The Moore family finalized Colin's adoption in the middle of a pandemic

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Mr. and Mrs. Moore finalized the adoption of their son Colin with Wolverine on October 2, 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, when courts were closed and every step took longer than it should have.

Become a Foster Parent

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Who can foster

You can be single, married, or separated. You can be related or unrelated to the child. You can rent. You can work full time. What matters is that you are:

Open Positions

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Trouble viewing this? Open the job board in a new tab.

Roles we hire for

A look at what the work involves. Current postings and applications are in the job board above.

Our History

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1987

Wolverine begins
Robert E. Wollack founds Wolverine Human Services after years working with youth in a variety of settings, opening St. Jude's Home for Boys in Detroit. He believed a better treatment model could produce the best possible outcomes for kids.

Programs

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- Young men, 12 to 17
- Vassar
- Behavioral health
Foundations Behavioral Health
Pioneer Work & Learn Center
An intensive treatment program combining individual and group therapy, group counseling, medical services, and contracted psychological and psychiatric services.

Ways to Give

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$20 a month
Raise a Superhero monthly giving

Monthly gifts fund the Piggy Bank Project, which gives every foster child a monthly gift and a birthday present, plus seasonal gift cards for school supplies, winter movie nights, and summer pizza parties. Every monthly donor receives a Wolverine superhero cape.

The Bryan family: Kamarye's adoption day, finally

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

The Bryan family includes parents Micah and Jennifer and their four-year-old son, Kamarye. The Bryans recently finalized Kamarye’s adoption.

Even though the adoption process was temporarily delayed when COVID-19 closed the Wayne County Court Adoption Unit, the Bryan family stayed patient, stayed committed, and got their day. Kamarye is home for good.

Adoption

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How adoption works at Wolverine

Most adoptions begin with foster care. A child is placed in your home while their parents work on a reunification plan. When a court terminates parental rights, the foster family is usually the first family asked to adopt.

Apply

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Trouble viewing this? Open the job board in a new tab.

Leadership

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Melissa Fernandez

Chief Executive Officer

Melissa joined Wolverine in 2026 and was named Chief Executive Officer in September 2026. She previously served as Director of Juvenile Youth Services for Wayne County, appointed by County Executive Warren C. Evans, and brings a practical, back-to-basics approach centered on accountability, service, and results. Her guiding belief is simple. Everyone matters.

Our Approach

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in every role

CBT is the most widely used and studied talk therapy in the world. Most agencies reserve it for the therapy hour. Wolverine trains every staff member who works with youth, from Master’s-level therapists to youth care workers, through the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, the nonprofit founded by CBT’s originator, Dr. Aaron Beck.

Volunteer

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Core Orchards Detroit

The first U-Pick apple orchard inside Detroit city limits, founded by Wolverine. Monday food distribution, Saturday soup kitchen at the John S. Vitale Community Center, orchard operations, and neighborhood clean-ups.

The Kilgores came to adopt. They stayed to foster.

Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

James and Heather Kilgore have been foster parents with Wolverine Human Services since July 2016. Their initial goal was to adopt. They remained open to becoming foster care providers, and that openness changed everything.

Alumni & Scholarships

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Four annual scholarships

Awarded each year at the Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet.

The Wayne Anderson Award

For an alumnus who has overcome serious difficulties on the way to their goals.

Locations

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Administrative Office & Community Based Programs

Taylor, Michigan

20300 Superior Road, Suite 140
Taylor, MI 48180
(734) 284-6264 · Directions
- Administrative office
- Foster care & adoption
- Independent living
Main mailing address for the agency.
Vassar Residential Campus

Vassar, Michigan

150 Enterprise Drive
Vassar, MI 48768
(989) 823-3040 · Directions
- Residential treatment intake
- Pioneer Work & Learn Center
- Wolverine Growth and Recovery Center
- Clarence Fischer Center
- Vassar House
Residential intake for all campuses.

Restorative Justice Weekend

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What it is

The Restorative Justice Weekend program gives young people the opportunity to focus on giving back and making amends to the community for criminal or delinquent behavior, while remaining at home during the week. Activities include facility maintenance, groundskeeping, and community service projects.

Young Adults 18 to 20

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Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care

If you are 18 to 20 and have an open foster care case, or exited care at 18 or later, you can choose to stay connected. The program is voluntary. You decide when you are ready to end services.

The Worley family: from the hospital to forever

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Mr. and Mrs. Worley’s adoption journey began with foster care as relative caregivers. In 2017, they picked up their nephew Leon from the hospital shortly after he was born.

The family bonded quickly with Leon, and Mr. and Mrs. Worley’s three daughters fell in love with him. What started as stepping up for family became a forever adoption.

Accreditation & Compliance

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Council on Accreditation

Accredited for more than 20 years for overall operations and for residential services, substance use disorder services, juvenile justice residential services, foster care, adoption, and specialized independent living.

