Office of Youth Development and
Community Outreach
and the
Albion Youth Development Coalition
youth development highlights
November 2004
Hosted "Every Child Can Succeed, No Exceptions, No Excuses" Youth
Development Summit at Albion College
January 2005
The Development of the Faith Based Initiative (FBI) of Albion, a non-profit
that is the organization and partnership of some Albion churches, and other
organizations committed to the success of Albion's youth. They have four major
projects:
After-School Program Coordination
Albion Youth Community Choir
Character Education Program
Community Center Development
Accepted the invitation by the Whitehouse to hear First Lady Laura Bush launch the President's "Saving America's Youth" Initiative in Detroit with Dr. Thomas Johnson.
June 2005
Albion Public Schools and community partners were awarded a $375,000.00
grant over 2 years for Before and After School programs for the Michigan
Department of Human Services.
October 2005
Albion Healthcare Alliance in partnership with Oaklawn Hospital was awarded
one of the 12 grants to open a Child and Adolescent Healthcare Center at Albion
High School totaling $525,000.00 over 3 years.
January 2006
Established a partnership with the Kids at Hope Foundation, Phoenix,
Arizona.
FBI announces plan to open a community center/recreation facility within the
next 3-6 months.
Rick Miller, Founder of Kids at Hope Foundation, Phoenix, Arizona, and Pat
Sculley, President of the Foundation, visit Albion.
March 2006
FBI announces that the First United Methodist Church will serve as the
community center/recreation facility.
May 2006
Recreation mileage passes for another 3 years!
August 2006
The final version of "Albion's Promise" the strategic plan for success and
student achievement pre-birth to age 21 is published. The Blueprint focuses on
six areas:
Health, Wellness and Safety
Parental Engagement
Workforce Development
Youth Development
Early Childhood
Role of the Faith Community
The Kids at Hope Youth Development Center and the First United Methodist Church is dedicated.
The Wildcats Wellness Center at Albion Senior High School is dedicated.
September 2006
Sue Carnell, Education Advisor to Governor Jennifer Granholm visits Albion
and speaks to high school and college students about college and careers.
November 2006
Phase I of the Youth Development Initiative is completed and the
announcement of Phase II is made which includes the development of an Early
Childhood Center and Training Institute, a focus on college preparation for all
children beginning in the 3rd grade as well as the continued leadership of the
overall initiative.
Visit to Albion by the Foundation Liaison to the Office of the Governor, Karen
Aldridge-Eason and her Program Assistant, Maura Dewan to learn more about
Albion.
December 2006
The first meeting of Educational Leaders in Albion that included Albion
College President Peter Mitchell, Kellogg Community College President Ed Haring,
Superintendent of Schools, Larry Ley, Intermediate School District
Superintendent, Chris Wigent, and President of Starr Commonwealth Marty Mitchell
(unable to attend first meeting) to discuss common challenges and ways to
further collaborate to benefit the children in Albion.
The Office of Youth Development and Community Outreach is working to bring new financial and human resources to the Albion community.
We have either raised or retained almost 2 million dollars for youth-serving programs since April 2004.
The Non-profit culture in Albion is slowly beginning to align itself with the national movement to be "data driven" and "results oriented" when working on behalf of children.
We have begun to go "global" in our thinking and relationship development:
We have presented before the Governor's Cabinet on Children's Issues and have a
good relationship with the Governor's Office.
We meet with State Senator Mark Schauer regularly.
Future Initiatives
- Early Childhood Center and Training Institute
- African American Males Project (AAMP)
- Develop endowment fund so that every child in Albion will be able to go to college (2yr or 4yr) or get technical training without worry of cost.
- Work with the Albion Public Schools in the development of a vision for our school system that aligns itself with the community vision of youth development.