Meet the Founder
Dawnika Benson, LLMSW
Dawnika Benson is the Founder and Executive Director of The Coping Center Youth and Family Services. A Saginaw, Michigan native, Dawnika was raised on the east side of the city and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Having spent part of her childhood in the foster care system due to abuse and neglect, Dawnika developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and families. At the age of 12, she was placed in the care of her maternal aunt, where she began navigating the complexities of family separation, adjustment, and resilience. These early experiences became the foundation of her lifelong commitment to ensuring that no child has to endure those hardships without support, stability, and hope.
Dawnika went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by graduate degrees in Counseling Studies and Social Work. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW) in the state of Michigan and has over 17 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals impacted by trauma, system involvement, and life transitions.
Through her work, Dawnika recognized that true healing begins within the family system. She is especially passionate about supporting parents particularly men seeking second chances to become stable, present, and positive role models for their children. Her vision is rooted in the belief that when families are strengthened, communities thrive.
The Coping Center was founded on Dawnika’s mission to create a safe, judgment-free space where individuals and families can access the resources, support, and services they need to rebuild their lives. Her work is driven by compassion, accountability, and a commitment to restoring hope across the community she proudly calls home.
Who We Are
The Coping Center Youth and Family Services is a trauma-informed, community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth, families, justice-impacted individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Through a four-division continuum of care model, we provide comprehensive services that address mental health, housing, reentry, and long-term stabilization. Our approach is rooted in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to helping individuals move from crisis to stability and independence.
Mission Vision and Values
CORE VALUES
The Coping Center Youth and Family Services strengthens and uplifts under-resourced individuals and families through trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that promote healing, stability, and long-term well-being.
Through integrated mental health, housing, reentry, and survivor support services, we empower individuals to move from crisis to independence.
MISSION
VISION
We envision a future where every individual regardless of their background or circumstances has access to the support, resources, and opportunities needed to heal, grow, and thrive.
Through a continuum of care approach, we strive to break cycles of trauma, violence, and system involvement while building stronger, more resilient communities.
Compassion
We lead with empathy and respect, recognizing the humanity and dignity of every individual we serve.
Equity
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring fair access to resources, support, and opportunities for all.
Healing-Centered Care
We believe healing is possible and provide services that support emotional, mental, and physical well-being
Empowerment
We equip individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to achieve long-term independence.
Community
We work in partnership with the communities we serve, building trust and fostering meaningful connections.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of our work.
Our Programs and Services
The Coping Center Youth and Family Services provides comprehensive, trauma-informed support through a four-division continuum of care model. Each division is designed to meet individuals and families where they are, offering coordinated services that promote healing, stability, and long-term independence.
CONTINUUM OF CARE
A Connected System of Support
Our programs are designed to work together. Individuals can enter services through any division and receive coordinated support across programs based on their unique needs. This continuum of care model ensures that no matter where someone starts, they have access to the resources needed to achieve long-term stability and independence.
A Safe Place to Heal
The Healing Haven Division is a structured, trauma-informed residential treatment program designed for individuals in need of a higher level of care. This program provides safe housing, intensive therapeutic support, and life stabilization services in a supportive and healing environment.
Services Include:
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Residential housing and structured support
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Trauma-informed individual and group therapy
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Crisis stabilization and safety planning
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Life skills and independent living training
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Case management and service coordination
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Transition planning and aftercare support
Building Strong Foundations
The Youth & Family Stability Division provides community-based services to support youth and families experiencing crisis, instability, or system involvement. This division focuses on prevention, early intervention, and strengthening family systems.
Services Include:
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Individual and family therapy
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Youth mentoring and life skills development
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Educational support and advocacy
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Behavioral intervention and emotional regulation
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Parenting education and family support
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Juvenile justice and child welfare coordination
Supporting Second Chances
The Adult Reentry Division provides comprehensive support for individuals returning to the community following incarceration or supervision. This division focuses on reducing recidivism and promoting long-term stability through structured support and skill development.
Services Include:
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Reentry case management and transition planning
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Workforce development and job readiness
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Trade training and certification support
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Life skills and independent living training
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Housing stabilization and navigation
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Coordination with probation and parole
Safety. Support. Freedom.
