News & Stories

The Yunion: Innovation in increasing access to mental health care for our youth

The Yunion expands mental health access in Detroit schools through a closed-loop referral system ensuring culturally responsive care for youth.

Collaboratives for kids: Maximizing impact through funding partnerships

For many nonprofits, establishing an agency endowment can feel like something to revisit later—when resources feel more abundant or fundraising pressures ease. But agency endowments aren’t about waiting for the perfect moment. They’re about making an intentional investment in your organization’s future, creating long-term stability and sustaining your mission for generations to come.

Building for Forever: What it takes to strengthen youth-serving organizations for the long term

What does it take to ensure Detroit’s youth-serving organizations are here for generations to come? Through the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative, 11 organizations are building permanent endowments—supported by matching funds, technical assistance, and hands-on coaching. The result is more than financial growth; it’s a shift from short-term survival to long-term strength for the children and families they serve.

The Children’s Center: Providing basic needs for Detroit families

Having a bed to sleep on, clothing to wear, or food to eat impacts the physical, social, emotional, and day-to-day wellbeing of families—and their budgets should not have to be stretched thin to provide these items.

First Tee – Greater Detroit: Building character and developing youth through golf

Independent research of the program found that after three years of participation, 73% of youth reported high assurance in the ability to succeed academically, and 82% felt confident about their social skills.

Racquet Up Detroit: The game of squash provides youth development opportunities for kids

Participants in Racquet Up Detroit play squash, but the nonprofit offers far more than a chance for youth to rally on an inner-city court.

Science of Grief: A podcast produced by young adults creates community to cope with grief

Grief is hard. And unfortunately, it is something everyone must handle and ultimately deal with. But there is a science to it – and part of healing grief is understanding exactly how it affects us.

5 ways for kids and families to have a fun and healthy summer

Summer means warmer weather and more daylight – it also means more free time, opportunity to break routine, and take advantage of all this time of year has to offer. With the inspiration of our community partners, we are sharing five ways to have an action-packed summer filled with exciting and new experiences for kids and families.

Music Therapy: Providing comfort, coping, and healing for hospitalized children

While waiting a new heart in 2021, 14-month-old Samuel endured a long inpatient stay at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. As a toddler, he should have been taking his first steps, jumping, and busting with energy, but instead he was confined to four walls. Fortunately, David found comfort in music therapy sessions provided at CHM.

Detroit Horse Power: Developing youth through horses

“The first time I got on a pony was really scary for me,” said Maddie, a high school freshman who has been a participant of Detroit Horse Power since 2021.

5 ways you can support Mental Health Awareness Month

The importance of mental health has increased in recent years, becoming a major topic especially among our youth. For this reason, The Children’s Foundation has made Mental Health one of its primary focus areas. Our goal is to change the conversation, provide help and solutions to struggling youth, and establish preventive measures for all children and young adults.

Yoga Therapy: Healing and positive coping practices for hospitalized children

Campers tried new activities, expanding appreciation for the outdoors and nature, engaging in physical activities, making new friendships, and practicing essential living skills while away from home.

2022 Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Summit creates impact for countless children

“We can no longer think about trauma as what happened to someone else’s child, we have to think like it has happened to our own child,” noted Dr. Robert Shaner, superintendent, Rochester Community Schools.

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