This past winter, over 200 unique young people and 20+ local community partners came out to our three Youth Night at the Willow events in Ypsilanti. The nights were full of basketball, e-gaming, prizes, community connections, and tons of fun.

 In partnership with Underdawg Nation, Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and Mentor 2 Youth, these Youth Night events were an opportunity for young people in Ypsilanti to get connected to their community while doing what makes them happy. These events created a safe place for youth to get active, learn about what supports are in the community to help them be successful, meet new friends, and interact with supportive adults. With the goal of ultimately preventing community violence, and improving youth mental health and connectivity, the Youth Night at the Willow events provided an entry point to meet youth where they are and get them involved.

 Our plan moving into the summer is to keep the momentum going and transition outdoors with five Youth Day at the Park events from 3-6 pm with the following dates and locations:

• June 16th (Parkridge Park)

• June 30th (Parkridge Park)

• July 28th (Parkridge Park )

• August 11th (Parkridge Park)

• August 25th (Prospect Park)

How can you help out?

• Table to provide resources to youth and families or plan an interactive activity

• Bring yard games

• Donate a prize for the raffle (We will give you or your organization a shout out during the raffle!)

• Volunteer to be a ref, coach/advocate, or for general support

• As a volunteer Coach/Advocate, you will have the opportunity to support one or more of the 30+ 3v3 teams during the tournament. The objective is to cheer the team on, be a mediator between the team and the ref, help de-escalate conflicts, and provide overall support with helping the team be successful and stay positive.

• Bring bottled water!

• Spread the word!