Guiding youth toward brighter futures

We provide safe homes, supportive programs, and lifelong guidance for children and young adults across Michigan.
What We Do

A Place to Grow

Guiding Harbor supports children and young adults through foster care, residential care, and independent living programs. Whether someone is just entering care, needs a safe home, or is preparing for adulthood, we’re here every step of the way.

We work with families of all kinds — LGBTQ+ parents, single caregivers, nontraditional households. Everyone deserves the chance to build a loving home.

Foster Care

We license and support foster families while helping children feel safe, cared for, and supported.

Girlstown Residential

A nurturing home for girls in foster care who need extra emotional or therapeutic support in a family-like setting.

Independent Living

We help older youth in foster care and young adults build skills, find jobs, and live confidently on their own.

Adoption Services

We support families who want to adopt children from foster care, with education and guidance.
Get Involved

You Can Make a Difference

Volunteer

Help out with events, home improvements, childcare, or mentorship.

Wish List & Gifts

Donate essentials or shop from our wish list to support our youth’s needs.

Scholarships

Support former residents with educational scholarships.

Merchandise

Wear your support with shirts and gear that give back to our programs.

Donate

Provide stability, care, and opportunity for youth across Michigan.

Join Our Team

Explore open roles at Guiding Harbor and join a team that leads with heart.
Planning Giving

Why Your Support Matters

Every gift to Guiding Harbor fuels real change: A child finds stability in a safe, loving home. A young adult gains confidence to live independently. A family is formed through adoption and lifelong support.

By including Guiding Harbor in your will or estate plans, you can ensure that future generations of youth and families receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Planned giving is a powerful way to extend your values and leave a legacy of hope.
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Guiding Harbor

Guiding Harbor

Guiding Harbor's services include: Foster Care, Adoption, Supervised Independent Living Program and Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care.

3 days ago

Guiding Harbor
🎉 Exciting News!Guiding Harbor proudly welcomes Republic Services as our 2025 Diamond Pour (Bar) Sponsor!We are thrilled to announce that Republic Services will serve as the Diamond Pour (Bar) Sponsor for Guiding Harbor’s 40th Annual Diamonds & Denim Celebration, and we are especially excited to welcome them as a first-time sponsor this year!Their generous support helps make this milestone event possible and directly contributes to Guiding Harbor’s mission of empowering children, young adults, and families toward greater independence and stability.As our Diamond Pour Sponsor, Republic Services will help us continue our mission of improving the quality of life for children and families. Guests will enjoy premium beverages throughout the evening, courtesy of Republic Services’ sponsorship, as we come together to celebrate and support the work being done at Guiding Harbor.Please join us in expressing our gratitude to Republic Services for their partnership, generosity, and commitment to our community. We’re honored to have them join the Guiding Harbor family for this Diamonds and Denim Event! ... See MoreSee Less
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3 days ago

Guiding Harbor
Did you know that November is National Adoption Month? 💜We’re celebrating alongside two of our families who are securing permanency this month — an incredible milestone filled with hope and healing.While we do our best to make the foster care experience as positive as possible, we know the journey can be tough. Adoption brings a sense of stability, belonging, and routine — helping families move toward normalcy and giving children the security they need to heal during this bittersweet process.We need more families to open their hearts and homes to children in care. If you or someone you know has ever considered adoption, we’d love to connect with you!Our next Adoption Orientation is happening on November 18th at 6 PM. 💕Join us to learn how you can change a child’s life — and your own — forever.#NationalAdoptionMonth #AdoptionAwareness #ForeverFamily #GuidingHarbor #FosterCare #AdoptLove ... See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

Guiding Harbor
It’s #WishWednesday, and we’re preparing care packages filled with love and essentials for the children and teens we serve. 💛These small items make a big difference — helping kids feel cared for, comforted, and supported during a time of transition.🛍️ This week we’re wishing for:$10 gift cards (Target, Walmart, Meijer, fast food)Diapers & Pull-UpsChildren’s booksToothpaste & deodorantYou can drop off donations at:📍 Guiding Harbor525 Huron River DrivePO Box 727Belleville, MI 48112Your kindness helps us remind every child in care that they are seen, valued, and loved. 💙 ... See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

Guiding Harbor
💎 Sponsor Spotlight! 💎We’re excited to recognize Dr. Tom and Trina Melzoni as proud Denim Sponsors for our 40th Annual Diamonds & Denim Event! ✨Dr. Tom and Trina became involved with Guiding Harbor through our dedicated board member, Deb Mohre, and have been incredible supporters of our mission ever since. Their generosity helps us continue empowering children and families to build brighter, more hopeful futures. 💙Thank you, Dr. Tom and Trina, for joining us in celebrating 40 years of Guiding Harbor’s impact, and for helping make this milestone event shine even brighter! 💎#GuidingHarbor #DiamondsAndDenim #SponsorSpotlight #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #GuidingHarborFamily ... See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

Guiding Harbor
💎 It truly takes a village — and Belleville, YOU are ours! 💙As we get ready for our Diamonds & Denim Gala on November 8, we’re reminded just how lucky we are to be surrounded by such a generous, caring community.Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every kind word shared helps Guiding Harbor continue caring for kids and teens in foster care — giving them safety, stability, and love when they need it most. 💕From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Belleville, for standing with us, cheering for our kids, and proving that it really does take a village to make a difference. 🌟We can’t wait to celebrate you at the Gala!#GuidingHarbor #BellevilleMI #DiamondsAndDenim #ItTakesAVillage #CommunityLove #FosterCare #ThankYou #SupportLocalKids ... See MoreSee Less
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5 days ago

Guiding Harbor
Nearly 90% of youth in foster care have experienced trauma, and 41% live with a mental health diagnosisblog.sevitahealth.comHealing doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, trust, and the steady support of caring adults who listen, love, and show up again and again.At Guiding Harbor, we believe in trauma-informed care, recognizing the pain, but focusing on the healing. When our foster families, mentors, and community partners come together, we remind every child:You are more than what happened to you. You are worthy of care, peace, and belonging.💛 Donate to provide counseling & share this post because healing starts with all of us.guidingharbor.org/donate/ ... See MoreSee Less
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