We’re Cooking up Something Special!

Enjoy tasting dishes and craft drinks at top restaurants in a one-night, city-wide culinary event and help SAY Detroit provide pathways to success for Detroiters in need. Pick a starting restaurant for general admission or upgrade for a VIP experience to begin and end your night at Michigan Central Station with an exclusive reception and dessert party. And while you are at it, help us celebrate our 20th year!

Detroit Partners Invest Big in Wellness at SAY Play

Wellness at the SAY Detroit Play Center is built into the foundation of our programming. We believe that teaching students the tools to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, is at the core of becoming a positive member of our community.

Last week, The Detroit Pistons Foundation, Children’s Foundation of Michigan and the Robinson Family Foundation (RFF) joined students and staff at SAY Play to formally announce a $55,000 investment in SAY Play’s Wellness Program. They see the benefit too!

Follow the story:

CBS Detroit:

• Pistons’ Duncan Robinson donates to SAY Detroit Play Center LiveWELL Program
• Pistons guard Duncan Robinson talks giving back to kids in Detroit community

MLive: Pistons, ex-Michigan guard announce $50,000 grant to youth mental health initiative

WDIV

• Pistons’ Duncan Robinson shares personal story while supporting Detroit youth mental health
• Pistons SG Duncan Robinson talks teaming up with SAY Detroit to expand youth wellness program

WJR: Pistons’ Star Duncan Robinson Teams Up with WJR’s Mitch Albom for $50,000 SAY Detroit Donation

A Time to Help Partners with Greening of Detroit to Improve Air Pollution

A Time to Help was back at it on Saturday, March 21, partnering with The Greening of Detroit to plant trees at Piwok Park. Piwok is located in a highly industrialized area of Detroit, resulting in high air pollution for the park and the surrounding neighborhood. The planting of trees will provide cleaner air, improved stormwater management, temperature control, and beautiful green spaces, making a lasting difference for Detroit residents for years to come!

VOLUNTEER

New Kitchen Provides More than Food

Providing nutritious food and teaching lifelong healthy habits has been a priority at the SAY Detroit Play Center from the start. Thanks to a donation from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation, that commitment has expanded by 1,200 square feet with the addition of a new state-of-the-art kitchen.

Earlier this month we celebrated the new facility, our funders, and our original “chef,” Mrs. Falls, for whom the new kitchen is dedicated.

What Are You Reading during National Reading Month?

This month, SAY Play students are reading novels and short stories that reflect their own lives to support comprehension and a lifelong love of learning.

Later this spring, we are launching an AI reading coach, partnered with a real-life teacher, to expand our reading intervention program to all students. You can support SAY Play reading intervention by making a gift today!

Mitch’s Picks

Ever wondered what the world’s bestselling authors read for inspiration? SAY Detroit founder Mitch Albom was recently asked by Katie Couric Media to share some of his favorite books – are any of his on your #TBR pile?

Diabetes Prevention Program Launches at SAY Clinic

This month, the Trinity Health Michigan Diabetes Program launched at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic. The prevention program is an evidence-based, nationally recognized program for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The yearlong program begins with 16 weekly sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions to provide ongoing support. Read more ››

Also this month, our Wellness Wednesdays women’s support group discussed maintaining a healthy weight. Read more ››

Fan-supported “Halftime Message” initiative raises $40,000 with additional $10,000 contribution from Pistons guard Duncan Robinson’s Robinson Family Foundation

The Detroit Pistons Foundation, Children’s Foundation of Michigan and the Robinson Family Foundation (RFF) today announced a $50,000 grant to SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program, supporting youth mental health and wellness initiatives in the city of Detroit.

Through the Detroit Pistons and Children’s Foundation of Michigan partnership, the organizations raised more than $40,000 during the last two seasons through the Pistons’ Halftime Message project, which allows fans to donate funds to display birthday wishes, anniversaries, graduation messages or marriage proposals on the video board during Pistons’ home games.

