The Pirate Project
The Pirate Project
20% have seriously thought about suicide, and 8% have attempted suicide at least once.
There is broad consensus among Americans that the children and teens of our country are experience rising rates of mental health challenges. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the percentage of high school female students seriously considering attempting suicide rose from 24.1% to 30% from 2019 to 2021. Between 2011 and 2021 the percentage of teen girls feeling persistently sad or hopeless rose from 36% to a staggering 57%. The percentage of the same for boys rose from 21% to 29% during that same time frame (CDC).
Clearly, our youth are in crisis. The counseling center of Bethany Christian Services Holland is equipped and ready to meet the demands of this crisis, as one of the most highly trained teams in West Michigan. Every clinician on the team is trained or certified in multiple evidence-based therapy models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational interviewing, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The team provides the gold standard of treatment and takes most insurances, including Medicaid plans. The highest quality of care is provided, including for groups of people who often do not have access to that type of care given their insurance plans and socioeconomic status.
The Pirate Project
Crewmates
Climb aboard the ship – get involved
Get the book
Crewmates
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Rich Gritter, having spent his career in ministry related roles, is currently the Sr Director of Principal Gifts for Bethany Christian Services. Embracing the belief that all people are made in God’s image and are worthy of love, respect and healing, Rich believes in this project as a way to address the mental health crisis of the young people in our communities. Creating an alliance of businesses, schools, therapists and others who simply care about the well-being of kids, is an act of pure joy for Rich (and the jaunty crew of pirates he has brought to life).
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Sandy Brice is a Behavioral Specialist in Holland where she specializes in trauma informed practices for parents, foster families, and community members. Sandy focuses on developmental social and emotional interventions for children and youth. As a parent and involved community member in Ottawa County, Sandy is happy to be on board as the Pirate Project Manager
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When I was asked to help out with a real life version of the book, I thought to myself that it was like a dream come true! I get to be a real pirate! My wife Tonya and I have been foster and adoptive parents and have really appreciated the support Bethany gave us over the years. Helping out in this creative way of fundraising is a blast! www.857roof.com
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For over 16 years Carolyn has been creating art in Holland designed to visualize her whimsical and bright personality. She has partnered with the Pirate Project to provide the illustrations because she knows the importance of fully caring for all kids in our community. www.carolynstich.com
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There are a number of area business partners that are proudly sponsoring with the counseling team of Bethany Christian Services to provide an additional (1000) hours of highly-skilled and compassionate counseling services in the office and in school locations for the children and youth of the Holland area impacted by the mental health crisis in the US.
3 Flowers Farm CapTrust Financial Advisors Countryside Greenhouse Hope College Economics and Business Department Kyle Geenen Group Holland Litho Lakeshore Commercial Real Estate BVW Property Management Tip Toes TNT Roofing Velo Kids Carolyn Stich
