Common Ground
Common Ground is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping people move from crisis to hope. The Birmingham Street Art Fair is an important fundraiser for the organization. To learn more visit www.CommonGroundHelps.org.
The agency’s programs throughout Oakland and Genesee Counties are a lifeline for runaway and homeless youths, families in crisis, victims of crime, people with mental illness and others in critical situations.
Common Ground serves more than 165,000 individuals each year and is supported in part by state and federal grants, contracts, individual and corporate contributions, foundation grants, special events, the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, Genesee County Community Mental Health and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Most of its services are free of charge and 93 percent of the funds received go to direct service. Common Ground’s programs and services are divided into three distinct impact areas: Responding to crisis, providing safety and advocacy, and building communities of support. Here is a sampling of these programs and services:
Resource and Crisis Helpline is available 24-hours per day, 365 days per year. Trained staff and volunteers provide over-the-phone crisis intervention counseling, information and referrals.
Victim Assistance Program provides 24-hour access to counselors and advocates for victims of crime, domestic and sexual abuse, and workplace violence.
Crisis Residential Units provide short-term voluntary psychiatric care for adults that includes medical supervision, nursing and discharge planning. These services are designed to support stabilization, reduce symptoms, restore function and prevent additional functional impairment, with the goal of transitioning to a less-restrictive level of care.
A Step Forward is a safe and home-like transitional living shelter for homeless youths ages 16-21, who are seeking self-sufficiency. The program provides counseling, job training, career development, educational assistance, financial subsidies and medical assistance for up to 21 months.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group is a bi-monthly free 12-week program available to all surviving family, friends and work colleagues of the person who ended their life through suicide.
Survivors of Homicide Support Group is a bi-monthly free 12-week group available to all surviving family, friends and work colleagues of the homicide victim.