“This initiative is a powerful example of how our fans and partners can come together to make a meaningful difference,” said Rob Croll, SVP of Corporate Partnerships & Engagement. “Through our partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan and the generosity of Duncan Robinson and the Robinson Family Foundation, we’re proud to support SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL program and help provide critical mental health resources for young people across our community.”

Children’s Foundation of Michigan added:

“We are proud to partner with the Detroit Pistons Foundation and the Robinson Family Foundation to support SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program and advance youth mental health in Detroit,” said Andrew Stein, President & CEO at the Children’s Foundation of Michigan. “At the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, we believe every child deserves to thrive and that partnership is the path to progress. Together, we are expanding access to support and strengthening the well-being of children and families in our community.”

Pistons guard Duncan Robinson further supported the initiative with a $10,000 contribution through the Robinson Family Foundation, bringing the total grant to $50,000. Robinson joined the LiveWELL Program this afternoon to take part in mental health sessions and share his story around mental health and his ongoing work to advance mental health awareness and support community-based wellness programs through the RFF.

“I think it’s incredible that mental health is being talked about more through programs like LiveWELL. I’ve witnessed firsthand how important and complex mental health is and I feel honored to connect with SAY and the city of Detroit through these initiatives. Our goal is to continue to share the message that my brother Eli so proudly communicated — there is strength and connection in the struggle. “

The funds will benefit SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program at the SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, an after-school youth development program serving 150 students ages 8–18. The LiveWELL initiative prioritizes mental health and wellness by helping students develop critical life skills, build resilience and adopt healthy behaviors in a supportive environment.

“We’ve been grateful partners with the Detroit Pistons Foundation since shortly after we opened the doors at the SAY Play Center in the fall of 2015,’’ said Mitch Albom, SAY Detroit founder. “We’re overjoyed that Duncan and the Robinson Family Foundation are moved by the work of our youth wellness programming to support it with a generous grant, and we commend the Children’s Foundation of Michigan for its commitment to improve the physical and mental health of children in Michigan – and at SAY Play.’’

Weekly LiveWELL sessions are led by a team of social work and counseling professionals who facilitate project-based group programming focused on mindfulness, emotional awareness and restorative practices. The program also incorporates daily interventions designed to help students navigate challenges while fostering a culture centered on well-being.

Follow the story:

CBS Detroit:

• Pistons’ Duncan Robinson donates to SAY Detroit Play Center LiveWELL Program
• Pistons guard Duncan Robinson talks giving back to kids in Detroit community

MLive: Pistons, ex-Michigan guard announce $50,000 grant to youth mental health initiative

WDIV

• Pistons’ Duncan Robinson shares personal story while supporting Detroit youth mental health
• Pistons SG Duncan Robinson talks teaming up with SAY Detroit to expand youth wellness program

WJR: Pistons’ Star Duncan Robinson Teams Up with WJR’s Mitch Albom for $50,000 SAY Detroit Donation

With other volunteer groups from around the community, A Time to Help-ers helped to plant trees around the park and surrounding neighborhoods! These efforts help to provide cleaner air, better storm weather management, temperature control, and beautiful green spaces, making a long-lasting difference for Detroit residents for years to come!

They even encouraged volunteers to name the trees they planted!

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The second moment came Wednesday (March 18) at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, when her Wellness Wednesdays’ sisterhood came out in force to celebrate Sharonda with flowers and dancing (Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive’’) amid the din of a clamoring pink cowbell.

“These ladies are the best,’’ Sharonda, 55, said of the monthly women’s support group. “They embrace you; it’s a no-judgement zone.’’

As Wellness Wednesdays generally features health-based topics — such as preventative care and wellness — for low-income adult women and seniors, March’s session was no different with lead facilitator Alexis Harvey reminding the group about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, taking their blood pressure regularly, and knowing their A1C number (healthy goal: below 5.7%), among other points.