This division provides specialized, survivor-centered services for individuals impacted by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. In addition to direct services, the program offers professional training and community education to increase awareness and prevention.
Services Include:
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Crisis intervention and safety planning
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Survivor advocacy and case management
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Trauma-informed therapy
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Legal advocacy and court support
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Housing navigation and stabilization
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Economic empowerment and job readiness
Training & Community Education:
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Human trafficking awareness training (Michigan-required)
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Domestic violence prevention training
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Professional development for social workers and community providers
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Community outreach and awareness initiatives
Supporting youth and families through crisis intervention, case management, resource navigation, advocacy, and community-based stabilization services. This division focuses on strengthening families, reducing barriers, promoting emotional wellness, and connecting households to supportive resources that foster long-term stability.
Areas of Focus
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Family stabilization
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Youth advocacy
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Parent support
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Resource coordination
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School and community collaboration
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Trauma-informed support services
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Crisis prevention and intervention
At The Coping Center Youth and Family Services, we believe every individual and family deserves access to compassionate, trauma-informed support during life’s most difficult moments. Through community-based services, advocacy, and prevention-focused programming, we work to strengthen families, empower youth, support survivors, and help individuals rebuild stable and healthy lives.
Our work is rooted in the understanding that trauma, instability, violence, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers often intersect. By addressing these challenges through specialized divisions, we are able to provide responsive, person-centered support to individuals and families throughout our community.
Our Impact
Providing trauma-informed residential and supportive services for individuals in need of safety, healing, and structured support. Healing Haven is designed to create a safe environment where individuals can begin rebuilding their lives through compassionate care and individualized support planning.
Areas of Focus
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Residential support services
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Trauma recovery support
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Life skills development
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Emotional wellness
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Structured support planning
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Community reintegration
Supporting individuals returning to the community following incarceration or justice involvement by helping reduce barriers to stability, employment, housing, and successful reintegration. This division focuses on restoring dignity, reducing recidivism, and creating opportunities for long-term success.
Areas of Focus
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Reentry support services
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Case management
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Employment readiness
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Community reintegration
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Resource navigation
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Mentorship and stabilization support
Families and individuals facing trauma, instability, poverty, violence, mental health challenges, or justice involvement often experience barriers that impact every area of life. The Coping Center Youth and Family Services exists to help bridge those gaps through compassionate, community-centered support designed to promote healing, stability, resilience, and hope.
We are committed to serving underserved and vulnerable populations throughout Saginaw and surrounding communities by meeting people where they are and helping them move toward long-term stability and wellness.
Why Our Work Matters
Providing trauma-informed advocacy, support services, education, and community awareness for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This division is committed to increasing safety, promoting healing, and empowering survivors through supportive and culturally responsive services.
Areas of Focus
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Survivor advocacy
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Safety planning
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Crisis support
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Community education
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Human trafficking awareness
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Trauma-informed support services
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Resource referrals
We'd Love to hear from you
This form is not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or contact a local crisis hotline.
Support Our Mission
At The Coping Center Youth and Family Services, we are committed to restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and strengthening communities. Every day, we serve individuals and families facing trauma, instability, and life-altering challenges and we do not do this work alone.
Why Your Support Matters
Your support allows us to provide critical services to youth, families, justice-impacted individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Through our four-division continuum of care model, we provide access to mental health services, housing support, reentry programming, and survivor advocacy helping individuals move from crisis to long-term stability.
What Your Support Does
Your contribution helps us:
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Provide safe housing through our Healing Haven residential program
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Deliver therapy and support services to youth and families
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Assist individuals returning to the community through reentry services
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Support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
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Offer training and education to strengthen community awareness and prevention
Ways to support
Make a Donation
Your financial contribution directly supports program services and participant needs.
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with organizations, agencies, and community leaders to expand our reach and impact.
Together, we are building stronger communities by addressing trauma, breaking cycles of instability, and creating pathways to healing and independence. Every contribution whether through donations, partnerships, or support helps us continue this work and reach those who need it most.