Connecting Detroit Youth to a Brighter Future

As I gaze out my window, the trees are ablaze with autumn color—preparing for the inevitable loss of their leaves and the promise of their return in spring. Not long ago, they were vibrant green and framed by blooming hydrangeas. Seasons change, and so too does the life of a nonprofit.

In the spring, we received word that many of our grants were renewed. By summer, we served more than 400 youth and their families through our Summer Youth Employment program, Fit ‘N Fun Family Clubs, Strengthening Families 10–14 workshops, and safe medication storage presentations. Our youth even produced a compelling video on the dangers of vaping and THC.

This fall, however, funding cutbacks and layoffs have affected our ability to receive payments on time. We enter winter with uncertainty, yet we remain steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional services to our community.

We are acutely aware of the ebb and flow of funding and stay vigilant to anything that could impact our work. Despite challenges, we hold firm to our belief that one organization can make a difference—and that organization is us. What we do changes lives: youth, parents, families, and entire communities.

Thanks to your generosity, we successfully advocated for the installation of permanent medication take-back boxes in every Detroit Police Precinct and at the Detention Center. These boxes are available 24/7 to all Detroiters, providing a safe way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. This effort not only protects our environment but also helps prevent drug diversion and overdoses.

Your continued support gives us confidence and strength in these trying times. The gap between resources and needs continues to widen. During the pandemic, families told us their greatest needs were food, shelter, and clothing—needs that are now escalating due to lost benefits and rising costs of living.

We continue to assist youth experiencing homelessness or seeking independence, helping them secure housing, obtain driver’s licenses, and purchase reliable used cars for work and school. We’ve sent care packages to young people attending college away from home for the first time—small reminders that they are not alone.

As the last leaves fall and winter approaches, we are working with our partners and board members to provide winter coats, gloves, socks, and hats for families in need. These efforts go beyond our formal grant work and often involve expenses that cannot be covered by grant funding. That’s why your unrestricted donations are so vital—they allow us to respond quickly and compassionately to real, immediate needs.

Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission. Follow us to stay connected and see the difference your generosity continues to make in the lives of those we serve.

Links:

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