Connecting Detroit Youth to a Brighter Future

We wish to thank all our GlobalGiving supporters for your contributions and your support. We have used this space over the years to share with you our successes, opportunities, and victories. Letting you know that we are good stewards of your dollars and inviting you to share in our successes. We survived COVID-19 maintaining our programs, supporting and ushering our youth and families on to success. Unlike COVID-19 we are faced with another monumental challenge that requires all of our resolve and tenacity. Our landlord of 14 years is closing his doors. A bit unexpectedly and suddenly. We are in search of a new home that will support our mission and provide the opportunity for us to stay near our focus areas and access our youth and families.

Purging 14 years’ worth of stuff is daunting. The process brought back memories of things gone by and families served. We found pictures, DVDs, and VCR tapes. Board books and annual reports from 2009. We also found certificates and awards highlighting our accomplishments and telling us “Well Done!” When our memories were jogged with youth we have served we wondered “Where are they now?” We found a number had profiles on social media and saw that they are doing well, graduating college, serving in the armed forces, working full time, some with business of their own. Since we claim our youth as part of The Youth Connection (TYC) Family we also have a number of grand kids. But best of all is being told how TYC made a difference in their lives and some asking us to reserve a spot for their kids to be part of our program when they are old enough. Of course, all of this reminiscing slows done the moving process. But onward and upward we go.

The sticker shock of new space along with added costs for this and that has us reeling. The annual increases in rent told us how long we have been off the market. Our major funders are supporting our efforts, and our board is gearing up for additional fund raisers. Our appeal to our GlobalGiving friends and family is to not forget about us.

In the midst of chaos, we are still providing services to our youth and families. TYC’s Health Wellness and Prevention Division coordinated health and screening opportunities for children and families of the Detroit Housing Commission subsidized housing units. The outcomes were overwhelming. We arranged to have dental services for one day at one of our housing facilities providing much needed dental services for 27 participants (15 adults and 6 youth) Sixteen of those who were seen were referred for further dental treatment 2 of those patients were referred to a pediatric specialists. The amount of time we were allowed did not cover the number of families that lined up for the services.

TYC contracted with ABC Vision health care to provide eye screening by a licensed optometrist, and glasses if needed. These screenings took place at six of the housing units providing youth and their family members comprehensive eye exams and glasses if needed. Those who presented with more serious vision concerns were referral to the Kresge Eye Institute. We served over 300 residents with 52% (157) needing referrals for more serious vision concerns. Those that needed glasses received them (127) at no cost to the participants. TYC covered all of the health care costs with a grant through United Health Care. Residents were also able to meet with a Nurse Practitioner. The nurse discussed health concerns and referred families when needed for additional medical treatments. She provided blood pressure checks and diabetic screenings. Our pregnant moms and families with a newborn (178) met with our safe baby sleep provider who shared safe sleep techniques for their newborn and distributed free diapers, safe baby beds, safe sleep kits, baby clothing and blankets. Access to affordable health care significantly contributes to the health and well-being of the communities and families we serve. This really embraces our efforts to connect our youth and families to brighter futures. It forces us to find ways to meet the needs and expand our ability to partner with other agencies to do the things we cannot do!

We welcome the support of our GlobalGiving family as we continue our efforts to make a difference. Your support will help provide the necessary resources needed as we relocate our offices and continue to work with our youth, families, and communities.

Links:

• The Youth Connection's Website!
• TYCDetroit on Facebook!
• TYCDetroit on Instagram!