News & Stories

Rx Kids: Helping families thrive from the start

The first year of life is essential for a child’s growth and future. Rx Kids, with the support of the Children’s Foundation, is investing in Flint’s families with prenatal and infant cash prescriptions, easing financial burdens so parents can focus on their babies’ health and well-being.

Project YOUR: Empowering youth to combat opioid overdose

The Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG) is addressing the rise in drug overdoses among young people with Project YOUR (Youth Overdose Understanding Risks), a youth-led pilot program supported by a $25,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation. By training peer ambassadors to educate teens on overdose prevention and the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs, CHAG aims to reduce overdose rates among high-risk youth in Detroit and Wayne County.

Childhood Cancer: Advancing research, treatment, and support for kids

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to increase awareness of pediatric cancer, which is the leading cause of death by disease for children under age 14. We must continue to advance discoveries and solutions that improve cure rates, prolong survival, and support children throughout their cancer journey.

Snowpile delivers hope and joy to families of hospitalized children during the holidays

Snowpile provides gifts not only to children who are too sick to enjoy the holidays at home, but also for their siblings. The event brings joy to these children and their families, as well as alleviates the stress associated with holiday gift giving – including time spent shopping, cost, wrapping, and more!

DPYC: Empowering kids to give

The Detroit Philanthropic Youth Council (DPYC) launched in September 2022 as a collaboration between The Children’s Foundation, Catholic Foundation of Michigan and the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. Their goal is to teach high school students about philanthropy and to create real, substantial community impact.

A letter from Larry – December 2022

This December also marks the end of my tenure at The Children’s Foundation.

Detroit Swims: Michigan youth float, paddle, and glide to confidence

Detroit Swims reaches deeper than basic swimming skills--it addresses issues of health, fitness, safety, self-esteem, and well-being that youth in Michigan need more than ever.

Detroit Cristo Rey High School: Free eyeglasses program increases equity in learning

Many of the students who attend Detroit Cristo Rey do not have access to regular eyecare, and vision impairments seriously disrupt their learning.

Entrepreneurs 4 Kids: High School students learn from innovators and thinkers at Ann Arbor’s Tech Trek

As a result of opportunities and experiences like Tech Trek, students believe in their ideas, themselves, and feel inspired to turn their entrepreneurial goals and visions into reality.

Root of the Issue Podcast: A Healthy Future Starts in Childhood featuring Larry Burns

Elijah Williams, two years old, happily gave Reem Siddiqui a hug and high-five after receiving treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM).

A letter from Larry – November 2022

I also want to welcome the incoming President & CEO of The Children’s Foundation Mr. Andrew Stein. Andrew has started his journey with The Foundation and will work with me side-by-side throughout the rest of this calendar year

AARC: Outpatient recovery center to support youth battling substance use disorder

AARC will specialize in treating severe cases of substance use disorder and dangerous substance use including opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids), benzodiazepines, alcohol, etc. The AARC is currently scheduling intakes for those under 18 years old.

Spirit of Children raises funds to ensure hospitalized kids feel safe and supported

Hospitalized children who might otherwise miss the treat of celebrating Halloween attended a special, not-so-spooky party enabled by Spirit of Children, the philanthropic arm of Spirit Halloween stores.

OUR PILLARS