Foster Home Licensing FAQ

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How do I apply for a foster home license?

Wolverine works with the State of Michigan to license foster parents in their own homes. The first step is to call (888) 625-8669 or send the inquiry form on this page and ask for foster home information. We will invite you to a virtual orientation.

Refer a Young Person

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Call intake directly

Vassar campus intake(989) 823-3040Foundations, Wolverine Growth and Recovery Center, Clarence Fischer Center, Vassar House, Restorative Justice Weekend
Detroit campus intake(313) 822-2400Wolverine Center, Victors programs, St. Jude's, Detroit Shelter

What to have ready

The young person’s age, gender, and county
Referral source and any court order or case number
Primary treatment needs and any diagnoses
Placement timeline, from emergency to planning ahead

Each program has an admission grid contracted and licensed through MDHHS, and every referral is reviewed case by case. We serve young men and young women and accept private referrals, though we cannot currently accept insurance payments.

Keiwan Wilson grew up in the system. Now he is the parent he needed.

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0400

At 23 years old, Keiwan and Jamie Wilson have outstanding parenting skills. Keiwan is no stranger to the foster care system. When he was 10, he and his siblings were removed from their mother’s home because of neglect.

Annual Reports

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Wolverine Human Services is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 38-2675330. Form 990 filings are available through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and on request from Donate@wolverinehs.org.

PREA Compliance Data, 2015 to 2017

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Back to PREA reports and audits · 2017 · 2016 · 2015

2017 calendar year

Wolverine Center, Detroit MI
Status	Substantiated	Unsubstantiated	Unfounded	Pending
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	0	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	0	0	0
Totals:	0	0	0	0

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	144
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	122
Number of Clients in Program on 12/31/17:	28
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17:	28 males
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17:	28
Clients Age 18-20 on 12/31/17:	0
Clients Age 21 or Older on 12/31/17:	0

Pioneer Work & Learn Center (PWLC), Vassar
Status	Substantiated	Unsubstantiated
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	0	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	1	1
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	0
Totals:	0	0

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	87
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	78
Number of Clients in Program on 12/31/17:	54
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17	54 males
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17	52
Clients Age 18-20 on 12/31/17	2
Clients Age 21 or Older on 12/31/17:	0

Wolverine Growth & Recovery Center (WGRC), Vassar
Status	Substantiated	Unsubstantiated	Unfounded	Pending
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	1	0	0	0
Staff SexualHarassment	0	0	0	0
Totals:	1	0	0	0

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	71
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	61
Number of Clients in Program on 12/31/17:	28
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17:	28 males
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17:	28
Clients Age 18-20 on 12/31/17:	0
Clients Age 21 or Older on 12/31/17:	0

Vassar House (VH), Vassar
Status	Substantiated	Unfounded
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	1	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	1	0
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	1
Totals:	1	1

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	73
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	77
Number of Clients in program on 12/31/17:	44
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17:	44 females
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17:	42
Clients Age 18-20 on 12/31/17:	2
Clients Age 21 or Older on 12/31/17:	0

Clarence Fischer Center (CFC), Vassar
Status	Substantiated	Unsubstantiated	Unfounded	Pending
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	0	0	0	0
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	1	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	0	0	0
Totals:	0	1	0	0

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	102
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	85
Number of Clients in Program on 12/31/17:	51
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17:	40 males & 11 females
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17:	47
Clients Age 18-20 on 12/31/17:	4
Clients Age 21 or Older 12/31/17:	0

Wolverine Secure Treatment Center, Saginaw
Status	Substantiated	Unsubstantiated
Youth on Youth Non-Consensual Sexual Acts	3	0
Youth on Youth Abusive Sexual Contacts	0	0
Youth on Youth Sexual Harassment	0	0
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	1
Totals:	3	1

Number of Clients Admitted this YTD:	163
Number of Clients Discharged this YTD:	101
Number of Clients in Program on 12/31/17:	100
Gender Breakdown on 12/31/17:	61 males & 39 females
Clients Age 17 or Younger on 12/31/17:	92
Clients Age 18-20 years old on 12/31/17:	8
Clients Age 21 or Older on 12/31/17:	0

As result of these PREA related incidents, the following corrective actions have been taken across programs:

Paris arrived with 17.5 credits. She left Vassar House with a diploma.

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Paris C. came to Vassar House with 17.5 credits and told us she was going to finish school here. She put her determination to work and achieved her goal, working full time all spring and summer while completing her coursework through our on-campus school.

FAQ

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Is Wolverine Human Services a nonprofit?

Yes. Wolverine Human Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees. EIN 38-2675330.

Where are you located?

Our residential campuses are in Vassar and Detroit, Michigan. Community-based offices for foster care, adoption, and independent living are in Taylor, Flint, and Warren. We serve families in all 83 Michigan counties.

Latoya Robinson: "Every child needs a loving home, so I would say do it."

