Woodbridge Community Youth Center

In 2003, Wayne State University conducted a feasibility study on Woodbridge to create a guide for residents to capitalize on the diverse resources in the area, and to help build and create new organizational strength within the community. The study concluded with the recommendation of a new Community Center, which could provide early childhood development, continuing education, job training, youth programs, financial planning, art/music, senior programs, and service learning projects. Once underway these activities could open up the way for neighborhood revitalization. Since then the area has seen the closure of two recreation centers (Wigle & Brewster/Wheeler), a public pool (Stone), and St. Dominic’s Catholic Church (another center). 89% of DPS students that live in Woodbridge are eligible for free lunch, and an additional 5% are eligible for reduced lunch. Only 7% of residents own homes and 93% are renters. These numbers reflect a disproportionate amount of Woodbridge citizens (37%) which live at or below the poverty line.

On March 8, 2007, ACTS (Abundant Care Training Services) was approved by the Detroit Public School Board for a five year lease agreement to occupy the vacant Poe Trainable DPS School facility located at 1200 W. Canfield, in the heart of the Woodbridge Community. This is a 46,000 square foot facility with 22 classrooms. Also, the building is close to the Wayne State University community, and is surrounded by three public housing projects (Smith, Calumet, and Freedom), the old Jeffries projects, and the largest new housing community in the city of Detroit entitled the Woodbridge Estates. With that, ACTS is now operating the Woodbridge Community Youth Center, which is one of the most comprehensive family oriented centers based in the City of Detroit. ACTS specializes in the 3L Model concept, which is Life Management Coaching, Literacy Support, and Leadership Development. Classes include: Tutoring, Mentoring, Life Skills, Project LEAD, Archery, Dance, Martial Arts, Financial Literacy, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, and Theatre Arts. In January 2008, ACTS will be launching youth leadership programs at WCYC which will provide students the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skill sets through community service projects, peer mediation, conflict resolution, youth council, and entrepreneurship training. ACTS will continue to provide the "Skills for Life" summer camp program at WCYC which will combine academic and sports related components such as Read-to-Succeed, Financial Literacy, Video Production, Computer Training, Basketball, Baseball, Dance, Cheer, Life Skills, and Conflict Resolution. The program will also include field trips, and daily breakfast & lunch for all youth. The summer program usually runs for seven weeks from late June through early August.

The Woodbridge Community Youth Center provides the following benefits to the Woodbridge Community and City of Detroit:

1. Draws residents to the Woodbridge Community
   
   
2. Stimulates business and economic growth
   
   
3. Decreases crime and vandalism by offering positive alternatives for youth
   
   
4. Occupies a vacant Detroit Public School Building
   
   
5. Helps provide Neighborhood empowerment and revitalization
   
   
6. Aids in the retention of Detroit residents
   
   
7. Attracts and retains enrollment to DPS
   
   
8. Provides training for the workforce and future leaders of tomorrow