Our History, Mission & Vision

For more than 15 years, The Rock of Kingsley has been a cornerstone of connection for youth, seniors, and families across five northern Michigan counties — Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford.

The Rock was founded when Diane and Dan Walton of Kingsley saved an abandoned 7,200-square-foot EMS building from demolition and turned it into something extraordinary — a safe, welcoming space where young people could belong, grow, and be loved. Their vision, combined with community support, transformed an empty building into a vibrant center for mentorship, learning, and laughter.

Today, that same building is alive with activity. The Rock offers daily after-school programming for grades 6–12, as well as senior programs, community events, and space for groups to gather and grow together. We also serve as an emergency shelter during times of crisis — a true reflection of our commitment to caring for the community in every season.

This year, we launched a new check-in and registration system that allows us to better track youth engagement and impact. As of this year, 155 youth are registered with The Rock, with weekly averages of 90–100 unique visitors and 35–50 students each day — numbers that continue to grow thanks to our strong partnership with Kingsley Schools.

One major factor in this growth has been our 5th Grade Introduction Program, created in collaboration with the Kingsley School District in Spring 2023. Each spring, every 5th grader visits The Rock to explore our space, meet staff and volunteers, and participate in activities designed to ease the transition to middle school. This early connection helps students feel comfortable and confident before they even start 6th grade — and the results are remarkable. Since the program began, we’ve seen a significant increase in new 6th-grade members, with many returning year after year as active participants and volunteers.

Our programs meet real needs and build lifelong skills. From YOU MATTER (daily mentorship and mental wellness) to Eat & Be Happy (our free food program), tutoring, job-readiness programming, and The Rock Locker teen-managed clothing closet, everything we do is grounded in compassion, purpose, and belonging.

Even in moments of hardship, The Rock has been a place of healing and hope. When our community faced tragedy in 2018, we responded with education, support, and love — offering Mental Health First Aid certification, community listening circles, and ongoing grief and youth care programming. That commitment continues today through counseling partnerships, prevention-first programming, and leadership opportunities for youth.

We are powered by a full-time Executive Director, an Executive Assistant, and more than 30 dedicated volunteers who collectively give over 8,000 hours of service each year. Together, they make The Rock a place where every young person feels seen, safe, and supported.

Our Mission: To Empower Kids, You Must LOVE Them

L – Listen to them.
O – Observe them.
V – Value them.
E – Empower them.

At The Rock, we believe love is action — and empowering youth begins with showing them they matter.