Amal was 15 when she was placed in foster care, she was new to this country and did not speak English. She was away from anything familiar, and she was frightened but when she arrived at Guiding Harbor’s Girlstown residential program staff saw right away a glimmer in her eye. This glimmer was Amal recognizing that even though she was scared, this was an opportunity for her to forge her own path. She had a kind soul and a thirst to learn and so her journey began.

Amal quickly adapted her language skills and learned English. Girlstown’s focus on life skills, therapy to help her overcome her trauma, and education in the local school system was just what Amal needed to grow into an independent person. While staying at Girlstown, she was able to really get the support that she needed at the time, which allowed her to have stability in her life.

Girlstown staff assisted Amal with college applications and helped her to practice her English. She graduated from high school and graduated from Girlstown. She then transitioned to Guiding Harbor’s Independent Living program. This allowed her to learn how to be on her own but still in an environment that she had assistance and support. The letter came one day, telling her she had gotten accepted to Western Michigan University.

Amal applied for and received Guiding Harbor’s Suzanne Baber Scholarship three times throughout her college career. This allowed her to be able to have financial assistance with her college education. Amal credits the scholarship for helping her achieve an education, “Even though money doesn’t buy happiness, it can assist in a way that alleviates a large stressor in someone’s life for them to have a chance at a good life.” Amal received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Amal currently works for in higher education supporting college students who were in foster care. She enjoys what she does because not only does the program help students transition into college, but it also allows her to take her own experiences and assist those who are similar circumstances. Because of the generous donors who have given their assistance, she has been able to go to college and pass on her skills to the next generation. It was a ripple effect that she hopes can continue.

Guiding Harbor was able to assist Amal in many ways but in the end, it is Amal who deserves the credit. She took the skills that she learned and applied them to all the facets of her life. She used her past to fuel the dreams she had for herself. She accomplished her goals for education and now is using what she learned to help others achieve their dreams.

Suzanne Baber Scholarship

Suzanne Baber was past President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Lake Orion, of which she was an active 50 year plus, member. Suzanne was a teacher/counselor for Waterford Township High School and later Waterford Kettering High School.

She had her husband were active in promoting higher education. Thanks to her original donation, a scholarship fund was created in 2013 to encourage continuing education of persons who have successfully been released from the programs of Guiding Harbor. This scholarship has helped provide higher educational access to several former participants of Guiding Harbor’s services.  The Suzanne Baber Scholarship is perpetuated by the generosity of other like-minded individuals.