“Listen to your body,’’ Alexis said, adding that several Wellness Wednesdays participants have begun seeing providers at the SAY Clinic. “Never be satisfied with less than.’’

Sharonda is testament to that. She said her breast cancer diagnosis was discovered following an annual mammogram.

“I start radiation on May 4,’’ she said. “I’m almost there.’’

SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic is seeking a licensed Pharmacist to volunteer in support of equitable access to essential medications for patients and families in the Detroit community. This role plays a critical part in ensuring safe medication dispensing, effective patient education, and reliable pharmacy operations.

Time Commitment: As little as 1 shift per month (3–5 hours)

Key Responsibilities

• Stock and manage medication inventory
• Fill prescriptions and refills accurately and safely
• Provide medication counseling and education to patients
• Support clinic efforts to promote health equity and patient well-being

Qualifications

• Active Pharmacist license
• Commitment to patient safety, education, and community service
• Ability to volunteer at least one shift per month

Interested in Volunteering?
Contact the SAY Detroit Volunteer Team:
📧 volunteer@saydetroitclinic.com

Location

SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic
1355 Oakman Blvd, Detroit, MI 48328

Since 1989, The Greening of Detroit, a nonprofit, has planted over 166,000 trees in the City of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. They continue to plant along city and residential streets and within parks and playgrounds.

Trees are key to any urban areas quality of life, public health, and provides enumerable environmental benefits. They help reduce extreme heat, manage stormwater, and create and clean the air we breath.

Event Date/Time: Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Volunteers Needed: 20

Location: Piwok Park | 12226 Visger Street Detroit, MI, 48217 | Map

Parking: We will send you the exact planting site meeting location details as they become available

Sign up at Bloomerang Volunteer: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=vrkpycaaspm95m

Questions: clare@saydetroit.org

Attire/Other Info:

• Wear close-toed work shoes / boots
• Bring work / gardening gloves (they will have gloves available on-site if needed!).
• Dress for the weather & to get messy (They plant rain or shine, please wear layers)
• Training and tools (shovels, etc.) will be provided on-site.
• Bring water Bottle / Snack (They will have a refillable water jug on site)
• They will have a clean port-a-potty on-site for volunteers to use.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

The Greening of Detroit requires volunteers to sign up on Eventbrite so volunteers can complete waivers. For your convenience, we will register you for the event on your behalf once you have signed up with us. Your signup here will include the necessary waivers. You will receive a confirmation message from Eventbrite when we have registered you! Please make sure your home address and phone number are up to date.

Because each individual volunteer must complete waivers, we cannot allow group registration for this event: every volunteer must sign up on Bloomerang individually.

You must sign up through Bloomerang by March 18th so we can sign our group up through Eventbrite.

**Please select the specific shift in Step 2 of registration or your spot will not be reserved.**

Providing nutritious food and teaching lifelong healthy habits has been a priority at the SAY Detroit Play Center from the start. Thanks to a donation from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation, that commitment has expanded by 1,200 square feet with the addition of a new state-of-the-art kitchen.

The upgraded space includes commercial-grade cooking equipment, a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, a ConvoTherm dual oven, a dedicated dish room (no more paper plates!), and more — allowing us to better serve the 170 students and staff members we feed each day during the school year.

Beyond daily meals, SAY Play is developing a culinary curriculum that will offer hands-on cooking education and healthy eating classes, helping students build skills that last a lifetime.

Wellness Wednesday Discusses Diabetes

Healthy lifestyle goals set at the end of last year were put into action at the first Wellness Wednesdays support group meetup of 2026. The session focused on diabetes management and prevention. Did you know that 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease, but 1 in 5 don’t even know they have it? 

To further support our patients and community the SAY Clinic is launching a new diabetes prevention program in March. Details here.

