Youth Services Ages 14-17

Youth counseling services for teens are provided in confidential sessions delivered to the teen’s school by licensed professionals or master’s level interns. These sessions are available to all teens in Midland County and referrals can be made by the teen themselves, parents, school staff or administration by contacting our intake office at 631-5390 and a therapist will be sent promptly to your school. Common issues involve communication, school success, family concerns, and personal challenges faced by today’s teens. There is no charge for this service.

Group Therapy

Groups – educational and therapeutic groups are offered through area schools on a wide variety of topics such as anger management, divorce, grief & loss, family relations, friendships and relationships.  Those 13 and under require parent permission and there is no charge for this service.

Play Therapy

Laura MacDonald & Kim Sumerix are trained PCIT play therapists who guide parents through the structured process of raising cooperative children. This specific program focuses upon the parent/child interactions through the use of labeled praise, reflections and behavioral descriptions in a clinical setting.Then parents practice the skills with their children for 5-10 minutes daily in their home to achieve optimal results. PCIT works well with children aged 2-6 years old with ODD / ADHD. Contact either therapist for more information and to help determine if this might be appropriate for your child.

Family Therapy

Individual & Family services are offered through our agency office on Eastman Ave., please contact our intake coordinator at 631-5390 to schedule an appointment.

Parenting

Parent Education & Enrichment – FCS offers a variety of parenting programs such as Parenting Classes, Co-Parenting Classes & Parenting Enrichment are three individual components offered to address a variety of issues and concerns.  Some of these are at our agency while others may be offered in your local community, contact our office for more details.

Parenting Classes & Resources – Using materials from various evidenced based parenting programs, FCS has assembled two series of 6-8 classes which assist parents with skill building as they work to raise cooperative kids. Many of our handouts focus upon Love & Logic, STEP skills, Common Sense Parenting, Conscious Discipline and How to Talk so Kids Will Listen programs.

Co-Parenting Classes & Resources – At the request of the Midland County Courts, we have begun a new program focused upon the needs of those who have experienced separation or divorce. This resource is a series of 6 classes focused upon the parenting relationship. The materials are from the evidence based program “Cooperative Parenting & Divorce” and are available on a rotational basis throughout the year. The handouts are summaries of legal and mental health concerns intended to provide supplemental information to those who are negotiating a parenting plan or are seeking skills to implement one.

Marriage

FCS offers relationship counseling for those who are contemplating marriage, are struggling with a current relationship and even those who are experiencing separation/divorce. In addition, “Up With Marriage” classes are offered at various times during the year for those who would like to build on their stable relationship and make it better. Topics include learning to effectively communicate, kindling the fire & dating, my unique partner, understanding men & women, and honesty & truth for future planning. This six week course is intended for those who are in a stable relationship.

Separation and Divorce

Nearly one-half of all children will experience separation or divorce in their lifetime. The adults who are going through this challenging time find that talking to those close to the couple is difficult at best and often seek some form of assistance through the legal system, counselors or co-workers and friends. This website brings together some of those resources which may assist you through this part of your life. At FCS, we provide confidential counseling to assist those individuals as well as resources which may help in this life transition.

Prevention Programs

Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible sign, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. If you suspect someone is abused or neglected, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or the Michigan Child Protective Services office at 1-800-942-4357.

Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect:

Hot Topics

Common topics addressed by our Licensed Master’s level counselors include:

• Anger

• Divorce

• Loneliness

• Harrassment

• Bullying

• Grief or Loss

• Pregnancy

• Depression

• Substance Abuse

• Dating

• Step Parenting

• Suicide

• STD’s

• Eating Disorders

Contact Mr. Kim Sumerix

Kim J. Sumerix, MA, LLMSW
Child & Youth Services Coordinator, Outpatient Therapist

email: ksumerix@fcs-midland.org
phone: (989)631-5390 ext. 3308

Links

Midland Public Schools

Bullock Creek Public Schools

Meridian Schools

Coleman Schools

ACEA

Windover High School

Midland Community Center

West Midland Family Center

North Midland Family Center

Railway Family Center