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.’’

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

Thanks to a donation from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation, SAY Detroit’s ongoing committing to teaching healthy habits and preparing its students to learn to the best of their ability took the next step with the unveiling and dedication of an expanded by 1,200 square feet with the addition of a new state-of-the-art kitchen. Representatives from the Foundation, who advocated to rename the space in Mrs. Falls’ honor, SAY Detroit founder Mitch Albom and SAY Detroit leadership and staff were on hand for a special ceremony to mark the occasion. In light of the special day, a supped up menu for students and visitors included a baked potato bar, steak paella, San Cochoa (Soup), Mrs. Falls Lemon Meringue Pie, assorted cookies and cheese cake, and infused lemonade.

Since its opening in 2015, SAY Play determined that the children attending its afterschool program (and later its summer camp) would receive a hot meal and snacks. Hungry children cannot learn, and it is essential that a nutritious meal powers the rest of their afternoon of learning that the center. Mrs. Falls, then, became a recognizable motherly and grandmotherly figure that welcomed them “home.” She initially served pre-made meals and never really thought of herself as a cook until an early, off-hand conversation changed both her menu choices and her relationship with the children at the center. As she tells it,

“One day I asked one of the boys, ‘Would you care for some salad? ’The boy looked at me and said, ‘I’ve never had a salad before.’ That conversation did something to me. At that moment, I felt like I needed to cook for the children.”

She would make extra salad for this boy daily until one day, he told her, “Please, Mrs. Falls. That’s enough salad!”

Born on May 12, 1938, in Detroit, she worked at SAY Play until, as she says, “COVID retired me,” and if she could, she would “still be here because that much love that I felt from this place.”

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 hundreds of students and staff members fed each day during the school year and summer.

Beyond daily meals, the new space will be the home for a developing culinary arts academy with curricula for life-skills development, healthy cooking and eating, nutrition education, and other interdisciplinary learning, for example, that incorporates the raised garden beds in SAY Play’s backyard.

As the plaque that honors and names The Mrs. Falls Kitchen states, it is a place to learn, grow — and eat!

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.**