Connecting Detroit Youth to a Brighter Future

I am often excited about catch phrases that catch my attention. The 90’s movie Galaxy Quest started the “Never Give Up… Never Surrender” catch phrase. It resonates with me and many non-profits that are strong advocates in their communities and who work hard to make a difference among our constituents that may not have all that is needed to easily move through life.

The Youth Connection has weathered the storms of COVID-19, staff turnover, and funding loss. It is devasting to an organization when your funding is suspended mid-year due to no fault of your own. When those incidents occurred, we never gave up and worked hard to find the necessary resources to ensure we could provide opportunities and resources to our youth and their families. We survived and did not surrender. On occasion sometimes surrender often appears to be the best road to take. But grit and dedication will not allow that to happen. We are making a difference, and our current funders and supporters have told us so. In 2024, we received five recognitions for our efforts and outcomes. Dr. Rahul Gupta, the former director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, visited our agency and presented our Love Detroit Prevention Coalition (LDPC), Youth Sector with an award for significant contributions they make each day to prevent and reduce youth substance use in our communities. We also received two Spirit of Detroit awards from the Detroit City Council, one for our CEO and the other for the LDPC in recognition of exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life. One of our major funders, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, recognized The Youth Connection as the Prevention Program of the year and indicated that the vote for us was unanimous! Last but certainly not least we received a certificate of Admiration from the Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department for outstanding service to the residents of the City of Detroit through the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. We make a difference! But we would be remiss if we did not recognize the support we receive from our GlobalGiving Donors. It is the greatest reward to know that you believe in what we are doing enough to share your dollars with us.

As many of you may be aware these are once again challenging times. Many programs that our youth and families depend on are being cut or significantly reduced. Food, shelter, and basic needs are not approved expenditures in the grants we receive. Youth who have been accepted into college with the opportunity to connect to brighter futures are ham strung by the cost of books and fees. Youth who have a chance for employment but need assistance with gas until they receive their first checks are in a bind. Your unrestricted dollars allow us to cover many of these costs when it impacts our youth and families. Thanks to our GlobalGiving supporters! WE WON’T GIVE UP and WE WILL NEVER SURRENDER!

Links:

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