A Time to Help Gives to our Community

Nearly a dozen A Time to Help volunteers rolled up their sleeves and served Detroit’s homeless at the Pope Francis Center this past Saturday, Feb. 21. ATTH volunteers served breakfast and lunch, cleaned showers, did laundry, and assisted in distributing hygiene and clothing items. By the end of the day, our volunteers had assisted more than 225 guests!

And don’t forget, we are always looking for volunteers to help out at SAY Play!   

Dental Care Now Provided at the SAY Clinic!

This summer the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic moved to a new, more modern facility that gave us the opportunity to expand our services and outreach in the community.

The SAY Clinic now offers dental care to our uninsured patients two Saturdays a month in collaboration with University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

Two of our three dental operatories are currently in use, with plans to open a third for pediatric exams in the future.

SAY Play Celebrates Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month, SAY Play staff organized field trips and artistic projects that recognized Black leaders who worked and continue to work for equality.

Art Expression

The walls of SAY Play proudly display vibrant student-made posters, honoring those who paved the way, like Martin Luther King, Jr.

Henry Ford Museum Field Trip

SAY Play students visited the Henry Ford American Innovation Museum and engaged in the “Made in America” exhibit – a display of Black Heritage in America, including the Rosa Parks Bus.

Tuskegee Airmen Museum Learning Series

Students visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum at Coleman A. Young Airport every Friday for six weeks. They learned about the rich history of the Tuskegee Airmen and participated in a series of lessons based on Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

The Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based, nationally recognized program for those at risk for type 2 diabetes. If you are ready to make small lifestyle changes to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, then this program is for you.

This yearlong program begins with 16 weekly sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions to provide ongoing support to:

• Be more active
• Eat healthy
• Lose a small amount of weight
• Manage stress
• Receive group support
• Stay motivated

Who’s Eligible?

Non-pregnant adults, with a BMI equal to or greater than 25 (23 or over if Asian decent), who do not have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes and meet one of the following:

• A blood test within the past year showing: Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7 to 6.4% or fasting plasma glucose:100–125 mg/dL

— OR —

• Have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes

— OR —

• Score 5 or higher on the CDC Prediabetes Risk Test at https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest/index.html

When and Where?

The in-person course will be held on Tuesdays beginning March 10 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

A distance learning (virtual) course will be held on Wednesdays beginning April 11 from 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm

How to Enroll?

For more information or to enroll call 734-655-8942.

An information session will be held March 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm for the in-person course.

An information session will be held April 4, 2026 at 6:15pm for the distance learning (virtual) course.

Click here to download a flyer.

By the end of the day, our volunteers had served 227 meals and assisted over 200 guests.

The first step? Facing facts: 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease, but more alarmingly, 1 in 5 people are not aware they have it. Education and prevention are key to reducing those statistics — and health care costs, which are estimated at $327 billion dollars nationally for diagnosed individuals.

Alexis Harvey, SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic’s community health worker who leads the monthly sessions explained a vital screening step to the group: “It’s important to communicate with your health care provider about your family history so they can determine what screenings are necessary. We all should encourage the people we care about to also be screened.”

Harvey was joined by SAY Clinic’s on-staff health coach Janine Greene and Debby Miller, community health worker at Trinity Health, who provided key information about diabetes prevention classes that provide targeted guidance on how to implement lifestyle changes that fight Type 2 Diabetes. A new class is starting at the SAY Clinic in March — please call 734-655-8942 to register for an information session on March 3 to learn more about the class.

Even if you’re not at risk of developing diabetes, it’s never too late to develop healthy living habits — Green recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week along with health eating. Past events have helped participants learn about nutrition labels and patients at the clinic regularly receive “prescriptions” for fresh vegetables through a partnership with local urban garden.

In a special treat, a mini book club session also introduced participants to Harvey’s new and well-received self-published memoir, Reclaiming My Time. In a safe space where members regularly share their personal stories, it was a special opportunity to celebrate the support group leader’s raw and moving story.