With the help of a diverse group of public and private-sector partners, MDP strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth by delivering five promises that build character and competence, and provide an opportunity for young people to become involved in shaping their communities.

what matters™
Creating a safe, nurturing environment for children and youth

Specific United Way issue for action to which it relates: Building the character and competence of youth by fulfilling the Five Promises, which include ongoing relationships with caring adults; safe places; healthy starts and future; marketable skills; and, opportunities to give back through community service.

The problem, issue or need: According to 2004 Census data, there are 1,050,425 youth under the age of 18 within the region. Of this total, 205,883 youth live in poverty, which places them at greater risk to get involved in negative activities. Regardless of the economics, many youth do not have the emotional wherewithal and skills to cope with their lives. America's Promise (AP) confirmed this fact in the data from their Voices Study, a national representation of youth ages 10-17. This data revealed 45 percent of kids wanted more adults they could turn to for help. Nearly three in ten youth surveyed felt their peers have too many guns, knives and other weapons. Data revealed 60 percent of teens admit they do unhealthy things and 67 percent feel a lot of stress. One in three kids don't feel they're learning the skills they need to succeed. In addition, 46 percent of youth say most community service and volunteer programs are really boring. Youth also revealed they valued the Five Promises, but many felt they lacked at least one and have inadequate access and supply of the rest (Carey & Poris, 2005). Metro Detroit's Promise (MDP) addresses the needs youth identified in the study published by AP by creating a regional "Community of Promise." MDP consists of caring adults from Sites of Promise (SOPs) and resource partners from all community sectors working together to help 21,364 young people in their growth and development through delivery of the Five Promises.

Intended/achieved results:
To provide the Five Promises to 21,364 children and youth in metropolitan Detroit.

• Youth form relationships with caring adults who help them make better life choices.
• Youth have safe places within their communities where they can connect with peers and caring adults that know them all by their names.
• Youth understand what behaviors result in healthier lifestyles as a result of education and physical activities.
• Youth learn marketable skills that help prepare them to pursue their personal and educational goals.
• Youth are valued for their volunteer contributions and more engaged in meaningful service opportunities.

Major partners sharing accountability for successful planning and implementation:

• Ford Motor Company Fund
• America's Promise
• Michigan's Promise

Sites of Promise

Action (who is doing what to make this happen):

• Macomb - The seven SOPs are involved in implementing strategies to reduce childhood obesity among participating youth ages 2-18, by promoting healthy diets and exercise, improving self esteem and monitoring behavioral change.
• Oakland - The five SOPs will help youth ages 2-19 develop new skills, increase student motivation and retention, share resources that engage young people in productive activities and service experiences, and develop future leaders.
• Detroit - The 12 SOPs promote healthy life choices, while providing service and leadership opportunities to encourage youth to become more active in their community.
• Wayne - The five SOPs offer safe, stable environments where youth are able to learn and have fun. Youth participants ultimately teach the Five Promises to their peers.
• MDP Task Force volunteers and UWSEM staff document best practices for community collaboration.

United Way's role(s) in the initiative and general responsibility related to those roles: United Way invests a staff team of one FTE staff, 3 staff at .20, and 1staff at .10. Work of the staff team respectively includes Promise Station, coordination of regional information and processes, grant applications, and quarterly meetings for SOPs and SOP Leadership Alliance; management of MDP Area Office Task Forces; and, budget oversight and staff management.

For more information: Contact Annette Grays or visit www.metrodetroitspromise.org.