Our First Year program helps moms and their families through baby’s first year of life, providing resources and one-on-one counseling.  On Saturday, May 16 the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic celebrated 40 moms who participate in the program with a baby shower.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors: The Zatkoff Family Legacy Fund, The Whitney, Victoria’s Cupcakes, Kroger, Babylove’s Consignment, Calm, Royalty Birthing Services and the City of Highland Park. 

SAY Play Celebrates Graduates

This week, we celebrate our 18 SAY Play 12th-grade students with a special “Senior Send-off”. Thirteen of our students were accepted to a 4-year college or university. Congratulations to all of our high school graduates.

Summer camp starts Monday, June 29, and will welcome 250 registered students.

Special Thanks to our Volunteers

In partnership with Cooper Standard and the Greening of Detroit, SAY Detroit’s A Time to Help planted trees, cleaned up litter, and helped with regular maintenance at MLK Park in Highland Park early this month.

Thank you to our nearly 300 ATTH volunteers who support our mission throughout the year! Watch a volunteer highlight ››

Stay-tuned for summer volunteer opportunities!

Mi-Cycle Receives $10,000 Grant

SAY Detroit and its Mi-Cycle program were among three nonprofit finalists who were awarded a $10,000 grant this month at the 11th annual “Big Give” hosted by funder Impact100 Metro Detroit.

But there’s more: Mi-Cycle program director Chuck Nagy’s “pitch” to the crowd about the program’s need for a “mobile bike shop” for youth and school outreach spurred 2025 Big Give nonprofit winner Recovery Mobile Clinic to donate one of their used vehicles to SAY Detroit after the event! Congratulations to Elli’s House and the Detroit Public Library Foundation, which both earned the transformational grants of $100,000 each. 

It’s Almost Time to EAT Detroit!

It’s almost time for SAY Detroit’s highly anticipated EAT Detroit on Monday, June 8. Thank you to everyone who registered. We look forward to celebrating both SAY Detroit’s 20th year and our city’s diverse culinary scene in a one-night-only foodie experience and fundraiser!

If you purchased tickets, stay tuned for additional information and reminders.

Thank you to our sponsors!

EAT Detroit is presented by Cynthia & Edsel Ford

AND SPONSORED BY

The SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic’s First Year Baby Shower had a little bit for everybody Saturday (May 16) at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park.

With an assist from First Year partner Royalty Birthing Services, more than three dozen participants received childbirth and postpartum care education, all in the name of improving maternal health for low-income mothers in Detroit. Between sessions, the women – some attending with family members – had the opportunity to exhale, relax, and prioritize self-care via the treatment services offered by CALM, as well as “shop’’ for new and donated items.

Nearly a dozen volunteers from SAY Detroit’s A Time to Help program helped run the event.

First Year was launched six years ago with support from the Zatkoff Family Legacy Fund, and the education and resource-based program – led by Alexis Harvey, SAY Clinic Community Health Worker – has grown to become a sisterhood for many in the community.

“I heard about it through my doula,’’ said Megan Brown, who’s pregnant with her first child and attended the event with her husband Deandre Brown. “It’s wonderful. There are resources but it also gives you a chance to share what you’re going through with Alexis and other moms.’’

In addition to the Zatkoff FLF, Royalty Birthing and CALM, we’re grateful to other sponsors and donors who helped make the baby shower special. They include: Kroger; The Whitney; Nino Salvaggio-Bloomfield; Victorias Cupcakes; Babylove’s Consignment; Dr. Samantha Cowing of CMG; and Sue Norander, Recreation Department Director, City of Highland Park.

Mi-Cycle is strengthening its roots at the Marygrove Conservancy and has been recognized by the Impact100 Metro Detroit organization for its mission and positive impact. Every year, Michigan women donate $1000 to the organization and review applications for funding. SAY Detroit’s Mi-Cycle program is a finalist and is looking forward to presenting its case for support in May.

