As the lights dim and the music swells on Nov. 7, the glitz and glamour of a black-tie gala will fill the ballroom at The Henry in Dearborn. But for Lenora Hardy-Foster, President and CEO of Judson Center, the evening will be more than just an elegant affair of food, fun, and entertainment. It will be a celebration of a commitment lasting more than a century long to serving Michigan’s most vulnerable families, children, and individuals.
This year marks 101 years since Judson Center opened its doors in Royal Oak. What began as a small, local organization focused on foster care and adoption has evolved into one of Michigan’s most comprehensive providers of social services. And Hardy-Foster, who’s preparing to celebrate her 10th anniversary at the helm, has played a pivotal role in steering the organization toward new heights.
“I can’t believe it’s been nearly a decade,” Hardy-Foster said, reflecting on her time with the center. “When I started, we had this singular focus on adoption and foster care, but today we’re reaching so many more people in so many different ways. It’s been such an incredible journey.”
Judson Center’s mission now spans a wide range of services: autism care, behavioral health, primary healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, and support for individuals with disabilities. Hardy-Foster has overseen this evolution with the clear vision to integrate wrap-around services in a way that addresses the full spectrum of her clients’ needs.
One of her most transformative initiatives was the introduction of the integrated care model.
“What we realized over time is that our clients weren’t just struggling with one issue. They were dealing with multiple challenges that were often interconnected—mental health diagnoses, chronic medical conditions, substance use,” Hardy-Foster explained. “So we brought together behavioral health services with primary care, so people could get everything they needed in one place.”
This approach, which is rare in Michigan, has been a game-changer for many of Judson Center’s clients. Hardy-Foster shared a powerful example: “We had one client, a woman with severe mental health challenges, who had been diagnosed with diabetes. She wasn’t receiving the care she needed for her physical health, and it was only when we brought a primary care doctor into the picture that we were able to improve her condition. Her life expectancy is now much higher because she’s getting the care she deserves.”
Under Hardy-Foster’s leadership, Judson Center has grown its physical footprint as well. Offices in Flint, Ann Arbor, and Dearborn have opened, making it easier for families to access services. In a state where access to care can be limited, especially in rural areas, these expansions have been vital.
“We’re always asking ourselves, ‘What’s next?’” Hardy-Foster said, a tone of anticipation in her voice. “When I first came here, we had one autism program. Now, we have five locations across the state, and we’re continuing to grow.”
For her, it’s all about the impact. “I’m proud that we can meet people where they are—whether that’s in their community or through a statewide program like the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange,” she added. The exchange connects older children in foster care with adoptive families, a critical service in a system where children over the age of 10 are often overlooked.
But even with all the progress, Hardy-Foster is quick to acknowledge that it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the lives touched, the families changed, and the community strengthened. “When we moved our office, it wasn’t just about the space,” she explained. “It was about providing better services for families in the area, and giving our staff the tools and environment they need to succeed.”
Hardy-Foster’s proudest accomplishment, however, may be Judson Center’s recent achievement as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)—a distinction held by only a handful of organizations in Michigan. “It’s not easy to get certified, and it’s something that took years of hard work,” she said. “But it means we can serve more people and get the resources we need to make a greater impact.”
These milestones are proof that the work is making a difference. “We’re doing things that no one else is doing, and it’s changing lives every day,” she said.
And while Judson Center’s accomplishments are worth celebrating, the gala on Nov. 7 will also serve as a reminder of what’s yet to come. Hardy-Foster hopes that the event will raise money and awareness about the organization’s critical work.
“The gala is a chance to celebrate, but it’s also a chance to invite the community into our story,” she said. “We want people to see that this isn’t just about a fancy event; it’s about giving back to those who need it most.”
The evening will be a night of fashion, live entertainment, and dancing—an evening where the community can come together in support of the lives changed by Judson Center’s work. “It’s really a celebration of the people we serve, the staff who make it all happen, and the community that supports us,” Hardy-Foster said.
For those attending, the night will also hold a special moment of recognition. The Care of Art Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding support for Judson Center. The award, which recognizes both financial and hands-on contributions, will honor someone who has gone above and beyond in helping advance the organization’s mission. “We want to thank the people who have been with us every step of the way,” Hardy-Foster explained. “It’s their commitment that allows us to do the work we do.”
As Judson Center moves into its second century of service, Hardy-Foster is looking ahead with optimism. “We’ve accomplished so much, but the work is never done,” she said. “Every year, we ask ourselves, ‘How can we do more? How can we help more people?’ That’s what drives me, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.”
With a legacy of service that spans more than a century, Hardy-Foster is already looking toward the next 101 years, saying: “We’ll keep pushing forward, and we’ll keep making a difference.”
Tickets for the gala are available for $250 per person or $400 for couples, with sponsorship opportunities available for those who wish to make a larger impact. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Judson Center’s website at https://www.judsoncenter.org.
