OXFORD TWP. ? A changing-of-the-guard is occurring at Crossroads for Youth as it was announced last week that Dr. Janet McPeek will be retiring as the 63-year-old agency’s president on May 31.
‘I absolutely love (the job), so it was a really difficult decision,? McPeek said.
McPeek first became involved with Crossroads, a private, nonprofit treatment agency that serves at-risk youth, as a school psychologist working for the Oxford school district. Back then, Crossroads was still known as Camp Oakland. She was hired as the agency’s clinical director in 1993 and took over as president in 1995.
Over the years, her leadership role required a tremendous amount of dedication. McPeek was always on call and spent many a night and weekend working to maintain and improve Crossroads, hence, its status as a nationally accredited facility.
‘It really needs to be a high priority in your life,? she said.
McPeek doesn’t regret a single moment because for her, it really is all about the kids, helping them turn their lives around, make better decisions and become responsible, productive members of society. To her, every child has value and, as stated in Crossroads? mission, ‘deserves a chance.?
‘It’s always about making a difference,? she said.
Her favorite part was whenever a Crossroads kid would return later in life to show that he or she had made it. ‘You’re always measuring what you’re doing,? McPeek said.
Some folks operate under the impression that only certain kids from certain environments require help from Crossroads, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
‘We have kids here whose families are from every walk of life,? said McPeek, a member of the Rotary Club in Lake Orion. ‘We all have somebody we know or are related to who needed assistance.?
She believes one of the big reasons Crossroads has been so successful treating at-risk youth is because it sits on a 320-acre campus filled with woods, wildlife and the picturesque Handsome Lake. This rural setting relaxes kids and gives them an opportunity to experience new things.
‘A program like Crossroads is absolutely invaluable because when help is needed, this is just such a special environment for it,? McPeek said. ‘It would be very difficult to replicate this.?
Until her retirement, McPeek will continue to play an active role at Crossroads as president emeritus and assist with external affairs during the transition period.
‘I’ll be working up to 27 hours a week between now and the end of May,? she said.
The board of directors named Vice President Marc Porter as the interim president and chief operating officer while it searches for McPeek’s successor.
With her husband, Phil, retired, McPeek is looking forward to spending lots of quality time with her family.
‘I’m fortunate enough to have a mom who’s still alive and we now have seven young grandchildren,? she said.
As a licensed psychologist, McPeek will continue to operate her private practice in Rochester Hills. Even though she’ll no longer be employed by Crossroads, she hopes to continue her association as a volunteer.
‘I will be a supporter of this organization in whatever capacity they want for as long as I am able,? McPeek said. ‘I think it’s an incredible organization.?