in the upper right corner to register to bid. Thank you to our silent auction sponsor ELGA Credit Union!

Rain or Shine
Rain or Shine

The forecast calls for rain but we're all sunshine and smiles. Come down and see us!

Roof Sit 2020
Roof Sit 2020

Come see us!

Getting a little help from a friend
Getting a little help from a friend

Pictionary
Pictionary

Any guesses to what our kiddo is drawing?

TGIF
TGIF

TGIF

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Comments

Please consider giving to this Wayland, MI military family! She is a beautiful little girl and has endured so much more than any child ever should. Please give and share if you can! https://www.gofundme.com/f/cheyenne039s-chariot…
Christmas, our favorite time of year. Please consider donating to the Whaley Children. While we are spending time with our loved ones the children at Whaley are happy to have the people around them that God gave them. Merry Christmas🥰
Was impressed with Whaley Children's Center.... there were a lot of volunteers helping today not just from Mott Community College - from other places also.
Families with children under 5 years of age: Don’t forget to stop in and tour 6 of our GISD Head Start sites this week:) Visit GISD Head Start events or flyer below for the specific day, timeframe and address information. Please share and or tag families that may be in need. https://www.facebook.com/124605971306128/posts/731667197266666?s=1371108917&sfns=mo
Looking to give your child a HEAD START or GREAT START on their educational career this fall?Programs for children 6 weeks old -5 years old available. Express interest today to learn more about a location near you! Visit www.geneseepreschool.org or call 810-591-KIDS(5437)#geneseecounty #preschool #591kids
This place really helps and yes I was there for 2 years when i was like 10 or 11 something like that the staff helped I felt like it was my home until I went home with my aunt and then my mom got me and i wish everyone there can go to a home and have a really gr8 life
have you ever tried a GoFundMe account? I heard that you are looking for activities over Easter vacation. Has anyone approached any of the theatres for movie passes?
My broker, Eric Stamm and I went to talk with Madalen Mcguire about Whaley. Madalen has donated her time to Whaley since 1990. I personally think that my forever friend is an earth angel! Next week a Eric and I are going to tour Whaley. I want to volunteer to help those sweet children!
Thank you all for stopping by today, here are some highlights from today's events! https://www.facebook.com/ShivelyBrosInc/videos/1414975741891120/
They had great ice cream socials in the 50's and a parade on July 4th