The Detroit-based non-profit organization Black Family Development has received a significant financial boost, this thanks to two grants totaling $1 million.
The family counseling agency received a $500,000 grant from the Obama Foundation for its demonstrated success in improving the lives of young men of color. As a result, The Skillman Foundation has awarded Black Family Development an additional $500,000 as a matching grant.
The grant comes as part of the Obama Foundation's My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Alliance Impact Cities program. Detroit was one of ten cities selected as an Impact City.
"We are thrilled to announce Black Family Development as one of the 19 organizations we believe can show the nation what it takes to build safe and supportive communities where boys and young men of color can thrive," says Michael D. Smith, executive director of MBK Alliance and director of youth opportunity programs at the Obama Foundation.
"The MBK Alliance team is committed to providing these communities with the tools, support, and access they need to accelerate impact that meets urgent needs and tackles the systemic barriers that prevent too many of our children from achieving their dreams."
Black Family Development will use the funds to support a number of programs. These include R.E.A.L. (Restorative, Engaged, Aspiring, Leading) Brothers, which will engage a minimum of 2,300 young boys and men of color in violence prevention work and gang diversion; Project Ceasefire Detroit, a gun violence reduction program; and The Detroit Crime Commission, a non-profit organization that seeks to suppress and divert gang activity.
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