When I first heard about the work that Detroit City Lions was doing, it was through my friend, Jasmine, Founder of JTM Enterprises and Board Vice-President of Detroit City Lions Youth Club. What she would post to her social media I knew that it involved youth and sports. I didn’t pay that much attention because my nephews are older and no longer active in youth sports. But later I learned more about the work that DCL and its founder were doing in the community and I was suddenly intrigued and impressed.
One of the most immersive youth clubs in the country, Detroit City Lions has left no stone unturned. From athletic programs like football, volleyball, and soccer to academic initiatives such as robotics, STEAM, tutoring, and an after-school program. DCL doesn’t stop there because in addition to the organization’s core values. It has also diversified its offerings by including financial literacy, conflict resolution, and leadership development to name a few. A stable of partnership support has served to bolster its reach through community organizations like Strategic Community Partners, The Skillman Foundation, the City of Detroit, and Cornerstone Schools just to name a few.
So when my company was hired to redesign its website, I jumped at the chance to develop a website with functionality this organization would need into the future as it continued to grow. I love that they already had a narrative and clear mission that I could design around. It made it even more enjoyable for me because they had images from events, achievements, and projects that the kids had engaged in.
And you know what? Now that I think about it, the images of the kids working, playing, smiling, growing…Yeah, that was the best part. Because those images reminded me that I was designing that website for them. It was their website, a representation that these little faces are going to change the world someday. And for every donor, volunteer, and strategic partner it would be a reminder to them, too.
Ultimately, what I discovered that makes Detroit City Liions truly special is the people. Being on a mission to provide at-risk youth, boys, and girls (ages 5-24) with access to much-needed sports programs and academic services takes a lot of ‘people’ support. Those who have committed themselves to the mission with vigor, passion, and sacrifice. Women and men live in the understanding that if the future of Detroit is ever going to be sustained, it demands that they get involved. And that’s what you see, from fathers and uncles who become coaches and mentors to retired educators and corporate sponsors who give themselves to mentoring and community engagement.
I always tell people there is no better time to be part of an organization carefully grooming youth to aspire to healthy bodies and minds, making opportunities for them to become self-sufficient, change agents in their communities and beyond. While understanding the vital importance of self-care and mental health for wellness as they journey through life. DCL is just such an organization.
Ironically, the DCL team celebrates five years of exceptional service this year. So to Devon Buskin, the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners who are making a difference and having an impact on Detroit youth and their families by supporting Detroit City Lions Youth Club, we celebrate you and thank you for the work.
For more information about programming, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities visit detroitcitylions.org