Mi-Cycle continues to provide bicycles for community members in need of transportation and exercise. A bike repair training class was recently developed and is now necessary before community members can collect a bike. Mi-Cycle is also partnering with local schools to distribute bikes to students, most recently Davis Aerospace Technical High School.

SAY Detroit Hosts Dream Day

Over 20,000 children in Metro Detroit go to sleep each night without a bed of their own. Through our partnership with the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit and their 1,000 Beds Challenge, we are proud to help make a difference. On Saturday, April 25, 100 SAY Play students and members of the local community received a free bed frame, mattress, new pillow and bedding, along with a toothbrush kit and a book—providing not just comfort, but dignity and a better night’s sleep.

The bed give-a-way event at SAY Play was filled with family activities like face painting and magic shows. And most importantly, bed-making lessons, disguised as contests! Who could make a bed faster and better!

Community Gathers for Radiothon Distribution

It’s Time To EAT Detroit!

Buy your VIP tickets before they are gone! The VIP experience begins and ends at Michigan Central Station with an exclusive reception and dessert party. 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.  And while you are at it, help us celebrate our 20th year!

To make this special event possible, we’re looking for volunteers in two ways:

• Friday, May 15, 12 – 3pm

Help bring the event to life the day before the shower! Volunteers will assist with setting up tables and chairs, organizing donation displays, and transforming the space with festive decorations. This opportunity will require some lifting.

Volunteers needed: 10

Sign up: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=nozsajre3cfn2s

• Saturday, May 16, 12 – 4:30pm

Join SAY Detroit staff in hosting the baby shower! Tasks include greeting guests, distributing food and refreshments, overseeing the donations tables, etc. The actual event is 1-4 pm, but we also need some assistance in cleaning up at the conclusion of the program.

Volunteers needed: 14

Sign up: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=z93vy48xziglhw

Location: Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center, 10 Pitkin St., Highland Park, MI, 48203

Parking: Free parking is located in the lot across from the Ford Recreation Center on Pitkin.

Attire/Other info: Snacks and refreshments will be provided – and don’t forget to pick up a free ATTH T-shirt if you don’t have one! Please don’t attend and unregister if you don’t feel well. This is a registration-only event.

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

Participants also discussed the importance of bridging the gap between generations—sharing knowledge, listening without judgment, and building safe, supportive environments where youth feel comfortable expressing their concerns and experiences. The discussion highlighted the power of listening, understanding, and showing up for one another across generations.

The group explored how worries and issues from younger generations tend to be dismissed. “We can’t assume children have no worries just because they are cared for,” Alexis shared with the group. “They may need help and support.”

The next Wellness Wednesdays meetup is slated for May 20. Call 313-758-6100 to register.

Over 20,000 Metro Detroit children will go to sleep without a bed each night. Their choices are heartbreaking — sharing a crowded mattress, sleeping on a sofa, or lying directly on the cold floor. Every child deserves the comfort, safety, and dignity of a bed of their own.

100 children from our SAY Play Center and the surrounding community will join us for a free, fun, and festive event that will include art projects, face painting, video games, a pizza party, and more! Each child will leave with essentials for a better night’s rest, including a book, toothbrush kit, a new pillow and bedding, along with their own bed frame and mattress.

Join us to assist with event set-up/clean-up and to support and chaperone the children throughout the event. Your time and energy will help create a meaningful experience for these children on this special day.

Event Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers Needed: 10

Location: SAY Detroit Play Center, 9320 Van Dyke St., Detroit, MI, 48234 | Map

Parking: Enter on Suzanne Street. Park in the lot.

Sign up at Bloomerang Volunteer: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=jdztt393ewpy6n

Questions: clare@saydetroit.org

Attire/Other Info: Casual attire is recommended. Snacks and refreshments will be provided – and don’t forget to pick up a free ATTH T-shirt if you don’t have one! Please don’t attend and unregister if you don’t feel well. This is a registration-only event.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

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

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.’’