The vision is noteworthy at Riverwood Center of Benton Harbor. “Inspiring hope, improving mental health and encouraging recovery…every day.” Since 1975, Riverwood Center on M-139 has been delivering quality mental health services and programs to all of Michigan’s Great Southwest. By providing a wide variety of caring and confidential services to children, families and adults with mental illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders, the Riverwood team plays a vital role in the well-being of the community. Nominators say that the leadership team at Riverwood helps each staff member to achieve their goals through the support of listening and full consideration of input. In fact, they write, “I’ve seen miracle happen within the walls of Riverwood,” adding, “Mental health professionals engaging with community members to reach goals and heal wounds. It’s a remarkable caring culture that is present.” Three words that best describe the culture there are support, collaboration, and helping others, all hallmarks of a great team. Read on for more of the Riverwood Center story that has garnered a space among the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Riverwood Center
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Berrien County Mental Health Authority
Business Contact Information
Riverwood Center, 2415 M-139, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
Approximately 80
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
INSPIRING HOPE, IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH AND ENCOURAGING RECOVERY…EVERY DAY.
Riverwood Center has been delivering quality mental health services and programs since 1975. We provide a wide variety of caring and confidential services to children, families and adults with mental illnesses, intellectual/developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.
VISION
Every person has an exceptional experience… every time.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Compassionate caring staff led by a dynamic executive team that cares about all of their employees creating a culture of satisfaction and collaborative teamwork in order to help others succeed in reaching their goals and dreams.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
The leadership team helps us to achieve or goals by their support. They listen and consider other’s input.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
I’ve seen miracles happen within the walls of Riverwood. Mental health professionals engaging with community members to reach goals and heal wounds. It’s a remarkable caring culture that is present.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Support
- Collaboration
- Help others
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Wellness
Super Power Two: Recovery
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Form teams or councils for causes
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — Bring us together often for trainings
C] Keep communications open? Weekly meet-up’s
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Riverwood Center was founded in the early 1970s. In those early years, the State Department of Mental Health provided most of the mental health services to people in Michigan. Back then most of those services were provided in large state institutions, and more than 150 people in Berrien County were institutionalized. Gradually, the state gave the responsibility for meeting the mental health needs of its citizens to the local county mental health agencies. Over the years Riverwood Center has strengthened its belief that people are better served close to home. Today, less than 10 people from Berrien County require long-term care in state-run facilities.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? — Kudos – monthly customer service award
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — Trainings and Team Buildings
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — Riverwood shows up & educates
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? — We provide personalized effective behavioral health services to build a stronger and healthier community.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
Working at the community mental health agency allows me to be of service and helpful when my community members are accessing mental health care. I have seen time and time again each department work diligently to help others to recover. I have seen case managers help people navigate life. I have seen psychologists help people deal with issues. I’ve seen psychiatrists find the right medication to help an individual’s brain work more normally. I’ve seen the therapy department help peoples’ minds and I’ve seen the substance use disorder department help people to get their lives back on track. I’ve watched as entire teams have fought for a person’s best interest. I have witnessed the rights department assuring that people and Berrien County’s rights are always protected. It is my honor to help represent Riverwood by helping those who call for help.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
The staff at Riverwood is making dreams come true, helping to ease disappointment in some and giving plenty in our community for hope and support.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Pension
- Retirement
- Purpose
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
Kudos to the entire Riverwood Team for your excellence in providing compassionate care! We will be celebrating with a food truck on Monday for lunch! Thank you for your dedication to this community! Enjoy! You deserve it!
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
Every employee I have come to know is just as compassionate as the next. I left a job after 18 years to join their team 9 months ago, and it was the best decision I have ever made. Excellent company to work for and with.