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Latoya Robinson found out in high school that she could not have children on her own. “I was introduced into foster care and adoption,” she said at Wolverine’s Muffins with Mom appreciation day in May 2026, “and once I got a license, it was up from there.”

Peter and Anthony Mutabazi

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Peter Mutabazi adopted his son Anthony through Wolverine Human Services. Their story, of a single father who said yes when a boy needed a home, reached CBS, FOX, and Good Morning America and inspired families across the country to consider foster care and adoption.

Privacy Policy

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What we collect

Forms on this site ask for the information needed to respond to you, such as your name, email, phone, and the nature of your inquiry. We also collect standard, non-identifying usage data such as pages visited and browser type to understand how the site is used and to improve it.

Accessibility

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Wolverine Human Services is committed to making wolverinehs.org usable by people of all abilities. This site is built to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at level AA.

Honoring Judy Fischer: A Legacy of Leadership, Compassion and Service

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Celebrating a distinguished career devoted to helping Michigan’s children and families thrive.

For decades, Judith “Judy” Fischer has been a steadfast champion for Michigan’s children and families. On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, she retired as Chief Executive Officer, concluding a distinguished career defined by compassionate service, thoughtful leadership and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.

Wolverine Human Services Welcomes Melissa Fernandez as Chief Executive Officer

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Wolverine Human Services is pleased to announce Melissa Fernandez as our new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter for our organization and the communities we serve.

Experienced Leadership, Mission-Driven Vision

A Message from President Matt Wollack

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

At Wolverine Human Services, we are committed to developing the next generation of leaders. This work is deeply personal to me, as I am proud to carry forward the legacy my father began—building an organization rooted in compassion, opportunity, and belief in every young person’s potential.

More Than a Celebration: Foster Mothers Step Into the Gap for Michigan's Children

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Coverage from Telegram News, May 14, 2026. Summary and excerpts; read the full article at telegramnews.net.

Telegram News visited Wolverine’s “Muffins with Mom” Appreciation Day, an event honoring foster and adoptive mothers while strengthening the bond between families and the children in their care. Kids made handmade flower bouquets, did arts and crafts, and spent the morning with the mothers and caregivers who keep showing up for them.

Committed to Our Mission

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Wolverine Human Services is a mission‑driven organization committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building safer communities. For decades, we have partnered with individuals, families, and local partners to provide compassionate care, evidence‑based programs, and practical support to those facing serious challenges. Guided by dignity, accountability, and hope, our work focuses on creating lasting, positive change—helping young people heal, families grow stronger, and communities move forward together. Stabilize. Revive. Thrive.

In Memory of Robert E. Wollack, MSW

Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Founder of Wolverine Human Services (1953–2025)

We are saddened to share the passing of Robert E. Wollack, founder of Wolverine Human Services and a lifelong advocate for youth and families in need.

Application received.

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Message received.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Referral received.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

See you on game day.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you. We will be in touch soon.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

We call or email to answer your questions.
You pick a virtual orientation date. They run every week.
After orientation, you decide whether to sign the application and start licensing.

If it is urgent, call (888) 625-8669.

Wolverine Human Services

The Moore family finalized Colin's adoption in the middle of a pandemic

Become a Foster Parent

Who can foster

Open Positions

Roles we hire for

Our History

Wolverine begins

Programs

Foundations Behavioral Health

Ways to Give

Raise a Superhero monthly giving

The Bryan family: Kamarye's adoption day, finally

Adoption

How adoption works at Wolverine

Apply

Leadership

Melissa Fernandez

Our Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in every role

Volunteer

Core Orchards Detroit

The Kilgores came to adopt. They stayed to foster.

Alumni & Scholarships

Four annual scholarships

The Wayne Anderson Award

Locations

Administrative Office & Community Based Programs

Vassar Residential Campus

Restorative Justice Weekend

What it is

Young Adults 18 to 20

Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care

The Worley family: from the hospital to forever

Accreditation & Compliance

Council on Accreditation

Foster Home Licensing FAQ

Refer a Young Person

Call intake directly

What to have ready

Keiwan Wilson grew up in the system. Now he is the parent he needed.

Annual Reports

PREA Compliance Data, 2015 to 2017

2017 calendar year

Paris arrived with 17.5 credits. She left Vassar House with a diploma.

FAQ

Latoya Robinson: "Every child needs a loving home, so I would say do it."

Peter and Anthony Mutabazi

Privacy Policy

What we collect

Accessibility

Honoring Judy Fischer: A Legacy of Leadership, Compassion and Service

Wolverine Human Services Welcomes Melissa Fernandez as Chief Executive Officer

A Message from President Matt Wollack

More Than a Celebration: Foster Mothers Step Into the Gap for Michigan's Children

Committed to Our Mission

In Memory of Robert E. Wollack, MSW

Application received.

Message received.

Referral received.

See you on game day.

Thank you.

Thank you. We will be in touch soon.