JIRON (Join In to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods) is an initiative that mobilizes residents to create positive change in their Detroit neighborhoods. This is accomplished by helping them build their advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement skills, while supporting them in their efforts to identify social, health, and safety concerns in their neighborhoods. Using these skills, organizers plan and implement projects, programs, and events to help resolve these issues. Youth learn how to write and review grants, and lead JIRON work.
JIRON also prepares youth for college and for the modern workforce, by helping them identify and apply for financial aid opportunities, and develop post-secondary education plans and works with 8th grade students in Southwest Detroit to help them transition successfully to high school and to be prepared to graduate high school successfully.
Contact:
Aswan Almaktary
Phone: (313) 203-3408
Email: aalmaktary@accesscommunity.org
SURA Arts Academy is a year-round diversity-themed program for middle-school students in east Dearborn and southwest Detroit. This award-winning program uses the art of photography and video to empower young people, giving them a sense of identity and heightened self esteem, and allow them to explore and express their creativity. The academy is a program of the Arab American National Museum (AANM).
Contact:
Dave Serio
Phone: 313.624.0239
Email: dserio@accesscommunity.org
The Workforce Investment ACT youth program helps low-income teens and adults ages 14-21 who reside in Wayne County, excluding the city of Detroit (eligibility criteria must be met). Services include: Case management and referrals, career counseling, tutoring and summer work experience for in-school youth, employability skills and youth development workshops, opportunities for paid training (if eligibility criteria are met), assistance with job search and placement, and 12-month follow-up services.
Contact:
Najwa Hadous
Phone: 313-945-8159, Ext. 288
Email: nhadous@accesscommunity.org
