Royal Oak, Michigan –With no hope, joy, or suitable family alternatives, abused and
neglected children often come to Judson Center’s Residential Care program as a last
resort for a place to call home.  Many of these children suffer from physical and
emotional scars as a result of their abusive environments.  The International Interior
Design Association (IIDA) is helping Judson Center take steps toward making a
difference in the lives of these kids through Interior Design.

“Interior Design, like working with children, is an exercise in communication.  It
creates a sense of comfort that has a positive impact on how you feel everyday.  The
children living in Judson Center residential units deserve to live in a place that feels and
looks like a home” said Jessica Backard-Roberts, IIDA Michigan Chapter President.
The Judson Center Residential Care program provides a safe, therapeutic,
nurturing, family-like living environment for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 17.
Each of the three units house up to 12 children and feature a recreation room, dining
room, bedrooms, and a large backyard where the kids can interact on a daily basis.
Throughout the month of May, the IIDA members along with student volunteers
from the Center for Creative Studies and Lawrence Technological University will paint,
carpet, tile, and refurnish all of the residential units.  The Judson Center kids can choose
their own bedding and have the option to attend a craft workshop and make their own
pillows to match.  The children also participated in the overall colors schemes and
furniture selection through surveys.

“These improvements will make a dramatic difference in terms of the kid’s
quality of life and heightened self-esteem,” said Greg Everett, Judson Center’s residential
director.  “They are so excited about personalizing their rooms with bright colors and
having wall to wall carpet.”
In an effort to kick off the completion of the newly renovated residential facilities,
the IIDA will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on June 1st at Judson Center’s 13 Mile and
Greenfield campus.   A reception, silent auction and tours of the facilities are planned as
part of the afternoon’s festivities.
Judson Center has operated the facilities for more than twenty years.  These
homes have sheltered and protected hundreds of children, and are now getting some
needed attention to the things that make a house a home.
Judson Center is a non-profit human service agency that provides help, healing and home for abused and
neglected children, adults with developmental disabilities and families in crisis.  Since opening its doors in
1924, Judson Center has grown to serve more than 2,000 children, adults and families each day in
Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties.  For details, visit
www.judsoncenter.org or call 248-549-4339.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kristine Schultz
248-837-2018
Johnna Meisner
248-837-2026