Judson Center to Celebrate 101 Years of Service with Annual Gala on Nov. 7

October 13, 2025

Judson Center, under the leadership of President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster for nearly a decade, has evolved from a small foster care and adoption organization into a comprehensive social services provider throughout Michigan as it celebrates its 101st anniversary. The organization now offers integrated care spanning autism services, behavioral health, primary healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, and disability support, with multiple locations across the state. Hardy-Foster has transformed the organization by implementing an integrated care model that addresses clients' interconnected challenges and securing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status.

Who is affected

Michigan's vulnerable families, children, and individuals
Clients with multiple interconnected challenges (mental health, chronic medical conditions, substance use)
Individuals with autism
People with disabilities
Children in foster care, especially older children seeking adoption
Communities in Royal Oak, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Dearborn

What action is being taken

Providing integrated care that combines behavioral health with primary care
Expanding physical presence with new offices across Michigan
Operating five autism program locations throughout the state
Running the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange to connect older foster children with adoptive families
Hosting a fundraising gala on November 7 to raise money and awareness
Presenting the Care of Art Award to recognize outstanding support

Why it matters

The integrated care model addresses clients' multiple interconnected challenges in one place
The organization's expansion improves access to care, particularly in rural areas
Certification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) allows Judson Center to serve more people
The services improve clients' health outcomes and life expectancy
Judson Center provides services that are rare in Michigan
The organization reaches vulnerable populations who might otherwise be overlooked

What's next

Continuing to grow autism services and other programs
Raising funds through the upcoming gala to support future initiatives
Looking for ways to help more people and expand services
Moving forward into the organization's second century of service

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle