The Greer Family (from left to right); Ken, Sydney, Makenzie, Kaitlyn, and Liz
“My name is Liz Greer and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for the Children’s Healing Center. In addition to my work at the CHC, I love being a wife to Ken and a mother to three wonderful girls: Kaitlyn, Sydney, and Makenzie.”
Our family enjoys traveling and attending our girls’ activities, whether it’s the many sports they are involved in or horseback riding. We are a very active family. We are looking forward to the summer when we enjoy camping together, visiting various campgrounds in our great state of Michigan. We even traveled to Maine about 5 years ago on a 2-week camping trip where we discovered many places along the way such as: Niagara Falls, Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, and the NY finger lakes. With our differently abled daughter, Makenzie, traveling can be difficult. Anything is possible for our family with the right accommodations. This rang true during our Disney trip last year. While it was hard at times, we always figured it out together. I am very thankful we were able to take the trip and make some great family memories together!
Sydney, Makenzie, and Kaitlyn enjoying the fall weather
“Funbusters is an opportunity for our differently abled members to get together for activities that are specifically designed for them.”
One of my Center roles is leading our Funbusters program. It is something I take great pride in. Funbusters is an opportunity for our differently abled members to get together for activities that are specifically designed for them. Since I have a special needs daughter, the Funbusters program is a perfect fit for me. I feel very comfortable communicating and engaging with families experiencing a similar journey. Connecting with them is very important to me. Bringing my daughter, Makenzie, and running the program is sometimes hard, but we have some fabulous volunteers that help in so many ways. Sometimes her sisters join in on the fun as well, especially during the virtual programs when we’re conducting the program from home during the Safer at Home order.
Makenzie LOVES being at the Center and being a part of the group. One of my favorite program memories was one with art projects. While it was difficult to hold the brushes and paint, the CHC has showed us if there’s a will then there’s a way, especially when we help each other! After we painted, a few of the younger members at the Center joined us for a game of hockey which was a blast! When someone helps Makenzie become a part of the activity, it makes her feel like she is a part of the group. She has feelings just like everyone else.
Funbusters Balloon Volleyball Game at the Center
“When someone helps Makenzie become a part of the activity, it makes her feel like she is a part of the group. She has feelings just like everyone else.”
It is in this way that I feel we are building community for our families. The families that attend the Funbusters programs are a unique community within our membership. Connecting with families that have similar life situations is very important. It fills my heart to have bonded and created connections between families, kids and parents alike, by sharing life experiences.
Personally, I love seeing families (especially the ones I’ve connected with) at the Center. It’s a great feeling to be able to attend a clean, safe place for kids and families. Upon my first visit to the Center, I did not know quite what to expect. As I entered the building and met a few staff, I began learning about the Center’s mission and its purpose. Amanda had a wonderful dream and I am so thankful to be a part of it. It brings great joy to me and our members who are lucky enough to participate in all the Center has to offer.
Jack-o-lantern carving at the Greer house
I sure miss seeing everyone at the Center, but I have enjoyed spending extra time with my family. We have been playing lots of pickle ball and working together to slowly remodel our house. I am very thankful for the knowledge and procedures we have set in place at the Center. At home, we have been using the same techniques to keep our house clean and our family safe.
“I am very thankful for the knowledge and procedures we have set in place at the Center. At home, we have been using the same techniques to keep our house clean and our family safe.”