Hi Everyone,

I’ve been thinking about what I want this newsletter to be, not just another update, but a place where I can share the real work happening behind Pivot Point. The decisions, the learning, the moments that shape how we show up for youth and the adults who support them. My goal is simple: to bring you along as this organization grows, shifts, and finds its footing in Michigan’s youth-serving landscape.

A good place to start is with something that felt like a turning point for me: the CMHAM Winter Conference.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to deliver a trauma-informed training at the conference. I was given the opportunity to share my knowledge concerning the foundation of trauma-informed care with Community Mental Health leaders across the State of Michigan. I walked into that room hoping the content would land, that people would feel seen, and that the work would feel practical rather than theoretical. What I didn’t expect was how engaged everyone would be, the questions, the honesty, and the willingness to reflect on their own practice. It reminded me that trauma-informed practice only matters if it makes sense to the people doing the work. Afterward, several compliments on the training content and its application made me realize that, if applied effectively, this training could benefit a wide range of organizations and agencies across Michigan.

So that’s the direction I’m moving in: tailoring this training for organizations that want grounded, trauma-informed support for their teams.

Another milestone I’m excited to share: Pivot Point Youth Collaborative is officially a 501(c)(3). Getting that felt huge. It’s something I have been quietly working toward for a long time, and seeing it become real opened up a new sense of possibility. It means more stability, more partnership opportunities, and a stronger foundation for the work ahead. It feels like the organization finally has the structure to match the vision.

WHAT’S COMING UP

1. Tailored versions of the training presented at the CMHAM Winter Conference are now available for organizations seeking practical, trauma-informed support for their teams.

2. Deep-dive grant writing to secure early funding, which includes translating Pivot Point’s mission into strong, compelling proposals that can carry real weight.

3. Solidifying the program infrastructure for youth services, which includes building the systems, structure, and flow that will shape how you experience Pivot Point from day one.

Thank you for being here at the beginning. I’m looking forward to using this space to share the real work, the things that don’t always make it out, but matter just as much.

More Soon,

Ashley Denaway

Founder & Executive Director

If you’re interested in supporting Pivot Point as we build this work, there are a couple of ways to do that.

1. Make a Donation: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-5394

2. Check out our Merch: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pivot-point-youth-collaboratives-merch-shop

3. Follow along on Facebook:

   (2) Facebook

Every bit of support helps strengthen the early infrastructure we’re putting in place.